In today’s fast-paced business landscape, small enterprises must streamline their operations to stay competitive. Investing in a good point of sale (POS) system is one way to do that. These systems help enhance sales and inventory management and provide data-driven insights, contributing to overall business success. Here, we will list the benefits of POS systems for small businesses and a few best options. But first, let’s understand what exactly a POS system is. What’s a POS system? A POS system is a crucial tool for optimizing operations and managing different aspects of a business. It includes hardware devices like barcode scanners, card readers, cash registers, and receipt printers. It also includes software solutions for price calculation, payment processing, inventory tracking, and other functionalities. Benefits of POS systems for small businesses Here are some significant benefits of POS systems: Quick and accurate transaction processing Reduction in the time spent on manual tasks like updating prices Automated inventory tracking, which avoids over- or understocking Improved customer experience with a smooth checkout process, acceptance of various payment methods, and generation of quick digital receipts Enhanced security due to built-in encryptions, data protection, and user access controls Best POS systems for small businesses Small enterprises looking for a POS system can consider these options: Square Point of Sale Square is popular due to its user-friendly interface and affordability. It offers a range of features, including inventory management, sales analytics, and customizable receipts. It also has additional tools like the fully-integrated Square Register for larger retail establishments and Square for Restaurants tailored to the food service industry. Shopify POS Shopify is well-known for its e-commerce platform, but it also offers a robust POS system for a flat rate. Ideal for retail businesses, Shopify POS seamlessly integrates online and offline sales channels. It provides inventory management and multichannel selling and supports various payment methods.

Coupons are an excellent way to save money. They can help you save big on just about everything from food to appliances, clothing, and more, at various stores and restaurants around the country. If you’re thinking you can’t use them post-expiry, we have news for you! There are many tips and tricks to ensure you can make the most of your coupons even after their expiration. Don’t cut off or hide the expiration date Don’t hide the expiration date by crossing it or cutting it out, because stores are less likely to accept a coupon without an expiration date. Check if the coupon has a grace period Several manufacturers have a grace period of a few days on their coupons. Check the fine print or research the coupon online before throwing it out just because it has reached its expiration date. Check if the store has a grace period Many stores are relaxed about coupon expiration dates, and may be willing to accept it even a few days after. Stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, Michael’s, Staples, and Petsmart are well-known for this option. However, they are more likely to accept their own coupons over those from a manufacturer. Call the store in advance to find out whether they would be willing to accept any kind of expired coupons. Other stores and restaurants that also accept expired coupons for a few days include Arby’s, Bath and Body Works, Burger King, Buy Buy Baby, Culvers, CVS Pharmacy, Harris Teeters, and PetCo. Ask for a coupon exchange If the store is strict about using expired coupons, ask the cashier if they have any exchanges available. Deals are generally recycled throughout the week, and cashiers at some stores may be able to help you out with a valid coupon. Donate your coupons to overseas military families If you’ve tried all means at your disposal but are unable to get your coupons to work, you can consider donating them to military families.

While the Internet is great for completing translations in record time, watching entertaining content on the go, and doing work online, it is also an easy space for scammers to dupe innocent people. The Internet is fraught with scammers and fraudsters who manipulate individuals to steal their identities and money. The article talks about a few money-making scams that one should know about and how to identify them in case one receives messages from scammers. Here are four such scams to watch out for: 1. Pyramid schemes The idea of a pyramid scheme is for one to participate in a program where an individual is promised unrealistic returns on investments that don’t exist. The initial investors make quite a bit of money and end up recruiting new people and selling investment products to others. The plan primarily relies on money from recruitment fees and not the number of products or services sold. Most pyramid schemes present themselves as multi-level marketing operations; however, legitimate multi-level marketing operations gain profits from selling goods and services to customers, which is not the case with pyramid schemes. 2. Job opportunity scams This is a major scam where an unsuspecting individual receives an unverified email offering a job, which is usually not in their area of expertise. Those who accept are paid through a money order or check for an amount greater than the scammer first offered. The fraudulent employer then asks to send back the difference. When one does this, they realize later that the check or money order was fake, and the money sent from their account to the scammer is no longer retrievable. One should avoid opening emails where the job offer is too good to be true and verify it directly with the respective company or authorities before accepting an offer.

House sitting allows individuals to live in different locales while helping homeowners secure their properties during absences. However, as enticing as this arrangement can be, it also comes with its share of responsibilities and potential pitfalls. For that reason, the house sitter needs to know a few tips to help them avoid common house-sitting disasters. This ensures that both the sitter and the homeowner are comfortable with the arrangement. 1. Vetting the property before committing to the job Before committing to a house-sitting assignment, thoroughly research the opportunity. This includes reading reviews of the homeowner, if available, and having a detailed discussion about expectations. Ask for references or previous housesitters’ contacts to better understand their experience and what the job entails. 2. Deciding the terms and conditions and clarifying doubts Clarify all responsibilities and expectations in writing before the house-sitting begins. This agreement should include pet care, plant watering, and routine maintenance. Having everything documented can prevent misunderstandings and ensure both parties are on the same page. 3. Preparing for emergencies The house sitter must ensure they have all necessary emergency contact information, including the phone numbers of the homeowner, local emergency services, a trusted neighbor, and vets if pets are involved. Knowing whom to contact and how to handle unexpected situations can drastically reduce the potential for disasters. 4. Getting familiar with the home and neighborhood Upon arrival, the sitter should ask the homeowner to tour the house and point out any oddities or necessary maintenance tasks. They should familiarize themselves with the local area, including the nearest hospital, supermarket, and other essential services. This preparation can help them feel more comfortable and respond effectively to any issues. 5. Securing a communication plan Maintain regular communication with the homeowner to update them on how things are going and to verify any uncertainties.

Looking for a bargain? Cyber Monday is just around the corner, and major brands and retail outlets are gearing up to offer some incredible deals. It is a great way to save money, but it can also be a bit tricky. With so many good deals to choose from, it’s easy to get carried away and make some costly shopping mistakes. Here are a few common mistakes shoppers make and some tips on how to avoid them. Opening suspicious links As we approach Cyber Monday, it’s important to be cautious when browsing online sales. Cybercriminals often take advantage of the hype surrounding these events to introduce suspicious and phishing links in newsletters and on websites. These links may appear to be too good to pass up, and one will be tempted to sneak a peek into the early bird deals. However, this trap will grant unauthorized access to one’s sensitive information, including passwords and financial details. The bottom line is never to click on links that keep redirecting to pages other than the mentioned offer. And even if one unknowingly clicks on a link, it is important to ensure one does not enter any sensitive information that can be scanned off the keystrokes. Shopping with unverified vendors Barring a few top retail websites that handle the logistics of the order, many vendors are actually not verified. They only provide handling, shipping, and delivery logistics for a few days during the shopping weekend. We are specifically referring to fake websites that pose as an intermediary to collect information provided while placing an order. One simple way to verify the authenticity of the vendor is by checking the URL. Websites like TrustPilot allow one to copy and paste such URLs to check if the link is legit and created per the protocols for publishing a website online.

As the country approaches the most-awaited shopping season, the zest to purchase one’s favorite products and services has started rising. This excitement promises to reach a full crescendo by the time Black Friday arrives. Shopping may seem like the easiest of things to do, but people commonly make inevitable shopping mistakes that make their Black Friday less fun than it could be. As everyone builds up to the festive season, here are some Black Friday mistakes to avoid. Buying outdated tech products Retailers typically offer discounts on older models of smartphones, television sets, and other gadgets and appliances. Shoppers need to identify this and refrain from purchasing products with below-par performance and poor data security due to their datedness. Additionally, buyers need to check if any electronic that is available at super-cheap prices is worth the purchase. If, say, a smartphone is getting any upgrades within 2 or 3 months, it makes sense to wait for the newer model to emerge in the market before putting down one’s hard-earned money on it. Forgetting to check the return policies Certain retailers have more stringent Black Friday return policies in place than others. Such stores tend to mark down products that are out of date or undesirable. If shoppers end up buying such products, they may be unable to return them if they are unhappy with them. Therefore, before going on a shopping spree, it is advisable for shoppers to do their research and find which retailers offer the most flexibility in terms of product returns. Additionally, one should be mindful of whether retailers change their standard return policies during Black Friday. Spending more than one’s budget Everyone must determine how much they can spend during the holiday shopping season. After determining that, one can figure out the products they really wish to purchase.

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.

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online. It does not only help you research investments but also aids you in managing and trading them with a plethora of online tools. There is also an option to manage portfolios and trade on your own; and you do not need an account balance to start using this platform. SoFi Active Investing SoFi Active Investing gives you the opportunity to trade stocks of brands that you are particularly keen on. Apart from being a system that requires no fees or account minimums, it is also a community wherein you can interact with fellow investors through various events.

Smartphones are one of the most used gadgets on a daily basis. With new and innovative features being introduced with each upgrade, you can practically get anything and everything done as long as you have a stable internet connection. But these features can also lead to many bad habits that can be detrimental to your health and your device’s longevity. Here are four common mistakes people make and should break free from today. Buying cheap accessories Never buy cheap knock-offs or first-copy accessories for your phone, including charging and data transfer cables. Experts recommend using the ones that come with the box or switching to a superior make and quality. This is mainly a safety precaution to lower the risk of electrocution or the phone battery overcharging and bursting into flames triggered by cheap materials. Checking all notifications Notifications can be really distracting and time-consuming. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself constantly checking the phone for the latest updates. That’s a tough habit to break, especially if you are active on social media. It is only the beginning of smartphone addiction, so you must brace yourself and be mindful of the daily hours spent on the phone. React and respond only to important alerts only and try to ignore the rest of the apps until the end of the day. Relying heavily on the phone These days it might seem futile even to remember the numbers of immediate family members and friends, as we always have our phones on us. Without the phone contact list, you are completely lost and don’t know what to do. This isn’t good, and to avoid forming this habit, you must memorize essential numbers and details. Don’t rely heavily on the phone. Using the phone alarm It can be tempting to set the alarm on your phone instead of buying an alarm clock.

Owning a pet can bring great joy, but it also comes with responsibilities, including veterinary care. While everyone wants the best for their furry family members, the cost of veterinary care can be significant. However, providing excellent care for pets doesn’t mean it has to drain one’s finances. The following article explores ten valuable tips to help one save money on veterinary bills while still providing excellent care for pets. Preventative care is key The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” holds true in this scenario too. One must ensure their pet receives the vaccinations as recommended by the veterinarian. These vaccinations can prevent common and often costly diseases. Preventive care also includes regular screening for pets. Regular check-ups Routine check-ups with the veterinarian are essential for a pet’s overall health. These vet visits can detect health issues early, saving on costly treatments. During check-ups, pet parents must discuss their pet’s food regimen, exercise, and any concerns they may have. Comparison shop for veterinary clinics Like with any service, prices for veterinary care can vary from one clinic to another. Take the time to compare prices and services offered by different clinics in the area. Some clinics may offer affordable wellness packages. Consider pet insurance Pet insurance can extensively help offset the cost of unexpected health expenses. Research different insurance providers to find a plan that suits the budget and provides adequate coverage for the pet’s needs. Maintain a healthy food routine Feeding a pet nutritious meals can prevent many health problems. Consult a veterinarian for advice on the best meal plan for the pet’s specific needs. Avoid overfeeding and excessive treats to prevent health complications. Home dental care Dental issues can lead to expensive treatments. Regularly brushing a pet’s teeth and providing dental chews can help maintain their oral health and prevent costly dental procedures.

The right business credit card can help you save thousands of dollars. Business accounts can earn more rewards like discounts, hotel stays, and cashback offers. You may also use these cards to meet short-term financial requirements. In case you haven’t applied for one yet, you must check out 6 of the top business credit cards that you can apply for to make your life easier. American Express Blue Business® Plus Card This is an ideal business credit card offered by one of the leading credit card companies and does not levy any annual fees. You receive twice the Membership Reward ® points upto $50,000 with no category restrictions, which reduces to 1% thereafter. The cashback earned automatically gets credited in your statement. The regular APR on this card is 13.24% to 19.24% variable. CitiBusiness® AAdvantage® Platinum Select ® MasterCard® This is an excellent option if you undertake frequent business travel with American Airlines. You earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Additionally, the card offers 2 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar spent on telecommunications, fuel, car rental, and cable and satellite services. All other purchases earn you one mile for every dollar spent. The annual fee is $99 (waived in the first year) and regular APR varies between 15.99% and 24.99%. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card This card provides miles for bookings not only on Delta Airlines but on other business spendings too. Delta Airlines bookings earn two miles for every dollar spent. Additionally, you earn two miles for domestic advertising, restaurants, and shipping. When you spend $10,000 with this card, you receive $100 Delta credit along with priority boarding and free checked bags on all flights. There is no introductory annual fee for the first 12 months; thereafter $99 is applicable.

The pandemic has led to an increase in the number of diabetes cases. This has happened because the virus disrupts the production of insulin. Moreover, the inflammation caused by the virus can worsen the symptoms of pre-existing diabetes. According to research, the virus spreads to the pancreatic beta-cells responsible and interferes with the synthesis and secretion of insulin. All of these factors have made it critical to understand the various signs of excessive sugar intake. Increase in appetite Sugary foods are rich in calories. But they do not have the nutritional value that the body otherwise gains from proteins, fiber, and antioxidants found in healthy foods. Empty calories cannot satiate a full-grown adult. So, to fill this void, many people turn to compulsive snacking throughout the day. Excess fatigue People who eat sugary foods and beverages regularly might experience frequent bouts of fatigue. Excess sugar triggers abnormal changes in insulin levels, and energy levels drop rapidly as the body tries to process the extra calories. Acne and skin problems One of the most noticeable signs of excess sugar intake is adult acne and skin problems. This is mainly because of blood glucose imbalance since the body’s glycemic levels influence skin health. Digestive problems Sugar is an underlying irritant that can result in many digestive problems. People may experience stomach pain and cramping. Diarrhea is also a significant risk factor for those with gastrointestinal issues. Dental problems Having sugary foods and beverages every day increases the risk of cavities. The bacteria in the mouth thrive off particles left behind in the molars, leading to cavities and other dental problems. Joint pain Sugar is also an inflammatory trigger, so those suffering from joint problems will experience more pain with increased inflammation. Trouble sleeping Glycemic levels in the body also influence sleep cycles.