Online retail stores have made scrolling through hundreds of products easy. The purchasing process is also unbelievably quick. Some items can be delivered to one’s doorstep by the end of the day, if not sooner. However, online shopping has its downsides, like security concerns and impulse purchases, requiring one to be extra careful when they visit any website. So, here are five mistakes that one could easily avoid to have a pleasant online shopping experience. Opening unknown retail outlet links Multiple websites might claim to sell products for 50% off their retail price, including premium smartphones. If this sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t. One should shop from a well-known company that lists its address and phone number to enjoy additional peace of mind. Passing up cashback Ignoring cashback deals could mean missing out on substantial savings. One should sign up to retail websites that offer cash rebates or subscribe to a third-party app that offers similar benefits. Shoppers could accumulate these points to get substantial discounts on future purchases or to earn rewards. Overlooking return policies When one shops for something like clothes, there’s a good chance they might want to send it back for a different size. So, the individual should check the website’s retail policy and return window and understand if the process is free or chargeable. Most reputable websites have a return period with free shipping for at least one week. Failing to check the policy could lead to one buying the wrong item and losing money because they cannot return it. Failing to compare prices Many rush to purchase if a website says a particular deal is ending. However, this often results in individuals paying more. One must compare prices across multiple retail stores and take their time to find the best deal.

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.

As Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year is approaching yet again, it is best to keep your guard up. With exciting deals on appliances, gadgets, home decor, and apparel bombarded each day, you can get confused, and overwhelmed. Therefore, it is best to plan for the shopping season, so you don’t miss out on a good sale opportunity. Here are ten tricks to help you make the most of Black Friday. Set a budget If you wish to buy many items, try to save a little of your earnings every month. This will allow you to set a sufficient budget to meet your requirements. Make sure you stick to the budget. Overspending may lead to unnecessary debt. Get access to early-bird offers Several analysts have noticed that people who get access to early bird offers usually get the best deals. It is also seen that some products, once sold out, take time to arrive at the store for sale. Thus, it is always good to be prepared to hit the market at the right time. Check out products that are cheaper, closer to Christmas Do not believe the advertisements blindly; that is because not every Black Friday deal is the same, and some items are cheaper as Christmas and New Year approach. Several retailers offer bigger discounts on electronics, apparel, toys, and other items in the run-up to Christmas. Stick to trusted websites and known brands Do not shop on unknown websites just because they offer huge discounts on attractive products. You must be careful as these could be filled with hackers and scammers. You must always go to trusted websites or read the reviews on new ones that you just discovered. You should also make payments from a secured internet network that is personal and not public.

Apple has always been at the forefront of technological innovations. Their latest pursuit of cutting-edge products has resulted in the development of the Apple Vision Pro, a headset that provides an immersive experience. This mixed-reality headset has changed how one interacts with one’s digital content. Here are some of the impressive features of Apple Vision Pro and what one can expect from the upcoming sales season if one wants to try out the headset. How does Apple Vision Pro headset work? The Apple Vision Pro headset boasts an impressive display that seamlessly blends augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) and provides high-resolution visuals of one’s surroundings. The screen placed on the inside of the device displays one’s surroundings, which are captured by sensors on the outside. Upon wearing the Vision Pro headset and activating it, users will have access to their apps displayed on the screen. In terms of functionality, it comes with customizable straps that wrap around the head to block out light. The device also involves numerous elements for proper fitting, such as multiple head straps, various sizes of light seals, and specialized options for those who wear lenses. Key features to look forward to Spatial computing Spatial computing merges the digital and physical worlds to enhance how people interact with computers. Apple Vision Pro uses sensors, cameras, and powerful technology to create an immersive digital experience, making users feel like they’re at the heart of a digitally enhanced environment. This technology goes beyond traditional screen-based interactions, seamlessly blending the real and digital realms. Display and processing The device is equipped with 12 cameras, including main and downward cameras, side cameras, LiDAR scanner, illuminators, five sensors, and six microphones. This ensures a remarkable visual quality and boasts a display resolution exceeding 4K per eye. This high level of precision immerses users in a realistic augmented reality, and the device utilizes M2 and R1 processors to deliver efficient and responsive performance for complex augmented reality applications.

You can’t build the perfect house without gutter guards. They seem unimportant but play a vital role in maintaining the structural integrity of your home and keeping your gutters free from rodents. They’re installed on the roof and are tasked with allowing the right amount of rainwater into your drains. Meanwhile, other materials, like leaves, pests, and debris, are prevented from entering the gutters. This ensures proper drainage even during heavy rains. Today, many companies have gutter guards in their product line, but not all are equally good. Here’s our guide to the best gutter guards for low-maintenance homes. 1. Raptor gutter guard This gutter guard features a micro-mesh design, which helps keep out the tiniest particles from your gutters. It easily fits into any five-inch wide drain and can be installed without professional help. The guard is made from stainless steel, so it doesn’t erode quickly, either. Besides, the company behind the product has been in business for more than two decades, so that you can trust their expertise. 2. FlexxPoint gutter cover system You want your gutter guard to complement your gutter, allowing it enough time to drain itself. Very few guards can do that, and the FlexxPoint gutter cover system is one of them. It has an intelligent three-point design that prevents water from pouring into the gutter. The guard has tiny holes, which ensures that the water trickles down at an acceptable pace. This improves drainage and prevents unnecessary clogging. 3. A-M aluminum five-inch gutter guard Unlike many others, the A-M aluminum gutter guard isn’t visible to the naked eye. It camouflages against the roof, ensuring the beauty of your house remains intact. It’s designed to allow rainwater to flow steadily and not swiftly, which helps your gutter’s drainage system. Besides, the guard comes with four-foot strips that fit perfectly in five-inch drains.

Dry eye syndrome is a condition characterized by the tear glands not producing adequate fluid to keep the eyes lubricated. This condition can lead to symptoms such as scratchy eyes, eye fatigue, heavy eyelids, pain, light sensitivity, and even blurred vision. These can disrupt one’s daily schedule and be very painful, causing further distress. This article shares some home remedies that one can try to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. 5 Tips and Home Remedies to Manage Dry Eye Syndrome Use warm compresses Warm compresses basically stimulate the tear glands to promote the production of tears. This can be a regular practice and can provide great relief when done every day. Have a good night’s sleep Lack of sleep can instigate dry eyes and eye fatigue in people who would not have the condition otherwise. It is recommended to take short breaks between screen time and get some shut-eye. Use a humidifier People who reside in a region that is dominated by dry and cold weather must invest in a humidifier for it retains the moisture in the air and helps relieve the discomfort caused by the dry weather. Stay hydrated An adequate intake of water is essential for everyone, but it’s especially important for patients with dry eye syndrome. Having enough water can further help to keep the eyes lubricated, which helps in soothing the dry eye symptoms. Use eye drops or ointments Any over-the-counter eye drops available can help soothe the dry eye syndrome and provide temporary relief. You can also opt for eye drops that induce artificial tears to lubricate the eyes; however, remember to buy the ones without preservatives. Foods to Have for Dry Eye Syndrome Foods that are a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids significantly help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes when eaten over a period of time.

You may love a squeaky clean home. To get the job done, you may even have all the essential tools, including the mop, vacuum cleaner, and a broomstick. However, taking the initiative to clean the home thoroughly is no easy feat. The job is tedious and time-consuming. Sometimes, to keep the house clean, people end up making their living space dirtier. Here are five cleaning mistakes that make your home dirtier. Rubbing a stain before blotting Dropping food or beverages on the floor is a common accident in all households. For most people, the first instinct is to scrub such stains instantly. But doing so can cause the spill to spread and lodge its composition deeper into the floor material. Instead, you must blot the stain with a clean white cloth to extract the residue. You must then use an appropriate stain removal method based on the material of your floor. Disinfecting before cleaning Disinfectants are cleaning agents that can eliminate germs. However, the floor is generally masked with a layer of dust and germs. If you use a disinfectant when there is dust on the floor, it may prevent the chemical from working effectively. Therefore, you must sweep off any dust before disinfecting the floor. Using a sponge to clean surfaces If you use a sponge to clean surfaces like the dining table or the kitchen counter, it’s time to stop. A sponge used regularly to clean such surfaces might be unhygienic and infested with bacteria. If you insist on using a sponge, disinfect it regularly. Alternatively, you can use a microfiber cloth to clean these regions of your home. One cleaning cloth for multiple surfaces While using a single cloth to clean all areas of your home may seem like the easy way out, it is unhygienic. Using the same cleaning product may trigger the spread of germs and harmful bacteria from one surface to the next and may lead to diseases.

Home improvement projects are exhausting but can be extremely fun if they are thought through and well-researched. If you want to do some renovation or add a new touch to your home, we recommend starting with something small and seeing how far your DIY skills and ambition take you. Of course, the sky’s the limit but let’s start with your door for now. Here are some easy home improvement hacks that you can try. Statement doors This is the first thing anyone notices about your home, so wouldn’t it make sense to work your DIY magic here? Statement doors are a rage right now, and the beauty of it is that while it’s in style, you don’t have to follow any particular style or design. Just go with what resonates with your home decor style. Color it bright, add an expensive door knob, make it look vintage – endless choices to make a statement in your home. Lighting This is very important. Make sure you invest time, money, and energy into adding warmth and ambiance to your home with just the right lighting. The lamps are great; hanging lights are super, too – ensure you can create a comforting and homely vibe. Wouldn’t it be lovely if your guests felt right at home when they visited? Paint color and texture This doesn’t have to be too much. Unless, of course, you are looking to follow any particular theme, a well-painted home does combine everything. If you’re not a fan of any textured walls, pick a pastel, calming color that you can add to your wall. Accessorize the wall with the right paintings, wall hangings, and shelves, and you have an elegant setup. Flooring You’d be surprised at how much character this adds to your home. You can choose several options like wooden, marble, or tiles and decide what theme you would like to go for.

The need for sustainability and building sustainable habits keeps growing. As consumers, it is their responsibility to make environmentally conscious purchase decisions, such as buying products that have a low impact on the environment. Many eco-friendly alternatives are available for products that are used at home. Studies also suggest that consumers are willing to spend more on eco-friendly products if it means safety for those living at home and the environment. Here are a few eco-friendly products that one can use at home: 1. Refillable bottles Refillable bottles can store drinking water and cleaning solutions, like homemade detergents and shampoos. Refillable spray bottles are also quite popular. This is mostly because many people want to make their own cleaning solutions, as they are affordable, sustainable, and not filled with chemicals that can harm one’s health when used in excess. Refillable bottles ensure that one does not have to run to the grocery store every two weeks to buy a product packaged in a flimsy, disposable plastic bottle. Plastic bottles are disposed of after a single use and find themselves in landfills. 2. Reusable silicone bags Many people use plastic bags to store their produce in the fridge. Sometimes, they also wrap the leftover food or fresh meat to be stored away in the freezer. One can instead opt for reusable silicone bags. They are sturdy, do the job well, and are good for the environment. These bags can be stored in the freezer, microwaved to reheat food, or cleaned in a dishwasher. Furthermore, they can withstand harsh temperatures and do not lose their integrity when put in boiling water. So, they are a versatile product that can be part of your kitchen essentials. 3. Swedish dishcloth Swedish dishcloths can be used as sponges and cleaning cloths for kitchen counters. They are reusable, so one can easily wash them.

If you purchased or are planning to purchase a home, you may have wondered what a home warranty covers. A home warranty can save you money when any systems and appliances break down, preserving your home and budget. However, it doesn’t cover every element of your home. Some aspects that a home warranty doesn’t cover, like leaky roofs and cosmetic damage, are listed below. Scroll down to uncover the limitations of a home warranty plan. Walls, doors, and windows A home warranty usually doesn’t cover walls, windows, and doors as they are considered structural elements. However, based on the age of your home, these items will be covered by a homeowners insurance policy or builder’s warranty. Cosmetic damage If the damage, like scratches or dents, is caused by natural wear and tear over time, it is the homeowners’ responsibility, not that of the warranty provider. Pest damage Home warranties are not designed to cover and repair/ replace the damages caused by pest infestations like rodents or termites. Leaking roofs A home warranty doesn’t cover leaking roofs since this is a structural problem. Hot tubs and swimming pools Pools and hot tubs are some things not covered under a home warranty, but certain companies might extend their coverage at an additional price. Sprinkler and septic systems Water-related systems, such as sprinklers and septic systems, are excluded, but a manufacturer or installer can guarantee their protection. Installation of new equipment When you replace a home appliance, it may necessitate structural changes according to new building codes. However, home warranties won’t cover any modifications when installing new replacement equipment. Pre-existing problems Home warranties are unsuitable for systems and appliances with existing issues before you get the coverage. Typically when you sign the Home Warranty Service Agreement, these elements should be in good condition.

Tablet computers are mobile computers that have become increasingly popular, thanks to their power and portability. They are pre-installed with applications and have an intuitive touchscreen system to deliver an experience, otherwise not found in computers. Tablets come in various configurations and prices, so you must identify the one you would love to use. If you are considering whether buying one will be worth it, here are five ways to use a tablet computer smartly. Use it as a second screen to increase productivity Having a tablet computer increases productivity. You can use it as a second screen for your business where you can jot quick notes for handy information. Moreover, this device enables you to focus on one specific task as usually it allows one active tab to be displayed on the screen. This helps you save time switching browsers on your desktop or phone, and you can write, read or work without distractions. You can also use work apps and shortcuts to monitor your emails, calendar, and other work-related tasks. Using apps such as Splashtop Streamer, you can remotely access your desktop computer from your tablet. Control other electronic devices remotely You can transform your tablet computer into a universal remote for different electronic devices such as television or music systems, using certain applications. There is also a feature which lets you change channels from the tablet. All you need to do is aim the tablet directly at the TV like your remote. You can also activate any Bluetooth device in your homes, such as speakers, smart lamps, and security devices through your tablet making it an all-powerful hub. For this, you need to be within Bluetooth’s discoverable range. Ditch your computer’s wireless keyboard and mouse and use your tablet as a wireless controller, using apps such as Unified Remote.

Since data security has become a problem, companies must conduct a SOC 2 audit. This audit lets people know the company is working to protect their data. As a result, it increases customer loyalty, boosts the business’s reputation in the market, and provides many other benefits. However, one must prepare well and be careful during the process. Here are the three most common mistakes to avoid before starting a SOC 2 audit. Not assigning a project manager A company must assign a project manager after deciding to perform a SOC 2 audit. The individual oversees several audit-related tasks, one of the most important being data collection. During the audit, the company must collect documents and information from different departments, such as business operations, human resources, system admins, etc. This process can fall apart without a designated manager. Plus, there will be nobody to ensure effective communication between all departments, which can create confusion during the audit. Skipping a readiness assessment Skipping a readiness assessment is another big mistake companies must avoid before starting a SOC 2 audit. Before the external auditor arrives, a company must evaluate itself to check if it is ready for the audit. During this assessment, the company must evaluate the controls (security, privacy, confidentiality, etc.) the auditor will examine. By doing this, the company can identify any missing documents or gaps in the controls that could cause it to fail the audit. Not identifying the audit’s scope beforehand A company can delay the process if it adopts new systems or processes after the documentation (and before the final audit). Even if the company adds new systems within the audit period, it would lead to delays since the new systems need to be examined. Therefore, before starting, a company must identify the scope of the SOC 2 audit and tailor it accordingly.