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Month: April 2019

  • Why Don’t Americans Take Mental Health Seriously?

    Why Don’t Americans Take Mental Health Seriously?

    Consistently, modern American society underestimates the importance of mental health. Those who struggle with anxiety, depression and numerous other mental health issues are often told to “toughen up”. “It’s all in your head, just buckle down and work hard” is a common piece of advice.

    People wouldn’t dare speak this way to someone with a bodily malady, such as a broken bone or chronic illness. Why is it that Americans don’t take mental health seriously?

    Why Don’t Americans Take Mental Health Seriously?

    Toughen Up, Buttercup

    One aspect of this is good, old-fashioned toxic work ethic at play. Americans are expected to work and be profitable for a company. If they want to eat and have somewhere to sleep, at least, they have to sell their labor. When someone gets physically hurt, they can’t exactly be compelled to work.

    However, when someone is suffering from mental health issues, these aren’t outwardly noticeable issues. A broken leg is visibly broken, but a depressed person looks otherwise normal. For someone who has never suffered with depression, they might even seem like they’re just wallowing and need to cheer up.

    Sympathy and Portrayal

    The portrayal of mental health in popular culture and mass media has down little to help in this regard, either. Oftentimes, cartoon villains are depicted as being “criminally insane” in goofy, simplified ways. The Joker is psychotic, Harvey Dent has multiple personalities, and so on.

    Even more everyday mental issues like anxiety and depression get reduced to character flaws to be overcome by strength of will. Presenting these mental issues as cartoon villains or easily-bested flaws does a disservice to the people who actually suffer with them.

    Healthcare

    Finally, the most damaging aspect of America’s lack of attention to mental health comes down to our healthcare system. When someone receives a checkup from a general physician, the doctor looks over all of their health. From their muscles to their organs, the doctor makes sure the patient is healthy.

    However, isn’t the brain an organ? Shouldn’t issues of the mind be consider alongside maladies of the body? Doctors will often make passing inquiries about mental health, such as one’s general wellness and relationship with alcohol. However, if the conversation reveals the patient may have a mental issue, often the doctor is left only able to recommend them to a therapist.

    Cost

    As many Americans know all too well, the cost of visiting a therapist can be prohibitive. Many people who could benefit greatly from the help of a mental health professional are unable to do so thanks to the exorbitant cost of healthcare. Without diagnosis, it could even be consider an elective treatment and not be covered by insurance at all.

    This has a tremendous human cost. If we don’t take care of our people, how can we claim to be a great place to live? It’s time for Americans to start taking mental health seriously.

  • Apple HomePod: Why Apple Can’t Break into the Smart Speaker Market

    Apple HomePod: Why Apple Can’t Break into the Smart Speaker Market

    The Apple HomePod was meant to be a direct competitor to Amazon’s Echo and the Google Home. These lines of products have proven incredibly profitable for their parent companies, and Apple has been wanting a slice of the home speaker market. However, so far they’ve been floundering miserably.

    Why can’t Apple seem to break into the home speaker market? What is it about their HomePod and Siri that makes them unable to make a dent in the market? Today we’re going to answer those questions.

    Apple HomePod

    Price Point

    At face value, before one even considers other factors, they must look at the price of HomePod. They can typically be purchased for around $350, though bargain seekers might find it as low as $300. This is almost a joke: Amazon’s Echo Dot often is on sale for as little as $15 or $20. Google Home’s smallest speaker, the Google Home Mini, can be acquired for $40.

    Setting aside the fact that the HomePod sounds better than most home speakers, it’s astronomically expensive. Google and Amazon have made their speakers more than just affordable, they’ve made them part of the conversation.

    Assistants

    Personal assistants, like Alexa and the Google Assistant, have to be fast, fluid and conversational. Siri is none of these things. She’s awkward, often starting and stopping in strange ways. Siri has comparatively few command prompts when held up next to her competitors. In short, she’s pretty dumb for a smart speaker.

    Third Party Integration

    Many companies haven’t even given the HomePod a second thought with their smart home tech integration. Google and Amazon integration are points of advertisement: of course you want these smart bulbs, they work with Alexa! HomePod integration is often relegated to a footnote, if it exists at all.

    The Apple Problem

    Apple’s business model involves creating, perfecting and curating their own ecosystem of products and software. The Mac is a personal computer with a flashy UI, tightly-controlled app management and relatively few unforeseen bugs. The iPhone is much the same for smartphones, working as a closed-off and high-walled system.

    This “walled-garden” approach isn’t working for home speakers. People might pay $1,000 for a smartphone or $400 for a smartwatch, but they’re not looking to shell out $350 for a smart speaker. Apple has misread the market on the HomePod. If they want the product line to take off, the first thing they need to do is tear down the walls and let Siri live on less expensive speakers.

    Maybe from there they can start to turn around their abysmal smart home performance. However, it will be tough to contend with Amazon’s stranglehold on the market.

  • No Degree? Great Jobs that are Right for You

    No Degree? Great Jobs that are Right for You

    Not everyone gets to, or wants to, go to college. After all, it’s expensive and time consuming, and you’ve got bills to pay and a life to live. That’s not a problem! College isn’t for everyone. However, now you’re looking for a good job to make ends meet. What kind of good jobs are available for someone without a degree? Let’s find out.

    Great Jobs for People without a College Degree

    Truck Driver

    If you don’t mind the open road and long trips across country, there’s a lot of money to be made as a trucker. Once you have a commercial trucking license, you’re a hot commodity. This kind of job isn’t for everyone, but it will ensure a great deal of financial security.

    Staying up for long hours, driving to new places and having a flexible schedule are all part of the job. If you don’t have a problem being away from home for days at a time, you could make a great trucker. Companies are always hiring, and the average pay is around $50,000 per year. That’s not bad for a job that doesn’t require a degree.

    Hotel Management

    Getting in on the ground floor of a hotel isn’t terribly difficult, and doesn’t require a degree. However, it might require you work some pretty crazy hours. Most hotels tend to start people, especially front desk staff, as overnight workers.

    If you go in with an open mind, work hard and keep your nose to the grindstone, you could find yourself promoted rapidly. Hotels are always looking for good people, so the cream will rise to the top. Management could provide some great opportunities, including benefits like medical insurance and paid time off.

    Web Development

    People with a knack for coding and design are naturally drawn to computer-based professions. As it turns out, you don’t need a college degree to be a contractor in the field. Contractors can set their own hours and their own rates. Staying competitive isn’t a matter of education, just a matter of skill.

    If you’re good with computers and can design great websites, you could have a future as a web developer. Keep in mind, however, that most developers work as contractors, not employees. This means you’ll have to cover your own health insurance and pay your own half of Social Security come tax time.

    However, this is a great opportunity for those with the right skills.

  • Best Bluetooth Headphones: Top-Quality Audio

    Best Bluetooth Headphones: Top-Quality Audio

    Everyone loves rocking out to their favorite songs. The only thing better than jamming is jamming with no wires! Today we’re going to look at some of the best Bluetooth headphones money can buy. Let’s get down to some great tunes with these awesome Bluetooth headphones!

    Best Bluetooth Headphones

    Bose QuietComfort 35 II

    Bose is a leading name in audio devices for a good reason. They consistently release top-notch hardware, and the QuietComfort 35 II is no exception. Industry-leading noise cancellation makes these wireless headphones irreplaceable on long plane rides.

    The audio quality is spacious and superb, delivering pumping bass and great range. There’s an active equalizer going on here that is a little unusual at first, but it can be a good thing for certain songs. If you don’t mind the somewhat drab appearance, this is one of the best pairs of headphones $350 can buy.

    Sony WH-1000XM3

    You knew Sony was going to show up on this list. Their WH-1000XM3 headphones are top-notch, offering a ton of killer features. There’s noise-canceling, superb audio quality and a very long battery life all packed in here. Available for around $350, these aren’t budget headphones, but trust us: you get what you pay for.

    The audio quality on these headphones is stellar for a wireless, over-ear pair. The 30-hour battery life is great for frequent fliers and audiophiles alike. Likewise, the noise cancellation means you won’t hear that baby crying two rows over.

    Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless

    If you don’t mind paying a full $700, the Amiron Wireless headphones from Beyerdynamic are truly the best of the best. These headphones have unparalleled sound and best even some conventional headphones. Whether you’re a strict audiophile who wants the most accurate playback or simply a fan of luxury items, there’s a lot to love about these headphones.

    It’s worth noting that these headphones cost double what the other two sets on this list cost. However, they’re not twice as good. Both Bose and Sony’s headsets are killer options for a much lower price. Likewise, these Beyerdynamic headphones don’t travel well, making Sony and Bose better choices for commuters.

    However, if you’re looking for a wireless pair of headphones that has unrivalled sound quality, this is it. Impressing your friends or just people on the street is one upshot, and having the highest quality playback is another. The build is top-notch, the sound is spacious and breathtaking, and the price will knock your socks off. That’s Beyerdynamic for you.

  • How to be Financially Stable in Retirement: Quick Tips

    How to be Financially Stable in Retirement: Quick Tips

    The average American is quite sensitive to the idea of having enough money for retirement. After all, once you’ve reached old age, you don’t want to have to do the 9 to 5 grind anymore for money. How can you make sure you save up enough to be financially stable in retirement? Here are some of our quick tips to get you started.

    How to be Financially Stable in Retirement

    Start Saving Now

    It’s never too early, or too late, to start saving for your retirement. The sooner you start, the sooner you get interest working in your favor. If you’re in your early twenties or your late fifties, starting today is always the right call. Preferably, you want to start saving for retirement as soon as you start working.

    Retirement funds are taxed differently than other types of funds. They’re taxed much more leniently if you take from them only after you retire. As such, they’re a great investment in your financial future. Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs and the like are all great choices. Talk to your financial advisor about which one is right for you.

    Pay Down Debts Fast

    It’s much preferable to pay down your debts as fast as possible, get them out of the way, and get their interest off your plate. This is the same advise as earlier, just in reverse. The longer you carry your debt, the more in costs you. Make sure you don’t carry it into retirement with you.

    Retirees already have a number of expenses to keep up with. The last thing they need is more expenses piled on to their existing bills, especially on a fixed income. Pay off those credit card bills now. Pay down your mortgage as quickly as you can comfortably afford.

    Don’t Rely on Social Security

    Social Security won’t be enough to cover all of your expenses in retirement. In fact, by some estimates, younger workers might never gain any access to Social Security at all. Make sure you plan for retirement with this in mind. There’s no reason to count on something that might not even be there when you retire!

    Instead, make sure your plan includes enough money for you to live comfortably on your savings alone. Consider retiring gradually, working part-time for a few years as a pre-retirement step. This way, you can wait a bit longer before pulling from your retirement savings while still living a bit more relaxed of a life in your older age.

  • Google Stadia: What is it, and What Does it Mean?

    Google Stadia: What is it, and What Does it Mean?

    Google recently announced their upcoming Stadia game-streaming service, and people have been talking. Google promises seamless streaming of 4K, AAA game without the end-user needing any hardware besides a screen and an internet connection. Is this too good to be true? What could this mean for the gaming industry?

    Google Stadia

    Is This Real Life?

    Game streaming actually isn’t all that new. The technology for streaming games has been used by other companies to limited success previously. Notably, Capcom even allowed Resident Evil VII to stream to the Nintendo Switch in Japan. However, reviewers have noted that big, AAA games require a pretty good, stable internet connection to run well.

    If Google’s promised 4K game streaming is to become a reality, internet infrastructure in the US will be a hurdle to overcome. Many people that live in rural areas simply don’t have access to lightning-fast internet. Without that, how will they stream the kinds of games Google is promising?

    Pricing

    A big question mark regarding Stadia, at the moment, is the business model. Will this be a subscription service that gives the user access to a library of games for a monthly fee? Will the service itself be free but require you to buy games? Or, worst of all could these just be game “rentals” that charge you for play time?

    Pricing will be a huge factor in Stadia’s performance. We speculate that the most successful permutation for Google would be to operate a Netflix-like subscription service. You pay, say, $20 per month and get access to a library of games. No fuss, no mess, games on demand. Everyone is happy. This, however, isn’t all to consider.

    Ownership

    One of the concerns raised by many gamers following the Stadia announcement is anxiety over ownership. At present, most games get physical media releases. The physical media, whether it be disk or cartridge, contains the game’s data. That means you can play it even long after its developer and publisher stop supporting it.

    The same isn’t true of a service like Stadia. With Stadia, you don’t actually own the games, as Google’s servers have all of the data. If you want to play a game that isn’t on the service anymore, well tough. Likewise, if you want to sell your old games that you aren’t playing anymore, you can’t. You don’t own them, so you have nothing to show for the money you’ve spent gaming.

    Bottom Line

    Will Google Stadia shake up the gaming landscape and make consoles obsolete? Or, will it fizzle out like many of Google’s other ill-fated ventures? Time will tell. Until then, we’re eagerly awaiting news on when Stadia launches, and how much it’ll cost.

  • Which is Better: An Electric Toothbrush, or Manual?

    Which is Better: An Electric Toothbrush, or Manual?

    Dentists advise that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. At the very least, you should brush once in the morning when you get up and then before bed. But, when it comes to brushing, what kind of toothbrush should you use? Are electric toothbrushes or manual toothbrushes the better option? Today we’re going to get into it.

    Electric Toothbrush or Manual Toothbrush?

    Are Electric Toothbrushes Better?

    Electric toothbrushes are often marketed as being able to help you more thoroughly clean your teeth. They use small, motorized mechanics to spin or move back and forth at rapid speeds to knock plaque off of your teeth. It’s generally agreed upon that electric toothbrushes are actually better, on average, than manual toothbrushes, at removing plaque.

    Another big aspect of electric toothbrushes is that they’re great for people with limited mobility. They’re able to do a lot of the work of getting plaque off of your teeth for you. As such, if you have a harder time manipulating a toothbrush, you might want to get an electric toothbrush.

    Electric Benefits

    There are a few unique benefits to electric brushes. One such benefit is that you produce less waste with an electric brush if you only need to replace the head. That way, you’re not throwing away your brush entirely, just the head.

    They could also have built-in timers, which help to make sure that you’re spending the right amount of time brushing. It’s best to keep track of your brushing time so that you’re neither sprinting through it nor taking too long and overbrushing.

    Another benefit is that some studies show you might be more focused on the task at hand when you’re using an electric brush.

    Manual Toothbrush Benefits

    On the flip side, there’s nothing wrong with manual toothbrushes, either. In general, you’re able to get your teeth just as clean with a manual brush as you would be with an electric brush. However, manual brushes are generally less expensive and could have less upkeep required.

    Manual toothbrushes can’t run out of batteries, won’t stop working randomly, and are always able to get your teeth as clean as you need them to be. Keep in mind, however, with a manual brush, that you’ll have to use a bit more elbow grease to get your teeth as clean as you could with an electric brush.

  • Automation: Could Self-Driving Cars Put People Out of Work?

    Automation: Could Self-Driving Cars Put People Out of Work?

    Automation is a specter that hangs over the modern worker. The pace of technological advancement makes it difficult to keep up with certain careers. In the past 20 years, fields like web design and programming have exploded, while other fields are in danger of disappearing.

    One such field is that of the professional driver. Truckers, cab drivers and delivery drivers are all at risk of having their jobs rendered obsolete by automation. What kind of time table could such jobs be working under, and how will automation impact them?

    Automation and Drivers

    Obsoletion

    The average truck driver makes upwards of $50,000 per year, a great rate for a field that doesn’t require a high school diploma. As such, the threat of having their job vanish is mortifying for some truckers. While some truckers may be able to transfer into programming jobs, such a pivot certainly won’t be possible for all of them.

    The average truck driver is 55 years old, which means that continuing education would be difficult. Needless to say, the average trucker isn’t going to take up web design. Cab drivers, delivery drivers and the like are also subject to this new technology deleting their jobs.

    Timetable

    Self-driving cars aren’t exactly happening tomorrow. There are still numerous kinks that need to be worked out, and the technology is still in a formative state. There are often reports of self-driving tech getting into accidents and misreading situations. What’s the likelihood that this formative technology is taking anyone’s job any time soon?

    Frankly, it’s low. However, four or five years might be a reasonable timetable to keep in mind. There are a number of companies that are looking into self-driving cars, but even the most optimistic of guesses has proper self-driving tech hitting the market in 2021.

    What to Do

    What is one to do about this situation? If you’re currently a driver, you have time. Perhaps now is a good time to look into expanding your skills into a different field. Learning to code might seem tough, but jobs in programming are only becoming more desirable as time goes on.

    Outside of programming, there are tons of jobs you could look into. Continuing education, if you’re able to pursue it, is a great option if you’re worried about obsoletion. However, many people are apprehensive that not all hard-working drivers will be able to pursue this path and could be on the way to financial disaster.

  • Should You Buy a Used Car?

    Should You Buy a Used Car?

    A lot of people religiously trade in their car every 3 years to get a brand-new car. However, could you be spending more money on this practice than if you were to simply drive a used car? It’s worth noting that a new car loses most of its value in the first 3 years of it’s on the road. Should you be opting to buy used cars instead of new, though?

    Should You Buy a Used Car?

    Your Wallet

    Firstly, you’re going to save a lot of money if you opt to buy used cars over new. However, you knew that. What you might not know if just how much you’re likely to save. New cars, famously, are quite expensive for the value the consumer gets. Largely, what you’re paying for is the “new car smell” and the good feeling you get of owning a new thing.

    However, buying used cars that are in good condition could result in you saving thousands of dollars. On top of that, you can get relatively new, nice vehicles that are used and less expensive than from the dealership. Frankly, you’re better off forgoing brand-new cars for your trade-in value and for your wallet.

    Environmental Concerns

    When you buy a used vehicle, you’re actually making a good call for the environment. Hundreds of thousands of used car sales cut into new cars every year, causing production to slow down. As you well know, unchecked production plays havoc on the environment.

    As such, by buying used, you’re doing a bit of your part to curtail environmental damage. That said, if you’re buying a large truck or SUV, the emissions let off might balance the scales yet again. Jokes aside, buying used is a great way to be environmentally conscious.

    Avoid Dealerships

    No one likes dealing with salespeople. Even salespeople don’t like dealing with salespeople. If you’re eager to cut the dealership out of your car-buying experience, you can buy used cars directly from the previous owners. While you might still have to do a bit of haggling, it’s not the same as dealing with a trained salesperson.

    Shopping via eBay motors, Craigslist or some other online site is a great way to shop for used vehicles and avoid the dealership. That way, you not only don’t spend your day haggling with someone, you also get a fairer deal on a more affordable vehicle. That’s a win-win!

  • Best Alternatives to Quickbooks

    Best Alternatives to Quickbooks

    People often look at various accounting software suites and wonder which one is the right one for them. If the conversation around Quickbooks is to be believed, it’s the go-to accounting software. However, many people wonder which software suite is the best alternative to Quickbooks, whether for cost or other reasons.

    Today we’re getting into that very question. Let’s look at the top alternatives to Quickbooks for accounting software.

    Alternatives to Quickbooks

    Freshbooks

    Freshbooks is a great alternative to Quickbooks, and it’s more than just their similar naming. Freshbooks offers a great user interface that is smoother and easier to navigate than QB. FB also offers a great suite of customization options, such as triggers for alerts and better file management.

    You can set assigned expense rates and label more thoroughly, as well. FB is, wonderfully, more affordable than QB, too. FB only costs $15 per month for up to five clients, making it much easier on the wallet than QB.

    Freshbooks is largely still considered one of the best accounting software suites on the market. Despite being less expensive, it’s largely regarded as a better suite than QB outside of third-party integration.

    NetSuite ERP

    Despite having a smaller name and little brand recognition, NetSuite ERP is a great accounting software. It’s got ample features to service even large-scale companies and offers a great suite of features. Fixed asset management, vendor management, inventory control and more is all available through NetSuite.

    NetSuite has great integrated features and can import and export data between software like, payroll, inventory and manufacturing. While it’s not a well-known name, it’s a robust and full suite with ample features. As a bonus, the user interface is straightforward and well-made, easy to navigate.

    Sage 50cloud

    Sage 50cloud is a great alternative to QB thanks to its flexible operations and its cloud storage options. The service is a very flexible and customizable solution, offering similar great features as FB. If you like the option for tons of add-ons and expansive capabilities, 50cloud is a great option.

    You can also sync your data between desktops, apps, and cloud servers. This is great for people that have a smaller company or multiple accountants trying to coordinate across different systems. However, Sage 50cloud isn’t quite as robust out-of-the-box as QB and has a bit more of a learning curve.