5 Smart Ways to Spend Your Stimulus Money

Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock
If you’ve gotten a coronavirus stimulus check recently, you might be tempted to blow it on fun stuff. But you’d be better off spending at least some of that money on purchases to keep you and your family safe.
Investing in home or personal security is more important than ever. While violent crime is down, thanks to social distancing and stay-at-home orders, burglary and online crime is on the rise. Here are five products that could help prevent you from becoming a victim.
The Ring smart doorbell is a game-changer, especially if you live at home or have young kids in the house. You can see exactly who’s at the door, even when you’re not in the house.
The complete system includes mix-and-match products. Ring stocks everything from panic buttons to smoke detectors for a safe, smart home.
Shop for Ring home security products here.
Everyone should have an RFID wallet, but they’re especially good for people who travel frequently. These devices are designed to prevent handheld scanners from accessing your credit cards and ID, blocking scammers from stealing your identity.
This leather version by Travelambo comes in more than two dozen colors and has over 4,600 five-star reviews. Best of all, it costs less than $10!
This company was created after its founder, Rajia, was harassed by a car full of strange men. She realized that a simple product could help save lives.
With an InvisaWear necklace, bracelet, or keychain, you can instantly send an SOS to five pre-programmed phone numbers. The message will include your GPS location so that your loved ones can find you. In addition, you can set it up to contact 911.
Purchase a discreet security necklace here.
For the ultimate self-defense tool that fits in your pocket, check out the Atomic Bear tactical pen. This device can not only break a window, but it also functions as a pen, too.
Made of military grade aluminum, this ballpoint powerhouse includes a free online self-defense class to learn how to use it for self-defense.
Cyber crime and identity theft are on the rise. In fact, the FBI recently announced a 400% increase in digital theft. Keep your devices safe with anti-virus software.
The software will choose depends on the type of device you want to protect. Norton and Bitdefender are good choices for PC.
While you’re at it, you might also consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service. If you’re concerned about identity theft, Norton LifeLock is one of the most popular products.