The 10% discount that isnt completely equal

• Both stores offer 10% off, but Home Depot caps savings at $400/year while Lowes has no cap, making it far more valuable for bigger projects.

• Lowes is easier to use in-store (just your phone number), while Home Depot requires app setup and a QR code, adding friction at checkout.

• Bottom line: use Home Depot for small purchases early in the year, then switch to Lowes for ongoing spending to maximize total savings.

At first glance, The Home Depot and Lowes military discount appear very similara flat 10% off your purchase.

But once you start looking a little closer, you notice they have different spending limits and one is much easier to use when shopping in-store.

With that said, lets dive into each stores discount and how they work, along with a handy side-be-side breakdown. Plus, I'llcover some clever strategies to get the maximum value out of each.

How the Home Depot military discount works

The Home Depot military discount offers:

• 10% off eligible purchases
• Available year-round
• For active duty, veterans, and spouses
• Good both online and in-store

On paper, it sounds fairly straightforward. In practice, there are a few key limitations that matter to shoppers.

Specifically, the fine print that impacts your savings the most is a $400 discount annual cap.

Once youve saved $400 in a calendar year, the discount shuts off until the following year. That means if you spend roughly $4,000 annually, youve maxed it out.

App-based redemption system

You need to verify your military status (this is done via SheerID) and generate a QR code in the Home Depot app for in-store purchases.

Category exclusions

Many high-dollar categories, such as appliances, building materials, lumber, and installation services are excluded. These are often the exact items where shoppers expect the biggest savings.

What this means in real life

Home Depots discount works best for:

• Smaller, everyday purchases
• Occasional DIY projects
• Shoppers who wont hit the annual cap

If youre doing a major remodel, or making repeated trips, the $400 cap comes into play fairly quickly.

Pro tip: Be sure to set-up your Home Depot military discount online before you shop. This is important, as it will slow things down if youre not set-up ahead of time. Do NOT ask to do it at the register, as theyll simply point you to their app to get your military status verified.

How the Lowes military discount works

Similar to Home Depot, Lowes also offers:

• 10% off eligible purchases
• Available every day
• For active duty, veterans, and spouses
• Can also be used online and in-store

Also, its worth noting that Lowes uses ID.me, not SheerID, to confirm your military status.

Category exclusions

Similar to Home Depot, several high-dollar categories like appliances, dimensional lumber, electrical supplies, and installation services are excluded.

The key advantages:

• No annual savings cap:This is the biggest differentiator. Whether you spend $500 or $15,000, the 10% continues to apply.
• Simple redemption process:Once verified, you can apply the discount using your MyLowes account or phone number. No QR codes or extra steps are required at checkout.
• Seamless online and in-store use:The discount integrates cleanly whether youre shopping in-store or online. This makes it much easier to plan purchases and compare prices.
• Fewer friction points:While exclusions still exist, the process tends to feel more consistent and predictable for repeat shoppers.

What this means in real life:

Lowes is better suited for:

• Larger home improvement projects.
• Frequent shoppers and contractors.
• Anyone planning to spend beyond a few thousand dollars annually.

Pro tip: Be sure to stack your Lowes military discount with their seasonal sales for maximum savings. In particular, your best bet is to stack your savings during these events:

• Spring home improvement season
• Memorial Day and Fourth of July sales
• Black Friday and holiday sales

Side-by-side comparison (what actually matters)

Military discount value:

• Both offer 10% off eligible items
• Result: Tie

Annual savings potential:

• Home Depot: Capped at $400
• Lowes: No cap
• Advantage: Lowes

Ease of use:

• Home Depot: Requires app and QR code
• Lowes: Tied to account or phone number
• Advantage: Lowes

Flexibility for large purchases:

• Home Depot: Limited due to cap and exclusions
• Lowes: Continues to apply as spending increases
• Advantage: Lowes

In-store vs. online:

• Home Depot: Works, but requires extra steps
• Lowes: More seamless experience
• Advantage: Lowes

The real winner

Lowes comes out ahead for most shoppers, especially anyone spending meaningful money on home improvement or DIY projects.

The unlimited nature of the Lowes discount changes the math significantly.

As your spending increases at both home improvement stores, that gap obviously widens quickly. Over the course of a full home renovation, for instance, the difference can easily reach several hundred dollars.

How to use both stores strategically

The best approach is not choosing Lowes over Home Depot every time, but instead use each discount where it makes the most sense.

Strategy 1: Max out the Home Depot discount early.

Use Home Depot for:

• Smaller purchases early in the year.
• Items you already plan to buy there.

Once you hit the $400 cap, theres no additional benefit to continuing to use the discount.

Strategy 2: Shift to Lowes for ongoing spending.

After hitting the $400 Home Depot cap:

• Move all remaining purchases to Lowes.
• Continue collecting the full 10% savings without limits.

This is where the long-term value really adds up.

Strategy 3: Compare exclusions before buying.

Obviously not all items qualify at both stores. So before making a large purchase:

• Add the item to your cart at both retailers.
• Check whether the discount applies.

In some cases, one store will honor the discount while the other will not.

From spiral ham to ready-made sides, heres how the warehouse giant is simplifying Easter hosting in 2026

• A ready-to-serve Easter meal from Sam's Club is designed to cut down prep time and stress.

• The spread includes classic mains, sides, and desserts that can feed a crowd.

• Convenience and value are the big selling points but shoppers should plan ahead.

If youre hosting Easter this year but not exactly thrilled about spending the entire day in the kitchen, Sam's Club has a solution.

The retailer is leaning hard into convenience for 2026 with a holiday meal offering thats designed to take the pressure off planning, prepping, and cooking without sacrificing that traditional Easter spread.

The idea is simple: let shoppers pick up most (or all) of their holiday meals in one stop, with minimal prep required at home. Its part of a broader push toward stress-free entertaining, with options that work whether youre hosting a big family gathering or keeping things low-key.

Whats included in the Easter meal

At the center of the offering is a lineup of classic Easter staples. And if youre hosting a group of 15, the total comes out to about $9 per person.

Shoppers can choose from mains like spiral-cut ham or lamb, along with a variety of ready-made sides and desserts. Think mac and cheese, potatoes, rolls, and bakery items like cakes or cookies all designed to complement the main dish.

Heres a look at some of the options:

• Members Mark All Butter Cocktail Croissants, 20-count: $5.46

• Members Mark Macaroni and Cheese: $8.10 ($3.24/lb.)

• Members Mark Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, 32 oz., two-count: $7.98

• Members Mark Australian Boneless Leg of Lamb: $37.32 ($6.48/lb.)

• Members Mark Boneless Spiral-Sliced Fully-Cooked Double-Glazed Uncured Ham: $22.57 ($2.97/lb.)

• Members Mark 10 Coconut Dessert Cake: $17.97

• Members Mark Cherry Pistachio Crunch Salad: $12.89 ($7.16/lb.)

• Asparagus: $6.52 ($3.52/lb.)

• Members Mark Seasoned Green Beans with Almonds: $7.67 ($4.26/lb.)

Many of the items come pre-cooked or require minimal heating, which means less hands-on time and fewer dishes to juggle. The retailer also highlights flexible options, including brunch-style foods and grazing boards, so you can mix and match depending on your plans.

Another big perk: the meals are built to serve groups. Like most warehouse offerings, portions are generous, making it easier to feed a crowd without constantly refilling the table.

What shoppers should know before buying

While the convenience factor is a major win, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, if you dont have a membership to shop at Sams Club, you could get hit with an extra fee. Timing also matters, as stores are closed on Easter Sunday, so everything needs to be picked up ahead of time.

Its also worth thinking about customization. While these meal components cover the basics, you may still want to add a personal touch, whether thats a homemade side dish or a family-favorite dessert.

An audio expert shares the red flags to watch for and simple ways to stay one step ahead of AI-powered fraud

• Voice cloning are on the rise, with scammers using just seconds of audio to mimic people you know and create convincing, high-pressure calls.

• Key warning signs include flat or unusual emotional tone, odd pauses or phrasing, and urgent requests often coming from unknown numbers.

• You can protect yourself by slowing down, verifying the caller through trusted contact methods, and using tools like family codewords to confirm identities.

If you got a call from a loved one asking for help, youd probably trust it without a second thought. Thats exactly what scammers are counting on.

A growing wave of voice cloning is using artificial intelligence to mimic real people sometimes with just a few seconds of audio pulled from social media to create eerily convincing calls.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with security expert James Grifo, Owner and CEO of Audiovisual Nation, to break down the biggest warning signs, how to avoid falling victim to these , and practical steps you and your family can take to stay safe in an era where hearing a familiar voice isnt always enough to trust it.

Know the warning signs

Grifo shared the biggest red flags that consumers should look for when it comes to voice cloning :

• Small inconsistencies that you dont expect from a real person. One inconsistency is easy to overlook, but be wary when they add up.

• Emotional tone. The voice can come across as slightly flat or off, even if what they are saying sounds convincing. In an emergency, people sound less controlled, so you might hear strain, tone variation, or even panic in their voice. AI still struggles to replicate that fully.

• The way the person speaks. You might notice odd pauses, unusual pacing, or phrasing that doesnt sound like the person you know. Speech patterns are incredibly personal, making it easy to notice when they are off.

• A sense of urgency. These calls almost always come with urgency and pressure to act quickly, typically from an unknown number. That combination is a red flag.

Dont be fooled by realistic voice clones

AI has made it all too easy for scammers to sound like people you know and trust. Grifo says not getting fooled by this is the key.

Cloned voices are surprisingly realistic, but only at surface level, he said. Scammers only need a few seconds of audio to recreate tone, accent, and cadence well enough to sound familiar.

Context is what makes these calls convincing. If you get a call that sounds like your child in distress and asking for help, your brain fills in the gaps. You arent analyzing audio quality in that moment because its emotionally charged.

You can stop the scam

If you suspect that someone youre on the phone with is scamming you, what should you do? Grifo says that the power lies in your hands.

If you suspect a scam, pause and break the momentum of the call, Grifo said. These rely on urgency. As soon as you slow things down, you take away their advantage.

Here are his best tips for stopping the scam:

• Hang up and contact the person directly on their usual number. Dont rely on the call you just received, even if it sounds convincing. If you cant reach the person, check with someone else who can confirm where they are, like a partner or workplace.

• Avoid sending money or sharing any personal information until youve verified the situation.

• If something feels off, trust that instinct. Its better to double-check and be wrong than to act quickly and regret it.

Protecting yourself from scammers

While it may seem like these are unavoidable, there are some steps to protect yourself and your family.

Protection starts with putting checks in place before anything happens, Grifo said. He also offered some advice for consumers to steer clear of these :

• Establish a codeword. A verbal codeword with close family is a strong first step. You can ask for it straight away in suspicious circumstances, and a scammer wont be able to provide it.

• Build the habit of verifying before doing. Dont act on a single call, especially if it involves money or urgency. Hang up and contact the person directly using a number you trust.

• Ask questions that only that person would know. Also,take a moment to think about whether the scenario makes sense. It all helps to pressure-test the scenario.

Scammers rely on timing and emotion, " Grifo said. The voice technology is only part of it. They are putting you in a situation where you feel you have to act immediately. But if you pause and verify, you can stop a scam in its tracks.

Why all natural means almost nothing

• Buzzwords like natural, fat-free, and high protein can make junk food seem healthier than it really is.

• Claims like no high-fructose corn syrup and healthy-looking images are often just smart marketing tricks.

• Flip the package over, check the ingredients, and compare similar products before you buy.

Food companies dont lie, but they definitely dont tell you the whole story. Instead, according to the Huffington Post, they rely on a health halo to get their messaging across.

In other words, they use a few carefully chosen words or images that make you assume a product is better for you than it really is.

If you dont know what to look for, its easy to overpay for food thats basically dressed-up junk.

The biggest label tricks to watch for

• All natural doesnt mean healthy:According to a food scientist that the HuffPo interviewed, this is one of the most misleading labels out there. Natural typically just means no artificial flavors or colors were added. The word by itself says nothing about the amount of sugar, sodium, or calories in a product.
• Fat-free or sugar-free isnt a free pass:When brands remove fat, they often add sugar, starches, or chemicals to keep the taste. When they remove sugar, they may add artificial sweeteners. So, keep in mind that youre not necessarily getting a healthier product, just a reformulated one.
• No high-fructose corn syrup is a distraction:This sounds like a product you might grab if youre trying to reduce your sugar intake. But in actuality, companies often swap in cane sugar, rice syrup, or other sweeteners that have close to the same effect on your body. The real number to care about is total sugar, not the type.
• Multigrain sounds healthy, but often isnt:It simply means more than one type of grain was used. Those grains can still be refined (stripped of nutrients). If you want actual benefits, look for 100% whole grain or check fiber content.
• High protein can hide a lot of junk:Protein is trendy, so brands slap it on everything. But many high protein snacks also come loaded with sugar and calories. A protein bar with 20g of sugar is still basically candy with a gym label.
• Healthy-looking images are doing the heavy lifting:Pictures of fruit, leaves, farms, or athletes are designed to trigger a this is good for me reaction. That apple on the box doesnt mean whats inside is anything like an apple.

What smart shoppers should actually do

• Flip the package over first, not last:Ignore the flashy words and pictures on the front of the package. Instead, go straight to the nutrition label and ingredients list, as thats where the truth hides.
• Check sugar and sodium immediately:These are the fastest ways to spot a fake healthy food. If sugar is high (especially near the top of ingredients), its a red flag.
• Look at ingredient order:Ingredients are listed by weight. If sugar (or a variation of it) is in the top threeingredients, that could be a problem.
• Compare similar products side by side:This is one of the easiest wins. Two healthy granola or protein bars can have wildly different nutrition labels.

If a product is working really hard to convince you its healthy it probably isnt. The foods that are actually good for you usually dont need flashy labels to prove it.

Dont let fear override common sense

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Tech support cost victims billions each year and often target the most vulnerable users.

• Scammers use fear and urgency to trick people into giving access to their devices or financial information.

• Knowing the warning signs can stop a scam before any damage is done.

As the internet became mainstream in the 1990s, scammers learned that fake tech support schemes were a powerful tool in their arsenal. In the following decades, tech support have evolved into one of the most pervasive forms of online fraud.

What began as crude pop-up warnings has turned into sophisticated operations involving call centers, remote access tools, and convincing impersonation tactics. These dont just cause financial loss they can lead to identity theft, compromised devices, and long-term security risks.

At their core, tech support exploit a simple idea: most people rely on technology but dont fully understand how it works. Scammers step into that gap, pretending to be trusted experts from well-known companies like Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus providers.

Why these are so dangerous

The danger of tech support goes beyond a one-time payment. Once a scammer gains your trust or worse, access to your device the consequences can multiply quickly.

First, theres financial loss. Victims are often pressured into paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for fake repairs or unnecessary software.

Second, theres data exposure. If you allow remote access, scammers can view files, copy sensitive information, install malware, or capture passwords.

Third, theres an ongoing vulnerability. Some scammers install backdoors or convince victims to sign up for recurring support services, keeping the door open for future exploitation.

Finally, these often rely on psychological manipulation. Victims may feel embarrassed afterward, which can delay reporting and allow scammers to continue targeting others.

How tech support work

Most tech support follow a familiar pattern:

• A pop-up warning appears claiming your computer is infected or compromised.

• You receive an unsolicited call or email from someone claiming to be technical support.

• The scammer urges immediate action, often using alarming language.

• Youre asked to grant remote access or download software.

• Payment is demanded to fix the issue.

The entire process is designed to create panic and push you into acting without thinking. Fortunately, these schemes all reveal themselves if you know what to look for. Recognizing the warning signs is the best defense. Here are the most common red flags:

Red Flags to Watch For

1. Unsolicited contact: Legitimate tech companies do not call, email, or text you out of the blue to report problems with your device
2. Urgent or threatening language: Phrases like Your computer is infected, Your data is at risk, or Act immediately are meant to create panic.
3. Requests for remote access:No reputable company will ask for remote access unless you initiated support through official channels
4. Payment demands: Scammers often request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or unusual methods. These are nearly impossible to trace or reverse.
5. Suspicious pop-ups: Fake alerts may lock your screen or play loud warnings. Real system alerts dont include phone numbers to call.
6. Impersonation of well-known brands: Scammers frequently claim to represent companies like Microsoft or Apple but these companies dont operate this way.
7. Poor grammar or odd behavior: While are getting more polished, inconsistencies in communication can still be a clue.

How to Protect Yourself

Avoiding tech support comes down to a few simple habits:

• Dont engage with unsolicited messages or calls.

• Never give control of your device to someone you didnt contact.

• Verify support through official company websites.

• Use security software and keep your system updated.

• When in doubt, shut it down close the browser or restart your device.

If you think youve encountered a scam, disconnect from the internet immediately and run a trusted security scan. If youve already paid or shared information, contact your bank and report the incident as soon as possible.

Tech support succeed because they prey on fear and trust. The more convincing they become, the more important awareness is. By understanding how these work and recognizing their warning signs, you can avoid becoming a victim and help others do the same.