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According to Forbes, there are currently more billionaires on Earth than ever. Over 3,000 of them, including all the billionaire tech bros who attended billionaire president Donald Trump's inauguration, and the 13 billionaires now in the White House.
So Stephen Colbert dedicated a song to those who opt for faberge eggs in a crisis during Tuesday night's Late Show, joining The Traitors and Doctor Who icon Alan Cumming for a bonafide chilling bop about why billionaires are good, actually! Are they watching? Of course they are! Sing it loud! "Hey boss!" Colbert says to a surveillance camera. "You're one of the good ones, hope you're liking the song!"
It's a pastel-hued banger with an 11/10 kicker: "Sing their praises and maybe when we are done, they’ll fuck off and colonise the sun."
DISNEY+ BUNDLES: Disney+ is offering bundle deals so you can stream the best of its library at a lower price.
The best Disney+ deals and bundles in April 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Basic Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get DealWhether you're looking to jump into the latest superhero saga or journey to a galaxy far, far away, Disney+ is the streaming service for you.
Home to Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and so much more, Disney+ offers a library that's chock-full of shows and films to keep both adults and kids entertained when it matters. This includes the highly-anticipated second season of Andor, which is set to drop on the streaming service on April 22.
If you've had this streaming service on your radar but are unsure which plan is the best fit for you, we've got you covered with a selection of Disney+ streaming deals.
SEE ALSO: 'Andor' creator on Lucasfilm censoring f-bomb: 'They were right.'There are quite a few bundle deals to check out with Disney+ right now, including the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle. This is a great investment for those who already own the other two streaming services and are looking to cut down on costs. And with streaming prices on the rise (Disney+ even increased its prices just last year), now's a great time to jump on a bundle like that.
We've detailed all of the available bundle deals below, alongside basic information on Disney+ plans if you just want the House of Mouse's service on its own.
Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like itThe Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle is one of the best available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, you can have three excellent streaming services right in the palm of your hand, which is a great offer to take advantage of given streaming service prices keep going up. The $16.99 per month option is for the With Ads plan, but if you'd prefer to watch your favorite content without ads, the No Ads plan comes to $29.99 per month. Compared to what you'd pay for each of these on their own, you're saving 43% with the ad-supported plan and 42% with the ad-free plan.
Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)
Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)
If the Disney+, Hulu, and Max mega bundle feels like a bit too much, there are smaller bundle deals to check out instead. One of the most affordable bundle options the service has is the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic plan. This brings together Disney+ and Hulu (With Ads) for $10.99 per month. This is a great way to gain access to both of their libraries for only $1 more than what you'd pay for their ad-supported plans on their own.
Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic — $10.99 per month
If you'd rather spring for the ad-free version of that bundle, Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium is what you need. This offers both Disney+ and Hulu without ads for $19.99 per month instead. Disney+ also has bundles that throw in ESPN+. The Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic plan, which has ads, runs for $16.99 per month, and the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium plan without ads costs $26.99 per month.
Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $19.99 per month
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic — $16.99 per month
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium — $26.99 per month
Disney+ offers two standard plans if you just want the service on its own. The Disney+ Basic ad-supported plan comes to $9.99 per month while the ad-free Disney+ Premium plan will set you back $15.99 per month or $159.99 per year if you'd rather pay annually.
Disney+ Basic (With Ads) — $9.99 per month
Disney+ Premium (No Ads) — $15.99 per month, $159.99 per year
Disney+ has also created an "extra member" plan for people using your account that live outside of your household as they crack down on password sharing. If you're looking to add another person onto your account, you're only allowed one extra profile and can choose from the following add-on plans:
Disney+ Basic — $6.99 per month
Disney+ Premium — $9.99 per month
Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic — $7.99 per month
Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $10.99 per month
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic — $11.99 per month
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium — $14.99 per month
There's a wealth of shows and films to check out on Disney+ after you sign up. If you want some help finding something to watch, check out our roundups of the 12 best TV shows for adults on Disney+ and the 20 best movies on Disney+ to start building out your watchlist.
HULU BUNDLES: Hulu is offering a range of bundle deals so you can stream from its impressive library without breaking the bank.
The best Hulu deals and bundles in April 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Add-On Deal Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Best Student Deal Hulu Student Deal Hulu (with ads) for $1.99 per month Get DealThere's a wide range of excellent shows and films to watch on Hulu. From A Complete Unknown to season 6 of The Handmaid's Tale, it's a library that's full of options to keep you entertained for hours. You can even catch Oscar Best Picture winner Anora on the service right now.
If any of these have caught your eye and have you itching to sign up for Hulu, we're here to help you get the best deal. Outside of the standard ad-supported and ad free plans, there are quite a few bundle deals available with Hulu that are worth exploring if you're looking to save some cash.
SEE ALSO: How to watch 'The Monkey': When is the Stephen King adaptation streaming?With streaming prices on the rise (Hulu even recently increased its prices just last year), there's no better time than now to find a way to save on streaming services like this one. Below you can find details on Hulu's best bundles at the moment — alongside information on both its ad-supported and ad free plan, if you just want the basics — offering you a way to save on the service without going overboard on spending.
You'll even get additional streaming services thrown in at a lower cost, and what's better than that?
Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like itReleased last July, this is one of the best Hulu bundles available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for the three of them separately. It's an incredible deal to take advantage of, especially if you've already got Disney+ and Max subscriptions. There are two plans to choose from with this bundle, and they are:
Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)
Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)
If you don't want to splash out on the full Hulu, Disney+, and Max bundle, the next best thing is the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic plan. This comes with just Disney+ alongside Hulu, giving you access to each of their ad-supported streaming platforms for as low as $10.99 per month. If you're already subscribed to Disney+ or have been hoping to jump into its library, this is well worth investing in.
Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic — $10.99 per month
This isn't the only Disney+ plan available with Hulu, though. For those looking to jump into an ad-free tier for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, there's the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium plan that'll cost you $19.99 per month instead. And if you're a sports fan and want to throw in ESPN+, there are also Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic and Premium plans, which run for $16.99 per month and $26.99 per month, respectively.
Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $19.99 per month
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic — $16.99 per month
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium — $26.99 per month
If you're a student enrolled at a university, you can score a Hulu (with ads) plan for even lower than the above bundles. Hulu's Student Deal gives eligible college students the ability to buy a Hulu (with ads) plan for just $1.99 per month. Hulu notes that the deal lasts "so long as student enrollment status remains verified," then it goes back up to the standard monthly price.
Hulu Student Deal — $1.99 per month
If you're just looking to jump straight into Hulu's library without any fancy bundles, there are a couple of subscription options to consider. The ad-supported tier comes in at $9.99 per month, but you'll get your first month free, which is a great way to test the waters and see if it's the right fit for you. If you want to go ad free, that'll cost you $18.99 per month. Unfortunately, this plan does not offer a free trial like its ad-supported sibling.
Hulu (with ads) — $9.99 per month (get first month free)
Hulu (no ads) — $18.99 per month
If you really want to go big on a streaming investment, there's the Hulu + Live TV plan. This costs a whopping $82.99 per month for its ad-supported plan, but comes with plenty to keep you busy. Hulu + Live TV (with ads) gets you access to 95+ channels, unlimited DVR, Disney+ (with ads), ESPN+ (with ads), and Hulu (with ads). If you want to go even bigger with the ad-free plan — which offers Hulu (No Ads), Disney+ (no ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) alongside Live TV — it'll cost you $95.99 per month. The ad-supported plan also offers a free trial, but for just three days instead.
Hulu + Live TV (with ads) — $82.99 per month (three day free trial)
Hulu + Live TV (no ads) — $95.99 per month
Wondering what to watch once you get set up with a Hulu plan or bundle? We're here to help with that as well. Have a look at our roundups of the 30 best comedies on Hulu, the 25 best sci-fi movies on Hulu, and the 26 best horror movies on Hulu to start building your watchlist. And if you're in the mood to binge-watch a show, check out our breakdown of the 25 best shows on Hulu.
SAVE $30: As of April 16, the Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series is on sale for $119.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% savings on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series $119.99 at AmazonA TV upgrade doesn't have to mean spending hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars. If you're after something simple, smart, and easy on the wallet, we've got good news: the 32-inch Amazon Fire TV 2-Series is on sale for under $120. As of April 16, you can buy this impressive model for $119.99, saving you 20%. This price is for the 32-inch model and for the TV only; to add on a four-year protection plan, you'll need to pay more.
For such a low price, this is a great TV. Like most Amazon devices, it comes with Alexa voice control. Not only can you use this to control some of your other smart home devices (think speakers, robot vacuums, or light bulbs), but you can also use it to search through multiple streaming platforms at once, helping you find your favorite shows and movies much more easily.
SEE ALSO: LG's brand-new C5 OLED TV already has a discountFor entertainment, the TV runs on Amazon's Fire OS, so you'll have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It also features two standard HDMI inputs and one ARC input, making it easy to connect gaming devices. It also supports Dolby Audio for even better sound quality. The image quality is also great, with an HD 1080p resolution.
This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.
SAVE $45: As of April 16, the Amazon Fire Max 11 is on sale for $234.99 at Amazon. That's a 16% saving off the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 $234.99 at AmazonIf a tablet upgrade is on your horizon, this latest deal on the Amazon Fire Max 11 is definitely one to check out. As of April 16, this device is still at its reduced Big Spring Sale price of $234.99, saving you 16% on list price. This deal is specific to the 128GB device without lockscreen ads.
This tablet is one of the most advanced in the range, and is perfect for both work and play. The screen boasts an impressive 2000x1200 resolution and a bright display with over 2.4 million pixels. It's also certified for low blue light, so it's easy on the eyes, especially if you're looking at the screen for long periods of time.
SEE ALSO: Score $100 off the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) right now at Best BuyYou can add optional accessories to this tablet so you can adapt it to what you need. Accessories like a keyboard case and stylus pen can be purchased separately, and you can even download Microsoft 365 for all your work or study needs.
And we can't not mention the battery life, promising to last up to 14 hours, so it's perfect for on-the-go streaming or browsing. And with storage expandable to 1TB, it’s got plenty of room for all your favorite apps, movies, and documents.
This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.
SAVE $15: As of April 16, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $19.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 43% on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick HD $19.99 at AmazonAmazon's HD Fire Stick is back on sale and for only the second time this year, it is reduced to under $20. The Fire TV Stick HD is a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. And as of April 16, you can buy it for $19.99.
The Fire Stick comes with a remote with Alexa built-in, allowing you to turn almost any TV into a smart TV. The Alexa feature is a great tool for searching through multiple platforms at once to find your favorite movie or comfort show, as well as using it to ask questions or search things on the internet.
SEE ALSO: How to watch 'Nickel Boys': One of our top films of 2024 is coming to Prime VideoAnd let's not forget, with this Fire Stick, you'll be enjoying these shows in beautiful HD quality.
The setup isn't confusing either, these handy remotes are so simple to use. All you need to do is pop the device into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels.
Head to Amazon to grab this deal.
The last time I was around Tim Cook, I was screaming, "Queer kids need you" at the top of my lungs. Holding signs asking him to stop selling unsafe phones to kids, our team at the Heat Initiative — a nonprofit working to keep kids safe online — tried calling on someone who we thought was one of the last Big Tech CEOs with a heart. Being the first openly gay man to head a Fortune 500 company, I hoped he would shatter the glass ceiling, allowing more young LGBTQ+ people to envision a similar path of excellence. Instead, he carved out just enough space for him to step through, sealing it back up and joining the other tech oligarchs in their pristine detachment from the rest of society.
The Big Tech oligarchy was front and center at Trump’s inauguration, showing Americans who were really about to run our country. Watching Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg play teacher’s pet was expected. But Cook donating $1 million to Trump’s inauguration was a shock. Until then, I had relatively neutral-to-positive things to say about Cook’s leadership. I hoped the company’s failure to keep kids safe on their devices and platforms would end up being one of the rare black spots in Cook's rather impressive corporate history. One thing has become abundantly clear: Child safety is no longer the only black spot in Cook’s time at Apple. Tim Cook himself is harming Apple’s reputation.
Trump’s tariffs have been getting a lot of air time. Given that they impact working-class Americans' lives, I hoped my dissenting opinion on them would be proven wrong. After all, the idea of more manufacturing in the U.S. sounds good, I just think that using the livelihoods of Americans as a bargaining tool is wrong.
SEE ALSO: President Trump says semiconductor tariffs are nextBut tech giants like Apple are also being hammered by the tariffs, with their stock price see-sawing thanks to Trump's chaotic policy. It was refreshing to see that these attacks were not just happening to our most vulnerable, but also to our most powerful — including a giant corporation that has not done enough to protect vulnerable populations, like kids and LGBTQ+ Americans, from online dangers. Thanks to the tariffs, Cook's $1 million suck up donation to Trump was turning out to be a waste.
That was short lived. Suddenly, smartphones were now temporarily exempt from the tariffs, proving once again that it really is that easy to buy favors from the leader of the "free" world. With the exemption, presented to the public as a way to protect Americans' accessibility to devices, Cook could rest easy knowing that his stock price would bounce back and his and his stockholders' pockets would continue to fill. Then, Trump equivocated again, calling the exemption temporary. Maybe Cook's $1 million wasn't enough? Or maybe having a strong moral code, and standing up for what (and who) is right, is good business sense in the end.
SEE ALSO: Trump admin already walks back smartphone, laptop tariff exemptionThis past weekend, Cook’s alma mater, Auburn University, celebrated their famous alumni day. My team and I were on the ground, with a hilarious parody blimp of Cook holding money bags and a phone that says "profits over kids," talking to people on campus. We connected with an engineer that geeked out about hash matching technology, a privacy forward technology to detect known child sexual abuse material; a family talking about the regret of giving their daughter a phone too early; and young people aware of their iPhone addiction.
I miss the feeling of being excited about Apple’s newest technology. Here’s hoping Cook, thanks to Trump's treatment, has an epiphany and transforms back into the leader we know he should be.
Lennon Torres is a Public Voices Fellow on Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse with The OpEd Project. She is an LGBTQ+ advocate who grew up in the public eye, gaining national recognition as a young dancer on television shows. With a deep passion for storytelling, advocacy, and politics, Lennon now works to center the lived experience of herself and others as she crafts her professional career in online child safety at Heat Initiative. Lennon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennon-torres-325b791b4/
"With so many 'rules' around what to do and what not to do anymore, who the **** knows," laments a Reddit user on a post about texting etiquette whilst dating. The goalposts continue to shift in the dating world, from waiting for a phone call to come the next day to now, an age of constant contactability. So, what exactly are the rules of engagement for texting in the early stages of dating?
As a relationship blooms, it can be hard to know what and how frequently to message. Difficult enough that Redditors have formed comprehensive "how-to" guides on navigating messaging in the "beginning stages" of a courtship. Some daters are keen to meet extremely quickly to the understandable discomfort of others, while others are happy to exchange lengthy messages until the situation enters pen pal territory.
SEE ALSO: Are we sharing too much too soon while dating online?Even after meeting IRL, how much are you supposed to stay in touch between dates one and two (if the vibe is there), and you want to keep up the momentum but save something for in-person? How can we create an image of the person we're trying to get to know if all we actually know of them is words on a screen? Without inflection, personality, or anything beyond a blue box and white text?
How do we create intimacy in those early stages and keep it alive before dates, and can digital intimacy meet our needs like physical intimacy? We asked daters and the experts.
How often should we be texting during early dating stages?Research by associate professor of psychology Dr Darcey N. Powell, then at Roanoke College and now at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, shows that in the early stages of dating, referred to as the talking stages, "there is less information shared, fewer physical acts of intimacy, and less commitment to the partner than when dating."
When talking to Mashable's features editor and author Rachel Thompson in The Love Fix, Powell says these stages are "a balancing act of trying to protect oneself because you're unsure of what's going to happen, but people aren't good at breaking up with each other or being rejected."
"I'll usually use a dating app to communicate up until a date has been set, and I'll probably check in once a day or maybe more if I'm really keen," says Polly, 29, an active dater from London. Polly, like other people Mashable spoke to, requested to go by their first name only for privacy reasons.
"Ideally, I want to be texting somebody I'm dating roughly four times back and forth each day. If it's less than that, then I'd prefer the texts to be longer and more detailed," she says. By the time she meets someone in person, WhatsApp is her preferred method of communication.
"I think the problem is that we know people are on their phones ALL the time, so we're now hardwired to expect people to respond instantly, and if they don't, we automatically assume they can't be that interested," says Polly.
This feeling isn't unique. A 2016 Harvard sociology study revealed that 94 percent of respondents (all millennials) said receiving, writing, or waiting for text messages can make them anxious. Reddit users, too, have experienced this, seeking help on subreddits such as r/SocialSkills.
Despite this common experience, the average American has 43 unread texts, according to 2021 research.
"Hypercommunication [constant exchanges] can negatively impact relationships by fostering an over-reliance on asynchronous messaging as a measure of relationship success, rather than meaningful in-person connection," says Caitlin Begg, author of the 2016 study, sociologist, and founder of research firm Authentic Social.
How do we create real intimacy?While some daters like to text about one's day, that's not the case for everyone.
"I only text if it's regarding planning or if I have a question. I hate being in constant contact with someone when I'm not physically with them," expresses a Reddit user in a comment on r/Dating Advice.
"I am a big fan of spending time in person and if that isn't possible, incorporating FaceTimes or phone calls," says Allison Raskin, writer and relationship coach.
"Having experiences together also creates intimacy because it creates memories and shows you what the other person is actually like in the world," Raskin continues, recognising that there is only so much you can glean through a screen. "Texting shows you people's thoughts but not how they behave in different situations."
We can text a romantic interest repeatedly, but what we learn about them is filtered through their mind, edited with rapid precision, and then read in a tone we create in our minds. Messaging can conjure an image we find attractive without offering a real-life experiment to test it.
SEE ALSO: Is the ick just a lack of attraction?Research also shows that the benefits of face-to-face interactions are irreplaceable. A 2022 paper in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication found that face-to-face interactions make us feel more connected and less lonely. Whilst voice calls brought some level of connection, texting and video calls were less beneficial.
"If you think about the best, most real conversations you've had, they usually happen when you're feeling your most relaxed, comfortable, and safe," says Dr Nikki Coleman, psychologist and wellness coach.
"Envision those late night/early morning conversations under a blanket. The things shared in those moments are intimate. Try to create that same energy even in the early stages," she recommends. "You have to get to know someone in 3D — the wild, outside — to be able to build intimacy. Until you really know someone in that way, you're really building a relationship with a fantasy in your mind."
What is the difference between 2D connection and 3D intimacy?"We learn slivers of information about a person and our brain does the rest, filling the gaps to make a whole person make sense in our heads — but it isn't real. It's a romanticised picture of a person that does not exist, and sometimes creates a narrative the real person cannot match," says Georgie, 24, an active dater in London.
While a text can bring a smile to your face and allow that touchpoint often lost in the days that can sometimes feel endless between seeing each other, a pinch of salt must be taken during digital exchanges.
The gap between first contact and meeting, or between dates, can stretch depending on diaries, desires, and other factors. Phone calls and voice notes might be too intimate for the level of connection being fostered at this stage, leaving texting as the most appropriate, accessible, and immediate method of communication in the interim. Texting is also the most ambiguous and open to interpretation.
"I once was super excited for a first date because we had been texting for a few weeks leading up to the date, and I thought he was hilarious," Georgie says.
"This person that I had in my head in no way matched up to the reality of the person I met. He was lovely, but most definitely not for me, which was probably exacerbated by my utter shock at the stranger that rocked up to the date when I had been mentally dating an entirely different human being," Georgie continues. "The date lasted all of 26 minutes."
This person that I had in my head in no way matched up to the reality of the person I met...The date lasted all of 26 minutes. - Dater Georgie What communication rules exist in dating?Digital communication is important today, especially when dating. However, a balance between real-life and digital interactions must be struck, with a dash of skepticism and the ability to look beyond the paragraphs on screens. To what extent? That's different for everybody.
"People love to give 'hard and fast' dating rules. 'Dating experts' and others try to prescribe set norms for digital communication in dating, but the reality is it's messy. This means it's key to find someone who aligns with your communication style," Begg believes.
And we can control more than we may think within these early stages.
"I would recommend that folks be honest and direct about the amount of communication they need, and to walk away from connections that can't meet those needs," recommends Melissa Fabello, PhD, sex and relationships educator.
"Co-creating that dynamic, which includes sharing when you desire more or less communication, is the real goal."
Each of us will have different expectations, desires, and comfort levels when dating. But what we can do is set our own expectations, recognise our needs, and be ready to respond appropriately — whether in person or digitally.
TL;DR: Save $417 on this AI stock-picking app that can help you navigate crazy markets and keep your cool.
I was watching the first of the month’s market crashes and wondered, ‘Does it make sense to invest right now?’ I’d always been curious about the stock market, at least in terms of how people actually got rich by practically gambling, but I didn’t have a single clue where to begin — let alone how to even buy a stock.
Once I saw a TikTok calling this period a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (take that with a grain of salt), I decided to take my chance. But I needed help researching everything: what stocks to choose and how to track them. That’s when I found Sterling Stock Picker, and made my first investment with their $68.99 lifetime subscription (reg. $486).
How I invested my first dollarMy biggest concern wasn’t that the market wouldn’t eventually recover, but that I would choose ‘bad’ stocks due to my lack of experience. Sterling Stock Picker helped me feel calm with the 5-minute questionnaire covering my wants and ability to handle risk.
Then, I started researching stocks with help from AI. I also learned about something called exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are like groups of stocks. I didn’t know what these were at first, so I consulted the AI assistant, Finley AI, and it told me that it’s like putting a stake into a huge nest of companies at once rather than individually.
Once I selected a few ETFs to invest in, I opened a free brokerage account (sadly, you can’t directly invest through Sterling Stock Picker). I purchased my shares and put the information into Sterling Stock Picker so I could view my portfolio with fun graphs and charts and get alerts when prices change — which may help me determine when to sell.
How it’s goingWell, it’s only been a few days since I’ve made my investments and, if you’ve been keeping up with the news, things have been up and down. One day, my $1,000 portfolio was up $100, and the next, it was down $20.
As a total beginner, I won’t offer any formal advice to you other than to do your research and be well-informed, and Sterling Stock Picker is a great tool to do just that.
Get a Sterling Stock Picker lifetime subscription for $68.99 (reg. $486).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: SSP Software Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription $68.99TL;DR: Be prepared for anything with the FlashMini PRO, a 12-in-1 super bright utility flashlight, now just $14.97 (reg. $34) through April 27.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab FlashMini PRO $14.97Power outages usually catch us by surprise. Being prepared for emergency situations can provide some peace of mind, and the FlashMini PRO is a convenient way to make sure you always have light.
The FlashMini PRO is a 12-in-1 super bright utility flashlight with a conveniently sleek design that can tag along anywhere. And right now, you can score one for only $14.97 (reg. $34).
Light the way with this multitasking flashlightLet the FlashMini PRO light the way at home and on the go, thanks to a built-in carabiner that easily attaches to keys to backpacks. If you're traveling light, you can pop it into your pocket.
Aside from serving as a powerful flashlight that shines 30 times brighter than your smartphone's flashlight, the FlashMini PRO offers seven quick-adjust light modes to suit your needs, available in white and yellow light. And a red warning light and emergency strobe are available if needed.
The FlashMini PRO includes a foldable kickstand to adjust the light at different angles. The magnetic base also allows it to attach easily to metal surfaces. And it doubles as a bottle opener, so it'll come in handy if you need to open a beverage.
Enjoy up to 3.5 hours of use from the rechargeable battery, or one hour of runtime at maximum brightness. It's easy to power back up.
Whether you're heading out on a hike, off on a camping trip, or simply making sure you're never stuck in the dark, the FlashMini PRO offers plenty of perks.
Get your own FlashMini PRO, a 12-in-1 super bright utility flashlight, now just $14.97 (reg. $34) through April 27.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: This Apple Mac mini M2 proves bigger isn't always better, and right now, this powerful, compact desktop computer is yours for $359.99.
Looking for a desktop computer that won't take up too much space? Enter the Apple Mac mini, a petite yet powerful device powered by Apple's lightning-fast M2 chip.
You can currently snag your own Apple Mac mini M2 for just $359.99, $140 off the usual price tag, right here.
Upgrade your workstation with this Apple Mac miniWhether you're working from home, studying, or setting up a dedicated gaming station, a desktop computer can give your workspace a more professional feel. And this Apple Mac mini M2 saves you much-needed desk space thanks to its tiny casing.
Don't be deceived by its small size; this Apple Mac mini is powered by an Apple M2 chip that allows for serious power, speedy multitasking, and even 8K video editing. Tackle even the heaviest lifts on your to-do list thanks to the 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine.
256GB of SSD storage allows you to save files right to the device. There's also plenty of input and output options available if you need to hook up an external hard drive with USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone jack.
The Mac mini has macOS Ventura pre-installed, so you'll be running smoothly with your favorite apps in no time. And connectivity is a breeze thanks to the Wi-Fi 6E, which offers faster wireless speeds for smoother data transfers and easy cloud access.
Curious why you're securing such a great price? This model comes with a grade A refurbished rating, which means your device will arrive in near-mint condition, but you'll still receive the discounted price.
Bring home your own Apple Mac mini 2 for just $359.99 (reg. $499) while supplies last.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac mini M2 (Early 2023) 8GB RAM 256GB SSD (Refurbished) $359.99BEST AMD CUSTOM PC: As of April 16, MAINGEAR’s RUSH Night Drive Artist Series PC is available for $3,498. You’re not saving money here, you’re spending smart: premium AMD parts, artist-driven design, zero bloatware, and hand-built precision with exceptional support.
Opens in a new window Credit: MAINGEAR MAINGEAR RUSH Night Drive Artist Series PC Shop NowI own this exact PC. I don’t mean I tested it for a week. I mean it’s sitting next to me, powered on, running smooth as ever while I write this. It’s the second system I’ve purchased from MAINGEAR, and I can say without hesitation that this Night Drive Artist Series build is the best gaming PC I’ve ever used. It’s easily the best money I’ve spent on tech.
I’ve been around the block when it comes to building PCs. I’ve spent Saturday afternoons hunched over a kitchen table with thermal paste in my hair. I’ve cursed the awkward shape of a budget mid-tower case while trying to route thick PSU cables through a spaghetti maze of sharp-edged metal. I’ve also spent plenty of time using and messing around with prebuilt systems from the major players, and I know exactly where they tend to fall short. Usually, it’s in ways you don’t notice until something goes wrong.
SEE ALSO: Nvidia vs. AMD: Putting the GPU giants side-by-sideSo when I say this: spending $3,498 on a MAINGEAR RUSH Night Drive Artist Series PC is absolutely worth it, I mean it in the most grounded, painfully practical way.
This isn’t me throwing around cash to flex on people with RGB. I’m not here to sell you on the most expensive thing just because it’s shiny. This is me, a seasoned PC user, explaining why I went with a hand-built custom machine from a boutique company over dozens of more affordable options with similar specs.
Let’s break it down, component by component, and experience by experience. Here’s why this setup is something genuinely special.
Specifications and featuresPrice: $3,498 for Night Drive Artist Series ($3,099 in standard Rush chassis)
Retailer: MAINGEAR
Case: RUSH Mk. IV - Night Drive
Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT with 16GB GDDR6
Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Cooling: MAINGEAR Epic 360 RGB liquid cooler
Fans: 10-count premium RGB fans
Memory: 32GB T-Force Delta RGB
Storage: 1TB T-Force A440 NVMe SSD
Motherboard: MSI Pro B850-P WiFi
Power Supply: 850W MSI MAG A850GL
Power Cables: Stock
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Warranty: 1-year included
Shipping Time: Estimated 2 to 3 weeks
If you’re chasing raw power, this thing delivers. I chose the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card for a reason. It has 16GB of GDDR6 memory, excellent ray tracing capabilities, and a level of headroom that doesn’t require sacrificing performance just to keep thermals in check. It’s running cool and smooth even when I throw demanding titles at it on ultra settings.
This card is hard to find. At retail, it’s going for around $1,100 when it’s in stock, which is rarely. And that’s your first real value. MAINGEAR has access to the good stuff. You aren’t rolling the dice with your GPU order or crossing your fingers on shipping. You’re getting high-end hardware, installed, tested, and ready to roll.
The CPU? AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This chip is a monster. It’s about $860 on its own and well worth it. It handles CPU-bound titles and productivity workloads without breaking a sweat. Games feel effortless. Renders move faster. And multitasking doesn’t even make the fans spin up.
Those two parts alone are nearly $2,000. That doesn’t include a case, cooler, RAM, SSD, motherboard, power supply, or the skilled labor that makes all the parts work together like a dream.
This is not a budget tower. It’s a work of art.The RUSH chassis is exclusive to MAINGEAR. I chose the Night Drive Artist Series upgrade, which gives the case a glossy, layered 3D finish. The result looks like a high-end collectible and not a plastic box from an outlet warehouse.
The panoramic tempered glass panel gives you full visibility into the system, which matters when everything inside is wired perfectly. This isn’t a half-effort cable job. Every wire is routed with intention. It looks like a demo unit you’d see at a trade show.
The RGB lighting setup is subtle and seamless. It doesn’t scream. It glows. And when you add the premium fan kit like I did, you get a full system that’s visually unified and acoustically chill. Even under load, this thing doesn’t sound like a stressed-out leaf blower.
Cooling that’s actually effectiveThermal performance is essential, especially in a rig with this much power. MAINGEAR’s Epic 360 RGB liquid cooler isn’t just about showing off. It does the job. Temps stay solid during long sessions, and airflow across the case is well-balanced.
GPU sag? Not happening. They include a custom bracket that supports the card, preventing pressure on the PCIe slot and saving your motherboard’s lifespan. It’s a small touch that shows the level of care that went into the build.
BIOS tweaks includedThe system arrives tuned. Not kind of tuned. Fully tweaked at the BIOS level. RAM timings are dialed in. Boost performance is validated. Thermals are tested. This is not what you get with a big box build where BIOS is left on stock settings and your RAM never runs at full speed.
You’re getting every bit of performance your hardware is capable of, and you’re getting it out of the box.
MAINGEAR support is next levelI had a minor issue with my MG-1 build’s RGB lighting. It wasn’t syncing right. I reached out, and their support didn’t just reply with a script. They worked through the problem with me, sent a fix, followed up, and included some extra swag for the trouble. That kind of service doesn’t happen with most manufacturers.
And it’s not a fluke. This build has had zero issues, but I know if something came up, I’d get the same fast, intelligent help again.
A bloat-free experienceMAINGEAR systems ship with clean Windows installs. There’s no antivirus trial waiting to ruin your startup sequence. No random manufacturer utilities trying to launch every time you boot. It’s your system from day one, not theirs.
I installed Steam, Discord, and a few launchers and was gaming within minutes. It’s refreshing not having to spend your first hour uninstalling trashware.
You can go all out or keep it simpleThe Night Drive design is part of MAINGEAR’s Artist Series. If the cyberpunk glow isn’t your thing, you can choose the Good Fortune theme or the industrial Machina design instead. They all cost the same and feature that same embossed texture and high-gloss finish.
If you want to keep it minimal and save a bit, MAINGEAR also offers this same build in the original Rush Mk. IV chassis. It has the same internal layout and airflow, just without the art finish. That version drops the price to $3,099.
Built for now. Ready for later.Here’s the part that really sealed the deal for me. This system isn’t just powerful now. It’s upgradable later. All the components are standard, not proprietary. You can add a new GPU, swap the RAM, drop in a faster SSD, or upgrade to a new CPU when it makes sense.
And if you don’t feel like doing it yourself? MAINGEAR will help you spec out the right upgrade path and even install it for you if you send your system back in. That kind of flexibility and support makes this feel like a long-term investment, not a short-term splash.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, April 16, 2025:
Across"T-t-t-turn up the heat!"The answer is Brr.
The answer is Fried.
The answer is Rando.
The answer is Issue.
The answer is Hex.
The answer is Brash.
The answer is Rinse.
The answer is Redux.
The answer is Fri.
The answer is Doe.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Track events that don't include running
Green: Played on a table
Blue: Sports teams that share a state
Purple: Share a first word/letter
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Throwing events
Green: Often found in a game room
Blue: Ohio sports teams
Purple: Words that can be preceded by "T-"
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #205 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayThrowing events - DISCUS, HAMMER, JAVELIN, SHOT PUT
Often found in a game room - AIR HOCKEY, FOOSBALL, PING PONG, POOL
Ohio sports teams - BEARCATS, BENGALS, CAVALIERS, REDS
Words that can be preceded by "T-" - BALL, MAC, SHIRT, WOLVES
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 16 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Fore!The words are golf-related.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words are what you swing to hit a golf ball.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is GolfClubs.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 16Driver
Wood
Putter
Iron
Wedge
Chipper
Utility
GolfClubs
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
TL;DR: Replace your monthly Dropbox subscription with a 10TB Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Plan on sale for £211.87 with code STORAGE20.
Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan £211.87Cloud storage subscriptions are expensive, even if they don't seem like it at first. Dropbox's cheapest plan is £7.56 per month for 2TB of cloud storage. It seems cheap, but that's a little over £90 every year, and you're never actually done paying for it.
If you want a cheaper alternative to Dropbox, Internxt just dropped the price for a 10TB cloud storage lifetime subscription. Now it's only £211.87 with code STORAGE20.
Pay once for a lifetime of cloud storageSpace isn't the only thing this cloud storage has going for it. Internxt is committed to keeping your data safe. That's why they use end-to-end encryption to secure files during transfer and at rest. Its zero-knowledge architecture means that files are encrypted in a way that Internxt itself cannot access. You're the only one who has access to your files.
You don't even have to manually upload. You can sync all your files and photos across platforms, even Linux. This focus on privacy even extends to its open-source design, so users can inspect the code for transparency and security.
This subscription lasts for life, with no recurring payments of any kind. You can access your cloud storage on unlimited devices, too.
Use code STORAGE20 by April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an Internxt 10TB Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription on sale for £211.87.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
VPNs are seriously useful security tools that can protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions to access extra content, and much more. If this is all very new to you, you've probably got a lot of questions. Don't worry, because we can help.
We've done all the hard work for you and thoroughly researched these services to provide the information that matters to you. Here's everything you need to know about VPNs.
What is a VPN?VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) provide important protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.
Basically, you can think about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.
Do you need a VPN?Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. There's no need to panic, because whether you're sending important emails, doing some online shopping, or paying essential bills, VPNs make sure that everything remains private and anonymous.
SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhoneFirst and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services: streaming more content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming services into thinking that you are based in a different country. This means that you can watch all of the shows and films from global libraries, like all the extra content on U.S. Netflix. This is the quickest and easiest way of boosting your content options, without the need to rely on a dodgy stream.
What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to VPNs, but we don't have all day. Instead of listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about.
Before you make any sort of decision, you should look out for connection speed, server network, number of logins, and more important features:
Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.
Connection speed — Using a VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept a significant drop that is going to result in buffering. Be sure to select a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or download a file without frustration.
Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.
Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. Others limit you to just a single device. You should look out for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time.
Server network — The very best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. It's useful if a VPN has a lot of servers in key locations, because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing anonymously. It's not a straightforward case of more is better, but it's always good to have options.
Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.
There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.
Should you use free VPNs?There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. So why would you ever pay for a VPN?
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.
What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.
What is the best VPN?There are a lot of VPN providers out there all offering different sets of features, with different pricing structures. We recommend taking some time to carefully access your options, and decide on what you really need from a VPN. Once you have established your priorities, you can check out this definitive list of the best VPNs this month.
We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything else. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list. All you need to do is weigh up these options against your own set of priorities, and then pick a favourite from the bunch.
These are the best VPNs in 2025.
FREE LEGO: On May 4, build a Lego Grogu in a hover pram model at participating stores and take it home with you for free. Find participating stores here.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego: Free Grogu for Star Wars Day Learn MoreLego has been running generous make-and-take events all year. Fans have been given the opportunity to build a Steering Wheel, Valentine's Day Heart, and Mother's Day Bouquet for free in 2025, and the giveaways aren't stopping there.
Lego is celebrating Star Wars Day in style this year: Visitors to select Lego Stores on May 4 will have the chance to participate in a Lego Star Wars Grogu Make and Take event. During this event, participants can build and bring home a model of Grogu in a hover pram. Availability varies by store and country, so be sure to check out Lego's Store Locator to see if this event will be featured at a store near you.
SEE ALSO: Building the 'Twilight' Lego set was the therapy session I didn’t know I neededMay 4 is a special date for fans of the franchise, so why not mark this occasion by taking home something exclusive for free. Celebrate your love for Star Wars and Grogu by making plans to attend your nearest event. You know it makes sense.
Build and take home an exclusive Lego Star Wars Grogu for free on May 4.
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