Rick's Daily Tips

Did you know you can redial the last number you called with a single tap?

Posted on August 9, 2026

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Have you ever called someone only to have the call go straight to voice mail? If so, you probably tried placing the call again later.

Or perhaps there are occasions when you need to speak to the last person you called once again?

There are several ways to redial the last number you called, and I’m sure you have your favorite method of doing it. [Read more…]

Save big by buying your textbooks from Amazon instead of your school’s bookstore

Posted on August 8, 2026

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You probably already know Amazon is the world’s largest book retailer by far. And you also probably know college textbooks cost a fortune!

But did you also know you can buy your textbooks from Amazon just like any other book?

You’ll find most any textbook you need at Amazon, and you can probably snag it for a lot less than your own school’s bookstore will charge you for it. [Read more…]

Q&A: Does ‘Tax Free Weekend’ apply to Amazon purchases?

Posted on August 8, 2026

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Question from Stella: Our state’s annual back-to-school “Tax Free Weekend” is going on right now.

I know that certain items can be purchased tax-free at local stores during Tax-Free Weekend, but what about things we buy online at Amazon?

I usually buy most of my kids’ back-to-school stuff from Walmart to take advantage of the tax savings, but there are a few relatively expensive items I’d prefer to buy from Amazon if I can still get the tax savings. [Read more…]

Q&A: Which phone do you use to take your photos and videos?

Posted on August 7, 2026

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Question from Angela: The photos and videos you post on social media are so crisp and clear, and the colors are amazing.

If you don’t mind saying, what type of phone do you use to take them? I’d love to have one like it if it isn’t too expensive. [Read more…]

Q&A: Will a USB 3.0 external hard drive work with a USB 2.0 hub?

Posted on August 7, 2026

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Question from Melissa: Hi, Rick. I just bought this 4TB external hard drive to back up the hard drive in my new laptop.

I really like this drive because it will store a LOT of photos (I’m a photographer).

Due to a dearth of USB ports, the external hard drive will have to connect to the computer through a USB hub.

My question is can I use the hub I already have or will I need to buy a new one? [Read more…]