Posts by Christopher Burg
Rent Concessions in 2026: How Renters Win Free Months — and Keep Winning After
Rent concessions are near record highs: 39.8% of listings offer deals — 2 in 3 in Dallas and Austin. How to negotiate, price them with net effective rent, and keep saving after move-in.
Does Paying Utilities Build Credit? The Honest 2026 Answer
Does paying utilities build credit? Not by default — but Experian Boost makes utilities build credit free (avg +13 pts), while unpaid bills hurt at all 3 bureaus. The honest guide.
No Deposit Electricity in 2026: Every Way to Skip the Deposit
No deposit electricity is real: prepaid plans with no credit check, PUCT deposit waivers (65+, strong pay history), and same-day $0-start service in Texas.
Utilities Included Apartments: What’s Covered, What It Costs & What You Can Still Choose
Utilities included apartments bundle electric, water, or internet into rent — but you often pay more than the bills are worth. See what’s covered, the real 2026 costs, and which utilities you can still choose yourself.
The Three Leaks in the Coax: Cable Internet Alternatives and the One Threat Cable Can’t Encrypt
By Christopher Burg · Last updated: August 2026
The main cable internet alternatives are fiber, 5G home internet (fixed wireless fro...
Vivint vs ADT vs SimpliSafe 2026: Who Owns Whom & What It Costs
Vivint vs ADT vs SimpliSafe in 2026 comes down to three different bets: Vivint is the smart-home leader with professional installation,...
Best Internet Price Lock Plans 2026: Xfinity, Optimum & Fios Deals Compared
The best internet price lock in 2026 is Xfinity’s 5-Year Price Guarantee — $40/mo for 300 Mbps, $45/mo for 500 Mbps, or $50...
6G Sensing: How the Network Will Perceive You, Not Just Connect You
6G sensing (ISAC) lets the network detect your location, gait, and heartbeat — no camera needed. What ETSI's 2026 report reveals and why it matters now.
Starlink Internet: Plans, Prices, Speeds & Availability (2026)
Starlink internet plans, prices and 2026 availability — Residential, Roam, Aviation, Maritime and Direct-to-Cell. LEO satellite, unlimited data, no contract.
Data Centers and Electric Bills: What AI Is Really Adding — and the Part You Can Still Control
TL;DR: Data centers and electric bills are now colliding across the U.S., and the honest answer is nuanced: AI and cloud growth are pus...