Online shopping has forever changed the way we buy just about everything. With a few simple clicks, we can order and pay for clothes, electronics, tools, furniture, groceries, and more. Then, before we know it, what we bought is delivered right to our doorsteps. Talk about convenience!

With online shopping’s convenience, however, comes the risk of not receiving exactly what we ordered– or, worse, getting scammed by illegitimate websites. To better protect yourself while shopping online, follow these 10 tips from the Better Business Bureau:

Know the advertiser. Some of the best deals are only available online, but be careful. It’s easy for a fake website to mimic a famous retailer’s real one, so make sure you’re shopping with a legitimate site. If the site is missing contact information, that’s a red flag.

Check a site’s security settings. If the site is secure, its web address should start with “https://” (with an “s”) and include a lock icon on the purchase or shopping cart page.

Be a savvy shopper. When shopping online, be sure to take your time and read the fine print before submitting your order. Look for the return policy; although many online orders can be returned for a full refund, others have restocking fees. Some items can’t be returned at all, so know before you buy.

Protect personal information. Read a site’s privacy policy, and understand what personal information is being requested and how it’ll be used. If a site doesn’t have a privacy policy, that’s a big red flag that it may be a scam.

Think before you click. Be especially cautious about email solicitations and online ads on social media sites. Many sketchy retailers advertise great deals that don’t measure up to the promotional hype.

Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals. Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails may offer free or very low prices on hard-to-find items. There may be hidden costs, or your purchase may sign you up for a monthly charge. Look for and read the fine print.

Beware of phishing. Phishing emails can look like a message from a well-known brand, but clicking on unfamiliar links can place you at risk for malware and/or identity theft. One popular scam claims to be from a package-delivery company with links to “tracking information” on an order you don’t remember making. Don’t click!

Shop with a credit card. In case of a fraudulent transaction, a credit card provides additional protections; it’s easier to dispute charges that you didn’t approve. Debit cards, prepaid cards or gift cards don’t have the same protections as a credit card.

Keep documentation of your order. Save a copy of the confirmation page or email confirmation until you receive the item and are satisfied. Be sure to know and understand the return policy, and keep this documented with your purchase records.

Keep a clean machine. Install security software on your computer, tablet and smartphone. Check for and install the latest updates, and run virus scans regularly.

Stainless steel appliances give a renovated kitchen that pop it needs, while stainless steel cookware makes for a durable product that never disturbs flavors yet guarantees a balanced heating of foods. To boot, stainless steel even resists corrosion and rust.

However, stainless steel can sometimes be difficult to keep clean. Here are some quick and easy tips for maintaining that fresh metallic look:

Clean with water and a cloth. Microfiber cloths are the best option to use when cleaning stainless steel because they absorb all of the water. They also avoid scratching steel surfaces. You’ll want to avoid paper towels or any cloth or towel with a rough surface intended for non-stick cookware. This especially includes steel wool. When drying, dry along the grain to avoid water spots. If you clean or dry aggressively against the grain with regular scouring pads, you’ll leave marks on your appliance or pan, so be sure to take it easy.

Only use a drop of dish soap. For most cases, a drop of mild dish soap and warm water is all you’ll need to clean a stainless steel pan or pot, so don’t overthink it. Just be gentle. Alternatively, using white vinegar as a cleaner has also been proven to work.

Glass cleaner is your friend. Fingerprints on stainless steel is one of the biggest complaints, and it’s a valid concern. No matter how careful you try to be, fingerprints will always end up on your fridge. Spray glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth to get the job done. Wipe away the fingerprint using a soft circular motion.  There are newer finishes of stainless steel that are fingerprint resistant, so if you’re buying new appliances, be sure to do your research and seek those out.

Keep a stainless steel cleaner on hand. If you need to remove stains or scratches from your stainless steel, using a steel cleaner is a great option. Read the directions on the cleaner, and be sure to test the product on an unnoticeable location.  Even if you aren’t trying to remove a stain or hide a scratch, stainless steel cleaner or glass cleaner will help your appliance shine. As always, rinse the area thoroughly afterwards and towel dry.

Stainless steel can be finicky, but with a little TLC, it will keep your kitchen looking sleek and stylish for years to come.

Want to save money on your auto insurance? According to the Insurance Information Institute, one of the best ways to keep auto insurance costs down is to have a good driving record. Following are seven other things the organization suggests you can do to help lower your costs:

1. Shop around. Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information online. Don’t shop by price alone, though. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations, and pick an agent or company representative that takes the time to answer your questions.

2. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft.

3. Ask for higher deductibles. Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

4. Reduce coverage on older cars. Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Research the current worth of your cars, and review your coverage at renewal time to make sure your insurance needs haven’t changed.

5. Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer. Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company, and some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. However, it still makes sense to shop around. You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multipolicy discount.

6. Maintain a good credit record. Most insurers use credit information to price auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don’t obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible.

7. Seek out other discounts. Companies offer discounts to policyholders who haven’t had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also get a discount if you take a defensive driving course. If there’s a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a driver’s education course or is away at college without a car, you may also qualify for a lower rate. Some companies also offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower-than-average number of miles per year.

For more information on insurance, visit iii.org.

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Food processors are one of the most helpful of kitchen appliances. Whether you need to slice, dice, chop, shred or purée a host of ingredients for a meal, large or small, the handy machine can get the job done quickly with the press of a button. Depending on which model you have, a food processor also typically takes up little space on your kitchen counter or in your cabinets.

To help you get the most out of your food processor, Consumer Reports offers these seven tips for using the kitchen appliance:

Always insert the blade before adding food. Set the blade in the work bowl, and make sure the bowl is fitted on the motor base before putting in ingredients. If the blade isn’t sitting correctly, the appliance could break.

Use the pulse button. This function gets you an even chop without the risk of overprocessing. Otherwise, onions and other foods with a high water content can quickly turn into a purée. Use this for chopping nuts or making salsas.

Let hot liquids cool down. For your safety, bring hot ingredients to room temperature before processing.

Purée soup ingredients without stock. Strain out the cooked vegetables from the stock pot, and purée them in the food processor. They’ll blend smoother without liquid. Then whisk the purée back into the strained liquid.

Partially freeze meats and cheeses. Before processing, get the ingredients really cold, but not frozen solid, for the best ground meat and shredded cheese.

Be patient when making nut butters. The longer you process, the softer and silkier the butter will be.

Avoid “mashed” potatoes. Here’s an instance where the food processor won’t come in handy. Cooked potatoes develop a gluey texture when processed with the metal blade. You’d be better off using a stand mixer to make this dish.

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It can take years for a new, more energy-efficient refrigerator or other major appliance to pay for itself in savings on a utility bill. If that’s the path you want to take, this Energy Star calculator can estimate the amount of money saved by replacing an old fridge with a new one. But if you want to see quicker results, here’s how you can save on cash and your energy usage:

Less Hot Water
By lowering the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you use less energy to heat your water. You can also use less hot water by washing clothes in cold water, and only using the dishwasher when it’s completely full and during off-peak times if your utility company offers lower rates.

Set the Thermostat
The furnace and air conditioners consume the most energy in a home. Using them less can save you a lot of money on your utility bill. Start by lowering the thermostat in the winter and raising it in the summer.

Either buy a programmable thermostat or change the temperature yourself before you leave your house for work in the morning. Lower it by 10 to 15 degrees in the winter while you’re out of the house, and keep your home just a few degrees warmer during the winter when you’re home.

Use Fans
Ceiling fans can force cool air down in warm weather by running counterclockwise, and can distribute warm air during colder months by running clockwise and moving air up and around a room.

Fans obviously require energy to run, but they’ll lead to savings by keeping the cool or warm air that you want in your house instead of letting it escape out the roof.

Install Timers
You can install timed light switches in rooms that are used only from time to time, such as bathrooms and the laundry room. You won’t have to worry about remembering to turn the lights off because they will shut off automatically after a set period of time.

Replace Appliances
While the savings take longer to add up and the upfront cost can be prohibitive, replacing old appliances will eventually save you energy and money. Refrigerators that are 15 years or older use twice as much energy as a new Energy Star refrigerator.

The bar cart is a fashionable, functional, and efficient use of space. If a full home bar is not in order, these are a great way to add design appeal that can be enjoyed during dinner parties or quiet evenings alike. You don’t even have to be a drinker to appreciate a bar cart, as they work just as well with any type of refreshment, be it mineral water or lemonade. One you’ve picked out your bar cart and chosen the ideal space for it, it’s time to put your design cap on.

Here are a few tips for styling a sophisticated cocktail station in your home!

Personalize

First and foremost, the way you style your bar cart should be a reflection of your preferences and the drinks you plan on making. Consider picking out a theme, like an art deco-style bar cart where you’ll be crafting Old Fashions à la Mad Men or go for a swanky, modern look where you can mix cosmopolitans.

Essential Spirits

Of course, you’ll want to keep your favorite bottles proudly displayed on the top shelf and can place a few other popular choices for guests on the lower shelf. For a crowd-pleasing selection, you should generally have vodka, whiskey, gin, and rum on-hand.

Barware

Put your favorite glassware on full display, be it classic martini glasses or blown glass tumblers. Equally important are all the tools you’ll need for shaking, muddling, and mixing yourself a mean drink. A jigger, paring knife, and bar board are a few of the essential accoutrement.

Mixers and Garnishes

Having a few lemons and limes are practical, of course, but they’re also visually pleasing when used as decorations. Equally important are mixers, like club soda and tonic water, as well as any complementary liqueurs or bitters that you enjoy.

Accessorize

Finally, add a few accessories to round out the look. A cocktail book is always a nice touch and will come in handy when one of your guests asks for that obscure drink that no one’s ever heard of. Plants, small sculptures, or handmade crafts are also popular ways to add a bit more flair to your bar cart.

Getting kids to eat their veggies can be hard to navigate–especially if you hope that they’ll eventually enjoy them. Thankfully, giving children the opportunity to love new vegetables is not as hard as it can seem. With a few tips that allow you to give your kids autonomy with their food options, you’ll soon find them reaching for the veggies each meal.

Take A Field Trip

Visit a nearby farm; taking children on a field trip to see where fresh food comes from is an excellent way to get them familiar with fresh vegetables before they ever consider needing to take a bite. Many farms offer tours or family days. These tour days not only show kids the labor and love that goes into growing your food, but also includes activities and games. Consider taking your kids along for a fun day where they can bring home a souvenir in the form of a veggie to eat later.

Let Them Decide

As a child, many things are chosen for you. From when to sleep and where to play, adults set the parameters for the day. When it comes to food, giving your child a bit of extra autonomy can make meals fun instead of a battle of wills. Take a quick trip to your favorite grocery store or farmers market and let the kids decide what veggie they would like. Let them choose a favorite, or ask them to pick a new item they haven’t seen before. A great weekend activity, this can be an exciting way for parents to branch out and try a new recipe, and can give children the power of autonomy over their food. Just be sure to make it soon so your child’s excitement doesn’t waine. Making the food a week later and forcing them to eat it defeats the purpose.

Make Them Sous-Chefs for the Day

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