5 best debit cards one can consider using
finance

5 best debit cards one can consider using

The use of cash for transactions has slowly declined. Moreover, it has been replaced by other payment options, with debit cards being the most preferred choice. A debit card is typically linked to one’s current account and lets users swipe it at stores to purchase products or services. It also offers a range of benefits to its users. The key to grabbing the best offers will depend on the type of card one has. 1. Empower Debit Card The Empower debit card has a monthly maintenance fee of about $8 but a $0 minimum deposit requirement. Additionally, customers can earn up to 10% cash back on purchases and a 0.01% APY. Customers can use the accumulated rewards to balance the $8 monthly fee. 2. ACE Elite® Visa® Prepaid Debit Card (Pay As You Go) Those who are not frequent users of prepaid debit cards could consider this pay-as-you-go ACE Elite® Visa® Prepaid debit card. There are no monthly fees with this card, and there are no fees for international withdrawals. Customers also get early access to direct deposits. Empower also gives customers a 14-day free trial. 3. Bank of America Debit Card A debit card from the Bank of America offers customizability for those looking to earn cash-back rewards on most purchases.
What to know about no-fee prepaid debit cards
finance

What to know about no-fee prepaid debit cards

In today’s digital age, a prepaid debit card offers a secure and convenient way to manage finances. Unlike traditional bank accounts, prepaid cards require no credit check and often incur lower fees. But with so many options available, finding the right no-fee prepaid debit card can be overwhelming. Having the right knowledge will make it easier to make an informed decision based on one’s needs and budget without the chance of regretting their choice later. Understanding prepaid debit cards Here’s what one needs to know about prepaid debit cards: 1. Controlled spending Prepaid debit cards function similarly to debit cards linked to a checking account. However, users load money onto the card instead of drawing funds from an account beforehand. This allows for controlled spending within the available balance, eliminating the risk of overdraft fees and emptying the account. 2. Secured Prepaid cards offer access to a payment method without impacting one’s credit score. By loading a specific amount onto the card, one can easily track and manage spending. In cases of loss or theft, the financial loss is limited to the remaining balance on the card. Prepaid cards are widely accepted for online and in-store purchases, offering a secure alternative to carrying cash.
5 mistakes to avoid when applying for a VA loan
finance

5 mistakes to avoid when applying for a VA loan

The military, navy, and air force are the backbones of the nation, protecting it during turbulent times and safeguarding citizens from external threats. To help army veterans serving in these departments, the government introduced VA loans. These low-interest loans help veterans and even service members and their spouses buy homes with minimal or zero down payment. But when applying for a VA loan, one should avoid certain mistakes to ease the process. Overlooking closing charges Although VA loans don’t require a down payment, one must pay closing costs. Closing costs include the charges for developing and underwriting a mortgage, insurance, taxes, commissions, etc. The total amount can range from one to five percent of the total property price. So, one should always check for such overhead charges when applying for a VA loan. Not securing one’s Certificate of Eligibility early on Failing to secure one’s Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in time can delay the loan approval process, and there are even chances of the loan being rejected. That’s why it’s best to pull out one’s COE early, ideally before starting the application process, so there are no delays. Failing to consider the credit score While the approval process for VA loans is much easier than that for other home loans, creditworthiness is still an essential aspect.
4 advantages of home appliance warranty plans
finance

4 advantages of home appliance warranty plans

Home appliances are an integral part of one’s daily life. From washing and drying laundry to cooking meals, imagining a day without these essential items is tough. From time to time, these devices are bound to break down as well, and repairs can be extremely expensive. That is where a home appliance warranty plan comes in. These plans are service contracts that cover repairing and replacing home appliances and systems. Pros of home appliance warranty plans Here are a few pros of home appliance warranty plans: 1. Convenience One of the main advantages of a home appliance warranty plan is its convenience. It connects users to qualified technicians and repair services, so they do not have to hunt for a professional independently. This saves time, money, and energy wasted speaking to multiple vendors or trying to find and compare quotes. What’s more, these services also allow users to request priority assistance, which can be a boon when they need things done quickly. 2. Budget-friendly Repairing or replacing a home appliance is expensive, with new varieties costing thousands of dollars. Home appliance warranty plans help bring these prices down significantly, with some services charging only a dollar a day for enrollment.
3 critical mistakes to avoid when opening a CD
finance

3 critical mistakes to avoid when opening a CD

People work hard to put aside money for emergencies. This money must remain safe and not be used for daily expenses or unnecessary spending. That said, not everyone wants to keep their savings or the extra money they have managed to put aside in an easily accessible account. An alternative is to open a Certificate of Deposit account. While doing so, one should make sure to avoid some common errors. Choosing a longer term CDs have different lengths. People looking to invest can choose from a whole range of six-month, twelve-month, two-year, or even five-year CDs. Some banking organizations provide even longer choices. This excites the people looking to invest in CDs, and they choose a lengthy term. However, that is not always the right choice. The thing is, people cannot be sure that CD interest rates will go up. Even if they do, no one knows what the increase in the percentage will be. While people investing in long-term plans can get stuck with a fixed-rate interest, those investing in shorter terms can enjoy better returns through reinvestments. Not researching Some people keep dealing with the same bank they are comfortable with. But this might cost them in the long run.
5 benefits of ERPs for businesses
finance

5 benefits of ERPs for businesses

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a complete, integrated software used to manage daily business activities like accounting, procurement, project management, risk management, compliance, customer relationship management, human resources, and supply chain management. The software plays a significant role in providing businesses real-time overall view of their functions via a centralized database across the globe. This completely eliminates the need to depend on individual datasets that can be difficult to navigate. Advantages of ERP for businesses Improved productivity One of the biggest benefits of an ERP is the ability to automate processes, from generating invoices to managing customer relationships. This provides the employees with ample free time, allowing them to be more creative and productive and devise better solutions for business growth. Reduced operational costs The software also offers major financial benefits to companies. As processes become more efficient, companies can reduce costs across the organization. For instance, a unified IT experience can help reduce expenditures on multiple licenses, support fees, infrastructure, and admin personnel to improve profitability significantly. When spread across teams, this can provide a sizable financial advantage to businesses. Information integration ERPs are an excellent way to consolidate work across multiple business units and departments in the company.

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Top 20 Tech Sales to Expect for Black Friday 2023
tech

Top 20 Tech Sales to Expect for Black Friday 2023

If one has missed out on getting their hands on some of the coolest tech gadgets during the year, there is no better time to get them than Black Friday sales in 2023. If one wants to avoid the crowds, queues, and noise of an in-store sale, one can get similar deals online. Most top brands offer in-store and online deals, so here are 20 of the most popular tech sales to expect in 2023. 1. Smart TVs Smart TVs are one of the largest selling products during most Black Fridays, and one can choose from brands like TCL, Samsung, Hisense, Panasonic, and Sony. Last year, one could get savings of up to $500 on an LG 55-inch 4k Smart TV from Amazon, so one can expect similar deals this year too. 2. Smartwatches Smartwatches can be connected to other smart devices using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for communication, entertainment, and health and fitness monitoring. Samsung, Apple, and Google are popular smartwatch brands to keep an eye out for, among others. For example, last year, there was a discount of up to $110 on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 at Amazon. 3. Laptops The previous Black Friday let shoppers get up to $150 off on leading laptop brands like Acer, HP, ASUS, and Lenovo from Walmart, which has had the highest sales for Black Friday for many years.
5 habits that can damage a laptop
tech

5 habits that can damage a laptop

Laptops are portable and durable devices that can easily run for years if handled properly. But sometimes, the device may break down earlier than it should. One may unknowingly be careless with it, damaging the laptop beyond repair. However, some of these habits can be avoided if one pays a little more attention to them when using a laptop. Listed below are five bad habits that can damage a laptop and must be avoided. Not paying attention to overheating Laptop overheating is one of the common causes of laptop damage. Users must pay utmost attention to the device emitting more heat than it should; placing a laptop on a cushion or blanket while working may cause it to overheat. It is best to place a laptop on a flat, clean, and dry surface to avoid any damage to the laptop. Letting dirt buildup It is important to clean the laptop from time to time. Using a laptop regularly will cause dirt, dust, and grime buildup on the screen, keypad, and crevices. Use a clean cotton cloth to wipe the laptop regularly to keep it clean and dust-free. One can also use a laptop cleaning liquid to clean the screen and the body of the laptop, but make sure to avoid any liquid spill on the device.
5 common smartphone habits to avoid
tech

5 common smartphone habits to avoid

Smartphones have become a part of our personal and professional lives. We use them to watch entertaining or informational content, connect with friends, complete work assignments, and purchase products online. And these are just a few uses. There are hundreds of other things one can accomplish with a smartphone. However, while the gadget can make life easier, it is vital to use it correctly. Here are five harmful smartphone habits to avoid. Not using a case Whether a budget flip phone, a massive tablet, or a smartphone, all have glass screens and are susceptible to breakage if they fall. Therefore, it is always better to use a case on the device, especially outdoors. Using them without a cover might make their design stand out, but replacing a broken screen or back panel can be expensive. Besides using a case, install a screen protector to keep the display free from scratches. Always checking the phone Many have a habit of checking notifications on their phones throughout the day, whether at work or home. Of course, one might need to check specific important texts urgently, but not all of them. Checking the phone constantly may not have immediate effects, but it can gradually diminish a person’s ability to concentrate.
10 Black Friday laptop deals to check out in 2022
shopping

10 Black Friday laptop deals to check out in 2022

Black Friday or the shopping extravaganza of the year might seem distant, but it will be here before you know it. People wait for the day to get the best deals on all kinds of products—from clothes to electronics. What’s more? A lot of top brands offer amazing discounts on otherwise expensive laptops. If you are already planning for the holiday season, here are some of the best laptop deals for Black Friday 2022: Samsung Chromebook 4 If you are looking for an entry-level laptop on a budget, then the Samsung Chromebook 4 is the perfect option for all your day-to-day needs. With its 11.6-inch screen, this is a compact laptop that you can find great deals on this Black Friday. You can get about $70.99 off on the laptop. Lenovo Ideapad 3 If you are one of those who love the traditional look of a laptop, then the Lenovo Ideapad is the one for you! It might seem small with an 11.6-inch screen but it is a powerful device. It comes with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of storage space, making it a good option for work or personal use. You can save up to $70 on this gadget.
Top 10 expected Black Friday deals on smart home devices
tech

Top 10 expected Black Friday deals on smart home devices

With so many discounts to look for, finding the best deal for your devices is a must on Black Friday. Smart home devices have been some of the most popular items on sale, and the 2022 Black Friday will be no different. From smart light bulbs to video doorbells, there are a ton of products to buy, and Black Friday is the perfect time to save big bucks while you do so. Top 10 best Black Friday smart home devices deals to look forward to in 2022 Ring Video Doorbell This smart doorbell works for just about every house (apartment, condo, or villa) and lets you see, listen and speak to visitors arriving at your home right from your smartphone. Last year, the Ring Video Doorbell was on bundle discount with the Echo Dot for $41, so look forward to better deals this year! Kasa Smart Plug TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Plug (Pack of 2) is a great deal to look for. The compact smart plug can be voice controlled, create smart schedules, be grouped with other Kasa devices, and be remotely controlled to give your home a truly smart finish. The pack of two retails for $19 but was available for $14 last Black Friday.
20 Black Friday tech sales to look forward to
tech

20 Black Friday tech sales to look forward to

Black Friday 2022 will see several brands and e-commerce platforms giving massive discounts and deals on your favorite products. As observed, each year, some of these brands also hold an early-bird discount sale; however, there has been no word of it yet. But fret not; we’ve put together some of the brands and sites that are most likely to have massive Black Friday tech deals available. Check this out and bookmark if needed! 20 tech brand and website sales to expect on Black Friday Amazon The shopping and tech giant has a Black Friday Sale every year around the main shopping season. Keep an eye out for early deals on smartwatches, TVs, and other gadgets from various brands that are stocked on the platform. John Lewis They already have some information available about Black Friday deals on their website. Exact discounts will be disclosed closer to the big shopping sale day, so you can start making your wishlist now! eBay eBay has a whole range of products like smartphones, TVs, appliances, laptops, and other tech products and accessories. While the biggest deals might be reserved for Black Friday, early-bird deals may get you some great discounts too! Verizon Get Black Friday deals on 5G phones, handsets, iPhones, and other products on Verizon.