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9 benefits of donating to charity
Society

9 benefits of donating to charity

As far as charity is concerned, people usually think of it in linear terms. Donations help those in need, and it’s normal to believe this is the only goal. But many people are unaware that there is so much more to the act of giving. Lending a helping hand is only one of many benefits of making charitable donations. Individuals who share their wealth may also have rewarding personal, emotional, and mental experiences. Helping those in need One of the biggest benefits of donating money is helping those in need. The world isn’t perfect or even fair, for that matter. What makes a difference is a surplus sharing with those who don’t have privileges to bank on. Providing a positive experience A National Institute of Health study found that people who chose to donate would activate the pleasure centers in their brains. While there is more research to be conducted to understand this link, sharing is an undeniably satisfying experience. Taxes are deductible Donating to charity also comes with the benefit of a tax deduction. If you’ve contributed to an IRS-approved non-profit organization, you’ll get a write-off on the donation sum while filing returns. Setting an example Donating to a local or international community allows you to set a good example for the youth in the community.
Here’s how charity can impact a community
Society

Here’s how charity can impact a community

Charitable work is overwhelming and exhausting, but it’s undeniably fulfilling at the same time. Being able to give back to a community that helps shape your life and future is a definitive way to address several issues we face in society. Building a sense of belonging through empathy will go a long way in creating healthy safety nets for people. Let’s look at how charity impacts the strength of a community. Creates a sense of fellowship Being involved in local activities and causes brings you closer to your community and creates a sense of security. These are your neighbors with whom you share a space, and wouldn’t it be nice to interact and evolve with them? Charity events are a good place to socialize with like-minded people, ensuring that some of your interests are similar and creating a solid groundwork for a cordial relationship. Utilized for specific causes Charities work toward solving specific problems in the community. These causes could be issues like justice for all genders, free education for all, and shelter for the homeless. If your community is struggling with an issue, there may be people working towards solving that problem. Helping a cause with several people is much better than just one person trying to make a difference.
4 important benefits of giving back
Society

4 important benefits of giving back

Many studies indicate that one of the reasons people indulge in charitable work is because it makes them feel good. Most people think that this need to give is a moral duty toward society and that there is a social conscience behind this act. What is this power of giving back, and how does one understand it? This article lists some benefits of the psychology behind this act of kindness. Promotes social connection A number of studies done by sociologists indicate that giving to others can have immense benefits. When you give to others, your generosity will mostly be rewarded at some point in time. You will be rewarded by the person you helped or someone else. These exchanges of goodwill strengthen human relations and promote cooperation. Furthermore, we make others feel closer to us when we help them. This results in an improved sense of interdependence among society at large. Improves mood A number of studies have linked giving back with improved mood in general. One report indicated that people who do more or give back constantly tend to be more happier. Being generous over a period of time has been known to reduce stress levels too. Moreover, giving can positively impact a person’s self-esteem.
3 common mistakes parents must avoid during babycare
Society

3 common mistakes parents must avoid during babycare

Babies bring unimaginable joy and warmth into their parents’ lives. However, raising a baby is just as physically and emotionally draining as rewarding for parents, especially first-timers. All parents make certain  mistakes while caring for their babies, no matter how much time they dedicate to their precious bundle of happiness. There’s no shame in making errors during baby care if parents can correct them. Some common mistakes are listed below. Not letting the baby cry it out A common misconception many parents may have about infants, especially newborns, is that their crying translates to hunger, irritation, or pain. Parents tend to believe that their mistakes are making their baby cry. Babies cry because it is just what they do. A baby can be adequately fed and diapered, and they may still cry for no reason. When it comes to newborn babies, crying is a sign of breathing. However, if a baby cries continuously for an hour, then the parents will need to visit their local pediatrician to get them checked for a rash, a swollen belly, a fever, or other health conditions. However, by and large, a crying baby is not a sign of trouble. Ignoring oral care This oversight from parents can become problematic for their child’s oral health later on.
6 non-monetary ways to be charitable
Society

6 non-monetary ways to be charitable

While several people participate in annual or bi-annual fundraising programs, it is not for everyone, especially for the people with no excess income. But that is not to say that such individuals cannot give back to society. If one is determined to help make a change, there are various ways to donate to charity. This can be via lending manpower, taking up service responsibility, etc. All you need is a little effort and some time. 6 non-monetary ways to donate to charity By being creative Are you a passionate baker? Or are you well versed in the art of sewing? Maybe knitting? What we are trying to say is you can put your skills to use for the greater good. You can find shelter homes, retirement communities, or schools that could use a little help with their community. Put together some of your creations and donate them to make their day a little brighter. By being active You can organize or participate in various marathons and triathlons to give back to people. Participate in events affiliated with or trying to raise funds for charities. If you look closely, you can find one happening at least every month in your city.
5 safety tips for concert and festival goers
Society

5 safety tips for concert and festival goers

The thought of attending a concert or a festival is an exciting one. You can watch your favorite artist perform live, sing and dance to their music, and enjoy assorted food and drinks. However, whether this is a one-day or weekend-long event, there are several factors that one may overlook, including safety concerns. So if you have considered attending any such event, here are five tips for ensuring you’re safe throughout it. Attend with a group Thousands of people may attend a concert or a festival on any given day. So, it is quite easy to get lost in such a big crowd, even if you look away for just a minute. Therefore, it is advisable to attend the event with friends and stick together. If you must separate, then always let them know where you are in case of emergencies. Moreover, you should share your smartphone’s location with them (and vice versa) so that they can find you easily. Identify an exit route Despite the level of security at a festival or concert, several factors may trigger panic among the crowd. Therefore, you must identify more than one exit route in the block assigned to you. In case one is blocked, you can always use the other.
Birth month flowers and their meaning
Society

Birth month flowers and their meaning

Before the advent of texting, emailing, or even calling, people used flowers to communicate. The language of flowers is known as floriography and was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Even though communication has evolved in recent years, here’s how you can use flowers to say something special to your loved ones or to bring them a personalized gift. Check out this guide to find what your birth month flower type reveals about you: January: Carnation and Snowdrop Carnations are distinctly strong to bloom in winter and symbolize admiration, love, and distinction. Snowdrops are symbolic of hope and rebirth. February: Violet and Primrose While many associate roses with the month of love, violets, and primrose are the birth flowers for February. Violets symbolize modesty, faithfulness, and virtue, whereas primrose symbolizes young love. March: Daffodil Daffodils represent spring’s first month, symbolize unparalleled love, and are also associated with new beginnings, prosperity, and faithfulness. April: Daisy and Sweet Pea Daisies symbolize purity, true love, and innocence and are great for showcasing undying love. Sweet peas symbolize blissful pleasure and are known for their sweet fragrance. May: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn Lily of the Valley signifies sweetness, humility, and motherhood and are great presents for your mother on her birthday or Mother’s Day.
5 mistakes to avoid while booking concert tickets
Society

5 mistakes to avoid while booking concert tickets

Fine arts have been an indispensable part of art, integrating different cultures around the world for centuries. Concerts are the perfect venues for music enthusiasts to meet and interact with like-minded people. If interested in attending a concert, all one has to do is keep up with their favorite singers, look up preferred genres, and shortlist a suitable event. However, one should avoid making the following mistakes while booking concert tickets: Missing presale opportunity Credit card presales can help one save considerable amounts on concert tickets. Additionally, such presales allow one to get better seats. So, while booking concert tickets, it is important for credit card holders to check if they are eligible to buy presale tickets. Refreshing the web page Sometimes, websites may take a long time to process the booking, possibly because many patrons are trying to secure their seats simultaneously. However, refreshing the page at this time may make one lose their booked seats. In such cases, one may have to book other, less desirable seats or miss the concert if all the seats get booked. So, a key concert ticket-shopping mistake to avoid is refreshing the web page while booking a ticket online. Choosing websites over apps Apps ensure the most hassle-free experiences for visitors, as they have advanced in-built features to prevent technical glitches.
3 mistakes to avoid when buying tickets for live concerts
Society

3 mistakes to avoid when buying tickets for live concerts

The internet has made buying tickets for live concerts and shows convenient. However, people tend to make mistakes in this process, such as waiting until the last minute to book and using the wrong websites. These errors, coupled with ticketing scams littering the internet, can make ticket booking tricky. Keeping this in mind, we’ve listed a few blunders to avoid while purchasing live concert and show tickets for a wholesome experience. Not checking the fine print The fine print on a concert ticket can contain crucial details, such as the minimum age limit for attendees and the list of things not allowed inside the concert hall. Not meeting these requirements can deny you entry to the concert, leading to a waste of money. Besides checking the rules and regulations, spend a few minutes understanding the refund and return policies to prevent hassle in case of a cancellation. Falling for fake tickets Despite the enforcement of various regulative strategies, a few resellers resort to unfair practices when selling tickets. Sometimes, you may not receive a ticket despite completing the purchase process. It could be because the seller found a better deal and decided to drop you, or they hadn’t secured the promised passes in the first place.
6 warning signs of child neglect and ways to help
Society

6 warning signs of child neglect and ways to help

Childhood is when someone requires proper attention and care to ensure their proper health and well-being. Emotional and physical neglect can affect a child’s cognitive functions and social skills. Furthermore, neglect may also lead to stunted growth and mental conditions like anxiety later in life. Therefore, understanding the consequences of neglecting children is crucial in ensuring they receive proper care. Keep reading to learn more about signs that indicate child neglect. Signs that indicate child neglect Children may not always know how to communicate their needs and are less equipped to handle issues arising from neglect. Caregivers must look for the following warning signs of child neglect and ways to help. Poor hygiene and unsuitable clothing A child neglected by their caregiver may show clear signs of poor hygiene and unsuitable or unwashed, dirty clothing. Odd eating behavior Abnormal eating behaviors like hiding or hoarding food and eating fast with a fear that food might disappear at any moment are indicators of neglect. Extreme behavior A child who does not know how to communicate appropriately may cry excessively or run away when someone tries to reach out to them. Poor peer relationships If a child can’t relate to or make friends with kids their age, it is a cause for concern.

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.