10 exciting 2022 Black Friday deals on smart home devices
Home & Garden

10 exciting 2022 Black Friday deals on smart home devices

Smart devices are indispensable gadgets in homes that make people’s lives as hassle-free as possible. However, these products can be expensive, so big shopping events make for the perfect opportunities to get these devices for your home. One such event, Black Friday, is just around the corner, wherein brands offer attractive discounts on smart home devices. So here are 10 Black Friday deals on smart home devices that you can check out this shopping season: Google Nest Cam Outdoor This device is weather resistant, making the camera suitable for outdoor installation with an internal battery that eradicates the hassles of running on wires while connected to Google Assistant. Additionally, a 1080p sensor with night vision makes it an excellent purchase to monitor your front and back yards. You can get a pack of two latest Nest Cam Outdoors by Google at a discount of over $100. Echo Show 10 Save up to $50 on this latest Echo Show Alexa Smart Display version, which comes with a 10.1-inch screen, the ability to follow the owner on video calls, and many more exciting features. Aqua Smart Water Controller by Eve Launched in early August, expect lucrative offers on this latest addition to the Eve family.
Top 10 Black Friday offers on home security systems
Home & Garden

Top 10 Black Friday offers on home security systems

With the most extensive sales extravaganza of the year just a few months away, ardent shoppers are bound to be excited. This is the time when the customers can shop in bulk and still save big. Thus, there can be no more perfect time than Black Friday sales to purchase home security essentials. To help narrow down a wide range of options, here is a list of the top ten Black Friday home security deals. Best 2022 Black Friday home security deals Abode For the past few years, Abode has given some incredibly lucrative offers on the Black Friday sales event. From 2018 to 2021, it introduced some significant price cuts in its security system components, cameras, and starter kits. For instance, the Abode Iota Security Kit saw a price drop of more than $100 last year, and the established trend is expected to continue this year as well. ADT Usually, ADT lays out discount offers of up to 10 percent off sitewide on Black Friday. However, in the past few years, it has given out a free security camera and a cut of $100 on professional installation. This is actually good, as ADT’s classic security system does require a professional installation.
5 things to avoid during power outages
Home & Garden

5 things to avoid during power outages

Natural events, such as the ongoing Hurricane Ian in Florida, frequently cause power outages in nearby regions. So, while you prepare for such natural events in conventional ways such as stocking up supplies, using warm clothes, and maintaining communication with the respective authorities for informational clarity, it is easy to look past the necessary do’s and don’ts that need to be followed during an outage. Here are some things to avoid during power outages: Using excessive candles Candles have always been extremely dangerous during outages. During an outage, the visibility is lower than usual, especially during the evening. Therefore, the possibility of pets, kids, or even grown-ups walking around and unintentionally knocking down the candles is always there. To avoid the ensuing fire and damage that may follow, avoiding candles is one of the key things to avoid during an electrical failure. If candle usage is unavoidable, then make use of a few candles, or opt for battery-operated ones in emergencies. Leaving the fridge door open Normally, leaving the fridge door open causes more power consumption, but in the absence of power, it results in the spoilage of items stored within. Leaving the fridge door open causes the cold air within it to escape.
8 essential safety tips for living alone
Home & Garden

8 essential safety tips for living alone

Moving out for work or college can be an exciting and novel adventure, but it can also be daunting. Living alone offers a great deal of freedom, from selecting dinner to decorating, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility for personal and home security. It’s critical to be aware of all the tips and tricks while living alone to make the experience positive and sustainable. Here are a few safety tips. Safety inspection before moving in Make sure to conduct a thorough safety inspection of the apartment before moving in. Ensure your entrance points are secure, the walkways are well-lit, and your door is made of solid wood or metal. Also, enquire about your neighbors and the surrounding area. Adopt daily safety behaviors Create a daily safety routine or checklist to ensure that all safety precautions are followed. Close your blinds at night, lock any windows and doors, turn on outdoor lights when it gets dark, and bring in your trash and mail during the day. Upgrade the security system Improve your security system to keep an eye on your entire house while you’re away. Install motion sensor lighting and a security system with alarms that turns on when a window or door is opened from the outside.
Top 3 liquid laundry detergents to consider buying
Home & Garden

Top 3 liquid laundry detergents to consider buying

A good laundry detergent of any kind—liquid, pods, powder, or sheets—gives users stain- and odor-free clothes. However, not all products have the same formula, so some detergents may not be able to remove stubborn stains while retaining the color of clothes. So, one must always buy reliable detergents that work for all kinds of loads. The best laundry liquid detergents can remove stains and brighten clothes. So, here are the top options to consider buying: Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus Aroma Boost This liquid laundry detergent is at the top of the list due to its best-in-class stain removal. It also has a sweet-smelling formula that leaves clothes looking and smelling incredibly fresh. If one is looking for a liquid detergent that can remove stubborn chocolate stains and whiten clothes, then this Gain product is the best choice. Clorox 2 Stain Remover and Color Booster Besides removing stubborn and everyday stains, this liquid laundry detergent brightens colored clothes, making them look brand new and fresh for a long time. Further, Clorox 2 comes with a special formula that can remove 50% more stains, making it easier to eliminate persistent stains on the clothes. Additionally, this Clorox liquid detergent is safe for all loads and can also be used in both standard and high-efficiency washing machines.
6 decluttering mistakes to avoid
Home & Garden

6 decluttering mistakes to avoid

Many people make a point of decluttering the house regularly to create more space and simplify their lives. A clutter-free space saves time, boosts mood, improves focus and productivity, and enhances mental well-being. But decluttering the home can sometimes be a daunting task that can also end up causing more stress. Here are a few common decluttering mistakes that may stop you from enjoying the process and benefits of a clutter-free home. Starting without a plan Setting clear goals before starting to declutter your space can save time. For example, you can decide to tackle a section of a room at a time, purchase organizers of the right size, or call up cleaning or pest control services before beginning. Not setting realistic expectations You must set achievable targets that align with your schedule and capacity. Trying to do too much quickly or even over a weekend can lead to burnout and frustration. Decluttering for others without involving them Always respect the opinions of others in the house and involve them in the task. Discarding someone’s belongings without asking them may lead to arguments or build up resentment. By working together and finding common ground, you can create a clutter-free space everyone is happy with.
4 ingenious ways to prevent trash bags from slipping
Home & Garden

4 ingenious ways to prevent trash bags from slipping

Putting a trash bag into the can sounds like a straightforward enough task, no? But if you are not paying attention, the next time you forcefully toss something into that bin, the bag can simply slip inside. Now that’s a mess you definitely don’t want in the middle of the day! So here are some simple but effective ingenious solutions where you can use everyday objects to secure the trash bag firmly to the can. Pick the right size You’ll notice with trash bags; there is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Trash cans usually come in rectangular, square, or circular shapes. So, you must narrow down the nearest size based on that shape to secure it firmly and prevent it from slipping off the rim. Use extra-large rubber bands After you’ve rolled up the edge sleeves of the trash bag onto the rim of the can, use a couple of large-size rubber bands to secure the bags. It does seem like an extra step, especially when you want to make the chore less cumbersome. But securing the bag with a large rubber band will keep it in place until you have to empty its contents. Use binder clips This is a less dirty and quicker way to secure the bags to the can.
6 eco-friendly ways to clean bathrooms
Home & Garden

6 eco-friendly ways to clean bathrooms

Bathroom cleaning is a necessary chore, but it need not be an uncomfortable task if you use the right products and tools. Further, instead of popular store-bought products that are laced with chemicals and release toxic fumes, you can try DIY cleaning products using basic ingredients available in your kitchen. The ingredients required here are usually safe. Here are six ways you can clean the bathroom in an eco-friendly manner: Use vinegar Vinegar offers the acidity required for a thorough cleanup, especially when used on metal surfaces like showerheads and taps. You can remove the showerhead attachment and soak it in vinegar overnight. The liquid will gently erode the layer of dirt and grime accumulated on the attachment, leaving it spotless and clean. Try a baking soda paste Mix organic dish soap with baking soda to create a powerful cleaning agent. This homemade paste can help remove soap scum residue on the tiles, the door, and walls. The best part is that the paste will not leave an odor or stain the tiles. Use a homemade drain cleaner One part baking soda mixed with two parts vinegar is a potent cleaning solution that can get rid of stains easily. You can pour this solution into a clogged drain to dissolve the gunk that has accumulated over time.
Safe and economical DIY detergents
Home & Garden

Safe and economical DIY detergents

Using packaged detergents is a very convenient and easy option for doing laundry, but they also come with so many chemicals that can be harmful to humans and the environment as well. Constant use of these harsh chemicals can also lead to various skin problems, so it is always a good idea to explore some DIY options at home. Here are some safe-to-use DIY detergents that are effective and also economical. Fragrant liquid laundry detergent A very easy and efficient way to make your own laundry detergent, this only needs ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, castile soap, and your favorite essential oil. Here’s what you need to do: Take a 2-gallon bucket. Add half a cup of washing soda to this bucket. After this, add hot water to the soda, just enough to cover the whole ingredient. Make sure to mix it thoroughly to help it dissolve. Only once, when it has dissolved, move on to the next step. Add half a cup of baking soda and mix till it dissolves too. Now, fill the bucket with hot water again and leave just enough space at the top – around an inch. Now add the castile soap – three-fourth cups of it, followed by 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil.
5 laundry secrets from 5-star hotels to make life easy
Home & Garden

5 laundry secrets from 5-star hotels to make life easy

Doing the laundry is an essential chore but also the most disliked one. Who loves to wait for the washing and drying cycles to end, fold the laundry, and take everything to be arranged in their respective closets? While doing your laundry can be quite a drab job, it can be made exciting and easy with a few hacks, tips, and tricks. Here are a few laundry secrets from 5-star hotels for awesome results. Use vinegar to make your sheets soft Give your bedsheets instant brightness and softness with this quick and easy hack. Just add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the washing machine and run a cycle. Besides cleaning your sheets, it will eliminate lingering odors from them. Chalk up those grease stains Since chalk is superabsorbent, you can use it as an effective grease stain remover. Just rub it well over oily stains on fabrics. It will absorb most of the grease, making it easier to clean the fabric when you put it to wash in your next laundry cycle. Use a towel to dry clothes faster Want your clothes to dry faster? Throw a fluffy towel into the washing machine and keep it there for about 15 minutes.

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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.