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  • Moving is Tough Work if You’re Not Prepared

    Moving is Tough Work if You’re Not Prepared

    The average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven many families to consider moving to greener pastures. Now that you have finally decided to move, it’s time to find a suitable moving company. If you’re moving for the first time, it is important to understand how you can prepare and what companies you should work with to help you with your move.

    Our Recommendations for the Top Cross Country Moving Companies in the US:

    1. Mayflower Transit: They have been in business since 1927. You can request a quote from the company and see if it falls under your budget.

    2. United Van Lines: A North American moving company that can help you with the relocation and moving.

    3. Stevens Worldwide: They can help you with the moving. Stevens has 150 offices in the USA.

    4. North American Moving Services: Operates in more than 170 countries.

    5. Bekins: Was founded in 1891, so if the experience is what you prefer in a company, they have plenty!

    There are many more national and local moving companies that can help you with the moving process. Just do a quick search and you would know what’s the most viable option for you. It’s a good idea to learn from the performance of such companies and get an idea of what to look for in a professional moving company. Before you engage- check out our helpful tips to help you along the way.

    How To Evaluate A Professional Moving Company

    Keep the following ways in mind to evaluate a professional moving company:

    Check Online Presence

    You are living in an era of modernization and information technology. It’s important for every company or service provider to keep pace with the fast-changing world. The professional moving company should have an online presence.

    The relevant information about the company should be just a click away. It would help you know whether the company is legitimate or not! As you can see from the list above these reputed companies have an online presence.

    Go Through Official Website

    If you are able to locate a professional moving company, find its official website. Go through the official website to find all the relevant information. See what services the company has to offer.

    Don’t forget to check out the section of FAQs as it would help you understand more about the company. In case of any query, it would be a good idea to contact the company and ask for further information. You can check out the official website of the moving companies mentioned above and get an idea of a professional website.

    Ask For A Quote

    It’s better if the rates are published on the website, but if not then ask for a quote. You can contact the company and ask to provide you an estimated amount.

    When you know what to expect in the pricing, it would become a lot easier for you to maintain your budget. Plus, you can try doing some of the tasks in advance so that you can save some costs. All the companies mentioned above would be happy to give you a quote!

    Check The Experience

    The professional moving company should be registered and official. The company should be experienced in what they are doing! When a company has the required experience and expertise, it would be possible for you to deal with it efficiently.

    You can get information about the experience in the about us section of the website. You can also try searching for the company on Google. It would be possible to find the relevant information about it. Some companies are established for a long time and thus, it would be possible for you to trust more on it.

    Estimate The Cost

    Take help from this moving calculator and see what’s the estimated cost. For example, the average cost of a local move would be $1250 while for the long-distance move it would be up to $4890 for a distance of 1000 miles for a house of 2-3 bedrooms. It can be $25 per hour when you are hiring for hourly services.

    The following factors are included in estimating the relevant cost:

    1.Moving supplies
    2. Moving date
    3.Moving size
    4.Packaging

    Tips On Selecting The Best Moving Company

    For nationally or the local moving, keep the following tips in mind when selecting a professional service provider:

    Check Reviews

    When you are selecting a professional moving company don’t forget to check the reviews online. Such reviews are usually left by the current and past customers and thus, it would give you a clear idea about the user experience.

    Nowadays, it’s possible to get an idea about the performance of a company by going through customer reviews. When you go out to eat or visit a place then through reviews you can have a clear idea of what to expect. Make sure you are checking the reviews thoroughly! However, it is important for you to make sure that the reviews are genuine.

    Ask Friends and Family

    It doesn’t matter whether you are moving nationally or locally. If your friends and family members have told you about a professional moving company then it might become your first priority! What best source of information could be other than your friends and family members. Based on their recommendations, it would be possible for you to select a reliable moving company.

    Gone are the days when it was tough to ask your friends or family members to recommend you! You can take help from social media and ask everyone to let you know about a reliable moving company.

    Check Customer Service

    A good way to know about the professional performance and reliability of a moving company is to get an idea about their customer service. To get this information you can see how they are responding to you.

    Nowadays, information, queries, and answers are just a click away. So when you are contacting a company they should be able to answer you within 24 hours. It would give you an idea of their quick response. Plus, you can also see how they are handling their social media as companies nowadays are focused on being digital.

    Finding Out The Rates Set By Moving Companies

    You might be looking for moving company rates and ways on how to negotiate. It’s important that you are finding information about the rates set by the moving companies in advance as it can help you plan your budget.

    The rates set by the moving company would depend on different factors. Moving to a small apartment would be different from a large house! Thus, the price and rate would be set accordingly. Plus, the moving company would be sending the people to help you with the moving process. There could be a single person, two movers, or maybe three. It would depend on how many people are required for the moving process.

    Pros and cons of fixed-rate pricing versus hourly rates:

    -If you go with the hourly rate, let’s say $25 an hour then you don’t know how long it would take for the company to pack everything and be done with it. Remember- an hourly rate does not incentivize the movers to act quickly!

    -If you go with the fixed price then you would know what to expect in advance. It’s always better to evaluate your options and see what would be an ideal option. In our experience, a fixed cost aligns your priorities with the movers- and that is to move as fast as possible!

    -If you are not interested in packing since you have no time and no idea how to pack then it might seem viable for you to get an estimated cost.

    -For the fixed-rate, the moving company might want to take certain factors into account to quote you a price.

    -If you are moving cross country and considering the hourly rate then it might turn costly for you. Plus, even locally you don’t know how much time would be involved in the moving and what pieces of furniture would require an extra effort in the moving process.

    Hidden Costs

    Apart from all this, make sure you are aware of the hidden costs. It would be a good idea to ask the company in advance what hidden charges are there. It’s possible that you might not be aware of certain hidden charges and when you have to bear the cost, it can be tough.

    Moving is already tough. You must be expecting a change in your life with the whole moving to a new place. If you are shifting to a new city then it might be tough for you and on top of that if a hidden cost incurs then it won’t seem like a viable option to you.

    Tips On Saving Money When Dealing With Moving Companies

    You can save a lot if you are preparing for certain tasks in advance. In fact, it’s always a good idea to take a proactive approach and prepare for as many things as you possibly can.

    Consider the following:

    -You can try packing the items in your house in the boxes. Do it in advance rather than relying on the moving company to help you with the packing.

    -Place the relevant boxes in each room and mark them. Or you can move the boxes together in one area and mark each of them. The moving company just has to grab the boxes and move!

    -You can ask friends and family members to help you with moving. You can rent a van and move a lot of items yourself. Make sure you are aware of how to pack and move the items safely. Let the moving company handle fragile items.

    -You can negotiate with the moving company and try to get the best possible price. It would only be possible if you are doing your homework and trying to collect information about the market rates of the moving companies.

    What To Expect From Movers

    When you are hiring a moving company evaluate the pros and cons. The moving company is hired to make your life easier and your shifting to a new place comfortable.

    The company has to be reliable, trustworthy and should be able to deliver the tasks on time. You have to see if hiring the moving company is worth the cost.

    How To Prepare For The Move

    When you are hiring a moving company, you can prepare for the move in the following ways:

    -Try to get rid of unwanted belongings.
    -Find free boxes to put your stuff.

    -Try to find the deals to make the moving affordable for you.
    -Choose a date that’s less expensive.

    Apart from the physical exertion, you have to be mentally prepared for the big move. Make sure to remind yourself- ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’…and your move may not be done just because the movers are gone!

    What To Do Next?

    Now that you are finally moving it’s time to connect with the best service provider in your area.

    If you are moving to a small apartment then you can ask for a small package or go for the hourly rate provided that the company is giving you suitable rates. You can try packing the majority of the items yourself or moving as many items as possible.

    If you are moving to a large house you can ask friends and family to help you. You can try negotiating with the company to get a suitable price.

    Make sure you are able to get your hands on the best company in the area with the rates that are affordable for you. Always do a little research when you are inviting a company or service provider to your house. You don’t want to hire a shady company or service provider especially when your belongings are too precious. Over the years you have collected these items in your house. You want to take everything in one piece and in good condition for your new place. You don’t want to buy everything from scratch, right! To avoid the fear of stealing or theft, hire a reputable company only. There is nothing more important than your sense of relief.

    The Best Options For The Local or Cross Country Moves

    Depending on where you are moving whether locally or cross country, you can search for a reliable company as per your requirements.

    Consider the following:

    You can check what companies have a great reputation in your area for local moves. Contact the moving company with the best reviews and make your life easier.

    In the same way, you can see what companies are the best for the cross country moves. Do a little research on such companies and check out the reviews left by other customers. Based on your preferences and budget, you can select the one you prefer the most. You can also take help from the points mentioned above.

    You have to see what viable options are available to you. Always aim to find the best moving company with the best price. When it comes to services and peace of mind, won’t you prefer to hire a company that helps in making the moving smooth and relaxes your mind? You don’t want to do everything all by yourself especially if there is already a lot on your plate. Life is not a piece of cake! You have to move on and a good service provider can be of great help in such a time.

    Good luck with moving to a new place!
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  • The Best Holiday Appliance Sales are Here!

    The Best Holiday Appliance Sales are Here!

    Holiday season is the best time to find great deals on furniture, Apple electronics, and clothes, you can expect to see a ton of rare great discounts on big-ticket items like kitchen appliances and Roomba vacuums.

    As soon as holiday deals officially start to roll in, we advise you to take full advantage of the offers and act quickly: there’s nothing worse than just missing a good sale and having to pay full price the next day.

    If you’ve been waiting to buy a brand-new suite of matching appliances, November is the right time to do it. You will see some of the lowest prices of the year this month, on most major appliances—from ranges, refrigerators, and dishwashers to matching washer and dryer sets.

    But as good as those deals are on a one-off basis, you’ll save the most money buying a pre-packaged appliance suite like these best Black Friday finds we have listed below:

    Four-Piece Samsung Suite
    The deal: $1,858 at Home Depot
    Savings: $1,496
    What’s included:
    • Samsung French Door Refrigerator RF260BEAESR
    • Samsung Gas Range NX58H5600SS or Samsung Electric Range NE59M4320SS
    • Samsung Dishwasher DW80M2020US
    • Samsung Over-The-Range Microwave ME16H702SES

    Simply put, you won’t find a better-looking stainless steel appliance suite for this price, but you need to make some concessions. This package is all about the range. You can choose from gas or electric versions. The dishwasher cleans and dries well and the microwave is similar, proving decent at heating quickly and evenly. Samsung always earns a a good rating for both owner satisfaction and predicted reliability in French door refrigerators.

    Four-Piece Whirlpool Suite
    The deal: $2,699 at Home Depot
    Savings: $1,597
    What’s included:
    • Whirlpool Four-Door French Door Refrigerator WRX735SDHZ
    • Whirlpool Gas Range WFG540H0ES or Whirlpool Electric Range WFE540H0ES
    • Whirlpool Dishwasher WDT750SAHZ
    • Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave WMH32519HZ

    The savings here are substantial and this suite is a solid choice. The standout appliances are the dishwasher and microwave. The dishwasher cleans exceptionally well and earns an excellent rating for predicted reliability. The microwave also heats evenly and quickly, and is easy to use. The gas range is good at baking and has a big oven. The suite has a four-door French door refrigerator, a rare find in an appliance package that’s priced this low!

    It’s no secret that Black Friday is a great time to find kitchen and appliance deals. So if you’ve been holding out on getting that kitchen gadget or countertop appliance, now’s the time to finally take the plunge!


  • Best All New Wireless Headphones for 2020

    Best All New Wireless Headphones for 2020

    Whether you’re looking for a good pair of headphones for working out or just something to wear while drowning out sounds during your commute, not having to fuss with wires is a huge plus. No one wants to worry about the tangle of wires in their pocket or bag, or their cord snagging on something and damaging their headphones. Thankfully, there are some stellar Bluetooth headphones on the market. Here are some of our top picks.

    Jabra Elite 75t

    If you like having wireless earbuds for sports activity, we can highly recommend the Jabra Elite 75t. These new earbuds fit snugly in most ears, and they have a great sound quality for their small size. The drivers are solid, offering punchy bass, good mid-levels, and decent overall sound: while these won’t be beating any dedicated audiophile headphones, they’re good for their price point and size.

    A notable draw to the Jabra Elite 75t is their microphones. They work incredibly well as a headset for taking phone calls, doing a great job of filtering out background noise. If you like wearing earbuds while jogging, cycling or other types of activity, this is a great draw. Taking a call while getting in your workout is a great two-in-one feature for busy professionals.

    Sony WF-1000XM3

    Sony has finally taken its wildly successful WF series headphones and put them into a smaller package. The WF-1000XM3 takes the quality of their full-size headphones and puts them into a smaller earbud form factor.

    Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless

    If you’re looking for the intersection of portability and sound quality, you’re looking for the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless earbuds. These wireless earbuds offer incredible sound quality and accurate reproduction of recordings. They’re incredibly light: you might even forget they’re in your ears. When you need a good set of earbuds for taking with you on trips or to work and back, these are a great go-to.

    While they’re not the best for sports or activity, the Sennheiser earbuds are great for daily activities like walking or commuting. For the person who wants portable wireless earbuds that can be tucked into a pocket but still wants the best sound quality, these physics-defying little earbuds are the best option.

    AirPods Pro

    If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, these are a no-brainer. Their intuitive gesture controls allow you to change the song, adjust the volume and answer calls quickly and without having to pull your phone out.

    The 2019 update brings even more useful tricks to the AirPods Pro. With Apple’s propriety H1 chip they feature snappier Siri integration. You can send messages, start playlists and ask for internet searches all while jogging, cleaning or whatever you’re doing while wearing the AirPods. If you love high-tech integration and cool fashion statements, the AirPods are a great pick for you.

    Beats Solo Pro

    Apple has finally stepped up the quality of their Beats headphones. The Beats Solo Pro is a set of over-ear, active noise canceling, headphones. They used the same noise-canceling technology featured on their more premium, over-ear, Studio3 Wireless. The H1 wireless chip makes sure they are easy to connect to your phone and feature full Siri support. They’re a bit more expensive than the average headphones, but their great technology integration and stellar sound quality on phone calls makes them great for people on the move.

    PowerBeats Pro

    If you love the idea of the AirPods but want a more fitness-oriented set of wireless earbuds, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are for you. The same technology that went into the second generation AirPods is on display in the PowerBeats Pro, just in a more fitness-oriented shape. The over-ear design on display here helps the earphones stay on your ears while your exercise, making them great for any active person.

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.


  • 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.


  • Expert Insight: These Are The Top Medical Alert Systems of 2019

    Expert Insight: These Are The Top Medical Alert Systems of 2019

    You and your loved ones deserve the fastest and most reliable emergency help in the event of a fall, stroke, or heart attack. We’ve researched, reviewed, and ranked the best medical alert systems on the market to provide your family with the ultimate protection and peace of mind. The top 5 medical alert systems of 2019!

    Our expert staff compared the most important factors seniors and their families consider in a medical alert system and highlighted the pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, of each medical alert company.

    5. Bay Alarm Medical

    With pricing plans that fit any budget and over seven decades of proven customer service, Bay Alarm Medical is a premier medical alert provider that you can trust. We’re very impressed with Bay Alarm Medical’s overall service offering. Very affordable pricing and a wide variety of services that make them our #1 rated medical alert system for 2019.

    • Most popular choice – $19.95/mo
    • 1000+ Google Reviews
    • 30-day risk-free trial
    • Ultra-fast response times
    • Best refund policy
    • No hidden fees or contracts

    4. Mobile Help

    MobileHelp is a highly recommended medical alert company that manufactures all of their devices in-house. Choose MobileHelp if you want the latest in medical alert technology. If you’re looking for the latest medical alert technology, MobileHelp is a highly recommended provider. Very good buying experience, low-pressure sales, and a good choice of device options that will fit your loved one’s protection needs.

    • Robust in-home and gps offerings
    • Two buttons included with purchase
    • Best in class mobile gps devices
    • Free lockbox with every order
    • No hidden fees or contracts

    3.Life Station

    For years, LifeStation has delivered trustworthy, 24/7 medical monitoring. The starting price is affordable and their service has been proven to be dependable and reliable. LifeStation is a very reputable company that’s been around for quite a long time. They don’t have the prestige or testimonials like our higher-ranked providers have but when the button is pushed, you can be sure help will arrive.

    • Many years of experience
    • In-house USA monitoring
    • Reliable service
    • Reliable equipment

    2. Medical Alert

    Medical Alert delivers trustworthy 24/7 medical monitoring. Shipping is free and their service is dependable and reliable. The alert buttons are light and have a long-lasting battery. If you’re looking for reliable and simple in-home system, these guys fit the bill. As a plus, Medical Alert provides monitoring services outside of the USA.

    • BBB A+ with many years of experience
    • Recommended for customers outside of USA
    • Trusted and reliable

    1. Get Safe

    Beautiful, modern aesthetics in an easy-to-use package. GetSafe combines senior medical alert monitoring with a splash of home security for added peace of mind. GetSafe differentiates itself in the aesthetics department. From the website to the packaging and to the device, customer experience is at the forefront of this brand. You’ll get beautiful looking hardware, an easy to setup user experience, and a package that doesn’t scream “help i’ve fallen”. We feel that GetSafe has done a great job by creating a medical alert ecosystem that delivers on ease of use and functionality. Automatic fall detection, voice-enabled wall buttons, and monitored smoke alarms are also available as add-ons. Pricing starts at $29.95 and although a little pricier than other brands, we feel the added benefits are worth the cost.

    • 50-state licensed
    • Great modern-looking hardware
    • 4GLTE Cellular for homes without landlines
    • Free wi-fi indoor hd camera


  • The Top 5 Food Delivery Services You Must Try

    The Top 5 Food Delivery Services You Must Try

    In the past few years, several companies have popped up in major cities offering to deliver food to your door from nearly every restaurant in town (for a small fee.) Whether you’re stuck at the office or just don’t feel like fighting crosstown traffic to get a sandwich, there is no shortage of delivery apps vying for your buck!

    But your time and money are valuable, and you can’t waste your lunch break waiting for a slow service. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Which of delivery app is the best choice for you? Check out our round-up of our favorite food delivery apps!

    GrubHub

    GrubHub has a simple, no-frills interface and a very easy-to-navigate search function. This delivery app, unfortunately, sports a $10 minimum for all orders, which we don’t love. This, however, is not a deal-breaker. GrubHub offers a feature to track your food as it goes, which we really like! On the negative side, GrubHub is somewhat slow and, in our experience, has issues with order accuracy.

    This could all change based on your area and delivery driver, but it’s worth mentioning. That being said, GrubHub makes our list due to its ubiquity. You’ll almost always find a restaurant in your area that they can deliver from in a reasonable time. Slight inconsistencies in delivery time or customer experience could be chalked up to just how big GrubHub is, and how many drivers it has.

    Postmates

    Postmates is a pretty wide service and doesn’t specialize in just-food. That said, it has a pretty great food delivery side! Postmates doesn’t do restaurant partnerships, so they’re more an “available by area” type of delivery app. They can even pick up alcohol for you, which is sweet for when you’re looking to get a party started! It’s pretty widely available, as it’s in more than 90 cities. There’s a modest fee attached to each delivery. That said, you can opt for a premium subscription that waives delivery fees for $10 from certain retailers.

    UberEats

    Uber, best known for their ride-sharing service, has wisely taken their existing driver base and repurposed it slightly to allow for food deliveries. UberEats is fast, as a general rule, getting orders to hungry customers with little hassle in our experience. Oddly, there is no option to tip your driver in this delivery app, which, while standard for Uber, is something of a bummer when you want to show your appreciation.

    UberEats, like GrubHub, offers superb tracking of your order and sports a clean, user-friendly interface. Much like their ride-sharing app, UberEats is reliable and reasonably priced, and you can’t go wrong with them. They’re only slightly more expensive on average than DoorDash, which is really the only strike against them.

    Caviar

    A fancy name for a sleek app, Caviar’s a great delivery service. If they’re available in your area, they’re well worth using. They have the standard delivery fees and minimum order fees you’d expect, of course. The service, however, is quite excellent, with friendly drivers and fast deliveries. Your food will usually arrive on time and it will typically be in good condition when you get it! The only drawbacks are slightly expensive delivery fees and a small number of cities covered. If you are covered, though, this is a fine service!

    Our Favorite Delivery App: DoorDash

    Our favorite overall delivery app! DoorDash has the benefit of being inexpensive, like Uber, and generally, they are very speedy! You can tip your driver in this one, which is a huge plus! This allows you to show your appreciation for your driver’s good service.

    Additionally, DoorDash has a good selection of restaurants to choose from, a clean user interface that is only occasionally difficult to use and the delivery app doesn’t have a minimum order limit. While your experience in your area may be different, regarding restaurant selection or speediness, we still find that DoorDash has the overall best service for the price!


  • 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.


  • Try These 5 Simple Habits and Start Building Your Best Life This New Year

    Try These 5 Simple Habits and Start Building Your Best Life This New Year

    Taking the easy road in life can be tempting. But that will almost guarantee that your results don’t last. Building better habits can be the easiest and most effective way to improve your life. We’ve assembled a list of the most helpful habits to help you build your best life.

    Smile More Often

    It’s scientifically proven that when you smile it can improve your mood. One of the most common reasons people don’t smile isn’t because they’re in a bad mood, but instead, because they’re not confident with the look of their smile. There are plenty of highly effective over the counter teeth whitening solutions that rival the results of the dentist office.

    One of the easiest home solutions to improve the whiteness of your teeth is by brushing with a mixture of baking soda and drops of lemon juice. After you’ve brushed, let the mixture sit for one minute and then rinse. It’s also important to avoid foods that can stain your newly whitened teeth. If you are drinking something dark, using a straw is a good way to reduce the chances of your teeth being stained.

    Make Saving Easy

    Getting into the habit of saving money can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Apps like Robinhood or Acorns make it easier than ever. Both allow you to automatically invest an amount that is comfortable for you. Small investments can really add up over the long run!

    Improve Your Posture

    Having good posture is one of the best ways to avoid future back pain issues. To break old habits can be difficult and reminding yourself to “sit up straight” isn’t always effective. That’s why it’s important to strengthen the muscles that help support a healthy posture. There are some simple exercises that will put your posture in place without having to think about it. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart and bring your arms behind you and interlace your fingers with your palms pressing together. Then take a deep breath while raising your hands as high as comfortably possible. Hold this position for 5 seconds and then lower your hands as you exhale. The next exercise is called the “child’s pose.” Sit on your shinbones with your knees together and Fold forward at your hips and walk your hands out in front of you. Breath in deep and on each exhale walk your hands out a little further until you’re at your comfortable limit. Remain in that position for 30 seconds, taking deep breaths feeling the stretch throughout your back.

    Maintain a Healthy Weight

    Losing any amount of weight can be a daunting task. It can be even more difficult to keep the weight off. That’s why it’s important to build healthy habits into your daily routine. By building these habits you ensure that your losses, (and gains), will be around for years to come.
    Cut back on sugar and starches. By making this small change you’re allowing your body to use fat as a fuel source instead of sugars. Another benefit is that it lowers insulin levels, allowing your body to shed excess sodium and reduce daily bloating.

    Don’t eat after the sun goes down. Your body metabolizes food for energy in accordance with your circadian rhythm. By cutting down the amount of food you eat after the sun goes down, you’re reducing the number of calories your body will store while you sleep. By eating late in the evening you’re giving your body fuel, but not giving it the opportunity to convert that to fuel.


  • Got the Flu? Fight Back With These Proven Tricks

    Got the Flu? Fight Back With These Proven Tricks

    Are you starting to get a sore throat? Is your loved one looking a little more pale than usual? Cold and flu season is right around the corner. The best way to stop a cold is by stopping it before it starts. That’s why we’ve broken down the best way to combat the flu before it puts you out of commission.

    Sleep is Your Best Friend

    There’s a reason why when you’re sick all you want to do is sleep. Sleep is the ultimate rejuvenator of your body’s immune system. A recent scientific study found that people who slept 6 hours or less a night were 4 times more likely to catch a cold when exposed to the virus. The study also found that people who got at least 7 hours of sleep were able to fight off the symptoms of a cold quicker. If you have issues sleeping, there are numerous natural supplements that can help you get a better night’s sleep. Melatonin, Valerian Root and Magnesium are all-natural supplements that have been shown to work well.

    Clear Your Nasal Congestion

    Having clogged sinuses is a Flu symptom that can impact every part of your day. One of the easiest ways to clear out your sinuses is with a warm steam shower. If that doesn’t do the trick, you could also try a saline spray. Saline sprays are isotonic and contain the same saline solution that’s in your body. People also use all-natural remedies like eucalyptus oil to help clear out your sinuses. If neither of these tricks works for you, eucalyptus oil is an all-natural solution that helps fight sinus congestion.

    – Place 7-10 drops into a pot of boiling water

    – Lean over the bow, at a safe distance, and then begin to breathe in the eucalyptus oil-infused water

    – It’s not recommended to do this for more than a minute at a time

    Keep your areas clean

    Hands, more than any other part, are major culprits for spreading the flu. That’s why it’s important to keep your hands, and everywhere they touch, clean of germs. Cleaning your work and common areas with Lysol wipes is a good way to kill the dormant germs waiting to make your day worse. Also, doctors recommend scrubbing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. A good way to teach this to your kids is by having them sing the happy birthday song two times while washing.

    Be prepared

    Nobody likes to be sick. Having to go to the grocery store, cook and go about your daily routine only makes things worse. That’s why when you feel a cold coming on it’s a good idea to stock your pantry with easy to make meals. During the initial stages of a cold make sure to avoid dairy and sugar. Both have been shown to exacerbate the symptoms of a cold. Chicken soup is a commonly recommended food for a reason.

    Switch to Paper Goods

    If your whole family is sick, it’s a good idea to switch to paper towels in the bathroom. It may also pay to switch to paper cups and plates in the kitchen. That way you’re less likely to spread germs.


  • Whoa, New iPhone 12 Starts at ONLY $481! What’s the Catch?

    Whoa, New iPhone 12 Starts at ONLY $481! What’s the Catch?

    In typical Apple fashion, the company played up improvements to the battery life, camera system and hardware under the hood of the new phones. But, what would it take for you to dish out another $1,000 for a new smartphone? What if we told you that you could get your hands on the brand-new iPhone 12 for only $481? Here’s how:

    They’re sporting even more sophisticated cameras and a handful of other premium features. All three new iPhone versions still look just like their predecessors, but Apple has upgraded their camera to allow for wide-angle photos while making improvements under the hood that result in longer battery life and faster performance than before.

    Price

    At $799, the iPhone 12 is $100 more than its predecessor, the iPhone XR. The new iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max pick up where last year’s iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max left off, starting at $999 and $1,099. Here’s the secret: you can get the new iPhone 12 for as little as $481 when you trade in your current iPhone!

    Camera

    There’s a big focus on the camera this year, and that’s because it’s a dual-lens sensor (12MP) with a f2.4 ultrawide camera paired with a f1.6 wide camera . Both rear cameras utilize Apple’s propriety night mode and night mode time lapse. They believe the iPhone 12 is three times faster in low-light scenarios too.

    Video

    Video modes include 4K video recording at 24, 30 or 60 frames per second. Not only that, the new iphone12 features HDR video with dolby vision up to 30 FPS. Apple says it has improved image stabilization on the new phone too. Apple has even included HDR Dolby Vision video recording on the front-facing selfie camera. Overall, Apple claims to have the “highest quality video recording in a smartphone.”

    Water Resistance

    It’s also water-resistant, coming with an IP68 rating. That should mean you’re able to submerge it in the bath or take it in the shower, as it can survive in up to two meters of water.

    What’s new in the iPhone 12


    A14 Bionic chip
    Faster Face ID unlocking
    Super Retina XDR display
    Dual lens sensor (12MP) with a f2.4 ultrawide camera paired with a f1.6 wide camera
    Both rear cameras utilize apples propriety night mode and night mode time lapse
    2x-5x optical zoom
    Lidar
    12-megapixel front-facing camera
    4K HDR Dolby Video for both front and rear cameras
    New Night Time photo and time-lapse mode

    New iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max

    Two screen sizes: 6.1- and 6.7-inch OLED
    Super Retina XDR display supports HDR 10 with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
    Three rear cameras with 4x optical zoom: Wide, ultra-wide, telephoto lenses
    Upcoming camera feature called Deep Fusion compiles 9 images to reduce noise and amp up details
    Faster Face ID unlocking
    4K video for both front and rear cameras, with slow-motion video for the selfie camera
    New night-time mode
    Lidar sensor
    Mag safe technology