1

Check the reviews

Image: Sergey Zolkin

When considering a purchase, browse the internet for reviews from other buyers. Simply type the item’s name followed by the word "reviews" in a search engine , and you’ll likely be flooded with websites that compile consumer opinions on the stuff they buy.

While fake reviews exist, they’re usually easy to spot. Focus on the negative reviews, as you probably already know the positive aspects of the product you’re researching.

2

Compare prices

Image: Aaron Lefler

Comparing prices has never been easier since the advent of the World Wide Web. (In fact, most of the items on this list have become significantly simpler thanks to the Internet!) Best of all, anyone can do it in multiple ways.

Many specialized websites compare prices for specific items , such as smartphones, but you can also check different retailers yourself to find the best deal. Always compare prices, even if an item is "on sale"—you might still find it cheaper elsewhere.

3

Check the details

Image: Nick Morrison

This one’s a no-brainer: always read the full description of products sold online carefully . Make sure the size, materials, and user guide align with the purpose you’re buying it for.

It’s not uncommon for people to purchase an item without checking the fine print, only to realize later that the product doesn’t fit the purpose it was intended for.

4

Beware of scams

Image: Zanyar Ibrahim

A downside of the online world is the proliferation of scams everywhere. Be extremely cautious when sharing personal or financial information online, especially if the website isn’t well-known or reputable. Scam websites and phishing emails often contain odd phrasing, spelling mistakes, or poor translations.

5

New is not necessarily better

Image: Suansita K

While some things are best bought new, many products can be purchased used, allowing you to save money without sacrificing quality—sometimes, it’s even the better option. Consider buying a used item from a local seller, a friend, or even a friend of a friend .

Manufacturers also sell refurbished products directly to consumers. These items have been repaired by the manufacturer and, in most cases, come with a product warranty. Be sure to ask all necessary questions and only buy if you’re certain everything is in order—the product should be complete and in perfect working condition.

6

Don’t give in to pressure

Image: Ivan Aleksic

Don’t let high-pressure sales tactics bully you into buying something you’re not completely sure about buying. It’s okay to say no and walk away . If it’s over the phone, you can interrupt at any time, say you’re not interested, and hang up.

Take your time making a decision, especially if it involves a significant amount of money. Think it through, research, consider alternatives, and check your budget before making a purchase.

7

If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

Another low-hanging fruit in the consumer tips section is this one. Offers that promise unusually high returns always come with a catch. If the price seems too good to be true or too low , there’s likely an issue somewhere .

A demand for an immediate decision is a red flag. Don’t risk your hard-earned money on shady deals—you’ll regret it in the end.

8

Don’t buy things you don’t need. Even if they are on sale

Image: Jess Bailey

9

Just because something is on sale or has a great price doesn’t mean you need it . It’s easy to be tempted into buying things we don’t actually use just because they’re discounted. In reality, bargain-bin finds often end up forgotten, collecting dust in our cabinets. That money would be better spent on something you truly need.

10

Pay by card

Image: Blake Wisz

It’s always best to use a debit or credit card when shopping online. This allows you to request a chargeback if your order doesn’t arrive or is incorrect. Before entering your payment details , check that the website is secure . Look for a small padlock symbol near the address bar and ensure the URL starts with "https" (the "s" stands for secure) rather than just "http" or "www."

Take a screenshot of your completed order or save a copy of the order confirmation in case something goes wrong. Monitor your bank statements regularly, and if you notice anything unusual—such as duplicate charges—contact your bank immediately.

11

Keep receipts

Image: Carli Jeen

Last but not least, always take a photo of your purchase receipts and save them on your phone in case you need proof of purchase later. Most of the time, you won’t need them—but every once in a while, they can be a lifesaver. It costs nothing and could potentially save you a lot of money.

1

Stand and face the bear

Image: Robert Thiemann

If a black bear approaches you, stand your ground and face it directly . Never run away from or approach it. The bear is most likely just as surprised as you are and will avoid getting into a fight. If the animal sees that you don’t flee, it will simply walk away looking for an easier, less crowded direction.

2

Appear big

Image: Tristan Frank

A trick often employed in nature by animals and insects that need to deter bigger creatures is to make themselves appear larger by any means necessary. The same tactic should be employed if you encounter a black bear. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, using a coat if you have one at hand.

3

Make some noise

Image: Isabel Lee

No other animal in nature can create noises like a human can. Either screaming at the top of your lungs or banging on a pan, the kind of noise you can produce is extremely startling for almost any animal, including bears, which will leave you alone as soon as they can.

4

Keep bear spray at hand

Image: Michael Anfang

Bear spray is a highly effective deterrent against black bears. If a bear approaches and you have bear spray, don't hesitate to use it . The animal will find the whole ordeal extremely unpleasant and will flee immediately.

5

Fight back

Image: Julia Fiander

In the extremely rare event of a black bear trying to attack you, attempt to escape to a secure location. If escape is not possible, fight back using any available object . Focus your blows on the bear's face and muzzle. Never play dead, as this can encourage the bear to continue its attack.

6

Remove what attracted the bear

Image: Susan Elizabeth Jones

If you have seen a bear near your home or the area where you are staying, be sure to remove whatever attracted them to the location . This could include a used barbecue grill with leftover grease or meat, a bird feeder, unattended pet food, or garbage.

7

Alert your neighbors

Image: Alla Kemelmakher

If you have seen bears or any signs of their presence in your area, alert your neighbors. Even if you have taken the necessary precautions to deter the presence of bears, your neighbors might be doing otherwise if they are not aware of the situation.

8

Keep your pet safe

Image: Camerauthor Photos

If you are in an area where black bears, or any bears, are known to exist, always check for their presence before letting your dog, cat, or any other pet go outside. If a bear is in the vicinity, create a safe, enclosed space where your pet can retreat. If possible, move your pet indoors quickly and calmly, keeping them away from windows or doors where they could attract the bear's attention.

9

Give the bear an escape route

Image: Bruce Warrington

If you encounter a bear in your area, follow the advice mentioned earlier and always make sure to leave an escape route for the bear to leave easily. If the animal feels cornered, there is a much bigger chance of getting into an aggressive situation.

10

Airtight containers

Image: Marcus Urbenz

Make sure to store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or other enclosed storage area. Adding ammonia to trash cans and bags will help reduce odors that attract bears. Also, clean garbage cans with ammonia at least once a week to eliminate residual odors.

Do not store recyclables on a porch or in a screened sunroom, as bears can smell these items and will rip through screens to get to them. Place garbage outside only on the morning of collection, not the night before.

1

Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart

Image: Sigmund

When Snoop Dogg joined Martha Stewart on her show to make mashed potatoes, no one expected a lasting friendship. But their bond grew through TV appearances, comedy roasts, and countless collaborations .

Stewart once said working with Snoop is like having a sidekick: he helps her loosen up and feel free.

2

Helen Mirren and Vin Diesel

Image: Cook aynne

Dame Helen Mirren met Vin Diesel while filming Fate of the Furious in 2018, later joining him in F9 , Hobbs & Shaw , and Fast X .

"The most random people just have chemistry," she said. "And I adored Vin from the moment I met him."

3

Ellen DeGeneres and George W. Bush

Image: René DeAnda

In 2019, Ellen DeGeneres and former President George Bush were photographed together at a Dallas Cowboys game with their wives, Portia de Rossi and Laura Bush.

On her talk show, DeGeneres addressed their friendship, saying, "I’m friends with George Bush… and a lot of people who don’t share my beliefs. We’re all different, and I think we’ve forgotten that it’s okay."

4

Timothée Chalamet and Larry David

Image: ayumi kubo

Timothée Chalamet and comedy legend Larry David were spotted having lunch together at Sant Ambroeus in New York City.

Fans were delighted by the unlikely pairing, watching two very different Hollywood stars share a casual meal and a surprising connection.

5

50 Cent and Bette Midler

Image: Joel Muniz

In 2008, Bette Midler reached out to 50 Cent for fundraising advice , praising his G-Unity Foundation for donating millions to nonprofits.

She later shared how much his support meant, saying, "He’s really made my life worth living" and had stood by her "through thick and thin."

6

Britney Spears and Mel Gibson

Image: Mathew Browne

Mel Gibson reached out to Britney Spears in 2007, concerned about how the media was treating her .

"I just thought, ‘Is anyone reaching out to her?’" he told Jimmy Kimmel. He later took her on a trip to Costa Rica in 2008 to help her escape the spotlight.

7

Elton John and Eminem

Image: TopSphere Media

Eminem and Elton John struck up an unexpected friendship after performing together at the 2001 Grammys.

Eminem later turned to Elton for support during his struggles with addiction and even sent him a gift after his civil union.

8

Diane Keaton and Justin Bieber

Image: Barbora Dostálová

Diane Keaton starred in Justin Bieber's "Ghost" music video and soon became one of his closest confidantes .

Reflecting on the experience, Keaton said, "I couldn’t believe it. This was one of those moments when you think, ‘I’m what?’"

9

Russell Crowe and RZA

Image: Chase Fade

Russell Crowe and Wu-Tang Clan's RZA have worked together on several films, including The Man with the Iron Fists , American Gangster , and The Next Three Days .

Their bond goes beyond work, with Crowe sharing that they have deep conversations . "It’s no effort for me to give a friend advice," he said.

10

Harry Styles and Stevie Nicks

Image: Illia Horokhovsky

Harry Styles and Stevie Nicks’ friendship began in 2015 when Styles gave Nicks a birthday cake after a Fleetwood Mac show.

Styles admires Nicks deeply , calling her a "beacon" and saying, "She is everything you’ve ever wanted in a lady, in a lover, in a friend." Nicks, in turn, considers Styles like a son , praising his rock & roll album for its 1970s vibe, saying, "He could have made a pop record, but he chose the harder path."

11

Ed Sheeran and Courteney Cox

Image: Mahrous Houses

Ed Sheeran and Courteney Cox formed an unexpected friendship when he moved into her LA beach house .

In a show of support, Sheeran wrote on Instagram, urging fans to vote for Cox for a People’s Choice Award, saying, "She’s never won one, and she lets me live in her beach house, so let’s win her the damn thing."

12

Stella McCartney and Johnny Depp

Image: Christopher Zenzel

Fashion designer Stella McCartney has known Johnny Depp since her student days at Central Saint Martins.

During her graduate show, Depp and Kate Moss stayed at her London home. Last year, McCartney shared a photo with Depp from the set of her father Paul McCartney's Queenie Eye music video, celebrating their long friendship.