TV is a fun, relaxing pastime, but it shouldn’t be your only pastime. The hours you spend in front of the tube can pass quickly and before you know it, you might waste an entire day with the remote in your hand. In all likelihood, there are plenty of other things you could be doing. So rather than letting TV suck all of your spare time, here are 7 productive ways to keep yourself busy. 1. Go for a walk. If you’re always talking about losing weight or getting into shape, the time you’re spending in front of the television could be put to better use. Rather than waste time channel surfing or watching reruns of shows you’ve seen a million times, be proactive and turn off the TV. Grab your exercise shoes and go for a walk or a jog. You’ll get your heart pumping, burn calories and boost your energy. And with more energy, you’re less likely to whither away sitting on the couch. 2. Turn on the music. Then again, maybe it’s rainy or cold outside. If you… Read more

TV watching is often associated with downtime and relaxation. But for some people, TV isn’t always a positive activity. Depending on what you’re watching, you might experience a range of emotions—some good and some bad. If you find that TV is beginning to have a negative impact on your outlook and thoughts, here are four ways to turn TV watching back into the fun, relaxing and enjoyable experience it's supposed to be. 1. Shut off bad news. Watching the news on a daily basis can certainly keep you in the loop. You’ll hear about the weather, breaking news and other headlines, making it easier to engage in conversations on the most up-to-date current events. But while it is smart (and necessary) to be informed, too much news can be a bad thing. Between natural disasters, crime, death and other injustices, watching the news for any amount of time could trigger a range of emotions and put you and your family in a bad mood. It’s hard to remain positive when there’s so much negativity around us. Rather than absorb yourself… Read more

Some people prefer using cash or a debit card when purchasing a television - there's no greater joy than going to a store with the goal of purchasing a big ticket item and leaving as its new owner. On the other hand, swiping your credit card and earning points on big spends feels pretty nifty, too. In the end, your payment option is up to you, but even if cash is king in your world, don’t close the book on using a credit card for this purchase. There are numerous benefits to using credit when you’re in the market for a new TV set. 1. Free extended warranty A TV is an expensive purchase, and naturally, most people want to protect their purchase. This is why some customers also purchase an extended warranty with their new sets. This offers protection if the TV malfunctions after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Most TV purchases automatically include a one-year warranty from the manufacturer, which covers malfunctions and other problems that might arise. An extended warranty offers additional coverage, typically an extra one or two… Read more

If you’re buying a new television, you might visit store after store and speak with multiple salespeople to get their professional opinion on high-quality options. Even if you do a little research beforehand, you might have questions and concerns. But while TV salespeople are excellent for addressing these concerns and helping you find a TV based on your needs, don’t expect them to spill all the beans. Not to say they won’t have your best interest in mind, but at the end of the day, they’re trying to make a sale and earn money, so they might not divulge everything you need to know. Just in case, here’s a look at five things your TV salesperson probably won't tell you. 1. Skip Black Friday sales. Many retail giants advertise big electronic sales on Black Friday, including sales on television sets. For many consumers, Black Friday is the only time they’ll shop for a TV. But while deals on this day can save you money, this isn’t the best time to purchase a television set. To find the best prices, you’ll need… Read more