5 easy home improvement hacks to save time and effort
home and garden

5 easy home improvement hacks to save time and effort

When it comes to home improvement, many find the task challenging. But there are several ways one can cut down on the extra effort. There is a wide range of tips and tricks that can make things easier for you to carry out your remodeling projects without hassle. Check out a few home improvement hacks that will save you time and money without causing any mess around your home space. Stretch a rubber band over a paint container When you take up a painting project for your home, you may not think about the extra paint spillage that can happen from your brush. It can make the painting uneven when applied over any surface, such as walls, floors, or furniture. To tackle this, pop an elastic band over the paint can. After each dip of the brush, just gently glide it over the band to remove any extra paint and reduce wastage. Use a balloon to remove stripped screws It is tough to remove screws with heads worn out since a drill cannot reach them. An incredible hack that you can use to remove such stripped screws is by using a balloon. You should place the balloon right on top of the stripped screw.
7 common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid
home and garden

7 common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid

Keeping the washroom clean is a hands-on task. But it’s necessary to wipe down all surfaces, use quality disinfectants, and sanitize the area regularly to maintain good hygiene. Doing so will prevent transferring bacteria and germs from the toilet to other areas of the house. Cleaning the toilet seems straightforward enough. But here are 7 mistakes you might be making involuntarily and should avoid the next time you tackle this task. Forgetting to clean the toilet brush The tool designed to scrape off grime, gunk, and all the funky discoloration in a toilet also needs to be cleaned thoroughly after regular use. Not cleaning the brush leaves bacteria and viruses to harbor and transfer over to your hands the next time you pick it up. Wiping down surfaces immediately When you use a chemical base toilet cleaner, it is important to spray and allow the product to sit on the surface while the formula activates and does its job. Never wipe down the surface immediately after spraying it with the cleaning solution, as it will not be as effective. Using too many cleaning products Mixing cleaning products or repeatedly using them on the surface can cause the toilet bowl layer to erode and become discolored.
10 surprising things that a home warranty doesn’t cover
home and garden

10 surprising things that a home warranty doesn’t cover

If you purchased or are planning to purchase a home, you may have wondered what a home warranty covers. A home warranty can save you money when any systems and appliances break down, preserving your home and budget. However, it doesn’t cover every element of your home. Some aspects that a home warranty doesn’t cover, like leaky roofs and cosmetic damage, are listed below. Scroll down to uncover the limitations of a home warranty plan. Walls, doors, and windows A home warranty usually doesn’t cover walls, windows, and doors as they are considered structural elements. However, based on the age of your home, these items will be covered by a homeowners insurance policy or builder’s warranty. Cosmetic damage If the damage, like scratches or dents, is caused by natural wear and tear over time, it is the homeowners’ responsibility, not that of the warranty provider. Pest damage Home warranties are not designed to cover and repair/ replace the damages caused by pest infestations like rodents or termites. Leaking roofs A home warranty doesn’t cover leaking roofs since this is a structural problem. Hot tubs and swimming pools Pools and hot tubs are some things not covered under a home warranty, but certain companies might extend their coverage at an additional price.
5 common gardening mistakes to avoid
home and garden

5 common gardening mistakes to avoid

Gardening isn’t something you get right on the first try. It requires some trial and error to perfect. Sometimes, you might find a plant doing poorly in one spot of your yard but thriving in another. While you might need more than a couple of tries to get things right, you must first learn about the common gardening mistakes to avoid. Luckily, most of these are easy to step over. Skipping compost Plants need nutrients while growing, and the best way to supply them is by adding compost. By skipping compost, you’re falling prey to one of the most common gardening mistakes that should be avoided. Compost not only provides plants with nutrients but also adds moisture and improves the soil’s drainage. Ignoring pest control Pests are always waiting for a chance to make quick work of your garden. So, you must find a way to stop them without using poisonous chemicals. One solution is to grow disease and pest-resistant plants that attract birds and insects that eat destructive pests. You can use some non-toxic traps and sprays occasionally. Poor watering habits It’s impossible to ignore how many of us water our plants and gardens at the wrong time. If you want the lawn to retain moisture, water it last thing at night or first thing in the morning.
4 ways to maintain a water tank
home and garden

4 ways to maintain a water tank

Maintaining a clean and sanitized water tank is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of your household. This is why it is critical to know the best ways to clean your water tank. From regular inspections to thorough cleaning methods, practical tips and examples are beneficial to homeowners. By implementing these tips, you’ll be able to enhance water quality, prevent contamination, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your water supply is clean. Regular inspections and maintenance If you want to stay on top of water tank hygiene, ensure you are keeping up with regular checks and maintenance. Any possible signs of cracks, leaks, or damage could result in a tank’s integrity being compromised. You will also need to regularly check your pipes, fittings, and valves. Conducting daily inspections allows you to address problems early on and avoid costly repairs or water quality issues down the line. Flushing and draining the tank It is common knowledge that draining and flushing a water tank periodically helps avoid any debris, sedimentation, and stagnant water from being accumulated. The first step to doing this is turning off the tank’s water supply. Next, open the drain valve and allow the tank to be completely drained.
5 effective ways to clean carpets at home
home and garden

5 effective ways to clean carpets at home

Cleaning the walls and dusting furniture are essential aspects of home cleaning, but the carpet is one surface on which considerable dust accumulates over time, and cleaning it becomes a challenging task. And contrary to popular belief, carpet cleaning can be a hassle-free process if one follows the right strategies and is aware of certain quick cleaning hacks. This article provides insight into some easy ways to clean a carpet: Clean using basic household products The “solutions” to a spotless carpet are mostly readily available at one’s home. A mixture of club soda and vinegar or baking soda, borax, and cornstarch can do wonders for your carpet, leaving it stain-free and tidy. One may also use steam vapor or a salt and vinegar solution for effective carpet cleaning. Another pro tip for cleaning a carpet is to apply a dab of shaving cream on it, which is effective in removing different types of stains. Blot stains on the carpet A common mistake while cleaning carpets is to rub on stains after pouring a solution. The right way to remove these stains is to blot them using a paper towel, sponge, or even a clean piece of cloth. Use ice cubes Hard, sticky substances like gum can be difficult to clean from carpets.
5 weird but super effective cleaning tools
home and garden

5 weird but super effective cleaning tools

When people think of cleaning tools, certain images may pop into their heads; a brush, a suction cup, a cleaning cloth, a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a scrubber, and so on. However, besides these, there are a host of unconventional tools and solutions that be just as effective in cleaning surfaces and items. Most people may not know about these and, therefore, will never have experienced their effectiveness. Here are some such cleaning tools: Advanced baking soda spray Many people know about baking soda’s underrated cleansing properties, but not many may try baking soda spray to clean furniture upholstery. All one needs to do is take warm water and mix about three tablespoons of baking soda. People can add a few drops of scented oil into the mix for fragrant results. This spray is useful for cleaning fabrics. Before using a baking soda spray, all one needs to do is mix just the right amount of baking soda and sweet-smelling oils so that the odor never becomes overwhelming and the soda’s residue does not stay behind on materials. Sliding door track cleaning brush A sliding door track is incredibly useful to clear dirt and dust from the track of a sliding door.
4 kitchen cleaning hacks that aren’t really effective
home and garden

4 kitchen cleaning hacks that aren’t really effective

Cleaning is a mammoth task, especially in the kitchen area, which gets pretty messy while preparing different cuisines during the day. While people try several cleaning hacks to make the job easy and quick, the results rarely meet their expectations and instead do more harm than good. With that in mind, we have listed some of the most popular kitchen cleaning hacks that don’t work, along with alternatives worth trying. Using the oven’s self-cleaning feature Although modern ovens have a self-cleaning feature, using it makes things worse. In most cases, the appliance heats up and releases harmful gases, leading to indoor air pollution. If you still wish to use this trick, turn on the exhaust fan in the room, start the oven’s self-cleaning feature, and leave it untouched for a few hours. Then open the windows and air out the room to eliminate the toxic gases and their accompanying odor. Using bleach to clean the counters Another cleaning hack that doesn’t work involves using bleach on the kitchen countertops. It’s common for stains to remain on the surface after handling poultry, fish, and raw meat. However, using bleach to eliminate them can emit volatile compounds that may trigger headaches, asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues.
Top 8 deep cleaning products every home must have
home and garden

Top 8 deep cleaning products every home must have

A clean and tidy home contributes to the general well-being and overall health of its occupants. While hiring professional services is an option, many individuals prefer to try deep cleaning tasks themselves. To achieve professional-level results, one must have the right tools and products. Some commonly suggested products for cleaning home spaces are listed below. These products are widely recognized for their effectiveness in managing cleaning challenges and achieving a sparkling clean home. Baking soda Baking soda is a versatile and affordable cleaning agent that most professionals suggest. Its mild abrasive properties make it ideal for scrubbing tough stains, eliminating odors, and deodorizing carpets. Glass cleaners Having glass cleaners handy can help achieve streak-free, crystal-clear windows and mirrors and instant riddance from spills on glass table tops. Specially formulated to remove smudges, fingerprints, and dirt, glass cleaners leave surfaces sparkling without any residue. Paired with lint-free cloths or microfiber towels, they bring shine and clarity to glass surfaces. Rubber gloves Rubber gloves protect hands from harsh chemicals and provide a better grip while scrubbing and handling cleaning agents. One can opt for durable, high-quality rubber gloves that offer comfort and protection during deep cleaning. Extendable duster A versatile extendable duster can be used to reach high and difficult-to-access areas in the house, especially while removing dust and cobwebs from ceilings, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and tall furniture.
6 laundry mistakes to avoid
home and garden

6 laundry mistakes to avoid

Doing laundry is a routine household chore that we often take for granted. However, certain common mistakes can inadvertently damage our beloved clothes, causing them to lose their shape, color, and overall quality. To help you avoid these laundry pitfalls, you must learn the essential tips and insights for better laundry practices. By understanding these mistakes and adopting the right practices, you can ensure your clothes stay pristine and last longer. Neglecting sorting clothes One of the biggest mistakes you make when doing laundry is neglecting proper sorting. Sorting your clothes based on color, fabric type, and care instructions is crucial to preventing color bleeding, fabric damage, and shrinkage. Take the time to separate your darks, lights, and whites to avoid unwanted color transfers and ensure the longevity of your garments. Overloading the washing machine Stuffing your washing machine with excessive clothes may seem efficient, but it can lead to subpar results. Overloading prevents adequate water and detergent circulation, resulting in inadequate cleaning and rinsing. It can also strain the machine’s components unnecessarily, potentially causing damage. Ignoring care labels Care labels are like a treasure map that guides you on the journey of proper garment care. Ignoring or neglecting to read care labels can have disastrous consequences for your clothes.

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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
finance

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.