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My favorite tools and products

Dive into my favorite everyday tools that power my life—from AI assistants and finance apps to my trusted camera gear, with personal tips I've learned along the way.

Nate Medina
Nate Medina
— 3 min read

Table of Contents

After years of testing countless apps and products, I've finally found the perfect toolkit to keep my life running smoothly. From productivity tools to camera gear, these are my essential recommendations.

Productivity

  • Note taking and writing: Google Docs. Keep it simple and fast. Type docs.new in your browser to open a blank doc. I have one Google Doc called "To Do" that I use every day to write a checklist of things that need to happen. I use this to help me focus and gain control over anything that comes up. If a to-do comes across my mind, I'll add it to my list.
  • Calendar: Google Calendar. I got into a habit of calendaring everything after I had accidentally flaked on people when I moved to NYC. Now, I don't overcommit myself because I say "maybe" to some invitations until I "check my calendar."

AI tools

I now use AI tools every day. Here are my favorite:

  • Perplexity: Web-based searching and analysis.
  • Claude: Writing, synthesizing, diagramming, coding.
  • Gemini: Just started using this since I get 1 year free via my Google Pixel 9 Pro. So far, I'm pretty impressed.

Money / investing

  • Investment accounts: Fidelity for individual, 401k, and IRA accounts. Fidelity has super low-fee mutual funds and auto-investing features that I like. I prefer to keep everything in one place, but also use Robinhood.
  • Crypto: Mainly Coinbase.
  • Tracking: Copilot.money. The best and easiest-to-use budgeting tool. Use my link and code NTT7UV to get 2 months free.

Credit cards

  • Travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR). Even with a high annual fee, this card has saved me money from trip interruptions and car rental damage coverage (don't underestimate the power of Icelandic winds and rocks!). It also comes with nice perks like access to airport lounges (Priority Pass), fast airport security screenings (TSA Pre-check and Global Entry), and free Lyft Pink and Citi Bikes in NYC. You can use my referral link to get 60k bonus points when you sign up.
  • Other: I recommend the no-fee Chase cards—Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex (referral link) for bonus points that can be transferred to the CSR for a better point-value. I also use the Chase Business Ink card.
  • Rent: I use Bilt to get points back when I pay my rent (with no fees). You can use my referral link.

Travel

  • Backpack: Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II Black Pro Modular Backpack. This thing looks like a tank, but I love it. Organization is easy and changeable. Can hold many things. It has a laptop sleeve that fits a 16" MacBook. Holds my camera. And the best part is that it's a personal bag while flying, fitting nicely under the seat.
  • Carry-on luggage: I use a carry-on 95% of the time when I travel, so getting a nice one is important. I prefer soft-sided vs. hard-sided, so I went with the Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside. It's easy to move around, holds a lot, and looks and feels great. It's Wirecutter's top pick, too.

Clothes

Skin care

Running

  • Running shoes: For training and normal racing, I use Saucony Men's Endorphin Pro 2's. I love these, and I can find my size (13) for $89 on Amazon, which is why I don't opt for the 3's or 4's. I also recommend the Saucony Endorphin Speed line for more casual runners. For marathons and serious racing, I use Nike Alphaflys. These things are overpowered.

Media

I'll add more to this list soon. If you have any recommendations, let me know too.

Nate Medina

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