That changed early in 2025. Free month codes were basically nonexistent after January.

As June came to a close, a free month code made an appearance, allowing many to once again access Paramount+ with Showtime content free for one month.

Whether we’ll see free month codes continue on a regular basis, or this June code turns out to be tease, remains to be seen.

No matter, take advantage while you can.

Keep in mind, you’ll need to select the $12.99 per month, no commercial option to get the Showtime content with your free month.

June 2025 Free Month Code:  WEMISSYOU

How to Use Free Month Codes – Potentially Continuously

• Go to the Paramount+ site
• Select the “Try It Free” or similarly titled button
• Choose “Monthly” and the Plan you prefer – since it’s free, might as well go with the no ads Paramount+ with Showtime plan
• Click the “Select Plan” button for your choice
• Create an account or login in with your previous login credentials
• At the Payment Method screen, enter the current coupon code – make sure the Free Trial period changes from 1 week to 1 month
• Complete the sign-up process – while you’ll have to enter a payment option, it will not be charged as long as you cancel prior to the end of the 1-month free trial.

You should be able to cancel right away* and still have access to Paramount+ for the next month.  That’ll save you having to remember to cancel in 28 days or so.

*There were reports last fall, that canceling right away may shut your service off right away, rather than letting it run until the end of the free month.  If you give it a try, let us know your experience in the comment section.

Ongoing Free Paramount+

To take advantage of the free month on an ongoing basis (if that becomes an option once again), just cancel your membership prior to being charged and then re-join once your trial month ends using the latest free month promo code.  You may have to wait a day or so in between canceling and re-joining (after your free month ends, of course). 

The post The Streaming Platform Paramount+ Appears to be Offering Free Month Codes Again appeared first on Savings Beagle.

Artificial Intelligence: From Innovation to Infrastructure

Artificial intelligence is no longer a speculative concept—it’s becoming foundational to business operations across industries. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.9% from 2025 to 2030, AI is expected to permeate every major sector, including retail, finance, logistics, and healthcare.

The explosion of generative AI is a key driver, enabling automation, personalization, and predictive analytics on a scale previously unimaginable. Investors can tap into this trend by targeting both platform providers and sector-specific adopters.

High-potential AI companies to watch:

• Nvidia (NVDA): The leader in AI hardware, particularly GPUs, which power most generative AI models.

• Anthropic: A fast-growing AI research company known for its Claude models, competing directly with OpenAI.

• UiPath (PATH): Specializes in robotic process automation (RPA), helping enterprises automate repetitive tasks.

• Palantir Technologies (PLTR): Delivers AI-powered data analytics solutions for government and commercial clients.

• SoundHound AI (SOUN): Innovating in AI-driven voice recognition across automotive and enterprise sectors.

Software Development: The Platform Revolution

Software is no longer just a tool—it’s a growth engine. The global business software and services market is expected to reach $1.4 trillion in annual revenue by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.3%. Central to this evolution is the rise of low-code and no-code platforms, which are democratizing app creation and accelerating digital transformation across industries.

Software development is shifting toward platforms that enable agility, scalability, and integration, which are increasingly vital for global competitiveness.

Notable companies in the software development space:

• Atlassian (TEAM): A developer-centric platform powering collaboration and DevOps workflows.

• ServiceNow (NOW): Leading digital workflow automation across IT, HR, and customer service.

• Datadog (DDOG): Provides cloud-scale monitoring and analytics, essential for modern software stacks.

• OutSystems: A major player in the low-code platform space, enabling rapid application development.

• GitLab (GTLB): A DevSecOps platform unifying development, security, and operations workflows.

Cloud and Edge Computing: Powering a Decentralized Future

As organizations embrace hybrid IT strategies, cloud and edge computing are emerging as the digital infrastructure backbone of the next decade. The global cloud computing market is forecast to reach $2.39 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20.4%, while edge computing is experiencing parallel momentum due to the proliferation of IoT, autonomous systems, and latency-sensitive applications.

Investors should focus on companies providing cloud infrastructure, edge platforms, and security layers critical to this transition.

Key companies leading cloud and edge innovation:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS – via Amazon): The dominant cloud provider with diversified enterprise offerings.

• Microsoft Azure (MSFT): A top cloud and edge computing platform with strong enterprise penetration.

• Cloudflare (NET): A leader in edge computing, offering distributed security and content delivery solutions.

• Fastly (FSLY): Delivers edge cloud platforms designed for speed and performance.

• Snowflake (SNOW): Specializes in cloud-native data warehousing and analytics with multi-cloud capabilities.

Strategic Takeaway: Quality over Hype

For investors and financial advisors, these tech verticals offer a compelling blend of high growth potential and structural demand drivers. However, long-term outperformance will depend not on chasing short-term trends, but on identifying well-managed, fundamentally strong companies poised to benefit from these technology shifts.

By integrating exposure to AI, next-gen software platforms, and scalable computing infrastructure into portfolios, investors can participate in the digital economy’s most promising growth engines—positioning for sustainable returns in a fast-changing world.

The post Positioning Portfolios for the Future: Top Tech Opportunities for 2025 and Beyond appeared first on Savings Beagle.

Financial advisor Sahil Vakil warns that a high dividend yield is not always a sign of a strong investment, as it could be influenced by factors such as a declining stock price or a company’s ability to sustain dividend payouts. With this in mind, investors are exploring alternative options for higher income.

Two promising higher-yield investment options include Business Development Companies (BDCs) and Midstream Energy Infrastructure investments. BDCs, which provide financing to middle-market businesses, offer yields ranging from 8% to 15%. However, they come with significant risks, such as borrowing leverage and exposure to defaulting businesses during economic downturns.

On the other hand, Midstream Energy Infrastructure investments, in the form of master limited partnerships (MLPs), yield between 4% and 8%. These companies own and operate essential energy infrastructure, providing steady cash flow from long-term contracts. Investors can also consider ETFs to diversify their exposure to the sector.

While these higher-yield investments present attractive income opportunities, they also come with specific risks and tax implications that investors need to carefully consider. By exploring less familiar territory and understanding the nuances of these investments, income investors can potentially achieve higher returns while managing risks effectively.

In conclusion, traditional dividend stocks may not offer sufficient yields for income investors, prompting them to explore alternative options for higher income. By delving into specialized investments like BDCs and Midstream Energy Infrastructure, investors can potentially enhance their income streams while being mindful of the associated risks and tax implications.

The post Are You Missing Out on Potential 9% Dividend Yield? Find Out How to Increase Your Returns appeared first on Savings Beagle.

10. “The Good Wife,” a legal drama that follows Alicia Florrick as she navigates her return to the workforce after a scandal involving her husband. With great characters, office politics, and ethical dilemmas, “The Good Wife” is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

9. “1883,” a raw and gritty western drama created by Taylor Sheridan. This “Yellowstone” prequel follows the Dutton family on a brutal journey across the American frontier and features standout performances from Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

8. “Beverly Hills, 90210,” which redefined young adult TV in the ’90s. Follow the lives of a group of high schoolers living in Beverly Hills as they navigate addiction, eating disorders, and class divides.

7. “Cheers,” set in a Boston bar where everybody knows your name. With timeless humor and a stellar cast, “Cheers” helped shape TV comedy for decades.

6. “Frasier,” a spin-off from “Cheers” that follows radio psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane as he navigates life in Seattle. With sharp writing and standout performances, “Frasier” remains a fan favorite.

5. “Freaks and Geeks,” a comedy that explores high school life in the early ’80s with a talented ensemble cast that went on to have successful careers in Hollywood.

4. “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” a sci-fi drama that follows the crew of the starship Enterprise as they navigate moral dilemmas in space. With standout performances from Patrick Stewart and a compelling storyline, “TNG” is a must-watch for sci-fi fans.

3. “Ghosts,” a comedy about a woman who inherits a haunted mansion and can communicate with the ghosts who inhabit it. With a quirky cast of characters and plenty of laughs, “Ghosts” is a hidden gem on Paramount+.

2. “Key & Peele,” a sketch comedy show that showcases the comedic genius of Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele. With laugh-out-loud moments and viral sketches, “Key & Peele” is a must-watch for comedy fans.

1. “Everybody Loves Raymond,” a family comedy that follows the antics of Ray Barone and his dysfunctional but lovable family. With timeless humor and heartwarming moments, “Everybody Loves Raymond” is the best show on Paramount+.

Whether you’re a fan of legal dramas, westerns, sitcoms, or sketch comedy, Paramount+ has something for everyone. So grab your popcorn, settle in on the couch, and start streaming these top 10 shows today.

Which are your favorite Paramount+ shows?  Recommendations are always appreciated!

The post Best TV Shows Ever on Paramount+: ‘Frasier,’ ‘Ghosts,’ ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ and More appeared first on Savings Beagle.

Another aspect to consider is whether Frndly TV will add more cable channels to its lineup. If Roku decides to raise the price of the service, it could be to accommodate the addition of new channels, such as Discovery or Food Network. While it’s unlikely that Frndly will start offering a service that competes with larger streaming platforms like DIRECTV or Hulu + Live TV, it may introduce new subscription tiers to cater to a wider audience.

Despite the acquisition, Roku has confirmed that it will keep Frndly’s current team intact, suggesting that major changes may not be imminent. However, with Roku’s vast reach of nearly 90 million households, Frndly TV could see a significant increase in exposure through Roku’s platforms. This could mean more advertisements for Frndly on the Roku home screen and potentially pre-loading the service on new Roku devices and smart TVs.

There’s also speculation about whether Frndly TV will incorporate Roku Channel’s free streaming networks. With the potential to integrate Roku’s original content and licensed channels into the Frndly lineup, the service could offer a larger channel count and attract more subscribers.

Looking ahead, some industry analysts are wondering if Roku will attempt to acquire another subscription on-demand streamer in the future. While it’s unlikely that Roku would acquire a large SVOD service like HBO Max or Apple TV+, purchasing a smaller, niche service like those owned by AMC Networks could be a possibility.

Overall, the acquisition of Frndly TV by Roku has sparked a flurry of questions about the future direction of both services. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how Roku and Frndly navigate these changes and potentially reshape the streaming world.

The post How will Frndly TV benefit from being acquired by Roku? appeared first on Savings Beagle.

Life insurance is typically seen as a safety net for your loved ones after you pass away, providing financial support in your absence. However, did you know that your life insurance policy can also benefit you while you’re still alive? There are several ways you can leverage your coverage to cover expenses, supplement your income, or access funds in times of need.

Understanding Cash Value in Life Insurance

Before delving into the ways you can tap into your life insurance policy, it’s important to understand the concept of cash value. Permanent life insurance policies have a cash value component, which grows over time as you pay premiums and accrue interest. This cash value can be accessed while you’re alive, offering you financial flexibility.

Five Ways to Utilize Your Life Insurance Now

Here are five smart ways you can leverage your life insurance policy while you’re alive:

1. Pay Your Premiums

If you have sufficient cash value built up, you can use it to cover your premium payments, freeing up your budget for other expenses. Just be sure to monitor your cash value balance to avoid policy lapse.

2. Take Out a Loan

Borrow against your life insurance policy’s cash value to fund expenses or supplement your retirement savings. The interest rates on these loans are typically lower than traditional loans, and the funds are usually tax-free.

3. Surrender Your Policy

If you no longer need your life insurance coverage, you can surrender the policy to access the cash value. Keep in mind that this will terminate the policy and your heirs won’t receive a death benefit.

4. Use Your Living Benefit Rider

If your policy includes a living benefit rider, you can access a portion of your death benefit if you’re terminally ill. This can help cover medical expenses and alleviate financial burdens during a difficult time.

5. Sell Your Policy

If you no longer need your life insurance or require immediate funds, you can sell your policy through a life settlement. While this provides a lump sum payment, it reduces the death benefit your beneficiaries will receive.

Considerations Before and After Using Your Life Insurance

Before tapping into your life insurance policy, ensure it’s necessary and explore alternative options. Review your policy details, seek guidance if needed, and understand the financial implications of your decision.

After utilizing your life insurance benefits, prioritize repaying any loans, strengthen your financial position, and monitor your cash value balance to avoid policy lapse. By making informed decisions and managing your policy effectively, you can make the most of your life insurance while you’re alive.

Remember, life insurance is a valuable asset that can provide financial security both now and in the future.

The post Maximizing Your Life Insurance Benefits While You’re Alive appeared first on Savings Beagle.

Starting with T-Mobile, their Experience Beyond plan offers unlimited data, text, and 30GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico. On top of that, you get complimentary access to Netflix Standard with Ads, Hulu with Ads, and Apple TV+, all for just $100 per month with autopay. And if you’re a new customer, you can even get an iPhone 16 Pro at no cost to you.

If you’re looking to save a bit more money, T-Mobile’s Experience More plan may be the right choice for you. Priced at $85 per month with autopay, this plan includes Netflix Standard with ads and Apple TV+, but does not include Hulu.

Verizon also offers some great streaming benefits with their Unlimited Ultimate plan, which includes the Disney bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with ads for just $100 per month with autopay. If that’s a bit too steep for you, the Unlimited Plus plan offers Netflix Standard with Ads and Max with Ads for $90 per month with autopay.

Metro by T-Mobile‘s Metro Flex Unlimited Plus plan includes an Amazon Prime subscription, giving you access to Prime Video for just $60 per month with autopay.

Cricket‘s Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot Data plan includes a complimentary Max with Ads subscription and 150GB of cloud storage for just $60 per month.

And Google Fi‘s Unlimited Premium plan offers six months of YouTube Premium for $65 per month.

So, if you’re looking to save some money on your streaming services, be sure to check out these top phone plans that can help put some extra cash back in your pocket.

The post Top phone plans that will help you save money on streaming services appeared first on Savings Beagle.

According to a recent survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, a majority of workers and retirees are confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. This sense of financial security can bring a newfound freedom and peace of mind to retirees.

One key aspect of achieving financial freedom in retirement is proper planning. Kristen Beckstead, a financial planner at First Horizon Advisors, emphasizes the importance of understanding your expenses and having a flexible withdrawal strategy. By carefully managing your savings and investments, you can ensure a steady income stream throughout your retirement years.

In addition to financial security, retirement also offers the gift of time. No longer tied to a desk or a strict work schedule, retirees can enjoy leisure activities, travel, and quality time with loved ones. The freedom to choose how to spend your days is a luxury that many working individuals dream of.

Moreover, retirement can provide a new perspective on life. With the pressures of work and career advancement behind them, retirees can focus on what truly matters to them, whether it’s enjoying life, staying healthy, or spending time with family. This shift in priorities can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful retirement experience.

Overall, retirement is not just about the end of a career; it’s about the beginning of a new chapter in life. By embracing the opportunities that retirement offers, individuals can look forward to a future filled with financial security, leisure time, and personal growth.

What suggestions do you have to make retirement a positive experience?

The post What Awaits You in Retirement: Four Benefits You’ll Gain appeared first on Savings Beagle.

SiriusXM Free Listening Event

SiriusXM offers these free listening deals at various times throughout the year as a way to entice previous subscribers to come back.

There’s nothing to do, if you have a SiriusXM radio, simply turn it on, select your favorite channel, and enjoy free satellite radio through June 2.

It looks as though this free listening event is only available on in-vehicle radios…streaming via a computer or the siriusXM app appears to be excluded.

Let us know in the comments if you can get a free streaming connection to work for you during the free listening event.

Here’s a listing of some of the channels you’ll have access to during this promotion.

You can see the free channel lineup for in-car listening here.

Restarting Your Subscription

If, after the free listening period, you feel the desire to reactivate your subscription, please don’t do it at full price.  

There are plenty of SiriusXM subscription deals out there that will give you access at a much lower price point than you’ll find signing up on the SiriusXM website without a promo.

The typical deal, available to just about everyone, is $5 per month for 12 months of the Music & Entertainment plan. Tax and fees will add a few dollars per month to that price, but it’s still a pretty good deal.

Once subscription deals end, a call to customer service (or Chat) should get you a much better annual price. You just have to be okay saying “no” a few times until the customer service rep brings up a subscription deal you’re comfortable with. Don’t take the first, or even the second offer that’s given.

Meanwhile, enjoy the free listening event.

The post SiriusXM’s Memorial Day 2025 Free Listening Event is Going on Now Through June 2nd appeared first on Savings Beagle.

The Wall Street Journal is currently offering a decent digital subscription deal during this 2025 Memorial Day period.

At $2 per week for the first year, you get unlimited access to all the paper has to offer on both WSJ.com and via the WSJ app.

Considering the regular digital subscription price is well into the hundreds of dollars per year, this $96 per year for the first year price is a nice deal.

The Wall Street Journal is about as good as it gets when reporting on current events affecting your personal life.

More Than Finances

Yes, the Journal is a financial-focused publication, but it delves into topics that are much more encompassing than just money. These days, politics and social issues are of significant importance, and having unbiased coverage of what is really going on in the U.S. and around the world is more important than ever.

Personally, I look to the Editorial Page first, scanning the Journal‘s editorials and the various opinion editorials that it publishes daily to get a feel for what’s really happening in society.

The paper’s coverage of the general economic climate is helpful, too, in understanding where we’re headed both globally and as a country.

It’s these coverage areas by the Journal that I believe are most beneficial to average, everyday Americans, as we navigate the challenging times ahead.

To be clear, you don’t have to be an investor to subscribe and benefit from a Wall Street Journal subscription.

The bottom line, the publication is for anyone seeking unbiased and truthful information on a variety of topics.

And now, you can get that information for only $2 per week for the first year.

You can subscribe at the link below.

Wall Street Journal 1-Year Subscription for $96 Link

It was just last year that a truly epic WSJ subscription deal of $0.50 per week was offered. Unfortunately, that deal, and its comparable $1 per week subscription option, are hard (impossible?) to find in 2025.

This $2 per week deal might be as good as it gets at this point.

Year Two

Once the first-year subscription deal has ended, you’ll want to cancel your subscription. Pricing will increase significantly if you don’t.

But, once canceled, you’ll be able to resubscribe using whatever promotional deal may be available.

For today, it’s the $2 per week promotion.

If you’re aware of better pricing for a Wall Street Journal subscription, please provide the details in the comment section below.

Wrap Up

We’re living in challenging times, not only with regard to your money, but with regard to efforts to transform our society both in the U.S. and globally.

The truth is often hard to come by these days. It’s more and more valuable to find information sources that provide all viewpoints so that you can decide for yourself what is going on.

The Wall Street Journal will help you do just that.

While not the best subscription price we’ve seen, the $2 per week deal is much better than paying regular price.

The post [Update 5/25 – Now Showing $4 per Month] Subscribe to The Wall Street Journal for Only $8 per Month with this Memorial Day 2025 Promotion appeared first on Savings Beagle.