The Best Life-Changing Internet Advice Based On – What Else? – Experience

It turns out that insider knowledge can come in handy, especially when you work in the insurance industry, a sunscreen factory, or a vanilla distributor. Here are some handy hacks from savvy Redditors.

Buy off-brand sunscreen

Redditor @Ramtakwitha2 cautions those outside of the sunscreen industry: “If…there seems to be nothing different except the label on the bottle, the generic is probably exactly the same thing and from the same factory, and may even be the same batch as the brand name. Doubt it?” Literally, all I had to do was flick a switch on the machine I was using to go from manufacturing ( brand name here) to (store brand here), all it did was change the label it applied.”

Make your home accessible before you need it

Noting that they work in the area of ​​accessibility, @HipityHopityHotSauce urged other Redditors to make sure their homes are disability-friendly before it’s too late. “Put grab bars in your bathroom before you fall in the shower, not because you’ve already fallen in the shower.”

Don’t make bad friends

Although having standards in choosing friends probably isn’t covered in medical school, one ER doctor believes it would put a lot of people out of harm’s way. “I teach my kids – whatever your friends do to others, they will eventually do to you,” says @Tank3613.

Choose a medical power of attorney wisely

Ironically, @RN4237 doesn’t think a family member is a good choice, recommending a friend or someone outside the family instead. “Discuss everything with them and complete a specific advance directive (Mayo Clinic has a good one). Nobody wants to talk about death, but it’s so important. Discuss life if you were to be on a ventilator, or never be able to eat again, or live the rest of your life in a nursing home.

Don’t buy the expensive vanilla

During @Artarous’ time working in vanilla manufacturing, they learned that more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better – or even different. “That vanilla from Trader Joe that you spent $15 on for 8 ounces? You can buy 16 oz of the same thing at Costco under a different label for the same price. We probably made the exact same vanilla for about 30 companies that all sold it at different prices.

Skip the expensive helicopter ride

As a former paralegal at an insurance defense firm, @TrainwreckMooncake learned a depressing lesson. “At least in Hawaii, a lot of helicopters aren’t well maintained and there are a surprising number of accidents that they manage to silence. One of the exhibits I helped put together for a case was a photo the family took in front of the chopper before boarding and they were all killed when it crashed, that was almost 20 years ago and this one sticks with me.

Do not accept health insurance denials

Redditor @SmashLanding urges others to fight back (and hopefully save some money). “They (health insurance companies) will arbitrarily reject claims without justification. This Redditor also says that it’s best to check invoices to make sure the amount requested is correct. “Insurance companies will always send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB), which is not an invoice, but contains the amount that should appear on the invoice. If you have questions about an invoice, always compare the supplier’s invoice with the EOB.

Expect your packages to be roughed up

Having worked at FedEx Ground, Redditor @Sharp-Pop335 thinks everyone should stock up on bubble wrap, at least if they’re shipping anything. “Pack your shit like it’s going to fall off a cliff. Fill it with anything, packing peanuts, expanding foam, bubble wrap.

Skip the first run of anything

Being an early adopter may not yield anything more than bragging rights. Redditor @gloggs, who claimed to build and maintain automation, warned readers: “Employees need time to learn how to properly assemble the product and trades need time to troubleshoot.”

Don’t do meth

A clinical social worker, an ER registered nurse, and an inpatient mental health worker all said one thing: crystal meth is a tough pass.

Don’t get anything framed at Michaels or Hobby Lobby

A former Michaels employee, Redditor @RedEyesAndChiliFries urged others to stay away if they want their artwork or memories to last. “You don’t want college kids (not like me, because I tried to do a good job) or their ilk tampering with your artwork or collectibles.” Michaels wasn’t the only substandard framer. “Don’t buy frames from Hobby Lobby (they’re usually warped or shoddy), or have them framed anything. They’re just as bad.

Do not take coffee or tea during a flight

While you might think the water in a hot drink kills all germs, Redditor @TopTear5385 warns that it doesn’t. “I’m an airline pilot and this hot water comes from the ‘drinking water tank’. It is never cleaned, only cleaning tablets are thrown in there from time to time and tested for E. coli. Yeah, don’t ask for a glass of water either.

Never buy a hamster

Redditor @Angelisaurus worked at a pet store for several years and learned that a creature wasn’t as cute as it looked. “No animal has bitten as much or a fraction as hard as fucking hamsters. So many parents came looking for a furry little friend for their sweet Jimmy, and I would do anything in my power to point them towards the guinea pigs , mice, rats. No, Jimmy wants a… hamster, and he wants to hold it, please. Jimmy will learn today. I’m sorry Jimmy. The guinea pigs look better all the weather.