online shopping Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

3 ways to shop online without using a credit or debit card

Posted on November 6, 2026

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I’m often asked if it’s possible to shop online without having to use a credit or debit card. Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is yes. In fact, there are at three easy ways to do it.

While it’s true that most internet retailers are set up to accept credit and debit cards by default, but there are indeed other ways to pay that don’t require you to give the retailer your card info: [Read more…]

How to make sure your Amazon purchases are (almost) always awesome

Posted on June 1, 2026

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If you do a lot of shopping online, you no doubt order a “dud” every now and then.

After all, marketers literally make their livings designing websites, ads and product descriptions that make every item they sell appear to be the best product ever built.

Well, if you shop on Amazon, there’s a very easy way to ensure that virtually all of your purchases are great ones…

The secret to this magic is always checking the Amazon Best Sellers lists. [Read more…]

How to prevent ‘Porch Pirates’ from stealing your packages

Posted on March 4, 2026

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Are you familiar with the term “Porch Pirates”? You really need to be if you shop online.

Porch pirates are thieves who walk, bike or drive through residential neighborhoods checking all the front porches for packages that have been delivered but not yet retrieved by their recipients.

If they happen to spot a package sitting on someone’s porch they’ll sneak over and grab it, then hurry away from the scene as quickly as possible.

Believe it or not, porch piracy is a big deal in today’s world. [Read more…]

How to get text message updates about the status of your Amazon orders

Posted on November 25, 2025

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If you shop at Amazon you’re probably familiar with the emails they send letting their customers know when an order has shipped.

But did you know you can have them text you as well?

They will, and it’s very easy to set up. [Read more…]

8 tips for safely banking and shopping online

Posted on September 30, 2025

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Banking and shopping online really can save you a bunch of time and money.

But unfortunately it can also put your financial information and your identity at risk of being stolen. [Read more…]