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Many PC users don’t want to manually update device drivers since regular Windows updates take care of it just fine. However, these automatic driver updates can be a hassle for system administrators, enterprise users, gamers, and other power users who want more control over driver changes. Thankfully, you can disable these driver updates while a regular Windows update continues uninterrupted. Why Disable Driver Updates in Windows Windows taking care of all driver updates is a great convenience. However, many users may want to do it on their own schedules, or keep certain drivers unchanged. Manufacturer/OEM drivers > generics: through a…

My phone was my primary source of dopamine, especially during the hours before and after work. After realizing how much this habit impacted my professional and family life, I finally tried the popular grayscale trick to curb my phone addiction. Here is how it went: How Grayscale Can Help Curb Phone Addiction The grayscale mode on your phone turns off all colors and instead uses different shades of gray to represent color intensities. It basically makes your phone dull like an E-ink device. This disrupts your brain’s reward system as it’s hardwired to respond to bright and saturated colors. Many…

Self-Directed IRAs allow you to invest in all types of investments within your retirement account.If you have a retirement account at a traditional brokerage such as Fidelity, Schwab, E*TRADE, or Vanguard, you’ve probably noticed that your investment choices are limited to stocks, funds, and bonds. This limitation isn’t because of some law. It’s a restriction imposed by financial institutions. After all, financial institutions sell financial products.What if you want to invest in something outside of stock market securities? That probably isn’t going to happen at a traditional financial brokerage. You’ll typically have to move your funds into what’s called a…

I used to spend a lot of time troubleshooting large Docker images, waiting for builds to complete, and worrying about wasted storage. It felt like no matter how carefully I structured my Dockerfiles, the images always ended up heavier than necessary. That all changed when I discovered SlimToolkit (formerly known as DockerSlim). This tool analyzes a Docker image, identifies which files and dependencies are actually needed at runtime, and removes everything else. Follow this guide to see how SlimToolkit works, and the steps I used to shrink my Docker images without breaking anything. SlimToolkit Simplifies Docker Image Optimization SlimToolkit is…

Key PointsExisting Parent PLUS borrowers must consolidate and enroll in income-driven repayment by strict 2026 deadlines to preserve access to forgiveness.Borrowing a new Parent PLUS loan after July 1, 2026 will permanently eliminate eligibility for income-driven repayment and PSLF, even if older loans were properly consolidated.New Parent PLUS loans issued after July 1, 2026 will be capped and limited to standard repayment only. Parents who borrowed to help pay for their child’s college through the federal Parent PLUS Loan program face a narrow set of deadlines in 2026 that could permanently shape their repayment options. The year marks a sharp…

We may earn a commission from links on this page.Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.One of my goals this year is to better protect my focus. Between remote work, a busy household, and constant background noise, it’s easy to feel mentally drained before the day is even half over. If you’re trying to be more intentional with your time and attention in the new year, cutting down on distractions can make a bigger difference than adding another productivity app. That’s where Apple AirPods Max stand out. These aren’t just headphones for listening to music —…

When you refinance student loans, you’re taking out a new private student loan to replace your existing student loans.It can be super confusing to know what the best option is to refinance or consolidate your student loan debt. There are so many different lenders and banks – along with just as many programs – that it can be overwhelming.Before we begin, it’s important to understand the key differences:Student Loan Refinancing – Getting a new private student loan to replace your existing loan and/or loans.Student Loan Consolidation – Combining multiple Federal loans into one loan.With all the student loan refinancing companies we’re going…

If you’ve been following the productivity landscape recently, you must’ve come across tons of posts recommending apps like Notion, Obsidian, and NotebookLM. Most posts pose these apps as some magic pill to boost your productivity, creating a feeling that you’re missing out on some shortcut to success. Well, I hate to break it to you — they’re not, and it’s likely a productivity trap for you. The ‘Geeky Procrastination’ Diagnosis As a chronically lazy person, I try to read up a lot on tips and tricks to improve my productivity. So, naturally, when the productivity coaches recommend stuff, I get…

Certificates of deposit (CDs) remain one of the most reliable short-term savings tools, especially for those seeking guaranteed returns as rates fall. As of January 14, 2026, the best 12-month CD rates reach up to 4.10% APY (annual percentage yield), with many banks and credit unions still offering yields far above the national average of 1.63%, according to the FDIC. It’s interesting to note that most banks have been holding their 12-month CD rates steady, or even increasing them since the Fed Rate cut. This is the opposite of what we’ve been seeing with savings accounts.Now might be the best time to…

When my in-laws moved to a different state, the real challenge came when we cleaned out their garage and started minimizing stuff for the move. “Where do you want me to start,” I asked my mother-in-law while looking at her very packed garage.She thought for a while and spent a good ten minutes telling what not to touch. I couldn’t touch those vintage items because she was going to get appraised. I couldn’t touch those boxes because my father-in-law needed to do through them. Opening up a cedar chest sent her into a huge sidetrack of memories as she looked…