Top 4 credit card companies
finance

Top 4 credit card companies

It is easy to be overwhelmed because of the number of credit card companies. You never know which one is better than the other unless you try them out, which is impossible. In such cases, how do you make a choice? A credit card company may be a bank, credit union, or anything in between that issues cards. On the other hand, card networks like Discover, Visa, American Express, and Mastercard work with card processors to execute transactions between the issuing company and merchants. Here are the top four credit card companies you can consider: American Express Popularly known as Amex, the company was founded in 1850 and is popular for credit and charge cards. It is the biggest charge card-issuing company and the third biggest credit card network in the country. The company is headquartered in New York City and is one of the most valuable global brands. Some of the popular Amex cards include Platinum Card and the American Express Gold Card. Bank of America Bank of America (BofA) is a multinational financial service and investment bank in the country. The institution has more than 54.6 million cardholders across 4800 retail financial centers. The popular Bank of America cards include the Premium Rewards Card and the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card.
Top 4 providers of guaranteed business loans
finance

Top 4 providers of guaranteed business loans

If you are considering establishing your own business, then you are probably worried about financing more than anything else. Getting guaranteed business loans surely is not easy. You need to get approval first, and even if you do, the interest rates may not be favorable to you. The good news is that the most prominent banks in the country have now started to approve loan applications from small businesses too. Wells Fargo Known as “America’s leading small business lender,” Wells Fargo has comfortably established themselves as the best hope for small business owners. The Unsecured Business Line of Credit and Unsecured Business Loan are the two best choices they offer for business owners who are looking for a loan. These are easier to get as they do not require any collateral. The Unsecured Business Line of Credit offers a credit line of $5,000 to $100,000. These can be used to cover unexpected expenses and cash flow requirements. On the other hand, the Unsecured Business Loan offers $10,000 to $100,000 as a medium-term loan with fixed rates. Depending on your eligibility, the interest rate will be anything from 7% to 22.99%. Bank of America If you are looking for guaranteed business loans, then Bank of America is the answer for you.
3 great NNN properties as investment opportunities
finance

3 great NNN properties as investment opportunities

A Triple Net Lease Property, also known as NNN Property is a type of real-estate retail asset for single-tenant occupancy. An NNN property is different from most other rentable properties, as the tenants have to pay the insurance, maintenance fees, and taxes from their own pockets in addition to paying the rent. Listed below are the four NNN properties for sale in New York. John Deere New 20 Year Absolute NNN Lease Location : Chatham, New York Property Type : Retail Price : USD 1,600,000 (at the time of checking) Building Class : B Lot Size : 15.00 AC Number of Stories : 1 Year Built : 1974 If you are looking for John Deere dealership NNN properties for sale in New York, this particular property will definitely interest you. Located in Chatham, this retail property is available for a 20-year lease, with a 2% increase in rent per year. The property is located in a heavily-populated retail area, which will facilitate dense footfall and help your business accordingly. With a 100% fee simple interest, this NNN property surely belongs in your real-estate investment portfolio. Walgreens NNN Property Location : Long Beach, California Property Type : Retail Price : USD 8,500,000 (at the time of checking) Property Subtype :
Eligibility criteria for a reverse mortgage
finance

Eligibility criteria for a reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage allows senior homeowners to monetize the equity in their homes. The money may be used to meet financial requirements post-retirement. Such a mortgage is available to people aged 62 years and above. A reverse mortgage provides tax-free cash with no monthly installments. However, stringent guidelines and rules apply to reverse mortgage loans. The most common type of reverse mortgage is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Eligibility criteria To qualify for a HECM loan, here are the reverse mortgage eligibility criteria you need to meet: You need to be at least 62 years old. The home should be your primary residence, and you should be a resident of that property for a year or more. You should own the home, or a low balance should be outstanding on your home mortgage; the balance should be paid off before closing the HECM reverse mortgage. There should be no delinquency on the federal debt, such as income tax or student loans; however, the amount received from the reverse mortgage may be used to repay such loans. Some portion of the reverse mortgage loan amount should be set aside to meet expenses, such as property taxes, maintenance and repair costs, and insurance.
Top 5 high dividend ETFs for 2020
finance

Top 5 high dividend ETFs for 2020

Now and then, it is recommended you revisit your portfolio and realign it with your financial goals (which may also have changed amidst the current global pandemic). A popular investment is exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which allow you to hold a basket of high dividend-paying companies. It is a hybrid of mutual funds and stocks. Here are five of the top high dividend ETF funds that you can consider for investment during 2020: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) The CRSP US Total Market Index is tracked by the VTF. It is representative of almost 100% of the investable market, comprising micro-cap, small, mid, and stocks. As of March 31, 2020, the SEC yield was estimated at 2.20%, and the expense ratio was 0.03%. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) This fund keeps track of the NASDAQ US Dividend Achievers Select Index, which was previously known as the Dividend Achievers Select Index and covered approximately 182 stocks. As of December 2019, the expense ratio was 0.06%, and the SEC yield for the fund was about 1.80%. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) This particular fund from Vanguard monitors the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. The fund represented about 404 stocks of companies with high dividend yields as of November 2019.
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD
health

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects children worldwide, and this also often carries on into their adulthood. Some of the different problems faced by kids suffering from ADHD include sustaining attention for a long time, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. There might be other problems associated with ADHD, like low self-esteem, low grades in school, and difficulty in keeping up with relationships. More often than not, symptoms of ADHD are seen to have decreased with age. However, there are cases wherein ADHD symptoms never subside. Levels of ADHD There are three different levels or stages at which ADHD can affect individuals. They are: Predominantly inattentive ADHD This level of ADHD may be related to missing details very easily and getting distracted often. Also, one may get bored very quickly. One has difficulty in processing new information, and there is also the tendency to not listen properly. One might not be able to follow directions very clearly and also lose things like pencils or papers. It has been observed that girls are more likely to get inattentive ADHD than boys. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD This is mostly associated with symptoms like restlessness and difficulty with sitting still. Kids suffering from hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a tendency to talk consistently, and it’s less likely that they will engage in quiet activities.
Understanding skin aging
health

Understanding skin aging

Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles. So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible. Stages of skin aging As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are: Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction
health

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

There are three terms that one can relate to addiction – reward, motivation, and memory. Addiction is when the body craves a behavior or substance in an obsessive pursuit of a reward. The person will have little concern about the consequences of the particular behavior or substance. Things to note in case of addiction Some of the attributes that one can relate with addiction include an inability to stay away from the substance, lack of self-control, an outrageous desire for the substance or behavior, ignorance towards the problems that the behavior might be causing, and a growing tendency to ignore the emotional response. Addictions have been known to interfere with daily life and there are also cases of relapse and remission. The complications of addiction can be physical, emotional, as well as financial. Stages of addiction There are five main stages of addiction. These include: Experimentation Every addiction starts with experimentation and during this stage, one cannot understand that this is the beginning of an addiction. One cannot be sure that this will turn into something serious, and hence no necessary steps are taken at this stage. A simple way to find out how this will turn into addiction is understanding the reason for experimenting and how often a person experiments with new substances.
Top debt settlement companies in the USA
finance

Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt Relief If you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt Relief This a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months.
Allergies – Stages and prevention
health

Allergies – Stages and prevention

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively. The allergic development Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages: Stage 1 The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body. Stage 2 Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody. Stage 3 This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything. Stage 4 The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it. Stage 5 24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it. How to diagnose allergies Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

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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.