Month: November 2023

2023-11-22T13:15:00

(BPT) – It’s the most anticipated shopping season of the year — and many people wait for months to score the best prices on a new smartphone, TV, speaker, watch or the latest high-tech gifts for loved ones.

“The holidays are about creating memories, but you want to do it without breaking the bank or going into debt,” says Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, author of the New York Times bestselling book Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom. “You can still embrace the spirit of the gifting season, connect with loved ones, and celebrate — all without financial stress.”

Khalfani-Cox, also known as The Money Coach, shares her best tips on shopping for tech gifts to ensure holiday cheers don’t become financial woes.

1. Shop around.

You don’t have to wait until Black Friday to get the best discounts on devices. Many retailers announce their sales ahead of time, so watch for flyers and emails from your favorite spots. If you have your eye on a certain item, check out prices at several places before you decide to make a purchase. If you’re shopping online, you can add an item to your cart before checking other sites. Then, if it ends up being a price you like, you can easily come back to your cart to place an order.

2. Choose the right phone plan or phone to save and connect.

The holidays are a time when you’re likely to make a lot more calls to family and friends. If a new smartphone is on your shopping list, a prepaid phone plan can help save money and give you more payment flexibility in addition to letting you easily stay in touch with loved ones. Prepaid wireless plans don’t require a contract or credit check, and there are no penalties. Straight Talk Wireless, the leading prepaid brand on America’s most-reliable 5G network¹, offers plans that deliver more value and fit every budget. Sold exclusively at Walmart, all Straight Talk Unlimited Gold and Platinum plans include a Walmart+ membership at no extra cost, giving you extra benefits and savings — like early access to shopping deals and free deliveries — that are perfect for the holiday season. They’re also now offering the iPhone SE for just $49 in Walmart stores while supplies last.

And if you’re an Android fan, check out carriers like Total by Verizon. If you switch to Total by Verizon, you can get a free Samsung Galaxy A13 5G phone when you sign up for an Unlimited plan — which boasts four lines for $25/line with Auto Pay.

3. Beware of hidden fees and policies.

When shopping around for tech deals, always read the fine print, especially if you’re in the market for a new phone. Some wireless phone offerings have hidden fees and charges involved. Others may require you to sign up for autopay to get certain discounts. Watch out for these rules to save on unexpected costs.

If you’re shopping for other tech devices, be sure to know each store’s price-match and return policies. You’ll likely have a limited number of days to return items. You also don’t want to get stuck with a restocking fee if you end up wanting to return an item to the store.

4. Check your social apps.

The social media feeds of your favorite retailers often offer exclusive deals and promotions. Stores like to reward customers who follow and engage with their content with special alerts to Black Friday discounts and incentives on Facebook, Instagram or other platforms. If you’re active on social media, consider following along with your go-to brands during the holiday season for the latest deals.

5. Use loyalty programs.

Another way to get access to early sales, coupons and promotions is to join a store’s loyalty program through email or text. These programs are usually free to join and often offer additional incentives like free shipping or pick-up in store and rewards to use toward future purchases.

Make it a season of merriment by maximizing your budget for the holidays. Follow these tips to find shopping success on all your tech gifts and needs this year.

¹ Most reliable 5G network based on more first place rankings in RootMetrics’ 5G data reliability assessments of 125 metro markets conducted in 1H 2022. Tested with best commercially available smartphones on three national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. RootMetrics rankings are not an endorsement of Verizon.

2023-11-21T10:07:00

(BPT) – As the exponential growth of AI continues to dominate the headlines, businesses everywhere are exploring how to best use this technology. According to Forbes, most business owners view AI as a benefit, with 64% seeing AI as a way to boost productivity and improve customer relationships, and 60% anticipating sales growth due to the burgeoning technology.

However, generalized AI systems most people are familiar with, like ChatGPT, are not tailored to meet specialized needs of any particular industry, and have real limitations when it comes to applying them to specific business uses. AIs and Large Language Models (LLMs) are not scalable, as they’ve been trained on vast amounts of text in order to be able to understand existing content and generate new content. It would be impossible — and far too costly — to even attempt to have them study all the available content on the web.

The future is specialized AIs

If your business wants to maximize the use of AI technology, what you really need is an AI that’s specifically designed to suit your particular business. While your business may benefit from a horizontal AI — a generalized system focusing on processes such as customer service, content generation or accounting, it could require a vertical AI system, tailored to function in a much more specific industry such as banking or healthcare, which requires aggregation of large quantities of data, both public and private.

An AI system trained for very specific tasks costs far less than generalized AI, and is easier to maintain and keep up to date. But for optimal training and function, AIs need to be wrapped with an application programming interface (API) to allow them to communicate with other AIs for all the resources and information they need.

And that interface comes at a cost. For this system of communication to work efficiently, AIs need the autonomy to pay each other in real time for these resources. This will enable AIs to scale, and data to flow more rapidly, in a more accurate way.

How payments work for AI training and communication

In some cases, the interactions between AIs can involve very small costs, which become more expensive when credit cards have to be used to pay for each one of these small exchanges.

On the other hand, AI and LLM models are trained and built on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), which has caused the price of GPUs to soar. Payment for GPUs via credit card only increases this expense for both platform providers and users — as well as opening up vulnerabilities to costly chargeback fees and fraud.

The need for credit cards for all these interactions between AIs can also inhibit access for many potential users worldwide — closing off avenues for creativity, education and business growth for billions of people.

The solution: Pay per use via Bitcoin

Allowing AIs to pay each other using the currency of the internet — Bitcoin — solves many of these issues, making AIs and LLMs much more accessible to everyone. To make this happen, AI engineers will need to use Lightning Network Daemon (LND) created by Lightning Labs. The Lightning Network builds on the L402 protocol, implemented through Aperture and using LangChain, which creates AI agents that perform tasks such as interacting with Bitcoin.

If all that sounds complicated, it doesn’t need to be. You can get your business set up on the Lightning Network in minutes at Voltage.cloud. Their easy-to-use API and dashboard can get you access to the Bitcoin development platform and the L402 protocol.

“Eighty-three percent of the internet actions are API calls, and this number is rising,” said Bobby Shell, Vice President of Marketing, Voltage. “By giving AI agents and APIs the capability to pay per use, many new business models and opportunities are made available to businesses and entrepreneurs.”

How to get started

Especially if you run a small or midsize business (SMB), you may think your options are limited regarding affording training and hosting specialized AI. But with Voltage, you can get fast setup on the Lightning Network, and they’ll handle the networking and updates, saving you time. Voltage also uses encryption to ensure security and safety.

“There’s a multitrillion-dollar cash flow, chargeback and fraud problem. Nearly all SMBs struggle with cash flow problems, and as enterprises scale, they deal with chargeback and fraud issues,” said Shell. “Lightning Network gives businesses of any size automation capabilities to reduce fraud, increase cash flow and improve working capital conditions.”

Ready to make specialized AI work for your business? Start building and integrating L402 into your product.

2023-11-21T15:49:00

(BPT) – Would you leave the front door of your home unlocked at night? Probably not.

For the same reasons you secure the things most valuable inside your home, it has never been more important to lock down your online accounts. Whether it’s your bank account, 401(k), social media, email, or sensitive files stored in the cloud, it’s your responsibility to install the digital locks that will stop cybercriminals from stealing and profiting off your data.

The keys to securing your accounts and data are stronger passwords and authentication. Here are some essential cyber-savvy tips to get you through this holiday shopping season safely:

• You lose when you reuse: Never use the same password across multiple accounts. If cybercriminals were to obtain your username and password, then they would likely try that same set of credentials on multiple sites. Avoid this type of cyberattack by using different passwords on all your accounts. Avoid the temptation to use one password for all your online shopping sites.
• Password managers are your friend: Consider using a password manager. Most popular mobile devices and browsers have native password managers built into them, so using one has never been easier. Password managers automatically create unique and complex passwords and then securely store them, so you don’t have to memorize them.
• Passphrases keep things simple: Passphrases are the strongest forms of passwords. While many online retailers require passwords to include uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, it’s the overall length of the password that makes it secure. An easy way to make your passwords longer is to use a string of words. Examples: “iheartholidayshopping” or “familytimeismyfavorite.”
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA): Whenever an online service or app offers MFA, you should enable it to add an extra layer of protection against cybercriminals. MFA most often works by texting or emailing you a one-time passcode to sign into your account.
• Use public devices with caution: If you need to use a public computer (e.g., at a customer service desk or the library), make sure you sign out of email, a retailer website or any other account you may have accessed.
• Passwords are like toothbrushes: Don’t share your passwords with anyone, including a family member, your shopping buddy or even your boss. Also, never write down your passwords on a shopping flyer/list or let someone snoop over your shoulder when typing in a password. Always be on alert when standing in those long checkout lines and searching your phone for the next best deal.

According to the most recent Xfinity Cyber Health Report, 78% of respondents admitted to risky behaviors that open themselves up to attack, including reusing passwords across two or more platforms (56%), neglecting to install recommended software updates on smart devices (28%) or even sharing passwords with someone else (24%).

Shoppers are particularly vulnerable during the holiday season. Between Black Friday, Cyber Monday and general holiday shopping, you may be at risk of being lured by bargains and clicking on a fake ad, website or auction listing, where personal or financial information can be captured and stolen.

Guard against social engineering scams — phishing (email), smishing (SMS text) or vishing (voice calls) — this holiday season by following these cyber-savvy best practices:

• Never share sensitive information over the phone: No matter how “official” the caller sounds, do not share your account information, credit card number, PIN or login credentials. Even if it’s a familiar number, use caution. Phone numbers can be spoofed to look like a call is coming from a legitimate source.
• Always double-check web addresses: A website’s URL can tell you a lot about its security. When visiting a website, look for “https://” at the beginning of the web address, indicating that the data going to and coming from the website’s server is encrypted.
• Scrutinize texts as you would emails: Never reply to an SMS/text message that you suspect might be fraudulent, and do not click on any suspicious links within a text message.

Preserve the magic of the season by keeping these cyber-savvy tips in mind. It’s a good idea to check in with your internet service provider to see what security solutions they offer for their home gateways. For example, Comcast’s xFi Advanced Security service protects millions of home users and can add safe browsing and data protection while on the go through xFi Complete. With the right tools and security habits, you can help protect yourself and shop safely this holiday season.

2023-11-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – For people living with chronic autoimmune conditions, such as Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), regular patient-doctor visits are an important part of tracking symptom progression and staying on top of care. Findings from a recent survey of 116 U.S. adults living with TED reveal a significant gap in communication at these appointments — with only 36% feeling comfortable enough to share the impact of their TED symptoms on their emotional well-being.

TED is a rare autoimmune condition that causes debilitating symptoms including eye bulging, eye pain, pressure behind the eyes, dry or watery eyes, light sensitivity, double vision and even vision loss in some cases. It most often occurs in people who have thyroid conditions, like Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) or Hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism), and typically affects people aged 40+. Women are up to five times more likely to develop TED than men, and smoking increases the risk of developing TED eightfold.

The Unspoken Toll of TED on Daily Life

According to a new national survey of 116 adults diagnosed with TED, when TED symptoms are at their worst, a majority experience difficulty with common everyday tasks, such as: using a mobile device (81%), watching TV (73%), reading books or magazines (72%), going out in public (67%) and doing their job (66%). And while more than a quarter of adults living with TED (29%) reported having to stop driving at night due to TED symptoms, almost half (49%) admitted they would not report a change of this sort to their doctor. In fact, while 89% of adults with TED are likely to report physical TED symptoms during a routine check-up, only a third (36%) of patients shared they would report how TED was impacting their emotional well-being (e.g., experiencing anxiousness, depressive feelings, decreased self-confidence, or feelings of anger or frustration).

Doctors are Left in the Dark

A new survey of 102 ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, oculoplastic surgeons and strabismus specialists and surgeons who treat or refer for TED across the U.S. found that nearly one in four doctors (22%) reported their TED patients “rarely” or “never” bring up the impact of TED on their emotional well-being. The course of the conversation could change how their condition is treated, however. Of those surveyed, doctors reported they would start a new treatment, consider modifications or discuss other options when a patient reported symptoms affecting their emotional well-being (83%), independence (78%), or personal life or relationships (72%).

“I used to think my anxiety was just something I had to deal with, I didn’t want to burden my doctors with it so I didn’t talk about it. I realize now that sharing how my TED symptoms affected my day-to-day life and my mental health, would have helped my doctor better understand the full effect that TED had on every part of my life. I believe it would have helped me get the best possible care.” – Gail S., who lives with TED.

Open and Honest Dialogue Can Go a Long Way

Doctors and patients each play an important role in creating open dialogue. The more doctors can ask about the impact of symptoms on emotional well-being, and the more people living with TED or other conditions are willing to share, the better their care can be. For more information on TED and to find a TED Eye Specialist, visit FOCUSonTED.com.

~~~

Amgen commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 116 adults diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) and 102 healthcare providers who treat or refer for TED across the United States. Fieldwork for adults with TED took place between Sept. 20 and Oct. 12, 2023, and between Sept. 20 and Oct. 2, 2023 for healthcare providers.

2023-11-21T13:01:00

(BPT) – With the final weeks of the college football season here, are you ready to cheer on your favorite team as we head into the winter? Make this football season finale the best one yet by hosting memorable tailgates that keep spirits high as temperatures get low. High Noon, the #1 best-tasting hard seltzer*, knows how important celebrating your team is, especially during the chillier months. So, rally your crew and check out these six tips for hosting a successful football tailgate in the brisk winter weather.

1. Arrive early

Get an early start on your tailgating to claim a prime spot. Find an area close to the entrance for convenience or set up near a building or some trees that act as a natural windbreak. Your spot will be the envy of the tailgating lot!

2. Bring shelter

Tailgating in chillier weather can be challenging, but you don’t need to let it put a damper on your pregame festivities. Find a sturdy pop-up tent or heated tent to keep warm and create a cozy gathering spot for your football crew. Take it to the next level by decorating the shelter with team colors and logos.

3. Pack a crowd-pleasing cooler

A well-stocked cooler is a surefire way to have a successful tailgate. Even in the winter, cracking open a cold one is an essential pregame ritual sure to bring some much-needed sunshine. Make sure to stock the cooler with a variety of crowd-pleasing beverages.

The High Noon Game Day Pack is the perfect complement for any college football tailgate. Each pack includes limited-time flavors Pear and Cranberry and fan-favorite flavors Black Cherry and Grapefruit, specially crafted to elevate game day festivities. Pick up a Game Day Pack at local retailers or Drizly.com.

4. Organize a potluck

Turn your tailgate into a potluck feast everyone can enjoy. Ask your fellow tailgaters to bring their favorite dish. Hearty stews, casseroles, finger foods and desserts are great meals for a festive football occasion. Plus, a potluck lightens your hosting load, so you can focus on cheering on your team.

5. Check the forecast

You can’t control the weather, but you can plan ahead by checking the forecast leading up to the big game. With a little preparation and the right gear and attire, a little rain or snow won’t deter your football tailgate. But hopefully, you’ll check the forecast and see the sun will be shining, bringing an uplifting and exciting energy even on the coldest days.

6. Accessorize for comfort

Packing creature comforts can make all the difference during a winter tailgate. Accessories like blankets, hand warmers and seat cushions can keep your tailgate group comfortable and warm, so you can focus on cheering on your team. Don’t forget beverage sleeves (or koozies) for your High Noons to keep your hands warm and ready to cheer. Find team-themed accessories to represent your team before the game even begins.

Using these six tips, you’ll host a tailgating experience your friends and family will look forward to through the end of the season. For more inspirational tips on hosting an unforgettable tailgate this college football season, visit HighNoonSpirits.com and check out @HighNoonSunSips on Instagram.

*Source: The Tasting Panel, January 2021. Rated via blind tasting of industry professionals.

Drinking alcohol may be harmful to your health and addictive. Please drink responsibly. If you have a problem with alcohol, please visit Responsibility.org.

2023-11-20T14:41:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season to shop wisely, and your credit card can be a powerful tool in navigating the holiday spending landscape. Beyond being a convenient and safe payment method, credit cards offer many benefits for consumers to leverage during their holiday shopping. Whether you earn travel miles or cash-back rewards through your credit card, the holidays are a great time to maximize your credit spending while also ensuring financial responsibility. Take a look at the three best ways below to utilize your credit card during the festive shopping season.

1. Maximizing Credit Card Rewards

We’re sure you’ve heard of a multitude of options available in terms of rewards when applying for a credit card. Choosing a credit card that offers generous rewards for purchases allows you to gain points and miles, which can then be redeemed for discounts or freebies. These credit cards present a valuable opportunity to offset holiday expenses, effectively turning your spending into savings!

By strategically choosing when and where to use your card, you can maximize these rewards, ensuring you get the most value for every dollar spent. It’s a smart and savvy way to make your holiday shopping not only enjoyable but financially rewarding.

If you’re planning to travel during the holidays, using a credit card that offers great miles is also extremely beneficial. Nowadays, many airlines and payment networks collaborate on co-branded credit cards that offer great perks. You can beat the holiday rush by having access to security lines and airport lounges.

2. Utilizing Cash-back to Your Advantage

Cash-back programs offered by credit cards allow shoppers to earn a percentage of their spending back in the form of real money or statement credits. Many co-branded credit cards today offer great cash back which can be a helpful tool to offset expensive costs. It’s also helpful to save the accumulated cash back over time, allowing it to grow and serve as a financial cushion or contribute toward larger financial goals. Choosing the right cash-back rewards program can help you save money and ensure your credit score stays high. Whether purchasing gifts, decorations, or holiday feasts, the cash back earned serves as a valuable bonus.

3. Building Your Credit

Building your credit by using a credit card during holiday shopping can be advantageous for consumers in several ways, such as improving your credit score, establishing a good credit history, and enhancing security measures.

Responsible credit card usage during the holiday season contributes positively to your credit history, demonstrating to creditors that you can manage credit responsibly. Timely payments on your credit card can boost your credit score over time, opening doors to better loan terms, lower interest rates, and increased financial flexibility in the future.

Credit cards often come with robust fraud protection measures. Using your credit card for holiday shopping can enhance security, and if unauthorized transactions occur, you are typically not held responsible for fraudulent charges.

Overall, the holidays are a great time to prioritize using your credit cards to ensure a financially rewarding and responsible experience. By maximizing your rewards and cash-back opportunities you can make larger purchases for your friends and family, while also building an effective credit history.

2023-11-20T15:37:00

(BPT) – In our rapidly changing world, digital transactions are increasingly preferred, with more consumers opting for electronic payments, including contactless methods. Credit cards, a standard part of daily life, offer benefits to consumers while supporting small businesses. They serve as vital tools for managing costly expenses over time, addressing unforeseen financial needs, and establishing a positive credit history that can aid in securing loans for your first home or vehicle.

Here are a few key reasons credit cards are valuable for consumers and small businesses alike:

Credit Card Perks For Consumers:

1. Customers Value Rewards: Credit cards offer different rewards programs, such as cash back, points, or miles. Many people rely on those travel rewards and cash back to plan more affordable vacations and unique experiences they otherwise might not be able to afford if they have to pay full price.
2. Fraud Protection: Credit cards provide an additional level of protection against fraud that other payment options simply can’t offer, making them the preferred payment method for 79% of Americans for security reasons, according to a PYMNTS study. Purchases with a credit card are routed through secure payment networks with fraud prevention measures lined up to help eliminate data security risks. This makes credit cards not only the more convenient form of payment, but the safer option too.
3. Customer Convenience: CNBC reported that the travel industry took a hit after the COVID-19 pandemic. So much so that many tourism and transportation rental companies have significantly reduced their fleet to avoid bankruptcy, creating limited stock for customers in need of rentals. Credit cards provide the convenience of pre-booking services like rental cars or hotel rooms, making them particularly advantageous for coordinating travel plans, with many hotels and tourism companies offering discounts and additional perks for credit card payments.
4. Building A Secure Future: Credit cards allow consumers to build a solid credit foundation that will support the need to take out loans on the big purchases down the road, like buying a house or car.

Benefits for Small Businesses:

1. Customer Convenience: People are more likely to have their credit card handy than to have exact cash for a purchase. Businesses that allow credit card transactions give customers the flexibility and freedom to pay their way, both in-store and online.
2. Business Credit Cards Build Your Brand: A designated credit card for consumers can be a strategic tool for small businesses to attract and retain customers, foster loyalty, and provide insights into customer behavior. They can also drive customers to make larger purchases and increase overall sales.
3. Enhanced Financial Control: Allowing credit card transactions may simplify expense tracking and financial management, helping small businesses maintain better control over their finances. Credit card payments can also improve a company’s cash flow by ensuring timely and secure transactions, reducing the risks associated with delayed or failed payments.

A proposed credit card routing bill, if enacted, could adversely affect small businesses and consumers, by potentially cutting rewards programs and reducing data security. It’s important to maintain the numerous advantages that credit cards provide to individuals. Credit cards are versatile tools that offer enhanced security and rewards for consumers while providing numerous benefits for small businesses, including customer convenience, brand enhancement, and improved financial control.

2023-11-20T15:59:00

(BPT) – The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner! As we enter the holiday season, many people are prepping their Christmas plans and travel arrangements.

While it’s fun to go see family and friends, there are already plenty of costs that add up during this time of the year. The best gift of all is paying less for your travel. And thanks to credit card rewards, this is a possibility.

Vacation costs can pile up with airfare, hotels, car rentals, and more, but you can alleviate some of these costs with your credit card rewards. These programs allow you to make the most out of your travels. Rather than worrying about the price tag, you can focus on spending time with your loved ones during the holidays.

There are so many types of credit cards out there, so it’s important to look at the variety of rewards that different cards offer before you decide on which one to get. For instance, several credit cards offer signup bonuses, different earning rates, and redemption options by simply choosing the card. Signing up for a rewards credit card is an investment in yourself. Once you’ve signed up for the card, you can start utilizing all the great benefits!

Many different credit cards cater toward travel expenses and offer a long list of deals that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. Not only can you use rewards points toward your flight, but there are also other travel perks with credit card rewards that you may not have even known about, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, or baggage protection, to name a few.

Additionally, there is usually a list of hotels, car rentals, restaurants, and more that partner with these different rewards programs to give you access to low-rate stays and premium options for less. Depending on what you value as a traveler, there is a reward card to meet every consumer’s needs. If you haven’t already, take advantage of your credit card benefits, maximize the value of your travel rewards, and start packing for your holiday vacation!

Currently, proposed legislation could reduce credit card rewards programs, meaning consumers will no longer have access to travel benefits. Many people rely on these benefits and it’s important for these programs to continue so consumers and businesses can benefit for many holidays to come.

2023-11-20T23:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are around the corner, and economic pressures are reshaping consumer behavior when it comes to shopping, buying gifts, and celebrating the season. In fact, a new survey from PayPal revealed 1 in 5 respondents are feeling anxious about holiday shopping this year. To help combat this anxiety, nearly half (49%) of people are planning to seek out promotions and deals as they shop for gifts¹.

Savvy shoppers know that one of the best ways to stretch a gifting budget and cross everyone off your list is by maximizing the rewards and cashback you can receive from each purchase. In fact, one in four (26%) people surveyed said they plan to wait to buy a gift until they find the best sale or rewards and cashback offer. With holiday sales upon us, these tips will help you strategically earn and leverage rewards and cashback to become a smart holiday shopper.

1. Pile on the rewards

If you’re shopping, you should be earning rewards — plain and simple! If you’ve already been racking up rewards points during the year, the holiday season is a great time to use them. But if you don’t already use a rewards program, it’s not too late to start collecting and redeeming points for exclusive discounts and cash back offers.

You can earn PayPal Rewards by shopping cash back offers from thousands of stores in the PayPal app, or while you shop using the PayPal Honey shopping extension. Better yet, you can stack your rewards. Points earned in the PayPal app are in addition to the rewards earned with your preferred rewards-based credit or debit card when checking out with PayPal². If you use the PayPal Cashback Mastercard^®3, you’ll earn 3% cash back in addition to rewards earned in the PayPal app when you use the card to check out, and 2% on all other purchases — with no cash back limits, no categories and no annual fee⁴. A smart shopping move, indeed.

2. Don’t leave cash back on the table

While you’re on the hunt for the perfect gifts and deals, leaving cash back opportunities unclaimed is like walking away from free money. The beauty of cash back is that it provides you with real, tangible savings and better equips you to tick off names from your gift list without emptying your wallet. PayPal offers a one-stop shop for cash back convenience and makes it easy to maximize your cash back potential, making the most of your holiday budget.

You can shop exclusive cash back offers from your favorite stores in the PayPal app, on everything from beauty, to fashion, or the toys that are topping every kid’s wish list. Simply save the offers you’re interested in and they’ll be automatically applied when you check out with PayPal online. Even better, you can also stack credit card rewards on top of existing deals you find in the PayPal app. For example, if you shop with the PayPal Cashback Mastercard^®, you’ll earn 3% cashback when checking out with PayPal in addition to what you gain from offers while shopping in the PayPal app.

Earning cashback is a great way to shop smarter and make the holiday season truly memorable.

3. Automate your deal searching

Don’t let the busyness of the season prevent you from scoring some of the best offers on your holiday shopping. Consumers often spend hours searching for discounts, when they could be out enjoying the holiday season. Consider adding the PayPal Honey shopping extension to your holiday shopping routine, which will automatically search for coupons and cashback deals to apply at checkout⁵.

Whether you’re looking for the latest tech gift for a gadget-obsessed teenager, new fashion for your best friend or booking a trip home for the holidays, the PayPal Honey shopping extension can save you time – and money – by searching millions of promo codes at thousands of sites in seconds and discovering cash back deals to take your holiday budget further.

4. Be sales savvy and price watch

Being a smart shopper isn’t just about finding the right gifts — it’s also about finding the right time to shop at the best price. Shopping around can help you score the best deals on gifts for the holidays, but with so much on your plate this season, it can be hard to find the time. Price trackers like the PayPal Honey Droplist feature can help.

PayPal Honey Droplist will monitor the price of an item you’re interested in and automatically notify you if the price drops — so you can hit buy at the right moment and snag the best discount. Plus, when you shop using PayPal Honey, you earn PayPal Rewards which can be converted to cash back.

In the past 12 months, PayPal has put more than $200 million back in customer pockets with cash back and offers⁶. Are you one of the savvy shoppers that took advantage of cash back and deals this year? If not, it’s never too late. Using these tips, you should be able to shop smarter, not harder, this year — so you can stretch your holiday budget and enjoy all the fun and festivities the season has to offer.

1. PayPal Consumer Survey October 2023 (1,000 respondents).
2. Subject to card issuer’s terms and conditions.
3. Applications are subject to credit approval. The PayPal Cashback Mastercard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Purchases are subject to credit approval, and the PayPal Cashback Mastercard must be used for payment. See Rewards Program Terms for details and restrictions.
4. See Terms and Rates for New Accounts.
5. Eligible items only. Redeem points for cash and other rewards. Requires account with PayPal in good standing. Terms and exclusions apply.
6. Internal PayPal Data October 2023.

2023-11-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – Holidays bring loads of obstacles, from finding the right gift to cooking intricate meals and, perhaps most stressfully, holiday travel. Holiday travel is a necessary expense for over 130 million Americans, according to NerdWallet’s 2023 Holiday Travel Report.

If you fall into this group, we are here to help prepare with tips and tricks from none other than Daniel Ricciardo, a professional Formula One driver for Red Bull Racing who is accustomed to traveling all over the globe from race to race. He shared his favorite insights to help make sure your car is prepped and ready. “As an F1 driver, I have encountered every type of terrain and weather you can imagine and have shared the track and the road with some pretty wild drivers. Here are five things I always keep in mind and encourage others do as well to make their holiday travel as smooth and safe as possible.”

1. The first recommendation from Ricciardo is to skip out on taking your car and get a rental car for the trip. Rentals come with plenty of benefits. By using a rental, you’re not putting loads of miles on your car, and you are often driving in a new model that offers features your cars at home may not have, like a large on-screen GPS navigation, remote start or heated seats. You can also choose a vehicle that’s as big or small as you would like to help make travel comfier or more fuel efficient, depending on what you want to prioritize.
2. If you don’t plan on taking a rental car, Ricciardo recommends that you take yours in for a tuneup. While your car should always be getting regular tuneups, it is important to prioritize them before big trips. Make sure that the tires are checked, oil levels are ideal and that there is enough windshield wiper fluid to prepare you for any weather ahead. Something as small as a worn-out windshield wiper can become a big issue on a road trip, whether it is an hour-long drive across town or a cross-country road trip. If your car is properly prepared it will save you money, stress and energy.
3. Another great way to save money on the road is by fueling up at Exxon or Mobil stations across the country with your Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app. “Having just wrapped up the ultimate road trip, the Grand Tauro, filling up with the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app was smooth and seamless,” Ricciardo explains. “The app also offers indoor payment, so I was able to go in and grab my favorite road trip snacks and get out quickly, all while earning points towards savings on fuel, snacks and more!” Plus, you can also take advantage of the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app’s birthday reward by getting 100 points after you make a purchase in your birthday month using the app at your local Exxon or Mobil station. Just add your birthday in your profile to gain access. You can learn more about the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app by visiting https://www.exxon.com/en/rewards-program.
4. Always be prepared. Make sure that you and your car are ready for any situation that might come your way. Ricciardo suggests packing an emergency kit in your trunk to keep you safe in those worst-case scenarios. The emergency kit should have water, blankets, snacks, a first aid kit, jumper cables and a flashlight. All these items can help you and your loved ones stay safe if something were to happen to your car during your journey.
5. Whether you’re driving around the block or across the country, drivers should always be paying attention to their surroundings — especially when difficult road conditions, like ice or snow, present themselves this holiday season. Make sure your driver stays alert and aware of other vehicles around them. Plus, if they start to feel tired or distracted, they should pull over to take a quick break or have another person in the car take over driving until they are mentally prepared to drive again.

If you follow these five tips while prepping and executing your holiday travel, you will set yourself up for a safe and relaxing holiday trip. That way, you can stress less about your travel plans and more about your gift giving skills.