Avoid these 5 mistakes to prevent financial fraud
finance

Avoid these 5 mistakes to prevent financial fraud

Financial scams are a common phenomenon in the country; according to data released by the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing more than $3.8 billion due to investment scams in 2022. So, it is important to remain vigilant and practice caution before initiating any online interaction or transaction with a business or a stranger. Here is a look at some common mistakes you should avoid to protect yourself from financial fraud: Using one password for multiple accounts You should frequently change passwords for your sensitive accounts, like those on banking apps and other platforms that have access to your confidential information. So, your accounts investment portals and digital wallets should have unique and strong passwords that are not easy to crack. It is also important to note that using one password for all your accounts increases the risk of fraud. When one account is hacked, others with the same password can also be hacked. Falling for shopping scams Online shopping has made it extremely convenient for customers to order anything from anywhere. While this has helped businesses grow, it has made room for all kinds of scams. You should ensure that the business you are buying from is legitimate. Not only that, you should use a secure Wi-Fi network to carry out all kinds of transactions.
3 apps that can help improve credit score
finance

3 apps that can help improve credit score

A credit score is a measure of one’s creditworthiness, usually presented as a 3-digit number between 300 and 850. If one has a higher score, it makes one a better candidate for loans. However, a bad credit score can make it challenging to obtain loans. Fortunately, some apps available in the market can assist one in improving one’s credit score. Continue reading this article to learn about the best apps to help improve a bad credit score. 3 apps to help improve a bad credit score Credit Karma With an experience that spans more than a decade, Credit Karma is one of the best apps to consider when trying to improve a bad credit score. One may come across various beneficial tools that can trigger changes in the credit score while using this app. This includes access to one’s credit report, tips to increase credit score, and even products that can prove beneficial in saving money. Experian As a credit-building software, Experian gives its customers access to adaptable and straightforward offerings. This comprises access to FICO and Experian credit scores, the Experian Boost feature, credit score change alerts, and credit card recommendations. All of these features are available to users for free, providing them with easy access to all the necessary information.
Key things to know about employee retention credit
finance

Key things to know about employee retention credit

During the pandemic, the government issued multiple orders that directed certain businesses to shut down or required employees to work from home. Even partial curfews and restricted travel or movement directives directly affected the functioning of a business. That is why the government also introduced the Employee Retention Credit or ERC to eligible businesses impacted by the scale of these orders. The tax credit provides businesses much-needed leverage to survive and recover operations post-pandemic. Who can avail of the credit? Changes in regulations and policies could significantly impact travel, business operations, meetings, and other activities that a company relies on to remain profitable. Employers can apply for employee retention credit regardless of the organization’s size or tax exemption status. This credit incentivizes employers to keep their employees on payroll and receive a tax refund in return for retaining their workforce. The credit amount is 50% of $10,000 in the wages paid to the employee for eligible quarters in 2020. This works out to $5,000 per employee per quarter. For 2021, the credit amount is 70% of the $10,000 in wages paid to the employee for eligible quarters in 2020. This works out to $7,000 per employee per quarter. Businesses can claim tax credits per quarter to offset slow business or losses incurred due to government orders.
6 best airline credit cards to check out
finance

6 best airline credit cards to check out

An airline credit card is a co-branded travel rewards card that is jointly offered by an airline and a card issuer network. This card allows users to earn frequent flier miles to win travel benefits on their purchases. They also offer benefits such as sign-on bonuses, priority boarding, free checked baggage, access to airport lounges, elite status, and more. Currently, these are the six best airline credit cards one can avail of: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card The Capital Card is one of the most premium travel credit cards with a fairly low annual fee of $395. The card offers up to a 10x reward rate on flights, hotels, and rental cars, making it a crowd favorite. United Club℠ Infinite Card Users can earn up to 4 miles per dollar spent on on United®. The card comes at an annual cost of $525 but offers several perks, such as up to 80,000 bonus miles (conditions apply), free first and second-checked bags, Premier Access travel services, and more. Chase Freedom Flex℠ For those looking for a card with no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Flex is ideal. It offers a quarterly cashback reward rate of up to 5% on rotating categories, to a combined maximum of $1500.
5 mistakes to avoid while opening a CD
finance

5 mistakes to avoid while opening a CD

When considering low-risk investment options, a certificate of deposit (CD) is one of the most common options. CDs offer a safe way to grow savings while earning a fixed interest rate over a set period. However, like any financial endeavor, opening a CD requires careful consideration and knowledge to avoid common pitfalls and get the most out of the investment. So, here are five common mistakes to avoid when opening a CD: Not exploring all options One of the most common mistakes while opening a CD is not shopping around for the best rates. Banks and credit unions offer varying interest rates on CDs. Failing to compare rates could make one miss out on higher returns. So, one must explore various financial institutions and choose one offering the most competitive interest rates. Ignoring the fine print All financial products come with terms and conditions, and CDs are no exception. Ignoring the fine print could lead to unexpected surprises and financial losses. Some CDs have penalties for early withdrawal, while others may automatically renew at less favorable rates. So, it is crucial to read and understand the terms of the CD agreement beforehand to ensure it aligns with individual financial goals.
4 common mistakes people make when investing in gold
finance

4 common mistakes people make when investing in gold

Gold has long been a symbol of wealth and a store of value, making it a popular choice for investors who would like to diversify their portfolios. However, the path to successful gold buying and investment is riddled with pitfalls that can derail even the most well-intentioned individuals. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when venturing into the world of gold investment and some tips on how to avoid them. Not researching the market before investing The gold investment market is expansive and multifaceted. Simply holding physical gold in the form of coins or bars is just the tip of the iceberg. There exists a plethora of investment options, including Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), gold futures contracts, gold mining stocks, and gold mutual funds, among others. The value of these assets fluctuates not only based on broader market dynamics but also on company-specific factors. So, it is important to research them beforehand to navigate this market effectively. Not checking if the gold is authentic Ensuring the gold’s authenticity is paramount because counterfeit or impure gold can lead to significant financial losses. To avoid this pitfall, investors should consider several measures. Conducting simple authenticity tests, such as using a magnet (since gold is not magnetic) or checking for proper hallmarks, can be informative.
8 things to keep in mind before investing in precious metals
finance

8 things to keep in mind before investing in precious metals

Before investing in precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, individuals should have an idea about their different types and diversify their portfolios to mitigate risk. People should understand market drivers, like economic indicators and geopolitical events, and adopt a long-term perspective. Be cautious of scams, consider tax implications, and assess the liquidity of the chosen metal. Before investing in precious metals, make sure you keep in mind the important aspects listed below. Understand the Types of Precious Metals Investors should start by understanding the different types of precious metals available for investment. Gold and silver are the popular choices, but platinum and palladium also play significant roles in the precious metals market. Each metal has unique properties and uses, which can influence its value and market dynamics. Diversification is Key Diversifying a precious metals portfolio is a fundamental strategy. Investing solely in one type of metal can expose an investor to higher risks. Diversification helps spread risk and optimize the potential for returns. Storage and Security Investors seeking physical ownership must consider secure storage options. Common choices include safe deposit boxes, private vaults, or secure home safes. Security measures play a crucial role in protecting these valuable assets.
9 things to know when investing in precious metals
finance

9 things to know when investing in precious metals

Investing in precious metals is a smart addition to diversifying an investment portfolio. Precious metals are a popular commodity and a less volatile market when compared to stocks. With multiple regulatory authorities and trading platforms, investing in precious metals hassle-free has also become easy today. But there are many points one must consider and be well-informed before investing. Here are some key things to know before investing in precious metals. Understand the types of precious metals Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are popular precious metals with unique characteristics, market demand, and investing dynamics. Invest only after a thorough comparison. Diversification Precious metals can be an effective way to diversify any investment portfolio. They often have a low association with other assets like bonds and stocks, which can help reduce overall portfolio risk. Storage and security Physical ownership of precious metals necessitates the need to invest in home security. Options include home safes, bank safety deposit boxes, or third-party storage facilities. Be sure to consider the associated costs and security measures before buying assets. Physical vs. paper investments There are two ways to invest in precious metals: purchase physical bullion (coins or bars) or invest through paper investments like exchange-traded funds (ETFs), online futures contracts, or online mining stocks.
6 common mistakes to avoid when applying for home loans
finance

6 common mistakes to avoid when applying for home loans

The process of securing a home loan can be both exciting and daunting. A home loan is a noteworthy financial investment that requires careful consideration and meticulous planning. Unfortunately, many make mistakes during application, leading to costly consequences in the future. This is mainly the case with first-time homebuyers. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when applying for a home loan to ensure a smoother and successful application experience. Neglecting the credit score One’s credit score is a vital factor in securing a home loan. Failing to check and improve this score beforehand is a mistake. Lenders heavily rely on this metric to assess the borrower’s creditworthiness. Individuals should take the time to review their credit reports, rectify inaccuracies, and work on boosting their scores before initiating the application process. Overlooking pre-approval Getting pre-approved gives a clear picture of the loan amount one qualifies for and reassures sellers that the buyer is serious and financially capable. By bypassing this step, applicants may find themselves in a weaker negotiating position or even risk losing out on their dream home to a more prepared buyer. Ignoring the importance of a down payment While many loan programs have low down payments, experts recommend paying a significant sum upfront.
5 credit card mistakes to avoid
finance

5 credit card mistakes to avoid

Today, digital transactions have become the norm. This has made safeguarding one’s financial information all the more important. Sadly, credit card fraud remains a prevalent concern, and numerous victims are falling victim to the evolvingly cunning tactics employed by cybercriminals. One way individuals can safeguard themselves from fraudulent activities is by avoiding some credit card mistakes that leave them susceptible. Avoiding these mistakes can significantly bolster their defenses against potential threats. Neglecting strong password Most individuals prefer using easy-to-use and easy-to-remember passwords to offer them easy access. However, easily guessable passwords such as birthdays and phrases can make things easier for cybercriminals. It is advisable to opt for complex passwords comprising a mixture of upper and lowercase letters, numerals, and special characters to avoid granting them unauthorized access. Regularly changing passwords and employing a password manager can further fortify online security. Disregarding secure websites for transactions Another grave mistake credit card users make that makes them susceptible to fraud is entering their details on unsecured websites. This is one place where cybercriminals exploit vulnerable sites to harvest sensitive data. To mitigate this risk, individuals should only transact on secure websites. Checking for “https://” in the URL and looking for a padlock icon in the address bar are some telltale signs of a secure connection.

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Top 8 employee evaluation software for your business
software

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.
Top 3 Android smartphones for business
smartphone

Top 3 Android smartphones for business

An ideal smartphone for business is one that pleases you, delivers phenomenal value for the money, and on-the-go processing capabilities. It might not be easy for you to judge the usability of the handset simply by browsing the Internet. So, to help you, we have come up with a list of some of the best android smartphones that you can invest in right away. A good business smartphone is one that is capable of running all the latest apps that can help you with your business. So, from helping you connect with your business phone service to privacy services and PDF apps, a good business smartphone is capable of doing it all. Blackberry Key 2 Blackberry might not be the number one in the smartphone market, but the company still develops some of the finest business smartphones. Blackberry Key 2 is an Android run smartphone that was marketed as “an icon reborn,” primarily because Blackberry retained its classic keyword but improved it by adding a speed key button and increasing the size of the keys by 20%. Features of Blackberry Key 2 Long battery life, lasting you two days Qualcomm 660 processor A newer larger and more intelligent keyboard BlackBerry DTEK app that makes it incredibly secure Photos and files can be secured with the BlackBerry Locker The option of storage space of 64 GB and 256 GB 6 GB RAM Samsung Galaxy S20 If you need the best android smartphone that’s great for your business and is affordable at the same time, this 5G phone from Samsung should be your preferred choice.
A quick look at the iPhone X series models
software

A quick look at the iPhone X series models

The iPhone brand has been the father of smartphones since its inception. The first iPhone was introduced by Steve Jobs in 2007, which changed the game for smartphones with its multi-touch and camera capabilities. Since then, there’s no stopping Apple. In 2017, on its 10th Anniversary, Apple revamped the game again with the introduction of the iPhone X. This revolutionary iPhone paved the way for subsequent future iPhones as well, let’s have a look.   iPhone X This was the first iPhone in which the Home Button was replaced by clever software gestures. It had a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge high-resolution OLED display panel a better notch-superior than the previous generation’s LCD panel. The advantage of OLED is that color reproduction is way better, and it is certainly more power-efficient than the past models. As for the security, Apple ditched Touch ID and replaced it with the new biometric, Face ID. The front selfie camera, that was embedded in the notch of the iPhone X, was an added style plus. It created a 3D model of the user and worked in low-light with an infrared camera. In this model, there were two camera sensors on the rear with one telephoto lens and one wide lens.
Top destination travel options in Asia
travel

Top destination travel options in Asia

Asia is a beautiful continent and is home to some of the most exciting destination travel options. With so many exquisite countries to visit, the task of picking the best once can be a bit overwhelming. Well, fret not! Given the availability of affordable flights in-between prime hubs of Asia, you can certainly visit a couple of top destinations in Asia on a single trip. You can pick any one of the listed destinations below for your next destination travel trip. Chiang Mai, Thailand A lot of travelers visiting Thailand prefer its northern capital over Bangkok. The Old City of Chiang Mai is bustling with tourist activity all year round. The most beautiful thing that you’ll witness here is the welcoming and calming smile of monks. Happening night markets, a multitude of cultural festivals, beautiful temples, and sprawling mountains for trekking– Chiang Mai has something for every type of traveler. Every year the city gets a footfall of more than a million travelers that leave the destination enriched with hope and satisfaction. When in Chiang Mia, make sure that you take a tour of the magnificent riverside village, Pai, which is located only a few hours north of the city. Penang, Malaysia If you are looking for a destination travel trip where you can relax, unwind, and experience mouth-watering cuisine, then Penang in Malaysia is the right destination for you.
Top payroll software for small businesses
software

Top payroll software for small businesses

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.
Business class flights and its features
travel

Business class flights and its features

All of us have daydreamed about traveling business class when we make a steady shuffle from business class to economy. Yes, it lures us with its spacious cabins, and luxe and cushy comforts. So, is it worth flying in a first-class or business class flight? Let’s discuss some of the best business class flight features that will prove that it is worth every penny. Priority check-in For travelers traveling business class, the check-in process is a lot more convenient and easier. You don’t need to stand in the long queue to finish your check-in procedure. Go ahead and sit down at the waiting room seat while the staff handles the check-in for you. Extra baggage allowed Now, this completely depends on the policy of the airline. However, irrespective of the airline you are traveling with, the permissible baggage allowance for a business class is certainly more than economy class travelers. So, if you are a shopaholic, it could be a huge plus. Access to the special lounge Ahead of the boarding time, business class travelers can wait in the exclusive lounge dedicated to them. Again, it might vary from airline to airline and airport to airport, but in most lounges across the globe, you’ll get scrumptious snacks and food.