Transform your career with this person (it’s not a mentor)

Quick hacks and wallet-friendly finds that can stretch your budget just a little further this week.

🛋️ Upgrade your living room for free with these 5 designer-sourced spring refreshes.

🎁 The next time you travel — even if it’s just a day trip — try this trick for sourcing one-of-a-kind souvenirs. 

🍺Hosting happy hour? Here are the store-brand brews that will have your pals saying cheers.

How much will an iPhone cost now?

You may have heard that iPhones (and lots of other electronics) are about to get pricier due to tariffs. Apple is particularly exposed because most of its products are made in China. Other tech giants, like Samsung (maker of Android) have a little more protection — their supply chains run primarily through Vietnam and India.

At the risk of sounding too obvious, don’t forget these options:

• If your phone is working, keep it. And maybe get a new case. 

• If your phone’s slowing down, consider replacing just the battery. 

• If you really really need a new one, there’s always last year’s model.

• If you’ve been flirting with getting a “dumb phone,” this is your moment.

Read more

• The Math on How Much iPhones Cost

• What’s the Latest With Electronic Tariffs?

• Tech’s Two Roads Through Trump’s Tariffs 

How are some US tech companies responding to tariffs?

Warning: Your boss might think ChatGPT is doing your work if you — like us! — lean on this punctuation mark. 

Waiting on your tax refund? Here’s why it may be late — but at least you’re not this guy. 

Is mom calling, asking you to wire her money ASAP for a medical emergency? Make sure it’s actually her.

Want a lower energy bill? These 6 factors matter way more than turning the lights off.

Read this infuriating story of how one insurance company defrauded breast cancer patients –– because the more we all know about these tactics, the better we'll be at pushing back.

Forget the stigma. It feels like just about all of us are in debt right now.

If/Then

No matter how solid your financial situation is, it’s hard not to look at the headlines and imagine the bottom falling out. 

In lieu of a magic wand, we’ve been playing out the worst-case scenario –– think: losing a job or getting a surprise medical diagnosis and needing quick access to a lot of cash. Visualizing your Plan B is a great way to both soothe your anxieties, and have your backup options all lined up.

So, here we go. Worst-case scenario in 3, 2, 1…

If you have a 401(k)…

You could take out a hardship withdrawal or loan. There are fees and penalties that come with this, so, not ideal — but good to know it’s there.

If you have a job…

Look up your state’s unemployment benefits. Knowing what you’d qualify for (beyond any potential severance from your employer) can help you pressure-test your budget.

If you have good credit…

Consider opening a “just in case” card with a zero-interest introductory offer, or call your credit card company and ask them to raise your limit.

If you have debt…

Talk to your lenders before things get bad. Hardship programs exist — but are easier to access when you’re proactive.

If you own a home…

A home equity loan line of credit (HELOC) can give you access to cash, often at lower interest rates than credit cards. (Psst: Wondering what people near you really paid? Our Skimm+ database lays it all out — down payments, monthly costs, and all.)

Read More

• Are We All Living Beyond Our Means?

• What Does Recession-Proofing Even Look Like?

• How Could a Recession Impact Home Prices?

• Are Young Women's Spending Habits the Ultimate Recession Indicator?

Meet Your Missing Career Link

Not all connections are created equal. If you’re serious about leveling up, you’ll want more than the coffee chats and LinkedIn hearts you get from a mentor. You’ll want a sponsor. (Here’s the full breakdown.)

Sponsors do more than give you career pointers and negotiating tips. They email the CMO and say, “You should meet Kendall — she’s a rockstar at [insert skill here].”

So yes, find someone who roots for you. And, also find the person who opens doors, makes intros, and says your name in the right rooms.

All month, we’re giving you the tools and advice you need to go for The Big Job (yes, even in this economy). Don’t Wait, here. 

Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.

Madewell is taking an extra 30% off sale items with code (you guessed it) EXTRASALE. These wide-leg pants are a nice alternative to jeans — and they're about $40 right now.

Hot tip: Our Senior Commerce Editor snagged this already-on-sale sheets bundle for an extra 50% off during Brooklinen's Anniversary Sale. Get yours before the deal ends.

Until April 23, Ruggable is taking up to 20% off select styles and 10% off sitewide with code BYESPRING. This tufted rug would look chic in Lenny Kravitz's Parisian home, non?