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  Home & Garden

  Things You Should Consider Before Buying Furniture

  Purchasing furniture is a big investment in both the financial and living-space-impacting considerations. Whether you’re moving into a new home or simply refreshing your current one, there are a handful of things to keep in mind before buying. By taking the time to consider these details, you can make well-informed choices and find pieces for your home that are right for you and make your home sparkle.1.BudgetConsider your budget first. Prices for furniture can start low and go high, so establish beforehand how much you’re comfortable spending before you shop. Remember that it can be an attractive option to go for the cheapest one, but the quality is often more expensive. Think about the furniture’s staying power — investing money in the right thing that you like, and that will last a while, will usually be cheaper than buying something that’s — for lack of a better word — temporary, and needs replacing in a few years.2.Space and SizeMeasure your space carefully before you fall in love with a particular piece of furniture. Think not just about the size of the room, but the layout, and how the new piece can work with your other furniture. A big couch might look great on the showroom floor, but if it dwarfs your living room, it won’t be functional. Conversely, having a small dining table could be limiting if you regularly have many guests over. Just make sure to factor in walking space, and that the furniture won’t block doors, windows or other places you need access to.3.FunctionalityConsider how the furniture will be used. If you’re purchasing a sofa, will it mostly be for lounging, or do you require something more formal for entertaining? If you are buying a bed, think about whether you need storage space underneath it. For dining tables, consider whether you want extendable options for larger groups. Furniture that do not work with your lifestyle or daily needs are useless.4.Style and AestheticsYour furniture needs to represent who you are and mesh well with the beauty of all your rooms. Take note of the color scheme, materials, and design of the pieces you’re interested in. Do they complement your current decor, or will they pop in a way that you love? Just keep in mind that while trends can be seductive, classic styles often endure a bit longer. If in doubt, neutral colors and timeless designs tend to be a safe choice.5.Material and DurabilityHow important is the material of furniture for both theaesthetics and durability? Everyone has their own pros and cons, wood, metal, glass, or upholstery. Balancing expenses although solid wood furniture is sturdy and lasts for years, it might feel like an investment that is a little more to maintain compared to less expensive options like multi-purpose wood or press wood furniture.Upholstered furniture is cozy and chic but can be prone to staining and wear. Think about your lifestyle — if you have kids or pets, you may want to select materials that are easy to clean and resistant to damage.6.ComfortComfort is key, particularly for furniture you will be using regularly, like sofas, chairs and beds. Use your eyes, but not just your eyes — try out the furniture if you can. Sit on the sofa, lie down on the bed and see that the furniture is comfortable to suit your requirements. What makes someone comfortable may not be what makes another person comfortable. Search at your speed to find the items you truly want to use.To sum up, purchase of household furniture is a decision to be planned thoroughly with care.Ultimately, by keeping in mind your budget, the space in your home, functionality, style, material, comfort, maintenance, sustainability, and delivery options, you can make selections that will add to and serve your home and your needs for years to come. So take your time, do your research, and ask questions if needed before you buy. Because the right furniture can change how you live in your home, and whether it is a pleasant place to spend time.
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  Finance

  Universal Life Insurance and Term Life Insurance

  While bothterm life insurance and universal life insurance are primarily designed to provide a death benefit, they differ enormously in structure, cost, flexibility and long-term benefits. Understanding these differences is crucial in deciding on the one that is most appropriate for your funding needs and total financial targets.1.Term Life Insurance:Straightforward and Cost-EffectiveTerm life insurance provides limited coverage, usually, 10 to 30 years. A death benefit will be paid out to his or her beneficiaries if the insured passes away while the policy is still in effect. But if the policyholder dies before the end of the term, the coverage ends with no benefits paid out.This straightforward nature of term life insurance, compared with more complex options, makes it appealing to those who only need temporary insurance, when their family needs protecting, paying off a mortgage, or raising children, as needed.The main advantage of term life insurance is that it is cheap. They have relatively low premiums, and thus are an affordable option for younger people or anyone on a restrictive budget when compared to permanent life insurance products, such as universal life insurance. Another reason is that most term life insurance policies are straightforward and typically have fixed premiums and a guaranteed death benefit for the entirety of the term. This financial predictability permitspolicyholders to plan their finances without fretting over fluctuating expenses.But term life insurance is not without drawbacks. Because it doesn't grow a cash component, it is simply coverage, since there'sno investment or savings element. At the end of a term, the policyholder canrenew the policy — typically at a higher premium — or buy, a new one. But for those who want coverage for life or a financial vehicle that offers both protection and savings, universal life insurance might be a better match.2.Universal Life Insurance: Costs and LongevityOne major reason to consider universal life insurance is the flexibility it provides. Policy holders may also vary payments of premium and death benefits within certain ranges, allowing policyholders the ability to fit the policy to their evolving financial situation. For instance, if a policyholder goes through a temporary financial hardship, they might be allowed to reduce their premium payments or use the cash value to pay expenses. On the other hand, when their financial conditionbecomes better, they could raise their premiums to speed up the cash value growing faster.The cash value element also allows for growth on a tax-deferred basis, so interest earned is not taxed until taken out. Especially useful for those who are seeking retirement income or an estate to pass on to their heirs, this can be a powerful tool for long-term financial planning. Moreover, universal life insurance policies typically allow you to invest the cash value in different accounts, which can sometimes lead to better returns.But that flexibilityand those benefits also have a price. Because premiums are more expensivethan term life insurance universal life insurance, making it less accessible if you're on a budget. This policy also can be complicatedand understanding how premiums impact cash value, death benefits adds up to a comprehensive picture that often requires professional help. Moreover, if not managed correctly, the cash value can disappear, and thepolicy may lapse, leaving the insured with no coverage.Ultimately, both term life and universal life has come with their own set ofpros and cons. By taking a close look at your finances and the goals for the future, you can find the right policy that best fits your needs and offers your heirs the protection they need. A financial advisor can also be useful in navigating the intricacies of life insurance so that youcan make an informed decision.
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  Automotive

  Tips to Know Before Buying a Car

  As we all know that buying a car costs us much, such as a lot of money, time and preparations. No matter you are buying a new or used car in the market, here are some suggestions that may help you.1.Do Your ResearchBefore starting your purchase, you ought to be fully prepared. Do a research on the making, models and decorations of the cars you are interested in. Online resources such as Kelley Blue Book and Consumer Reports perform well in price comparison, reviews and understanding fair market values. Knowing the invoice price and the retail price will make you stay in dominant position when negotiating.2.Timing is KeyBuying at the right time canhave a big impact on the price. To meet sales quotas, dealerships frequently offer discounts towards the end of each month, quarterand year. Plus, new models usually come out in late summeror early fall, creating great opportunities to buy outgoing models at a discount. Holidays such asBlack Friday, Memorial Day and Labor Day are also good times to find deals.3.Focus on Buying Used or Certified Pre-OwnedNewvehicles depreciate rapidly, losing as much as 20% of their value during the original year. And choosing a used or certified pre-owned (CPO) car could save you thousands and still be a dependable vehicle.Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars are usually more expensive than a typical used car, but they include an extended warranty and come after undergoing a rigorous inspection, making them a safe choice for buyers.4.Financing Pre-ApprovalGetting a loan from your bank or credit union before you everstep on the dealership lot can give younegotiating power. While many dealerships will have a financing offer that ishighly competitive, obtaining a loan from a bank or credit union will at least know your budget and interest rate in advance to start your negotiations.Compare different offers to maximize best option.5.Negotiate the Monthly Payment“Remember, they look at the monthly payment. You should look at the total cost of the car.” Dealers can stretch out the loan term to make monthly paymentsmore manageable, but usually, this means paying more interest over time. Make sure you get theout-the-door price, including taxes and any fees.6.Makethe Most of Incentives and RebatesCash rebates, low-interest financing or special lease deals are common from manufacturers and dealerships. Visit the automaker’s website or ask the dealerabout current promotions. There can be big savings fromcombining the incentives and negotiation.7.Shop AroundRefuse toaccept the first offer. This will save you money to compare prices at different dealerships or online. Let dealers know you’re looking around — that can motivate them to make an offer that’s best to win your business.8.Examine the Carin Great DetailIf you’re buying used, always checkthe car’s condition and get a vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck, for example). If the car is new, inspect it for any cosmetic or mechanical problems before leaving the lot. Adetailed inspection guarantees the vehicle is of quality.9.Be Willing to Walk AwayIf the deal falls short of what you want, don’t hesitate to walk away. Make sure that you’re serious if you want to know the best price a dealer will negotiate with you. In the long run, patient waiting will prove beneficial.10.Factor in Total OwnershipCostsLookat thetotal cost of ownership,including insurance, routinemaintenance,fuel and depreciation. If acheaper car is expensive to maintain or has poor fuel economy, it may cost more over the long haul.These tips will allow you to effectively maneuver through the car-buying process with confidence, and you will get a great deal. Just remember that planning and patience are your greatest alliesin saving money and getting behind the wheel of the perfect car for you.