Home maintenance is often one of the most expensive elements when accounting for home budgeting. Raw materials are expensive, and you may have to contract a professional for the job. However, if you know the basics of electrical, plumbing, and woodwork, you could carry out certain repairs yourself, helping save significant maintenance costs. Here are seven DIY home repair tips that could save you from hiring a professional to get the job done. Drain pipes A leaky kitchen or bathroom drain pipe (not concealed inside a wall) is one issue that you can most likely fix by yourself. It may require something as simple as tightening a slip-nut near the P-Trap. A leak from a hole in the drain could be resolved with a flexible coupling with hose clamps. Handing wallpaper Wallpaper is easy to install or replace too. You will need someone to help get it on the wall and match the patterns correctly. If bubbling appears, you might have to remove the paper and install a new strip. But remember that removing wallpaper might require you to order more, possibly exceeding the budget, so avoid doing the job in haste. Clogged garbage disposal Disposal units might seem tough to fix. But, all you may require is a small specialty wrench that fits into a hexagonal opening on the underside of the powered-down disposal. If that does not work, you may need to call a professional. Broken faucet A leaky center-set faucet that isn’t complex and free of various connections on the underside could be resolved with a simple DIY method. And this involves replacing the faucet by following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and taking your time! Running toilets Running toilets can lead to severe water wastage but are usually easy to fix. You will need a DIY toilet rebuild kit available online or at a local hardware store.

From researching topics to paying bills and shopping on e-commerce sites, a maximum number of people rely on the Internet to fulfill their essential daily activities. To aid this, buying home internet plans from reliable companies can help ensure speedy internet connection at affordable rates. And Black Friday allows individuals to avail of lucrative offers on the best internet deals. So, here are some Internet deals one is likely to come across this Black Friday: Internet Deals for Business Today, most industries rely extensively on the Internet to complete business operations. Thus, offices must install a fast and secure internet connection to increase their employees’ productivity. Here are some brands likely to offer business internet deals this year. Verizon Verizon offers premium business internet packages enabling quick, affordable, and reliable internet connection for companies. It entails 5G, Fios, and LTE internet options with distinct package plans and prices. The company is known for offering some of the best internet deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It will likely offer discounts on its business internet deals during Black Friday 2023. AT&T This telecommunications company offers fast-fiber internet service and has built-in backup systems to prevent long outages. With an excellent customer service system, this broadband is ideal to be installed in companies. Owing to the brand’s popularity, AT&T internet plans will likely be offered on sale this Black Friday. Aruba Instant On Aruba Instant On prides itself on the always-on Wi-Fi network that allows companies to take charge of their business operations without fearing internet outages. The router is easy to set up and is affordable and scalable for businesses. Aruba Instant On typically discounts its products and services during the annual shopping seasons; thus, it will likely offer discounts on its business internet plans this year. Comcast Business Comcast, the parent company of Xfinity, offers customized internet plans for businesses and download speeds of up to 1.25 Gbps.

Hemophilia is a rare disorder wherein the blood doesn’t clot as it should due to the lack of sufficient blood-clotting proteins. So a person affected by the condition will experience bleeds for longer spans before clotting occurs. Hemophilia can also trigger internal bleeding, especially bleeding inside the knees, elbows, and ankles that might be life-threatening. Though treatments cannot cure hemophilia, here are five tips to stay healthy when dealing with hemophilia. Eating specific foods The food we eat plays a vital role in providing the necessary nutrition to the body. It also improves one’s overall well-being. As for hemophilia, people affected by the condition must eat foods like oats, whole wheat, barley, brown rice, broccoli, spinach, and dried beans. These foods are abundant in protein, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12, copper, vitamin B6, and folic acid, which are involved in red blood cell production. Maintaining oral hygiene Brushing teeth is essential for healthy living in patients with hemophilia. Those with the blood disorder can bleed heavily from injuries sustained to their teeth or gums. Therefore, brushing helps stay away from visits to the dentist that may result in gum bleeding. Maintaining oral hygiene also helps eliminate germs from the teeth and gums. Exercising regularly Simple exercises, such as swimming, walking, and cycling, are beneficial to improving a patient’s condition. These exercises promote muscle and bone strength and help maintain healthy BMI. However, contact sports, including football and basketball, are more likely to cause injuries and trigger excessive bleeding. Securing a child from hazards Most children love to play. Therefore, proper care is required when kids go out to play. Parents must ensure their kids wear safety equipment when they go cycling. Kids must also wear a seatbelt whenever they sit in the car. As for the home, avoid sharp corners on furniture or other hazards that may cause them to sustain injuries.

Social Security disability benefits can help people with impairments become financially stable and independent. However, one has to complete a few formalities and submit specific documents while applying, which can take time and effort. While individuals can get through the process all by themselves, it is advised to contact a lawyer to get the job done. Here are a few advantages of hiring an attorney to help with the application. Understand the Blue Book better Social Security disability benefits are processed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The agency maintains a Blue Book, which mentions the criteria to qualify for the benefits. This book lists the impairments that make one eligible, the symptoms one should have, and the kind of test results and proof one must produce at the time of application. Since understanding the information written in the Blue Book can be challenging, hiring an experienced attorney for help makes sense. Avoid mistakes in the application Besides submitting proof of one’s imperilment, individuals must fill out lengthy forms, presenting information accurately. An attorney can guide applicants and help them avoid rookie mistakes and misunderstandings. This is crucial because any error in the submitted data can lead to the SSA rejecting the request. Apply to the right disability program The SSA offers two programs that pay benefits to people with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Since both programs’ eligibility criteria and payouts differ, consulting an expert can help a person determine the right option for their needs. They can also help fill out the necessary forms and gather the documents for the respective program. Get the maximum monthly payouts An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can help applicants get the maximum monthly benefit. According to the SSA Blue Book, one could get close to $3,345 each month if eligible.

Cyber Monday is on its way, and your wait for the steepest and deepest discounts will soon be over! It is the best time to shop online and offline for your favorite items. This year too, retailers will be offering the best deals on various products, including electronics, clothing, furniture, and more. Here is a look at the sales, discounts, and price drops you can expect in 2022 based on last year’s trends. Deals on clothing, accessories, and jewelry There were considerable discounts in the apparel, accessories, and clothing segment last year, and 2022 will be no different. If you are a fashion lover, get ready to enjoy massive discounts on different styles of clothes from your favorite brands during the Cyber Monday sale. Some best offers to expect include: 40% off on sweaters 80% off on branded products 50% off on orders of $150 or more and 25% off on orders of $250 or more 30% off on the best leggings 50% off on select shoes, purses, gloves, and other accessories 70% off on branded bags, shoes, and wallets 30% off on select brands online and in-store 30% off on trending fashion jewelry and free shipping when you spend $50 or more 50% off on branded athleisure and sports gear 30% off on Pandora jewelry Deals on makeup, beauty, and skincare products Beauty stores, both big and small, offer the most tempting deals on Cyber Monday. Each retailer caters to a broad audience in this segment, offering steep discounts, bundle deals, and much more. Some of the best sales and deals in this segment include: More than 50% off on FENCHILIN lighted vanity mirrors 40% off the NuFACE Mini beauty device 28% off on MZ Skin’s therapy mask with LED Light 30% off on most beauty products from premium brands 50% off on select branded beauty devices 35% off on branded makeup products 30% off on skincare products and a gift with purchases of $150 and more 25% off on products needed for an elegant and classic manicure 25% off on branded hair products 70% off on the best-selling makeup products and beauty tools Deals on décor and furniture Looking to refurbish your home this holiday season?

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.

On average, a person spends a minimum of three to four hours on their phone every day. But, when it comes to convenience, there can never be something like too much. So, if you add a few accessories to your already powerful Samsung phone, it will only simplify your life further, making it more organized and easy. Be it phone holders, selfie sticks, power banks, or data cables, here are a few amazing accessories that are a must for all. Power Banks While Samsung phones have numerous benefits and can help you multitask with ease, there are some cons you cannot escape. For example, if you use your phone more, the battery will drain faster, be it 4000mAh or 5000mAh capacities. Now, of course, if you are home, it is easy for you to put your phone on charge; but what do you do when you forget your charger at home, or you are out with your friends and your battery runs out? There may also be situations wherein you do have a charger, but there’s no charging port available. In such a scenario, a power bank comes handy. It is definitely a Samsung accessory everyone should familiarize themselves with. Pop sockets Today, many Samsung smartphones have a screen size of 6.5 inches or more, making it slightly tricky to grip. A pop socket can change that for you and let you have a firm grip on the phone. You can easily attach it to the back of your system. The good thing about pop sockets is that they are easy to expand and collapse, allowing the user to securely hold the phone while taking selfies, surfing, chatting, calling, or texting. With this Samsung accessory, screen swiping gets easier, and it is also more comfortable to hold the device in a crowded place.

As the name suggests, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect the urinary system. They can impact a part of the system or the whole of it. In most cases, a bacterium called Escherichia coli causes UTIs, leading to frequent urination, pain or burning sensation when urinating, pain in the lower back or side, and other symptoms. Most UTIs are easily treatable with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes. Causes The urinary tract is self-sufficient in preventing and fighting off infections. It kills most bacteria and prevents diseases from developing. However, the tract’s security system sometimes misses a microbe, causing an infection. The bacteria enters the system through the urethra, spreads into the bladder, and grows. UTIs are commonly seen in women and generally affect the urethra and the bladder. The urethra’s proximity to the anus makes it easier for bacteria to make its way into the urinary tract. While UTIs are most commonly caused by Escherichia coli or E. coli, they may result from other bacteria too. If left untreated, it can lead to other complications. Symptoms UTIs might not always show signs or symptoms, making diagnosis difficult during the early stages. However, the following signs may sometimes occur: Burning sensation when urinating Strong urge to urinate Strong odor in urine Cloudy appearance of urine Unsatisfactory and frequent urination Signs of blood in urine Pelvic pain In some cases, adult patients might also experience high fever, vomiting, nausea, back and side pain, and shaking and chills. These signs are common if the UTI is present in the kidney. However, if the infection is in the bladder, the symptoms include painful and frequent urination, pelvic pressure, and lower belly discomfort. Discharge and burning are present when the infection affects the urethra. Management It is crucial to see a doctor and seek treatment for UTIs.

Cyber Monday is the perfect time to grab great deals on wishlisted products. But right before it starts, many retailers and brands offer early-bird discounts a few days ahead of sale day. These discounts are on products across several popular categories, such as electronics, apparel, home essentials, jewelry, makeup, and skincare. So to get a head start on holiday shopping, keep an eye out for bargains on these products. Electronics Every year, shoppers rush to get the best bargains on the latest gadgets, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, headphones, television, and more. During the previous Cyber Monday sale, customers were able to enjoy discounts ranging from 20% off on new product launches to as much as 50% off on older models. One can expect similar deals this year too. Amazon There can be discounts as high as 70% on Amazon products such as Echo Dot, Echo Show, Ring Doorbell, Fire Stick, and Kindle E-readers. Also, electronics from other brands are expected to be available at marked-down prices. Nomad Goods One can find sitewide discounts on phone cases, charging cables, portable battery packs, wireless chargers, travel accessories, and more. Best Buy Check for huge discounts on smart TVs, laptops, and accessories from select brands. Walmart Shoppers can expect big savings on a wide range of tech products. Target A lot of deals might be available on headphones, security cameras, tablets, gaming consoles, and more. B&H Photo They offer early Holiday Head Start sales on Mac Airs, Apple homePod mini, iPads, Mac hardware, external hard drives, and accessories such as wireless keyboards and microphones. Dell A select range of laptops and desktops can be available at never-seen-before prices. Fashion Looking to revamp the wardrobe or re-stock on basics? This is the right time. Many fashion retailers and brands start to roll out huge early-bird discounts on apparel, footwear, and accessories.

Public Wi-Fi spots are free to use and available across the country. So you can easily connect and enjoy seamless browsing on the go. However, these connections are not completely secured and can easily be hacked by scammers and phishing sites. But you can ensure your browsing experience is safe and not vulnerable to online attacks in a few ways. Here are a few tips to secure your computer while accessing public Wi-Fi hotspots: Pick a secure network Don’t just click on the first Wi-Fi hotspot that shows up in the phone menu. Pick the correct network name if it’s at a coffee shop, as scammers and hackers duplicate these names. However, you should be able to spot the spelling mistakes in these decoy networks and avoid opening such links at all costs. Ask for the official Wi-Fi names at these places, and only then connect to a secure encryption network. Use a VPN A Virtual Provider Network (VPN) connection is one of the best ways to prevent hackers and scammers from publicly accessing your computer’s IP. A VPN is software that masks the real IP address of the computer connected to a public network by rerouting the connection to a private server. So, the real address is not visible as long as the VPN is active. Most premium VPNs provide access to servers across the globe. Configure device settings Laptops, smartphones, and smart tablets are all, by default, configured to locate and select the first available network on a public Wi-Fi hotspot. However, this is how scammers and hackers can quickly gain unauthorized access to your computer. Change the default discovery settings and disable these options. You should always manually choose the preferably password-protected network only after turning on the VPN software. These three simple steps ensure the connection remains private and safe.

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.

Like humans, dogs, too, tend to develop certain rashes, allergies, and skin problems. While getting veterinary help is essential, minor problems can always be resolved with an effective home remedy. So, if you look to eliminate itchiness, discomfort, and redness in dogs, here are a few effective natural remedies to try out. Oat baths When it comes to doggy allergies, an oat bath is an excellent remedy. It washes away any allergens stuck on the dog’s coat and reduces inflammation. One must never use it during a yeast infection, as it can make it worse. To make an oat bath, one has to grind sugar-free, organic oats into a fine powder and then boil it with water. Using this to bathe the dog will provide them with relief. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent. It can be used to clean a dog’s paws, ears and even fight off yeast infections. All one needs to do is take a clean spray bottle and add apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and spray it on the dog’s itchy spots for relief. Nonetheless, one must not spray it on wounds or bites. Baking soda Baking soda is an easily available and effective way to provide relief to itching caused by dog allergies. Create a simple paste using baking soda and water, and apply it to the dog’s itchy spots to alleviate itchiness and redness. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly. One can also add a little coconut oil to provide the dog with some moisturizing goodness. Aloe vera Aloe vera gel contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat several problems. It reduces redness and discomfort, treats burns and itchiness, and provides cooling. Its application is simple: