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  • Looking for a Great Gift? Order Canvas Prints Online

    Looking for a Great Gift? Order Canvas Prints Online

    When it comes to printing out photos, there are tons of options available for doing it from home. Certainly you’ve purchased a printer that can output “high-quality” images of your home photographs. Are they really all that great, though? Have you considered ordering canvas prints online?

    The answer is yes!  It turns out that you can order very high-quality prints on canvas material online. Today we’re going to cover some of the most frequently asked questions about this interesting process. If you’re looking for a great gift idea for Christmas, consider these gorgeous canvas prints.

    Some of the top companies for ordering canvas prints online are Simple Canvas Prints, CG Pro Prints and Gallery Direct.

    Order Canvas Prints Online

    The Canvas Difference

    Getting your photo printed out on canvas offers some interesting benefits when compared to traditional prints. Normally, a traditional print needs to be backed and framed in order to be elegantly displayed. In the case of a canvas print, however, the unique durability, appeal and design makes them ideal for just hanging up as-is.

    Canvas prints have a high-quality, artistic quality that makes them look great on any wall. You don’t need to have them framed and they don’t require any backing. Not to mention, the three top-rated services provide prints that are so high-quality that they’ll put most normal printers to shame.

    Cost

    The cost of canvas prints online varies depending on the issuing company and size. That said, you can expect the smallest prints to run right around $5, and some of the largest prints to be upwards of $500. That is to say, it’d be a good idea to shop around and compare price.

    There are some excellent savings to be found online if you compare and shop. When you buy online, one of the best upsides is that you can shop at your own pace. There’s no pressure, and you’re able to easily compare sites to hunt down the best price.

    Shipping

    Depending on which site you order from, you can likely find various rates and speeds for shipping. Some sites will be able to offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, while others may have a surcharge for shipping and handling. When it comes to high-quality prints, you want to make sure they’re handled well.

    Another consideration for shipping is how long they take to ship. Most canvas prints online will ship in roughly 10-14 business days, although that number could also vary. Again, you have to consider the time it takes to manufacture the print and how careful you have to be transporting it.

    For Professionals

    Professionals love sites like CG Pro Prints as they offer a great way for their photographs to be displayed as art. In fact, in order to accommodate artists, CG Pro Prints offers wholesale prices on their prints to keep costs down for artists.

    If you’re a photographer looking to get a large number of studio-quality prints made for display or sale, consider CG Pro Prints. They’ve got what you need.

    For the Office

    If you’re looking for a great site for prints of stock images and landscapes, consider Gallery Direct. They have a number of generic images you can choose from to decorate a space like an office or lobby. This is a great way to fill a space with high-quality art to keep your space fun and tasteful at the same time.

    While Gallery Direct isn’t the only site who offers this kind of service, they are highly-rated and considered one of the best. They have a wide variety of images to choose from if you don’t have one already picked out. There are landscapes, stock images and more to make your space look that much more inviting.

    For the Family

    Simple Canvas Prints, of the three listed here, is one of the best sites for getting prints made for the family. They offer low prices and good deals on shipping. They also have a relatively quick shipping time if you opt for the expedited shipping, though it costs a bit more.

    However, their biggest draw is their user interface. This easy-to-use site makes it simple to upload you image and have it converted into a gorgeous canvas print sent right to your home. If you’re somewhat daunted by the prospect, don’t be, as it couldn’t be simpler.

    There’s never been a better time to be a photo enthusiast. With ample choices for high-quality printing and fast shipping, all available right from your computer, it’s hard to believe we ever shopped for canvas prints the old-fashioned way.


  • Which Credit Cards are the Best for Someone with Bad Credit?

    Which Credit Cards are the Best for Someone with Bad Credit?

    If you have bad credit, it can feel next to impossible to dig your way out. It’s hard to get approved for loans, you have a hard time saving and getting ahead, and everything can feel like an uphill battle. When you’ve got bad credit, how can you right the ship and get yourself back on track?

    One of the best ways to rebuild bad credit is to get a credit card with low fees up front and that report on your credit to all three bureaus. Ideally, you want a card that offers pre-qualification checks, too. Today we’re going over how you can rebuild your credit, and what some of the best cards for doing so are.

    Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

    Rebuilding Credit with a Credit Card

    When it comes to rebuilding your credit, your best bet is going to be operating on a very small scale. Set yourself a small budget, something you know you can easily pay off every month and put that on your card. Maybe just get gas, or just buy groceries with the card, and nothing else. Never float a balance past a month and make regular payments.

    While you’re doing this, keep an eye on your credit. Make sure the positive changes are being reported regularly and that your credit is moving in the right direction. This ensures that you’re doing the right thing and that your credit is being repaired.

    Applying for Cards

    Don’t look desperate by sending out a huge burst of credit card applications. This is a surefire way to put a big dent in your credit. Each time you apply for a credit card, a hard inquiry is placed on your credit, which can negatively impact it for as much as twelve months. Make sure you only apply for a few cards and consider going after pre-qualification cards.

    Pre-qualified cards do a soft inquiry of your credit, which allows you to avoid the issue of having your credit tanked by repeated inquiries. Once you get your card, you can begin rebuilding your credit with it, so the soft inquiry is well-worth the effort.

    Capital One Secured Mastercard

    The Capital One Secured Mastercard is a great pick for anyone looking to rebuild their credit. The card has no annual fee, and you can set down a small amount of money up-front for a credit line of $200. That’s enough for you to buy groceries on or buy gas, and then pay off before the end of the month.

    When you make enough payments on time, you’ll even get an increased credit line that allows you to put more expenses on the card. Not to mention, you get to pick your own due date for the money. That means you can set up your bills to hit when you get your paycheck, so you’re never late on your card payment!

    Milestone Gold Mastercard

    You can set this card up to pay off bi-monthly, allowing you to keep a tighter leash on your spending and help you get into good spending habits. The card doesn’t require a security deposit and it offers $0 cash advance fees the first year. In short, if you’ve got a prior bankruptcy on your credit history, this is a card worth looking in to. Just watch out for some of the minor fees, like for adding another authorized user or late payment fees.


  • How to Use a Credit Card to Repair Your Credit

    How to Use a Credit Card to Repair Your Credit

    If your credit score is less than ideal, you might be wondering what the best way to repair it is. While there are a number of ways to address your credit, one of the most surefire ways to pull it back into a favorable position is to use a credit card. This might sound counterintuitive if your credit score is already bad due to credit card debt, but hear us out.

    There are a few rules of thumb you need to follow with any credit card, but they go double for when you’re using them to repair your credit. Today we’re going over some of the basics to help you fix your credit standing. If you follow these tips you should see your score going up gradually, and in a few years you’ll have great credit!

    Remember, most of all, to be patient. Your credit score isn’t going to become excellent overnight, and requires you to work diligently at paying back your debts and paying bills on time to stay high.

    Paying Off Outstanding Debts

    Let’s begin with the most pressing issues. If you have a lot of outstanding debts that are dragging down your credit score, it’s time to hose them down. Let’s say you’ve got debts on three credit cards that are bearing down on you. Find the one with the highest interest rate and put any extra money you make towards paying it off. Make minimum payments on your other debts while you do this.

    By using this “target priority” technique, you can begin to chip away at the worst of your debt. This does two things for you. Firstly, it gets all that extra interest the debt would have accumulated out of the way. Secondly, it means your credit score will start to get repaired as your payments stay regular and your debt-to-income ratio evens out.

    Using a Small-Limit Card

    On the flip side, if you have no credit history or a bad credit history and don’t owe much in debt right now, you’ll want to use a credit card. For instance, let’s say you’re fresh out of college or school, you have a consistent job and you’re looking to get a car loan but have no credit history. Don’t sweat it! Just apply for a small-limit credit card with no annual fees and a low interest rate. Something really small, even with a limit of $100 or $200, works well here.

    Just use this card for small purchases, like buying groceries or getting food at a restaurant. Be careful to only spend what you can afford to pay back before the end of the month so that you don’t float any balance and accrue interest owed on it. After a few months of consistently using, and paying back, this small credit card, you’ll see your credit history start to build up.

    Good Spending Habits

    As another example, if you’re repairing your credit history after a rough patch, you can use a similar approach. However, with a bad credit history, as opposed to no credit history, it may seem difficult to find a credit card that seems like a decent deal. In such cases, even if you find a card with a high interest rate, consider using it just for making small purchases.

    Even if a card has a high interest rate and a low limit, using it consistently and simply paying it back before the end of the month can be a great way to show credit agencies you’re more responsible than you once were. By paying the bill off monthly, you’re able to both keep the interest from building up while also improving your credit score.


  • Best Ways to Check Credit Score

    Best Ways to Check Credit Score

    If you’re looking to make a big purchase, like a car or a house, odds are you’re going to need a loan. The way lenders check to see if you’re eligible for that loan, of course, is your credit score. If you often pay bills on time and are financially secure, your score should be high but you should regularly check your score.

    Grab hold of your financial potential with free information about your credit score. Knowing your credit score is important because it helps you decide what your buying power is and what areas to focus on to improve this important score.

    There are many factors that go into determining a credit score, including employment status, credit history, and financial consistency. There are also several different types of credit scores rather than a standard way to measure creditworthiness. Although banks and lenders may have their own method to determine a credit score, there are ways that general consumers can monitor their credit activity and keep on top of the score as it changes over the years.

    If you’re looking to check your credit score you’ll want to do it for free. That’s where these free credit check sites come in!

    Best Free Credit Reports

    Credit.com

    Credit.com allows you to see your Experian and VantageScore results for free. VantageScore is a newer model of credit scoring that is usually more up-to-date than the traditional FICO score. You have to sign up for an account with Credit.com, but it’s a free process. The site is known for its credit report card, a quick glance at which things go into your credit. This way, you can see what factors you may need to address to get your score higher!

    Credit Karma

    Credit Karma has become the most popular of the free credit monitoring sites for many reasons. You’ve likely heard of this one. Credit Karma offers scores from TransUnion and Equifax, and both are shown as VantageScore. Credit Karma is a free site as well, and they don’t share customer information. If you’re looking for a no-frills credit check, you’re looking for Credit Karma. They offer a great mobile app, too.

    Quizzle

    Since 2008, Quizzle has been helping its customers understand their credit history and providing free access to their full credit report and credit score. Quizzle offers free Equifax and VantageScore reports. Once every three months you can see a free report of your score. Quizzle technically has a premium account too, though you’re better off just using the free functions. The free functionality doesn’t require a credit card, too.

    WalletHub

    WalletHub offers personal financial tools to users online. Their main product is offering a free daily credit score and report associated with it. WalletHub requires you to take a pre-screening questionnaire before you get your free score. Once you answer a few basic questions, such as your income and the last four digits of your Social, you get a TransUnion credit score. The report is similar to Credit.com’s credit report card, showing you what factors influence your score the most.


  • Improve Your Credit Score: Start Today!

    Improve Your Credit Score: Start Today!

    You may think that bad credit can keep you from getting a loan or credit card, but it can also cause bigger issues. It can leave you without a car, home or even jobless. The reason for this is that most enterprises use the credit scores of consumers to make decisions about them.

    Lenders use the credit score of borrowers to gauge their creditworthiness, and how likely they are to repay what they have borrowed. Your credit score determines if you can get a loan and what rate of interest you can qualify for.

    If you have a bad credit score, you can lose a lot of money in the long run. Apart from your net worth, your credit score is probably the most crucial number in your financial life. Your credit score also has a significant impact on your net worth.

    What is a poor credit score?

    A poor credit score is one is below 670. Lenders consider a score between 580 and 669 fair and one between 300 and 579 as poor.

    Although different scoring ranges and models for credit scores exist, a majority of lenders use FICO (Fair Isaac Corp.) scores, and they range from 300 to 850. The qualifying credit scores of different loans differ. However, to get the best rate of any lender, your credit score should be in the 700 range at least. In the FICO scoring model, 700 falls in the center of the good range. Lenders consider a credit score of 700 or higher to be good, while 800 or higher as excellent.

    Credit score thresholds that many auto and housing lenders use to calculate the interest rate they can offer

    Here is what many lenders use to calculate the interest rates they can offer and what you should aim for to get the best rates on various type of loans.

    Auto Loan

    Lenders offer car loans at the best rates for consumers whose credit score is 720 or higher. For instance, if your credit score is 700, you can qualify for 6% for a car loan of $29,620, paid over 60 months with the monthly payment being $572. The total interest is $4,701.

    However, if your credit score is 72 or higher, you can qualify for a new car loan at the rate of 4.6% with a monthly payment of $554. This can save you $18 every month and $1,078 over the loan’s life.

    Cash Back Rewards Card

    Almost half 49% of Americans who own a credit card have a cash-back card. This card is among the most popular kinds of rewards cards. If your credit score is 740 or higher, you can easily get a top cash-back card. If your credit score is 650 or lower, you might still qualify for a cash-back rewards card. However, your credit limit is likely to be lower and the interest rate higher. You can make a cash-back card worthwhile by paying your bills in full to avoid paying interest.

    Private Student Loan

    Your credit score does not matter if you are applying for a federal direct student loan as an undergraduate. However, if you need to apply for a private student loan, lenders will look at your credit history and scores.

    To get the best interest rate on your private student loan, you need a credit score of 750 or higher. That’s is about 3%. You can still qualify for a private student loan if your score is as low as 650. However, the interest rate will be much higher. Lenders can charge you 8 or 9% or as high as 14%.

    Mortgage

    Unlike other kinds of loans, mortgage lenders usually pull three reports and end up with what is commonly referred to as a tri-merge credit report from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Basically, lenders tend to go with the borrower’s middle score of the three reports. This means you need a score of 760 or better at two of the three to get the best interest rate of 3.32%.

    For instance, according to the FICO loan savings calculator, if your credit score is 759, you can qualify for an interest rate of 3.54% on a 30-year fixed loan of $216,000. You will pay $975 every month and your total interest over the loans’ life will be about $135,000.

    However, if your credit score is 760 and you apply for a loan of the same amount, you would qualify for an interest rate of 3.32%. Thus, your monthly mortgage payment will be $949, which is $26 less. You would pay about $125, 500 in interest over the loan’s life. This means that a 1-point increase in your credit score can help you save about $9,500 in interest.

    Before looking for homes for sale, it is advisable to check your credit score and get your credit reports from the 3 major credit agencies. If you address credit issues early on, you can raise your score before applying for a mortgage.

    How to Repair Credit

    If you improve your credit score, you can qualify for better terms and lower interest rates. That is true whether you need to borrow money for personal reasons or so that you can lease a facility or buy inventory.

    The issue with repairing your credit history is that it is almost the same as improving your professional network. You may only think about improving your credit scores when applying for financing. It is not also possible to repair your bad credit overnight.

    Therefore, you should start repairing your credit right now. Thankfully, it is easy to establish, repair and maintain excellent credit. If your credit score is poor, you can do the following things to improve it.

    Review your credit reports

    The three main credit reporting bureaus – Equifax, TransUnion and Experian are required to provide consumers with a copy of their credit report once each year without charging a fee. You only need to request for a copy of your credit report from the bureaus. Once you get a copy of your free report, view the information in them to see if everything is correct.

    Dispute any negative mark

    In the past, the only way you could dispute errors was by writing letters to the credit bureaus. Now, some services enable consumers to dispute mistakes online. Some factors weigh more heavily on your credit score than others do. Therefore, pay attention to such items first.

    Some factors that affect your credit score more heavily include judgements and collection amounts. It is not unusual to have one or more collection accounts appear on a credit report. For instance, you can have a collection account from a health care provider. Your instance firm may have claimed to pay it while the health care providers may claim it was not paid.

    You can dispute mistakes through each credit bureau. Remember that some errors will take longer to rectify than others, but that is fine. After initiating a dispute, you do not have to do anything else. The credit bureaus will investigate the dispute and report the resolution.

    Spend as long as it takes to ensure that the credit bureaus remove derogatory remarks from your credit history because they have a significant negative impact on your overall score.

    Dispute inappropriate late payment entries

    Errors occur. For instance, your mortgage lender may report that you paid a certain payment late, yet you had paid it on time. A credit card provider might also not enter a payment correctly. It is possible to dispute late payments, regardless of whether they are in closed or current accounts, in a similar manner to the way you inform credit bureaus about derogatory remarks.

    Your payment history can have a negative impact on your credit score. Therefore, do your best to clean up the mistakes.

    Increase credit limits

    Your credit card utilization also has an impact on your credit score. Ratio of credit that is available to the credit utilized makes a significant difference. In general, carrying a balance or over 50% of your available credit impacts your score negatively. Your score also suffers when you max out your credit cards.

    You can improve your credit ratio by paying down your balances or buy increasing your credit limit. For instance, if you owe $2600 on a card with a limit of $5000 and you get the limit raised to $7,500, your ratio will improve instantly.

    You can call the company that issued your credit card and ask it to increase your credit limit. If your payment history is decent, most credit card firms will be glad to raise your limit. After all, credit card firms make more money by lending more.

    After the credit card firm increase your limit, avoid using the additional available credit, so that you do not fall back to the same available credit ratio boat or end up deeper in debt.

    Pay all your bills on time

    The way you pay your bills affects your credit score significantly. Late payments remain on your credit report for 7 years. However, their impact on your credit score reduces over time. One great way to make sure you are never late is setting up autopay for recurring bills like car payments and student loans. Your bills will be deducted directly from your bank account on the due date. Therefore, you do not have to log in to a payment portal or send checks. Make sure there is enough money in your checking account to cover the payments so you will not be subject to overdraft fees.

    You also need to inform your creditor about your ability to repay the borrowed funds. For instance, federal student loans have alternative payment plans which can reduce the amount you owe every month. You can only know about such plans by contacting your student loan servicer and inquiring about your options. Credit card firms may also reduce your interest rate or payment for a particular period if you are facing financial challenges. If you suspect that you will miss a payment, talk to your creditor before it occurs to explore your options.

    Avoid closing older credit lines once your pay them off

    Even though it may sound like an excellent idea to close unused accounts, that is not the case. Doing so could raise your credit utilization ratio and this can lower your credit score.

    Avoid taking out large loans or opening new lines of credit

    You are better off when you have less debt. In the opinion of FICO, it is not wise to open new credit accounts to raise you credit utilization ratio since each credit request can lower your score slightly.

    Pay off high interest credit accounts first

    The age of credit has an effect on your credit report. Interest affects your finances. If you have money like $100 you can put toward reducing credit card balances, concentrate on paying off high interest accounts.

    Pay off the newest credit card balances first. This way, you can raise the average length of credit and this will help your score. Besides, you will not pay relatively high interest.

    How to maintain an excellent credit score

    After completing the hard work of fixing your bad credit score, the next step is to keep up the momentum. That means you should diligently maintain low balances on credit cards, pay all bills on time and seek out new credit only when necessary.

    The length of a person’s credit history accounts for 15% of a FICO score. Therefore, it is advisable to keep old accounts open so you can keep a long average credit history. You can achieve this by placing a small charge on your oldest credit card occasionally, and paying it off soon.

    The range of credit types with your name, also known as the credit mix makes up 10% of FICO scores. It is not necessary to take out a new loan just to diversify your credit mix. However, managing a credit card dependably is an effective way to keep your credit score high. Therefore, if you have not applied for a credit card in the past, you can apply for a secured credit card that requires a deposit. The deposit will become your credit limit. You can make small charges and pay them off every month to improve your score and you could then qualify for a conventional, unsecured card in the future.

    If you take all the steps mentioned above and you still find that you are struggling, you can seek help from an approved credit counseling agency. The agency can assist you to create a plan to manage your finances better and reduce your debt.

    Another option if you are struggling with high credit card debt is debt consolidation. This plan can enable you to roll several high interest debts into one payment, usually at a reduced interest rate and provide you with a single payment to track.

    Be wary of organizations that promise to fix your credit with little effort or time, or claim to charge a fee to fix your credit. It takes time and effort to improve your credit score.

    Summary

    Having a bad credit score can limit the loans you can qualify for and diminish the chances of getting financing at good interest rates. However, such a score should not weigh you down. You can take certain concrete actions now and, in the future, to keep your credit score high.

    Knowing the status of your credit history and making sure you do not avoid the reality of you credit status are essential ongoing strategies in the desire to enhance you credit. Get a free credit report regularly and feel empowered knowing you can improve your financial well-being.


  • The Ultimate Software Essentials For Every New Business

    The Ultimate Software Essentials For Every New Business

    Starting a new business can be tough. As a startup business owner, it’s crucial to discover the software solutions tools that can save you time and make your job easier. We’ve outlined the most essential new business software solutions of 2019.

    HR Software

    Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or a start-up looking to make your first hire, modern-day HR solutions have never been more vital to businesses. Due to the ever-growing complexities of running a business in the last decade HR software has practically reinvented itself.

    While it can be tempting to outsource all aspects of your business with HR Software, it may not always be necessary. You should especially take this into consideration when pricing comes into play. Not all HR Software companies offer a complete package at one price. For example, Bamboo HR ups their prices for companies that run payroll with them by $4 per employee and $25 per month.

    Essential Accounting Software

    Keeping a close eye on your books is especially important when you first open your business. Having the right software solution in place can make this difficult task more straight forward and organized.

    The streamlined, seamless and easy-to-use Freshbooks software is one of the top picks for accounting software. Whether you’re running a large business or a small one, Freshbooks as an accounting suite is a strong choice. You can easily set up recurring invoices to pay out to various contractors, record your expenses easily and import to other software in a flash. The dashboard makes it easy to find what you’re looking for, while the easy-to-navigate menus and options make it impossible to get lost. Accounting can be quite difficult, but Freshbooks takes a lot of the difficulty out of the equation! Pricing for this software starts at $15 per month.

    Capeable Cloud Security and Storage

    There are a ton of great options when it comes to cloud storage! Many of them are free, but some offer some interesting paid features. If you have a lot of storage needs, whether it be for business or personal use, consider these great options for cloud storage!

    Microsoft’s answer to cloud storage is a great platform. Windows users have access to it as just another computer directory! It’s simple to access and offers 5GB of storage free to anyone. Just like Google Drive works closely with Google Office Suite, OneDrive works with Microsoft Office. If you commonly use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and the like, OneDrive is a great option for you.

    If you decide to sign up for an Office 365 subscription Microsoft will reward you with an extra terabyte of storage on your OneDrive account. OneDrive for Business grants access to both storage and Microsoft Office. It’s just under $9 per person per month, which is actually a pretty good rate! If you already use a lot of Microsoft’s Office Suite, OneDrive is for you!

    Inventory Management Software

    Is your new startup going to require a large amount of inventory? If so, a comprehensive inventory management solution may be an essential piece of software for your business. Whatever solution you choose, it’s important that it’s capable of expanding with your business.
    Boxstorm, part of the Fishbowl inventory management system, allows you to track the cost of each item from the time it’s purchased to the time it’s sold. It allows you to have a real-time value of your existing assets. Ensuring your product gets from point A to point B is a core function of any business.
    Boxstorm can interface with multiple shipping solutions. It allows you the freedom to choose the solution that fits you best. They accommodate a wide variety of e-commerce solutions like WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento and Salesforce.


  • VPNs: What They are, and Why You Need One

    VPNs: What They are, and Why You Need One

    You might have heard a bit about VPNs on the internet or around the office, but you’re not sure what they are or whether you need one. Today we’ll be taking a more in-depth look at VPNs, what they do, and whether getting one is right for you.

    Do You Need a VPN?

    What’s a VPN?

    Let’s start by defining some terms. Firstly, we need to explain what a VPN even is! “VPN” stands for “virtual private network”. Essentially, these private networks allow you to securely connect with another network over the internet. VPNs keep your data private from any software that would spy on you, and they offer incredibly secure connections to other servers on the internet.

    Originally, VPNs were created for business employees to work remotely, connecting to the secure business network from their home office. However, their popularity in recent years has little to do with corporate espionage or remote work, though they are still used for this. No, the modern applications of VPNs are much more varied, though they share a common thread: secure connections.

    Modern VPNs

    Today, VPNs are popular among internet users because they allow them to privately browse the internet without drawing attention from advertisers or the site’s own regional locks. VPNs forward all of your internet activity to a remote network, essentially “outsourcing” your internet access and then feeding it back to your home computer.

    One of the most common uses for today’s VPNs include sidestepping region restrictions by “geospoofing,” or fooling a website into thinking you’re accessing it from a different location than your current one. This has a multitude of uses, from watching videos on streaming services that your region can’t see to avoiding government-mandated internet censorship.

    The Benefits

    The benefits of VPN usage are mainly connected to the fact that you’re essentially browsing the internet through a remote server. This allows you to appear as though you’re not located where you’re accessing the internet from. This, in turn, offers you a bit of anonymity on the internet, so you can safely use unsecured WiFi networks, avoid internet censors and even avoid detection for some of your activities.

    VPNs are quite popular among torrent users for this very reason. In many countries, it’s illegal to share files of music or movies, so torrent sites and the people who frequent them often use geospoofing to avoid the law enforcement of their localities. Of course, we can’t condone this usage, as intellectual property rights are an important cornerstone of the exchange of information.

    How to Get One

    Now for the fun part: actually getting a VPN. It’s not as simple as Googling “VPN” and just flipping a switch, you have to find a VPN service you’d like to use, or perhaps use one a friend has set up. Some services are free and offer only the very basics of a virtual network. Other services, like Nord VPN and Tunnelbear, have paid tiers that give you access to more features and a more robust geospoofing selection.

    In short, if you want to use a VPN to simply encrypt your browsing and watch some videos that aren’t available in your country normally, a free VPN will be fine for you. Otherwise, if you’re a power user with more varied needs, you might need to opt to pay for a more robust VPN service. Another option is to set up your own VPN, though most people don’t have the resources to set up servers in various countries and then encrypt traffic to them from their home computer. In either case, just make sure that whatever you do isn’t illegal, as cybercrimes can still carry stiff penalties depending on where you live, and VPNs won’t protect you from law enforcement.


  • Trying to Lose Weight? Avoid These Foods

    Trying to Lose Weight? Avoid These Foods

    It’s natural to want to avoid junk food when you’re trying to lose weight. After all, the most successful weight loss is the kind you pursue because you love your body, not because you hate it. As such, today we’re going over some of the foods you need to cut out to get healthy and lose the pounds.

    Remember, you only get one body in this life. Treat it with respect, and don’t fill it full of junk food.

    Avoid These Foods if You’re Trying to Lose Weight

    Fried Foods

    Fried foods are straight-up bad for your health. They’re delicious, yes, but they’re so full of trans fats, salt and cholesterol that they’re terrible for you. Beyond simply being a factor in weight gain, fried foods can contribute significantly to heart disease and diabetes.  If you’re remotely health conscious, stay far away from fried foods.

    Sugary Drinks

    Sugary drinks like sodas, energy drinks, sport drinks and some fruit juices can be incredibly impactful when it comes to weight gain. The average can of soda contains 90 calories per serving, while energy drinks can contain up to 210 calories per serving. And you’d best believe there’s more than a single serving in those cans.

    That’s not to mention that your brain doesn’t register these drinks as actual calories. You just add these calories on top of your normal daily intake. Instead of relying on sugary drinks to quench your thirst, opt for water! It’s good for you, you need tons of it and it’s got zero calories.

    Potato Chips

    These fall under fried foods, sure, but potato chips in particular bear repeating. Some studies suggest that potato chips could cause more weight gain per serving than any other food. That means a few bags of chips during the week could be worse for you than having fried chicken for lunch a comparable number of times.

    White Bread

    Unsurprisingly, white bread is a terrible addition to any diet. It’s heavily processed and very high in sugar, offering little to no nutritional value. Instead of eating white bread, consider opting for a healthier choice like Ezekiel bread.


  • Suffering From Dry Skin? Try These Moisturizers

    Suffering From Dry Skin? Try These Moisturizers

    Dry skin can be a huge pain, or, in some cases, hugely itchy! The worst cases of dry skin can be quite uncomfortable, but there are a few things you can do to fight the itch.

    Namely, you can pick up skin moisturizer and use it to keep your skin from being dry and flakey. Today we’re going over some of the best skin moisturizers.

    Moisturizers for Dry Skin

    Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème

    Nivea is a respected name in the world of skin care products, and this moisturizer is no different. This cream, complete with vitamin E and jojoba oil, helps to keep dry skin from being so uncomfortable. Not only does this cream quickly absorb into the skin, it also keeps your skin from becoming too oily.

    While many moisturizers have a very oily after-effect, this cream doesn’t leave behind such an oily feeling. Instead, it simply helps to moisturize and rejuvenate your skin! You can shop for this skin cream online or in stores.

    Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm

    This skin cream is fragrance-free, which is great for people who have allergies or don’t like the scents of other moisturizers. This is also great for use on the face, as it doesn’t have any strong smell associated. If you live in an extreme climate, where it is particularly hot, cold or dry, then you will love this balm.

    The balm has a thick consistency, making it ideal for rejuvenating damaged skin. It’s able to help skin that’s been exposed to harsh elements, making it a great pick for people who experience extreme weather. For heavy-duty dry skin, go with Keihl’s.

    Andalou Naturals Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream

    This moisturizing and healing cream has stellar customer reviews and is said to be great on even intense dry skin. Made specifically to help revitalized damaged skin on the surface, the Andalou night cream is great for people who constantly expose their skin to the elements. For people who work outside, or around hot or dry materials, this can be a huge help.

    Including lots of minerals and compounds meant to help skin heal, the Andalou cream is great for even extremely dry skin. If you’re looking for a skin cream that works as hard as you do, look no further. While it’s a bit on the pricey side, this cream is well-worth the price tag to help give you relief from itchy, dry skin.


  • 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.