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When peace of mind costs more than the repair

• Extended warranties make sense on expensive-to-fix items (fridges, ranges, laptops with accidental damage) when the plan clearly covers the parts most likely to fail
• Skip them on cheap, easily replaceable products or when the manufacturer already gives you a long parts/labor warranty youd just be paying twice
• Always read the exclusions and who runs the plan; if it wont cover the big failure or makes you pay shipping/inspection, walk away

Extended warranties are like that Snickers bar staring at you when youre checking out. Theyre super convenient, quite tempting, and often not what you need. But sometimes they actually do make sense. The trick is knowing when an extra year (or three) of coverage is smart and when it just puts money in the sellers pocket.

Below is my plain-English guide on when to buy the extended warranty, when to skip it, and the smart ways to actually use it.

First, what an extended warranty really is (and isnt)

What it is: Its a service contract that you buy separate from the manufacturers warranty that already comes with the product. It can extend how long you're eligible for a repair, give you accidental damage coverage, or even include perks like a loaner device or an in-home repair service.

What it isnt: Dont look at an extended warranty like a magic shield that will protect you from everything. Many plans exclude things like consumables (batteries, filters, pads), cosmetic issues, acts of God, and anything they consider misuse.

Also, be aware that things like deductibles, return shipping, and required inspection fees can chip away at the value.

When an extended warranty is a bad idea

1.Cheapor easy-to-replace items

Unfortunately, many small kitchen appliances and electronics fall into this category. The low price point has made them disposable in recent years.

Im talking about things like toasters, blenders, basic microwaves, entry-level headphones, and even budget printers. A goodrule of thumb is if the warranty costsmore than30% of the replacement cost, skip it. Instead, put that money in the proverbial stuff breaks jar and youll come out ahead in the long run.

2.Products with strong manufacturer coverage already

Some brands already include longer part warranties on critical components like compressors and motors. Or theyll offer first-year bumper-to-bumper plus extended parts coverage. Doubling up your warranty can often be an unnecessary purchase.

Here are some examples worth considering (make sure you register your purchase to take full advantage):

Major appliances: Whirlpool, GE, LG, Samsung fridges/washers/dryers often have 1 year everything + 510 years on key parts like the sealed system or motor. Paying the retailer again to extend year 1 doesnt add much if the expensive part is already covered.

High-end vacuums: Dyson and Shark frequently give 5-year (Dyson) or multi-year (Shark) coverage on the motor. So buying a 3-year extended plan on top of that is unnecessary.

Power tools: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita all have solid limited warranties, and some offer 35 years on the tool.

Apple/Samsung devices (first year): Phones, tablets, and most smart watches already get a 1-year manufacturer warranty. If youre not prone to drops, buying a plan from a retailerjust duplicates the first year coverage.

3.Plans with exclusions that make them useless

Beware of buying an extended warranty that doesnt protect you from the biggest risks. Surprisingly, these definitely do exist and people still buy them.

Im talking about a plan for your phone/tablet that excludes the screen or battery. Or a plan for your fridge that doesnt cover the sealed system which is the compressor, condenser, and refrigerant lines. Or a plan for your TV that doesnt cover pixel defects. All hard passes.

Also, watch for maintenance required clauses which translates to we only cover it if you maintained it, and its up to you to prove it.

4. Shady warranty administrators

Walk away if the company behind the warranty is tiny, has no national service network, or requires you to ship heavy items at your expense.

Filing a claim is probably going to be a major headache and theyll most likely stall, deny, or annoy you so badly that you'll give up for the sake of your own sanity.

When an extended warranty can be a good idea

1. High-failure, expensive-labor items

Major appliances like fridges with ice makers, ranges with electronics, and washers with control boards are often expensive to diagnose and fix.

If the extended warranty covers parts and labor past the manufacturer warranty, and lists the control board, compressor, or the sealed system as covered, it can be worth it.

2. Portable electronics with accidental damage coverage

Tablets, laptops, and phones typically dont just break. Instead, they get dropped, spilled on, or even sat on. Damage protection plans fordrops, cracks, and liquid is different from yourbasic defect warranty.

So, if youre buying for kids, college, or field work, a plan like this can easily pay for itself on the first oops.

3.Products you cant live without

If a device is super important to your life and it would be a hardship to not have it, an extended plan can buy you time and often a loaner while you wait for the repair or replacement.

Think things like hearing aids, a work laptop, and a fridge or freezer if you live in a rural area.

4.When the plan price is genuinely low

I always recommend that you do some quick math to figure out the risk vs reward.

For example, if your $1,200 oven has a well-known $450 control board failure and your extended plan costs $119 for three extra years, Id consider that to be reasonable insurance. Especially if there was no plan deductible.

How to actually use an extended warranty (and win)

Build a repair file on day one

Im a huge proponent of creating a file folder with the serial number, purchase date, receipt, warranty PDF, photos of the unit, and a list of any issues (even small ones) with dates.

When something fails, youll be able to submit a solidclaim in minutes and youll find that administrators love organized customers.

Speak the adjusters language

Try to use precise terms when filing a claim. Spend a little time researching the problem so you can use the proper term.

Examples include control board failure, sealed system not cooling, pixel defect cluster, or hinge assembly cracked. Ive found that when youre vague, and just say its broken, youre inviting delays.

Dont be afraid to ask for a full swap

Many states have a lemon law in place on major appliances which entitles you to a replacement or refund after a certain number of repairs have been attempted.

Be sure to document all of the work done and be in communication with the repair company and you might just score a free replacement. Its often the quickest way to get on with your life.

Dont miss maintenance proof

If the plan requires regular maintenance (espresso machines, HVAC add-ons, certain appliances), keep basic logs and photos of what youve done. A 30-second note can be the difference between being approved or denied.

Some of these recalls may have been previously reported but they are still in effect

Here are todays top U.S. food recall/outbreak alerts:

• Ready-to-eat pasta meals A nationwide outbreak of Listeriosis linked to readytoeat pasta dishes has resulted in at least six deaths and 27 hospitalizations across 18 states. Fullnotice: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outbreak page

• Jarred tomato sauces First and Last Bakery LLC is recalling three 26oz tomato sauce products sold in CT & MA for possible contamination with Botulism toxin. Fullnotice: Food and Drug Administration recall announcement

• Ice cream mini bars HagenDazs Dark Chocolate IceCream Mini Bars (batchLLA519501, BestByJan312027) are being recalled due to undeclared wheat in packaging, posing a serious allergy risk.

From turkey to stuffing, this affordable bundle covers all the essentialsplus stylish extrasto help you celebrate without breaking the bank.

• Target is offering a full Thanksgiving meal for four for under $20 making it one of the most budget-friendly holiday meals youll find this year.

• The bundle includes a turkey and all the essential sides in one convenient package no guesswork, no picking dozens of items separately.

• On top of the food bundle, Target is also rolling out stylish dcor, seasonal apparel, and gift items to help you host in style (without overspending).

With grocery prices climbing, hosting a Thanksgiving meal can feel like a budgeting challenge.

Enter Targets latest holiday offer: a full meal for four people priced under $20, or less than $5 per person.

Its designed to give families the comfort of a traditional festive spread turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce and more while removing some of the cost and effort.

Even better? Target isnt just thinking about the food. The retailer is backing this bundle with dcor, gifting, and convenience services that help bring the whole holiday table together without the stress of hunting down deals or wondering which side dish to add.

"What I love about Target during the holidays is our ability to help families celebrate in style while spending less and that's exactly what we're doing this Thanksgiving," Lisa Roath, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty, Target, said in a news release.

"Our under-$20 Thanksgiving meal is priced even lower than last year's, but we're not stopping there. We also have new seasonal sides, stylish table dcor, festive apparel and beautiful greenery and florals. Put it all together and Target's making it an absolute joy for everyone to create an elevated, unforgettable Thanksgiving experience."

Whats included

Heres the full breakdown of the bundle offered by Target (pricing prior to tax):

• Good & Gather Premium Basted Young Turkey (Frozen, up to 10 lb.) offered at $0.79 per pound (same as last years price).

• Good & Gather Russet Potatoes 5 lb. bag.

• Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce 14 oz.

• Stove Top Stuffing Mix 6 oz.

• Heinz Home Style Roasted Turkey Gravy 12 oz.

• Favorite Day Soft French Bread.

• Good & Gather Frozen Corn.
  

All together: the meal is offered at under $20 for the full bundle serving four people.

Additional items

Target is also offering seasonal sides, pies, and entertaining dishes priced at $4.99 each from November 16-29. These include:

• Favorite Day apple and pumpkin pies.

• New Good & Gather sides like Harvest Squash Empanadas, Chicken Pot Pie Empanadas, Mashed Sweet Potato with Cinnamon & Brown Sugar and Vegetables with Parmesan Cheese.
  

Shoppers can choose how theyd like to get their holiday hosting items from Target shopping in-store, store or drive-up pickup, same-day delivery, next-day delivery, or two-day delivery.

New ADT data reveals how theft can shake confidence, disrupt sleep, and erode trust in your community

• Nearly one in four theft victims say they feel less safe in their homes after a break-in, and many struggle to regain peace of mind.

• ADTs data shows that theft can deeply affect emotional well-being leaving 40% of victims with less trust in their neighborhood and 35% feeling helpless or violated.

• Experts say rebuilding security starts with practical steps like home monitoring, better communication with neighbors, and habits that keep your home protected every day.

For most people, home is where you should feel safest.

But when that space is violated whether through a break-in, a porch theft, or even an attempted burglary the emotional fallout can linger long after the locks are changed. According to new data from ADT, the trauma of a home theft can ripple through nearly every part of daily life, from how well people sleep to how much they trust their neighbors.

The security companys data also shows that nearly a quarter of people whove experienced theft say they feel less safe in their own homes afterward. Four in ten report losing trust in their neighborhood, and over a third say the experience left them feeling helpless or violated.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Jimmy Lin, Vice President of Product Management at ADT, about the hidden emotional toll of home break-ins and what homeowners can do to rebuild their sense of security after the unthinkable happens.

The mental toll of a break-in

Lin explained that many consumers are nervous about home break-ins for the safety of their belongings, but these events can unfortunately have a larger impact than just on your possessions.

From ADTs 2025 Safety Report, we found that break-ins can take away peace of mind, with nearly a quarter of Americans reporting that they feel less safe in their homes after experiencing theft.

Additional data showed that over one-third of those affected by theft said they felt helpless or violated afterward. That emotional weight can last long after the locks are changed or insurance claims are filed.

Prioritize safety at home

While it may be hard to shake these feelings, prioritizing safety at home is how consumers can get some control back.

The best way to ensure youre safe at home is with a security system, which typically includes indoor and outdoor security cameras, door and window sensors, security alarms, and motion sensors, Lin said.

Home security systems are designed to protect your home and property from break-ins as well as other threats like fires and carbon monoxide. Systems with 24/7 professional monitoring add another layer of protection with experts monitoring your system around the clock and responding to any alerts or emergencies immediately. Daily habits like keeping doors and windows locked seem obvious, yet 38% of people always or occasionally leave their door unlocked while at home and 20% leave windows open while away.

Talk to your neighbors

After any breach of home safety, your neighborhood may not feel as safe as it once did. However, Lin encourages consumers to maintain communication with their neighbors, as this sense of community can ensure more people are looking out for you and your family.

When it comes to home and neighborhood safety, lock up, stay aware of routines that leave your home vulnerable, and talk to your neighbors, he said. Being part of a community that watches out for each other can help you recover faster after an incident.

Do not rely on habits that feel secure but are not, such as hiding keys under mats, using fake signs and decoy cameras, or assuming daytime means lower risk. In fact, package theft commonly happens in the middle of the afternoon between 12 PM and 6 PM.

Street view is great for directions not for showing strangers your front door

• You can ask Google to blur your home in Street View so strangers cant zoom in on your doors, windows, cars, or kids play areas
• Do it on a computer: open your address in Street View click Report a problem drag the box over your house tell Google exactly what to blur submit
• Once Google approves it, the blur is permanent, so be sure you want your home hidden before you send the request

You can look up almost anyones house on Google Maps in a few seconds. Thats convenient when youre trying to find a friends place and a little creepy when you realize strangers can do it to you, too.

Thats why some homes show up blurred in Street View: the owners asked Google to do it. And yes, you can do the same. Heres why blurring your home is worth considering, and exactly how to request it.

Why people blur their house

The main reason people blur their house if for privacy and safety concerns. Street View doesnt just show an address, it can show windows, doors, side gates, even what kind of car you parked in the driveway. This all pretty useful, and easy to access information for the wrong person.

• Burglars can see where entry points are or whether theres a gate.
• Stalkers can confirm theyve got the right house.
• If you have kids, high-value items in the garage, or a home office in the front window, you probably dont want that visible to just anyone.

Blurring isnt a complete fail-safe, but it definitely removes a very public source of information about your house.

What blurring actually does

When Google approves your request, the house (or license plate, or faces) you selected will appear permanently blurred in Street View. Someone can still see the general area and street on the map, but the front of your home wont be clearly visible.

Its also worth noting that according to Google, the blur is permanent and cant be undone, so be sure you really want it hidden.

How to blur your house on Google Maps

You cant do this from the mobile app, so youll need to use a laptop or desktop computer to make it happen. Here are the steps:

1. Go to Google Maps in a browser (maps.google.com).

2.Type in your address and drop into Street View (little yellow person icon, or click the Street View thumbnail).

3.At the bottom right of the Street View screen, click Report a problem. Look closely, its in a tiny font.

4.Youll see the Street View image with a red box. Position that box over the part you want blurred your whole house, the garage, even a car or license plate. Use zoom if needed.

5.In the form, pick what you want blurred: My home, A face, My car/license plate, etc.

6.Describe it clearly. Tell Google blur the entire front of the house at [address] including the driveway. The more specific, the better.

7.Enter your email and submit.

Google will then email you to say they got the request and will review it. Sometimes they ask for more detail and sometimes they just approve it. Once approved, your house will show up blurred in Street View.

When blurring is especially smart

In these scenarios, removing easy visuals of your home is an especially good idea.

• Youve had harassment or stalking issues in the past.
• Your home shows kids play areas or easily identifiable entry points.
• You run a home business and dont want customers or strangers to see where you live.
• You own a high-value vehicle that always sits in the driveway.

A few things blurring doesnt fix

Keep in mind that blurring your Street View doesnt remove your address from the internet, and it doesnt stop people from taking photos in public.

It just removes one of the most common, free, high-resolution views of your house that anyone can pull up.

So, think of it like locking a gate. People might still know you live there, but they can no longer see straight in.