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  • Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Waiting for that big tax refund to come your way? Certainly, you’re excited to figure out what you want to do with that windfall of cash.

    Well, today we’re looking at some of the best ways to spend your tax refund. From fun splurges to sensible investments, there are a number of options.

    Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Savings Account

    Do you have a savings account with $1,000 in it? If not, getting started towards that goal is a good thing to do with your tax money. It’s good to have that kind of emergency fund squirreled away in case of an unexpected expense.

    It can be difficult to answer sudden expenses like car repairs or broken appliances, so having a rainy day fund is important.

    Bills

    It can also be helpful, from a financial wisdom standpoint, to pay ahead some bills. If you own your home, paying ahead on your mortgage is a good idea.  Putting yourself a month ahead on your car payment, electrical bill, car insurance or even your subscription services can all be a good move.

    This not only gives you some space on your finances, but it also feels like you’re not “blowing” your refund.  That said, by paying your bills ahead, you have a bit more spending money for things you want to buy.

    Tattoo

    Many people consider refund season to be tattoo season. Tattoos are exactly the right cost for the average tax refund. Between $300-$700 for the average tattoo means that it’s a great price range for getting new ink. There are a lot of reasons to consider spending your refund on a tattoo if you’re looking to splurge a bit.

    Firstly, tattoos last for your lifetime. That means it’s money well-spent to get a tattoo that means a lot to you on your body. Secondly, it’s easy to overthink what you’re going to spend your refund on.

    Why not get that tattoo you’ve been eyeing for years?

    High-Interest Debts

    High-interest debts are a huge pain. If you’ve got credit card bills or student loans that are compounding interest in the wrong direction, consider paying them down with your tax refund.

    This way, you’re not only lightening your bills, but you’re also buying your future financial security.  There are countless other fun or responsible things you can do with your refund, of course.  However, no matter what you do, just make sure you spend your money in a way you won’t regret. It’s yours, after all!

  • Fast Relief for Heartburn

    Fast Relief for Heartburn

    Heartburn is a major pain for people who deal with it regularly. It’s very difficult to find relief for your heartburn symptoms, so today we’re going over the best ways to find fast relief.

    You never know when heartburn might strike, so it’s important to know how to get relief quickly. Here are some of our top picks for heartburn relief.

    Fast Relief for Heartburn

    Posture

    Upright posture is really important for getting relief from heartburn. Heartburn tends to occur when the contents of the stomach rise up into the esophagus. As such, standing up straight can help with heartburn. If you’re lying or sitting, try standing up as straight as you can.

    Gravity should do its work to help keep your stomach acid down.

    Baking Soda

    Take a spoonful of baking soda and dissolve it into a glass of water. Then, stir the water slightly and drink it slowly. In general, make sure you drink everything slowly when you’re struggling with heartburn.

    Baking soda, in particular, can help to settle the stomach and calm down stomach acid.

    Sip Apple Cider Vinegar

    Apple cider vinegar has been noted to have some properties that can help to settle the stomach. Slowly sipping on a bit of apple cider vinegar has been stated by some people to calm heartburn.

    The ideal way to do this is to slightly dilute the apple cider vinegar with water and then drink it slowly after a meal. Try this if certain meals tend to give you heartburn.

    Gum

    Chewing gum after a big meal could also be helpful for getting heartburn relief. Chewing gum stimulates saliva, as well as swallowing.

    As such, it could help to dilute and neutralize stomach acid, making it less likely for you to experience heartburn symptoms.

    Antacids

    If you need fast relief, it’s helpful to have antacids on hand. TUMs and Pepto are two preferred antacid brands, and they work by directly neutralizing stomach acid.

    Additionally, antacids can be helpful with a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and diarrhea. As such, they make ideal medications to keep on hand.

    Don’t Smoke

    Smoking, of course, is bad for you health. However, cigarette smoke can also lead to heartburn. As such, if you’re suffering from heartburn, don’t smoke while you’re trying to get relief.

    Likewise, stay away from people who are smoking, as even secondhand smoke can cause heartburn to flare up. Generally, just stay away from cigarettes.

  • Top Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

    Top Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

    Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a disease that affects the joints and bones of those afflicted. Swelling and warmth are normal symptoms, and aches in the joints are the most common problem experienced by those with RA.

    If you’re looking for the top treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, we’ve rounded up some of the most common treatments here. Remember, however, that there is no cure for RA, though there are ways to soften the symptoms.

    Top Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

    Steroids

    If your RA symptoms are severe, your doctor could prescribe you steroids.  Corticosteroid medicines like prednisone have been shown to reduce inflammation and slow the rate at which joints become damaged by arthritis.

    Doctors don’t prescribe steroids in all cases. There are side effects that could occur, like weight gain and the thinning of bones, that are of notable concern. Generally, steroids are prescribed for short-term use, tapering off as the most severe symptoms abate.

    NSAIDs

    Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a common treatment for arthritis. These drugs are usually available for inexpensive prices and can be picked up in any drugstore. Over-the-counter NSAIDs, like Tylenol and Ibuprofen, can be taken daily for normal aches and pains. They’re generally not dangerous as long as you take them only as directed.

    While NSAIDs can have negative effects on the liver over long periods of time, they’re generally considered pretty safe. Speak with your doctor about taking over-the-counter NSAIDs if you’re worried about their potential long-term effects on your health.

    DMARDs

    Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are a form of medicine that can slow the progress of RA. These medicines tend to prevent joint damage by slowing the progress of the disease considerably. DMARDs are not available over the counter and have to be prescribed.

    Common DMARDs, like leflunomide, methotrexate and sulfasalazine are prescribed in some cases. Doctors have to keep the side effects of these medicines in mind when they prescribe them. Their side effects can include bone marrow suppression, severe lung infections and liver damage. These potential side effects must be weighed against the severity of RA that the patient is dealing with,

    A newer form of DMARDs, called biologic agents, have become more prevalent in recent years. These drugs work by targeting the parts of the immune system that cause the inflammation of joints. Biologic agents also have side effects that include increasing the risk of infection, since they target the body’s own immune system.

  • Best Luxury Compact Cars

    Best Luxury Compact Cars

    Luxury and compact aren’t two things that are commonly found together with cars in 2019. However, not everyone wants to drive an SUV for their luxury ride.

    So, in order to help you find your dream car, we’re looking at some of the best luxury compact cars. Sometimes good things come in small packages!

    Best Luxury Compact Cars

    Infiniti Q50

    The Infinity Q50, which starts at $35,550 is a great pick for luxury in a small vehicle. It’s got tight handling, agile performance and a nice ride. The cabin is described as “refined” and “tasteful,” and you’ll always feel like you’re riding in style in this luxury compact.

    While not the most powerful car on this list, the Q50 brings a ton of style to the luxury compact category. It’s worth noting that the Q50 has somewhat below-average fuel economy, though this is largely mitigated by the agile handling and straightforward luxury of the drive.

    If you’re looking for a downright stylish luxury vehicle and don’t mind gassing up more often, the Q50 is a great pick for you.

    Genesis G70

    What’s not to love about the Genesis G70? The sporty, aggressive look and stellar engine performance pair perfectly with the smooth, quiet ride quality. When this vehicle takes off, you’ll feel the power. However, you’ll also feel the comfortable seats and unrivaled handling of a Genesis vehicle.

    The only real downsides to the G70 are its below-average fuel economy and small trunk space. The infotainment system could use some refining, but this is a minor nitpick. That said, coming in just under $35,000, this car is a great value for your money. After all, it sports more style than the average SUV and handles like a dream. There are few cars like it on the market.

    Tesla Model 3

    The storied Tesla Model 3 is the very definition of a chase vehicle. Tesla’s name is synonymous with “cool” for some people, as these all-electric cars sacrifice no power to untether themselves from the gas pump. Gorgeous design, a spartan interior and unparalleled handling for an electric vehicle all set the Model 3 apart from the pack.

    The Model 3 has stellar performance for an electric car. It’s got 271 horsepower and handles like a dream, feeling like a conventional car in all ways but the sound. Thanks to the electric engine, the Tesla runs as quietly as possible. Pricing for the Model 3, and other Tesla models, can be found on their website.

  • The Best Prescription Discount Cards: Stop Overpaying for Medicine

    The Best Prescription Discount Cards: Stop Overpaying for Medicine

    Medicine can be really expensive. This goes double for people who have a large number of prescriptions. For many Americans, the high costs of medications can be prohibitive. If you find that, even in spite of your health insurance, you’re spending far too much money on prescriptions, maybe you need a prescription discount card.

    If you’re a bit intimidated by the sheer number of discount cards out there, don’t worry. Today we’re taking a look at some of the top prescription discount cards that are available. Stop spending all your money on overpriced medicine and start saving with one of these great discount cards today.

    The Best Prescription Discount Cards

    Discount Drug Network

    Our first entry is the Discount Drug network. This prescription card has a massive network, which includes over 66,000 pharmacies. This one gets a nod due to its huge network as well as its helpful and handy app which allows you to search nearby pharmacies. The app helps you make sure you’re getting the best prices on discounted prescriptions!

    Script Relief

    Another excellent discount card is Script Relief. These guys offer discounts on a ton of prescriptions and have many partnerships with other discount cards. The coolest thing about this card is how well-connected it is, as it has contracts with over 50,000 pharmacies.

    Like the Discount Drug Network card, Script Relief also offers a mobile search app, called SearchRX, that helps you find pharmacies in the network.

    US Pharmacy Card

    This well-regarded and entirely card-based pharmacy discount program is one of the best out there. You don’t have to print off coupons or provide any additional info with the US Pharmacy Card: simply present it at a participating pharmacy.

    This easy-to-use and convenient card is a favorite of people with a large number of prescriptions, as it’s so hassle-free. Privacy buffs love how the cardholder info with the US Pharmacy Card isn’t shared with anyone. This is a great pick for people who want a simple, no-frills discount card.

    Good RX

    Good RX is another fantastic discount card. The numerous coupons offered by the card can be applied to a number of different discounts. Good RX offers a large number of pharmacies from which you can redeem your savings, and there are always savings to be had.

    You can sign up for the $6 per month version of the card for even bigger savings, too!

  • Best Weight Loss Programs: Get Started Losing Weight Today

    Best Weight Loss Programs: Get Started Losing Weight Today

    Losing weight can be hard. Whether you’ve got a desk job that keeps you on your butt all day or you just find it hard to shed the pounds, maybe you’re looking into a weight loss program. Which ones are right for you, though? There are so many options!

    Today we’re looking at some of the top-rated weight loss programs. Remember, nutrition is as much art as science, and everybody is different. What works for other people might not work for you.

    Best Weight Loss Programs

    Weight Watchers

    Community is a huge part of Weight Watchers, which holds that it’s easier to make healthy dietary choices when you’re held accountable. Much like working out with a buddy, Weight Watchers offers you the support of a community of like-minded dieters so you can feel like you’re not alone.

    The program offers an app that you can access for a fee, which gives you access to various meal plans and “points” values. You can also add weekly meetings, which allow you to feel like you’re a part of a community. The main appeal to Weight Watchers is the straightforward and easy-to-follow dietary guidelines that make nutrition simple.

    MyFitnessPal

    A smartphone app that helps you stay on track and in shape, MyFitnessPal is highly recommended. For a  monthly fee, you get access to day-to-day workout and nutrition tips. If you don’t need the community-minded approach of Weight Watchers, MyFitnessPal is a good pick.

    You get daily tracking of your fitness and nutritional advice to keep you on track. Those with good discipline but no direction are recommended to try this app out. It’s relatively affordable when compared to options like Noom or Weight Watchers.

    Noom

    Noom is a great virtual weight loss app, though it’s on the pricey side. You get access to a lot of resources, such as educational info and nutritional help, that rival the in-person experience of Weight Watchers. Noom is considered a “high-end” weight loss app, and is priced as such.

    While you don’t get the in-person meetings of Weight Watchers, phone-only fitness can be a great fit for busy people. As long as the price tag doesn’t scare you off, Noom can be a good fit for a busy lifestyle.

    Final Thoughts

    Importantly, remember that skinny doesn’t inherently mean healthy, nor does fat inherently mean unhealthy. The only reason you should want to lose weight is if you feel you’ll be happier at a lower weight. Don’t let societal beauty norms make you engage in behaviors that you find unhealthy or unsustainable.

  • 2019 Infiniti Q50 Review: Is it Worth the Price?

    2019 Infiniti Q50 Review: Is it Worth the Price?

    In 2019, you don’t tend to think “compact” when you hear the word “luxury”. In this day and age, luxury seems to be synonymous with big SUVs, or, at the smallest, maybe a sporty crossover.

    Infiniti’s 2019 Q50 has a lot of interesting things going on. Is it worth the price tag, though? Let’s look into it.

    2019 Infinity Q50

    What’s New

    The 2019 model of the Q50 has a few new tricks up its sleeve. For one, forward collision warning and emergency braking have both been made standard. This is in addition to some general quality-of-life improvements, though the 2019 Q50 is largely similar to last year’s model.

    Notably, this time around there is no hybrid model of the Q50. Instead, the gas-only version is the only configuration on the market.

    What’s Good

    There’s a lot to love in the Q50. The ride is comfortable and quiet, and the cab is luxurious. The seats are quite cozy, and taking the Q50 around the block is wonderful. For those driving around town often, this is a wonderful vehicle.

    The handling is quite tight and zippy, allowing for quick turns and lots of responsive motion. This goes hand-in-hand with the fast response from the V6 engines. While the V6 isn’t standard on the Q50, we recommend the upgrade: it really makes the ride wonderful.

    What’s Bad

    It’s not all good news, though. There are plenty of other luxury cars that sport more muscle and oomph than the Q50. It’s not quite as strong as you might expect for its price point and size. To add to that, the fuel economy doesn’t make up for this relative lack of power: it’s got a below-average MPG. The lack of a hybrid option stings more due to this.

    The infotainment interface is interesting, with its dual-screen design. However, it can be distracting and difficult to learn. Those who haven’t used infotainments systems like this before might be lost by this complex set up.

    Bottom Line

    The 2019 Infiniti Q50 starts at #35,550 and options can bring it up to $53,250, making it a firmly luxury car. For that price, you could opt for a Tesla Model 3 or even a BMW with fewer options. As such, it becomes a bit harder to recommend this vehicle for those looking for performance or gas mileage.

    That said, this is still a great luxury vehicle for the ride. If you don’t mind the slightly low MPG and the price tag, you can have a great ride with the Infiniti Q50.

  • Natural Arthritis Pain Relief

    Natural Arthritis Pain Relief

    Natural pain relief is a great alternative to potentially harmful painkillers or NSAIDs. While you should always take medicine as directed by your doctor, there are non-medicinal ways to combat aches and pains.

    This goes double for arthritis pain, which can be a big deal for older people. Here are some of our top picks for arthritis pain relief.

    Natural Arthritis Pain Relief

    Fitness

    It might sound weird, but staying active is a huge part of curbing arthritis pains. If you’re in good shape and getting regular exercise, it’s much less likely that you’ll have serious aches and pains. Not to mention, it’s just good for you to exercise often and get good nutrition!

    Regular exercise means that your joints stay flexible. It also means that you’ll weigh less, meaning there is less strain on your joints in daily activities. Now, running and weight lifting aren’t the best picks for exercise if you’re already experiencing arthritis pain. However, swimming, yoga and tai chi are all low-impact exercises that are great for you.

    Meditation

    Meditating to relax and focus your mind elsewhere can be a huge help with chronic pain. While many people are quick to write meditation off as pseudo-scientific or ineffective, it’s been proven to help those who put effort into learning the practice.

    Remember: meditation isn’t inherently religious or even philosophical. It’s a way of putting mind over matter and refocusing your energy. It’s helpful for getting your mind off of chronic pain and on to more ephemeral and pain-relieving thoughts, like eternity, mindfulness and wellness.

    Nutrition

    Getting the right things in your diet is another important way to address arthritis pain. Omega-3 fatty acids are a huge help in this regard. Certain fish oils and other supplements are one way to make sure you’re getting enough omega-3, which helps keep your joints loose and limber.

    Another fatty acid recommended for those with joint pain is gamma-linolenic acid. Ask your doctor if evening primrose, borage, hemp, or black currants or supplements made from them would be safe in your diet, as these carry gamma-linolenic acid.

    If your symptoms are quite severe and impacting your daily life, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. However, addressing them in a natural and holistic way can be a great way to avoid doctor’s fees and having to take traditional medicine. Everyone is different, however, so make sure you do what is right for your unique situation.

  • Do You Have Eosinophilic Asthma? The Signs

    Do You Have Eosinophilic Asthma? The Signs

    Eosinophilic asthma, as opposed to allergic asthma, has some distinct differences. People suffering from eosinophilic asthma typically experience shortness of breath and wheezing due to an elevation of blood eosinophils.

    Allergic asthma, by contrast, tends to occur when someone is exposed to animal dander or another allergen. Could you be suffering from eosinophilic asthma? Here are the common signs and symptoms.

    Eosinophilic Asthma

    History

    Eosinophilic asthma has been known about for about 100 years. As long ago as the 1950s, it was known that severe chronic asthma shows an elevation of eosinophils. Recently, there’s been even more focus on reducing eosinophils in order to help treat this type of asthma.

    Details

    Eosinophilic asthma is often rather severe and is more commonly seen developing in adults. Inflammatory cells infiltrate airways, blocking the passage of air, leading to shortness of breath and wheezing. A lot of people with eosinophilic asthma have no history of allergies, though allergies are another common cause of asthma.

    Those of have eosinophilic asthma have increased eosinophils in their blood and tissues, meaning that their entire respiratory system is being affected. Chronic sinus disease is common among those suffering from this type of asthma.

    Those with higher levels of eosinophils in their blood have been shown to have a higher risk of future asthma attacks. These can range in severity a good bit from patient to patient. If you think you may have asthma, speak to your doctor about it.

    Causes

    It’s unknown, at present, what causes eosinophilic asthma. Typically, patients don’t have allergies, and modern medical science is unsure of how this type of asthma starts. However, there are treatments that involve combating the high number of eosinophils.

    Symptoms

    Those suffering from eosinophilic asthma tend to have symptoms like coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and difficulty breathing. Airflow obstructions are also common. Notably, those suffering from this type of asthma typically don’t have allergies and their asthma attacks are unrelated to outside factors.

    Chronic nasal polyps and inflamed nasal membranes are also common symptoms. If you’re suffering from symptoms like this, speak to your doctor. They may be able to diagnose the issue and could prescribe you medicine to combat this type of asthma.

  • Google Assistant Coming to Even More Devices

    Google Assistant Coming to Even More Devices

    Voice assistants are all the rage right now. Between Amazon’s stellar Alexa, Apple’s hit-and-miss Siri and Google’s excellent Assistant, there are a ton of options for home speakers with built-in assistants.

    Google is set to make an even bigger splash as their assistant technology comes to even more devices this year.

    Google Assistant Rolling Out on More Devices

    CES 2019

    This year’s Consumer Electronic Show, or CES, announced a number of new pieces of tech that will use Google’s Assistant software. JBL’s Link Bar, the Dolby Atmos soundbar and even Samsung TVs are slated to use the tech this coming year. This follows Google’s existing model of not marrying their software to their own tech, as seen with their Android phone operating system.

    CES 2019 marked a ton of new tech that Google Assistant would call home. This puts it apart from Apple, who only allow their Siri virtual assistant to live on Apple-branded products like the HomePod. Amazon, however, is no stranger to renting out their Alexa software.

    Earlier Models

    “Earlier models” of speakers are also slated to get updates to allow Google Assistant to live on them. Play:1, Play:5 and Playbar, for instance, will all be updated to allow for use with Google Assistant. It’s worth noting that these speakers don’t have native mics built in, so those wishing to use them as home hubs will need a go-between. A smartphone or another Google smart speaker are the two most likely candidates, though any microphone would do.

    So What?

    While millions of homes are now equipped with smart speakers, many people remain unconvinced of their usefulness. As such, this news might sound like no big deal. However, given the incredible usefulness and flexibility of smart speakers and virtual assistants, this is huge news.

    Smart speakers, first and foremost, are great for coordinating your media. If you want to listen to music or hear the weather, it’s easy to just call out to your smart speaker. Traffic reports, stock market changes and news are all available through these speakers as well, helping you streamline your morning routine.

    Smart speakers also can act as home hubs if you opt for smart appliances and lights. Controlling your home’s entire electronic ecosystem with your voice is a uniquely awesome experience. Asking to have the oven pre-heat while you also command the lights to enter “romantic dinner” mode is a sublime experience, to be sure.