Did you know Google stores your passwords?

I use Safari to browse on my laptop, and I usually tell it to remember my password when creating a new account, although this really isn't the most secure thing to do (a topic for another newsletter.)  However, I had no idea Google Chrome was also storing all those passwords and making them available on their website.

I was amazed when I went to this link: https://passwords.google.com/ and then logged in with my Google password!  I had no idea this resource existed.  While visiting that site, I did the "Password Checkup" and found that 7 of my accounts had passwords that had been exposed in a third-party breach.  The checkup also let me know that I had 85 accounts with a reused password (a no-no), and 73 accounts with a weak password.

So, now, what do I  need to do?
1) I'm going to change the passwords that have been exposed
2) I'll enhance  my "weak" passwords.
3)  AND, I'm going to delete a lot of that stored information from Google! Google does not need to be storing all of my information.

At the very least, I'd encourage you to check out your own information at the link, https://passwords.google.com/, then you can decide if you want/need to make changes.

And, if you are an organized person, maybe you could put this activity on your calendar to review every couple of months.

It seems like there's always something to do, huh?  Hopefully this week, though, you can enjoy some time with family and friends!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday - be prepared!

Don't wait until Thanksgiving to make your plans for Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping; start now.
Don't start making purchases now, but begin making plans to prevent getting sucked in to what APPEARS to be a great deal next week.

Below are several things to consider:

1)  Do your research now.  Think about items you may be purchasing soon and research them online now.  Check model and product numbers so you can actually compare prices wisely. Black Friday ads from many companies are already available for your perusal.

2) Find the best price.  Apps and websites are available to help you compare prices. Take a  look at these: Shopzilla, Honey, and  PriceGrabber.  CamelCamelCamel tracks prices on Amazon for you.  If you're interested in using an app on your smartphone, check out this site.

3)  Don't just use Amazon.  Other stores may have much better prices including company websites for the products themselves.

4) Act quickly. When shopping online, put an item in your basket before looking elsewhere to compare prices.  Typically, you have 15 minutes to checkout and claim the item.

5) Don't buy new items.  Typically, the best Black Friday sales are on items that companies are trying to clear out of their inventory.  According to Consumer Reports, the best prices (other than a few "hot" items to draw customers in) will be on merchandise that is at least a year old.

Set your budget; stick to it, and have fun if you are looking for some "deals."  If you have other suggestions you'd like to share, please let me know and I will include them in next week's Tip.

Don't click that link! Holiday shopping is in full swing!

My Facebook feed is overflowing with "Sponsored" ads.  It also seems that almost every other post is about something I "don't want to miss out on" this holiday season.  And those "50% of everything in Target" coupons are beginning to surface.

How can I resist?  Very easily!
I RARELY click on any "Sponsored" ad or advertisement in Facebook OR anywhere online. Yes, I get very tempted, but I don't do it.

Most ads are for products that are not quality items.  If you are indeed interested in an item in one of the ads, do your own search on Amazon or Google for that product, and before buying check out multiple reviews by others who have purchased the item.  Do not buy from the link on Facebook or other social media websites. 

Many ads are scams OR are phishing for your personal data.  Some links such as "50% of everything in Target" will direct you to a fake site that looks like Target and will ask you to log in with your username and password.  Your login will not work, but they will have captured your information so that they can now use it on the "real" Target website.

Don't let the Black Friday mentality get you in its grips.  Remember - If it sounds and looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Have a terrific Tuesday, and for those of you living in my area, be encouraged.  It has already gone from 6 to 7 degrees since I woke up this morning, and it will be warmer today than yesterday!

Thinking about cutting the cable cord?

TV watching seems to be moving away from cable TV.  Many streaming services are providing great alternatives at a lower price.

We've only recently begun to seriously explore the possibility of eliminating our TV package through the local cable company.  But I believe it is going to be a good move for us......as soon as we decide which alternative streaming service(s) will work best for us.

A couple of websites we've found very interesting (and the first one was even supplied by our local cable provider to help us with our selection of streaming services):

https://www.suppose.tv/tv - allows you to select the channels you presently watch and then suggests streaming services as well as devices you might choose (Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, etc.)

Comparison of streaming services:
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/336650/the-best-video-streaming-services 

I'll  let you know as soon as we've made our decision; it is requiring some reading and learning on our part.......something that the younger generation just "knows."  What we've learned is to just ask questions.......that is the only way to move forward.