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4 handy tips for using food vacuum sealers
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4 handy tips for using food vacuum sealers

When it comes to food storage, the importance of food vacuum sealers cannot be overstated. Sealers remove the air around the food, helping keep the food safe and hygienic for long periods. As food is perishable, vacuum sealing can keep air, moisture, dust, and other external elements at bay, increasing the shelf life of food by days, weeks, and even months. So, here are tips for using food vacuum sealers: 1. Freeze meats before sealing Freezing meat can prolong its shelf life. So, when transporting meat, a crucial step to follow is to freeze the meat right before vacuum-sealing it. This helps prevent bacterial growth in the meat when it is being transported. The sealing should be done immediately after the freezing, as many bacteria thrive at room temperature. The combination of freezing and sealing helps make it easier to thaw the food and, by extension, makes meat-based dishes taste fresh and delicious. Following the right order in storing perishable items helps one make the most of vacuum sealers. 2. Cover sharp food edges with wax paper Foods like beef jerky and dehydrated fruits or snacks can be challenging to store due to the thinness of the vacuum bags. They come with sharp edges, which can puncture the thin vacuum bags.
6 effective ways to prevent trash bags from slipping
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6 effective ways to prevent trash bags from slipping

Regular disposal of waste from homes, offices, factories, etc., is essential to ensure cleanliness. However, trash bags slipping into the container can cause considerable inconvenience, leading to spillage inside the trash container and making it a breeding point for mosquitoes. Therefore, it is important to prevent garbage bags from slipping into the trash can to ensure healthy waste disposal. This article lists some effective ways to prevent trash bags from slipping: Select a trash bag of the right size Selecting a trash bag of the right size is essential to prevent one’s trash bag from slipping. The right trash bag should be selected based on the shape of one’s garbage can and the approximate quantity of garbage produced. For square or rectangular garbage cans, one should measure the perimeter of the trash can and halve it. The resulting figure is the adequate width of the trash bag required. For circular trash cans, the diameter of the can should be measured and multiplied by pi (3.14), which should be divided by 2. This number is the ideal width of the trash bag. Fasten the bag with command hooks Fastening trash bags with command hooks is a simple yet effective way to prevent them from slipping.
10 things not to do at a funeral
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10 things not to do at a funeral

Due to the grief, pain, and loss that surrounds the death of a loved one, the incident and the proceedings after are rarely spoken about. However, this lack of knowledge could lead to people engaging in rude behavior, especially during funerals and memorial ceremonies. This could lead to a fair amount of hurt, upset, and embarrassment. To help avoid this situation, here are 10 things to not do at a funeral: Laugh out of turn There’s no telling what one may find funny, even in serious situations such as funerals or memorial services. However, laughing is generally considered rude in these instances, save during some speeches or eulogies. If one finds something humorous during a ceremony, stepping out to compose oneself may be a good idea. Arrive late It is always advisable to show up 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. This leaves space for one to be seated comfortably before the family starts walking down the aisle. If one shows up late, it is better to make a discreet entrance and sit on one of the side pews. Take pictures without permission Taking any pictures of the memorial service without the express permission of the family may be seen as a sign of great disrespect.
5 mistakes to avoid when hiring a lawyer
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5 mistakes to avoid when hiring a lawyer

Most organizations require a good attorney’s services, whether to draft contracts, clarify roles and responsibilities, or establish policies. Similarly, individuals may also need legal guidance for personal reasons. In any case, choosing the right attorney is crucial, considering that cost is not the only factor to consider. Failing to recognize this can lead to errors in selecting the right lawyer. To make the process easier, here are some mistakes to avoid. Selecting the first one When hiring a lawyer, it’s important to consider the type of counsel needed and what to expect from the process. Unfortunately, some people hire a lawyer without giving it much thought. If one is unsure about what one needs, it’s a good idea to speak with a pro bono legal service before deciding. Rather than hiring the first attorney one comes across, consider the process more like house hunting. It requires a lot of thought and effort, and one may have specific needs and requirements that must be met. Ensure the attorney one is considering has the skills and experience to handle the case and is reliable. Not verifying their specialization Finding an attorney who performs well even outside their expertise is possible. At the same time, it also means that hiring or settling for one is always a good idea.
5 common outdoor cooking mistakes to avoid
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5 common outdoor cooking mistakes to avoid

Barbecues or campfire cooking under the night sky with friends and family is always a delightful activity filled with chatter, laughter, and lots of food. But this enjoyable gathering can quickly turn into a disaster if one is not meticulous with the preparation. Some errors can not only affect the cooking but even pose a serious health risk and dampen the overall mood of the activity. Here are some such mistakes and ways to fix them. Forgetting to carry proper tools Anyone planning for an outdoor grill must stock up on a set of important tools. These usually include a mandatory grilling set, pots and pans, spatulas, thermometers, utensils, tongs, meat claws, oil brushes, and barbecue skewers. Depending on what one is planning to cook, the essentials may vary. Not having these handy can create a cooking mess or inconvenience and lead to frustration and disappointment. Ignoring safety Safety is paramount when dealing with fire and oil, especially outdoors, where wind, dry foliage, and other natural elements may not always be cooperative. So, one is advised to gear up and have some safety measures in place. This is not just to protect the food but also the invitees from any potential disasters.
7 mistakes to avoid when renting out a vacation home
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7 mistakes to avoid when renting out a vacation home

Owning a vacation home is a luxury that can also be a lucrative investment. Many people who own vacation homes let the property pay for itself by renting it out. It’s a great way to earn money, but it can also be slightly tricky, considering one will be letting strangers live in their home. To get the best out of the investment, here are some common mistakes to avoid when renting out a vacation home. Taking on too much responsibility Putting a vacation home up for rent is a lot of work, especially for one person. Outsource the work instead; make use of apps for accounting and apps to fill vacancies to simplify the process. Hire a maintenance crew to clean up after each renter leaves or a property manager to check up on things while the house lies vacant and prepare it for the next renter. Wrong and inflexible pricing Pricing is everything. In a high tourist-traffic area, keeping the prices too high could deter potential renters, while low pricing could send a barrage of queries, which will take ages to sort through. Consider the location, the scope of the property, and, of course, the demand. Events near the home, proximity to seasonal holiday spots and famous landmarks all determine the cost of rent.
6 mistakes to avoid while using trash bags at home
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6 mistakes to avoid while using trash bags at home

Managing household waste is a daily chore that must be taken seriously to maintain hygiene and optimal house health. But sometimes, something as mundane as misusing trash bags can cause more damage than one would think. It is essential to make appropriate decisions when purchasing trash bags and discarding waste on a personal level and in terms of potential wider impacts. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using trash bags at home. Not buying the correct type of trash bag Medical waste, recyclables, biodegradable waste, hazardous materials, etc., have a color code for trash bags for proper waste segregation. Not separating waste can lead to harmful chemicals leaking into the soil, causing land and water pollution or even spreading disease. When waste is segregated, disposed of, and managed correctly, it helps recycle non-biodegradable waste, and only biodegradable waste is disposed of in the natural environment. Ensuring that all garbage is put in suitable bags can help waste management companies efficiently dispose of the waste. Not securing the bag to the rim of the trash can Sometimes, the trash bag can slip off the rim of the dustbin and fall into it, causing leaks and spills, and then there’s time wasted cleaning up the mess.
6 ways to support people with disabilities
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6 ways to support people with disabilities

There are many ways to support people with a disability, and it is imperative to be vocal about it to advocate for the community. However, there is also a lot of false information and misunderstanding about people with disabilities, which is why it’s crucial to dispel myths and taboos. Additionally, specific days are dedicated to raising awareness and support for disability rights and voices. So, here are some ways to show kindness and support. Offer help with consent Assuming that a person with a disability will require assistance may be an unpleasant idea to some. Therefore, one must always get permission before offering help, as this allows them to communicate effectively. Since they know their needs better, it is always best to follow what they suggest for their assistance. Provide a comfort zone It can make people with disabilities uncomfortable when they are being stared at, or their disability is being pointed out. Creating a safe environment where they can be themselves is essential to support them. One must pay attention to small gestures like maintaining eye contact while conversing and not focusing on the disability to make a difference. During conversations, it’s best to talk about constructive topics like family, work, music, or any fond memory of theirs.
5 types of water filtration systems
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5 types of water filtration systems

Over time, the water filtration system has undergone several technological advancements to provide water access to billions of people worldwide. There are not just one but several ways pollutants can be removed from water. Depending on the location, area, and need, an appropriate type of filtration system can be used for water purification. Below are some of the different types of popular water filtration or treatment systems that are helpful. Mechanical filters This is one of the most standard and most common methods of filtering water. A physical barrier is used in the filtration system, which helps remove the dirt, particles, and chemicals from the liquid. The water usually travels through this mechanical filter, made of synthetic foam and nylon floss that helps clean out the water’s physical impurities. For this reason, this is often a prevalent method for the pre-filtration process. Ion exchange filters This is usually one of the most effective ways of filtering out the impurities from the water. In this method, the filtration system works by splitting the atoms of the contaminated particles, like chemicals and dirt, into ions, which is done using limescale. This ion water softener is also the best way to soften hard water.
5 benefits of hiring a handyman service
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5 benefits of hiring a handyman service

Today, one can easily access videos on fixing, repairing, or renovating a space; however, sometimes, it’s hard to resist the temptation to roll up one’s sleeves and dive right into DIY land. Hiring a handyperson to carry out the job they were trained for will always trump homeowners trying to figure out how to achieve the same thing on the fly. Here are a few benefits of hiring handyperson services. Experience and expertise While DIY-ing may seem the better choice, what with a flood of how-to videos on the Internet, sometimes hiring a handyperson is the way to go. Such professionals bring expertise and experience to the table, and if one hires the right person for the job while not skimping on the cost, the job at hand can get done quickly and efficiently. The skill lies in not tightening a screw but in knowing which screw to tighten. Time-saving and convenient Imagine searching online for hours for the correct video on fixing what’s broken or assembling something large. Hiring a handyperson will save time and be more convenient than racking brains about what goes where. Tasks like plumbing, electrical work, repairs around the house, and even some appliance repairs can look easy when someone else does them but could go wrong if attempted by oneself.

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Top automated investing services that make investment easy for all
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Top automated investing services that make investment easy for all

Automated investing services or Robo advisors are becoming popular by the day, and financial experts around the world only expect to see a surge in their usage. This is because these intelligent services offer one crucial advantage that many investors benefit from: low-cost financial advice. With many top financial services companies jumping in the race to provide customers with the best automated investing services, there are plenty of great options available for every kind of investor. What is a Robo advisor and how much does it cost? A Robo advisor is a digital platform that provides algorithmic-driven money management services that require virtually no human supervision. It does this by collecting client data like financial situation, future goals, and other details through an online survey. This data is then used to automatically manage clients’ assets and provide them with the most suitable financial advice. Robo advisors are immensely cheaper than human financial advisors. Most services only charge an annual management fee that is anywhere between 0.25% and 0.5% of the account balance. Depending on your need, you can even find good Robo advisors that offer services free of charge and low minimum balance value. Top Robo advisors in the market There are several low-cost Robo advisors that you can choose based on your needs and preferences.
Common types of investment advisors you can hire
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Common types of investment advisors you can hire

Financial planning is a daunting and technically challenging task. Its execution is more difficult without the help of a professional. And that is one of the main reasons why you should find individual consultants and advisory agencies alike to help guide you for proper compliance with regulatory agencies. It doesn’t matter if you are an individual or own and run a business organization, the following certified professionals rank highly among the best investment advisors in the country, representing your case. Certified Financial Planner (CFP) For a broad range of investment services, you can consult with a Certified Financial Planner. These professionals have a general understanding of all investment and financial portfolios. CFPs help in holistic planning and execution of the financial plan to generate the maximum rate of return by diversifying your investment. Generally, CFPs are qualified to provide sound investment advice for taxation, insurance, estate, and retirement planning. Note that CFPs must take several exams and stay up to date, especially in their areas of specialization to provide certain niche planning and advisory services. Armed with all the technical expertise and the latest know-how about financial services, CFPs rank at the number one position among best investment advisors. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) CPAs are experts in taxes and accounting.
Pros and cons of some of the best retirement investments
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Pros and cons of some of the best retirement investments

Investment of any nature and for any goal is always a good idea, apart from saving for your retirement. The rising rate of inflation coupled with reduced pension plans demonstrate the need for retirement-focused investments, which will not just deliver value over an extended period of time. That being said, not all assets are capable of delivering high returns at low risk and have their own set of importance to investor portfolios. To help you make an informed investment decision, here are some best retirement investments and their pros and cons. Cash-balance plans Similar to pensions, a cash-balance plan offers a fixed amount of return at the time of retirement. However, unlike pensions, every employee has a cash-balance account where the lump sum amount is mentioned. Employers credit this account with a set percentage of the employee’s yearly compensation plus interest charges. Pros: A defined-benefit is a major attraction of cash-balance plans. Additionally, you don’t have to pay a single penny for it and yet it offers a tremendous certainty of retirement funds. In case of a job switch, these accounts can be transferred to your new job. Cons: Should you choose to retire early, the plan wouldn’t benefit much.
A primer on the workings of a credit card
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A primer on the workings of a credit card

Credit cards are a boon in these modern times and there is no denying that. A swipe, a touch, a tap, and everything is paid for (yes, you do pay for what you buy, but not until later.) So, what’s the idea behind these swipes? Who is actually paying for the stuff we purchase? Are credit card companies making money every time we use our cards? These are some of the questions that we’re going to try to answer for you. What is a credit card? A credit card is a plastic payment card that is designed to provide us with a certain amount of credit. This amount can be used to make purchases. The only criterion is that you have to pay the money back as per the credit card company’s policy. When you pay the money back, the credit is restored to its original limit. In a way, a credit card is like a replenishable loan. You can keep taking the loan as long as you pay the money back within the stipulated time period. How does a credit card work? A credit card electronically transfers money from one person’s account to another’s. To do this, there are multiple stakeholders involved, namely the issuer, network, merchant, and user.
5 tips to choose the best ETF funds
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5 tips to choose the best ETF funds

ETF or Exchange-Traded Funds are a type of mutual funds that trade in stocks, securities and track various indexes. Exchange-traded funds often invest in a broad range of industry sectors and use various strategies to yield maximum returns. One of the biggest advantages of investing in high dividend ETFs is they have lesser fees than other indexed funds, thereby costing you less in taxes. Although ETFs help in diversifying your portfolio, it is important to choose the right funds that compliment your current investments. Here is how you can choose the right high dividend ETF funds. Consider tracking difference One of the factors that set high dividend ETF funds from other market investments is tracking differences; that is, the difference between ETF performance and index performance. The lower the tracking difference, the better the ETF fund. This ensures that the ETF fund is reasonably priced and trackable. Define your investment goals Identify your investment objectives to pick the best ETFs. Ask yourself if you want to invest in companies with specific characteristics, diversify your portfolio, or find a lower-cost alternative to mutual funds. Furthermore, consider how long you plan to invest. Financial experts suggest not investing if you will need the money within the next five years.

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How SBA’s guaranteed loans are beneficial for small businesses
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How SBA’s guaranteed loans are beneficial for small businesses

Running a small business during financially turbulent times can be extremely trying. But, monetary aid, specifically small business loans, can definitely make things easier for both the business and its employees. Funded and guaranteed by the federal government, 7(a) loan programs have been designed by keeping business-owners’ best interests in mind. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding small business loans: What is an SBA loan? Loans by the Small Business Administration (SBA) are guaranteed business loans that are given to small businesses by participating lenders. Since these loans are guaranteed by the federal agency, they are much more manageable than those provided by private agencies. SBA loans also have the added advantage of lower interest rates. These loans are available in a broad range in order to suit specific business needs. You can get a loan that ranges anywhere from $500 to $5.5 million to fund your entrepreneurial adventure. Further, the loan can be accessed in the form of fixed assets or working funds. Types of SBA loans SBA loans are available in many types. Some of them include—SBA flagship loans, microloans, SBA disaster loans, and 504 loans, among others. Each of these loans comes with different funding criteria.
Benefits of investing in NNN properties for sale
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Benefits of investing in NNN properties for sale

Long-term investments do not necessarily mean that your money becomes inflexible. Instead, you should invest in such a way that you can generate a steady income. To ensure this, you need to invest intelligently by aligning your portfolio to your investment goals. Furthermore, you need to ensure that your returns outweigh your risks. One of the surest ways to ensure this is by investing in NNN properties that are for sale. Continue reading to know more about NNN properties and benefits of buying them. What are triple net(NNN) properties? NNN properties are pieces of real estate that can be leased to commercial franchises or corporations. Here, the tenants undertake all operational and management responsibilities of the property apart from paying rent to the owner. No investment is risk-free; however, investing in NNN properties has proven to be a highly profitable venture for investors. To invest in NNN properties, you must have an accredited net worth of at least $1 million. This value is excluding the value of their residential real estate or $200,000 in income. Other investors who have lower net worths can invest in NNN properties for sale by investing in REITs or Real Estate Investment Trusts. Benefits of buying NNN properties for sale:
Four reasons why a reverse mortgage is not a sound idea
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Four reasons why a reverse mortgage is not a sound idea

A reverse mortgage is a loan taken against the value of the home (equity) to meet certain expenses, debt obligations, and even supplement income during a financial crisis. It allows homeowners to convert a part of their home value into cash for expenses and retain the ownership of the property simultaneously. However, reverse mortgage eligibility and feasibility are quite complicated and there are times when it is not a good option, especially for seniors (common applicants for a reverse mortgage) above the age of 60. Here are a few reasons why. Home eligible for inheritance Senior homeowners can benefit from reverse mortgage eligibility only if they can take a loan against their home and repay the same in a timely manner. However, in case the homeowner passes away and the property is inherited by their children, who might not be in a financially sound position to repay the impending mortgage. The inability to do so can result in selling the property to repay the outstanding debt and in the process lose complete ownership. So before taking a reverse mortgage, homeowners must account for the financial status of the people who will inherit the home in the future. Sharing owned property People living on the property are forced to vacate it in case the owner is unable to repay the reverse mortgage.
10 debt settlement companies you can consider in times of crisis
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10 debt settlement companies you can consider in times of crisis

Though debt such as student loans, car loans, and mortgage on the house is part of life, it does become a hindrance that affects your savings and future financial goals. As per the Federal Reserve, Americans owe more than $4 trillion in consumer debt, and this number does not account for mortgages. So, if you’re facing crushing debt and want to avoid bankruptcy, you can always engage the help of debt settlement companies. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that can help you in a financial crisis. National Debt Relief The National Debt relief offers a debt settlement service that lasts for around two to four years and charges a 15% fee. They cover all kinds of debts, including unsecured debts. Freedom Debt Relief With average fees and AFCC accreditation, Freedom Debt Relief is one of the oldest debt settlement companies in the country. They are present in 37 states and have been in operation for over 17 years. Guardian Debt Relief Guardian Debt Relief specializes in working with customers who have a debt of more than $10,000. They usually charge a 20% fee and a monetary fee of $200, which goes into the settlement account.