Veterans are distinguished individuals who have previously served in the military, naval, or air services. Consequently, they have earned a range of benefits to support them in leading civilian lives. These benefits could come in handy in the long run by helping with finances. However, not everyone may be aware of the available benefits that they are entitled to receive, thereby missing out on essential support. So, here are a few lesser-known veteran benefits: 1. Life insurance Securing life insurance is an essential step that assures financial stability for loved ones. Veterans can get life insurance from the Department of Veteran Affairs or VA. A few options include the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI), and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). 2. Mortgage assistance Veterans can avail of the VA’s Home Loan Guaranty Benefit. Although provided by private lenders, the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which allows lenders to offer veterans more favorable terms for the loan. This benefit can be reused for purchases of primary residences and even for refinancing existing home loans. 3. Free tax preparation As a veteran, one has access to certain resources that could simplify the tax preparation process and help them maximize their returns free of charge. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS initiative that offers free tax help to eligible people, which often includes veterans. 4. Educational assistance Veterans can get education assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers more than just traditional four-year degree programs. The coverage extends to vocational and technical training programs, apprenticeships, flight training, correspondence training, and entrepreneurship training to help veterans find jobs. 5. Long-term care Veterans are eligible for long-term care benefits from the VA. Those who qualify may receive perks such as adult day health care, home health care, respite care, hospice care, and nursing home care.

Due to the pandemic, there has been a surge in diabetes cases around the world. This rise has been exacerbated by low-grade inflammation caused due to viral infections, which impact insulin resistance. According to research, these viruses can replicate within pancreatic beta-cells, where insulin is produced. This further affects the synthesis and secretion process of the hormone. This sudden increase has made it more critical to recognize the five alarming signs of high blood sugar. Excessive thirst Also known as polydipsia, excessive thirst is a common sign of high blood sugar caused by dehydration resulting from frequent urination. Patients with high blood sugar levels might constantly battle the urge to drink fluids to quench their insatiable thirst. Increased hunger People with high blood sugar are also prone to increased hunger as a sign of their condition. Polyphagia causes the body’s cells to miss out on receiving sufficient energy from glucose. In order to cope with it, the body breaks down stored fat and muscle tissue, which might cause unintentional loss of body mass. Frequent urination Polyuria is also one of the common signs of high blood sugar. The kidney’s primary function is to eliminate excessive sugar in the body. The urge to empty the bladder is more frequent at night, known as nocturia. Paying attention to changes in urinary frequency can help identify potential high blood sugar levels. Blurry vision High blood sugar levels can affect the lens of the eye, causing temporary changes in vision. Individuals may experience blurred vision or difficulty focusing. This visual impairment is often temporary, and resolves once blood sugar levels are properly managed. However, prolonged high blood sugar can lead to long-term complications affecting vision. Dry mouth and skin Dehydration resulting from increased urination can cause dryness of the mouth and skin. Individuals may experience a persistent dry or sticky sensation in the mouth and notice dry, itchy, or flaky skin.

Finding the right senior living apartment can be a complex process, fraught with potential pitfalls. Whether searching for oneself or helping a loved one, it’s essential to approach this decision with thorough preparation and clear understanding. Making the wrong choice can significantly impact one’s comfort and quality of life. Here are eight common mistakes to avoid to ensure one finds a suitable senior living apartment that meets all the requirements. Overlooking important amenities Many individuals focus solely on the apartment and neglect the amenities that enhance daily living. Ensure the facility offers convenient amenities like laundry services, fitness centers, and social areas, which are crucial for a fulfilling lifestyle. Ignoring access to healthcare Healthcare needs increase as individuals age. It’s vital to choose a location with easy access to healthcare facilities. Overlooking the proximity to clinics and hospitals can lead to several challenges, especially in emergencies. Not considering future needs While an apartment might meet one’s current needs, it’s important to consider how one’s requirements might change. Facilities that offer flexible care options and amenities that cater to varying levels of mobility and health can provide comfort even as one’s situation evolves. Disregarding staff and community interaction The attitude and professionalism of the staff can greatly influence an individual’s experience in a senior living community. The community’s atmosphere and the social interaction it fosters are crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Visiting the site multiple times at different hours can help one gauge these aspects accurately. Failing to read contracts thoroughly Rushing through administrative processes can lead to misunderstandings about costs, services, and rights. Always take the time to read contracts thoroughly and understand every clause, seeking legal advice if necessary. Underestimating costs Budget mismanagement is a common pitfall. Be sure to understand all costs, including monthly fees, service charges, and potential hidden costs.

The auto insurance market is predominantly ruled by some reputed insurers. The top 10 auto insurance companies in the country take a big share of the pie by capturing around 72% of the market. When you go out to purchase auto insurance, you will have a plethora of services offered at various prices by different providers. Auto insurance providers to know about To help you choose the best, here are the top five insurance providers that you can consider. GEICO You might come across the witty commercials by GEICO, which ensure the company always has the top of the mind recall value with their customers. However, it is actually known for the support and services it provides to the customers. It has a customer satisfaction rate, which is as high as 97% and has been named the ‘most desired auto insurance provider’ by the Kanbay Research Institute. State Farm Among the largest auto insurance companies in the country, State Farm owns 17% of the total market share. It is one of the best options to consider if you want to have a local agent who can give you a more personalized experience at rates which you might not find anywhere else. The popularity of the company can be gauged from the fact that almost one in every five dollars, which is spent to pay premiums for private passenger insurance in the country, is believed to be paid to State Farm. The average premium for six months can cost you around $356. Progressive People who have had a history of accidents can feel no hassle in getting auto insurance when they go to this provider. It offers special rates to such drivers. Established in 1937, the company has grown and become one of the top leading auto insurance providers in the country.

You often require a set of good wheels before embarking on a road trip. The next best option after owning a car is renting a car. That’s because a rental car offers the flexibility and freedom to travel. But renting a car has complications, such as picking up a faulty car, missing out on the fine print, and scammers. To help you have the best rental car experience, here are five car rental tips in 2021. Read the reviews If you’re reading car rental reviews, know that some of them could be paid reviews, while only a select few are genuine reviews. After all, a person is likely to jot down a negative review when they are upset rather than a positive one when they are content. Look for reviews concerning the cleanliness and quality of the car, customer service, and absurd or hidden charges. Skip airport surcharges Airports charge a premium for the convenience of picking or dropping off your car. Sometimes the convenience might be worth paying for, but at other times it can cost you quite a bit of money. So if it isn’t much of a hassle, try and pick your car rental from an office located inside the city for cheaper rates. Pick the right dealer It’s always best to pick your car rental dealership even before you start your trip. This way, you have enough time to find out if a dealership is legit. It also helps identify good cars available at low rental rates. Also, look for offers available on select credit and debit cards that can help earn discounts. Stick to one driver If your trip isn’t long-distance, stick to one driver. A second driver will generally cost you additional driver fees. Moreover, if you and your travel buddies know how to drive, do it yourself.

These days, we use our smartphones, tablets, and laptops for everything and anything. But, these devices aren’t very useful without the power of the internet. As a result, many individuals sign up for Wi-Fi services in their homes. These services are affordable and convenient. However, there are times when our routers don’t work correctly, leading to slower internet speeds and other problems. Here are a few Wi-Fi issues and how to fix them. Constant router crashing Having a router that constantly restarts can be frustrating. You could lose your network during a work call or when watching an exciting movie. If you face this issue, consider giving the router a full reset. All you need is a paper clip to hold down the tiny reset button on the router for 30 seconds. Then configure the device again to ensure it works efficiently. Dropping connection Connection drops may occur during certain times of the day or when you use specific appliances, especially microwaves. Many microwaves that run at 2.5GHz frequency can interfere with the network connection. You could face the same issue with older microwave models without a shield. This issue can also be a result of interference from other networks. For example, the connection may drop if your neighbor has the same network with heavy usage during certain times. But you don’t need to look for a new Wi-Fi provider in your area just yet. Try changing your router’s channel or perform a factory reset to remedy this. Devices not connecting to the Wi-Fi Sometimes, your laptop or computer may not be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network. One way to resolve this issue is to reset your Wi-Fi router to the original factory settings. If this doesn’t help, try using an ethernet cable to connect your laptop or desktop directly to the router.

An oil change is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. You can either get it done at the garage for a premium or change the oil yourself with the right set of tools. Although the process seems straightforward, there is room for errors here that can affect vehicle performance. From missing key steps to using the wrong type of oil, here are a few common oil change mistakes to avoid: Overfilling or underfilling the engine You should pay attention to the oil levels and the recommended amount of oil the engine needs. If you fill it up to the brim, the fluid will leak into the gaskets and pistons, stalling the engine. If you add too little oil, excessive friction will damage the engine. You need to add just the right amount as per the user manual. Choosing the wrong type of oil The right oil type can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the driving conditions. Premium synthetic motor oil is built to survive weather changes due to its high viscosity and resistance to oxidation. Some owners may prefer high-mileage oils that improve engine performance and boost mileage. Generic or conventional motor oils, the cheapest option, are ideal for simple engine designs and regular driving conditions. Not using the right tools If you are planning a DIY oil change, you should have the key tool, like a collection pan, a set of oil filters, gaskets, and a functional tool kit with all the right accessories. Also, a hydraulic jack is required to lift up the vehicle enough to create space for crawling under and draining the oil safely. Changing oils prematurely Modern-day vehicles come with engines that are easy to maintain and highly efficient. So, your car could cover anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000 miles before it needs an oil change service.

Today, no advertising strategy is complete without a solid digital marketing plan that targets different online platforms. Digital marketing is an umbrella term with a gamut of services, from social media marketing and Google ads to SEO and content marketing. While organic digital marketing is free, placing ads or going for premium SEO tools requires one to spend. So, it’s important to set a fixed digital marketing budget and avoid these mistakes when doing so: Not setting concrete goals Just like one needs to set specific goals when calculating one’s personal budget, a digital marketing plan also needs concrete goals so that the budgeting can be done systematically. Without clear objectives, one cannot decide beforehand how much has to be spent on what service, and in the bargain, a company may either end up overspending or not spending on what is worth the money. Researching inadequately on the target group One’s target audience may be more present on certain online platforms than others, so investing in a platform that one’s audience does not use is sure to be ineffective and a waste of money. That’s why one should research the target market, its preferences, online visibility, demographics, etc., when setting up a digital marketing plan and budget. Based on this research, one can decide the best way to reach the target group. Coordinating less with the sales team Digital marketing may not always directly be sales-oriented, but the ultimate objective of any digital marketing campaign is to convert target audiences into active customers. Consequently, the sales team needs to be roped in to discuss digital marketing strategies and possible ways to make conversions. The digital marketing team should coordinate with the sales team right from the outset before setting the budget and onboarding the client. Not doing away with data clutter Yes, there is a thing such as data clutter, and it’s easy to fall prey to it when utilizing analytics to create a digital marketing plan and budget.

There is no telling when home appliances will malfunction, or systems will unexpectedly falter. This makes having a safety net for these appliances a necessity. This is where home warranty plans come into play. These plans are designed to provide financial security to homeowners. They offer a buffer against the inevitable wear and tear on property. The average coverage cost of the home warranty plans can amount to $250 to $600 annually. What is a home warranty? A home warranty is a contract of residential services that covers the cost of maintaining appliances and household items for a specific period of time. It is important to note that a home warranty plan or home appliance warranty plan is different from a homeowner’s insurance or structural warranty plan. It is often advised to buy a home warranty plan when purchasing an old property, especially when there is little information available about the appliances. How does it work? As the name suggests, a home appliance warranty covers damaged appliances and system repairs. The warranty company works with a network of home service providers. Once a claim has been received, the warranty company sends one of the providers to assess the damage. This partner provides a report to the company. What is covered? The report received by the warrantor helps determine the potential cause of the damage and the extent to which it has affected the appliance. The company will then confirm whether or not its contract provides coverage for the kind of damage suffered by the system or appliance. If the claim is approved, the warrantor sends back its partner professional for the repair and replacement. Most home warranties provide coverage for stoves, water heaters, and refrigerators. They may also cover systems like electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Before signing up, one should check the plan to see if it also covers garage door openers.

Buying a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are a lot of risks that come with owning a home like the risk of theft and property damage. Investing in the right kind of home insurance policy is important so as to be financially prepared for these risks. There are several different companies in the market that offer home insurance policies with different kinds of terms and coverages. Remember the following points before choosing a home insurance policy. Explore your options As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of home insurance policies available to homeowners at this time. When selecting one, it is important to consider factors like what potential risks are being covered in the policy. It is also important to consider the company’s record in your area, whether they are reliable as insurance providers, and their response time. Ask about discounts Home insurance policy in 2021 offers additional services and discounts. They may offer discounts on additional safety installment services such as installing an alarm system, smoke alarm, or better locks. There may also be certain offers for old and retired personnel as well as some discounts for policies when taken via your employer’s or organization’s reference. Moreover, if you already have some policies with an insurance company and have been their customer for years, you may also be eligible for some loyalty discounts. Types of homeowners coverage Homeowners insurance can offer coverage in different forms. Some policies or companies offer actual cash value for the damages to the home or its belongings. Some companies deduct a certain amount from this actual cash value based on the current value of an item or belonging. Other companies also offer guaranteed (or extended) replacement cost/value, that is, payment of the full amount required to repair or rebuild your home.

If you’re planning on visiting your grandmother in Orlando or have simply decided to take a trip to Vegas, you will be needing a rental car. However, there are a million different options out there making it difficult to trust a service. Fortunately, some websites help you find a trustworthy rental company, compare rates, and book directly. Let’s take a look at where to find affordable and reliable rental cars. Rentalcars.com If you’re looking for cheap and trustworthy rental cars, this is the site to visit. After filling in details like pick up and drop location and time, you will be presented with a list of rental car services across different platforms. From car rental compare rates to a wide selection ranging from basic cars to fancy ones, rentalcars.com will help you find the best ride. CarRentals.com CarRentals.com helps you select from different cars such as sedans, convertible, and even sports cars. You can easily compare rates, filter your options, and book the perfect car for you in three easy steps. You can also add rental protection for around $10/day at the checkout. Unfortunately, drivers under the age of 25 and over 70 may have to pay a surcharge. KAYAK You can rent everything from hatchbacks and SUVs to luxury models and pick-up trucks at KAYAK. Their site will help you compare rates and find the best deal out of the lot. To help make the searches more personal, you can also filter your searches by cost, brands, and capacity. The best part about this provider is that cancellation fee is $0. Turo Turo offers everything from everyday cars like a Fiat 500 or Ford Fusion to high-end cars like a Tesla Model S or Porsche 911. They start from around $30/day and go up to around $650/day. Search filter options include the number of seats, cost, and vehicle type.

Although the world is shifting to digital transactions, people continue to use checks as a mode of payment. Moreover, many people prefer to secure or guarantee future payments with post-dated checks. However, since checks are not readily available, one needs to know how to order them. This knowledge is especially important for those ordering for the first time. So here are a few ways in which one can order checks to meet their financial needs. Banks If one has a bank account, one can easily order checks. Moreover, if one has previously ordered checks from their bank, they can reorder by visiting the bank’s website. However, those who are ordering checks from their bank for the first time would need to connect with a customer service representative or visit the bank in person for details. To ensure security, one will have to verify their identity by presenting a valid government-issued photo ID. Similarly, one can also order checks from a credit union. Some banks and credit unions like Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, Navy Federal Credit Union, and Ally Bank offer the first few checks for free. Online printers If one wishes to order checks with customized designs, one can easily do so through online check printers. To begin the process, one would need to choose one of the many available options for an online check printer. When one visits the online printer’s website, one will find relevant information on how to order the checks. One can choose from different font styles and designs to create a unique look for the checks. Once the design choices have been made, one will have to provide personal information like name and address. Finally, one will also have to specify the number of checks required for use. Retail stores Popular retail stores also offer check printing services.