Surface cleaners play a pivotal role in helping one maintain a clean and hygienic living environment. They help get rid of dirt, germs, and stains, leaving the home’s surfaces sparkling and safe. But, choosing the right product is not always a straightforward process. Individuals must note several factors when considering surface cleaners to ensure effectiveness and safety. Here are some of these critical aspects to help consumers make informed choices. 8 things to avoid while considering surface cleaners Harsh chemicals Avoid cleaners that contain harsh chemicals in their ingredients list, especially for everyday use. These include chemicals like bleach, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, emulsifiers like MEA, DEA, and TEA, SLS and SLES, sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate, and petroleum solvents. These chemicals can harm one’s health, irritate the skin and eyes, and emit harmful fumes. One can either go for eco-friendly alternatives in the market, like white vinegar or essential oils, or make natural cleaners at home. Unlabeled surface cleaners Choose products with clear, complete ingredient lists or labels. Avoid products that don’t disclose their ingredients, as it may be difficult to assess their safety and effectiveness. Lack of safety information Check for safety information on the label, such as whether the product is safe for use around pets or children. Avoid products that lack this important information. Environmentally toxic products Consider products that are environmentally friendly and biodegradable whenever possible. Avoid cleaners that contain pollutants or non-biodegradable ingredients that can harm ecosystems. One can also look for products that carry certifications for environmental and safety standards. This can provide assurance of a product’s quality and safety. Excessive fragrance Some surface cleaners contain strong fragrances that can trigger allergies or sensitivities. Look for products labeled as fragrance-free or with mild scents if one is sensitive to fragrances. Ignoring special needs If one has specific cleaning needs, such as allergies or asthma, one should consider cleaners designed for those conditions.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is a quick payment method that allows users to purchase products or services without paying for them in real-time. The lending BNPL-partnered company covers the cost at the time of purchase, and the user then repays the amount in installments to the company over the next few pre-determined months. While the BNPL scheme sounds like an ideal method of financing, it has its pitfalls. Making mistakes while dealing with it can quickly add up, costing more than initially anticipated, and spiral one into a financial pit. Here are some common mistakes to avoid: Not reading the terms and conditions The BNPL schemes have specific terms and conditions, and skipping the details before signing up can damage the pocket. For example, even though BNPL has no interest, one may incur late fees in case of missed or delayed payments, which can also affect one’s credit score. Therefore, it’s crucial to read the BNPL’s fine print thoroughly. Overusing BNPL schemes Using services like BNPL to make impulse purchases is always tempting since it comes with no upfront cost. This can often lead people to overextend their finances. To avoid this situation, one should utilize BNPL mindfully to make valuable and anticipated purchases like a work laptop or household appliances. It’s best to leave out impulsive buys like clothing or leisure gadgets or set a budget for them separately to manage finances better. Not knowing BNPL limitations Another issue is that people may look at the bright side and forget to adhere to the limitations of BNPL. For example, the plans do not offer purchase protection the way a credit card company might. Purchase protection is important when one makes an online payment, but the parcel doesn’t arrive. One should know how one’s BNPL company handles or retrieves the money in case of such issues.

Form W-2, or the Wage and Tax Statement, is an important document that reports the employee’s income and withheld tax to the IRS. These reports are then sent to the employees every January from employers who pay an individual at least $600 annually. The W-2 is crucial in helping one file their tax returns correctly, as it enlists contributions, insurance, benefits, and many other essential components. Read on to learn more about this form. Reading the W-2 The form has several components that one needs to fill in correctly. Here’s a simple breakdown: Box 1 – Total taxable wages, including tips, prizes, and other compensation. Box 2 – Federal income taxes the employer withholds from one’s pay. Box 3 – Total wages subject to Social Security tax. Box 4 – Total Social Security tax withheld from pay. Box 5 – Wages that are subject to Medicare tax. Box 6 – Total Medicare tax withheld from pay. Box 7 – Tips reported to the employer. Box 8 – Total amount of other tips allocated by the employer. Box 9 – This box is no longer in use. Box 10 – Amount of dependent care benefits paid by the employer. Box 11 – Total amount of money distributed during the year from the employee’s deferred compensation plan. Box 12 – Here, the employer can provide more detailed information about all the pay reported in Box 1. Box 13 – This section indicates whether the earnings are subject to Social Security, Medicare taxes, etc. Box 14 – Any other reports and details that do not fit anywhere else are added here. Box 15 – Employer’s state and tax identification numbers. Box 16 – Amount of taxable wages for state tax purposes. Box 17 – Total amount of state income taxes withheld during the year.

Concerts in large stadiums provide a truly unique experience. But finding tickets for the best rows before they sell out can be time-consuming. Tickets can be purchased in different ways, including online, at the venue, or through a middleman. Regardless of the method you choose, it is essential to confirm the tickets’ validity to prevent becoming a victim of fraud. Here are some things to avoid when buying live concert and show tickets. Visiting fake links Scammers often use phishing to obtain financial and personal information from people booking tickets online. Once they have this information, they access the victim’s bank and credit card accounts. They mainly trick buyers by sending emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate banks, credit card companies, or event organizers. These emails include a link to a different page that asks for personal data like birthdate, social security number, and bank account details. As a result, the con artist gains direct access to the victim’s account. To avoid fraud, ensure the links you visit are valid and come from reliable sources. Last-minute bookings Tickets to shows featuring popular performers sell out shortly after the dates are made public. So, booking tickets just a few days before the show or concert can be risky. To ensure you get the passes, purchase tickets as soon as you learn that your favorite artist is performing. Doing so also gives you time to look for discounts or special offers and pick the best seats inside the stadium. If necessary, set a reminder for when the tickets go on sale. Ignoring the terms and conditions Before buying live concert or show tickets, carefully read the fine print. Check for any stated age restrictions to avoid wasting money and being denied entry at the gate. Also, read the terms and conditions to understand what is permitted in the stadium or ballroom and what should be left behind to avoid confusion later.

In recent years, there has been a rise in online financial fraud incidents. Scammers and fraudsters use fake websites, emails, text messages, and phone calls to steal people’s personal data, including bank accounts and social security numbers. They employ various methods to deceive individuals into giving away their valuable private information, all with the intention of stealing their hard-earned money. To prevent financial fraud, here are some mistakes you should avoid. Don’t fall for claims that say you have won a prize One common method scammers use to obtain private information is by posing as representatives of popular brands or organizations. They may claim that you have won a lottery or that someone entered you into sweepstakes and you have won a large sum of money. But to receive this money, you will have to pay a fee. Under this pretext, they might steal your bank account information and siphon off all your savings. Do not fall for calls from scammers pretending to be from an organization you know Often fraudsters pretend to be representatives of the government. They use real names of federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration, Medicare, or the IRS. Some even make up names that sound official. Sometimes, scammers will tell you they are calling from a business you may know, such as a popular tech company or a utility company. One of the common ways of impersonating an organization is by claiming that they are contacting you on behalf of a famous charity to ask for donations. In such cases, the phone number is masked to look legitimate on your caller ID. Don’t believe someone who says you might be in trouble To avoid financial fraud, it is important not to trust someone who calls you and claims you have a problem. They might falsely assert that you owe money to the IRS or have violated the law and are in trouble with the government.

With the advent of online platforms, the modern era has become a golden period for exchanging ideas. Individuals worldwide are creating social media profiles, reaching out to the global masses, and becoming immensely popular as online influencers. However, an abundance of online content now poses a challenge for individuals to create their unique identities. So, on that note, here are a few tips to increase one’s social media followers: Optimize social media profiles Optimizing one’s social media profiles and ensuring visual appeal can considerably enhance visibility. Users can optimize their social media profiles by uploading a professional logo, picture, or video of the correct dimensions and using this picture across different social media platforms. This step ensures that individuals recognize one’s social media profile instantly, regardless of the platform. Another strategy to optimize one’s social media profile is to target specific keywords relevant to the nature of the content being posted and add these keywords to different parts of one’s profile, including the bio and landing pages. Understand when to upload posts The best time of the day to upload social media content on one’s profile depends primarily on the social media platform being leveraged and the social media behavior of one’s target audience. For example, one can utilize social media analytics to understand audience behavior and post content accordingly to increase one’s reach and gain more followers. Partner with other influencers Statistical analysis suggests that 93% of marketers have used influencer marketing in their campaigns. Today, influencer marketing is considered an essential marketing strategy. The strategy involves a collaboration between social media influencers and brands, often to garner more reach or promote one’s products and services. For example, one can invite other popular influencers, particularly those posting similar types of content, for a casual live chat session or a tutorial video.

Social media is both a boon and a curse. On one hand, the world has become a smaller place, with global outreach made possible by posting on social media. But on the other hand, it’s also a dangerously strong habit to form and even more difficult to shake off once you get hooked. You must also pay attention to what you’re posting, especially when something is viral or trending. Here are five common social media mistakes to avoid consciously. Using every app and platform Teens and older adults spend a couple of hours on average using apps like Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, among the popular favorites. But one of the biggest social media mistakes is having an account on every platform. Remember, the number of accounts you use is directly proportional to the time spent on them daily. More accounts, more time spent from posting to replying and managing your profile. It’s a time-draining process and can be detrimental to cognitive health and psychological well-being. Deactivate your accounts from apps you don’t use actively to save time and effort. Divert your energy to do something productive. Posting about personal things Some things need to be kept out of the social worldview to ensure there is no misinformation or negative impact on your posts. It is never a good idea to post about personal matters that pertain to relationships, family, and close friends. Even if there are forums and platforms commenting on topics that gain virality on social media, it’s best to avoid posting anything that can trigger a controversial debate. Think carefully before posting something, and use your discretion. Uploading the same content across platforms If you use more than a few apps for promotional purposes, ensure you post unique content on each platform. Don’t simply recycle the reel from your Instagram feed and post it for YouTube shorts as well.

A decent pair of sneakers or oxfords or even Birkenstocks can add so much more than mere functionality to your daily look. Different types of footwear are specially designed to complete your daily fashion ensemble. There are so many styles and varieties to choose from, making it a lot harder to pick. Here are some of the best shoe trends for men and women to explore as per the season, occasion, and purpose. Men’s classics Sneakers are the ultimate classic footwear. In fact, top footwear brands reintroduce these trendy kicks every year in vivid styles. Minimalist sneakers are available in the primary solids, usually featuring an all-white finish. Brands like Converse, Adidas, and Nike focus on the classic double tone silhouette, featuring two popular solid colors with their brand logo. Furthermore, you have the bright-colored maximalist or chunky sole sneakers that go well with casuals and denim. Men’s essentials Keeping up with the best shoe trends is not just limited to women’s fashion. Popular alternatives include lighter brogues and oxfords for casual occasions and darker shades for more formal outings. Suede sneakers continue to remain in style and compliment almost every type of outfit. Chunky leather boots and white trainers are reserved for hipper fashion. Let’s not forget the multipurpose loafer, best suited for wear during the summer months. Women’s trendy footwear for the summer Summer shoes are designed for comfort, and that is why the classic summer Birkenstocks are one of the popular crowd favorites. Other favorites feature lightweight slip-on loafers, old-school tennis sneakers, thick-soled slide-in sandals, and classic platform sandals. Most of these footwears feature a relatively open weave design that allows for cooling while protecting your sole from harsh elements. Women’s best shoe trends for spring The latest spring styles are all set to hit the shelves, inspired by Fashion Week and Runway.

The Mediterranean diet plan is basically based on the diet plan followed by the people of Greece and Italy in the 1960s. The diet primarily consists of food items predominantly eaten by natives from that region such as generous helpings of fruits, vegetables, pasta, and rice and a limited quantity of red meat. There are alleged reports that swear by this diet plan’s ability to help one reduce weight, prevent strokes, type 2 diabetes, premature death, and heart attacks. There is no such exact diet plan because around the Mediterranean Sea, there are many countries and the people of those countries have a diverse palate influenced by indigenous produce and their culture. In this article, you will get dishes and foods that you can include in your Mediterranean diet menu in order to make it healthier. The basics of a Mediterranean diet Here are some of the some of the basic foods that you should include in your Mediterranean diet menu: Foods you must eat regularly: Vegetables, legumes, bread, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, fruits & nuts, fish and seafood, seeds, herbs, and spices Foods to eat in moderation: Eggs, cheese, poultry, and yogurt. Foods to eat rarely: Red Meat Foods to be avoided: Sugary dishes, added sugars, refined grains, processed meat, and refined oils Food items you need to abstain from while on the diet: These are some of the unhealthy foods that you should not have in your Mediterranean diet menu: Added sugar: Candies, soda, ice cream, and other related sugary foods Refined grains: Pasta prepared with refined wheat and white bread Refined oils: Canola oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil Trans fats: Margarine and other processed foods Processed meats: Sausages and hot dogs, among others Food items that should be included in the Mediterranean diet: There is no exact definition of what a Mediterranean diet comprises since the region is made up of different countries that have varying culinary preferences.

Cyber Monday concludes one of the best shopping weekend sale events that happens once a year. Since it’s the last day of a major shopping season, brands and retail outlets hustle to move as much inventory as possible. So, some offers and deals overlooked earlier can make a discounted comeback. So, here are a few smart shopping hacks and tips shoppers can make use of to save time and money. Keep adding products to the checkout page Products practically fly off the shelves as soon as the sale event goes live. When shopping online, one of the best ways to never miss out on a deal is to load up the shopping cart first. Since the payment will only get debited at the checkout, it doesn’t hurt to put the items in the cart and secure the deal before stock runs out. Compare prices with previous year’s offers Cyber Monday sales from the year before will definitely influence the prices and availability of products this year. So, looking at past year’s sales is essential to figuring out deals that will generate the same buzz this year. For example, all popular smart gadgets and consumer electronics sold by major brands and retailers will be in demand for the upcoming sale. So, keep an eye out for digital flyers and mailers introducing early bird offers on these products. Bookmark the popular sites Once the sale goes live, there will be limited time to browse and shop for favorites before stock runs out quickly. So, keeping the most visited retail websites for Cyber Monday deals bookmarked in advance is better. This way, much time and effort will be saved by simply using the bookmarks to get in the queue as the offers go live. Keep up to date Major brands and retail websites will post updates about upcoming Cyber Monday deals on their social media pages.

As the country approaches the most-awaited shopping season, the zest to purchase one’s favorite products and services has started rising. This excitement promises to reach a full crescendo by the time Black Friday arrives. Shopping may seem like the easiest of things to do, but people commonly make inevitable shopping mistakes that make their Black Friday less fun than it could be. As everyone builds up to the festive season, here are some Black Friday mistakes to avoid. Buying outdated tech products Retailers typically offer discounts on older models of smartphones, television sets, and other gadgets and appliances. Shoppers need to identify this and refrain from purchasing products with below-par performance and poor data security due to their datedness. Additionally, buyers need to check if any electronic that is available at super-cheap prices is worth the purchase. If, say, a smartphone is getting any upgrades within 2 or 3 months, it makes sense to wait for the newer model to emerge in the market before putting down one’s hard-earned money on it. Forgetting to check the return policies Certain retailers have more stringent Black Friday return policies in place than others. Such stores tend to mark down products that are out of date or undesirable. If shoppers end up buying such products, they may be unable to return them if they are unhappy with them. Therefore, before going on a shopping spree, it is advisable for shoppers to do their research and find which retailers offer the most flexibility in terms of product returns. Additionally, one should be mindful of whether retailers change their standard return policies during Black Friday. Spending more than one’s budget Everyone must determine how much they can spend during the holiday shopping season. After determining that, one can figure out the products they really wish to purchase.

From statement pieces to subtle, everyday accessories, jewelry can elevate an outfit. Jewelry is also a great way of expressing affection to loved ones or sprucing up basic outfits. Due to the use of expensive precious metals and intricate designs, jewelry can be expensive. To save money, one should wait for the Black Friday 2023 sale likely to bring discounts on jewelry. Here are the top 10 brands and retailers worth considering: Anklets Anklets date back to prehistoric times. With evolving styles, people wear several different kinds of anklets today. Some may prefer a simple gold or silver chain, while others may want to opt for intricate designs and patterns. These jewelry pieces also hold cultural significance in many cultures. Last year, the following stores offered a significant discount on anklets around Black Friday. 1. Sellers on Etsy offered discounts as steep as 65% on personalized pieces. 2. Budget-friendly anklets could also be found on Amazon, with offers ranging from 10 to 50% off on various pieces last Black Friday. Bracelets Bracelets, too, are popular accessories, available in various forms such as bangles, chains, tennis bracelets, cuffs, charm bracelets, beaded, or pearl bracelets. Each type is known for its unique look. For those who prefer more rugged styles, bracelets may also be made of leather, metal, or rope. Most major retailers across the world create a range of bracelets to suit every need. 3. Last year, customers could avail of significant discounts (around 50%) on designer pieces offered by Kendra Scott during Black Friday. 4. Kate Spade also offered up to 50% off last year; for instance, its hinged bangle sold for $22 instead of the usual $58. Earrings Earrings are perhaps one of the most widely worn pieces of jewelry around the world. They may be of various types, such as cartilage earrings (that are worn above the earlobe), chain, helix, stud, hoop, ball, dangling, drop, magnetic, or clip-on earrings.