For most people, the summer just isn’t complete without a fabulous getaway. But whether you’re hitting the road or flying the friendly skies, traveling without the right gear can leave you wishing you’d never left home.

If you haven’t dug your suitcases out of the closet since your last summer vacation, though, it may be time for an update. Fortunately, now is a great time to prepare for your next trip because many travel essentials are discounted for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.

From checked bags and packing cubes to wireless headphones and travel chargers, you can score big savings on many travel must-haves. Check out the list below for our favorite deals that can get you ready for your summer vacation.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Luggage 15% OFF

This lightweight spinner suitcase is large enough for even longer summer trips. It has four wheels that rotate 360 degrees to make it easier to maneuver through the airport. It can expand up to two inches to maximize your packing space and has a full-length interior lid pocket and a side accessory pocket to organize your belongings. It is available in 12 colors.

Anker Laptop Charger 15% OFF

Ensure your devices never run out of power during a trip with this convenient travel charger. It can charge laptops, smartphones, earbuds and more and can handle four devices simultaneously. It also has a high-definition color display that lets you see the charging status and other details at a glance.

Repel Umbrella Windproof Travel Umbrella 32% OFF

Be prepared for inclement weather on your summer vacation with this travel-friendly umbrella. It has a sturdy double-vented canopy and fiberglass frame, so it can withstand heavy rain and winds. It’s still lightweight and compact, though, making it easy to toss in a purse or backpack. It auto-opens and closes, too, making it easy to use one-handed.

Taygeer Travel Backpack 32% OFF

This roomy, water-resistant backpack is perfect for weekend getaways or as a carry-on bag for your next flight. It has three large compartments and nine inner and side pockets, making it easy to organize your belongings. It also has a built-in USB charger and charging cable to help keep your devices powered. The padded straps make carrying the bag more comfortable, too.

BAGAIL Packing Cubes 42% OFF

Make packing for your summer vacation a little easier with these packing cubes. Each set includes eight cubes in varying sizes, which help maximize space inside your suitcase. Their mesh top panel helps prevent wrinkles and odors from developing and makes it easier to find the clothes you’re looking for without opening each cube.

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow 50% OFF

This unique travel pillow is twistable, so it can be arranged to support your head, neck, shoulders or back. It is made of memory foam that provides effective cushioning for pressure points, allowing you to relax even on a plane or in a car. Its breathable cotton cover is machine-washable, too, so cleaning the pillow is a breeze.

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones 29% OFF

Listen to your favorite music, podcasts and audiobooks while you travel with these wireless headphones. Their noise-cancellation technology can help you enjoy your audio even on a crowded plane or train, while the Aware setting allows you to hear your surroundings when necessary. You can get up to 24 hours of listening time from the battery, making it ideal for longer trips.

Etekcity Luggage Scale 18% OFF

With this user-friendly luggage scale, you’ll never get hit with unexpected overweight fees for your checked bags. It is made of durable materials, but it’s still compact enough to fit easily in your bag. The digital display is also easy to read and can display weights up to 110 pounds.

Simple Modern Beach Bag Rubber Tote

This durable, waterproof bag is perfect for beach vacations or trips to the pool. It is made of EVA, so it’s very easy to clean. It also has a detachable, internal zippered pocket, which is water-resistant to keep your phone and other delicate items safe. Your belongings stay upright, too, because of the bag’s anti-tip design.

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag 26% OFF + 10% OFF COUPON

Keep toiletries and other small items safe in this hanging bag. It has a 360-degree swiveling metal hook that stows away when not in use, as well as a carry handle that can double as a hanging strap. It also has excellent padding that keeps the items inside protected during travel.

Other travel essentials Amazon Big Spring Sale deals

Samsonite Omni PC 20-inch Hardside Expandable Carry-On Luggage 15% OFF
INIU Portable Charger 36% OFF
Vorspack Toiletry Bag 15% OFF
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack 56% OFF​​​​​​
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray Twin Pack 32% OFF

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Bruce Helmer and Peg Webb

For decades, the traditional career path was clear: Work for about 40 years, retire and enjoy a well-earned break in your later years.

However, with increasing life expectancy, shifting economic trends and changes in workplace dynamics, that model is evolving. More Americans are now looking at careers that span 60 years instead of the traditional 40, whether by necessity or choice.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data analyzed by LendingTree, as of March 2024, nearly a quarter of Americans aged 65 and older were still in the workforce, and that number is expected to rise in the coming decade.

Some remain employed because they need the income, while others continue working for the purpose and fulfillment it provides. Regardless of the reason, this shift in career length has major planning implications.

The financial realities of a longer career

One significant advantage of a longer career is the extended income stream. Continuing to work beyond the traditional retirement age can help extend financial independence and ease the immediate need to draw from retirement savings. This approach may be particularly beneficial in light of ongoing discussions about the long-term sustainability of Social Security. While the future of the program depends on legislative decisions, proactive financial planning can help individuals navigate potential changes with greater confidence. With a longer working life, individuals have more time to save, but they must also be prepared for fluctuations in income and career transitions.

To sustain financial well-being over a six-decade career, strategic planning is essential. Retirement savings should remain a priority, but the approach may need to be more flexible than in previous generations. Utilizing tax-advantaged accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs and Roth IRAs allows you to continue to build a nest egg while taking advantage of tax benefits. Your contributions to these accounts should be adjusted whenever your income changes, increasing during high-earning years to create a stronger financial cushion for the future. Regularly reassessing your retirement goals is also crucial, ensuring savings align with an extended career trajectory.

Health care and insurance considerations

Health care planning is another critical factor in navigating a longer career. Affordable employer-sponsored health insurance may not always be available, making it necessary to explore private insurance or Medicare options. Long-term care insurance and Health Savings Accounts can provide additional security for future medical expenses, helping you manage escalating health care costs later in life.

Emergency funds and income diversification

Maintaining financial stability throughout an extended career also means preparing for potentially more frequent career transitions. A robust emergency fund is essential to weather periods of lower income, job changes or unexpected financial challenges. Ideally, your savings should cover six to eight months of living expenses, which is designated to provide a safety net that reduces stress and ensures financial security during periods of change.

Relying solely on a single income source may not be practical over such a long career, making diversified income streams an important consideration. Many workers are turning to consulting, freelancing and passive income investments to supplement their earnings. These additional revenue sources provide financial flexibility and can be especially beneficial for those transitioning between jobs or seeking a more balanced work-life approach.

A well-diversified investment portfolio also plays a key role in long-term financial success. By maintaining a mix of assets that balance growth with stability, workers can protect their savings while continuing to generate income as they age. Adjusting investments over time ensures they align with changing risk tolerances and financial needs.

Lifelong learning and career adaptability

Navigating an extended career also requires continuous learning and adaptability. The Stanford Center on Longevity emphasizes the importance of “longevity literacy,” which means understanding how to manage both finances and careers over a longer lifespan. Lifelong learning is key to staying relevant in an evolving job market. Investing in skill development and education can help position yourself for new opportunities and maintain your earning potential throughout different career phases.

Flexibility in work arrangements is another factor reshaping traditional career paths. More professionals are choosing phased retirement approaches, gradually reducing work hours rather than stopping work altogether. This strategy allows for continued income while easing the transition into retirement, providing financial stability without that abrupt end to the life of work.

Aligning financial planning with personal goals

A longer career also presents the opportunity to align financial planning with personal goals and passions, something that we at Wealth Enhancement emphasize with our clients. We see many redefining work on their own terms, pursuing meaningful roles that provide both financial security and personal fulfillment. This shift allows for a more purposeful career trajectory, where financial plans are designed to support not just retirement, but an entire lifetime of evolving aspirations.

The path forward

As the concept of the 60-year career becomes more common, financial planning must evolve accordingly. By embracing continuous learning, diversifying income sources and taking a strategic approach to retirement savings and health care planning, you can navigate an extended career with confidence. Consulting with a financial adviser can help tailor these strategies to your individual circumstances, ensuring that a longer working life remains an opportunity rather than a challenge. Proper planning will not only support financial stability but also allow for a fulfilling and purposeful career well into the later years of your life—should that be a goal you wish to pursue.

Related Articles

Your Money: Does deregulation help or hurt investment outcomes?

Your Money: Financial planning tips for small-business owners 

Your Money: Five tough questions to ask before retirement

Your Money: Protect yourself from tax scams this season

Your Money: Helping your boomerang kids without busting your budget

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Bruce Helmer and Peg Webb are financial advisers at Wealth Enhancement Group and co-hosts of “Your Money” on WCCO 830 AM on Sunday mornings. Email Bruce and Peg at yourmoney@wealthenhancement.com. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Wealth Enhancement Group and Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services are separate entities from LPL Financial.

 

Amy Lindgren

In last week’s column I described strategies for finding part-time work, which is a little different than searching for a full-time position.

The main thing to know when seeking part-time jobs is that employers are less likely to advertise these roles. Once you realize that, you can switch strategies. Now it’s a matter of identifying the work you want to do and approaching likely employers directly with a résumé tailored for the tasks they may need help with.

Since last week’s examples were for roles in retail and other entry-level opportunities, this week I’ll dive into part-time jobs at a professional level, or for those wanting to build a career path while working part-time.

The good news is that these options exist in most sectors, although again — they’re not always well-advertised. For example, in the licensed fields, part-time is actually quite common. Health care professionals and educators are frequently part-time workers, as are salon workers such as hair stylists, barbers and estheticians.

Office workers and clerical roles are another example where part-time work is common, as it is in call centers and other non-retail customer-service areas.

More examples: In education, colleges and universities have gravitated toward part-time instructors, while many nonprofits use part-time fundraisers, bookkeepers and program managers. I’ve also known part-time architects, engineers, development directors, IT project managers, and many others holding down highly skilled jobs at fewer than full-time hours.

One area people may not realize part-timers exist is in the higher echelon of business and nonprofit management. At the very top of the ladder, the designation may switch from “part-time” to “fractional” but the concept is the same.

A fractional executive might be a CFO handling a corporation’s finances at half or three-quarter of the usual hours. Company presidents or CEOs can also be fractional, but this would usually be for a small organization. Otherwise, the board would bring on a full-time but interim leader until the permanent replacement could be hired.

If you are seeking a part-time professional role, LinkedIn and networking will be key. In lieu of advertising, organizations may rely on referrals or hire a recruiter to find candidates. It’s also common for part-time roles to be initiated when the right candidate reaches out to an overwhelmed department manager.

If part-time professional roles appeal to you, these tips can help you land one.

• Understand the nuances of your field. For example, some actually will be advertised, such as part-time health care positions. Others might be contract or self-employment situations, as is often the case with hair stylists. And fractional executives are frequently filled by specialized placement agencies.

• Ask for more salary than you think. It helps to consider this in restaurant terms. Just as customers pay more than 50% when ordering half a sandwich, so should employers pay more than 50% of the full-time salary if you work half-time (or whatever percentage you work).

Since these are usually salaried positions (and not hourly wage jobs), building in extra helps account for those times when the job will run past your allotted hours, no matter how well you set your boundaries. The extra also accounts for the many aspects of a part-time position that mirror those of the full-time role — the same commute, for example, or the same amount of space in your house for the remote equipment, regardless of how many hours you’re working.

• Negotiate the benefits. You won’t have leverage to alter pension or 401(k) contributions, as those are set for the entire organization. But days off and even health care premiums are more flexible, as are bonuses or other perks.

• Get it in writing. This could be as simple as a confirming email that you write: “Thank you for the offer. I understand that I will be working part-time … ” Or, you might receive a regular employment letter or contract. In any case, having things spelled out from the beginning will help if there are organizational changes higher up or new policies are crafted.

• Keep clear boundaries. For example, if you work four days a week but others schedule meetings for your day off, you’ll need to clarify the conditions of your work for everyone.

• Stay up on your professional credentials and networking. Career-building can be harder to fit in on a part-time basis, but if this is your career path, it still needs tending. Remember to keep your résumé updated as well — in this unadvertised part of the market, you never know when the next opportunity will present itself.

Related Articles

Working Strategies: Finding a part-time job requires a plan

Working Strategies: Holding on when things get tough

Working Strategies: Using AI tools to prepare for interviews

Working Strategies: Part 3: Preparing for a possible buyout or layoff

Working Strategies: Weighing the buyout offer Part 2, personal considerations

Amy Lindgren owns a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com.

By Courtney Frazer, Bankrate.com

High food prices have American families feeling the pinch — grocery trips cost around 20% more than they did four years ago. Not only are outright costs higher, but shoppers are also dealing with “shrinkflation,” where products shrink in size while maintaining their price point.

There are ways to save other than opting for generic brands or skipping meat. Smartphone apps can help you save on your monthly grocery bill with loyalty programs, cash-back rewards, digital coupons and app-only savings.

Top food savings apps

1. Ibotta

Ibotta is one of the most popular cash-back apps available. It’s known for offering cash-back rewards on everyday purchases at major retailers like Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. The app is simple to use, but you have to plan ahead: Users select offers before shopping and earn rewards by scanning receipts afterward.

Its browser extension enables cash back on online grocery purchases, and partnerships with retailers provide exclusive deals on essential household items.

Pros

•User-friendly interface

•Multiple redemption options, including PayPal and gift cards

•Wide acceptance at major retailers

•Bonus rewards for reaching specific goals, such as trying new products or completing a certain number of offers in a month

Cons

•Requires pre-selecting offers

•The cash-out minimum takes time to reach

•The interface can be overwhelming with numerous offers

2. Fetch Rewards

Fetch allows users to earn points on any receipt from grocery stores, pharmacies and even gas stations, making it a versatile option for shoppers. You can earn points on over 600 brands, including Huggies, General Mills and L’Oréal.

Unlike some other cash-back apps, Fetch doesn’t require users to select offers before shopping. Instead, you can scan any eligible receipt and automatically earn points, which can be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers like Amazon, Target and Starbucks.

Pros

•No pre-selection of offers required

•Compatible with hundreds of retailers

•Bonus points available through referrals

Cons

•Limited earnings on generic brands

•Gift card redemption only

•No direct cash rewards

3. Flipp

Flipp is like a digital coupon clipper — it compiles weekly ads and sales from major stores like Whole Foods and Walmart in one easy-to-use app. You can search for specific items, compare prices across stores and see the best current promotions based on your shopping list, making it valuable for strategic grocery planning.

Pros

•Great for sale matching, providing easy access to local deals and promotions

•Integrates with loyalty programs, allowing users to clip digital coupons directly from ads

•Reduces the need for multiple apps by combining local deals and digital coupons in one place

Cons

•Focused on weekly ads, without cash-back or rewards

•May not include all local stores

•Deals are limited to specific weekly promotions

4. Checkout 51

Checkout 51 offers weekly cash-back deals across various stores and brands. It works similarly to Ibotta in that users have to choose offers before shopping, but it has a slightly different selection of offers.

Related Articles

Cheapest European cities to fly to in 2025

What to do if you can’t pay the taxes you owe

IRS crime fighting arm announces modernization program as financial crimes use more tech

Homebuying tips this season for markets hot and cold

Got your first job? Here are some tax tips for first-time filers

You can upload your receipts to the app after purchasing selected products from brands like Kellogg’s and Nestle or stores like CVS or Dollar General to earn cash back. The app refreshes its offers every Thursday, so you get new savings opportunities each week.

Pros

•Simple, user-friendly interface

•Works across multiple stores and brands

•Seasonal promotions often boost cash-back percentages on select items

Cons

•Limited cash-back options for fresh foods

•High cash-out minimum

•Requires prompt receipt uploads to avoid missing cash-back opportunities on eligible items

5. Coupons.com

Coupons.com streamlines digital coupon usage by connecting with store loyalty cards for automatic savings at checkout. The platform offers both digital and printable coupons across various brands and retailers, such as Amazon and Thrive Market, as well as popular restaurants like Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Pizza Hut. It’s a solid option if you enjoy the simplicity of using coupons without the hassle of clipping.

Pros

•Automatic discount application through loyalty programs

•Wide variety of frequently updated coupons

•Convenient and user-friendly, with no need for physical coupons at participating stores

Cons

•Limited to specific partner stores

•Some coupons have restrictions or expiration dates

•Requires keeping track of coupon terms

6. Kroger App

The Kroger App provides exclusive discounts, digital coupons and personalized savings offers for shoppers who frequent Kroger and its affiliated stores, such as Harris Teeter and Ralph’s. The platform integrates with the store’s loyalty program and includes fuel rewards for additional savings.

Pros

•Customized offers based on purchase patterns

•Integrated fuel rewards for added savings

•Allows users to scan receipts to earn additional rewards on select items, boosting the overall value

Cons

•Limited to Kroger and affiliated stores

•Not all promotions are available in every local store

•Some benefits may be too store-specific

7. Target Circle

Target Circle combines the retailer’s loyalty program with exclusive discounts and rewards. Members can save money on a variety of grocery items and other household essentials, and the app frequently features special offers and bonuses for members.

Pros

•Seamless online and in-store integration

•Easy to use for both in-store and online shopping

•Allows users to participate in community support by voting on charities

Cons

•Limited to Target stores

•Rewards only redeemable at Target stores and can expire

•Some offers have minimum purchase requirements

8. RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot offers a wide variety of coupons and cash-back opportunities for restaurants and local services. The platform supports over 20,000 stores and restaurants, and users can make in-store and online purchases.

Pros

•Extensive range of discounts across multiple categories

•In-store and online coupons, plus a cash-back portal for extra savings

•User-friendly with easy access to deals for a variety of needs and preferences

Cons

•Coupon values can vary, and some offers may come with restrictions

•Limited cash-back features

•Not all coupons are guaranteed to work at every store

9. Krazy Coupon Lady

The Krazy Coupon Lady’s app makes you feel like you’re being let in on a secret. The app shows users how to combine deals to get grocery and home items (along with lots of other products) for free — or even more than 100% off. For example, if you combine a store coupon with a deal in another cash-back app, you may end up spending nothing for the item.

It will take some work because the deals are for lots of different stores, but if you have the time, this app may make it worth it.

Pros

•Deals are verified by the KCL team

•Search by favorite store or type of product you’re looking for

•Create shopping lists to track your deals

Cons

•Doesn’t offer cash-back rewards

•Takes some work to track all of the money-saving opportunities

•The website has a lot of pop-up ads

10. Too Good To Go

Too Good To Go is a unique app that helps users save on food by purchasing surplus from local restaurants and bakeries at a discount. Users can pick up these surplus meals at a reduced price, making it both budget-friendly and environmentally friendly.

Pros

•Offers a unique savings model that focuses on reducing food waste while providing affordable meal options

•Environmentally friendly, contributing to sustainability efforts by repurposing food that would otherwise go to waste

•Variety of meal options from local businesses

Cons

•Limited market availability concentrated in cities

•Meal options are unpredictable because users get a Surprise Bag

Next steps

With food prices continuing to rise, these money-saving apps offer practical solutions to stretch your grocery budget further. The best approach may be to combine several apps based on your shopping habits — you could use Flipp to plan your shopping trips, a cash-back app like Ibotta or Fetch to earn rewards on purchases, and store-specific apps for retailers you frequent most.

You can start by downloading one or two apps that align with your shopping patterns, then track your savings for a month. Remember that the biggest savings come from strategic planning. Taking a few minutes before each shopping trip to load offers and check for deals can translate to hundreds of dollars saved annually.

©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.