That 30% discount on a “refurbished” laptop looks like a steal. But here’s the secret: “refurbished” is a marketing term, not a guarantee. It can mean a pristine, like-new device that was returned to the store in 10 days… or it can mean a five-year-old gadget that got a quick wipe-down and was tossed in…

You’ve done the research, compared prices, and finally picked out that new laptop or refrigerator. You’re at the checkout, ready to pay, and then you get the question: “Would you like to add our three-year protection plan?” Suddenly, you’re on the spot. Is it a smart safety net or a waste of money? An extended…