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4 common traveling errors to avoid
travel

4 common traveling errors to avoid

As your long-awaited trip approaches, you should start preparing and packing so that you are all set well in advance. You have probably made a mental to-do list; however, you should account for uncertainties and anything that could be a hindrance. Forgetting something important or booking the wrong tour are common mistakes that could ruin the trip. So, here are a few other errors to avoid for an ideal experience.  Booking back-to-back flights Avoid booking long flights with a short layover or inadequate buffer period. Delays are inevitable when flying; you may also need time to make it to the next connecting flight. If you are planning a trip that involves consecutive long-haul flights, make sure you account for a suitable buffer period to rest and recoup.  Overpacking Even if you are planning a long vacation, avoid stuffing every piece of clothing and accessory into your luggage. When you have multiple layovers and transfers, lugging heavy suitcases is something you want to avoid. Also, you can find basic amenities and essentials at your destination. Traveling light is the best solution to save space for things (like souvenirs) you buy on vacation. Improper planning Am overambitious itinerary can be a nightmare to follow, especially if you are traveling with family.
Avoid these 4 common boating mistakes
travel

Avoid these 4 common boating mistakes

Whether you are a boating novice or an expert, it is common to face hurdles due to marine and weather conditions. However, some mistakes can be dangerous, and this is why it is important to learn how to avoid them. Double checking the vessel and following a checklist before you set sail can be crucial in ensuring a safe journey. So here are a few common boating mistakes and how to avoid them. Not checking the weather forecast One of the most common boating mistakes that people make is not checking the marine weather forecast. Keeping track of the lake/sea conditions can help you avoid extremities like rains, storms, or even too much wind while out on the water. You can avoid this error by downloading a marine weather app on your phone and checking it before setting sail. Forgetting to install drain plugs Putting in the drain plug is one of the most basic tasks on a boat, missing which can lead to water filling up inside the vessel. Reasons for the lapse include boats having multiple drain plugs and the plugs being removed between uses. The only way to tackle this is to double-check the plugs beforehand. Overloading Adding more weight than the boat can hold can cause the boat to capsize, swamp, and sink.
4 tips to get a better deal from a cable company
services

4 tips to get a better deal from a cable company

The TV or internet package deal you signed up for must’ve been attractive at first. But plans change just about every month or year, if not earlier. So, checking for new packages regularly isn’t a bad idea. But cable companies do not always reveal the best plans until the user takes the first step. If you are looking for a better cable deal, here are four tips to make it happen. Speak to a retention advisor The ultimate job of a retention advisor is to stop you from canceling your service and moving to another provider. The representative may make you an offer to retain you as a client. You may get offers including a broadband upgrade for the same price, discount movies, or a faster internet plan. Try all the options It is possible for a retention advisor not to offer a deal when you call them up. That’s because they might not be authorized to provide you with a better offer. So, don’t be disheartened if one agent turns you down. Instead, speak to another agent via call or chat, check their website, or talk to a third-party distributor for a better deal. Research competitor deals Competitors often provide better deals to new customers than the current provider.
4 mistakes to avoid when buying a flower bouquet
shopping

4 mistakes to avoid when buying a flower bouquet

Gifting flowers are the perfect way to express your sentiments. Whether you want to wish someone on their birthday, anniversary, or say congratulations, florists and top vendor businesses provide exclusive floral arrangements and delivery services. Did you know that the florist business in the country alone is worth a whopping $5.5 billion this year? However, despite all the knowledge and expertise, people make quite a few mistakes while ordering flower bouquets online. 4 mistakes to avoid when buying a flower bouquet Not understanding its purpose Sending flowers is a symbolic gesture in its purest form. Sending flowers with a meaning completely different from what the occasion demands, just because they are pretty, defeats their purpose. For example, roses come in a variety of colors. And each color represents a meaning assigned by society. Red roses are for romantic occasions, white roses represent purity, and dried white roses are for more solemn occasions. Buying last minute Florists keep a limited stock of popular occasion bouquets because flowers are perishable goods. So, keep a list of popular florists in the neighborhood and place your order a couple of days early. Custom orders may need to be placed and confirmed weeks in advance if it’s for a special occasion.
Avoid these 5 mistakes on your trip to Europe
travel

Avoid these 5 mistakes on your trip to Europe

Traveling to Europe is on everyone’s bucket list! And why not? The rich history, culture, and cuisine scattered throughout the continent make it a great place to explore and indulge in adventures. However, if you are traveling to Europe for the first time, you may want to avoid making some common rookie mistakes. These easy pointers will make your trip even more memorable. Here are some things to keep in mind: Too many places in little time There are so many things to do in Europe and several places to visit. But it’s unrealistic to check all sites and activities in such little time. Prioritize and plan an itinerary that is not too overwhelming. There will always be something that you might miss, so you must plan a trip where you can enjoy the cities at your own pace and revel in the pleasant journey. Overtipping Just because you are a tourist, do not feel obligated to overtip. You can ask the locals around to understand what is a considerable tipping amount. This information will help you save some money, which you can choose to spend on some other experiences or souvenirs. Also, be mindful of your cash, and don’t overspend without having a budget in mind.
Nine useful home remedies for treating cold and flu
health

Nine useful home remedies for treating cold and flu

Having a cold and flu at the same time can be an exasperating condition, especially if you are down with a range of symptoms such as fever, muscle ache, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, headaches, sneezing, chest congestion, nasal stuffiness, nausea, loss of energy, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, it can undoubtedly interfere with your everyday activities. However, the good part is that there is a range of cold and flu treatments which can assist you in alleviating the discomfort. The following cold and flu treatments comprise the use of home remedies as well as OTC (over-the-counter) medications. The best aspect is that most of the home remedies can be easily found in your kitchen. OTC medications – Based on the signs, you can use OTC drugs to ease the distress caused by cold and flu. You can get a variety of medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, antipyretics, pain relievers, expectorants, combination medications, etc. For instance, if you are particularly suffering from a stuffy nose and fever, you can use nasal sprays, nose drops, antipyretics, combination medicines, etc. to get rid of the congestion. Likewise, if you are suffering from body ache and fever, you should opt for pain relievers and antipyretics to gain quick relief.
Five mistakes to avoid before buying an unlimited phone plan
smartphone

Five mistakes to avoid before buying an unlimited phone plan

Switching to a new cellphone network can be a tedious process. You might miss out on paying attention to a few details. You need to consider factors like your daily data usage, number of users, optional family add-ons, and even phone compatibility if you are operating with a locked carrier. Here are a few other mistakes to avoid the next time you buy an unlimited data or call sim card. Not checking existing usage All major networks like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and US Mobile offer unlimited prepaid and postpaid data plans for individual and family users. But the pricing and plan validity will vary. Avoid choosing an unlimited data or calls sim card without checking your existing usage. Not checking phone compatibility Some handsets may not be programmed to work with a different network. For example, senior phones offered by Verizon include the handset with the deal. One can only make calls and access Internet from Verizon networks. You should consider switching to an unlocked device and ensure your network is compatible with it. Not confirming cancellation If you port your number from an old network, always ensure that you cancel all existing plans and pay off any bills that are due for the old sim card.
Avoid these 4 mistakes when buying an SUV
auto

Avoid these 4 mistakes when buying an SUV

Buying a new car, like an SUV, is usually a major purchase decision. It is typically a one-time investment for many who do not plan to switch vehicles for a few years. This means that simply opting for the latest make and model is not enough. You must consider the necessary features based on your and your family’s needs. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid when buying a new SUV: Focusing on the exterior Major brands manufacture compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and even luxury SUVs that come with many features and upgrades, each usually better than its predecessor. However, you need to compare features and not just go for only the exterior build and design, as what matters more is the car’s performance, engine, and comfort. Going for unnecessary accessories Premium and luxury cars are already loaded with advanced features. So when buying a new SUV, do not overspend on extra upgrades that the salespeople may make you believe are crucial. Install what is essential as there is always room for upgrades later. Underestimating safety features Modern vehicles, especially SUVs, come with safety features that are a mandate in many states. Some of the crucial safety features you need to consider are automatic braking, stability control, airbags, and sturdier builds.  Choosing the wrong arrangement If you can afford to buy, do not lease a car.
Fashion trends taking 2022 by storm
Fashion

Fashion trends taking 2022 by storm

Fashion is ever evolving, changing, growing, and recycling. There are new trends every few months. Some don’t stick around too long, while some creep their way into your basic wardrobe. Of course, 2022 has also seen a massive shift in fashion. Our trends are now not just about high fashion but also about comfort and care. If you’re curious about what 2022 has seen so far in terms of fashion, read on. Sweatpants and sweatshirts Fashion has not always been about comfort. But, in many ways, that’s changing and one of the latest trends that prove it is athleisure. Sweatpants have seen the ultimate glow up, and they’ve gone from homewear to high-fashion launches. You can wear any type of sweats you like. You can shop for baggy and oversized options or even go for monotone fits in different fabrics. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even bag a pair of color-coordinated sweats. In any case, leisurely loungewear is here to stay. Platform shoes Another fashion trend that has taken over social media and the wardrobes of Gen-Z and millennials is platform shoes. Platform shoes have been around for a very long time and have been a staple across different civilizations and cultures.
5 smartphone habits to stop today
health

5 smartphone habits to stop today

Smartphones are versatile devices that allow you to communicate with people even if they are across the globe. They can also be used to watch a movie on the go, read an e-book, take high-quality photos and videos, and even play games of your liking. But as important as they are, there are some things you should avoid doing when using a smartphone. Here are five smartphone habits to stop today: Using the phone while walking You may use your phone to perform multiple tasks. However, it is imperative to do so when you are not on the move. Using the device while walking can distract and endanger you or another individual. Relying only on GPS The GPS on a smartphone is exceptional but not always 100% accurate. There are days when your phone may guide you the wrong way or take you to the wrong destination. So sometimes, you should self-navigate by looking at the traffic signs or by seeking directions from a traffic officer. Scrolling through the smartphone before bed Most of us tend to scroll through social media or watch content like movies or a web series before sleeping. However, smartphones emit a blue light that suppresses melatonin, a chemical that regulates sleep.

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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
finance

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
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.