Here’s what one should know about Medigap plans

Here’s what one should know about Medigap plans

Medigap is additional insurance one can buy to cover costs that are not covered under Medicare. Also known as the Medicare Supplement Plan, Medigap helps one reduce out-of-pocket expenses, i.e., co-payments and deductibles. One can access these insurance services through private companies. However, one must already have a Medicare Part A and Part B plan to buy Medigap. To understand Medigap plans better, here are a few things to know: What is a Medigap plan? Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover all medical expenses. So, private companies can offer Medigap plans to help cover these costs. Nevertheless, Medigap plans generally do not offer long-term, vision, or dental coverage. They also do not cover the cost of hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private nursing. Medigap Plans are aimed at covering costs such as co-payments, deductibles, and coinsurance. Some specific costs that may be included in these plans are: About 20% of out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by Medicare Part B Coinsurance for Part A Hospital coverage up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up Part A hospice or respite care copayment Some plans may also cover emergency medical care while traveling abroad. How much do Medigap plans cost? As Medigap plans are offered by private companies, the prices can vary, ranging from $44–$392 per month. However, in an attempt to standardize the process, the federal government requires private companies to offer similar policies. So, there are 10 standard policies to choose from, lettered A–D, F, G, and K–N, offering different levels of coverage. Standard plans differ in three states, so one should review the benefits offered in their state before signing up for a plan. Who can get a Medigap plan? Medigap plans are available to all seniors over the age of 65 who are currently enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
Here’s how to sell a used car online and know its value

Here’s how to sell a used car online and know its value

The market for used cars, especially the well-maintained ones with low mileage, is thriving, and one can leverage this demand for good deals. Those looking to sell their cars online can find numerous dedicated automotive platforms that help them list their vehicles. However, the process may require a little more research and careful consideration, from assessing the market and pricing the car right to managing negotiations and paperwork. Here is what one should know: How to sell a used car online? 1. Prepare the car for sale The first step is to inspect the car for issues that may affect its chances of sale. One can prepare the car by getting it repainted and fixing mechanical issues. One should have all documents, including service records, smog compliance certificate, title, and warranty, in place to make the process smooth and hassle-free. 2. Create an online listing There are several second-hand car-selling platforms. Research well and opt for trustworthy websites with mostly positive user reviews. A good listing for a used car online should consist of high-quality pictures of the car from different angles and all the necessary details like its model, color, mileage, and condition. 3. Set a price The price can attract or detract potential buyers online. If the price is too high, it can deter buyers. But the price should be high enough to leave room for negotiations. Be ready to explain the pricing, whether it is because of the car’s low mileage, trim level, or additional features. 4. Practice caution during the sale While online sales are convenient, one should also be cautious while making a deal online. One should opt for a contactless and traceable online payment method or cashier’s check instead of cash. Further, when offering test drives, one should notify the insurance company and ensure they are covered for accidents, and agree to a particular route before starting.
9 ways to avoid payment processing software scams

9 ways to avoid payment processing software scams

Any illegal or false transaction by a cybercriminal is termed payment fraud. In this type of fraud, the perpetrator deprives the victim of sensitive information, personal property, or funds via the Internet. E-commerce primarily depends on electronic transactions to charge customers for services rendered and products delivered. The increased volume of online transactions also causes a spike in fraudulent activities. However, one can avoid payment processing software scams with a few tips and tricks. 1. Closely monitor the transactions Keep a tab on all the transactions and verify all the crucial details during the transaction. These include: The transaction date Amount IP address Shipping address 2. Use strong passwords Encourage individuals to keep unique passwords for their accounts. Doing so is one of the best techniques for avoiding payment processing software scams, as it lowers the probability of any trespasser gaining access to payment details. 3. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) Whenever feasible, switch to MFA to add an extra layer of security to devices and accounts and boost protection. When one uses MFA, users have to input verification like a code. It lowers the probability of theft as the code goes to the owner’s: Authenticator apps Email Mobile devices 4. Limit access to confidential data One can avoid payment processing software scams when there’s restricted access to private and confidential information, which lowers the probability of the information leaking. So the data is safe and won’t end up in the wrong hands. One must only share one’s confidential information with either trustworthy individuals or any employees whose role in one’s company requires them to have access. 5. Secure payment gateways Ensure the software or the platform has secure payment gateways. These encrypt the information and keep the funds safe. 6. Use fraud detection tools Such software can help monitor transactions for patterns or suspicious activities.
5 common car rental mistakes to avoid

5 common car rental mistakes to avoid

Car rentals are a popular option in the country, allowing users, especially tourists, to move around freely without relying on public transport or paying excessive cab fees. Renting a car also enables one to experience different types of vehicles, including luxury cars, if their budget permits. However, the car rental process can sometimes be complicated and could lead to individuals making several hiring mistakes. Making informed decisions can help steer clear of such errors. Lack of research The most common mistake when looking for car rental companies is not researching enough. One must look for reputable rental companies with a track record of positive customer experiences. Even if one comes across negative feedback, the individual should check if the company helped resolve the issue or how they responded to ensure that one is renting from a reliable company. Not checking for the allotted miles per day Not all rental cars offer unlimited mileage. Some might offer limited miles, following which a customer might be charged heavily for each additional mile drive, as per the state policy. For instance, some companies may charge 50 cents per mile, while others might charge over $1, which is a substantial fee. One should always confirm the allotted miles per day before signing up with a car rental company. Letting the rental service cover tolls A rental car company might offer to cover the cost of tolls, but this might be significantly expensive. Most companies may charge between $3 to $10 per day in administrative fees (not including tolls) or administrative fees plus toll costs. One could save on such added costs by paying tolls themselves. Buying insurance A car rental company may have an attractive insurance coverage option. But one could do without it if one already has a personal car insurance policy or a credit card that covers rental car insurance.
Top easy at-home teeth whitening tips

Top easy at-home teeth whitening tips

Oral health is essential, but despite that, most often easily neglected by individuals. While it is recommended to visit a dentist regularly, there are some tips and tricks that we can use at home to make sure our teeth are healthy, clean, and white! Here are some ways on how you can keep your teeth shiny and white through safe and tested methods. Do speak to your dentist before using these tips regularly at home. Easy at-home teeth whitening tips Whitening trays and strips You can easily find reputed whitening strips and trays which contain a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide. These strips are applied directly to the enamel to see desirable results. Activated charcoal whitener Charcoal whiteners have three very effective ingredients, namely activated charcoal, bentonite, and an oil like orange seed oil. These whiten the teeth by getting absorbed into them. Teeth whitening pastes These pastes contain ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, hydrated silica, and calcium carbonate that remove stains from the teeth and polish them. Whitening packs These whitening packs are to be applied directly onto your teeth. You can do so at night after brushing your teeth. The pack is to be used as per instructions. Teeth whitening light In this, a whitening agent is directly applied to your enamel, and a blue LED light is held above to let the enamel absorb the ingredient in a slow and effective manner. Coconut oil pulling Another popular teeth whitening tip at home is to take 1tbsp of coconut oil and swirl it around your mouth for 10-15 minutes. Spit it out after and just do a quick rinse. Smart whitening brush A mix of whitening toothpaste and gel is the trick to get bright, clean teeth. It is advised to use this combination daily till the desired results are achieved.
Top 8 deep cleaning products every home must have

Top 8 deep cleaning products every home must have

A clean and tidy home contributes to the general well-being and overall health of its occupants. While hiring professional services is an option, many individuals prefer to try deep cleaning tasks themselves. To achieve professional-level results, one must have the right tools and products. Some commonly suggested products for cleaning home spaces are listed below. These products are widely recognized for their effectiveness in managing cleaning challenges and achieving a sparkling clean home. Baking soda Baking soda is a versatile and affordable cleaning agent that most professionals suggest. Its mild abrasive properties make it ideal for scrubbing tough stains, eliminating odors, and deodorizing carpets. Glass cleaners Having glass cleaners handy can help achieve streak-free, crystal-clear windows and mirrors and instant riddance from spills on glass table tops. Specially formulated to remove smudges, fingerprints, and dirt, glass cleaners leave surfaces sparkling without any residue. Paired with lint-free cloths or microfiber towels, they bring shine and clarity to glass surfaces. Rubber gloves Rubber gloves protect hands from harsh chemicals and provide a better grip while scrubbing and handling cleaning agents. One can opt for durable, high-quality rubber gloves that offer comfort and protection during deep cleaning. Extendable duster A versatile extendable duster can be used to reach high and difficult-to-access areas in the house, especially while removing dust and cobwebs from ceilings, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and tall furniture. Its extendable feature allows for adjustable lengths to suit different cleaning requirements. Scrub brush Scrub brushes are specially designed to clean tiles and the grout lines between tiles. They are small, stiff-bristled brushes that effectively remove dirt, grime, and mildew buildup and restore the appearance of tile floors, showers, and backsplashes. Stainless steel cleaner Stainless steel surfaces require special care to maintain their shine and resist fingerprints. Investing in good quality stainless steel cleaners can help effectively remove smudges, fingerprints, and water stains while providing a protective barrier against future damage.
Top 8 employee evaluation software for your business

Top 8 employee evaluation software for your business

One of the toughest tasks for any organization is the process of evaluating its employees every year to determine their performance. This where an employee evaluation software can make the process simpler and more systematic for the Human Resources (HR) department. Here’s is a list of the best software providers for employee assessment. BambooHR It is a human resources information system that makes the role of the HR team more effective. This cloud-based software offers a great range of employee information management options, which will help to keep an eye on their performance. This is an affordable software and ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. Engagedly When it comes to employee evaluation, today’s business needs a modern approach, and that is exactly what this employee evaluation software offers. It engages employees in the process of performance evaluation, making it possible for the system to be more simplified and save a lot of time. UltiPro This Cloud-based software offers a range of amazing features that make employee evaluation more effective. UltiPro comes with features like feedback, compensation management, evaluation history, development plans for individual employees, rating scale with customization options, on-going tracking of performance, goal-setting, skill assessment, and peer appraisal. Workday This employee evaluation software helps with the growth of your business by offering more insight into the workforce. This software has some of the most effective features for employee appraisal. Some of these are compensation management, goal-setting, a development plan for individuals, and skill assessment. With Workday, you’ll be able to build the most efficient workforce. Zoho People The Zoho People employee assessment software lets you easily manage attendance, timesheet, leave requests, and much more. It enables you to accurately evaluate your employees with options like feedback, self-appraisal, self-service, rating scale with customization, peer appraisal, goal-setting, and performance tracking. The software also allows you to import employee data from biometric devices.
Avoid these 4 mistakes to prevent financial fraud

Avoid these 4 mistakes to prevent financial fraud

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.
4 budget-friendly cruise lines

4 budget-friendly cruise lines

Cruises are popular these days. They allow you to sit back and relax while exploring the oceans and visiting new destinations. But, most cruise trips turn out to be very expensive. These high costs can be attributed to high cruise fares, onboard and port spending, and even travel. But, what if we tell you that there are affordable cruise lines that do not break the bank? Read on to find out more. Carnival Cruise Line If you’re looking for a budget-friendly affordable cruise line, this one fits the bill. The Carnival Cruise Line was founded in 1971. The popular cruise line offers cruises to almost 425 locations, including the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Europe, Canada, Hawaii, Australia, and even the Panama Canal. The best part about the Carnival Cruise Line is its offerings. Living on one of their ships is like attending a huge Carnival out at sea. What sweetens this deal is the fact that the 24 ships of this cruise line are as affordable as $229 per night for one person. Carnival Cruises are more family-oriented, and they ensure that they provide the best entertainment for all age groups. Princess Cruises And much like its parent company Carnival, Princess Cruises provides the best cruise experience at minimal costs. The 14-ship cruise line has itineraries to multiple destinations, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and even Europe. Their cruise trips can range anywhere between one day to 72 days, and they also offer travelers the option to explore the end destinations. While onboard, the cruise line provides travelers with multiple onboard activities, poolside screenings, magic shows, and even a stage show of the popular “The Voice of the Ocean.” Princess Cruises are exclusively for 18 and older individuals. Norwegian Cruises If you’re looking for a fun yet relaxing cruise experience, this one is for you.
6 tips to grow social media followers

6 tips to grow social media followers

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.
Top smartphones of 2021

Top smartphones of 2021

New smartphones are released every other day, making it difficult for a buyer to make a choice. Additionally, finding the best smartphone deals online can make the finding process more tedious. Leading online stores such as Amazon and Best Buy provide several deals and discounts, even on popular mobile phones. So if you want a great smartphone with an amazing deal, you might want to check out the list below: Apple iPhone 12 If you want a great phone but don’t have a big budget, the iPhone 12 is an excellent pick for you. It has almost all the features of the Pro models, such as 5G, a great camera, and yet, it is quite a few hundred dollars cheaper. It also has a stunning battery life, a fast processor powered by the A14 Bionic chip, and sufficient storage space. Find deals on this device with AT&T and Verizon. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is one of the best phones out there. The S21 Ultra 5G matches the highest possible standards from its camera to its display and processor. Additionally, when it comes to this fantastic device, the deals are plenty. From bundles to discounts, there’s always something for users on Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung’s website. Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max If you have an expandable budget and want a stunning phone, this one’s for you. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the best camera, a super-fast processor, and 5G. This means that you can shoot videos, stream movies, and download data in high quality and at high speeds. You can find a good deal on Best Buy or Apple’s website. OnePlus 9 Pro When it comes to fast processors and high-quality cameras, the OnePlus 9 Pro is quite the competitor. It is efficient, has an ultra-wide camera and a long-lasting battery.
Human foods that are best for dog health

Human foods that are best for dog health

One loves pampering their pet dogs with the best of foods and treats. This often means that you may indulge in sharing some of your foods with them. But dogs have a different digestive system compared to humans. This means that some of the foods that you enjoy could actually be harmful to them. This article discusses foods that are safe for your dog and provide them with necessary nutrients. Carrots Carrots are known for their nutritional benefits for humans. They are loaded with vitamins and beta-carotene that help promote heart, eyes, and skin health. Carrots are also super good for dogs. Carrots help remove plaque buildup from your pet’s teeth, helping maintain good dental health. Their nutritional content can also help improve a dog’s immune health, promoting a shiny coat and skin. Chicken Dogs love chicken meals and chicken broth, and these foods are also healthy for them. Plain-boiled chicken is a great option for when your dog has an upset tummy. It is important to remember that you should give them this food with little to no seasonings. Popcorn Popcorn is a great snack for humans and dogs. They contain minerals such as magnesium and zinc that can help both you and your dog stay healthy. The only thing that you need to keep in mind when serving your dog popcorn is that the snack needs to be completely devoid of any butter, salt, or sugar. Ensure that you do not give them any uncooked kernels, as this can cause them to choke. While human foods act as great treats for your dog, you may want to consider dog food for all your pet’s nutritional needs. Some of the most popular brands of dog food include the following. Royal Canin Royal Canin is one of the most popular dog food brands across the globe.