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.

It’s easy to go shopping and spend on skincare products at a store. But knowing what products you need for healthy, glowing skin is more important. So, it’s recommended to consult a dermatologist to get clarity on all skin-related concerns. Whether it’s a skin condition that needs immediate attention or simply a product-related question, you will get all the solutions. Here are four questions to ask your dermatologist on your next visit. What skincare regimen should I follow? Tons of skincare products are being recommended online/offline by everyone, from celebrities to social media influencers. However, what works for them may not work for you. So instead of doing trial and error with your skin, ask your dermatologist directly. They will recommend what’s suitable for your skin, from cleansers to serums and everything in between. What are the risks of skin cancer? Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, no matter what type of skin you have. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, at least 1 in 5 persons will have skin cancer in their lifetime. It includes non-melanoma as well as melanoma skin cancer. So the next time you visit your dermatologist, ask them about the various risk factors that can make you prone to skin cancer. This will help you take proactive steps to prevent it. Should I use an eye cream? Many have dark circles under their eyes at some point. It can be due to irregular sleep cycles, excessive screen time, tiredness, or a vitamin deficiency. Regardless of the reason, you may feel the need to get rid of the dark circles with an eye cream. Using these may not be harmful. But some eye creams might not work for you. So, instead of wasting your money, consult your dermatologist and get a prescription for the best results.

With so many fashion and accessory options available, it can be challenging to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. It is next to impossible to buy and wear everything that becomes trendy. That’s why some classics never go out of style and always make a comeback with the changing seasons. Here are some of the most popular styles for polished jewelry, sparking quite an interest this spring among fashion lovers. Bulky earrings Classic earrings never go out of style. And this spring, you should check out chandelier earrings with a bold pattern and upbeat style making a comeback. Celebrities and fashion influencers love wearing chunky chandelier earrings to red-carpet events because of their striking appearance and versatile patterns, complementing formal and elegant outfits. The best part is you don’t have to break the bank to own this fashionable style. Large bangles Bulky bangles are back in style! If you have checked out any of your favorite spring catalogs, you must have come across this design that has been making the rounds across the globe. Cuff bangles or cuff bracelets are a trendy yet minimalist way of styling without accessorizing too much. And mostly, gold and silver finishes are the preferred styles for bangles. Pinky rings Couples often wear pinky rings to commemorate special occasions, and they can be personalized to fit both men and women. Although the popularity of these rings declined for a while, they are now experiencing a resurgence. When worn in a set, they can complement other accessories and enhance your overall style. These rings are best paired with casual attire, and you can mix and match colors to create your own unique set. Nose piercings Piercings are catching on fast. It’s a trend that has only seen an upward rise since they first became popular, but this spring, women are going back to getting nose piercings.

Roofing sheets are installed in open areas where the sunlight casts a harsh glare, protecting the area underneath from weather elements. Polycarbonate is a lightweight but durable material, often considered a great alternative to acrylic and Pet G plastics used for mainstream installations. Today, these sheets are manufactured in different color shades and textures suitable for many different installations. Here are three beginner tips to help you make an informed decision shopping for polycarbonate sheets. Buy the right color and texture Polycarbonate sheets are manufactured in different colors to suit a specific build purpose. Depending on the type of use and installation, you must consider various textures like solid sheets, textured sheets, twin wall/multiwall sheets, and corrugated sheets. Transparent sheets allow maximum natural light penetration and protect you from UV rays but are unsuitable if you need privacy. Patterned sheets ensure decent light transmission while also maintaining occupant privacy. Opal-colored sheets reduce the heat buildup by a third of exposure and provide good shade. Bronze-colored sheets reduce glare and increase heat retention due to the tint. Black-colored sheets are entirely opaque, blocking the light and offering complete privacy. Choose the right thickness and size Roofing is a tricky job, even when done by contractors. So, you will have to check the thickness and size of the sheets before approving the installation. Have an expert check out factors like insulation needs, durability, and the amount of light that needs to be transmitted to finalize a proper material. The location also makes a difference. Common places where polycarbonate sheets include canopies, greenhouses, carports, verandas, shelters, and porch roofs. Prices and the quality of the material will also vary depending on the brand. If you need an estimate, request quotes in advance and arrange a contractor visit. Consider the cost A lot of factors affect the cost of these individual sheets.

Healthy gums are incredibly essential for a person’s overall well-being. Some reports show that there is a link between gum diseases like periodontal disease and other ailments like heart conditions and diabetes. So, individuals must do what it takes to care for their gums. One way to achieve strong, healthy gums is to use a good toothpaste. Since there are many options, individuals must research well and follow the right tips while choosing. Check for an ADA seal One of the most important things to check when buying a toothpaste is whether it has an ADA seal. This seal means the American Dental Association has approved the toothpaste after studying its ingredients. An ADA seal also indicates that the toothpaste is safe and consumers can trust it. Look at the fluoride content Gingivitis is a common disease that affects the gums and causes pain and bleeding. Fluoride is one of the most effective toothpaste ingredients that can reverse and prevent gingivitis. The ingredient can also help stop many other gum diseases and infections and strengthen the tooth enamel. So, when choosing a toothpaste for healthy gums, one must check whether it has a substantial amount of fluoride, as the ADA recommends. Make sure it has antibacterial ingredients A common fluoride variant called stannous fluoride has solid antibacterial properties, so one must check whether the toothpaste they are considering has it. One can also look for other ingredients with antibacterial properties, such as triclosan. These elements defend one’s gums from bacterial infections and keep them healthy. Steer clear of sweeteners and other harmful additives Individuals shopping for toothpaste must ensure the product they choose does not have ingredients that can harm their gums or oral health. These include harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can irritate the gums. One must also ensure the toothpaste has no added sweeteners, as they can harm the teeth and gums slowly over a period of time.

Melanoma is a skin cancer that develops when melanocytes — cells that give our skin its color — grow out of control. If left undetected and untreated, the disease can spread to other parts of the body. While melanoma can be cured, patients must follow a healthy nutrition plan for a better prognosis. This article lists the foods one must avoid with melanoma and other skin cancers, along with suitable medications like OPDIVO®. Coffee Though coffee is an excellent beverage for keeping one awake during those long office hours, it is harmful to those with melanoma. Coffee contains caffeine, a property known to cause dehydration. And since cancer treatments require the patient to be hydrated all the time, patients must stay away from the beverage as far as possible. Processed and red meats The WHO has classified red meats (beef, pork, lamb, etc.) and processed meats (ham, bacon, frankfurters, salami, etc.) as Group 1 carcinogens. This is because they contain specific chemicals, both naturally occurring or artificial, that can lead to different cancers and worsen the symptoms. Desserts and sweets As tasty as they are, desserts and sweets do not provide much nutritional value to the human body. Moreover, having too many sugar-rich foods can reduce the effect of healthy foods that can fight cancers. So, a person with melanoma must avoid or cut down on sweets and candies to improve their overall strength. Apart from steering clear of the foods listed above, melanoma patients can consider using the following medications after consulting a doctor: OPDIVO® (nivolumab) OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is a prescription medication for treating melanoma when skin cancer has spread (advanced melanoma) and cannot be removed by surgery. In addition, OPDIVO® Rx medication also provides relief to those with lung, bladder, and kidney cancer. YERVOY® (ipilimumab) YERVOY® (ipilimumab) is another prescription medication used for melanoma relief in adults and kids below 12.

If you run a small business, payroll software can help you manage all the particulars and activities regarding your employee workforce. If you have 50 to 100 employees, it can get a little difficult to keep track of all the payslips, tax files, and other important employee details. That’s where payroll software for small businesses come in. Let’s look at the top software options you can choose from: Gusto Hailed as one of the best payroll software for small businesses, Gusto offers a comprehensive system with intuitive software that can help you handle a variety of employee-related matters. These include employee pay stubs and tax forms, benefits and payroll reports, health insurance, state and federal unemployment insurance, PTO tracking, direct deposit facilities, wage garnishments, automated tax filings, and unlimited payroll runs in all 50 states. The interface is easy-to-use, and the brand offers a free demo as well. Unlike other software, Gusto does not charge extra for features like automated billing, health benefits, online estimates, and workers’ compensation. ADP This software can take HR and payroll off your hands, easing your burden if you’re managing a small business. It handles all the time-consuming tasks for you, ranging from managing employees’ 401(k) accounts to filing payroll taxes, and it also takes over tasks like onboarding, hiring, and recruiting. If you face any challenges, the ADP customer support is always there to help you. It also offers easy employee self-service and increases the efficiency of auditing the payroll process, lowering the risk of liabilities. The helpful ADP app also allows you to choose benefits, track time, and request paid time off and leaves. Not to mention, you get 3 months of free services when you sign up for payroll processing with ADP. Paychex This is one of the best payrolls for small businesses that combines HR and payroll and breaks it down according to the business size.

Roboadvisors are gaining popularity as these investment programs offer affordable financial advice to a large number of investors. These automated advisors use an algorithm to recommend investment options that best suit your requirements. The best automated investing algorithms offer simple account setup, portfolio management, low fees, strong goal planning, and security. Here are the top five providers of automated investments. Betterment This roboadvisor is the best for delivering top-quality services. You may sync various financial accounts without investing to gain an overall picture of your investment portfolio. You may choose the pre-built Betterment portfolios or customize one to meet your needs. The algorithm gives you the flexibility to add new goals as required while monitoring your progress without any difficulties. The advisor charges between 0.25% and 0.4% management fees with no minimum account requirement. Wealthfront It is one of the largest Robo-advisors and provides goal-based investing enabling you to understand the future effects of your financial decisions. You may choose from a wide range of portfolios that comprise individual stocks to meet your financial goals. Once your portfolio accumulates USD 25,000, Wealthfront allows you to borrow against its value. The service provider also offers margin lending. The management fee for most accounts is 0.25% and you need an account minimum of USD 500. The Robo-advisor offers tax-loss harvesting and lowest fees on its exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Ellevest Although this automated investing algorithm is focused on women, financial planning is beneficial to all kinds of investors. It is an excellent option for goal-based investing even when you have multiple financial objectives. Based on the service level, Ellevest levies between 0.25% and 0.5% as management fees. Basic service level does not require a minimum account and offers tax minimization and automatic rebalancing. Premium account holders have access to executive coaches and dedicated financial planning experts.

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.

Since we spend one-third of our lives sleeping and resting, it is essential to use the right mattress that promotes healthy sleep. Latex is a mattress foam material made from the rubber tree’s sappy extract, hevea brasiliensis. Hence, it is naturally resistant to mildew, mold, and termite. Take a look at some of the best latex mattress companies. Saatva Latex Hybrid This mattress, made from natural hand-tufted latex and organic cotton, is protected by a special botanical antimicrobial treatment that prolongs its longevity. It is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and has a medium firmness comfortable for all kinds of sleepers. It comes with a 15-year warranty and a 180-night sleep trial. Birch This brand uses 100 percent natural Talalay latex with organic wool and zero polyurethane-based foams. It is a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX certified company that plants a tree for every mattress sold. The mattresses are hand-made, and the company offers a 25-year warranty, free shipping, zero percent financing, and a 100-night sleep trial. Avocado Green Mattress What sets this apart from other latex mattress companies is that it is specially designed to relieve backaches. This mattress won’t sink in as it is equipped with quality coils and springs that will leave no indentations. The company offers a year-long sleep trial and has some options for individuals who wish to purchase vegan certified mattresses. EcoCloud This mattress is softer than the ones produced by other companies. It comes with a four-inch layer of latex that is breathable, moisture-free, and extremely comfortable. EcoCloud, which is priced slightly higher than average, offers pressure relief and good edge support best suited for side and back sleepers. The company offers a 120-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty. PlushBeds The mattresses from PlushBeds are GreenGuard Gold Certified and are made of five layers of latex, wool, and cotton.

Are you planning to buy a cell phone for a senior family member? Make sure to select something that caters to their various needs. In general, cell phones for seniors must be easy to use, feature large screens, and have reliable safety features. Fortunately, there are a few cell phones in the market that fit the bill. Herein, let’s take a brief look at some of the best cell phones available for seniors today. Lively Smart Lively, previously known as GreatCall, is a company that specializes in making cell phones for seniors. Lively Smart’s large, 6.2-inch display makes reading, typing, and video calling easy and fun. The phone features an emergency alert button, which on activation allows Lively to get the individual’s location and send help. It also comes with features that enable seniors to book a taxi with a touch of a button and speak to healthcare professionals at any time. RAZ Memory Cell Phone The RAZ Memory Cell Phone is designed to help people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of intellectual disabilities stay connected. It has a single, always-on screen that includes large photos and names of contacts, a button to call 911, time, and battery level. The phone has no applications, settings, notifications, or voicemail feature to prevent users from confusion. The battery is long-lasting and can be recharged wirelessly. Consumer Cellular Doro 7050 Consumer Cellular is another company that specifically designs cell phones for seniors. Their Doro 7050 is a simple flip phone with large, widely-spaced, backlit buttons, making it easier to dial numbers and send text messages. The phone has a bright display, excellent call quality, a camera, and an emergency button. It’s incredibly cheap, and Consumer Cellular’s affordable phone plans also help keep the cost low. Apple iPhone XR For tech-savvy seniors, perhaps there’s nothing better than the iPhone XR.

Managing a business can become quite a task, even for small administrations. From expense tracking to banking and payroll, there are hundreds of factors to consider daily. This is where the expertise of business accounting software can come in handy. These offer a convenient set of tools and applications that simplify day to day operations. Here are the three most popular small business accounting software that you must check out for your enterprise: QuickBooks intuit QuickBooks offers one of the best business accounting software features for small administrations. Entrepreneurs can easily organize all their finances, manage invoicing and payments, track overall cash flow, and manage payroll for employees. The service also features an application for smartphones that enables business management on the go. Apart from being affordable, QuickBooks software is also compatible with apps like Amazon Business, Bill, and Fathom services. The accounting software can be integrated seamlessly with several other QuickBooks apps that track the individual expenses of a business. Plans start at just $12.50/month, going up to $75/month for the more premium features. FreshBooks FreshBooks is another great affordable software service for managing business expenses for self-employed individuals, freelancers, small businesses, and contractors alike. Avail of a mix of dedicated features for invoicing, expenses tracking, time tracking, project management, payments processing, and generating reports. You can also manage to account for tax purposes. Integration is one of the main features of this business accounting software, as FreshBooks is compatible with over 100 different existing applications for business and inventory management. You can get the Lite version for just $7.50/month and upgrade to premium plans that may cost $25/month for additional services. The service also offers custom pricing for businesses that do not require a complete range of software and applications. Business owners can contact the vendor and ask for a custom quote.