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Month: January 2021

  • Searching for Medicare Part D?

    Searching for Medicare Part D?

    If you rely on Medicare for your health care, you may find that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For those on a fixed income, it can be extremely difficult to afford medication or any additional health care costs not covered by Medicare.

    If you are currently in a difficult situation where the health care bills are piling up, consider Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Medicare Supplemental Insurance is insurance that can help cover what Medicare doesn’t. We analyzed several plans, our findings are below

    Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    Information About Supplemental Insurance

    An important note: in order to get supplemental insurance, you must have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Part A covers inpatient, and Part B covers outpatient care. Another factor to consider is Supplemental insurance only covers one person. Additionally, as long as you’re paying your premiums, Medicare supplemental  insurance can’t drop you, no matter what medical issues you may begin to suffer from.

    Supplemental insurance may not always cover everything Medicare misses.  Supplemental insurance is not going to cover all expenses. Things like vision, dental, prescriptions, long term care and private nursing are also not typically covered. Finally,  supplemental insurance must be acquired within the first sixth months of you turning 65 and you must already be on Medicare to qualify.

    United Healthcare Insurance Company

    The United Healthcare Insurance Company is endorsed by the AARP. This company offers a great deal of benefits for those on Medicare. In 2019 they had a 94% satisfaction rate amongst users. They also offer coverage that can be combined with a Medicare Part D plan. Those with this policy can visit any doctor that accepts Medicare! United Healthcare allows you to choose from a wide variety of plans, coverage, deductibles and benefits so you have coverage to fit your health needs and your financial situation.

    State Farm

    State Farm is another option for supplemental insurance. State Farm Medicare Supplement Insurance is designed to cover the gaps in Medicare, helping to pay deductibles, co-insurance and co-payment amounts not covered by Medicare. State Farm also provides you the flexibility to choose between different plans to meet your individual needs and budget. They are a well-respected agency and are renowned for their high customer satisfaction ratings “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There” tagline is very true. State Farm insurance might be able to cover hospital or medical services your Medicare won’t pay for as well.

    Humana

    Humana offers Medicare supplemental insurance that covers Medicare Part A and B. Humana’s policy covers coinsurance for medical expenses, co pays, hospice care and hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, and blood work. Additionally, the Humana plan also covers copayments for outpatient services. Remember, this is in addition to your Medicare coverage, so getting this extra coverage could save you a lot of money when you have expensive outpatient services. Particularly if you have frequent doctor’s visits, you may find yourself saving a ton with this supplementary policy.


  • Which Galaxy Phone Is Right For You?

    Which Galaxy Phone Is Right For You?

    Samsung has been pretty busy making smartphones in their Galaxy family of phones. No fewer than nine Galaxy devices are new for this year, so it might be difficult deciding which is right for you. Thankfully, we’ve got the lowdown for you: here’s our guide to the Galaxy family of phones.

    Samsung Galaxy Guide

    Samsung Galaxy S10

    For starters, the Galaxy S10 is the flagship phone of the Galaxy line. It offers the most standard-style experience, with a medium screen size, solid build quality, great battery life and a sharp display. Lots of unique features, like the in-display fingerprint scanner and the ability to wirelessly charge, aren’t quite as new and flashy as they once were.

    However, just because its family of phones offers some of its cool features elsewhere doesn’t mean you should write off the S10: at $900, it represents a great price for the mainline Galaxy phone lineup. For those looking for a great, standard-style handset with the best build quality and don’t mind a high price tag, the S10 is one of the best Android phones out there.

    Galaxy S10 Variants

    The S10E is the budget version of the Galaxy S10, occupying a similar space to the iPhone XR and Pixel 3A. Unlike its bigger brother, the S10E retails for only $750, and it sports a smaller overall display and handset size. If you’re looking for a phone with a lot of features and a smaller profile that fits easily in a pocket, the S10E is a good option. However, if you love massive displays and cutting-edge tech, consider looking into the full-fledged S10 line.

    On the other end of the spectrum from the budget S10E is the S10 Plus, a $1,000 smartphone with a 6.4-AMOLED screen that looks downright amazing. Fans of huge screens and long battery life should consider the S10 Plus a must-buy, as it offers both in abundance. If you can swing the huge price, this is easily the best S-line Galaxy phone that Samsung has yet made, though its massive size might be a bit of a drawback for those who prefer smaller handsets. A 5G-enabled version of the S10 Plus is also available for $1,300.

    Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Line

    The Note line of phones popularized the massive “phablet” size handsets that are commonly sold as “Plus” or “XL” models of other flagship lines. Ironically, despite the note being the “plus size” Galaxy phone, the Galaxy S10 Plus offers a bigger screen than the Note 10. The main difference, however, is that the Note sports the excellent S Pen, a productivity aid that doubles as a Bluetooth trigger for the camera. Coming in at $950, the Note 10 actually slots comfortably between the S10 Plus and the standard S10.

    Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus sports an extremely massive 6.8-inch display that easily bests every other Galaxy device (barring, of course, the Galaxy Fold). It retails for $1,100, making it the most expensive non-folding Galaxy device as well as the largest. Unlike the standard Note 10, the Plus offers expandable memory with an SD card. There is also a 5G-enabled Note 10 Plus, retailing for $1,300.

    Samsung Galaxy A50

    The discount-priced Galaxy A50 is one of our favorite budget Android phones. The A50 sports an in-display fingerprint scanner, a big 6.4-inch screen and three great cameras. For the old-school users, this phone also sports a conventional 3.5mm headphone jack! For only $350, this is a great entry-level, budget smartphone. If you’re looking for something with lots of new bells and whistles, though, the A50 might not be the best choice for you.

    Samsung Galaxy Fold

    The yin to the Samsung Galaxy A50’s yang, the Galaxy Fold will retail for $1,980 and offers a tremendous 7.3-inch, tablet-like inner display. The front face of the folded device is only 4.6 inches, though its far from the main attraction on this stylish and futuristic phone. If you’re looking for the fanciest and craziest smartphone in the world, the Fold is what you’re after. That is, of course, if you can swing the two thousand bones to buy the thing.


  • How to Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates for 2021

    How to Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates for 2021

    Even if you’re not driving as much anymore, you are required to have car insurance. There are many options out there for the price conscious consumer. Today we’re taking a look at some of the best car insurance companies for the money in 2020.

    We’re looking at a combination of factors when deciding on the best: customer service, customer satisfaction, price and a good shopping experience. There are plenty of car insurance companies who want you as a customer, and it behooves you to choose wisely.

    Amica Insurance

    Amica isn’t the biggest names in terms of recognition, but they are a juggernaut in the field of customer satisfaction. Amica consistently scores huge marks from their customers in terms of satisfaction: people with Amica feel taken care of, important, and well-covered. Amica has proportionally lower complaints from customers than any other agency in the country.

    Car insurance policyholders with Amica get all kinds of goodies like free lock and airbag replacement. You also get a complete reimbursement of your lost wages if you have to go into court at Amica’s request: they have you covered. If you lose your keys, or they get stolen, they’ll cover the cost of getting you replacements. Oh, and did we mention that in most states they won’t take depreciation out of your new car in the first year if you total it?

    Erie Insurance

    Another smaller company with a low profile and stellar customer reviews, Erie Insurance is beloved by their policyholders. The consistently get five-star satisfaction reviews, and they offer a ton of killer perks. The only problem, however, is that they operate in a small selection of states. Only Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania are covered.

    If you do happen to be covered, however, Erie is well-worth considering. They offer a rate-lock so that you know your premiums won’t go up unless you add cars or drivers to your policy. After three years, you get accident forgiveness so that your first at-fault accident doesn’t carry a surcharge. They also offer goodies like a diminishing deductible and even pet injury coverage if your pet is hurt in a car accident.

    Nationwide

    Nationwide insurance is the only insurer on this list with a large national profile, and for good reason. Normally operating at the scale they do makes it difficult to keep customers satisfied, but they manage to be both massive and care about their policyholders. Ignoring their obnoxious televised commercials, Nationwide is a good company to have in your corner. They consistently score five-star customer satisfaction reviews, and they have a very low number of customer complaints year over year.

    The much-talked-about vanishing deductible is one of Nationwide’s staples, and it can really add up: after five years of safe driving, you’ll have $500 off your deductible. In some states, Nationwide offers accident forgiveness, which can be a lifesaver if you get into a little fender bender and don’t want your rates to go up. Likewise, their “On Your Side Review” offers you the yearly chance to go over your life and needs to make sure you’re getting the right coverage and all the discounts you need. In short, Nationwide treats their customers with care and tries to make sure they feel valuable and cared for.


  • Building a Website is Easy! Here’s How:

    Building a Website is Easy! Here’s How:

    Building a website is as simple as walking through the park. With the right tools and systems, nothing could be as simple to make. You don’t necessarily need any coding knowledge or need to hire a web developer because there are many self-serve platforms that are easy to use. The only tricky part is choosing one that is perfect for your needs.
    If you are a business owner, blogger, or an individual, you can create your own website with ease or hire a professional to do it for you. This post will guide you through the basics of building a website that represents your business and brand.

    Why You Should Create Your Own Website

    A website is one of the most powerful tools for communication. It helps you to connect to the world. It’s where you share your passion for music or business, inform people about your hustle,  sell products, or otherwise. There’s no limit to what you can do with your website and there are tons of possibilities available for you. Here are the most popular tools for website building.

    Best Tools to Help you Build Your Own Website:

    As you already know, you don’t have to worry about servers or physical space because site builders are cloud-built. All you need is a computer with access to a web browser like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari. All the tools have their pros and cons. We will help you identify tools that may work for you and respective possible shortcomings.

    1. GoDaddy
    Building a website on GoDaddy is easy and straightforward. GoDaddy is a name to reckon within the digital space. They provide domains and hosting, but they are best known for website building. Being one of the most established internet companies, the website builder has been in the market for about four years. The recently added editor comes with a completely new look with added features.

    One great thing about GoDaddy is that it offers a beginner-friendly website builder packed with mobile-optimized designs. They have four plans to choose from, the most affordable being $10 per month. One of the benefits you get is the 24/7 customer support. However, the name of the domain is not included in the $10 package. That means you will only benefit from it through their “Ecommerce” plan. Another advantage of using GoDaddy is that you can now test their website builder in the first month at no cost. This is an opportunity to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the website builder. GoDaddy uses ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) to make website building a lot easier. Whenever you enter the type of website you would like to have, it creates an example site that you can edit, saving you time and technical effort.
    This makes GoDaddy the fastest website builder in the world, especially for beginners. The end product is a website that is simple and speedy, but may not have the advanced features you require.

    Pros

    • Easy to use
    • Smartphone-optimized layouts
    • Free website builder test for the first month
    • Makes work easier by creating an example site

    Cons
    • Editor layouts are limited
    • Blog is too basic
    • Poor support quality

    2. Wix
    Just like GoDaddy, Wix has become pretty well known. Wix became popular due to its expensive marketing campaigns. I’m sure you have seen their ads on YouTube starring Jason Statham, Heidi Klum, and Gal Gadot. As we speak, the Wix website building is hosting more than 160 million websites. What makes Wix stand out? For starters, they offer a drag and drop feature, which makes it easier to create smaller websites. Wix has free and paid packages that provide web hosting as well as access to domain names. They also offer hundreds of templates which gives you many choices in design. Many people prefer Wix because it’s affordable, easy to use, and a hassle-free way of creating your website.

    Gone were the days when we had to pay whiz-kids to build our sites. Wix’s template editor allows you to explore and put your creativity to use without any coding knowledge. If you have gone through the websites created by Wix, they all look professional and beautiful. The reason why you should create a website with Wix is because of their impressive layouts, which are designed for every type of business, large and small. There are layouts for restaurants, businesses, online stores, artists and more. Websites created by Wix are optimized for mobile devices and can also be spiced up with any of the numerous tools in the Wix App Market.

    Wix is like a prefabricated house. It provides a fundamental structure that cannot be changed or altered in any way. However, you can choose a theme, just like you can paint the walls of the house, and add photo galleries, just like you would add furniture.

    Here is our view on the pros and cons of using Wix:

    Pros
    • Extremely flexible
    • Excellent templates
    • Easy to add animations
    • Artificial Design Intelligence (Available for projects like yoga, portfolio sites, etc.)
    • Hundreds of website app on App Market
    • Provides automatic site backup
    Cons
    • The cheapest ad-free plan is not actually cheap. Starts at $14 per month
    • Loading speed is slower, especially on mobile devices.
    • Templates cannot be changed easily. You can only change the design

    3. WordPress
    WordPress is the most popular website builder in the market at the moment. Unlike Wix and Godaddy, WordPress is completely free. It powers more than 33% of all the sites on the internet. Don’t confuse the WordPress.org content management system with WordPress.com, a hosting service. Though they are under the same umbrella or brand, they have different functions. WordPress.org gives you full access to all features of WordPress. You will, however, need some technical know-how to run a website with WordPress.org. The biggest advantage of WordPress is expandability. Once you manage to run your website on the platform, there’s no going back, and no limits.

    Here are some examples of scenario which make WordPress stand out:
    -You want to have a premium membership area within your website that supports online payments.
    -You work in real estate, and you want to provide a potential client with a database to search for property.
    -You need advanced SEO features to beat your competition.
    -You want an impressive design that supports all the latest technical features added on your website while leaving room to adjust the code.

    Long Story short, WordPress.org allows you to build a unique website. WordPress.com works like Wix and GoDaddy, offering a much lighter platform while allowing you to achieve similar results as drag and drop website builders.

    Pros
    • The software is free to install. Hosting and premium templates must be purchased, though.
    • Great flexibility allowing you to code anything you wish to change.
    • You can move from one hosting to another.
    • A CMS with the widest variety of templates.
    • A variety of plugins for e-commerce, multilingual websites, member pages, etc.
    • Many programmers specialize in WordPress.
    Cons
    • Requires updates regularly for your security.
    • Installation may require basic knowledge.
    • WordPress was made by volunteers, and they don’t offer assistance within their system.
    • You don’t get to see the end result immediately unless after publishing.

    4. Bluehost:
    While building a website, you’ll also need web hosting services. The best choice and most popular is Bluehost. They have been around for a while, offering the best hosting at a pocket-friendly price. They also provide excellent customer support. Bluehost offers basic shared hosting from as low as $2.95 monthly on a three-year contract. They offer you a variety of features for your website needs. For instance, they have a great SEO tool that tracks how your website is doing on the search rankings for specific keywords. This allows you to optimize your site for better search rankings.

    When choosing web hosting, you need to understand the purpose of your website, the amount of traffic and growth you expect, and your budget among other factors. Other vital things to consider are the types of servers available, load speed, uptime, and customer support. Using this criteria, Bluehost tops the list as the best hosting.
    Bluehost covers everything you need from a host. That includes installing WordPress, upgrading your WordPress to improve security, or getting more control by upgrading VPS. The hosting also has its share of disadvantages.

    Pros
    • Cheap on the first term
    • Solid uptime
    • Unmetered bandwidth (Doesn’t limit the traffic of your website)
    • Generous storage

    Cons
    • Speed is not that great
    • Bad support
    • Only US servers available
    • No free migration
    • Poor backup options

    The Basics of Running a Website

    To create your own website, you need to follow the following basic steps.

    1. Register your Domain Name
    The first step to owning your own website is registering a domain name. The name should reflect on the products you sell or the services you offer. Doing so will help customers to find your business quickly. Your customers also expect your domain to represent your brand and also be the same as your business name.
    The domain name will also be used for your business’s email address. While you may use your personal email, sending emails from your business address will look professional.
    To register a domain, find an established registrar like GoDaddy. Cheaper options may offer poor support. You may need to change contact information or hosting companies, and a registrar like GoDaddy will be more helpful.

    2. Choose a Web Designer/Developer
    Services like GoDaddy and Wix don’t require you to be a web designer to build a site. If you don’t intend to earn from your leads, you can use Wix to create a free website.
    However, if you need to generate leads, you will need to hire a web designer. Some designers work with developers and marketers who can help your business succeed.

    3. Prepare your Content
    Think about what you want to share with your customers via your website. It helps you to know what sections you want to include on the site.
    You might need to hire a professional writer to structure your content. A website that is well designed and informative will help your business stand out.

    4. Build Your Website
    You can do it by yourself or have a web developer do it on your behalf. It needs to be kept up to date.
    Also, set a free account with Search Console and connect to Google Analytics. This will unlock Google Analytics reports. It will also provide you with critical information about issues your site may be experiencing,

    If you decide to hire a professional, it may be useful to understand some of the basic terms related to building websites. The following are basic terms to know when hiring a web designer:

    1. 301 Redirect
    This is a permanent redirect for one URL to another, usually from an old website page to a new one.

    2. 404
    404 is an error message that is displayed when the user can’t find what they requested.

    3. Accessibility
    These are concerns about making a website accessible by people who experience disabilities. All websites should follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

    4. Caching
    A cache acts as a temporary data storage and aids the site speed by storing important information on your computer after visiting a site for the first time. When you revisit a site, the computer will not reload the site information.

    5. Bandwidth
    This refers to the amount of data transmittable over a connection at a given time.

    6. API
    Application Program Interface, or API, is how computers and applications communicate with each other.

    7. Cookies
    Cookies are small text files that carry a unique anonymous identifier and visit information sent from a website to the browser and stored on the visitor’s hard drive.

    8. Call-to-Action (CTA)
    This is usually in the form of text, banner, image, and uses action-oriented language to make the user act and engage.

    9. Domain
    The name of the website. People type it into the browser to visit it.

    10. HTML
    Hypertext Markup Language is a markup language used to build web pages and show content like images, text, video, and links.

    11. HTTP & HTTPS
    Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is a secure version of HTTP, which is a protocol in which data is sent from the browser over to the website and vice versa.

    12. Hosting
    Hosting is the web server where all the files and details of your website are stored.

    13. Page Speed
    A measurement of the time it takes for content to load on a specific web page.

    14. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
    SEO is creating or modifying content for the sake of better visibility on search engines.

    15. SERP
    Search Engine Results Pages are displayed to the users after searching for something on a search engine such as Google.

    16. SSL Certificate
    Secure Socket Layer is a security protocol with the purpose of establishing encrypted communication between a website and a web browser.

    17. User Experience (UX)
    UX is the interaction a user has with a website’s interface, from wireframing to copywriting, designing, and programming.

    18. User Interface (UI)
    UI is the interaction between user and computer.

    19. Javascript
    Javascript is a programming language used to create interaction within web browsers.

    20. Wireframe
    A visual guide that shows the structure of a web page that doesn’t have any design elements. It’s mostly used when redesigning a website or designing a page.

    Summary:
    Your website can be central to your personal or professional success. It can be a place where you connect with the world. Starting one for your business will not only establish credibility, but it will also connect you with your customers. All you need to do is keep it updated with fresh content, be quick to address technical issues, and keep your customers happy!  Once your website is active, be sure to check your analytics and webmaster tools. Always make changes to your site based on the results or reports you see from Google Analytics. This will help you to maintain the visibility of your site and generate more leads, sales, or interactions with your customers.

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  • Need a Divorce? Save BIG With These Tips

    Need a Divorce? Save BIG With These Tips

    The first decision is the hardest. You and your partner have decided to get a divorce. There are now a multitude of important life-defining decisions to be made. You don’t want to rely on a simple Google search and luck to find your lawyer. Your divorce attorney is going to handle multiple components of your divorce. They’re going to act as your advisor, spokesperson, negotiator and trusted confidant. They are going to be the person you rely on the most to advise you of your rights and the best course of action in your divorce.

    Start with research

    A simple google search is a great place to start. But nothing replaces a real face to face meeting. You want to be able to get a feel for the person and not rely on the opinions of others. Your gut instincts are more reliable than you might think. If the lawyer doesn’t advertise how long they’ve been practicing divorce law, that’s a good sign that they’re not very experienced.

    Find a good fit

    It’s nearly impossible to tell if a lawyer’s disposition matches what you’re looking for from a web search. Before deciding, you should think about what you want from them. Do you want a lawyer who’s empathetic to your plight? Do you want a lawyer who will be extremely aggressive in fighting for you? Do you want a lawyer who understands both sides and finds it important to have a cordial resolution? Do you want a law office with deep resources that can untangle a complicated situation?

    Talk to friends

    Some people prefer to keep their divorce a completely private matter. However, asking friends who’ve gone through a divorce for advice can be very beneficial. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience and desired outcomes are different during a divorce.

    Knowing the right questions

    finally, when you sit down to interview lawyers to represent you, make sure to have in-depth questions ready. You should already have answers concerning their background. Typical questions like, “How many cases have you won,” aren’t particularly pertinent in a divorce case.

    Ask things like:

    How do you view the division of assets?

    What do you find the most challenging part of the divorce?

    What do you view as the best possible outcome for my specific situation?

    Communication is key

    You want a lawyer that makes you feel like you’re a priority. If your prospective lawyer is difficult to get ahold of early in the decision process that’s a strong indicator that you may want to look elsewhere. Your lawyer is not going to magically become more responsive once they have your money.

    Attention to detail

    Whenever you’ve made the decision to hire your lawyer make sure to pay special attention to your contract. Many lawyers will have minimum fees that’ll be charged for services even if you don’t take advantage of them. So, take out that red pen and come to an agreement about specific fees before you sign your name on the dotted line. Never be afraid to ask questions about certain parts of their contract.


  • Do’s and Don’ts When Using Shopping Apps

    Do’s and Don’ts When Using Shopping Apps

    Retailers such as Target and Amazon are embracing shopping apps to help consumers save money and time with features like digital wallets and augmented reality. When used strategically, apps can streamline in-store trips and online purchases, but shoppers could also find that convenience comes with a risk: impulsive decisions and overspending.

    “Now shopping can be anytime, anywhere, multiple times a day, which is great for customers who value convenience,” said Casey Taylor, a partner in the Atlanta office of Bain and Company, a management consulting firm. “But for customers on a budget, what I would share as the primary caution is that it makes it very easy — almost too easy.”

    Here’s how to get the most out of retail apps, while avoiding the downsides.

    Shopping App Amazon

    DON’T ENABLE NOTIFICATIONS

    Push notifications — alerts that pop up on your phone — and emails tend to “catch people at vulnerable moments,” enticing them to spend money on things they otherwise wouldn’t, said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at the NPD Group, a market research company.

    Data show that 9.6 times more users make a purchase when an app sends a promotional push notification compared with those who didn’t receive one, according to Leanplum, a mobile marketing platform. Notifications also increase the amount an average shopper spends 16 percent.

    A quick fix: Turn off notifications in the app or your device’s settings and opt out of retailers’ emails if they’re too tempting to resist overspending.

    Shopping App Notification

    DO MAKE A SHOPPING LIST

    Take inventory and make a list of what you need. Shopping lists can deter impulse purchases by keeping specific merchandise top-of-mind. Most retailer apps make it easy to view and edit lists on your device.

    For example, the app for Kohl’s enables shoppers to set a budget , and then automatically deducts the price of each item on the list. Other merchants, like The Home Depot, include maps or aisle numbers to help customers track down products on their lists at local stores.

    shopping apps list

    DON’T KEEP PAYMENT INFORMATION ON FILE

    Although storing shipping and billing information speeds up the checkout process, it can also smooth the way for frivolous purchases. Researchers have found that compared with cash, behind-the-scenes payment methods make shoppers feel detached from their money — and more likely to spend.

    “Now with technologies where you can just use your fingerprint, or you just take a photo of your credit card, it makes payment incredibly simple,” Taylor said.

    Instead, enter payment information each time, rather than saving credit card numbers or linking to a PayPal account. The extra step makes the exchange of money feel more real.

    At the very least, “take a breath before tapping ‘checkout’ to make sure that your purchase is as much about you really needing that item versus the fact that the shopping experience has become more entertaining and has become very easy,” Taylor said.

    shopping apps payment

    DO USE YOUR CAMERA

    Use the camera feature within apps to read product details and customer reviews.

    “It allows you to have a greater usage of knowledge of what those products you’re purchasing can do,” Cohen said.

    Some apps surface product information when an item’s bar code is scanned with the camera. Beauty retailer Sephora’s app incorporates augmented reality, which allows shoppers to virtually try on makeup products and colors as they look into their device’s camera.

    As well, cameras can summon savings: Snap a picture of your receipt in Walmart’s app, and its Savings Catcher tool will match a competitor’s lower advertised price — even after your purchase. Walmart refunds the difference on an electronic gift card. Target’s app checks for manufacturer coupons and in-store deals on scanned items.

    DON’T FOCUS ON ONE RETAILER

    shopping app retailers

    Through exclusive offers and built-in loyalty programs, “individual retailers’ shopping apps intend to lock-in shoppers,” Jie Zhang, professor of marketing at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, said in an email. For example, the wallet feature on the J.C. Penney app lets shoppers see and redeem rewards, coupons and gift cards in one place.
    But using only one retailer’s app could mean missing out on opportunities to save money.

    “Yeah, there might be a 20 percent-off sale, but it could be really easy to go get 35 percent off somewhere else for the same exact product,” Cohen said.

    Use a price comparison tool, like ShopSavvy or Google Shopping, to locate the best price across multiple merchants.
    By LAUREN SCHWAHN, NerdWallet

     


  • Protect Your Identity Online With These Tools

    Protect Your Identity Online With These Tools

    Whether it’s another big data breach or someone trying to steal your passwords, there’s always something to watch out for online. However, there are a number of tools you can use to protect your identity and browse without worrying. Today we’re taking a closer look into some of these tools to help you understand what you need to surf the web worry-free.

    Protect Your Identity Online

    VPN

    A VPN, or a virtual private network, is a fancy-sounding name for a relatively simple service. Originally created to allow people to access their work intranet while working from home, a VPN allows you to “tunnel” your internet traffic to an external server. Essentially, a VPN hides who you are when you’re browsing online by making it look like traffic from your computer is coming from somewhere else. By tunneling your traffic to another server, your traffic can appear to be coming from a distant country, and your identity is hidden from websites you visit.

    This offers you some unique benefits. For instance, it allows you to access websites that might be blacked out in your area. You can sidestep local blackouts on sites like Netflix, on regional sports teams you want to watch and even on banned content in your area. While doing this is technically against the user agreement of the sites in question, the ethics of doing so are left for you to decide for yourself. In either case, a VPN is a great way to hide your identity online and protect your activity from prying eyes.

    Password Manager

    Everyone knows the first rule of making passwords for your online accounts is that you need to make each site have a different password. If you’ve got tons of logins for various websites, such as online banking, paying bills and social media, it can be hard to keep track of all your passwords, though. That’s where cloud password managers come in. These convenient and time-saving services are also incredibly good at securing your online information.

    A password manager service allows you to hide all of your passwords on a remote server that you access with one master password. This allows you to keep track of all of your passwords easily, while also hiding them from potential keystroke-monitoring programs or simply people watching your fingers while you input them. While it might sound risky to keep all of your platforms saved on one server, it’s actually much safer to keep them encrypted in this way than to store them in a text file on your computer, or on a physical piece of media that can be stolen.

    Careful Browsing

    Scammers and phishers are everywhere online. The illusion of anonymity emboldens con men and grifters to try to steal your information, your credit and your money. As such, you need to be careful when you’re browsing online. Even a strong VPN and encrypted passwords can’t keep your identity safe if you fall for a phishing scam. Make sure you’re vigilant about the sites you visit, and never input your personal information into a site you don’t trust.

    If you get an email or see an offer online that’s too good to be true, it is. Never give someone your password, you Social Security number or your credit card information online. The only exceptions to this are verified government websites, sites you pay your bills through and known online sellers like Amazon or eBay. A fishy site with a strange domain name and broken English in all of the item descriptions is probably not the site you should be shopping on. Remember: if it looks suspect online, don’t input any personal information.


  • Car Review: Top 2021 Sedans

    Car Review: Top 2021 Sedans

    The once renowned sedan cars have had a tough time of late, with new sports utility vehicles taking over the US market. Thousands of other buyers also find favor with trucks and SUVs as opposed to sedans. But even so, many other buyers still find plenty of appeal using these lighter vehicles. And 2021 is set to come packed with sedans with more superior, fun-to-drive characteristics.

    So, whether your priorities lie with the practical needs of your family or with the vehicle’s performance capabilities, this informative review of the top-rated New Sedan Models 2021 should answer your queries. We cover power outputs, spaciousness, build quality, and mileage. This information should be enough to tell you whether the sedan you plan to drive in 2021 has all the features that make it worth your investment.
    What Makes A Sedan?
    Unlike the highly practical hatchbacks and crossovers, these features focus more on delivering the best all-rounded experience to the car buyer. On that note, here’s what you need to watch out for:

    • Practicality – for the most part, most sedans do an excellent job of supplying enough passenger and cargo space to their users. It’s vital to consider the vehicle’s internal spacing and overall ability to accommodate your entire family and other personal effects.
    • Driving dynamics – while trucks are known to surly on the road, sedans provide drivers with a more engaging experience. Most of them are also generally nimbler compared to other taller automobiles.

    • Luxury – today, almost every ride is pimped out to rival its competitors. Besides considering other factors like the vehicle’s performance, you also want to consider the machine’s opulence. Still, most people consider being driven at Rolls-Royce or Bentley’s back seat as the epitome of luxury.

    • Affordability – pricing is one of the most critical factors to consider when shopping for your next sedan. Today’s vehicle styles and shapes come with many bearings, astronomical price tags being one of them. Every buyer is always looking to have the best, super-efficient subcompact sedan that matches their budget.

    1. 2021 Honda Insight
    The top of our list of the 2021 Honda Insight. Hybrids are all the rage and a feature most buyers look for these days. But not all car buyers want to look like they’re driving one. For a plug-in hybrid car, the Honda Insight achieves the exceptional fuel economy that car owners look for in their machines. Here’s a car that looks and drives very similarly to a non-hybrid. The Honda Insight is a five-seater and comes in 3 trim levels. It comes with a Hybrid 1.5L I4 engine, which is perfect for fuel-efficiency. It’s a Front Wheel Drive and is estimated to offer 49MPG on the highway and 55MPG in the city.

    The Honda Insight boasts top-notch interior design and comfort you won’t find in other rival sedans. It also comes packed with many standard driver-assist and other features to make the driving experience all-the-more enjoyable.

    What buyers might not like as much about the Honda Insight is it doesn’t have an all-wheel-drive option. It also has less cargo space compared to its rivals, which some buyers might not appreciate.

    2. 2021 Kia K5
    The Kia K5 ushers in one of the best new angular design languages in the driving industry. This is the car option for drivers looking for an all-new midsize sedan. It comes with powerful and efficient turbocharged engines for the best driving performance. Here’s a car that you will have a lot of fun driving and look good doing it. The Kia K5 is also well-equipped to handle daily commute, cruise on the weekend, and transport the family.

    The K5 is the perfect option for drivers looking for a midsized sedan. It’s also a five-seater and comes in 5 trim levels. It has a 1.6L I4 Turbo engine and is a Front-Wheel-Drive. The K5 is estimated to provide 38MPG on the highway and 29MPG in the city.
    It has one of the best bold designs both inside and out, making it a desired option for most buyers. The K5 is also packed with several features to enhance the driver’s experience and powerful and efficient engines to improve the vehicle’s overall performance. It brings a fresher, newer option in the sedan segment, a perfect balance between power and efficiency.

    3. 2021 Toyota Camry
    As one of the best car brands in automobile history, the Toyota Camry has already sold millions of units worldwide, and for a good reason. This sedan boasts having a spacious and comfortable interior that’s combined with attractive styling and overall performance. The Toyota Camry has earned a place on every buyer’s list as one of the most desired sedan options on the market today.

    Receiving a full redesign from its previous model, the 2021 Toyota Camry is now a lot safer and more connected, something buyers really appreciate. It also offers a wide range of trims from TRD to luxury to hybrid options. This is a five-seater car option and comes in 12 trim levels. It has a 2.5L I4 engine and is only Front-Wheel-Drive. This 2021 Camry is estimated to provide 53 MPG on the highway and 51MPG in the city.

    The only downsides to note are that its V6 engine costs a sizable amount. Its cargo space also isn’t at the top of the segment. But overall, this sedan model is sure to remain very popular for many more years.

    4. 2021 Audi A8
    The Audi A8 is expected to have one of the most noticeable facelifts in the automobile industry in 2021. Its overall design beams elegance and an all-new ultra-luxury option that’s scheduled to appear in May 2021. The 2021 Audi A8 is also set to have a lavish interior as the newfound flagship brings more pizazz to the sedan manufacturing industry. Not only does the A8 offer a myriad of advanced electronic features to its drivers, but it also comes with safety and convenience settings, which make it the perfect option for buyers looking for both class and performance in a single machine.

    The Audi A8 sports adaptive suspension which raises its overall sedan quality to a whole new level. And performance-wise, it’s a healthy selection of powerful engines. Its base model relies on a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 and 335 horsepower. Pair this with 8-speed automatic transmission, and you have one of the best performing sedan selections with a Quattro All-Wheel-Drive system. The Audi A8 comes with the S8 moniker and not the regular A8. This is the sedan selection to consider buying if you’re shopping for a powertrain that still boasts ultra-luxury and class.

    5. 2021 Mercedes-Benz S Class
    As one of the most renowned automobile manufacturers globally, Mercedes-Benz never disappoints in their luxurious sedan selections. The German automaker is set to re-establish itself as the best automaker with one of the classiest sedan selections in 2021, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S Class.

    As always, this next-generation luxury flagship should come packed with safety and driving features to wow buyers. As far as the Mercedes next-gen S Class goes, this sedan has one of the best, most noticeable exterior designs. Sure, you shouldn’t expect any radical changes in its overall design. But still, Mercedes-Benz never disappoints.

    The S Class also has sone of the most advanced connectivity, information, and entertainment-based features that express its lavish refinement level. From the automobile’s trends, buyers should expect Mercedes-Benz to cook something up with this new model.

    The 2021 S Class is also expected to adopt the new 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six engine that’s paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. You can expect this sedan model to generate a cool 429 horsepower, which is just incredible for a luxury sedan selection.

    6. 2021 Acura TLX
    In addition to its renowned muscular stance, the 2021 Acura TLX boasts one of the leading sedan selections considering its bold front end. Its overall performance and handling will wow your socks off as the TLX packs a much more powerful engine compared to other selections in this list.

    The 2021 TLX also comes with a 2.0L turbo-four engine and is fitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Of course, it’s a front-wheel-drive system but has a super-handling all-wheel-drive option available too. While on AWD, the system can transfer up to 70% of its engine torque to its rear axle, allowing for much more power. This is a sedan selection to consider for buyers who are out for both luxury and performance in their next buy.

    7. 2021 Toyota Mirai
    The 2021 Toyota Mirai is taking the giant automobile to groundbreaking heights and direction as it moves Toyota from its usual polarizing design to a more stunning four-door sports selection.

    The new 2021 Mirai also features a significant upgrade from Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell system. It packs more hydrogen fuel, which provides a range improvement of 30%. The company is also touting a quieter and more engaging driving experience compared to its first-generation models.

    The production version of this Toyota Mirai model is also expected to start by 2020. However, this is still unclear as manufacturers don’t know whether the Covid-19 pandemic will delay the sedan’s model debut. But overall, this is one sedan model you might want to wait for and invest in.

    8. 2021 Kia K900
    For buyers in the market for the best full-size luxury sedans, the K900 should offer excellent value. With a market starting price of $60,000, the Kia K900 is one of the most affordable ultra-luxury sedan selections you will find in 2021. It competes with other rivals, which sell for twice its price.

    The K900 also comes with features like front and rear heated seaters, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and a 17-speaker Lexicon system. Moreover, it comes with a 10-year/100,00-mile powertrain warranty. If that doesn’t add extra peace of mind to the buyer, what will? The K900 also comes with a 3.3L V6 turbo engine and is All-Wheel-Drive. It’s estimated to deliver 25 MPG on the highway and 18MPG in the city.

    Overall, the Kia K900 is a genuinely affordable ultra-luxury sedan selection that packs the power and performance most drivers want. It’s advanced driver safety features also make it more appealing for most drivers.

    Unfortunately, many shoppers overlook the Kia K900 due to its badge. But the K900 is one of the best sedan options you can find on the market. If you give this car an honest look, you will be pleasantly surprised by just how luxurious and refined it is. And for the price, this is one of the best buy options to consider checking.

    9. 2021 Toyota Corolla
    For buyers in the market for a more sensible means of transportation, the 2021 Toyota Corolla should be an excellent starting point. As with most Toyota vehicle brands, this sedan has a really compact build and sturdy construction that makes it a preferred option for many buyers. The powertrain is very smooth and great for economizing fuel. A redesign in the 2020 model brought a much bolder exterior, a hybrid variant, and even more driver-safety features. Starting at around $20,000, the 2021 Toyota Corolla offers buyers a lot for its value.

    It’s also a five-seater vehicle and comes in 7 trim levels. It has a 1.8L I4 engine and comes in only Front-Wheel-Drive options. The Toyota Corolla sedan is estimated to deliver 38MPG on the highway or 30MPG in the city.

    Like its predecessors, the 2021 Toyota Corolla should also come with polished interior design and quality finishing. Its standard adaptive cruise control feature is a bonus too.

    Overall, this is a sedan option to consider for its strong fuel economy and a long list of standard safety features. Its reasonable price also makes it very appealing, especially for drivers with an eye for value and sustainability. Its chic front fascia also gives it an upscale look, with a straightforward and comfortable design. Despite its added tech and bolder styling, this is still one of the best sedan selections, and a practical choice for buyers come 2021.

    The Bottom Line
    With the numerous sedan types currently available on the market, finding the perfect new ride can be daunting. You just need someone to point you in the right direction. And this is the ultimate guide you need for a sedan selection for your 2021.

    Review: Most Affordable Luxury Cars for 2021

    Posted: January 27, 2021

    In the luxury car segment, there’s always room for compromises and improvements. With limitless options, specializations, and customizations, some of these vehicles can fetch staggering prices. For that, it’s critical that you always do your research before investing such huge sums of money into your next luxury car. Shopping for affordable luxury cars can be […]

    Searching to Buy a MiniVan?

    Posted: November 1, 2020

    Fall is here, and many car dealerships are pushing sales. With this in mind, our guides have picked out a few of the best 2020 minivans on the market for you and your family to hit the road in style and comfort. Check out our review below: Honda Odyssey Three rows of comfortable seating for […]

    Car Insurance: Quote Consideration Factors

    Posted: September 14, 2020

    How do you know if you found the right car insurance company and are getting the best quote ? Before you make a decision on which company to buy car insurance with, you should be aware of the factors the insurance companies consider when they give you a quote: The Devil is in the details: […]


  • 5 Smart Devices to Improve Your Golf Game

    5 Smart Devices to Improve Your Golf Game

    The Players Championship starts today, so what better time to take a look at all the smart toys out there to improve your golf game. Smart devices are everywhere and in everything, golf just seems a natural fit. We are always looking to drop our score and an edge up and we need the data to do this. Well these 5 devices will have you the envy of your club house and playing like a pro.

     

    1. Cobra’s “first connected golf club.”

    The $349 King F7 Driver pairs the club with a smartphone app that allows you to track your game via GPS. Beyond that, the club features three different centers of gravity, allowing you three different potential approaches and flight paths. Say that again, yes it is Equipped with 3 Center of Gravity settings for maximum distance.It features an Arccos sensor seamlessly integrated into the grip to automatically record each drive, providing real-time stats for distance and accuracy. Not to mention it is one of the baddest drives out there even with out the connect.

     

    2. GolfBoard

    This electric-powered vehicle, which evokes a skateboard or snowboard, replaces a golf cart and promises to literally speed up your round of golf. Recently it’s gone from something vaguely futuristic to something you can find at more than 300 courses worldwide. You can even buy your own. Prices start at $6,500 for the standard model that motors up to 10 mph. Yes it looks like fun, and yes it will provide endless hours of youtube fail videos.

     

     

     

    3. FX-Sport VC Golf headphones

    FX-Sport specializes in wireless sport headphones. Its new VC Golf model is called “the first psychological coaching device for golf.” On it, you can access hours of soothing, sage words from golf gurus — they get in your head so you don’t lose yours. It’s listed at $199. The Headphones are preloaded with many hours’ worth of psychological coaching, mental preparation, practice drills and workouts, from world class golf psychologists, coaches and trainers. All practice drills have a strong emphasis on the psychological. Advice on how to focus, what to focus on and what to do when things are not progressing as you would like. I wish I could change the voice to Ty Webb. Be the ball Danny!

     

     

     

     

    4. TLink GPS Golf Watch

    Wearable golf tech that displays instant yardage ⏤ the distance to the back, middle, and front of the green ⏤ on 40,000+ courses worldwide. Simply open up the GPS app on your smartphone, connect TLink with your phone. Never worry about what club to use, you have the data right there.

     

     

     

    5. SetupEye

    Im pretty sure this was frowned upon in Caddyshack 2 but If your alignment is off, then you aren’t going to come anywhere close to firing on target. SetupEye uses lasers and “target lock technology” to help golfers take dead aim with absolute confidence. Simply lock onto the flag or your chosen target through the viewfinder, press the button, and place the device on the ground between you and your golf ball. From there, just follow the shooting green lightsaber as it points the way.

     

    The Final Thought

    You got the ultimate club to track your swing from your drives, the watch to tell you exactly how far to the pin and a golf coach in your ear. You are navigating the course quickly and stylishly on your gold board and you have the target locked on the hole to nail this last putt, see you at the tavern for a beer you golf pro.