In today’s game, our laptops are mission-critical. But here’s the thing: hauling your main device everywhere—flights, coffee shops, meetings—is risky. One drop, one spill, and you’re scrambling.

That’s why a lot of professionals invest in a backup laptop—and right now you can grab a refurbished 13.3″ Apple MacBook Air for just $189.97 (MSRP $999) with free shipping.

The MacBook Air is light, reliable, and built for the everyday tasks that keep business moving: taking notes at a client meeting, checking email between flights, or streaming presentations without dragging your primary machine into harm’s way.

Here’s why this offer makes sense for entrepreneurs and professionals:

• 13.3″ display: Crisp, clear resolution for work and streaming.
• Intel Core i5 (1.8GHz): Smooth performance for documents, email, and multitasking.
• Intel HD Graphics 6000: Great for presentations and casual creative work.
• 128GB SSD: Store your most important files for easy travel access.
• Wi-Fi and bluetooth: Stay connected and transfer files seamlessly.
• 12-hour battery life: Power through meetings, flights, or workdays without plugging in.
• Grade A/B refurbished: Fully functional, with only light cosmetic wear.

This MacBook Air is an affordable “second-in-command” that ensures you’re never without the tools you need. It’s slim enough to toss into a bag, dependable enough to handle daily business demands, and affordable enough that you won’t stress about wear and tear.

Get this quality refurbished MacBook Air for $189.97 (MSRP $999) plus free shipping while stock lasts.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

When you’re running a business, every photo you put out into the world is part of your brand story. Whether it’s a product image on your website, a team photo for LinkedIn, or a behind-the-scenes Instagram shot, visual quality matters—and it can mean the difference between “just scrolling” and “click to buy.”

Luminar Mobile makes pro-level photo editing accessible, affordable, and ridiculously easy. For a one-time $19.99 payment, you’ll have lifetime access to an AI-powered editing toolkit that can replace skies, relight scenes, retouch portraits, and even remove that random coffee cup from your product flat lay. And yes, it works seamlessly on your iOS or Android device—so you can edit from anywhere.

For entrepreneurs, marketers, real estate agents, content creators, and small-business owners, this is the kind of tool that pays for itself fast. Need to polish product shots before uploading them to your eCommerce site? Want to make sure your LinkedIn headshot looks confident and approachable? Launching a social media campaign that requires cohesive, high-quality visuals? Luminar Mobile puts all that power in your pocket.

With features like EnhanceAI to instantly boost color and clarity, SkinAI to refine portraits, and Erase to remove distractions, you can produce client-ready visuals in minutes—without expensive software or outsourcing. In today’s market, where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, looking polished isn’t optional.

Luminar Mobile makes it effortless.

Get lifetime access to one of the following versions:

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Setting up a smart home doesn’t mean turning your living room into a tech showroom or draining your savings. Honestly, it can be as simple as plugging in a few key devices that make your day-to-day a little easier.

If you’ve been curious about smart home tech but weren’t sure where to start, this is for you. We’ve pulled together an affordable smart home setup for beginners – six tried-and-true devices that are easy to install, family-friendly, and don’t require a monthly subscription or a computer science degree.

Start with one, or try them all together. Either way, this is a great way to dip your toe into the world of smart home living without overdoing it.

This post includes affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you shop through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business while you shop smarter!

 

$34.99 on Amazon

This is where it all starts. The Echo Dot lets you control smart lights, plugs, thermostats, air purifiers—you name it—with just your voice. You can also use it to set timers, stream music, check the weather, or tell Alexa to remind the kids (again) to brush their teeth. The newest model even includes a temperature sensor and better sound, making it one of the most useful smart gadgets you can get for under $40.

 

$12.99 on Amazon

This bulb is proof that you don’t need a whole smart lighting system to get started. Just screw it in, connect it through the Alexa app, and you can change colors, set timers, and dim the lights—all without leaving the couch. It’s great for bedrooms, reading nooks, or those nights when the vibe needs to shift from “wild chaos” to “calm bedtime.”

 

 

$24.99 on Amazon

Want your regular lamp or coffee maker to feel a little more 2025? Plug it into this, and suddenly you’ve got voice control, automated schedules, and the ability to shut it off from anywhere. One of the simplest, most satisfying smart home upgrades.

 

 

$54.99 on Amazon

This updated Ring model gives you live video, motion alerts, and two-way talk, all managed through your phone. It installs in minutes (no hardwiring!), and the head-to-toe video gives you a better view of everything from visitors to porch packages. It’s a quick, affordable way to feel more in control of your front door—especially when you’re not home.

 

 

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Quick tip: Your smart home is only as smart as your phone plan

If you’re going to control your devices from your phone—like turning off the lights while you’re at work or checking your video doorbell from the carpool line—you need a solid data connection. A lot of people forget this part, but it matters.

Get $120 Off Mint Mobile’s Unlimited Plan
For a limited time, new customers can grab Mint Mobile’s 12-month Unlimited plan for just $20/month. That’s $120 in savings and a full year of unlimited talk, text, and data to stay connected to your smart devices—without overpaying for service.

Try the savings calculator here to see how much you’d save.

Heads-up: Upfront payment required. Speeds may reduce after 35GB. Hotspot use capped at 10GB/month. See mintmobile.com for details.

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$79.99 on Amazon

If you’ve ever left the house with the heat still blasting or wanted the AC on before you walked in the door—this is for you. This thermostat works with Alexa to adjust temps automatically based on your routine. It’s Energy Star-certified and might even qualify for rebates through your local energy company.

 

 

$74.99 on Amazon

We love this one for bedrooms or shared spaces. It filters dust, smoke, and allergens quietly (as low as 24dB!), and you can control everything through the app or Alexa. It’s a great way to round out your setup, especially if you have pets, seasonal allergies, or just want cleaner air indoors.

Want to start a smart home setup without overcomplicating things?

This is the place to start. Each one of these devices is easy to install, budget-friendly, and works well on its own—but they’re even better together. Whether you’re trying to stay on top of security, save energy, or just make mornings smoother, this affordable smart home setup for beginners has you covered.

And with a better phone plan in the mix? You’ll actually be able to stay connected to your home, even when you’re not in it.