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A brief guide to credit card hardship programs

A brief guide to credit card hardship programs
Emergencies like losing a job, sudden medical expenses, or financial setbacks can often cause or increase debt and also make it difficult to keep up with debt repayment. Credit cards are one of the most common sources of debt in the country. Fortunately, there are ways in which one can avoid defaulting on their credit cards, especially when dealing with sudden yet temporary financial difficulties. One such option is a credit card hardship program. What are credit card financial hardship programs? A credit card hardship program is an option offered by credit card issuers and banks to customers facing financial difficulties, providing them temporary relief. If, due to certain circumstances, the customers find themselves unable to make even minimum monthly credit card bill payments, they can seek assistance from their lender through these programs. The bank or lender can arrange for these cardholders to make reduced payments toward their existing credit card debt. Features A financial hardship program can help provide monetary relief in several ways, the exact benefit varying from lender to lender. But a credit card hardship program typically has one or more of the following features: 1. Reduction in the monthly payment amount One of the most common ways lenders offer financial relief to their customers is by temporarily reducing the minimum monthly payment on their credit cards.

9 tips to buy a low-priced used car

9 tips to buy a low-priced used car
Buying a used car is one of the best ways to save money on the purchase. It is also possible to get all the features and accessories one wants in a pre-owned car that would otherwise be extremely expensive in a brand-new car. Though a cheaper alternative, buying a pre-owned automobile can still be a costly affair. To avoid that, one should spend some time carefully considering the purchase decision and preparing for negotiations. 1. Determine a budget Before one starts looking for used cars online or at dealerships, one must determine how much they are willing to spend. The budget should be set by considering the upfront cost of the car, repairs it might need, and new accessories or other add-ons. While setting a budget, one should also take into account maintenance and auto insurance costs. 2. Get pre-approved for financing Before finalizing the used car, one should consider getting approved for an auto loan through a traditional bank, online lender, or credit union. As part of prequalification, some lenders may let one explore potential interest rates without affecting their credit score. Lenders may also let one apply for preapproval and receive a formal offer, giving one around 30 days to shop.

Whole life insurance – 6 key features to know

Whole life insurance – 6 key features to know
Life insurance serves two purposes: providing financial protection to the insured and their loved ones and accumulating savings. One can consider opting for a whole life insurance policy, a type of permanent life insurance, which means the coverage lasts throughout the insured’s life. This is different from term insurance, which offers coverage for a fixed period. If considering buying whole life insurance, learning about its features can help one make an informed decision. Key features 1. Permanent coverage Whole life insurance lasts throughout the life of the insured, in contrast to temporary life insurance, like term life insurance, which expires after 10, 20, or 30 years. The purpose of whole life insurance is to align with the policyholder’s long-term financial plans, like inheritance planning and charity contributions following the policyholder’s death. Also, certain types of whole life insurance policies allow one to participate in the profits of the company and earn dividends over a long period. 2. Cash value growth Whole life insurance comes with a cash value component. Part of each premium payment goes toward this component, and over time the policy has the potential to accrue a sizable sum as cash value. The cash value of the policy can be utilized through withdrawals or loans.

9 Important Things to Check When Buying an RV

9 Important Things to Check When Buying an RV
More than 9 million people in the country own a recreational vehicle or an RV. The RV industry impacts approximately $140 million of the country’s economy. Millions in the country are looking into buying an RV, with the number expected to grow steadily over the years. But, as with any other vehicle, multiple factors need to be considered when buying an RV. Finances, the vehicle’s condition, model, and capacity are just a few of those factors. Flat or blown-up tires Don’t overlook the tires. Start with checking that the tires aren’t too old. Prefer new tires with the RV as much as possible. And don’t be fooled by how old or new the tires look. Go a step ahead and cross-check the age of the tires instead of just assuming they are new based on their appearance. It is important to note that a blow-up in an RV can be even more tragic than a car. Experts suggest changing RV tires every 5 years to be safe from catastrophes. The DOT label present on the sidewall will give you the information you need about the tire’s age. The four-digit code on the label indicates the week and year the tire was manufactured.

Types, benefits, and costs of dental implants

Types, benefits, and costs of dental implants
Dental implants represent a breakthrough in modern dentistry, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth replacement. This concise guide explores the world of dental implants, covering various types, associated costs, and numerous benefits. From enhancing appearance to restoring functionality, dental implants have become a preferred choice for those seeking a long-lasting and effective solution for missing teeth. Here is everything that is needed to know for this procedure. Types of dental implants Endosteal implants These are the most common types of dental implants and involve the surgical placement of small titanium posts directly into the jawbone. Endosteal implants provide a strong foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Subperiosteal implants Subperiosteal implants are placed beneath the gum but on or above the jawbone. This type of implant is often used when the patient does not have enough healthy natural bone for traditional implant placement. Zygomatic implants Zygomatic implants are an alternative for individuals with significant bone loss in the upper jaw. These implants are anchored in the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) and provide a stable foundation for upper arch restorations. Mini implants Mini implants are smaller in diameter than traditional implants and are often used for patients with less bone density or for stabilizing lower dentures.

5 stages of Huntington’s disease

5 stages of Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease is a rare and inherited health disorder that causes the brain’s nerve cells to progressively break down over time. As the cells degenerate, a person’s functional abilities start to decline. Additionally, their movements, cognitive ability, and mental health are also affected. It is similar to having ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease simultaneously. These symptoms develop gradually over the course of several years as the disease progresses through multiple stages. Causes of Huntington’s disease Huntington’s disease is a genetic health disorder. It results from a difference or mutation in a particular gene. This difference is generally inherited. Thus, Huntington’s disease runs in the family. Also, it is an autosomal dominant disorder. This implies that only one copy of the different gene is enough for a person to develop this disorder. Thus, a child has a 50% chance of inheriting the nontypical gene from a parent, who may pass along a healthy or nontypical copy of the gene. Therefore, if both parents have Huntington’s disease, there is a 100% chance that their child may have it, too. Progression of Huntington’s disease The atypical gene that causes Huntington’s disease is present in a person at birth. However, the symptoms do not start manifesting at that time.

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6 mistakes to avoid while booking a hotel

Various online platforms have made booking accommodations a breeze. Whether you are traveling within the country or abroad, you need to make sure that you have chosen the right place to say and made the bookings correctly, so there’s no issue when checking in. However, certain common mistakes people tend to make when booking hotels can put a hitch in their trip. Here’s a list of six such booking mistakes that you should avoid: Not clarifying the different elements of the rate Many a time when making a booking, people just see the room rate. They forget to check out other additional components of the room rate. For example, many forget to find out about taxes. If you are booking online, there are resort fees that you may not see immediately and forget to check about. The resort fee is an amount charged for certain amenities at the property and is mostly not part of the basic room rate. You may realize the extra amount to be paid only when you arrive at the hotel, and at that time, it is too late to cancel your booking without paying a hefty fee. Therefore, it is best to gather all information before you make the booking. This way you will not end up being in a sorry state spending more than budgeted for the trip. Choosing non-refundable rates to book the room This could be another big blunder. Non-refundable rates usually are lower rates than the normal rates, that’s why these are so attractive. Sometimes, the non-refundable tag are prominently displayed but at times it can be mentioned in tiny fonts somewhere below that is easy to miss. Unfortunately, situations can change anytime and what was once a confirmed trip, you may need to cancel the booking eventually. There could be an emergency at the home, or office, or you may need to change the dates, etc.

7 things to avoid doing when staying in a hotel

Staying in a luxurious hotel can be exciting. You can enjoy several amenities, personalized services, and complimentary benefits. But you should be cautious. Experts and travel enthusiasts have devised several dos and don’ts to follow when in a hotel to avoid confusion and make the trip more memorable. Special focus should be on the don’ts as these can risk your safety in a new place. Here are seven things to avoid doing in hotels: Opening the door instantly Many instantly reach out for the doorknob on hearing the doorbell or a knock. This is a big mistake. While it is okay to assume that the person on the other side would be a housekeeping staff or an F&B person, it is best never to take a chance. This is especially applicable if you are in another country, traveling for the first time to a place, or staying at the location as a first-time guest. Verify the visitor’s identity before opening the door. You can do so by looking through the peephole or glancing outside through an adjacent window. Letting strangers inside can be costly if they turn out to be someone with the wrong intent. Packing the hotel’s bathrobes in your suitcase This is nothing short of stealing; you could be in big trouble if caught. Besides the legal hassles, pilfering the hotel’s properties speaks poorly about your manners. Taking a small bottle of shampoo, conditioner, or body lotion may be okay because these usually end up in the trash. But not bathrobes for sure. Similarly, do not just pick other linen pieces, small electronic items, or any artwork from the room. Hotels conduct a thorough inspection after you leave and could impose legal charges if the offense is serious. Using throw pillows In luxury hotels, you may see throw pillows lying on sofas, chairs, and other sitting areas.

7 easy ways to accessorize any outfit

Accessories tend to not only enhance your attire but also make you appear vibrant. Be it a casual chic look or an utter formal attire, adding some flash and bling just infuses life into your overall appearance. However, your accessories can perform their assigned role correctly only if perfectly styled. Here are some easy techniques and tips you can apply to up your fashion game and bring the best out of your outfit: Do not pile up on accessories at a time Most people commit the mistake of donning all the available accessories at once with an outfit. It must be noted that as far as accessories are concerned, less is always more. The purpose of using accessories is to highlight your outfit. However, if you adorn your outfit with several accessories like a watch, scarf, jewelry, sunglasses, hat, etc., all at once, none of them will stand out, making your outfit look cluttered and even awful. Highlight neutral clothes with bold accessories While neutral-colored clothes can look dull and understated, they are also the most perfect ones to be used as a field for experiments. If your wardrobe is filled with neutral colors like olive, navy, beige, white, or black, now is the time to boost them by pairing them up with some bold-colored accessories. Here are a few methods to do that: Pair a navy or black dress with a thin hot pink or red belt. Highlight your dull olive or khaki clothes using a flashy yellow or orange scarf. Add some hue to your colorless white blouse by pairing it with big drop earrings or a multicolored statement necklace. Don’t be too matchy While it could be tempting to pair up the blue polka dots of your dress with some matching blue shoes, a blue necklace, and blue earrings, it would make the outfit too predictable, boring, and even childish.

8 must-have accessories for men

Accessories tend to constitute a crucial part of outfits. They are those magical wands that have the power to infuse life into the dullest of clothes. However, they can be equally intimidating if one is unaware of the basic rules of accessorizing and invests in the wrong pieces. So, here is a list of men’s accessories that never go out of style and, therefore, are a must-have in one’s wardrobe. Sunglasses When it comes to accessories, nothing comes close to a pair of sunglasses. They are practical, flattering, and the perfect solution for hiding the shadows under your eyes. Not to forget, they play a vital role in protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Besides that, they are here to stay for a long time unless broken due to a mishap. Make sure you keep the style classic and subtle with tortoiseshell or black frames and dark green, black, or brown lenses. Wallets While paying for your necessities is now as simple as swiping a card or transferring through a smartphone, the charm of billfold wallets doesn’t seem to subside. And why not? They are practical, strong, yet flexible enough to accommodate their contents effortlessly, and, most importantly, they are durable too. They come in various prints, colors, and designs to suit every personality. One can also get them customized with initials or personal charms. Stainless steel watches These are the practical, no-nonsense cousins of the gold watches with a long lifespan. Besides that, they are extremely versatile. A classy watch can instantly amp up any outfit – be it a formal suit or a casual T-shirt and jeans. One can never go wrong with this men’s accessory. Durable belts Belts are not merely for holding your trousers in place; they also add to your overall look.

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5 styling ideas for women over 60

5 styling ideas for women over 60

Age is a number when setting a true style statement. Regardless of anyone’s perception, just because you are reaching the 60s doesn’t imply to stop working on your appearance and renounce your desires to look fabulous. Fashion is not just merely about trends; it is about how you express yourself through clothes as the myths of age must not limit your expression. So, here are a few best styling ideas for women over 60: Embrace your age One of the most typical fashion mistakes people make is choosing outfits that are supposed to make them appear younger than their actual age. The problem with such a choice is that you are paradoxically accentuating your age when you try to look younger by wearing an outfit that will be more appropriate for youngsters. For example, if you don high heels, short skirts, or flashy fashions that might be more appropriate for a person half your age, you are indirectly making yourself appear “older.” Instead, you can opt for clothes that are specially tailored for women your age. Sporting “age-appropriate” dresses will conceal your age and make others appreciate your other features like glowing skin or your build. And consequently, you will appear much younger than your actual age.
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5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis

5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory disease that triggers inflammation and ulcers in the digestive system. It impacts the colon and rectum’s innermost lining. The symptoms are typically produced over a period rather than unexpectedly. According to the latest studies, about 1 million people have ulcerative colitis, and if left untreated, it can be crippling and cause life-threatening conditions. So, here are 5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis: Get on with the treatment plan immediately Even though there is no concrete cure for ulcerative colitis, proper treatment can help ease the symptoms and signs of the condition and eventually provide long-term remission. If a patient feels that their bowel habits are consistently changing or if they experience any of the following symptoms and signs, they should immediately consult a doctor: Blood in stool Ongoing diarrhea that is not getting cured by any other types of treatments An unknown fever going on for more than a day or two Abdominal pain Diarrhea that wakes up the patient from sleep The treatments prescribed by the doctor will typically include a combination of oral therapy or surgery. As far as oral treatments are concerned, the doctor may prescribe any of the following types of therapies, depending on the patient’s existing condition:
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