5 lesser-known benefits that can help veterans save money
Finance

5 lesser-known benefits that can help veterans save money

It is a well-known fact that veterans enjoy financial assistance for education and healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, these are not the only benefits they are entitled to. Veterans can also opt for other programs to save money and maintain an ideal lifestyle. Sadly, not many are up to date with these additional perks, causing them to miss out. Here are some of the lesser-known veteran benefits to consider. Long-term health care Long-term care can be pretty expensive. Still, many only save for it once it becomes a total necessity. While most veterans understand the basic health care they are entitled to, long-term care assistance is a lesser-known but equally crucial benefit they can access. Several programs help veterans lower their overall expenditure whenever they need continuous support. Some long-term care services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) include the following: Home health care and adult day care:  The VA provides home health services to veterans who want to stay home while recovering. These services include nursing care, physical therapy, and assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparations. In addition, veterans have access to adult day healthcare services if they require care only during the day.
9 tax-deductible charity contributions
Finance

9 tax-deductible charity contributions

During times of charitable giving, such as in the holiday season, it is common to look for ways to give back to the community while reaping some tax benefits. One effective option is to make tax-deductible charity donations. These donations not only support charitable causes but also reduce one’s tax liabilities. This invariably helps in making the donations more impactful on the personal front as well as in communities one wishes to support. Cash donations One can make  monetary donations to public charities, which are eligible for tax deductions under 501(c)(3). These donations can be made through checks, credit cards, or payroll deductions through their employer. If the donor itemizes their deductions, they can receive deductions of up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) in a year for gifts of cash to qualified public charitable organizations. If they choose to donate to private charities, such as a family foundation, the annual limit of deductions is approximately 30% of their AGI. However, the donated amount must be substantial to avail of this deduction. Another option is to bunch together several small donations into a single year. Charitable gift funds One can also set up donor-advised funds. These are accounts that offer the flexibility of charitable giving to multiple organizations.
6 critical mistakes to avoid when trying to get out of debt quickly
Finance

6 critical mistakes to avoid when trying to get out of debt quickly

Debt leads to a lot of stress, so it must be addressed immediately. The problem with debt is that it keeps multiplying when not repaid in full at the due date. While there are several ways to exit the debt trap, they require financial discipline. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when trying to get out of debt quickly, which makes matters worse. Here are a few such mistakes one should avoid. Not changing one’s spending habits This is among the biggest mistakes people make when trying to get out of debt. They continue to spend money on things that are not required and do not save enough to repay their creditors. Expensive products and services make life convenient and easy but increase debt. Hence, individuals should change their spending habits and save as much as possible when trying to pay off debt. One of the best ways to do this is to be mindful when visiting stores and shopping malls. Individuals can prepare a list before heading to these places and only get those things that are truly necessary. In addition, individuals can record their daily expenses and find ways to reduce their spending. Furthermore, one can find cheaper alternatives to expensive products, eat at home more often, and avoid getting lured by shopping trends, which may push one deeper into the debt trap.
8 errors to avoid when filing tax returns
Finance

8 errors to avoid when filing tax returns

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues strict guidelines each year to ensure each individual can file their taxes on time and with ease. However, most people who have never filed taxes before may find the task daunting. And this could lead to them making several mistakes. Moreover, those who have filed taxes in the past may also make certain filing mistakes. Therefore, here are eight errors one should avoid when filing tax returns. Calculation errors Tax filing is a process that people often rush through, which could result in one making calculation mistakes. Any error that includes basic subtractions, additions, or complex calculations could affect the tax filing process. Moreover, calculation mistakes could also affect an individual’s deductions and credits. So, it is important to carefully inspect each calculation before filing the return. One could always use dedicated online tools to evaluate credits and deductions properly. Failing to verify returns One may check all the boxes when it comes to filing returns but fail to verify the document when they file it online. This mistake could affect their entire filing process. The lack of a digital signature upon uploading the tax documentation would result in the IRS rejecting the claim.
7 debit card mistakes to avoid
Finance

7 debit card mistakes to avoid

A debit card is among the most preferred payment modes. It is more convenient to carry than cash and easier to use. Besides, debit cards do not add to the mounting credit card bills one has to sift through each month. It helps take money from the bank account and pay for the purchase without adding to the loan amount. However, to manage money wisely, there are certain mistakes to avoid when using debit cards. Repetitive ATM usage There are times when using cash is necessary. People are forced to go to the ATM in such cases. Sure, rushing to the ATM is a quick and easy fix, but people should not forget the charges being levied with every withdrawal. When using an ATM, the person’s bank as well as the ATM’s bank charges a fee, which can quickly add up if someone uses this facility frequently. A solution is to go to the bank instead of the ATM during such times. Withdrawing from the bank means no extra fees will be deducted from one’s account. Forgetting to check the balance When purchasing with a debit card, chances are the transaction will not reflect on the app or account activity immediately.
7 common tax refund errors to avoid
Finance

7 common tax refund errors to avoid

A taxpayer usually files for tax refunds for various reasons, including acquiring a big refund each year or to lower the tax bill and help save on a paycheck. In either case, every aspect of the documentation and process needs to be right for the refund to work. A single mistake could mean a stalled refund, or the taxpayer might receive a letter from the IRS about the filing error. Mathematical errors One of the most common tax return mistakes is mathematical errors. A single error in decimal points, an extra zero, or a missing zero in the document could hamper one’s return. Even minute addition or subtraction errors could delay one’s refund or result in one getting a smaller refund than they were expecting. To avoid these issues, one should have an expert handle the calculation process. Additionally, online calculators could check their math and get accurate results within seconds. Still, despite the benefits of online tools, it is best to get it cross-checked by an accountant just to be safe. Claiming incorrect credits or debits It is important to understand the difference between tax deductions and tax credits when managing tax returns. A deduction reduces the amount of income one pays tax on.
11 common mistakes to avoid when investing in ETFs
Finance

11 common mistakes to avoid when investing in ETFs

Investing in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) offers a simple and diversified way to participate in the financial markets. But, even experienced investors can make some mistakes that can hinder the growth of their investment portfolio. So, it is essential to understand the common ETF-investing mistakes and learn how to avoid them. Whether newbies or seasoned investors, understanding some common pitfalls can help investors make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals. Neglecting research – the foundation of sound investing Before venturing into the ETF market, conducting thorough research is essential. Many investors overlook this critical step, which can lead to uninformed decisions and potential losses. Take the time to understand the underlying assets, investment objectives, and historical performance of the ETFs. Neglecting research can result in significant setbacks. With thorough research, one can make informed decisions to mitigate risks and maximize investment potential. Overlooking expense ratios – the silent erosion of returns The expense ratio is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of ETF investing. While it may appear insignificant at first glance, the expense ratio can have a great impact on one’s investment returns over time. Higher fees can eat into one’s profits and erode long-term gains, making it crucial to evaluate the expense ratios of ETFs carefully.
8 reasons to choose mortgage refinancing
Finance

8 reasons to choose mortgage refinancing

Mortgage refinancing is  the act of  trading an old mortgage for a new and revised one, likely with a new balance. It is essentially a way of optimizing one’s finances. Refinancing can be of two major types – rate-and-term refinance and cash-out refinance. It typically costs around 3-6% of the loan’s principal, along with an appraisal, title search, application fees, and more. Individuals may have numerous reasons why they choose to refinance their mortgages. Lowered monthly payments There are three reasons why people may opt in for lower monthly payments: Interest rates fluctuate significantly through the years. If the rate has dropped by a decent margin, one may be interested in having their loan terms re-adjusted.  This  can help lower one’s monthly payments and reduce expenditure over the entire term of the loan. In the last few years, many people have also witnessed mass layoffs, which have impacted their ability to repay their mortgage loans. In such cases, opting for refinancing can help bring down the monthly payments by increasing the length of the loan term. If a major chunk of the mortgage has been paid off and/or the home’s value has increased, the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) will reduce.  This  makes the home low-risk for the vendor, who may allow refinancing for lower monthly payments.
9 VA benefits that seniors may not know about
Finance

9 VA benefits that seniors may not know about

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides various benefits for senior veterans for their bravery and dedicated service to the nation. Referred to as VA benefits, some popular ones include disability compensation, pension, and healthcare. Older veterans struggle to return to their daily lives after leaving the military. These perks assist them in meeting their personal needs. However,  a lot  of these benefits are underutilized mostly because senior veterans are unaware of them. Aid and attendance (A&A) The Aid and Attendance program offers additional monthly payments to eligible veterans and their spouses who need help with  daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating.  This extra income makes daily help more accessible for veterans. To receive this benefit, the veteran must receive a pension, require assistance with daily activities, or be bedridden. One must go through their local VA office and provide all necessary documentation to apply for this benefit.  Home-based primary care (HBPC) Some veterans may find it difficult to visit their doctors. In such cases, the VA also offers home-based primary care services, where the healthcare provider visits the patient at the convenience of their home.  To be eligible for this benefit , senior  veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and have  a referral from their primary care physician.
6 mistakes to avoid when applying for a personal loan
Finance

6 mistakes to avoid when applying for a personal loan

Personal loans are often the go-to solution for meeting urgent monetary needs like paying for major home improvements or repairs, making large purchases, or medical expenses. Today, online banking solutions have made applying for personal loans easier. However, as with any type of borrowing, one needs to do their research and be careful while taking out a personal loan. Rushing the process to secure instant personal loans can lead to lapses and unwanted surprises.  1. Not checking the credit score When planning to apply for a loan, the first thing to do is check the credit score. One’s credit score is what determines their eligibility for securing a loan and the interest rate on the loan. The higher the credit score, the better rates one will be offered by lenders. This is because a good credit score tells lenders that the borrower has so far been careful with debt repayment, making them seem trustworthy. So, before applying for a loan, one must check their credit report and review their credit history carefully. This way, one can review existing debt and loan repayment that could affect their personal loan application and ability to repay the new loan. The step also helps one set realistic expectations while seeking a loan.

Top Articles

4 tips for dealing with asthma
health

4 tips for dealing with asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways in the lungs swell up, become narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People affected can experience breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. The disease could be a minor issue for some, while others may have to deal with serious long-term symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for asthma, here are treatment options, foods to have and avoid, and alternative therapies to manage the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of asthma symptoms. Here are a few popular options: Tezepelumab:  It is a popular treatment option, approved by the FDA as a supplementary maintenance remedy for pediatric patients over 12 and adults with asthma. Tezepelumab is an injectable option and the first and only biologic to significantly and consistently reduce severe asthma symptoms in clinical trials. Fasenra:  This is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system activity in the body. Fasenra helps control the elevated eosinophil count responsible for severe asthma symptoms. This injection is suitable for children over 12 and adults and can be used with other treatment plans to keep flare-ups in check. Nucala:  This is a monoclonal antibody that also reduces the eosinophils in the body.
4 useful tips for managing migraines
health

4 useful tips for managing migraines

Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients
health

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy.  Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
6 human foods that cats can enjoy
Pets

6 human foods that cats can enjoy

Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
Top 9 foods for healthy lungs
Diets & Meal Plans

Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health: Beetroots When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice. Turmeric This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
3 foods to avoid for better lung health
health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.