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  • Learn How to Cash in on Amazing Rewards From These 4 Credit Cards

    Learn How to Cash in on Amazing Rewards From These 4 Credit Cards

    Saving money is incredibly important for any family. You want to be able to make the holidays memorable, but gift shopping gets expensive. That’s why it’s essential to explore all options to make the most of your money. One of the easiest ways to save money and get cash rewards is by getting a credit card. There are tons to choose from with all different types of rewards. That’s why we’re here to help.

    What Do You Want Most?

    Deciding what’s most important to you for your credit card is the first step to making the right choice. Do you want a credit card that will give you cashback on your most frequent purchases? Do you want a card that gives you frequent flyer points so that your next airplane ticket is discounted (or free?) Or do you enjoy staycations? Whatever you want to focus on there’s a credit card to match.

    You’re a world traveler

    Traveling new places is a great thing to be able to do. For some people it can be an expense they can’t quite afford though. That’s why it’s helpful to enlist your credit card company to foot the bill.

    The first place to start is with a broad credit card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. The card offers double miles on all purchases and has a promotion where you can earn ten times the miles when staying at certain hotel brands. Importantly, there are no blackout dates with this card, and the points can be redeemed at any airline or hotel. There aren’t any expiration dates on your miles, and there’s no limit to how many you can earn. You can also transfer your miles across to other loyalty programs.

    Frequent Travel Pays Off

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a highly sought-after credit card for airline miles for a number of reasons. Firstly, the intro bonus is very generous. If you spend $4,000 through the card in the first three months of owning it, you get 60,000 bonus points. That translates to about $750 in travel rewards, which is a lot to earn just for using your credit card. You also get reimbursed for the $85 TSA precheck fee or $100 Global Entry fee. Add all this together and the card can easily pay for itself.

    Dining and Entertainment

    For those of you who don’t have the time to jet off to new locations, there’s a credit card to fit you too. The Capital One SavorOne card is the one for you. It will reward you with 3% cashback on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases. There’s no annual fee and you can earn a $150 bonus if you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. Another great benefit is that your cashback rewards don’t expire. That way you can use them when you need them.

    Just Give Me the Cash

    If you don’t want a card with a fancy rewards system, but you wouldn’t mind a little cashback in your wallet, you aren’t alone. The Discover it Cash Back Card would be an excellent choice. With this card, Discover will match all the cashback you’ve earned at the end of the first year automatically. They also offer different killer deals each quarter. They choose a popular category and offer you 5% cashback (up to $1500.) Once you’ve hit that cap, which isn’t difficult, they then offer you 1% on all your purchases in that category.


  • Credit Cards with the Best Incentives!

    Credit Cards with the Best Incentives!

    Credit card incentive programs or rewards give back to you for every dollar you spend doing shopping or paying for a service. They reward you in cash backs, hotel and airline points, free gas and more.

    To benefit from the incentives, you are supposed to spend responsibly and pay your balances in full every month. So, before deciding which credit card to apply for, ask yourself, what are your spending habits? How many categories do you like spending on? What types of rewards would be more beneficial to you? With the answers to these questions, you will be able to pick the right credit card for you.

    What to Know About Credit Card Rewards
    Before diving into the rules, it’s important to understand what entails a rewards card. If a card offers you the opportunity to earn points, miles, or cash backs, it’s a reward card. They either provide you with flat-rate rewards (rewards of the same amount) or bonus rewards on specific categories, for instance, increased rates on dining out or groceries.
    Reward credit cards, therefore, encourage you to pay via credit cards instead of cash or debit card. Rewards, however, have rules. One of them is that it becomes confusing to navigate your card’s program if you are allowed to redeem rewards. Also, if you have up to four credit cards like the average American, it will be hard to understand the ins and outs of multiple incentive programs, especially if there is a mix of points, cash backs and mile cards. Let’s review credit cards that offer hard to find incentives.

    1. American Express® Gold Card
    If your heart beats for food, then the American Express® Gold Card is best suited for you. Whether you love preparing terrific dishes at home or dining out, this card rewards you a competitive 4X points for every dollar you spend on any restaurant worldwide or U.S. supermarkets (for up to $25,000 annually in purchases, then 1X). Travelers can also benefit from the 3X point rewards on flights, but they have to book directly with airlines or use Amextravel.com to get these rewards.
    However, the value of the points depends on how you redeem them. There are many ways you can spend them. You can use them to pay retailers like Amazon or redeeming for gift cards. You can use them to redeem statement credit to book travel.
    Travelers get an annual $100 airline fee credit, which covers in-flight beverages, food, seat upgrades, and baggage fees. What’s more, there is a $120 annual dining credit. This totals to $220 in annual rewards. The card has a $250, meaning the rewards you earn help “pay” the card.

    Pros
    • Strong incentive program with 4X points on dining and 3X on flights.
    • 35,000 Membership Rewards points welcome bonus for spending $4,000 within the first 3 months.
    • Up to $120 in dining credits and $100 in airline fee credit. They also have a $100 hotel credit.
    • No purchase fees charged outside the US.

    Cons
    • Doesn’t come with an introductory APR period.
    • $250 annual fee.
    • It’s a charge card, and it requires you to pay your balance fully in each billing cycle.

    2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
    Compared to Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a broader appeal and similar features and a high-sign up bonus but at a lower annual fee of $95. Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a yearly fee of $550, and we don’t recommend it.
    The Sapphire Preferred® Card gives 2X Ultimate Rewards points on dining and travel, while Reserve offers 3X points. Preferred Card also offers 5X points on Lyft and 1 point for every dollar spent on anything else.
    Each point is worth a lower 1.25 cents a piece on every travel booked via Chase, but they can be transferred to hotel loyalty or frequent flyer programs. The credit card does not provide annual travel credit, but it has a car rental primary coverage as well as purchase protection and trip delay protection.
    You earn 80,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 or more on purchases in the first three months since the account opening. You get $1,000 toward travel when you redeem those points.
    Many people prefer Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card because of the incredible sign-up bonus, the travel perks, and other benefits at a lower price. If you eventually decide to try Reserve, you can upgrade from Preferred.

    Pros
    • High sign-up bonus with lots of points.
    • A powerful travel coverage
    • Has partnered with major airlines and hotel brands
    • Comes with a bonus category for consumers who aren’t spending on air travel at the moment.

    Cons
    • The card doesn’t offer any statement credit benefits, including Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
    • Earns points more slowly that Reserve.
    • No annual travel credit.

    3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
    When it comes to flexibility, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards takes the airline medal. The airline also offers two free checked bags for every passenger without the need for a credit card. Many families prefer Southwest Airlines because of these benefits.
    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card earns 2 points for every dollar spent on Southwest flight on their Rapid Rewards program. It also earns 2 reward points for every dollar spent on other purchases.

    They charge an annual fee of $149 and earns 40,000 points for $1,000 spent on the first three months from the date of opening your account. Another benefit of this credit card is that you can rebook your flights after prices go down. The only drawback is the Southwest’s lack of assigned seating, which is a turn off for most passengers.

    The Priority Card also offers a $75 Southwest travel credit annually. They also add 7,500 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary every year and 20% cashback on inflight purchases.

    What’s more, if you combine the rapid rewards card with a business card, you will come close to earning 125,000 point total required to get a Southwest Companion Pass. This gives you the ability to take a loved one or friend with you without paying a cent, and it could save you thousands of dollars.

    Pros
    • You earn 2 points for every dollar you spend
    • 40,000 points upon spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
    • A more convenient annual fee of $149.
    • Rewards you with $75 Southwest travel credit every year.
    • You get 7,500 bonus annually on cardmember anniversary.

    Cons
    • No credits for an expedited airport security program.
    • Southwest doesn’t have a smaller international reach.

    4. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
    If you are not super excited about earning reward points which are valuable but tricky to redeem, and you prefer cash back, then Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the best option for you, even though it has a $95 annual fee.

    The added much-needed features in 2019, which included valuable bonus categories due to the changing consumer habits. They also launched a new streamline service, which gives cardholders a 6% streaming, a category which other cards don’t recognize. That was an addition to already existing categories of 6% cashback on US supermarket purchases.

    The card from American Express comes with other packs, including several travels and purchase protections. Cash backs are in the form of a statement credit, which can be used to “erase” purchases. To earn more cashback instead of points and miles, you can refer to their website for more information.

    This card is every commuter’s dream, thanks to its unlimited 3% cashback on gas or transit (including taxis, tolls, ride-shares, trains, buses, and more). The card does not earn membership rewards points, but it remains a simple way of earning rewards on the things you spend every day.

    Pros
    • A $250 statement credit upon spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months.
    • Bonus cash backs on useful categories.
    • Generous bonus rewards at US supermarkets.
    • Intro APR offer.

    Cons
    • Unlike many cash-back cards, they charge an annual fee.
    • If you exceed $6,000 in expenses at US supermarkets every year, you may need to use another card.

    5. Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card
    Capital One’s travel incentive program is not as lucrative as the offer from other banks, but they recently expanded their credit benefits. They added airline transfer partners and launched transfer bonuses. Even though the transfer value is not as great as the one with Chase, Capital One miles are easy to earn and use.

    The Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card earns 2 miles for every dollar spent on purchases. The miles can then redeemed as a statement credit and used to “erase” travel purchases. For instance, if you buy a flight ticket, let’s say of $500, you can cancel it with 50,000 miles.

    Ventura comes with a $95 annual fee, which is lower compared to other rewards cards. Also, cardholders receive a credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application after every four years, for up to $100. This is a perk that can save you a lot of money if you not just time but also money.

    The card doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees and also includes additional travel perks, which include 24-hour travel assistance services, travel accident insurance, and auto rental collision damage waiver.

    Pros
    • 5X miles on rental cars and hotels booked via Capital One Travel.
    • TSA PreCheck application or Global Entry credit of up to $100 every 4 years.
    • Annual fee waived in the first year.
    • No bonus categories you need to follow.

    Cons
    • Other credit cards have higher rewards.
    • No introductory APR.

    6. Wells Fargo Propel American Express card
    If you are looking for the best option for gas rewards, Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card is the best choice. What’s more, it’s completely free, and there’s no annual fee. Propel offers an affordable way of earning a fixed value points on all categories you spend on daily.

    Earning a 3X on so many categories is like a free ticket to heaven for a no-annual-fee card, making this card the best option for beginners who have not tried the rewards game yet.

    If you have the Wells Fargo Visa Signature card, which is yet another no-annual-fee card, every point could be worth 1.5 cents. However, this is not a better reward card than Propel for travel experts. It lacks transfer partners, and Propel helps beginners a lot out of it.

    This card offers zero interest on every purchase or balance transfers for a whole year. It then provides 14.49% to 24.99% variable APR in the following year.

    Lastly, they also offer cell phone protection against theft or damage for up to $600 per claim or $1,200 per 12-month period. However, to get this reward, you must pay your bills with a Wells Fargo Propel Card.

    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • 0% APR in the first year.
    • No blackout dates on air travel.
    • No fees are charged on all purchases made internationally.

    Cons
    • Balance transfer charged 3% fee.
    • You can only redeem a minimum of 2,500 points.

    Hidden Benefits
    Credit cards have quite a few hidden perks that save you money and offer more protection. Here are some of them.

    Credit Card Price Protection
    If you buy an item only the price to drop after a few weeks, you may be pretty disappointed. Luckily, some of these credit cards, such as Citi® Double Cash Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, may come through for you. They offer more than 60 days of protection. If they find a lower price in the offer, the difference is credited back to your account.

    Cell Phone Coverage
    How many times have you dropped your phone or lost it, never to find it again? Luckily, credit cards offer cell protection as an added perk.
    Some coverage will only cover a stolen phone with a police report for proof. Others pay damage costs.

    Delayed/Lost Luggage Protection
    Some cards offer protection for lost or damaged baggage while others cover both. When you lose your luggage after a flight, you are never offered much help.
    If you have this type of coverage, and you have an essential meeting to attend, but you lost your luggage, you can pass by the suit shop instead and head to the meeting right away.

    Bottom Line
    There you have it. There are so many rewards and benefits you can get from your credit card. However, you need to apply for a credit card that is better suited for your needs. If you are a beginner, the Wells Fargo Propel is the best choice for you. However, if you have a mix of cash backs, miles, and points from different issuers, you will not be able to combine the rewards.


  • 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.


  • 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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  • 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.

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  • Need a New Laptop? Our Team Reviews the Best on the Market

    Need a New Laptop? Our Team Reviews the Best on the Market

    We’ve reviewed the top laptops and notebooks on the market today!-

     

    Samsung Chromebook Plus:

    Samsung’s Chromebook Plus is an excellent laptop for those who are looking for a laptop with a smaller screen. This laptop is great starting option for kids.

    • 11 hour batter
    • lightweight- 3lbs
    • 4GB of Ram and 32 GB of storage

    Acer Chromebook:

    Acer’s Chromebook is great for basic tasks without compromising on overall size. For the price it is a great option.

    • 15.6 inch screen
    • High processing power
    • 16GB of storage

     

    An excellent choice if you want a high quality windows laptop.

    • <$500 price point
    • 256GB SSD
    • 8GB of Ram

     

    Lenovo Ideapad S340:

    HP 15z Touch Laptop:

    Touchscreens are great for kids, a natural transition from interacting with a phone. This laptop has great better life and graphics.

    • 15 inch HD screen
    • 9 Hours battery life
    • Built in Webcam

     

    ASUS Vivobook 15

    Another amazing choice for those on a budget who also want a large screen.

    • Powerful video card
    • USB-C ports
    • 3.5 lbs

     

     

     


  • New Year, New You! Time to Get in Shape: Peleton or Echelon?

    New Year, New You! Time to Get in Shape: Peleton or Echelon?

    Have you been missing the gym? If you’re playing it safe and working out at home, the Echelon or the Peleton spin bike may be for you.

    Owning a spin bike is a great alternative to the gym, and the Echelon offers live spin classes via their app to make your workout exciting and strenuous. Spinning is relatively low impact on your body, but gives a high intensity workout. Here are the pros and cons of owning an Echelon vs. Peleton.

    Echelon Pros: 

    🙂 It costs less than 1/2 of the price of a Peleton

    🙂 It has 32 levels of resistance

    🙂 It is smaller and weighs less than a Peleton

    🙂 It has 2-sided pedals so that you can switch between a SPD pedal or a shoe with a cage

    🙂 It has a very quiet flywheel

    🙂 The design is sleek and ergonomic

    Echelon Cons: 

    🙁 The flywheel is at the rear of the bike and may be a hazard for small kids

    🙁 It does not come assembled, additional fee is required for assembly

    🙁 Instructors for the live classes aren’t as high caliber versus Peleton

    🙁 It does not have a built in screen

    Peleton Pros:

    🙂 22″HD built-in display for the app

    🙂 App is more user friendly

    🙂 Live classes are more popular vs. Echelon

    🙂 It is delivered and assembled in your home

    🙂 Features a smoother and more advanced resistance system vs. Echelon

    🙂 Pedals are designed for cycling shoes

    Peleton Cons:

    🙁 The price is DOUBLE the price of the Echelon

    🙁 It is slightly heavier vs. Echelon

    🙁 It uses a belt drive system, which can deteriorate over time

    The Bottom line:

    If you can afford it, you’re not going to go wrong with a Peleton. But if you are more price conscious- the Echelon is for you. Both deliver a fantastic workout and you’ll be saving money in the long run versus most gyms.

     


  • Staff Picks: Top 10 Electronic for 2021

    Staff Picks: Top 10 Electronic for 2021

    Gift-giving is one of the most intimate activities we as humans partake in. For one person to gift another, a certain relationship must have been formed prior, and a certain level of understanding has to be between the two parties. It is often that we find ourselves overwhelmed by the intensity of buying gifts for one another, because not only does the gift symbolize the extent of the relationship, but it also epitomizes the understanding you have of the recipient.

    Though a certain level of individuality is ubiquitous to all gifts, certain things will almost most certainly do the trick and leave you, the giver, proud of your accomplishment, and the receiver feels valued and understood in the most intimate of ways.

    We have compiled a list of ten of the best gifts you can give when it comes to electronics and computers for the 2021.

    1. Microsoft universal foldable keyboard.

    For the perfect gift, an equilibrium between uniqueness and usefulness has to be achieved. You don’t want to buy something so unique that the receiver doesn’t even know what to do with it or get something so common and available that anyone would have gotten it. Attaining this equilibrium can a bit of an onerous task. Luckily though, the Microsoft Universal Keyboard offers the best of both worlds.

    We live in a world where our lives revolve around technological devices. Typing emails and working from home has become the norm. However, shifting between two devices, like from your iPad to your laptop, can sometimes be a bit difficult, because you have to deal with the change of keyboards.

    The Microsoft universal foldable keyboard is compatible with every device there is one the market, be it the iPhone, the iPad, all android and windows devices. It is ultra-thin. This, coupled with its portability, make it one of the best devices to own. Its rechargeable battery is so powerful, when fully charged, it can provide up to three months of usage till the next charge. The icing on the cake is the spill-resistant design, which means even after liquid-induced accidents are taken care of.

    You can also decide to go for the Logitech G915 TKL White Tactile Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, which is an excellent gift if the person you are buying it for is into gaming. The Logitech k780 and the Omoton Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard are also excellent alternatives.

    2. Nintendo Switch Lite

    Gaming is as entertaining as it is cultivating. However, an understanding of the intricacies of gaming devices is needed before you purchase anything. With the Nintendo switch lite, you get the power and the speed associated with the larger consoles, with the portability of a phone.

    Another plus is the slickness and the chicness of the device. The contouring used in the device’s design is every gamer’s dream, and you can play for hours and hours without feeling exhausted. The Nintendo Switch Lite is compatible with every single Nintendo Switch game, physical and digital.

    With the LYRA Creoqode and the Nintendo Switch, you get two more hand consoles that offer another dimension to gaming. Either way, you can be assured that the person you are getting it for will be as pleased as can be.

    3. Eufy RoboVac 30C

    Technological advancements have managed to deluge every single aspect of our life, from how we work to how we do our chores. When it comes to the latter, you will find no better vacuum cleaner than the Eufy RoboVac 30C.

    This device fuses technology, efficiency, and efficacy. The suction on this device makes it one of the very best vacuum cleaners, digital or otherwise, in the market. As a direct consequence of the device’s low height, it can apply its suction more efficiently than most. What’s more, its height makes it possible for the vacuum cleaner to reach the areas it needs to.

    The digital aspect of the device proliferates its elegance. It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can voice command it to do whatever area of the room you want, without leaving the comfort of your couch. Additionally, it comes with boundary strips, and works so quietly, you wound even member it is there.

    The iRobot Roomba 614, its 675 counterparts, and the Roborock S4 also offer a similar level of efficiency and efficiency when it comes to dry cleaning. Thus, you have a wide array of choices to spoil your friend.

    4. Ring video doorbell 3 plus

    Home security systems provide the peace of mind we all desire. Wherever we are, the knowledge that our residence or workplace is protected makes it possible for us to continue with all our endeavors without distractions.

    With the ring video doorbell, you get a doorbell system that also functions as a home security appliance. It provides 1080 HD video quality, and it also has features that ensure that you will be able to listen, see, and speak with whoever is at your door. You can do this through a variety of features, be it your phone, computer or tablet.

    Perhaps the selling points of the Ring Video Doorbell is that you can easily install it. You don’t even need a technician or a plethora of tools to do so. You can also decide to pair it up with Alexa, hence being able to communicate with the device to provide the most premium of services.

    The nest doorbell, the SkyBell HD Wi-Fi Doorbell, and the August Doorbell Cam Pro provide a plethora of choices, and thus you are spoilt for choice. Though they have some differences when it comes to the intricacies, each of them has something different to offer, and each has something you would like about it.

    5. Airpods pro

    The Airpod pros offer premium experiences when it comes to sound. Their noise cancellation feature makes it possible to block out all the distractions surrounding you, hence you can fully concentrate on what you are doing.

    Apple has made sure that everyone who uses the Airpod pros will experience the best sound for them. By deploying Adaptive EQ, the devices make sure that the music or sound the person is listening to is automatically tuned and regulated to the best quality.

    Its sweat and water resistance feature will ascertain that it will last for a long while. With other Apple devices, like the iPad and the iPhone, pairing the two is as easy as it can get. This is also applicable to all android phones there are in the market.

    Though many consider the Airpods as the best in the industry, there is still a myriad of Bluetooth pods that offer excellent sound and other features. They include the Sony WF-1000XM3 and the Amazon Echo Buds. The Mpow X3s also hold their own.

    6. Foreo Bear Facial Toning

    It may prove a bit of an arduous task to try and get your female friends a gift that revolves around technology. However, with the Foreo Bear Facial Toning, this burden is lifted. As stated earlier, technology has somehow managed to provide a simpler way of doing almost everything. This becomes especially prominent when it comes to beauty and cosmetic products.

    This device is a quintessence of this fact. It provides the best anti-aging properties by using technology. It produces micro-currents that exercise 65 plus muscles in the face and neck, while also making sure that your skin produces enough collagen. The overall result is radiance and glow unlike any other. As it comes with three intensities, you can be assured that the person you are buying the gift for will get the one that works best for him or her.

    Many facial toning devices are available in the market. It is only through testimonials and referrals that you can get the best of them. The NuDerma Portable Handheld High-Frequency Skin Therapy Wand, the Vijuve Skin Care Booster, and the Yeoman 4D Microcurrent Facial Massager are highly recommended, and thus are viable options in case you are looking for something else.

    7. Sonos move speaker

    The sound system in your workplace or your residence should be as immersive as it is of high quality. With the Sonos Move Speaker, you can get these two aspects, plus a lot more.

    The Sonos move speaker is everything you would want with a speaker. Its design also makes sure that it will always be able to produce the best sound, irrespective of the room in which it is placed. With two Sonos move speakers, you can pair the two speakers, and the result is an excellent stereo sound.

    The speaker comes with a built-in audio control, meaning that you can control the speaker, and everything it is playing, by simply speaking to it. On top of all these features, you can connect Sonos speakers wirelessly, irrespective of the rooms they are in in the house.

    The Apple Homepod and the Google Home provide the best home sound systems, and they each come with a set of individualistic features. Thus, it will be easy to find one that fits what you are looking for.

    8. GoPro Hero Waterproof camera

    It is always worthy to capture the moment. After all, as time progresses, all we are left with are memories of the ones we loved and the places we’ve been. It has thus become paramount that everyone has a camera and a good one at that.

    If the person you are getting the gift for is into adventure and photography, then the GoPro Hero Waterproof Camera would be perfect for them. As you can tell from the name, this particular camera is waterproof, meaning you can record all your underwater adventures. It is fully functional up to depths of 33 feet, or ten meters.

    Like many of the devices on this list, you can control this particular camera with your voice. Additionally, it has features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which make it possible to share information with it.

    Alternatives for the GoPro Hero Waterproof Camera include the Garmin Virb XE and the TomTom Bandit. The Yi 4k Action Camera is also an excellent waterproof camera.

    9. Dragon Touch Digital Picture Frame

    With the modification of how we take and store pictures, it is only right that we also find the best way to display said pictures. Long gone are the days when photo albums were where we stored our photos.

    The dragon Touch Digital Picture Frame provides the best platform for you to display all your photos. The 10-inch screen is more than enough when it comes to showcasing your photos. With the WiFi and Bluetooth features it has, you can easily send photos from one device to another. All that being said, it is its ease of use and its enormous storage capacity that makes it the best in the business.

    There is a plethora of excellent photo frames in the market. They include the Pix-Star Wi-Fi Cloud, the Aura Mason Frame, the Nix Advance, and the Meural Photo frame. All these give you the options you need to get the best digital frames as a gift.

    10. The brilliant pad

    For pet owners, it becomes a bit hectic trying to keep the house as clean as it is supposed to be. Even though pets are bundles of joy, you still need to make sure you clean after them.

    The brilliant pad endeavors to make all your cleaning endeavors as easy as they can be. The device automatically replaces the dirty pads, and so you won’t have any need for poop bags. As soon as the pet relieves itself, the pad turns the liquid into gel, while also wrapping and sealing the solid wastes. This keeps the house smelling nice throughout.

    What’s more, the device also helps keep you updated about the health of your pet, by sending regular notifications on your phone, thus, you can keep a good look on the health of the pet.

    The Rocket & Rex Washable pads and the Fresh Patch Real Grass Dog Potty are also viable options when you are gifting a pet owner.


  • Smart-Device Review: Make Your Home a Smart Home Today

    Smart-Device Review: Make Your Home a Smart Home Today

    In the past few decades, electronic devices in our homes have transformed from ordinary objects into what was only thought possible in science fiction movies. Televisions, refrigerators, security cameras, speakers, among others, have been fitted with sensors that allow them to see, touch, and hear their surroundings, as they can transform physical data into digital data. When brought together, these devices make up smart homes or in most cases, “internet of things”.

    Just about every device with network connectivity is initiated to the internet of things. In smart homes, these gadgets relieve us from chores, allowing us to have a breather, while adding magic to ordinary experiences. If you are yet to delve into this world, you might be lost on where to start. Lucky for you, we have just the right devices that will set your home on the path to being a smart home.

    We have a list of the most common devices that cut across all smart homes. These include smart speakers that you can converse with, smart security devices that will amp the security in your home and smart controls that allow you to orchestrate things in your home regardless of your physical presence. Are you hooked? Buckle up as we start off with smart speakers.

    Amazon Echo vs Sonos One

    Amazon Echo

    Amazon’s Echo smart speaker first came into the market in 2015 and has maintained the lead in the smart devices market. The Amazon Echo is a series of smart speakers and mobile accessories that are internet-connected and are paired with Alexa, Amazon’s digital assistant. It wears different hats including serving as an IoT hub, internet search engine, a music player, and pretty much anything that Alexa Skill allows it to do. Let’s take a look at Amazon’s 2020 Echo.

    Being a smart speaker, its primary purpose is offering sound and compared to former Echo products in the past, the Amazon 2020 Echo has improved sound quality. For starters, this smart speaker has adaptive sound, enabling it to adjust to a room’s acoustics. Also, it’s 3-inch woofer and dual 0.8-inch tweeters, lower-range mids and bass are stronger and richer. Additionally, it boasts of power, that is, more volume.

    In addition to offering sound, the Amazon Echo is an integral smart home hardware. This particular speaker has two ways that smart home devices can connect to it. One, the Zigbee receiver allows the Echo to connect with other smart home devices, without an additional hub. With this receiver, Echo users are able to hook a wide range of gadgets in their house without having to worry about a smart home hub. Two, the Amazon Sidewalk aims at creating a shared network that will benefit any Sidewalk-enabled devices that are in a community.

    Pros

    • Has improved sound quality and more bass
    • Improved smart home connectivity
    • Hassle-free stereo pairing

    Cons

    • Has a bulky design

    Sonos One

    When it hit the market, the Sonos One brought a revolution. It was among the first smart speakers that didn’t have users choosing between excellent sound quality and smarts because it had both. It also didn’t have users choosing between Google Assistant and Alexa.

    The top of the smart speaker has a touch-sensitive surface. Swiping right or left will skip forward or backwards in your playlist. Tapping in the surface’s center pauses and plays your music. Finally, when you tap the right and left halves of the panel, you raise or lower the volume. However, you’ll probably spend most of your time controlling the Sonos using the app. The device also boasts of voice control where the speaker has six internal microphones that enable it to hear your instructions, and a pair of Class-D amplifiers as well as a tweeter / mid-woofer driver combination.

    Setting up the Sonos involves installing both the Sonos and Alexa apps, signing into both your Sonos and Amazon accounts, and any music streaming services that you might want to listen to using the speaker. The speaker encourages you to perform a ‘Trueplay Tuning’ process, where you move around the room with your phone while your speaker plays some test sounds. Your phone then establishes how your speaker sounds while in the environment, and tunes its sound.

    Pros

    • Is the best Alexa and Google Assistant speaker
    • Has a great app and supports many streaming services

    Cons

    • Does not use Bluetooth

    Final Verdict

    The Sonos One is better overall because it is a compact smart speaker with a great app, support for multiple streaming services and digital assistants. However, in bigger rooms, the Amazon Echo Studio produces a huge sound. It also boasts of more features than the Sonos One, including its sensitive microphones that allow Alexa to hear you over loud music.

    When it comes to features, Echo Studio boasts of more features including being able to connect to a TV while also being able to replay Dolby Atmos streams. The Sonos One advantage over the Echo is that you can use either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control it.

    Smart Home Security Systems: SimpliSafe vs Cove

    With the evolution of smart homes, home security had to be featured. The thing is, home security cannot be confined to one gadget but instead comes as a package. These include security systems that can be paired with Google Assistant or Alexa and that you can install on your own or have it down professionally. First off is Simplisafe.

    Simplisafe

    Simplisafe is the most popular choice of home security systems that are no-contract, easy to set up and quite affordable. In an hour’s time, you’ll be able to set up environmental and security protection. Additionally, you can have it professionally monitored for $14.99 a month. However, DIY monitoring is also available through the Simplisafe mobile app.

    The SimpliSafe starter set includes a base station, a wireless keypad, a keyring remote, one motion and two entry sensors. All these are at a starter set cost of $244. The deal also includes a SimpliCam, a high def video security camera that has a motion sensor and sends alerts.

    SimpliSafe’s equipment is inexpensive but very high quality. For example, they have SmashSafe, a backup against tampering. If someone attempts to disable their system, their monitoring services alerts the police. They also boast of a Heartbeat feature, which checks continuously that the security system is working.

    Setting up the system is quite easy. In fact, most customers do it on their own with only about three percent asking for assistance. All equipment is either freestanding or can be attached to surfaces using removable adhesive.

    Pros

    • There are no long-term contracts to sign
    • Easy to install
    • Affordable monitoring plans
    • Professional monitoring

    Cons

    • Costly up-front equipment costs
    • Too simple for some homes

    Cove

    If you’re looking for a quick yet easy setup, then Cove is the system for you. You save money by installing the system on your own. The system is already pre-programmed even before it is shipped. All you have to do is to stick the sensors to your walls using their 3M-backed adhesives.

    All of Cove’s systems call for 24/7 professional monitoring, but you can either sign up for a month if you paid for the equipment upfront, or sign up for three years if you don’t want to pay for the equipment upfront.

    During emergencies, Cove’s team texts you, which comes in handy if you should ever find yourself in a hostage situation. This explains why Cove’s response rate is 10x faster than competitors.

    Pros

    • Can be integrated with Google Assistant and Alexa
    • You can choose to pay nothing upfront
    • Has battery backup

    Cons

    • Professional monitoring a must
    • Expensive remote control

    Final Verdict

    The Simplisafe Security System is better overall because it has an option for no contract making it easy and affordable to install in your home. Additionally, their equipment is inexpensive because they make it on their own and there are no middlemen involved. However, being able to integrate digital assistants gives Cove an advantage over SimpliSafe. However, both are quite inexpensive and easy to install.

    Smart Home Controls: Amazon Echo (4th gen) vs Samsung SmartThings Hub v3

    If the smart home devices in your home are to ‘talk’ to each other, you’ll need a smart home control or smart home hub. This is the gadget that brings together all your devices and allows you to control them using one app. With that said, let’s take a look at two of the best smart home controls currently.

    Amazon Echo (4th gen)

    In site of this gadget having featured in the smart speakers spot, it also makes for a great smart home control. The combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee make the Echo the best smart home control for most people. Furthermore, it has multiple radios, which help connect with a large number of low-power smart home devices. With Alexa’s routines, you’ll be able to use a number of triggers to activate other smart home devices.

    The hub also collaborates with Alexa Guard, which listens to smoke alarms and glass breaking, and can notify you in case of an emergency. Finally, it supports Amazon Sidewalk, which works with such things as Tile trackers and smart lights especially over greater distances.

    Pros

    • Awesome smart home skills
    • Impeccable spherical design
    • Good audio

    Cons

    • No battery backup

    Samsung SmartThings Hub v3

    This smart home hub is a darling among critics because it supports both Zigbee and Z-Wave. This allows you to link to hundreds of devices, which is considerably more than most hubs. Additionally, the SmartThings app is full of functionality, which allows you to come up with a diverse range of different scenarios for all gadgets in your home.

    This SmartHub also boasts of in-built Wi-Fi, meaning you don’t have to plug the device into your router. This gives you the freedom to place the smart home control in a location that is most convenient to you connecting it with other smart home devices.

    The downside is that it doesn’t have battery backup. Then again, if the lights go out, chances are you won’t be needing to turn your lights on.

    Pros

    • Supports Wi-Fi which makes installing easy
    • Supports automation more than any other hubs
    • Works with Z-Wave and Zigbee devices

    Cons

    • Doesn’t work with Nest products at the moment

    Final Verdict

    The Amazon Echo is the favorite for most people because of it’s ability to connect with many low-power smart home devices, thanks to its many radios. However, SmartThings ability to work with Z-Wave and Zigbee devices gives it somewhat of an advantage too. The Amazon Echo also boasts of better audio quality, especially at its price. The voice assistant, Alexa, is also pretty advanced which makes the smart hub, a darling to many.

    Conclusion

    The Internet of Things or smart homes are not in the future, they are here, and here to stay. In 2018, there were about 23 billion devices that were connected. Forecasters believe that the number will climb to more than 75 billion in 2025. This is mostly because people are becoming more comfortable with having these devices sit in their living room. Also, tech companies are dreaming up of new devices each day that work towards making life more comfortable.

    The future is evident in the evolution that is smart offices, smart buildings and even smart cities. Companies like Google are working towards autonomous vehicles that will connect to the internet and drive themselves to the destination of your choice. The bottomline is, smart devices are here to stay.

    The above smart devices are a good place to start when looking to transform your home into a smart home. Smart speakers and smart controls will be the heartbeat of every smart phone and purchasing one now is giving yourself a head start. Smart security systems also offer a cheap yet reliable way to ensure homes are safe. The fact that you can check up on your home remotely also makes them an attractive option. However, do your research before making a purchase depending on your needs.