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advice

8 Ways To Prevent A Costly AC Breakdown

If air conditioner breaks during spring and the outside weather is mild, that would not really bother anyone; but truthfully, a breakdown usually occurs during the hot summer when you really need the services of the AC. If an AC breaks down, homeowners can easily go to a state of panic as temperatures rise without the intervention of the AC to cool it down.

To help you avoid experiencing a hot climate in your house, but instead, have an all year cooling Florida, we are going to look at eight ways that will help you avoid an AC breakdown so that you can experience all year cooling Florida.

Check for water leak signs

When you have a schedule of changing the air filter, scan the floor and check if there are water leaks around the system which can inevitably lead to an AC breakdown. If you find any leaks, call an AC expert to fix the problem so that you can be an all year cooling owner.

Ensure the filter is clean

Cooling systems usually break down often due to a dirty air filter that never gets cleaned. That is why it is important to keep on checking the air filter each month and replace it after one or two months to lower the probability of the AC breaking down.

Schedule an AC tune-up

If for the whole year you have not scheduled a tune-up for your AC, now is the time. At this particular moment, you need to plan on changing the filter or schedule an all year cooling duct cleaning, as well doing an overall check up on things that need to be replaced for your AC to perform optimally.

Act when you notice issues with your AC

If for some reason you notice that your AC needs to be looked at, call an HVAC professional to look at it. If you wait for a longer time for the AC unit to completely shut down, your repairs can be expensive to the point of replacing the entire AC unit.

Avoid closing your air vents

People tend to believe that it is good to close the air vents of the AC in rooms that are not being used. This is not a good idea because the air balance of your system can be compromised which can lead to issues with the operations of the cooling system which will eventually lead to a system breakdown. At all times, ensure that the air vents are all free and open from obstruction.

Trim the bushes and cut the grass close to the condenser unit

For the condenser unit that is positioned outside, proper breathing is important and the environment close to it determines if the unit breathes properly. To avoid any problems, you should ensure that the grass that is nearby is cut to give the unit some breathing space.

Avoid overworking the system

If your air conditioner works harder, it is likely to overheat and break down. To avoid this from happening, you should use good settings on your thermostat, especially if the air outside is hot. Additionally, never shut off the AC system completely, because the AC will work very hard to cool down your home when you turn it on, which can cause a system breakdown.

Replace the AC unit if it gets too old

New AC systems are efficient and stable compared to old AC’s that are fragile and can break down anytime. When an AC has served you for several years, you need to consider replacing it if it starts having issues. Be proactive enough and replace it before the summer kicks in.

 

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environmental responsibil

Kalu Yala Problems

A community meal in the village of Kalu Yala.

With any venture, there are always opportunities to make or break. Some ideas get beat by competition, and others are left behind because of the lack of support. Although most businesses with good intentions thrive, there are still other factors that could cause problems in the long run. These problems, however, are not something to be scared of, but they can be the driving force that makes a business succeed.

The birth of an idea

Such a story of adversity and rising above the occasion is Kalu Yala. For those who don’t know, Kalu Yala is a project created by James Stice, or “Jimmy”, which aims to create a community that is self-sustaining. Jimmy was a former land investor who was given the chance to travel to many parts of Central and South America.

Being the earth-conscious person that he was, he wanted to merge his expertise and passion into a big idea that nobody else thought of during his time. He wanted to build a model community that provides information and testing grounds for people to try systems in sustainable living.

Through the support of many investors, individuals, and other businesses, Jimmy was able to purchase land in the Tres Brazos Valley, Panama and start Kalu Yala. He invited students, workers, professionals, vacationers, and volunteers to see what they can do and learn from going into this remote village.

The reception of media

Due to the birth of a wonderful idea, Jimmy and his project gained much attention from the media. He was invited to many talks and conferences, was asked to participate in interviews and even some story coverages.

The idea sat well with many news outlets, but some other media sources did harm for the sake of sensationalism. Some of these sources reported that there are Kalu Yala problems and that Kalu Yala was facing a lawsuit.

These claims, however, are entirely false. There are no Kalu Yala problems of that nature to date, and there is no lawsuit being filed against Jimmy or the project itself. Just like any business, when something gains attention, it sells. This was all done at the expense of the project’s good intent. Now, Kalu Yala still remains true to its vision and continues to inspire people all over the world to take steps in a more sustainable world.

The truth behind Kalu Yala

So, if these claims are false against Kalu Yala, what is the truth behind it? What are the problems that Kalu Yala is experiencing?

These aren’t just problems that are based in the community, but also a problem that everyone should address about the world. People are so hung up on mundane issues that they forget that the world is experiencing actual problems that they should focus on. These are some problems that Kalu Yala is trying to solve:

  1. The problem of pollution

Energy resources that come from gas, oil, or coal often have residual waste products. These can be in the form of smoke, liquid, or other elements that can be harmful to the environment when not disposed of properly. Pollution remains one of the top environmental concerns all over the world, and non-renewable sources are one of the biggest factors for pollution. By discovering new ways to mainstream renewable energy resources such as solar, water and wind, people can be more educated on how to reduce pollution in the environment.

  1. The problem of local job creation

Some areas in any given country lack resources because there are no business industries that support it. Kalu Yala started the idea of supporting local industries, using local materials, and minimizing exports and unsustainable trading practices within the community. When people learn to support more local products and businesses, the economy of their respective communities will thrive. More jobs can be created, and more people will be given the opportunity to work.

  1. The problem of modernization

A lot of people may argue that modernization cannot truly exist without harming the environment. In order to make buildings, construct technological establishments, or start modernized systems, one must attempt to destroy some form of natural resource. Kalu Yala tries to break these notions by attempting to combine modernization with sustainable practices. This is the perfect state that all communities should attempt to emulate.

  1. The problem of culture preservation

Culture isn’t just about history or records for old time’s sake. In the village, they believe that it is possible to preserve local culture but still progress as a whole. There must exist a compromise between developing contemporary mindsets but preserving the identity of a place. The creation of Kalu Yala hopes to still keep the unique Panama culture without hindering progression and community development.

These Kalu Yala problems are the actual problems that people should focus on. As Kalu Yala and the whole community does their part, they invite all people from all walks of life to contribute to these causes as well.

 

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News

How Debt Consolidation Works

Debt Reduction

When we talk about debt consolidation, Nationwide Debt Reduction Services defines it as a process wherein an individual can get a new loan to pay up other small debts, or bills. When this happens, all the loans are brought together under one loan that has only one payment in a month. The term consolidation takes effect because several debts are brought together into one loan, and that is why this sort of debt is called a consolidation loan.

To be realistic, it is not easy to combine all the loans into one. Each loan has its own repayment plan and its own interest rate. Each loan has a separate contract where money is borrowed by an individual and then it is paid back after some time with some payments. To consolidate and combine these debts, you need to ask for a bigger loan and then use the money advanced by that loan to pay off the smaller loans that you wish to have consolidated. People consolidate their loans, overdraft balances, payday loans, bills and credit card balances using debt consolidation.

Where can one get debt consolidation?

Finance companies, credit unions, and banks offer debt consolidation loans. If you also have trouble paying off your debts, you can also access a debt repayment program that will help you to consolidate your debt payments to be one payment. This can be viewed as a debt consolidation plan.

Reasons as to why you can get a debt consolidation loan

There are various reasons as to why people go for debt consolidation loans. Nationwide Debt Reduction Services have identified the following reasons:

– It makes finances simple because it helps to avoid having several debt payments for tracking and making payments on time each month. Having only one source of debt is easier for people to follow through.

– People can save money because of the reduction in interest rates. This is done by paying off debt that has a high interest rate with a debt consolidation loan that has a low interest rate; if you can get an approval of a consolidation plan that has a low interest rate.

– Having a small monthly repayment can make life easier. This can be realized if you get to consolidate for longer periods of time or at a lower interest rate.

– It is easier to pay off debt much faster. This can work if you have a low interest rate loan and you stick to the same monthly debt repayment. You will pay off your debt very fast because the interest won’t be eating up your money.

How consolidated loans are offered

When a debt consolidation loan is offered to you, the company that is making the offer will either use the money to pay off the loans that need to be paid off, or they will deposit the money in your bank account where you can use it in your own accord to pay the debts.

How banks and finance companies determine interest rates

Nationwide Debt Reduction services point out that there are two factors that primarily determine the debt consolidation loans interest rates. The first one is your credit score, and the second one is the collateral you place to cover the loan. The credit score is a representation of your ability to repay a debt that your lender has offered you in the signed agreement. If you paid your debt but you were late in making the payments, you will have a low credit score because you paid late which technically indicates that you never paid as the agreement stipulated. If you have a good score, your lender will be more confident in your repayment.

Collateral is an asset that is used to pledge that in case you cannot repay the loan, your collateral can be used to repay the loan. Banks and credit unions usually go for an asset that can be converted easily to cash. In most cases, this can be a vehicle or real estate. Some of the items that are not considered as collateral include household appliances, TV’s, equipment or tools.

A high credit score can help you to get a loan without collateral from a credit union or a bank, and you will get a good interest rate on top of it. But if you have a low credit score, you won’t qualify for a loan that has a low interest, even if you present the desired collateral.

Nationwide Debt Reduction Services advise that a better collateral can make you get a bank loan with a good interest rate. If you choose to place your home as your security, you will have a very good interest rate. If you also provide a new vehicle for your security, you may get a loan, but the interest rate is not going to be as low as when you present a real estate.

 

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News

The Different Types Of Personal Injury Lawyer

Slip and Fall

Searching for legal help is a complex process. Just like with other types of professionals, lawyers specialize in different types of cases. Personal injury is a category of the law that covers many different types of cases. It is also commonly called tort law. Some relate to physical injuries like car accidents while others relate to libel. This article looks at the different types of personal injury lawyers and explains the kinds of duties the lawyer performs with respect to the case.

 

Car Accidents

 

One of the most common lawyers people seek is one to help them with a car accident. Car accidents happen for different reasons including someone not paying attention to the road, experiencing a health problem while driving. The driver responsible for the accident is typically liable for paying the financial costs associated with the accident like property damage and medical care.

 

However, there are a handful of states that are “no fault.” As the name implies, no one party is held responsible for the accident. Instead, each side files a claim with their insurance company for expenses. Car accident lawyer Tampa help clients understand their rights in a no-fault state such as Florida

Slip and Fall

 

Slip and fall lawyers are another type of lawyer that people seek for personal injury cases. In these types of cases, a person has slipped and fallen on a property. Since property owners and renters are usually responsible making sure there are no hazards on the property. While not all cases do lead to property ones being liable for such accidents, nature and the case and the city and state where it happened matter in these accidents. Slip and fall attorney Tampa assist in these types of cases according to the laws of Florida and laws of the city of Tampa.

 

Dog Bites

 

Dog bites are another type of personal injury case attorneys handle as a separate category. In these types of cases, the attorney must not only look at the dog which bit someone but also at the dog’s owner. In many cases, the dog’s owner is liable for damages and personal injury even if the dog has never bitten anyone or been aggressive in the past. Just like other types of personal injury cases, the attorney will advise based on the laws of the state where the injury occurred.

 

Libel and Slander Otherwise Known as Defamation

 

Personal injury law is not necessarily about physical injury. Lawyers who specialize in libel and slander cases work on what are also referred to as defamation cases. The injury the lawyer is working to resolve is to a person’s reputation. In order to do that, the lawyer has to prove that the statements made about their client caused injury to them. It is common for cases like this to involve proving that an untrue statement about a person resulted in a loss of money for them as a result of the statement being made.

 

Medical Malpractice

 

Lawyers specializing in medical malpractice look at injuries caused by medical professionals as a result of providing substandard medical care. These types of cases are usually very detailed and complex so having an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer in this field is an advantage for the client.

 

Assault, Battery, and Similar Cases

 

Most personal injury cases involve a measure of carelessness or negligence. However, assault and battery cases are usually not just personal injury cases. Most of the time, they also involve criminal law because a person came be charged criminally for those acts. However, a personal injury attorney specializing in this area of law can also put together a civil case and sue for damages relating to the assault, battery, or other act on the victim’s behalf.

 

Things to Note About Personal Injury Cases

 

When a lawyer takes a personal injury case, he or she may recommend filing a formal lawsuit in court as it relates to the injury or they may recommend a settlement directly with the party involved and their lawyers. A settlement usually involves some kind of payment from the responsible party. There’s also mediation or arbitration. This is a solution between a lawsuit and a settlement where all parties sit down with an impartial third party to work out a solution for both parties.

 

There are also statutes of limitations to be aware of for every type of case. The term refers to the amount of time that a person has to file a case. The amount of time varies from case to case. Lawyers explain what the time limit is.

 

Finding an attorney is a challenge. But understanding the type of case you have and what a lawyer looks at in each case is the first step. If you live in Florida and need help with a slip and fall case find a great slip and fall attorney Tampa. The same is true if you need a car accident lawyer Tampa. Do your research first and then make appointments to meet with different attorneys to find the best one for your case.

 

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advice

Ismail Sirdah Shares Finance Tips for Photographers

Ismail Sirdah

 

Ismail Sirdah

There are many challenges that can come with having your own business. Ismail Sirdah tells us how to take one stress off our plate. Finances can be a long and stressful part of being a photographer. There are a few tips that he has devised that have helped him over the years. He wants to share them with you here.

Picking an Accounting Service

Convenience can mean a big difference in the industry. Having an accounting service that is online can make matters easier and faster. There are other conveniences as well. One is easy access. You can have access to your financial information no matter where you are. Use your phone or tablet anywhere for the access you need. There also are no extra fees and no software that needs to be downloaded. Also, your information is protected with the latest technology as well.

Maintain a Schedule

Another tip that he tells us is to keep a schedule. Time is money in the photography world. You are constantly busy with one appointment or another. Time is also spent on updates and researching the newest trends in the industry. Make sure to designate some time once a day or week to work on your books. This will make matters easier down the line. You could have bookkeeping once a month, but it could take hours or days to finish. If you keep up with it daily, then it will make matters smoother, easier and faster at the months and years end.

Sending Payments and Invoices

In order to be paid and keep up with a business, you have to receive a revenue. You need to put a manual of sorts in effect when it comes to invoicing. There are many different software options on the internet to create and send invoices. Invoices can be mailed manually or sent electronically. Either way, you need to keep up with it and have a good way of doing it in place. Following a procedure will make it easier and more effective. Many accounting services that are found online offer this ability in a plan as well. You can do everything from the same place which will make things better as well. This is an important step in the business because without invoices you won’t get paid. Without money, there is no business.

Keep Up With the Money

Another important step that Ismail Sirdah points out is to keep track of everything. Make sure to have a tracking procedure in place for the invoices that are sent out. This will make it easier to sort out which invoices have been paid and which ones haven’t. Also, make sure to track your own spending as well. Little things like gas or an extra light will add up fast. Make sure to keep receipts for everything so that it is easier to track what you have spent. This will include things like meals, travel expenses, software fees and anything else to do with the business. Remember that even if you are to be reimbursed by the client you need to record it. You will need a receipt to receive the money from the client. Also, you need to record that you have spent it. Then you can record when it came back in. This way there will be no confusion on what things are when you receive the credit card bills and stuff that come in.

The World of Taxes

Taxes can be confusing and time-consuming. At the end of trying to figure them out, you could be pulling half your hair out. It is important to keep everything up to date including your taxes. Keeping track of your taxes means more than just taxes coming up at years end. Taxes will include many things. This will include personal property tax. This is the tax that has been paid on any vehicles or property that are used for the business. It will also include state sales tax. This can be seen on anything that is purchased for the business as well. This can include little things such as paper and pens to large things like a new computer.

Some states do not require state income tax, but many do. Make sure to do your homework. You need to look taxes up in the county and state where your business is located. It can be completely different from where you live if it isn’t in the same county. Also, remember that some cities have extra city taxes as well.

Owning a business means that you are responsible for many things. Reporting the companies withholding is one of those. You are also required to report it annually as well. Even if there is no income for that tax period, you are required to file taxes regardless. This means that you will put the total as zero.

Finances for your photography business can be tricky. Ismail Sirdah gives a few tips to follow. However, remember to record everything and do your taxes routinely no matter what.

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Money

8 Reasons Why SingleCare is the Only Pharmacy Discount Card You Need If You’re Serious About Saving Money on Healthcare

Singlecare
Singlecare
If you need to save money on health care expenses, SingleCare is a valuable tool for you. It is a free pharmacy discount card that also offers discounts on vision, dental, and video doctor visits.

Here are 8 reasons why SingleCare is a great resource to help you reduce your family’s overall out of pocket medical costs.

1. It’s Free

SingleCare is a free discount card. It does not have any recurring charges to the patient. Video doctor visits are $45, but every other service SingleCare provides is free to the consumer. Other pharmacy discount cards charge a lot for the same services SingleCare offers free of charge. It makes good financial sense to choose SingleCare over one of these competing programs.

2. It’s Convenient

SingleCare offers iOS and Android apps so that you can look up provider and prescription discounts anywhere at any time. The desktop site is also clear and easy to use. There are no complicated menus or excessive pages to read.

3. Major Prescription Savings

Prescription discounts are the core of SingleCare’s services. SingleCare reduces the exorbitant prices drug manufacturers charge for their products. Since SingleCare works with many different pharmacies, the savings are passed along to the customer.

For example, Tri-Luma is a topical drug used to treat melasma. Tri-Luma is not available in generic form. You can download a free triluma coupon 2018 from SingleCare and reduce your out of pocket costs for this drug.

4. Vision Care Discounts

SingleCare not only offers discounts on prescription drugs, it also provides cost savings for vision care. SingleCare can save patients up to 75% on vision care prices. For eyeglasses and contacts, the program enables the consumer to save 5% across the board.

With these discounts, patients can take better care of their eyes and catch any LINK potential serious problems that might be missed without an exam.

SingleCare also offers LASIK eye surgery discounts with a participating provider, so that you can be free of glasses or contact lenses in the future.

5. Dental Discounts

Even if you have dental insurance, not all procedures may be covered. SingleCare’s dental program provides discounts on popular procedures like tooth extraction, fillings, and simple cleanings with X-rays. Not having regular dental care is a dangerous proposition and can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and infections. SingleCare helps more patients receive necessary treatment.

To take advantage of these discounts, simply enter your location at the SingleCare web site or on the app and search for the procedure you need. You will be given a list of the top dentists in your area who can provide these discounted services.

6. Video Doctor Visits

It may seem strange that a medical doctor can treat a patient remotely, but LINK video doctor visits are becoming more and more popular in the United States. An accredited doctor chats with the patient via video and notes their symptoms. The doctor can then prescribe any necessary medications.

A video doctor visit can take the place of an expensive visit to urgent care for a minor condition. Some of the different diagnoses that the video doctor visit can cover include allergies, sinus infections, colds, coughs, and the flu.

When you are ill, it is sometimes a burden to make it into the doctor’s office for a visit. A video visit can take place in the comfort of your own home.

7. Comparison Shopping is Key

When you don’t have health insurance, it makes the most financial sense to comparison shop. Instead of visiting your usual doctor and paying whatever they charge, shop around and see where you can find the best deal on the treatment you need. You may find that a different doctor in your area charges more competitive prices for the same quality treatment.

Shopping around is also crucial for prescriptions. You can receive coupons for many different prescriptions through SingleCare. The triluma coupon 2018 is one of our many discounts.

8. Many Employer Plans Do Not Cover Vision or Dental Treatment

SingleCare helps people who are insured and uninsured alike. If you do not have employer paid vision or dental insurance, SingleCare can help with the high cost of treatment. When you belong to SingleCare, providers will give you a reduced price on your treatment as well as on the cost of frames, lenses, and contacts.

Choose SingleCare

With these eight reasons to choose SingleCare to reduce your out of pocket medical costs, you can rest assured that you are getting the best quality care for the best possible price.

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advice

5 Ways Your Law Firm Can Maximize It’s Marketing Budget

Lawyers of Distinction
Lawyers of Distinction
Any business should have some form of a marketing budget. Whether new or old, there should be strategies done to promote the business. That being said, law firms are one of those service-oriented businesses that need some form of promotion especially during the initial stages of getting clients.

Lawyers of Distinction highlights the importance of having a marketing budget in your law firm business:

  • It can speed up the growth of your law firm. If you are looking into ways to boost your revenue quick, having a marketing strategy is important.
  • It can also help in getting you and your colleagues get recognized as professionals. Marketing is a way to get your names out promoted to your target audience. It has permanent benefits and provides exponential results.
  • It can help get you the right clients. Marketing helps in providing information for clients who might be really interested in your business. Only reach the clients you think will be good for your business, and those you can help sincerely.

However, some law firms still refuse to have a marketing strategy because of the costs it can incur. In this post, we will be looking into 5 ways that law firms can maximize its budget its marketing budget.

5 Ways Your Law Firm Can Maximize It’s Marketing Budget

1. Use targeted advertising

Targeted advertising is one of the most popular ways to stretch your budget as a law firm. For companies, leveraging the power of targeted advertising means showing and paying sponsored posts only for clients who showed interest or used search terms related to their business. This is the power of artificial intelligence or machine learning, where data from a user is stored and showed only to people who see it as relevant. Some companies that offer targeted advertising are Google Adwords, Facebook Business, and Instagram Sponsored Posts. You can specify what demographics your ads will show up, what geographic location, and all other particular information you want to input.

2. Form partnerships with known brands

Partnerships are also a cost-effective way to help your law firm get recognized by a similar set of an audience from another known brand. For example, a law firm company can team up with a private hospital, where hospitals can direct clients to people who need medico-legal services. Legal companies can also team up with car dealerships for documents that need signatures from the notary public. These partnerships can help you get clients without too much effort and can also provide a steady flow of income.

3. Get testimonials from former clients

Testimonials are a powerful way to give credibility to your business. Do you have a previously satisfied client? Lawyers of Distinction suggests that you ask for a 2-3 sentence testimonial and consent to post their picture online and in their ads. If not, you can use an alias and a statement. Testimonials can help build trust and is a powerful marketing tool both for online and traditional means. If you had a previous high-profile client, a testimonial from that client is very powerful as well.

4. Do not neglect social media advertising

Social media are one of the free strategies to build your target audience. Just the simple task of posting useful content consistently can help you gain likes, views and possibly inquiries. It goes without saying that companies shouldn’t run without their own social media profiles. For law firms, it is best to use social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Setting up your own profile page, building up your social media presence, and reaching out to your target audience is a great way to maximize your law firm’s marketing budget.

5. Outsource your marketing team

Another helpful thing to remember when doing your marketing strategy is trying to outsource your marketing team. Having your own in-house team might prove to be costly as you would provide for them salaries even if tasks are not project-based. When you hire freelancers, you can set up an agreement where you only pay them per each task that is done. You can hire social media managers, article writers, graphic designers, video creators, so on and so forth. Outsourcing a marketing team is a good way to save money for your marketing and will help you do things efficiently even on a small budget. Websites such as Fiverr, Elance, and Indeed can help you find high-quality freelance workers who can do the marketing tasks for you.

It is possible for law firms to succeed in its startup stages even with a small budget for marketing. Keep in mind these strategies and you are sure to improve your marketing costs and help you reach more clients with minimum investment.

Categories
finance

Where Can I Get a Car Loan With Bad Credit?

bad credit loans

bad credit loans

A car is a necessity that most people will need in day-to-day living. It is much needed for transportation, logistics and your ability to access places for work or leisure. However, some people suffer from bad credit which prevents them from purchasing a car through a loan.

Is it possible to get a car loan with bad credit?

The answer is yes. There are a lot of companies offering several options. If you’re thinking about buying a car by loaning, read further to find out your options given a bad credit score.

6 Ways to Get a Car Loan with Bad Credit

 

1. Hard Money Loans

Hard money loans are an option offered which is connected to your real estate. In this case, your house becomes the collateral for the loan. Based on the value of the real estate you enter, this will be the amount of money provided for your loan. Take this option if you are confident that you can pay your dues on time. The possible risk of losing your real estate may be high if you aren’t sure if you can pay these loans under the designated agreement. Given that, hard money loans are relatively easy on the approval process as long as you have a property to show.

2. Bad Credit Loans

Bad credit loans are an umbrella of options if you’re someone who has a less than impressive credit score. There are several different routes that you can go by to get a loan for a car. One of these bad credit loans is given by the Federal Housing Association. There’s also an option called VA loans, which are regulated by the US Department of Veteran Affairs. Another way is through Subprime loans, which have high rates of approval, but has a quite a steep amount of interest.

3. Peer to Peer Lending

If you feel like you won’t be needing as much cash to purchase your car but still need a loan to complete your payment, you may opt to try peer-to-peer lending. In this option, you can choose to borrow money not from a company, but from a private person who is enrolled in a peer-to-peer lending program. In this scenario, interest rates may be a little higher compared to somebody with a good credit score, but it doesn’t take much required to get to borrow money through this program. Websites such as Lending Club offers this option.

4. Pawnshop Collateral

Another way to gain money for your car loan is through community pawnshops. If you have some gadgets, jewelry, or anything else of value with you, you can use these items to borrow a sum of money for your car payment. Like the non-conventional loans, the interest rates in these types of processes are usually higher, but as long as they verify that your items are authentic, they will be willing to lend you the money you need for your car. Make sure to pay on time, or like the hard money loan, you can also end up losing the materials you gave in exchange for the cash.

5. Consider Pre-approval

To increase your chances of getting a car loan, you can sign up for a pre-approval process through a bank or credit union. Going through this allows the bank to look over your expenses, total income, actual credit score and see which loans you can qualify for. By having this paperwork at hand, you can go to dealers and have a higher chance of approval. Paperwork can work wonders especially if you have an imperfect credit score. This shows to dealers that you have done your research and prepared well to secure a loan.

6. Finding a Great Dealer

Some dealerships are ultimately picky when it comes to their clients. Your goal is to avoid these kinds of dealers. You have to find a dealership that is willing to work with your despite your credit score, and trusts in your ability to deliver. To do this, you can get a list of dealerships in your area and contact them about your situation. Usually, those who are willing will still give you more information despite your status. Given that you find somebody who can agree with you, make sure to secure an income to pay your mortgage on time.

Bad credit doesn’t mean that you lose your chances of getting a car loan. In fact, there are a lot of options available both online and offline where you can secure a payment for your car. Just be sure to read all the fine prints carefully, and be wary of signing off agreements. In this way, you’ll be able to get a good deal and drive your car home.

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advice

How to Update All The Furniture In Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

If you’re a conscious homemaker or someone who has an eye for having a stylish home, it may seem like furniture have their life cycles. Shelves, couches, cabinets, and tables may appear to be pleasing to the eyes in the beginning, but over time will look drab and lose its magic.

A pleasant-looking interior will always be something coming home to. The wear and tear of furniture and decors may show through over years of use, and this may even go quicker than expected.

You may have those moments where you wish you can redesign your home by changing your furniture, but your budget seems small. According to JMD Furniture, there are some simple things you can do in order to update your home furnishings without having to spend too much.

If you are interested to learn more, read further about 5 useful tips to update the furniture in your home within a budget.

How to Update All The Furniture In Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

 

1. Changing the finish of your furniture

A simple touch up such as a change of finish can be something to update the look of your furniture at home. This can go well with wooden furnitures such as dining tables, foyer tables, or shelves. If you plan to change themes with your home, you can prefer to turn your furniture into having a different finish. For example, you can turn an old polished maple wood coffee table into a white, distressed shabby-chick table. This can be done by rubbing sandpaper over the surface of the table and applying small dabs of white paint. The only thing you spent to change the whole look of your furniture will be your time and some hardware materials.

2. Painting a different color

Another way to simply change the look of your home furnishings is through changing paint. If your kitchen looks dull with a dark brown color, you can update the look by painting your kitchen cabinets with a light green or orange paint. These colors are very lively and can help improve the overall look of your home. You don’t have to stick to a uniform color throughout your whole house. You can choose to assign a certain color theme per room, and that can be applicable to painting your furniture as well. Acrylic paint with a semigloss finish is ideal for wooden furniture, and enamel paint is good for glass and metal. Additionally, make sure to use paint primers to help the paint adhere well to your furniture.

3. Updating covers and cases

This is applicable to couches, loveseats, and chairs. If you feel like your couch looks old, a simple change of upholstery can be a budget-friendly way to change the look of your furniture. If upholstery seems too much, a simple change of buying new throw pillow or seat covers are also a cheap way to refresh the look of your furniture. Opt for covers that are stain resistant, so it won’t be too quick before you want to change them. A neutral but light colored cover such as light brown or gray is ideal for seat covers. Find textures that don’t easily absorb fluids and fumes so that your covers will remain smelling fresh.

4. Finding discounts and clearance sales in furniture stores

If you feel like your old furniture is already a lost cause, then it may be time to update them by buying new ones. As JMD Furniture suggests, always be on the lookout for discounts offered by furniture stores. You can also go to your local home depots to find clearance sales of items. Usually, clearance sales are found in the center aisles of the stores. Look for pieces worth-buying and inspect for any damages. Usually, some sales are because of minor damages on the items. Make sure that you are aware of these possible damages and you’re fine with purchasing your pieces despite that. Another thing to look into is sales done by personal owners. If you happen to spot a person who is doing a moving out the sale or a garage sale, you can also find quality pieces that are sold for a very low price.

5. Adding simple embellishments

Aside from polishing and painting your old furniture, another nice addition to update your old furniture are through embellishments. An old dresser table can be installed with vanity bulbs, which can also modernize the appearance of the furniture. You can add simple twine, rhinestones or floral stickers to your furniture to customize its look. These simple embellishments can add detail and even impress your visitors.

Updating your home furnishings need not be expensive. All it takes is a little creativity and wise spending to make your home as lovely as it once was.

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5 Options for Affording a Cosmetic Procedure

Cosmetic procedures are not health concerns, therefore many insurance companies consider them as elective. As a result, these insurance companies do not cover the cost of these beauty procedures. Some patients who want to have surgical or non-surgical procedures such as laser treatments, injectables, breast lifts, fat reduction, and all other procedures that solve physical appearance concerns must usually pay in out-of-pocket means.

These can include personal savings, credit cards, loans and payment plans given by doctors. “It is possible to undergo your desired cosmetic treatment, as long as you have planned the financial aspect beforehand,” says Dr. Usha Rajagopal, a known cosmetic surgeon based in San Francisco.

What are the options available if your medical insurance cannot cover your cosmetic treatment? If you are interested, read further to find out each option, and their possible pros and cons.

5 Options for Affording a Cosmetic Procedure

 

1. Use of Personal Loans

The use of a personal loan sponsored by your bank or a credit union is the quickest way to get money from a surgical procedure. Personal loans have a wide coverage, and as long as you present proper documentation as well as a good credit score, securing this type of loan is easy to obtain.

The advantage of the personal loan is that the interest rates are fixed. If you have a good credit standing, you can have a low-interest rate for a loan provided by your bank. Another benefit of a personal loan is that it can be discharged if ever your experience any extreme financial loss situation, through a Chapter 7 filing for bankruptcy. However, although interest rates are fixed, it is compounded over time. This can be also difficult to obtain if you have a less than impressive credit score as well.

2. Use of Home Equity Loans

The home equity loan is defined as the line of credit produced by the value of your home. This value is translated into cash, which can be used to pay your cosmetic treatment.

One advantage of home equity loans is that it is possible to have a good interest rate since the value is based on your current monthly payments. This interest rate is also tax deductible which means it will most likely be cheaper than a credit card loan. However, make sure to use the home equity loan option if you are certain that you can pay your dues over time. Losing equity in your home can mean you have to start overpaying your house, and the worst case scenario is you might even have the need to sell your house if you can’t pay for this type of loan.

3. Paying through Personal Credit Card

Credit card loans are charged with usually a high-interest rate. However, you can do research about credits cards that have 0% or low-interest rates. If this is not possible, maximize this option by picking a credit card with a rewards system or a cash back.

This is also one of the easiest ways to obtain a loan for your procedure, as long as you have a good credit standing. Make sure to pay your monthly dues, as having an outstanding loan can also hurt your credit score in the long run.

4. Use of a Medical Credit Card

This is one of the most known ways to finance a cosmetic procedure. If you already have a trusted Medical Credit Card such as CareCredit, you can opt to have it financed in this way, because some of these credit cards have no interest during their promotion time. Some of these promotion times can last from 6 months up to two years.

However, it is important to read the contract agreement before using Medical Credit Cards. Some patients encountered problems because they failed to pay within certain timelines which cancels the promotional rate of zero interest. Always look up the credit card fine print to see if you agree to their terms and conditions.

5. Professional’s Payment Plans

“Some doctors offer payment plans which can also be a good option for clients looking to finance their cosmetic procedure,” says Dr. Usha Rajagopal.

Although this is not the usual case as doctors would usually prefer not to be involved in the financial aspect of the procedure, there are some doctors who offer in-house financing. These are usually affordable with no interest rates because it does not involve middlemen. However, there is some downside to it as doctors may refuse additional treatments for you if you fail to pay your balance in the designated time.

These are some of the payment options you may want to consider if you wish to undergo any cosmetic procedure. Aside from these, you can also set a timeline of when you want to have the procedure, so you can have some amount of savings to accrue before that time. Discuss with your doctor your preferred options and seek advice on how you can finance your treatment.