Stop Wasting Money: 14 Everyday Fees You Can Ditch Right Now

A recent study in the Journal of Sleep Research suggests that playing relaxing words—not just white noise—during non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep can measurably improve sleep quality. Researchers monitored participants' ECG activity and found that cardiac intervals lengthened when soothing words were played, indicating deeper, more restorative sleep.

Key takeaway: Incorporating prerecorded bedtime stories or calming phrases into your overnight audio environment may help extend slow-wave sleep and lower nighttime heart rate—especially when combined with other evidence-backed sleep habits.

Central Texas is bracing for a week of upper-90s to triple-digit highs that will likely persist through mid-August, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. A recent American-Statesman poll of over 5,000 Lone Star residents found that 20% (972 people) keep their thermostats at 78°F, a setting lauded by the U.S. Energy Department as the ideal balance between comfort and energy savings.

Expert guidance from Texas Energy recommends raising the thermostat to 85°F when away—a practice that can cut annual cooling costs by up to 10%, though it may require extra run-time to restore comfort. The Centers for Disease Control warns that older adults and those with chronic conditions need cooler indoor temperatures to avoid heat stress.

Facing scorching forecasts, Texans can also slash bills by combining smart thermostats, strategic fan use, regular AC maintenance, and simple home-sealing measures.

Buying smart home gadgets can feel like a gamble, but a 2024 Statista survey shows 68% of owners place brand reputation above specs or price.
Before you click "buy," run quick checks to avoid dead cameras, broken locks or unsupported firmware:

• Research company history, support channels and past recalls


• Verify regular software updates and patch logs


• Read independent reviews on sites like CNET or forums such as r/smarthome
  By focusing on long-term support, privacy policies and real-world feedback, you can sidestep security pitfalls and wasted spend.

A new guide from FODMAP Everyday identifies 14 common services and products consumers can stop paying for to avoid needless charges that quietly drain budgets. From premium Wi-Fi and unused gym memberships to smartphone apps and extended warranties, the list highlights everyday expenses with free or cheaper alternatives.

It also exposes fees like ATM surcharges, restaurant water and shipping costs—citing a Shopify study showing 47% of online shoppers abandon carts over high extras—and warns against auto-renewing software trials. Takeaway: Simple steps like checking free options, setting reminders to cancel trials and consolidating orders can yield hundreds in annual savings.

Navigating a Complex Market. First-time home buyers in 2025 face rising mortgage rates, fierce bidding wars and tighter credit rules. A new guide breaks the process into 10 real-world steps, starting with financial readiness—maintaining 3–6 months of emergency savings, a debt-to-income ratio below 36% and a credit score above 700—to ensure true affordability.

Building the Right Team and Strategy. Beyond budgeting, buyers must assemble a local buyer's agent, lender, inspector and possibly an attorney, define non-negotiables before house hunting, and perform rigorous due diligence on inspections and appraisals. Strategic offers, calm underwriting navigation and post-closing maintenance round out the path to sound long-term ownership.