7 common mistakes credit card users should avoid
finance

7 common mistakes credit card users should avoid

Paperless transactions through credit cards have become the norm worldwide owing to their sheer convenience. These cards ensure one does not have to spend money immediately when purchasing something; they can make the payment flexibly later. In this way, a person’s purchasing power need not be determined by their bank balance. To maximize the benefits of credit cards, those using them should avoid making some common mistakes, such as those mentioned here: Not paying bills on time Making it a habit to clear credit card bills after the deadline can affect one’s credit score. And with a low credit score, a person’s loans may get rejected, or their interest rates may shoot up. This habit can also turn against credit card holders when applying for jobs. Hence, one should keep track of the billing cycle and avoid late payments to maintain a good credit rating. Taking cash advances A cash advance is when someone uses the line of credit linked to their credit card to withdraw a certain amount. Although taking a cash advance may seem like a fabulous solution, it can make way for additional fees and higher interest rates. Cash advance fees are usually up to 5% of the total withdrawn amount, with an APR as high as 20%.
7 tips to help with home bathroom renovations
Everything Else

7 tips to help with home bathroom renovations

On returning home from work or a long day outdoors, many people desire just one thing: a hot shower before going to bed. However, an individual may not find the bathroom appealing if it has leaky plumbing and yellowing grout. In such situations, one usually considers renovating the space, which requires a lot of work and thought. Therefore, here are seven helpful tips to get started with a bathroom renovation. Plan ahead The first step in renovating a bathroom is planning ahead of the project. Don’t start to paint the space or change the lighting without proper thought. Always be aware of the plumbing and electrical elements and pay attention to the other factors like the flooring and surface materials. In addition, set a budget before starting a project. Doing so ensures the bathroom renovation doesn’t cause financial trouble. Address bathroom ventilation One of the most important aspects to consider when renovating a bathroom is its ventilation. These spaces in the home require an opening, like a properly sized window. If a window doesn’t fit the design, consider installing an exhaust fan of the correct capacity. The capacity is the amount of cubic feet of air per minute the fan can move.
5 mistakes to avoid when paying off debt
finance

5 mistakes to avoid when paying off debt

When trying to reduce or pay off debts, one may want to rush the process without understanding the risks involved. However, this can lead to mistakes in managing and clearing debt. Some of these lapses can even increase the debt burden. So, whether one is trying to pay off credit card bills or loans, one should avoid the following common mistakes. This can help them manage debt properly and ensure a financially safe future. 1. Ignoring the emergency fund When setting a budget to get out of debt, one should not ignore adding to the emergency fund. Continuing to allocate some money for emergency funds while still struggling to pay off debts may seem impractical. However, these funds can be life-saving in unforeseen events, like a medical emergency. Further, if faced with an urgent need, the lack of funds can make one borrow even more money to cover emergency expenses, thereby increasing the overall debt burden. So, to avoid such a situation, one must ensure that they continue to set aside some money each month for emergencies, even while managing debt. 2. Closing credit cards after settling dues When one is done paying off their credit card debt, they might be tempted to close that card.
5 mistakes to avoid while using food delivery services
Everything Else

5 mistakes to avoid while using food delivery services

Food delivery services have made lives incredibly easy. Ordering food online can save a lot of time and energy, which can then be used to focus on other important daily tasks. With the variety of food delivery apps and offers available today, it’s just as economical as visiting a nearby restaurant. However, a few mistakes can mar the experience of ordering meals. Here are some of them to avoid to make the most of the delivery experience. Not considering local restaurants Unfortunately, many exclusively click on the biggest and most popular fast-food chains while ordering dishes on their smartphones. Doing so repeatedly can impact the business of local restaurants and other small-scale food makers. One should give their local restaurants a chance to prove their worth. In many cases, the food from small eateries can be tastier and healthier than mass-produced fast food. Moreover, flourishing local businesses help build and improve any community for its people. Ordering food when hungry Food delivery takes time. After all, many steps and elements are involved in the entire process: the restaurant receiving and accepting the order, a food delivery partner being assigned, traffic, external weather, and other factors. In many cases, ordered food may take several minutes or even hours to show up at one’s door.
6 popular brands to order meat online
Everything Else

6 popular brands to order meat online

If a person asks someone to buy meat today, the first thought would be to place an order online. Individuals can find hundreds if not thousands of meat vendors who have shifted focus to a digital business model that helps them deliver exotic and quality meat to one’s doorstep. But placing an order will require finding a reliable supplier. So, for those interested in shopping online for meat, here are some top options. Carnivore Club If an individual wants to pick up snacks instead of heavier meats, they ought to consider shopping from Carnivore Club. The brand offers free delivery on select boxes. One could opt for subscription boxes, which offer deliveries each month, every other month, or every three months. Meat lovers could also choose to make one-time purchases of cured meats and jerkies to satiate their hunger. The website has a Jerky Club for customers who wish to try various types of gourmet jerkies with each shipment. Omaha Steaks Customers can find an assortment of meats on Omaha Steaks’ website, which makes it an overall favorite. Additionally, the brand offers various combination pack options and other promotions to help save money. Some delicious options that one could relish include beef, pork, bison, and fish.
7 tips for using and disposing of waste bags effectively
Everything Else

7 tips for using and disposing of waste bags effectively

Waste bags are used everywhere, like in houses, hospitals, offices, and schools. These bags help us keep the place clean but can be very tricky to dispose of. One reason is that people generally buy bags made of plastic. And plastic bags don’t break down but increase carbon emissions. To make disposing of garbage more environment-friendly, we must use and dispose of these bags correctly. There are some simple ways to get started. Ensure the bag doesn’t slip off the trash can This is a very common problem that occurs when managing trash. The waste bag slips off the edge of the can and the garbage spills all over the bottom. Consequently, the simple job of disposing of the garbage becomes more messy. So, always ensure that the waste bag doesn’t slip. Rubber bands, binder clips, trash bag hooks, or even duct tape can help keep the bag in place. Check the bag’s outer surface before disposing of the trash No one likes to clean the mess that leaks out of a waste bag that has been damaged. Even a small hole or a tear in the bag can cause a bigger mess, especially if someone has thrown liquids in the garbage.
Top 4 mistakes to avoid with debit cards
finance

Top 4 mistakes to avoid with debit cards

Debit cards make our daily lives much more convenient. Whether we wish to withdraw money or buy our favorite products from the store, these cards make everything possible. Unlike credit cards, we also do not have to bear charges or pay high interest rates at the end of every month. But although debit cards have so many positives, we must use them wisely. There are a few common mistakes people must avoid.  Not keeping a record of all transactions All debit card holders know how beneficial that piece of plastic is. It makes all shopping transactions easy by completing them with just one swipe. However, after someone swipes their card and checks their account statement, they may often realize their balance is still the same. Sometimes, a debit card transaction can take a few days to reflect in the balance. So, it is vital to keep an offline record of one’s transactions and update it regularly. If a person has a joint or shared checking account, they must also record their partner’s debit card usage and transactions. If they do not do so, they might accidentally use the card for a transaction without realizing that their account balance is low.
6 tips to quit smoking and improve overall health
health

6 tips to quit smoking and improve overall health

Many people who smoke know that the habit is bad for their health and the health of those standing around them, so they try to stop it. Sure, breaking the habit is not that easy, but one must not lose hope once they have made the choice. Understand that there are various ways in which people could initiate their journey to quit smoking for good and lead a healthier life.  Find a reason One of the first steps in letting go of the habit is to find a reason. Experts indicate that having a valid and powerful motive is helpful when trying to let go of smoking. A few explanations could include protecting the family from secondhand smoke or lowering the risk of health complications like heart disease, lung cancer, and other associated ailments. Having a solid reason to quit may help one resist the urge. Don’t rush into it A person cannot quit in a single day. Those who smoke all the time might realize that their brain requires nicotine to function normally. Trying to stop suddenly may send the body into withdrawal and trigger other complications. So, people should create a plan to let go of the unhealthy habit by speaking to healthcare experts for appropriate support.
5 mistakes to avoid when switching cell phone plans
Smartphones

5 mistakes to avoid when switching cell phone plans

Switching cell phone plans can help one significantly save on their monthly phone bills, which is the primary reason one might want to opt for this option. Whether switching from postpaid to prepaid, between plans in the same carrier, or between service providers, there are numerous benefits, from more control over expenditure to enhanced features. But to ensure that one takes full advantage of these benefits, it’s important to avoid certain mistakes. Choosing the wrong network There are three major wireless networks in the country and several localized ones that routinely put out advertisements with low-cost plans to attract maximum customers. But it’s important to check these networks work in different areas before committing to any. One can use online resources and read reviews on social media to gather insights into a carrier’s performance. Another way to avoid this issue is to ask one’s neighbors or people residing in the same vicinity to see network performance, call quality, and data speed, which can help one to know if there are any call drops or missed texts. Forgetting to check phone compatibility Those switching from one cell phone service provider to another may often forget to check their phone compatibility with the plans.
9 health benefits of a foot massage
health

9 health benefits of a foot massage

A foot massage can be an incredibly relaxing and calming experience after a long workday. Professional foot massages not only benefit the feet, but they also have many advantages for the body and mind. The feet have several acupressure points connected to different body parts, making the massage even more comforting. Additionally, foot massages improve mental and emotional health. Here are some unexpected health benefits of a foot massage one can experience: Reduced stress and anxiety Stress has become a part of life with increased work pressure and less sleep. Studies suggest that foot massages can lower stress, manage anxiety, and help the body relax. In fact, when patients with a history of stroke were given foot massages, their anxiety levels were reduced. Improved blood circulation The muscles in the feet are not used enough these days because of a lack of physical activity. A good foot massage can compensate and reactivate the feet muscles because it stimulates blood flow, increasing blood circulation in the feet and legs. People with diabetes can particularly benefit from such increased blood circulation. Better sleep quality Disturbed sleep can be caused by many factors, including stress, specific health issues, worrisome thoughts, or even a mentally stimulating day.

Top Articles

Important things to know about kidney and liver-related diseases
health

Important things to know about kidney and liver-related diseases

The kidney and liver are two important organs in your body. You must keep them healthy to maintain a happy and safe life. However, you should also be aware of some important facts about the liver and kidney-related diseases so that you can visit your doctor before any health-related issue becomes more serious. Kidney and liver diseases and stages Chronic kidney disease is a medical condition that affects your kidneys. However, it progresses in five different stages and usually does not affect both the kidneys at once. Before learning about the stages of this illness, you need to first understand what Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is. The age, gender, race, and serum creatinine are taken into account to calculate a person’s GFR, which determines the stage of chronic kidney disease. The serum creatinine is a type of waste product, which comes from the body’s muscle activity. As the condition of your kidney worsens, it filters less and less creatinine. The GFR calculation uses this to determine the kidney condition. Stage 1 : GFR > 90 ml/min Stage 2 : GFR = 60-89 ml/min Stage 3A : GFR = 45-59 ml/min Stage 3B : GFR = 30-44 ml/min Stage 4 :
Oral health issues and their diagnosis and prevention
health

Oral health issues and their diagnosis and prevention

Oral health indicates overall health, so regular oral hygiene is important to prevent cavities, bad breath, gum diseases, and other mouth and teeth issues. Also, oral health is important at every stage of life, and it should not be taken lightly as oral diseases can also spread to the rest of the body. Let’s take a look at the basics of oral health issues and how to prevent them. Common oral health problems Oral health problems can affect people at different stages of lives: Infants A routine to help children maintain oral hygiene. When a child starts getting their first teeth, parents should wipe their gums with a clean, moist washcloth. Gradually, they can change this washcloth to a toothbrush for kids. Also, a child must be taken for their first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, which should be not later than a kid’s first birthday. Additionally, parents should always stop children from sucking their thumbs as it can affect their tooth alignment. Also, never let them sleep with a bottle in their mouth as this can cause tooth decay. Children and teenagers Many who have crooked teeth start showing signs between the ages of 6 and 12.
Essential factors of mental health issues
health

Essential factors of mental health issues

There are a lot of misconceptions that people have about mental health. With the little information on mental health, people are often narrow-minded when it comes to treating mental illnesses and often this causes a big problem for those who have mental health problems. To help you understand better, we are here to provide you with the details of mental health problems, which include its stages, diagnosis, and treatment. Stages of mental health issues The following stages are generally experienced by patients: Stage 1: Preconception When the patient is in this stage, they may mostly be in denial. It is possible that they point out that something seems off but they are fully capable of going about with their usual routine. Stage 2: Contemplation At this stage, it is clear that the patient needs medical help. The symptoms have started to set in, and it has now started to affect the day-to-day routine of the patient. Stage 2: Crisis If stages 1 and 2 are dealt with in the right way, this stage can be avoided. If not, the patient may face a nervous breakdown. Stage 4: Getting Help This stage should ideally come before the crisis for the problem to be averted.
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of multiple sclerosis
health

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the spinal cord and the brain. Some of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are weakening and numbing in the body, blurring of vision, headaches, loss of hearing, speech issues, seizures, and bladder issues. The main treatment of multiple sclerosis focuses on managing symptoms of the disease. Let us take a look at the stages that the person goes through in case of multiple sclerosis. Stages of multiple sclerosis There are four stages of multiple sclerosis. These include: Clinically isolated syndrome A clinically isolated syndrome is usually the first attack of multiple sclerosis experienced by patients. It is marked by an inflamed myelin sheath. At this stage, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test is used to make a proper diagnosis. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is the most common stage. Most patients experience symptoms of this stage before the age of 30. Patients may experience episodes of symptoms. Relapse in this stage can lead to brain lesions. If patients go into remission, this phase can continue for a few weeks or even several years. Primary progressive multiple sclerosis Primary progressive multiple sclerosis usually begins in patients after they cross the age of 40.
Important things that you must know about pain management
health

Important things that you must know about pain management

The techniques of pain management are devised based on the cause of pain. Pain management also depends on the severity and duration of pain. It focuses on the identification of the source of pain and selecting the best course of treatment. Let us take a closer look at some of the aspects of pain management. Types of pain The most common types of pain are: Neuropathic pain It’s a type of pain, which impacts the nervous system. In this form of pain, there is damage to the nervous system. A typical example is a diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathic pain can also include fibromyalgia, sympathetically maintained pain and irritable bowel syndrome. Nociceptive pain It is a pain that results from a bone that is broken in the body. This pain is determined by the transfer of signals from the peripheral nerves to the brain through the spinal cord. Somatic pain This pain is a type that affects the thighs and back of the patient. Every time a patient goes to the doctor with back pain, their doctor checks their medical history and conducts a physical exercise test and imaging test. After an accurate diagnosis, the pain can be adequately treated. Cancer pain Cancer or the treatment of cancer can cause this type of pain.
Understanding the essentials about menopause
health

Understanding the essentials about menopause

Menopause is a stage at which the woman stops going through menstrual cycles. It is only considered menopause if you have not had your period for at least 12 months. In the US, the average age for it to occur is 51, but it can start as early as your 40s. It is a biological process that occurs naturally but, due to certain symptoms it causes, it can lead to disruptions in your daily schedule and life. Stages of menopause Menopause has three different stages, as given below. Perimenopause Before the actual menopause starts, the women’s body goes into the process of shifting from natural menstruation and ovulation cycle to permanent infertility. This stage is known as perimenopause. It generally starts in your 40s, but some women may experience it in their 30s too. The symptoms include irregular periods, sleep problems, and hot flashes. Menopause If you have not had your period in one year, then the perimenopause is over, and the actual menopause stage begins. You cannot get pregnant once you enter this stage. Postmenopause The years that follow are the postmenopause stage. The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause start to subside in most cases. You start to regain your energy levels and feel more emotionally stable.