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10 common mistakes to avoid when buying a used car
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10 common mistakes to avoid when buying a used car

Whether new or used, buying a car is a huge investment. With growing inflation, more people than ever have been opting for pre-owned cars, as it can significantly reduce ownership and insurance costs. However, these can come with their issues, such as wear and tear or negligent maintenance. Check out these ten common mistakes people make when buying a used car and easy ways to avoid them for a better experience. Skipping the test drive Many buyers do not take the car out for a test drive before they buy it. While one may do this as a vote of confidence or faith in the dealer, it could lead to potentially expensive repairs in the future. Before buying a used car, it is always a good idea to test drive a few. If possible, work out a deal for a longer test drive, say 30-40 miles, where the car can be tested in different traffic and road conditions. This will help one build a clearer understanding of what the car’s ownership and performance would look like. Leaving financing to the last minute Before heading out to buy a used car, one needs to figure out how they plan on paying for it.
10 common mistakes to avoid while purchasing an SUV
auto

10 common mistakes to avoid while purchasing an SUV

For automobile enthusiasts, there’s nothing comparable to buying an SUV that perfectly balances speed, space, comfort, and power in a vehicle. This is the main reason why SUVs have emerged big time in the automotive industry, offering different sizes and trims to suit personal preferences. However, buying an SUV is a significant investment, so avoiding mistakes becomes crucial. To help make an informed decision, here are some common mistakes to avoid while purchasing an SUV. Only going by the design There are many SUVs with unique designs currently on the market. But going only by an SUV’s design is a mistake because a spectacular SUV with limited utility features is a white elephant. Therefore, one should consider the overall features of the vehicle, including factors like its performance, cargo space, price, safety, etc., before making a choice. Buying a vehicle of the wrong size An SUV’s size determines the number of passengers and the amount of cargo it can accommodate. While only four to five passengers may fit comfortably into a compact SUV, midsize ones can accommodate up to seven passengers, and the large ones have space for even more. The best way to decide what size of SUV one requires is to consider personal requirements – the number of family members, frequency of long-distance travel, etc.
Guide to freight factoring
Business

Guide to freight factoring

Freight factoring, also known as trucking or transportation factoring, allows a financial institution or a factoring company to receive invoices from a trucking company at a discount, turning them into immediate cash. It is a way for businesses to get faster payments for their services. Trucking companies don’t have to wait for months to get payments, and they can continue to offer their services. Here’s what one needs to know about freight factoring: What it is Trucking companies would go bankrupt and have to cease their operations if all their customers did not pay them on time and provided them with outstanding invoices. However, trucking companies rely on freight factoring to keep their operations running seamlessly throughout the year. Besides trucking companies, many other businesses offset their credit risks by using freight factoring. Certain specialized organizations, known as freight factoring companies, offer to pay cash to trucking companies and other supply chain businesses in exchange for unpaid invoices received from their respective clients. With the liquid cash received, trucking companies can resume their business operations unabated. Later, when the invoices are due for payment (after 30, 60, or 90 days), the clients of the trucking companies pay the invoice amounts to the factoring company.
7 mistakes to avoid while using buy now, pay later
Shopping

7 mistakes to avoid while using buy now, pay later

Buy now, pay later is one of the latest financing trends, often considered a way of making purchases easier for customers. Here, using a third-party provider, one can make payments on those purchases later. While this may seem quite convenient, the offer comes with its own risks that can result in an unnecessary debt burden. To avoid this, it helps to be wary of the following common buy now, pay later mistakes: 1. Ignoring the fine print This is one of the most common buy now, pay later people tend to make. Here, they may be tempted to skip reviewing the jargon-heavy and complex terms and conditions. However, this can cause more harm than one expects, as the fine print contains all the important guidelines, such as late payment fees, number of installments, payment methods, and other crucial buying information. Checking the terms thoroughly can help one avoid a lot of trouble while using the buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment method. 2. Making too many purchases It is common to develop a false sense of security when accessing the buy now, pay later offer for a purchase. One can end up assuming that they will always have enough funds to pay off dues later.
7 mistakes to avoid when using a laptop
Tech

7 mistakes to avoid when using a laptop

A laptop is a big investment. Whether one has purchased it for work or personal use, the device should be used carefully. Failing to do so could lead to several issues, such as the system slowing down or the components getting damaged. If that happens, one can not only suffer financial loss but also lose essential data. To prevent that, one must avoid making certain mistakes when using one’s laptops.  Never shutting it down A common habit that many individuals have when using their laptops is never shutting them down. Thinking they are going to resume their work right from where they left it, a lot of people leave their laptops running with only the screens closed. This could harm the laptop in the long run. Just like sleeping is essential to humans, shutting down the system is essential to laptops and computers. During this shutdown and restart process, a laptop’s system takes care of various things – such as installing updates and fixing minor issues. Plus, shutting down the laptop also saves some power. A noteworthy point here is that when talking about shutting down the laptop, it is important to shut it down properly. One needs to give the command for shut down/press the icon and wait till the system turns off.
Top 9 alternative uses for trash bags
Everything Else

Top 9 alternative uses for trash bags

Trash bags are one of the most common things one will find in a person’s house. These bags help get rid of garbage like stale food and debris efficiently. But that’s not the only purpose they serve. The compact, lightweight, and cost-effective nature of trash bags lets us use them for other reasons too. These nine uses for trash bags other than getting rid of trash from the house are truly amazing. To collect items One of the most basic roles of a trash bag is to collect waste in a single place. But one could also use it to collect other items in their home, such as stored vegetables, cans, bottles, or fruits. Small items like old toys, blankets, and backup appliances could also be kept safe in a plastic bag. However, people should not forget to cover any sharp edges as this could tear the bag and cause the items to fall. Protection against the rain If it’s pouring on a day someone needs to travel, they could always use a trash bag to keep important things dry. It could be anything, like food, clothes, documentation, and electronics that are sensitive to water. A person could also seal important belongings in a trash bag if they ever need to cross a river while camping.
9 common payroll mistakes and how to avoid them
Business

9 common payroll mistakes and how to avoid them

  Managing payroll can be a complex affair that demands a lot of effort, documentation, and tracking. The ever-changing rules and guidelines have made the modern payroll management landscape more complicated than ever. As a result, errors arise that could result in delays in payments for employees, which may hurt businesses and prove costly for owners. To manage payroll processes more effectively, take a look at some common payroll mistakes and simple ways to avoid them.  Misclassifying employees and contractors  Every business must carefully categorize its employees (as employees or independent contractors) to dock the right pay. Errors while doing this result in having to look through old payment records to make adjustments to employee pay. It could lead to dissent among the team and cost the business. Moreover, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), all employees must get overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 hours per week unless they are explicitly classified as exempt. Making errors here could lead to FLSA-related fines for employers. To manage this, hire reputed payroll service providers and avoid listing freelancers as employees. Only hire contractors and freelancers through leasing companies to avoid any penalties for misclassification. Making calculation errors Making errors in payroll calculations can also cost businesses money and labor.
7 freight billing frauds to be aware of
Business

7 freight billing frauds to be aware of

Trucking businesses need a billing system to help keep track of shipment loads, amounts, and other variables. Freight bill factoring is a practice that makes up a significant part of the trucking business. It allows businesses to sell their invoices to another person for cash. However, this, and some other practices, make companies vulnerable to freight billing fraud. Scammers take advantage of lenient company verification processes and their billing activities and commit the following frauds. Layering for funds Fraudsters employ this method of cheating when they want to make it difficult for their activities to be detected. In this practice, they try to interconnect some fraudulent and authentic transactions that can help create confusion for the company they are dealing with. The layering technique is employed to divert the companies’ attention from the actual fraud and confuse them with smaller, less prominent activities. These multiple fraudulent activities are intertwined together, making it complicated for the company to trace where the activities are originating from. They might have to deal with more than a handful of false transactions. Thus, companies should have robust systems that can help them monitor and analyze every transaction. It might help them unravel the knots and find the starting point of these complications.
9 common mistakes to avoid while using trash bags at home
Home

9 common mistakes to avoid while using trash bags at home

Trash bags are essential for collecting garbage and keeping it contained. They prevent waste from stinking up a place and causing health risks due to the accumulation of bacteria. That said, for trash bags to contain waste and keep it from spilling and leaking through, they must be of the proper size and correctly line the garbage bin. Here are a few mistakes to avoid that can cause trash bags to cave in and cause seepage: 1. Using flimsy trash bags Buying flimsy garbage bags is one of the most common mistakes people make. While these might be more affordable, they can tear at the slightest pressure. If this happens, one will be left with a big mess at the bottom of the bin that they will have to clean up. Instead, one should use heavy-duty alternatives, like thick outdoor trash bags. They can hold more weight, are durable, and will not tear easily. 2. Using small bags Many individuals use small garbage bags that just about fit a trash can. While this ensures a snug fit, the trash bag may not be sufficient to handle all the waste one needs to dispose of. Furthermore, it might be difficult for one to seal the bag when it needs to be disposed of.
Top 7 tips for choosing the right laptop
Tech

Top 7 tips for choosing the right laptop

Gone are the days of bulky desktops. Today, laptops have become the front-running technology across the education and corporate worlds. And rightfully so! These devices are mighty powerful, easily portable, and capable of fulfilling most computing needs. Manufacturers have launched several ranges to meet the growing demand for quality laptops. However, choosing between them can cause a lot of confusion. Follow these seven laptop-buying tips to make this process a little easier: 1. Understand the needs The very first step to take is to recognize one’s needs. What is the main purpose of getting a laptop? Is it meant to handle heavy-duty gaming and video editing, or be a trusty companion through one’s projects and assignments? Knowing these needs can help one narrow down their options. Certain things to watch out for at this stage are as follows: Operating system Knowing what operating system is required for one’s needs is essential. This majorly depends on the software one uses and the systems it runs on. The four major OSs to choose from are Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux. Processor One also has to look for a processor suited to their needs. This component is the “brain” of the computer.

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3 ways to deal with an overactive bladder
health

3 ways to deal with an overactive bladder

People with an overactive bladder (or OAB) experience a sudden and frequent urge to urinate. About 40% of women and 30% of men in the country deal with this condition, which can be caused by weak pelvic muscles, nerve damage, and excessive caffeine consumption. Those affected may have to urinate more often than usual and can even experience leakage. Here are a few treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and ways to manage OAB: Treatment options Persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor so that they can determine the right course of treatment for OAB. Here are popular options that can be considered based on the doctor’s recommendation: Gemtesa:  It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment for adults affected by OAB. It helps relieve urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency, and even incontinence. Gemtesa is an oral treatment, usually taken with water. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, or nausea. Myrbetriq:  It can help treat bladder issues like neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder. This treatment option relaxes the detrusor, a bladder muscle, making it easier for the bladder to accommodate more urine and reduce OAB symptoms. Doctors recommend oral consumption of  Myrbetriq once a day. Adults can have it with or without food, while children must take it with food.
Top tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis
health

Top tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects one’s joints. In some cases, it can also damage several other body systems like blood vessels, the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin. It is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system starts mistakenly attacking your body’s tissues. The condition affects the joint’s lining, resulting in painful swelling, which can later cause joint deformity and bone erosion. Here are some treatment measures for rheumatoid arthritis: Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis Actemra® It is a prescription, FDA-approved biological therapy for relief from rheumatoid arthritis. Actemra ® helps lower the inflammation in the body by directly blocking the action of a protein in your body called interleukin-6 (IL-6). Your doctor may administer it as a subcutaneous or intravenous injection. The former is administered at home or at a medical facility, but the latter is given solely at a medical facility. Plaquenil It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that helps treat acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. It helps manage symptoms such as stiffness, inflammation, joint pain, and swelling. It is to be taken exactly as per the recommendation of one’s primary healthcare professional. Rinvoq® Rinvoq ® helps treat moderate to severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis in adults when tumor necrosis factor blockers were used but could not be tolerated or did not work well.
4 practical ways to deal with psoriatic arthritis
health

4 practical ways to deal with psoriatic arthritis

Arthritis commonly affects people with psoriasis, a disease that results in red patches on the skin with silvery scales. Typically, people experience psoriasis years before they get diagnosed with this arthritis. It affects thirty percent of people with psoriasis. However, in some people, joint problems start before psoriasis or during the same time. Swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the key signs of psoriatic arthritis. Here are the prevalent treatment options for psoriatic arthritis: Treatment options These prescriptions are known to work well against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis: Otezla Otezla is an oral treatment plan that can be taken with or without food, or as the healthcare professional recommends. You should not chew, split, or crush the tablet before consumption. The recommended dosage depends on your response to treatment and condition. To keep side effects at bay, the doctor may start with a low Otezla dosage and gradually increase it. Rinvoq Rinvoq  should be consumed by mouth with or without food, typically once daily or as the doctor recommends. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablet. It can release the entire dosage in one go and heighten the susceptibility to side effects. To get maximum benefit, you must use Rinvoq regularly. The dosage depends on age and response to the treatment.
How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health
health

How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bone brittle and weak. When severe, even slight pressure caused by coughing, bending over, or falling can cause a fracture. Such fractures are predominant in the spine, wrist, or hip. Osteoporosis occurs if the new bone fails to keep up with the loss of the old bone. It affects men and women, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible. Let’s discuss the correct osteoporosis treatment and management plan: Treatment plan Prolia It is a prescription treatment plan for relieving osteoporosis in women post-menopause who cannot use other options or have not responded well to prior treatment and are susceptible to fractures. Doctors will prescribe it for at least six months. Prolia helps treat both men and women. However, professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant anytime soon, or people with low blood calcium. Further, those allergic to denosumab or any other Prolia ingredient must avoid it.   Evenity Evenity helps with osteoporosis in two ways: it slows down bone loss and helps build new bone simultaneously. It is an FDA-approved treatment for osteoporosis that comes as a prefilled, single-use syringe with solution. But Evenity may have severe side effects.
3 tips for diabetes management
health

3 tips for diabetes management

High blood sugar or hyperglycemia is associated with prediabetes and diabetes. The body generates insulin to manage blood sugar levels. But when the liver produces excessive glucose, and the body makes little insulin or fails to use insulin, it leads to high blood sugar levels. The condition can leave one tired and thirsty, cause blurry vision, and result in the frequent urge to pee. Read on to know some treatment plans for diabetes management: Treatment options for diabetes management Invokana® It is an excellent treatment plan that works in tandem with the proper meal plans and exercise to lower high blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. Invokana ® also reduces the risk of death from stroke or heart attack. Plus, it helps decrease the risk of end-stage kidney disease and worsening of kidney function. GlucoTrust GlucoTrust promises to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, reduce one’s craving for sugar and unhealthy foods, and support deep sleep. It also claims to have a formula of all-natural ingredients. However, it is strongly advisable to consult your doctor before opting for supplements like GlucoTrust since it may not bring the desired results in all cases. Kerendia® It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that aids in lowering the risk of complications in people with Type 2 diabetes.

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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.