Amazon Prime Day: What to Buy and What to Skip

Amazon Prime Day: What to Buy and What to Skip

Author: Lee Enterprises July 15, 2024 Duration: 8:26

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona discusses the much-anticipated Amazon Prime Day, happening on July 16 and 17. Joined by Nerdwallet expert Kim Palmer, they dive into the best strategies for making the most out of these two days of deals, highlighting what to buy and what to skip.

The episode kicks off with a focus on electronics, a category that often sees some of the lowest prices of the year during Prime Day, second only to Black Friday. From video game systems to laptops, listeners are advised to do their research and be ready to act quickly to snag the best deals. Nat shares personal anecdotes about scoring great deals on Apple products like AirPods Pro, emphasizing the potential savings on high-ticket items.

Next, the discussion shifts to essential items for parents, such as car seats and strollers. These bulky and expensive items often see significant price drops, making Prime Day an excellent opportunity for parents to save on necessary purchases.

Amazon devices are another hot topic. From Fire TV sticks to Echo devices and Ring doorbells, Prime Day is touted as a prime time to buy these items at reduced prices. However, Kim advises listeners to track prices throughout the year to ensure they are getting the best deal.

The episode also covers toys, a tricky category where prices can be unpredictable. Kim suggests keeping desired toys in your cart to monitor price drops and using tools like the Camelizer browser extension to track price history.

Small appliances, such as air fryers and handheld vacuums, are another category where Prime Day can offer great deals. Yet, listeners are reminded that pop-up sales occur throughout the year, so it's essential to stay vigilant and use price tracking tools like Camelizer or Honey.

As the episode wraps up, Nat and Kim stress the importance of budgeting and avoiding impulse purchases. They recommend implementing a 48-hour rule to help make informed decisions, even starting this process a few days before Prime Day to be prepared. Inventory can be limited, so acting quickly on desired items is crucial.

Tune in to this episode of PennyWise for expert advice on navigating Amazon Prime Day, ensuring you make smart purchases and maximize your savings.


Ever feel like your financial goals and your desire to explore the world are constantly at odds? PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips digs into that very tension, offering a practical and surprisingly optimistic look at how to manage your money while still funding your adventures. Hosted by Lee Enterprises, this podcast moves beyond dry financial advice, weaving together conversations about smart investing, everyday budgeting, and the cultural richness that travel brings. Each episode introduces you to a different financial expert with actionable strategies, but the focus remains on real-life application-how a solid investment today can mean a memorable trip tomorrow, or how understanding local economies can deepen your travel experiences. You’ll hear discussions that connect market trends to personal savings plans, and thoughtful segments on how the places we visit shape our perspective on value and community. It’s a blend of street-smart finance and genuine curiosity about the world, designed for anyone who believes building wealth shouldn’t mean staying put. Tune in for a fresh take that makes financial planning feel less like a restriction and more like the key to unlocking meaningful experiences, all within a budget that makes sense for you.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips
Podcast Episodes
What Federal Rate Cuts Mean for Homebuyers and Sellers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:27
In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona delves into the recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts with insights from NerdWallet lead writer, Kate Wood. If you're in the housing market—whether buying, selling, or r…
Hidden Dangers of Credit Building Products: Protect Your Score [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:36
In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona dives into the murky waters of credit-building products with insights from WalletHub expert, Christie Matherne. If you're struggling with poor to fair credit and looking for…
Maximize Your Travel Budget: Benefits of Shoulder Season [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:37
In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona uncovers the concept of "shoulder season" with insights from Nerdwallet travel expert, Sally French. If you're looking to save money and avoid the crowds on your next vacati…
Life Insurance Milestones: 6 Key Times to Reevaluate Your Coverage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:21
In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona delves into the critical topic of life insurance with Nerdwallet financial expert, Elizabeth Ayoola. They discuss six key milestones that signal it's time to reevaluate your…
Financial Independence for Young Adults: Strategies for Parents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:43
In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona discusses strategies for parents supporting their adult children financially, featuring insights from Nerdwallet financial expert, Kim Palmer. With six in ten parents having…
Save on Car Insurance: Expert Tips for Budget-Friendly Coverage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:24
In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona explores practical ways to secure cheap car insurance with Nerdwallet expert, Melissa Lambarena. Car insurance is a necessity in many states, but that doesn't mean you have…
Back to School Savings: 5 Credit Card Tips to Slash Costs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:26
In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by a Nerdwallet financial expert to discuss five ways credit cards can help ease the burden of back-to-school expenses. As the school year approaches, families oft…
Financial Self Care: 5 Tips to Boost Your Money Wellness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:10
In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona delves into the concept of financial self-care with Nerdwallet financial expert, Kim Palmer. Often, self-care is associated with relaxation activities like reading a book or…