A new phone can be expensive, especially the latest models. To help finance it, one can avail of several buy now, pay later (BNPL) plans. These plans make big-ticket purchases more affordable. They let individuals get what they want and pay for it later while charging zero interest and minimal fees in many instances. Read on to learn more about the five top BNPL providers and how they can help users finance their next phone. Affirm Buyers can use Affirm to finance their phone purchases. Before approving the claim, the company may perform a soft credit check and consider the individual’s payment history, debts, income, and bankruptcies. Affirm partners with several major retailers and offers pay-in-four and monthly plans to its customers. While its pay-in-four plans are interest-free, the monthly options may have an interest between 0% to 36%. Afterpay Afterpay offers plans that are similar to Affirm’s. Buyers can avail of an interest-free pay-in-four plan or opt for a monthly plan of either six or twelve months for payments larger than $400. Interest rates on the monthly plans may vary between 6.99% and 35.99%. Klarna Klarna is another famous company that has BNPL plans. It tends to be lenient with past customers who have favorable payment histories or ratings. The provider offers two interest-free payment plans: the pay-in-four (equal installments) and the pay-in-30 days. Apart from these, customers can also opt for monthly payments, which may be charged with an interest rate between 7.99% and 33.99%. Please note that the company does charge for late payments, which may damage credit scores. Sezzle With Sezzle, buyers can find pay-in-four plans and long-term financing options for phone purchases at major retailers. Sezzle allows customers to reschedule a payment for free once per purchase and also provides an option to boost credit scores with on-time payments, which can be beneficial.

Leasing a car seems lucrative because the monthly payout is lesser than when you finance your new car. Moreover, your down payment is less, and the leased vehicle is typically protected by a warranty from the manufacturer. These are just a few of the many benefits of car leasing. To make this alternative even more worthwhile, you need to consider some tips and tricks to secure the best car leasing deals that help you save some money. Here are the top 10 tips to get the best car leasing deals Try to negotiate on aspects such as down payment, mileage limit, and the post lease expiry purchase price. Leasing works similar to getting a loan. So, the higher your down payment, the lesser financing charges you would need to bear. Try to negotiate on the money factor. This is the number that most lessors use to calculate the cost of leasing, i.e., an interest that you have to bear per month. If guaranteed auto protection does not come with your lease, buy it. It is an insurance protection plan that will protect you if the car faces an accident or is stolen. To ensure that the monthly payout is as little as possible, try to opt for cars that do not depreciate at a rate higher than average. You can refer to the Consumer Reports’ owner-cost Ratings in the model pages for detailed information on depreciation. Dig into the details about the ongoing purchase price of the vehicle, just as you would if you were to finance the same car. After locking in on a price, you should start looking for leasing deals. After all, leasing too is a type of financing. Do not opt for leases that extend for a period beyond the factory warranty of the car. We recommend so because this warranty is the most lucrative aspect of car leasing.

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.

Veterans or those on active duty can avail of VA loans for any financing purposes. The federal government guarantees these loans. However, to get them, there are specific steps to be followed for successful application. These steps include everything from looking for the best VA loan lenders to maintaining a stable credit score. Here are a few easy steps to make a successful loan application for veterans. 1. Get preapproval for the VA loan With preapproval, you can determine your budget. This process involves telling your VA loan lender about your homebuying goals, employment history, and military service. Some documents required during this process include copies of your driver’s license, DD-214 or Guard/Reserve points statements, recent pay stubs, and bank statements. 2. Look for VA-approved loan lenders Always shop for a lender who is an active participant in the VA loan program. The best VA loan lenders would offer several options and deals. The deals generally differ based on discount points, interest rates, and VA closing costs. If you face any difficulty, a loan officer can help you find the right VA loan lender. 3. Get an eligibility certificate A certificate of eligibility or COE is proof that you have met all the eligibility criteria for the VA loan. You can obtain the COE directly through the government’s online portal for VA. However, VA loan lenders also offer ways of applying for a COE. 4. Get a contract or purchase agreement signed A purchase agreement or contract is essential to get ahead with the VA loan process. This contract encompasses multiple contingencies, such as assurance of home inspection, the process of handling repair requests, the number of days for the buyer to secure the finances, and so on. A loan officer and real agent can assist you in preparing a robust contract.

Shopping addiction is a compulsive behavioral condition marked by an overwhelming desire to buy things. It is also known as oniomania, which can have a considerable impact on one’s finances, ultimately causing emotional distress. There are ways one can cope with shopping addiction, from therapy to financial counseling. Still, before one can find help, one needs to understand the signs of a shopping addict and how they differ from a shopper who enjoys occasional retail therapy. Signs of shopping addiction Emotional reactions to the activity Frequently, compulsive individuals with unhealthy shopping tendencies experience nearly extreme emotions while engaging in this particular activity. For example, they may go on a shopping spree to beat the feelings of depression, anxiety, or stress, usually making more impulsive purchases. After buying the items, they experience relief or euphoria, which is soon followed by deep regret or shame. Eventually, these emotions cause problems with their relationships and finances. Inability to let go Shopping addicts are unable to treat the activity as a casual outing or stress buster. They find it difficult to roam around a mall or a shopping center for leisure and get consumed by the thoughts of shopping and money. They also find it challenging to let go of the constant urge to make purchases, which can even worsen anxiety or compulsiveness. Loss of control and lying Compulsive shoppers may find it difficult to stop thinking about what they want to buy and lose control when they find items of interest. They may lie about or hide their purchases and get things they don’t need. Inability to pay off debts Compulsive shoppers often find it hard to pay off their debts. They may open new credit cards without paying off the existing balances, thus creating a vicious cycle of growing debt, constant financial instability, and distrust among lenders.

Today, the job market is far more dynamic than it used to be. It is also competitive, with a lopsided job applicant-to-job availability ratio. Despite that, finding the right talent to fill a position is challenging. It can also be a time-consuming process. Thankfully, multiple HR recruitment agencies can take the load off the companies’ HR departments. Before hiring one, here are some key features that set a reputable HR recruitment agency apart: 1. Range of services Recruitment services have a broad range of services to offer. They cater to the diverse hiring needs of companies. Aside from permanent placements, HR recruitment services also help with temporary staffing concerns during peak periods. Their services help organizations cover their short-term staffing gaps. Recruitment agencies specialize in identifying and recruiting everyone, from interns to top-level executives. 2. Specialization Check whether the HR recruitment service agency the company plans to collaborate with specializes in their sector. Some agencies specialize in sectors or industries that help develop insights and expertise. If the hiring agency specializes in finance, they need to have insights about finance regulations, license requirements, and other essential skill sets. Similarly, an agency focused on technology can rightly assess project experience, technical proficiency, and knowledge of emerging technologies in candidates. 3. Customizable solutions The right HR recruitment agency recognizes companies’ varying requirements, needs, and objectives. This unique requirement encourages the agencies to offer customized solutions. Recruitment firms alter their approach based on whether the company needs to hire for a few select positions or find a comprehensive workforce solution. They also consider the client company’s values, culture, and goals. Recruitment agencies need to design job descriptions, develop targeted strategies, and conduct candidate assessments based on the client’s needs. 4. Strategies for a screening process Recruitment services have a host of strategies in place that are effective in attracting and identifying the right candidates.

Planning for the future is a long-term process that needs to address multiple factors. The ideal financial planning could help you and your family live stress-free after retirement and in the moment. However, as finances could involve various factors like market conditions, family situations, earning capacity, and mental framework, it is possible to make mistakes. So if you are considering safeguarding yourself and your family financially, here are six planning mistakes you should avoid. Procrastinating the plan Planning isn’t the most exciting topic, and several people even shy away from discussing it. Some common reasons that most people avoid planning are because they have just started earning, do not have much money, or believe they have a plan in their head. However, this could significantly hamper saving in the long run. Therefore, it is imperative to start planning earlier so that you are better able to estimate expenditures and savings. Mixing insurance and investment Investments help earn income, while paying insurance helps with risk management. But many consider the latter a part of their investments. You should note that while an insurance plan could help financially support you and the family during emergencies, it will not add to your wealth. Therefore, ensure that you do not mix the two, which will help improve your future plan. Trying to meet every family’s demand While it might feel good to give family members what they ask for, doing so can hurt one’s finances. Therefore, it is important to evaluate if the family member does ((or does not) require what they are asking for, such as a car, smartphone, or other items. Instead, you must prioritize financial goals to balance your savings and expenses. Making investments without a plan While you should make investments for yourself and your family every month, it is advisable to do so with a plan.

Apple’s AirPods are one of the top products for entertainment and communication among other earbuds in the market today. But their high price point may deter some people from purchasing them. However, there are several subtle ways that one could pick up a pair of AirPods from Apple for a lower price or with additional perks. While the deals below are lesser-known and may look secretive, they are available to each user who makes a purchase. AirPods Pro 2nd Generation (USB-C) The second-generation AirPods are the top true wireless earphones for Apple users for a suite of reasons. The latest product has swapped out Apple’s proprietary Lighting port for a standard USB-C port, which makes charging a lot more accessible. Apple’s H2 chip in the earbuds contains twice as many transistors as its predecessor, which allows better power efficiency. For example, a single charge could deliver up to six hours of battery life. The earbuds also offer a more stable listening experience and more effective ANC modes. Other features include its ability to pair with Apple Vision Pro to deliver Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency. Coming to the price of the newly launched product, one could purchase it on Apple’s website for about $250 or pay as low as $42 per month for 6 months with their financing offer. But what users miss is the 6-month free subscription to Apple Music available with the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro. To redeem the offer, one must ensure their iPhone or iPad is running the latest iOS or iPad OS version and pair the eligible audio device to it. Next, they must open the “Apple Music” app on their iPhone or iPad, sign in with their Apple ID, and look for the offer. If the deal does not appear immediately, the user could go to the “Listen Now” tab and tap “Get 6 months free.” One could follow these steps by entering the “Apple Music” tab on Apple’s website.

When you think of sturdy cars that will last you a lifetime, one of the brand names that comes to mind is Volvo. Volvo offers a wide range to its customer base with options ranging from sedans, SUVs, wagons, and crossovers. What’s even better is that we now have new 2021 Volvo car deals with never-before-seen offers and exciting options. We have listed some of the offers that you can avail of. For updated information, do visit Volvo’s official website. Finance offers Volvo is offering you 1.99% APR for different time limits with options starting at 24, 36, 39,42, 48 up to 60 months. This offer is available for qualified customers who meet Volvo Car Financial Services (VCFS) credit standards. The down payment may vary for different models and will also depend on your credit qualifications. This offer is available for select models and could vary from location to location. To understand more and check your eligibility, connect with a dealership near you. Cash offers On certain models and at the discretion of some dealers, Volvo is offering cashback up to $2750. Some of the cashback offers are applicable only for those looking for retail purchases and not for leasing the car. But don’t worry, Volvo does have different loyalty, affiliate, and allowance offers for those interested in leasing the car. Eligibility is a critical factor in this deal. Speak to your closest dealer and check if they are giving you this benefit. Lease offers If you aren’t sure about purchasing the car and want to lease it for some time before you decide, the 2021 plan of new Volvo car deals will benefit you. For certain models, the company has waived off security deposits. They have offers on lease and loyalty bonuses. The company does have certain conditions and criteria that have to meet.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software are programs that help businesses keep track of and ensure that their customer orders are in place and the data is easily accessible. The program helps better manage aspects like eCommerce, business intelligence, CRM, and marketing automation. Since it is so crucial for the smooth running of a business, it is necessary you choose the absolute best. Oracle NetSuite Oracle NetSuite is one of the highest-rated ERP software available in the market. The program is favored by a major population of business owners across the globe. NetSuite is designed for ease of use and promotes growth, as it provides you complete control with customization options. Oracle is suitable for everyone, right from bookstores to fashion businesses that need an ERP system. You could take a free product demo from the brand to know more about the program. However, since there is customization involved, the website does not mention a price. Microsoft Dynamics Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based accounting system that works optimally in combination with Microsoft Office 365. The program can just as easily be synchronized with other Microsoft products and is very easy to navigate. The business version of the software is equipped with better, faster, and more efficient features. Sadly, the software is only available in the US and Canada. Also, the software might not be as small business-friendly as some other ERP software on the list. SAP Business One SAP Business One is an old-school enterprise resource planning platform perfect for those who are not tech-savvy. The program that it runs on allows users to have access to complex business analytics without getting lost in the data. The documentation and reporting system of SAP is very clean and efficient. The software can very efficiently handle multiple currencies but would require extreme customization to operate on.

Bleeding disorders can be quite dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences if neglected. In some instances, such as those with hemophilia, it is vital to know about the right diagnosis and treatment options available to ensure one’s safety and prevent accidents from occurring. This article discusses some tips on keeping a check on the symptoms of a bleeding disorder. These tips help manage the condition daily and prevent complications. Tips to prevent complications from a bleeding disorder Frequent check-ups It is vital to get frequent check-ups done every year, including checking the joints, muscles, and bones. Physical therapy is necessary to prevent any joint pain, and consider visiting a dentist every six months to a year. Get X-rays of the joints to eliminate any other hidden complications. Blood tests Getting a factor level check every once in a while is advisable as it will help with blood clotting function. Ensure to check for inhibitors as well, which can be done every year. Liver tests, complete blood count, and an immune system check are essential to ensure all the vitals are good. Additionally, check for Hepatitis A, B, and C, and if you aren’t vaccinated yet, get the vaccine if the results are negative. Education and awareness Staying aware of the preventive measures and educating those around you regarding bleeding disorders is another step in ensuring mishaps are kept to a minimum. Staying informed about basic treatment options and products as prescribed by the doctors, keeping factor at home during emergencies, maintaining dental hygiene, planning your medical insurance and finances to ensure treatments can be availed, and also keeping the family informed are some of the measures to be taken. While traveling, it is important to ensure that the doctor’s note, diagnosis, and treatment procedure are charted in the documents you carry to ensure the health professional in charge knows what to do in the case of an emergency.

Being in debt can be overwhelming and stressful if one does not plan to get out of it. Proper financial planning is imperative to pay the debt right away and should be at the top of one’s priority list. This means being structured and diligent with one’s spending habits, i.e., cutting some expenses to help with debt payments. Nonetheless, here are some more mistakes to avoid while paying off debt. Neglecting interest rates It is recommended that the debt on the bill be paid off with the highest interest rate while the others can wait. One may think paying small amounts for every bill is helpful, but that will not be the case, as the interest will be added back every month. So, paying as much as possible on the highest bill is essential while matching a minimum payment amount for others. Closing credit card accounts While closing credit card accounts after bill payment may seem tempting, this may affect credit score data. So avoid rushing to close the account once it is paid off. Pay the monthly balances and avoid interest charges to maintain a good credit score rating. Not changing spending habits It is important to incorporate some healthy spending habits. Start by considering cheaper alternatives for expensive products or gadgets, make lists and stick to them, and only dine out occasionally to avoid using a credit card every night at a fancy restaurant. These small but practical tips can go a long way in helping one manage their finances better. Signing up for illegitimate debt relief programs Some debt relief scammers take advantage of customers. They will make unrealistic promises and charge excessive fees, which may get one in debt with the company. Confirm these relief programs through one’s state attorney’s office and ensure they are legitimate.