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4 home renovation mistakes that should be avoided
home and garden

4 home renovation mistakes that should be avoided

People renovate their homes to improve the functionality of the space. Some people also renovate to change the aesthetic of their house and give it a new look. In either case, home renovations can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. It is a lengthy process that requires your utmost attention. That being said, things can go wrong; home renovation mistakes can cost you your time, money, and effort, and therefore, should be avoided. Deciding on an unrealistic budget One of the biggest errors that many homeowners make during renovation is not deciding and sticking to a fixed budget. When you are renovating your home, it’s easy to go over and above the budget that you have decided. What you need to do when deciding on a budget before you start your renovations is to make sure that you have some leeway. This way, even if you go overboard on your initial budget, you will not have to spend out of pocket. Experts usually suggest having an extra 20% added to your budget to tackle any additional renovations or hidden costs that may come up. Signing on the first contractor Many people choose to work with the first contractor they come across instead of comparing different options and quotes.
4 mistakes to avoid while bathing and showering
home and garden

4 mistakes to avoid while bathing and showering

Bathing and showering are one of the most common practices across the globe. We’ve been doing it ever since we were little children. It helps us stay clean and healthy while helping us relax and remain stress-free for some time. Another thing that makes bathing and showering fun is that there are no strict rules to it. That being said, there are definitely some things that we’ve been doing wrong and should avoid. Taking long showers It’s natural to want to take a long, hot shower after a day at work. Hot showers are not only soothing, but they also get rid of all the day’s dirt and grime. Unfortunately, if you stay in the shower for too long, you may also be getting rid of all the essential and natural oils that the body produces. These natural oils protect the skin and prevent it from peeling and cracking. The ideal amount of time to spend in the shower is roughly 10 minutes. Anything more, and you could be doing more bad than good. Excessive scrubbing Another showering and bathing mistake is scrubbing ourselves too hard. Using a loofah to scrub your hands and back, and digging your nails into the scalp can damage your skin.
5 easy home improvement hacks to try today
home and garden

5 easy home improvement hacks to try today

Home improvement projects are exhausting but can be extremely fun if they are thought through and well-researched. If you want to do some renovation or add a new touch to your home, we recommend starting with something small and seeing how far your DIY skills and ambition take you. Of course, the sky’s the limit but let’s start with your door for now. Here are some easy home improvement hacks that you can try. Statement doors This is the first thing anyone notices about your home, so wouldn’t it make sense to work your DIY magic here? Statement doors are a rage right now, and the beauty of it is that while it’s in style, you don’t have to follow any particular style or design. Just go with what resonates with your home decor style. Color it bright, add an expensive door knob, make it look vintage – endless choices to make a statement in your home. Lighting This is very important. Make sure you invest time, money, and energy into adding warmth and ambiance to your home with just the right lighting. The lamps are great; hanging lights are super, too – ensure you can create a comforting and homely vibe.
5 easy tips to create a spectacular garden
home and garden

5 easy tips to create a spectacular garden

Someone rightly said: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” A garden is a gateway to your home in several unique ways — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Gardening is associated with better air quality, enhanced home aesthetics, and reduced stress and anxiety. However, it is a long-term activity that requires considerable planning and patience. So, if you have a spacious courtyard, here are some quick tips for facilitating a beautiful garden at your gateway: Enrich your soil The primary step to creating a beautiful garden is to replenish your soil with the essential nutrients. This means investing in good-quality compost, preferably vermicompost containing wigglers, redworms, and other soil products like coco peat and soil manure. Plan color themes It helps to plan the colors you would like in your garden and how these should be organized. For example, you could alternate between contrasting shades of light and dark or grow flowers of the same shades together. Planning the color themes in advance can help you set up a subtle yet vibrant garden. Weeding out is the way Weeds eat into your garden space and compete with other plants for food and nutrition. Moreover, they can ruin your garden’s aesthetics.
Sliding window blinds – Types and advantages
home and garden

Sliding window blinds – Types and advantages

Sliding window blinds are gaining popularity because of their versatility and style. They offer an ideal solution for spaces needing privacy, light control, and energy efficiency while enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic appeal. Going for sliding windows might be one of the best options for window replacement or home remodeling. Let’s delve into the benefits of sliding window blinds, the different types available, and how to choose and maintain them. Advantages of sliding window blinds Privacy Sliding window blinds provide excellent privacy, making them perfect for areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces that require privacy. Light control Sliding window blinds offer excellent light control, making them ideal for spaces needing varying lighting levels, such as media rooms or home offices. Energy efficiency Such window blinds help conserve energy by minimizing heat loss in the winter and reducing heat gain in the summer, making them a practical choice for energy-efficient spaces. Style and aesthetics These window treatments are available in various materials like vinyl and wood, colors, and styles, making them a perfect option for adding style and aesthetics to any room. They can elevate a space’s look and feel while serving a functional purpose. Types of sliding window blinds There are several types of sliding window blinds to choose from, each with its own features and benefits.
3 common cleaning mistakes and ways to avoid them
home and garden

3 common cleaning mistakes and ways to avoid them

During housecleaning, people mostly follow their normal cleaning routine. Although this routine may seem like second nature, some cleaning habits adapted over the years may do more harm than good. It may also include leaving behind bacteria, grime, and dust that may create more work later and lead to health conditions, worsening allergies, and other health problems. Keep reading to learn about some common cleaning mistakes to stay away from. Mistakes to avoid while cleaning In most cases, the goal of the cleaning routine is to finish the task as soon as possible and move on to more critical chores. However, this could lead to a few mistakes that make the house dirtier. Some such common mistakes are listed below. Usage of dirty cleaning tools A cleaning routine is only as good as the cleaning tools one uses. Hence, using the right tools and ensuring they are clean is important. It may help avoid spreading bacteria, dust, and dirt throughout the house. Therefore, to avoid such mistakes, one must regularly wash the cleaning cloth, scrub brushes, and mop heads after every use. Furthermore, one can also sanitize germy items such as toilet brushes and empty the vacuum for optimum cleaning.
7 DIY home repair ideas and solutions
home and garden

7 DIY home repair ideas and solutions

Home maintenance is often one of the most expensive elements when accounting for home budgeting. Raw materials are expensive, and you may have to contract a professional for the job. However, if you know the basics of electrical, plumbing, and woodwork, you could carry out certain repairs yourself, helping save significant maintenance costs. Here are seven DIY home repair tips that could save you from hiring a professional to get the job done. Drain pipes A leaky kitchen or bathroom drain pipe (not concealed inside a wall) is one issue that you can most likely fix by yourself. It may require something as simple as tightening a slip-nut near the P-Trap. A leak from a hole in the drain could be resolved with a flexible coupling with hose clamps. Handing wallpaper Wallpaper is easy to install or replace too. You will need someone to help get it on the wall and match the patterns correctly. If bubbling appears, you might have to remove the paper and install a new strip. But remember that removing wallpaper might require you to order more, possibly exceeding the budget, so avoid doing the job in haste. Clogged garbage disposal Disposal units might seem tough to fix.
3 decluttering mistakes that can be avoided
home and garden

3 decluttering mistakes that can be avoided

You may have been too eager while starting your decluttering journey. However, the process can be exhausting, and you might end up making a few mistakes. This can be detrimental, as the process then becomes even more lengthy and unnecessarily exhausting. So if you’re starting your decluttering journey, or are stuck and wondering what to do next, this article is for you. Continue reading for a list of common decluttering mistakes to avoid. Using numerous containers This decluttering mistake is at the top of the list because it is the most common blunder people make. Using a number of containers to hold your possessions may not fix the problem. Doing so only adds to the clutter and worsens it. Unfortunately, this strategy wastes time and money, because it adds to the problem rather than addressing it. Completing everything in a single weekend Decluttering a complete house requires a lot of time and effort. Many begin a whole house decluttering project, anticipating finishing it all on a day off from work or over the weekend. However, this may not be the right strategy. Chances are that the weekend might be over and you’ll still have rooms and boxes to sort through, not to mention the presence of large stacks of belongings in the middle of your home.
10 common water heater repairing blunders to avoid
home and garden

10 common water heater repairing blunders to avoid

A water heater, an essential appliance in most homes, provides hot water for various tasks such as bathing, cleaning, and cooking. However, like any other appliance, a water heater may experience problems that may require timely repair. Unfortunately, many homeowners make common mistakes during water heater repair that cost them a lot of money. Here are a few such repairing mistakes that one can avoid to extend the longevity and safety of the device. Not turning off the power supply Before one starts any water heater repair, ensure that one has turned off the power supply. Failure to do so can result in electrical shock or major injury. Not draining the tank before repair If one needs to repair the water heater tank, it’s crucial to drain it first. This process can remove all the sediment build-up for proper maintenance. Ignoring leaks If one notices any leaks in the water heater, it’s essential to fix them as soon as possible. Ignoring leaks can result in severe water loss. Not checking warranty Most warranties cover repairs and replacements for a certain period. Failing to check the same can result in unnecessary expenses that could have been otherwise covered. Not replacing the anode rod The anode rod is a vital component of the water heater that protects the tank from corrosion.
5 signs that suggest it’s time for home remodeling
home and garden

5 signs that suggest it’s time for home remodeling

It is easy to fall in love with your dream home, but if you have lived in a particular space long enough, you might know that the structure isn’t everlasting and may wither with time. However, it’s not always easy to tell if a home needs to be remodeled, as some issues could be fixed with a simple coat of paint. Five signs that suggest your home requires a revamp are listed below. Floor damage Having strong and sturdy floorboards in your home is essential to move around safely. However, if they start to detach and carve a hole into the ground, it might be a sign to remodel the space. One could hire a professional to get the job done. Moreover, replacing tiled flooring with wood-based options could help it last longer. Even if you have a carpet cleaned by a professional at regular intervals, it is advised to replace it every ten years. Leaky roofs The roof of a home needs to be in prime condition to protect the interiors from extreme weather conditions. Minor leaks could be fixed with a DIY kit or a professional’s help. However, if it starts to leak in more than one location, it’s time to get it replaced or remodeled.

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A look at some of the best free investment advisors
finance

A look at some of the best free investment advisors

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online.
Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria
finance

Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

As you approach retirement, most of your money has been invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is an excellent way to tap into your home’s equity. If you have paid off a home loan or have only a small amount to be paid, it is a good option to meet various financial goals. Here are the criteria for reverse mortgage eligibility: Personal criteria Age You must be 62 years or older, to apply for a reverse mortgage. Generally, as you grow older the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) amount increases. Property The home should be your primary residence, and you need to live there for the entire duration of the reverse mortgage. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify for such mortgages. Home equity You should be the owner of your home outright or possess a minimum of 50% home equity. There is a possibility that you may qualify for a reverse mortgage despite having some outstanding balance on your existing home loan. However, the criterion is that you must first pay off the remaining mortgage from the sanctioned amount and meet other liens. The balance funds may be used for any other purpose. Using a reverse mortgage to refinance existing debt is beneficial in reducing your monthly cash outflows.
Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider
finance

Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider

A lot of people get stuck in debt due to many reasons. The interest rates keep adding up, taking a toll on an individual’s financial stability. In such a case, debt settlement can be quite helpful if you wish to settle a large amount. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider to help ease the burden off your shoulders. National Debt Relief National Debt Relief has the most detailed insights on their website that can help you with debt settlement. It talks about the debt qualification, the amount of money you need to pay for enrolments as well as the debt relief services that they offer. The average savings after the fees is around 30%. CreditAssociates This particular company is known for helping clients with the elimination of debt. They undertake this entire process between twenty-four to thirty-six months. They use enhanced software, and the outstanding expertise of their team to help their clients with great debt negotiation services. Pacific Debt Inc This is one of the top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider. You need to have a minimum of $10,000 in debt to avail their services. They offer an affordable monthly program/plan with payment as well as upfront fees.
6 top business credit card companies
finance

6 top business credit card companies

The right business credit card can help you save thousands of dollars. Business accounts can earn more rewards like discounts, hotel stays, and cashback offers. You may also use these cards to meet short-term financial requirements. In case you haven’t applied for one yet, you must check out 6 of the top business credit cards that you can apply for to make your life easier. American Express Blue Business® Plus Card This is an ideal business credit card offered by one of the leading credit card companies and does not levy any annual fees. You receive twice the Membership Reward ® points upto $50,000 with no category restrictions, which reduces to 1% thereafter. The cashback earned automatically gets credited in your statement. The regular APR on this card is 13.24% to 19.24% variable. CitiBusiness® AAdvantage® Platinum Select ® MasterCard® This is an excellent option if you undertake frequent business travel with American Airlines. You earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Additionally, the card offers 2 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar spent on telecommunications, fuel, car rental, and cable and satellite services. All other purchases earn you one mile for every dollar spent. The annual fee is $99 (waived in the first year) and regular APR varies between 15.99% and 24.99%.
Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country
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Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country

NNN properties are known as triple net lease properties and can be categorized as single-tenant properties that are available for lease. In these properties, the maintenance fees, taxes, and insurance have to be paid by the lessee instead of the landlord. These costs have to be borne by the lessee in addition to the rent. Here are some of the top NNN properties for sale: 7-Eleven, Texas There are plenty of 7-Eleven properties that come under the category of NNN properties. This one is our top pick at the moment, as it serves two commodities that are always in demand: gas and foods. The property is on the 3601 West Freeway in Fort Worth, Texas, making it quite a hot spot for sale. The current annual rent for this property is $267,500, while the cap rate is 5.75%. Burger King, Florida Burger King is one of the country’s favorite fast-food chains. The current annual rent for this property is about $140,000, and the cap rate is 5.15%. This property was built quite recently as compared to the other options on our list, and it has the potential of providing good returns quickly, as it is in a strategic location on SW Port St.

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6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in
finance

6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in

Before you search for the best dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs), it is recommended you understand your needs and overall investment objectives. ETFs are hybrids of mutual funds and stocks. When you invest in the ETF, you purchase shares in the fund, which buys the underlying asset. Here are six of the best high-dividend ETF funds: Vanguard High Dividend Yield (VYM) This ETF adopts the simple method of choosing stocks that have higher dividend yield when compared to other companies. This has resulted in building a diversified portfolio comprising 400 stocks with higher market capitalization. The majority of these stocks belong to the healthcare, consumer, and financial sectors. During the last decade, VYM delivered average annual returns of 12.9%. The expense ratio is the lowest in the industry at 0.06% per annum. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation (VIG) The ETF focuses on investing in companies that have a long history of increasing their dividend payouts over the years. The portfolio includes approximately 180 stocks with low yields. The ETF has earned average returns of 12.6% per year over the last 10 years. The expense ratio is 0.06%, which makes it an excellent option if you do not mind lower dividend returns currently but want to earn more in the future.
Top 5 providers for automated investments
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Top 5 providers for automated investments

Roboadvisors are gaining popularity as these investment programs offer affordable financial advice to a large number of investors. These automated advisors use an algorithm to recommend investment options that best suit your requirements. The best automated investing algorithms offer simple account setup, portfolio management, low fees, strong goal planning, and security. Here are the top five providers of automated investments. Betterment This roboadvisor is the best for delivering top-quality services. You may sync various financial accounts without investing to gain an overall picture of your investment portfolio. You may choose the pre-built Betterment portfolios or customize one to meet your needs. The algorithm gives you the flexibility to add new goals as required while monitoring your progress without any difficulties. The advisor charges between 0.25% and 0.4% management fees with no minimum account requirement. Wealthfront It is one of the largest Robo-advisors and provides goal-based investing enabling you to understand the future effects of your financial decisions. You may choose from a wide range of portfolios that comprise individual stocks to meet your financial goals. Once your portfolio accumulates USD 25,000, Wealthfront allows you to borrow against its value. The service provider also offers margin lending. The management fee for most accounts is 0.25% and you need an account minimum of USD 500.
Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio
finance

Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio

Most people work for decades so that they can make investments and collect sufficient funds for their retirement years. Having enough savings for the golden years is ideally the most significant goal for you as an investor, but the volatile market may make it difficult to understand which retirement funds are suitable for you. To help you out, here are the best retirement investments that you can include in your portfolio: Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund This retirement fund is created for investors who want to retire early so that they can enjoy the benefits of their investment within 15 years. However, even if you don’t want to retire that early, this fund has various offerings that make it one of the best retirement investments available in the market. As of now, this retirement fund offers a current yield of over 2%, and the expense ratio is 0.14%. Plus, Vanguard is quite a trusted name for keeping your money safe. Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund This fund offers one of the best diversifications and a lot more protection in case the fund underperforms. So, it invests in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and aims to provide long-term capital appreciation at an expense ratio of 0.58%.
Top 5 capital providers for your business
finance

Top 5 capital providers for your business

People who wish to set up their business ventures need additional funding to get going. Many banks and financial institutions help promising businesses with the same and in this article, we would be covering guaranteed business loan providers. You can check the following list out when looking for business loan providers. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo is one of the best financial institutions when it comes to guaranteed business loan providers in the market. It offers various other financial products. It claims to be a leader when it comes to small business loans. The unsecured business loan has varied loan amounts starting from $10,000 and going up to $100,000. The term for this product is between one to five years. Additionally, you can go for other loans offered by Wells Fargo, such as the Equipment Express Loan or the Advancing Term Loan. Capital One Capital One does not only offer good deals on business credit cards, its business loan is worth considering too. If you are looking at a funding source that can help expand your business or get going with the operations, then we highly recommend you to choose the business loan offered by Capital One. Starting at a minimal amount of $10,000 and a maximum term length of 5 years, the repayment term is simple and can be done on a monthly basis.
All you need to know about home insurance policy
finance

All you need to know about home insurance policy

Buying a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are a lot of risks that come with owning a home like the risk of theft and property damage. Investing in the right kind of home insurance policy is important so as to be financially prepared for these risks. There are several different companies in the market that offer home insurance policies with different kinds of terms and coverages. Remember the following points before choosing a home insurance policy. Explore your options As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of home insurance policies available to homeowners at this time. When selecting one, it is important to consider factors like what potential risks are being covered in the policy. It is also important to consider the company’s record in your area, whether they are reliable as insurance providers, and their response time. Ask about discounts Home insurance policy in 2021 offers additional services and discounts. They may offer discounts on additional safety installment services such as installing an alarm system, smoke alarm, or better locks. There may also be certain offers for old and retired personnel as well as some discounts for policies when taken via your employer’s or organization’s reference.
5 technologies revolutionizing financial services
finance

5 technologies revolutionizing financial services

For any industry to sustain itself in today’s world, implementing digital strategies has become indispensable. This holds particularly true for the financial services industry. The good news is that digital transformation in financial services has already begun, and we’ll likely see more and more innovative technologies underpinning banking and financial institutions in the coming years. Keep reading to learn about the latest digital transformation trends in the financial services industry. Big data and artificial intelligence The combination of big data and artificial intelligence is a revolutionary digital strategy that is shaping the future of banking and financial services. The technology helps institutions process, store, and drive valuable insights from the data they gather from their customers’ activities. Big data and artificial intelligence allow institutions to create a highly personalized experience, helping businesses attract and retain customers. Blockchain Blockchain is a fairly new technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the financial services industry. With blockchain technology, all transactions are permanently stored in the blockchain network, providing the highest level of transparency and security. Nobody can tamper with these transactions, which nearly eliminates the risk of error and fraud. Besides security, the technology is being explored for use in a wide variety of banking and investment applications.