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6 Benefits of Using a Smartphone to Bet on Sports

Source: yogonet.com

The online world brought a wide range of money-making options. Lack of cash flow is a common problem for all people around the globe. We work hard every day, but the salary we have usually can’t cover all our costs. That is the reason why the world of the Internet became an attractive place for an average person. 

People can start a business in today’s world from the comfort of their room. Despite that, they can use their skills to make additional money as freelancers. We do not want to say that these two options are wrong. However, they require initial capital as well as particular sets of advanced skills. Despite that, entrepreneurship always requires certain risks. Because of that, people are looking for a more entertaining and less risky alternative. That alternative comes in the form of sports betting

Many people will disagree with the statement that sports betting is the best choice they have. It would be unfair to say that the betting industry has a good reputation among people. Yet, your success depends a lot on your self-control and betting skills. You can’t become rich in a few days, and we recommend you don’t ever try to achieve something like that. Work on your skills, be stronger than your needs, and the reward will sooner or later come. 

Yet, online sports betting is another thing that the Internet world brought to us. That is the reason why we want to talk about the benefits of using a smartphone to bet on sports. We know that people mostly use their mobile devices to chat with others, take selfies, etc. However, it seems that your smartphone can also ensure your financial stability. Because of that, let’s find out those benefits as soon as possible. 

1. Availability

img source: igacademy.com

Let’s remind ourselves of how betting on sports looked 30 years ago. People had to go to the nearest bookmaker to check the games, odds and results in the end. That type of opportunity is available even today. People gladly visit those places to make some new friendships.

Yet, things with online betting are way better. First of all, keep in mind that traditional bookmakers have working hours. It is hard to find one that is working 24h a day. Even if you find it, it is hard to believe you would visit that place after midnight. On the other hand, you will have access to all the odds at every moment of the day. For instance, if you can’t sleep, you can try to earn some money. On the other hand, if you want to relax at home, betting on your smartphone is also an entertaining and relaxing activity. 

Still, betting from home is not the only option that you have. You can do the same thing from every place that has a strong Wi-Fi connection. For example, you can bet from the restaurant, cafe, cinema, and even your office. 

2. Full Offers

img source: yogonet.com

The bonuses you will potentially get are always going to be the same. It doesn’t matter if you plan to bet on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet. However, there is one additional benefit that most people forget about. 

The smartphone bettors are not going to miss the instant offers. They will grab it whenever their favorite betting operator offers it. Despite that, let’s imagine that the game you want to bet on starts at 4 pm. Unfortunately, you are working until 5 PM, and you won’t manage to place a bet. More precisely, you won’t manage to do that if your smartphone is not near you. However, it is hard to find a person that goes anywhere without a mobile device. Because of that, you will manage to bet in every moment without missing out on anything. 

3. Live Betting

img source: actionbackers.com

Yet, the smartphones allow you to bet even if your game started. For instance, you realized that you forgot to place the bet 10 minutes after the game started. That doesn’t mean you can’t bet on it because most of the smartphone betting apps offer live betting. 

Besides that, it is a good opportunity for people that usually watch games outside of their homes. For example, you sit in a pub with your friends and watch a game. Your instinct tells you that the home team is going to score the next goal. The only thing you will have to do is to turn on your smartphone, log in to your account, and place a bet. If your instincts were good, you are going to earn a few dollars more. 

4. High Speed of Transactions

img source: expatica.com

Let’s imagine that you urgently need money while you are somewhere outside. Thanks to the smartphone, you no longer have to rush to get home and withdraw money from your account. Instead of that, you can do that over your mobile phone with a couple of clicks. These mobile payments are usually available in a couple of minutes. Of course, that counts if you are betting in a good quality online bookmaker. In other words, it is a time-saving option that many bettors will gladly use. 

5. Two Ways to Access Your Account

img source: letsbegamechangers.com

Here comes the main part. Each smartphone user can choose between two ways to access their betting account. Logically, the first option is to bet with the web browser that you have on your mobile. Yet, it seems that many players would rather decide on accessing their accounts via a betting app. Almost every online bookmaker (as well as online casinos) develop their own application. In that way, they want to make the entire process even easier for all of their customers. You can see how the bet mobile looks in the example of Melbet app by visiting betenemy.com. In that way, you will manage to see which of these two options meets your requirements and expectations more. 

6. Final Thought

img source: etimg.com

Before we say “goodbye” to each other, there is one essential thing we would like to say. It doesn’t matter where and how you gamble. You need to resist your needs and work on your self-control always. By doing that properly, you will never spend more than you can afford. Online betting is an entertaining activity. However, the main reason why you bet is ensuring your financial stability. Because of that, calculate how much you can spend daily and respect the plans that you create. Actively follow different games and try to analyze your mistakes. That is the only way to get the reward that you are hoping to get. 

Is This the Right Time to Buy a House?

Source: Medium

The pandemic is challenging the real estate market worldwide, but it doesn’t mean people have stopped buying houses.

The homebuying landscape deals with some significant changes right now, and both buyers and real estate agents must adapt to a scenario they never met. Some lenders are raising their credit score requirements, increasing the minimum down payments, and pausing the issuance on loans. Sellers have started to take their houses off the market because they cannot get the price they ask. Even buyers are pausing their searches because they cannot find a property to match their requirements.

If you want to buy a house, you may wonder if this is the right time to do it. The following guide can help you decide if to jump in or not. Learn more here.

Source: Mashvisor

Are you ready to buy your own house?

We shouldn’t tell you that buying your own house is a huge commitment. Before browsing the market for properties or hiring a real estate agent, make sure you’re ready to take this step. Here is a list of factors lenders analyse when they look at your application.

Employment and income status

Lenders aren’t interested only in how much you earn, but also in how much you can save, so they check your history of income to ensure your income source is enough to repay the mortgage.

Preparing the paperwork to prove that you have a stable and reliable source of income requires pulling the right documentation, and it may take some time. If you’re self-employed, the lender may even ask you to submit your tax returns. Before providing the lender with the documentation, analyse its content to understand if your income is enough to cover the costs associated with buying and caring for a house.

Source: experian

Debt-to-income ratio

Lenders use this tool to evaluate your loan application because it allows them to see how much income you can direct towards your debt, and they can determine how much mortgage they should offer.

The debt-to-income ratio is calculated by dividing the monthly debt to the gross monthly income. The lender has access to your credit information to calculate the debt-to-income report. But you should review it before you contact a lender because most mortgage providers ask for a DTI of 50% or less to qualify for a loan. The DTI can help you shorten the lenders’ list if you find it hard to decide what organisation meets your requirements best.

Liquid assets

You can buy a house even if you don’t have money down, but you need some cash for a down payment. The down payment is the first significant payment you make on the mortgage. The amount of money you need to pay depends on the sum you borrow, loan type, and provider.

Source: inspirationfeed

A common misconception is that you need 20% down payment to get a house, but the truth is you can purchase a property even with a 3% down. But if you pay more, you won’t have to get private mortgage insurance. Lenders use the private mortgage insurance to protect themselves, and allow you to cancel it when you reach 20% equity in your repayment. Larger upfront payment can also lower the monthly payments, so you may want to postpone buying the house to save some money. There is also the chance to have a loan with 0 down payment for current or former members of the ARMY by requesting a VA loan, you can find more about these at SecurityAmericanMortgage.

Alongside the down payment, you also need to cover the closing costs. It’s best to save from 3% to 6% of the total home value to cover for the closing costs.

Credit health

As the mortgage experts from MortgageHouse explain “The credit score is a determining factor in what loan and interest you qualify for. The lender checks your credit score to understand what risk they take by financing your loan. Improving your credit score and reducing your debt can pay off if you plan to purchase a house.” The better the number is, the lower the interest rates you get. To determine how much you’ll pay monthly use a mortgage repayment calculator online

Source. Investopedia

Factors that influence your credit score:

– Payment history

– Types of credit you’ve used

– Amount of money you owe

– Your pursuit of new credit

– The length of your credit history

Check the credit score with your local lenders to determine what number qualifies you for a mortgage.

Are you willing to live in the same place for your entire life?

A house mortgage is a 30-year-long commitment. Buying a house doesn’t oblige you to live in it, but it’s still a big decision. When you own a home and pay a monthly instalment, you may find it difficult to move. In most cases, you must sell the house first before relocating.

So, decide if you’re willing to live in the current area for at least ten years. Consider your family obligations, career goals and personal preferences.

Source: Forbes

Factors that can slow your down

Even if the pandemic has changed the real estate environment, real estate agents are still working, yet they had to adapt their activities to the present situation. The reactions vary by markets, but if you’ve already pre-qualified for a mortgage, you may want to wait because there may not be too many options to choose from. However, desperate sellers may be willing to cut the price, and you may get a deal. Some sellers refuse tours as they try to prevent the spread of the virus. A virtual tour may be all you get before you make an offer on the house.

Also, once you find the perfect house for you, expect current restrictions to affect the mechanics of the purchase. Appraisals and home inspections take longer because inspectors have to meet specific procedures. Staffing shortages can trigger a delay in legal and mortgage loan processes because there are simply no people to complete title searches and write down paperwork.

Only a few states offer remote closings, so you need to ask the mortgage provider if they can handle a loan during the pandemic.

Source: Good Housekeeping

The COVID-19 has affected the house purchase process and restricted the types of loans you can apply for. You need an excellent credit if you want a lender to approve your mortgage application.

How Important is Analysis and Research in Sports Betting?

Sports betting is not that easy as it looks. As a beginner, you must start from scratch and understand all the aspects of gambling in different games. It is necessary to analyze and research certain parameters to determine whether you can make it or not. If you follow strategies, then you will succeed and win interesting prizes as well.

Millions of people are actively participating in sports betting, but it is found that many people lose because they lack in-depth knowledge about this gambling type. According to Jason Farrell Blog, it is necessary to get complete guidance on sports betting and know the significance of analysis and research. It is also mentioned that one must choose a good betting website to play online securely. In this article, let us discuss the things that you should do.

Source: www.chiangraitimes.com

1. Spend Enough Time on Research

You should not rush while making a bet on any game. You will become a successful bettor only when you do your homework. It is crucial to collect vital information about the game to understand the statistics of winning and losing.

The more you research well, the more you can make better decisions. You have to spend enough time researching and various things in detail so that you cannot be stuck while making big bets. The chances of winning will automatically increase if you do such a task. In this way, you can make more money without losing any bet.

2. Plan Everything

Planning for any task is crucial to make you succeed. Similarly, in betting, you have to plan things after researching the parameters of the game. You have to make bets according to your plan and check whether you are going well.

If anything goes wrong, then you might have to change your strategies. When you plan everything, you do things more effectively because you consider every factor in the game. You need to spend more time planning things, but once you are done, you will make good bets.

Source: Sports Betting Tips

3. Changing Your Strategies

It is quite vital to have a plan, but you have to change your strategies whenever required. Sometimes, you have to change your methods to succeed in winning the bet. When you keep going with the same plan, then you may lose. A game will not go in your favor.

Therefore, you have to take a chance and change your strategies and decide something new. You have to consider many things to revise your plan. Sometimes, it is better to accept or lose some opportunities to win a bigger deal.

4. Consider Sports Facts and Not Opinions

You should not believe in people giving opinions on different games. You must consider facts to determine the things happening in it. Sometimes, these opinions are of no sense to you. It can mislead you, and in the end, you will lose your focus on your bets. Make sure that you should not do such a thing. You have to consider the facts and research them well.

You need to plan everything keeping all the facts in your mind. It is crucial to focus on facts when you are surrounded by people who are misguiding you. But, at last, you must trust your instincts and go ahead.

Source: Galaxy Market Research

5. Consider Some Views by Different People

It is a contradictory thing that one must consider while researching and analyzing things. Sometimes, you must listen to people’s thoughts on any sports. They are warning and convincing you to step back. You must listen to them and do not make a bet whenever you feel right.

You have to consider the opinions in a balanced way. In this way, you can easily secure yourself from losing money. You have to check whether the other person is saying right by checking the facts. You should trust it easily at once. Sometimes, other people’s instincts get true and will help you get into a profitable state.

6. Watch and Analysis Your Favorite Game or Event

You can research well only when you watch the match of betting sports. In this way, you can easily discover what is happening on the field and how each player performs. You can confirm your plan, whether you are going in the correct direction or not. You have to determine the strengths and weaknesses of different players and make a plan accordingly.

It is necessary not to make any bet on players who are not participating in the event. You never know if they do not come on the field to perform. You may lose money on such a player. When you watch games, you can keep yourself more on track and analyze everything precisely.

Source: Medium

7. Consider the Context

Sometimes, both facts and opinions are misleading to a person. When you feel such a thing, you have to consider the context of the game. It takes some more time to research and analyzing everything. You may get into a hypothetical state, and context will help you to get out of it. You must dig deeper into the details of the sports to find what is suitable for you.

8. Search for Good Resources

You have to find good resources to explore the correct information with complete context and facts. It may be complicated in the beginning to find good resources, but when you find one, you will great about it. You can ask for reputable resources from your friends who also bet. You have to limit yourself to two or three resources so that you do not get confused.

Source: The Muscatine Journal

The Bottom Line

Research and analysis are quite important in sports betting. When you do your homework, you will increase your chances of winning. You have to follow some practices to get in touch with good resources to collect correct information about your favorite game.

You have to research and collect relevant details that will help you win the deal. Many people will come and give opinions, but you have to stick with your instincts. You should do the things as mentioned earlier for proper research and analysis while betting.

Detailed Guide to National and State US Lotto Results

Millions of Americans play the lottery every week. This activity is beloved by almost everybody in America. The latest research reveals that over $160 billion is a result of gambling each year. Half of the amount came from state and national lottery competitions.

There are different game options from various states. Each lottery lover has to understand the regulations within a state and the games offered. Lottery America provides updated information regarding the way to play the lottery and state certain games are offered.

Most Popular National Lottery Games

Each state in the US offers different types of lottery games. However, several games can be played across several states. Some of the games are Powerball, Lotto America, and Mega Millions.

To win in these games, the players are required to match numbers with the resulting draw numbers. These games are very popular because of their huge jackpots. Among the best jackpots in the world, the American lottery appears on top of these lists.

Source: The Boston Globe
  • Powerball Lottery

Powerball Lottery is available in 45 states in the US and the minimum jackpot offered is $40 million. Draws on this jackpot are done on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It was one of the biggest hits in 2016 as it made history by paying out $1.586 billion to three players.

The game is played by choosing five numbers between the range 1 and 69 and an additional red Powerball between the range 1 and 26. The jackpot keeps increasing until a player wins. Each player has a 1 in 24.9 chance of scooping the jackpot no matter the situation.

  • Lotto America

Lotto America is available in about 13 states across American states. The game is mostly played in states that have a smaller population. Each player has a 1 in 9.63 chance of winning because of the smaller number of people plating the game.

Jackpots are also significantly lower, with the minimum being $2 million and the largest ever being $22.8 million. Draws are done every Saturday and Wednesday. Tickets for this lottery are sold at $1, or if the player wants to play All-Star bonus, then the ticket price will be $2.

That said, you can rely on lotteryamerica.com for US lotto results. The site also features guides for national and state-based lotteries in the country. And it has helpful guides on how to participate in these tournaments.

  • Mega Millions

Mega Millions is very famous and is played in 45 states in the nation. Its draws are done on Tuesdays and Fridays to avoid a clash with other lottery draws. They are well known for their 2018 largest single payout valued at $1.537 billion to a single winner.

Like other lottery games, a player must select five lucky numbers with an additional golden number. Furthermore, Mega Millions offer more prizes to winners missing out on jackpots with slight mishaps. The lottery has a very wide reach as many Americans can play the game from different states.

Source: The Olive Press

Are American Lotto Games Playable Online?

Online gaming and gambling are significantly improving as more players are joining the fun. The USA lottery market has not had online games up until 2011. As long as the lottery firm has the required documentation, the lottery can be on an online platform.

Some of these platforms give the players a chance to join the global market lottery games. This is strictly applicable to games that have worldwide acceptance. Global games have huge jackpots because of different currencies.

The government can sometimes control some of the websites. Players need to be cautious in such instances. States with restricted global lottery do offer games like bingo, draw games, and scratch lotto on online platforms. About 11 states offer online lottery games.

What You Should Know Before Playing

Although the lottery looks like a simple game, each player needs to understand what is required.  This is usually available on the rules of the game and terms of service. Knowing these things will minimize the risk of missing out on specific competitions and mini jackpot events.

Time to play is also something a player should understand before engaging in lottery games. Draws are done at different times; some may be frequent and others not. Moreover, winning ways also differ in different games. Players should understand what is required for them to win before participating in any kind of lottery event.

Source: LottoStar24

How to play American Lotteries

Each lottery game has its set of terms and rules for playing and winning. Draws are, however, the same across the board. Most of the games require the players to buy tickets by predicting a certain number and then waiting for the draws. The first step in this process is for the player to find a trustworthy site.

Some research and reviews from other players will prove very important here. The next step is buying a ticket and choosing the range of numbers specified by the rules of the game. Now, wait for the draws and check if the numbers selected do much with the draws’ results. If you have a match or a combination required for second-tier wins, you can claim tour wins.

Avoiding Lottery Scams

In every industry dealing with huge amounts of money, scums usually occur. There is always a group of people looking to make money by all means. The best way to prevent losing money is by avoiding risky situations. The most common scam are messages sent out, telling players they have on some amount in a lottery game.

Not only texts but also emails can be used in these scams. They then require the receiver to share personal information, including banking information, to claim prices won. If by any means a company asks for your banking information, then that’s a red flag for scums. Players should not accept prices from contests they did not take part in.

Source: Anti Fraud News

Try Your Luck Today

American Lottery is one of the biggest industries that are making players rich overnight. No matter the form, the lottery is one of the biggest legal gambling industries allowed by the USA government. Chances of getting the jackpot are very minimal, but additional prices give lottery players more chances. Money generated from these games are used to help people in need and is, therefore, worthwhile. If you haven’t tried the US lottery yet, it is about time you gave it a try!

9 Best Halloween Costumes in Horror Movies

With Halloween 10 days shy from today, now would be the best time to start sorting out your favorite Halloween costume for the eve. Yes, we know Halloween won’t be the same this year, but that doesn’t mean you should not make an elaborate effort in your costume.

The genre of each costume usually ranges from trendy things to scary, spooky items. And since Halloween is all about the latter, why not mix it with a bit of trend from the cult favorite horror movies of all time.

If you live in a parallel universe and cannot relate to any of our movie suggestions, then head over to Screenbinge and fuel your mind by hooking yourself up to some of the best content of the best streaming services available online from anywhere.

Without further due, let’s explore some of the best costumes in the most popular horror movies and characters of all time that would make a great Halloween attire. You never know what you may like for yourself this season.

1. Child’s Play – Chucky

Source: Bloody Disgusting

The oldest and the scariest doll of all time, Chucky, was one of the most bizarre characters in Child’s Play and every kid’s nightmare. In disguise, a serial killer who transfers his soul into a “Good Guys” doll tends to fool people with his initial innocence, which turns murderous and bloodthirsty soon afterward. The franchise consisted of 8 movies, which also includes Chucky’s Bride, an equally horrendous doll. If you are looking for a couples’ costume this Halloween, Chucky and his Bride will make an excellent duo for you and your partner.

2. It – Pennywise

Source: IndieWire

Who would have thought a clown who was supposedly the most prominent entertainment source on birthday parties would be an inspiration for a Halloween costume. All thanks to Pennywise from It. as far as Pennywise is concerned, the scariest of them all was the 2017 version starring Bill Skarsgard, while the previous versions lacked certain elements that amplified the bone-chilling moment which Bill brought in his character through those eyes. One of the best and a popular costume for Halloween.

3. A Nightmare on Elm Street – Freddy Krueger

Source: Headliner.rs

An oldie but goodie, Freddy Krueger from the ’80s A Nightmare on Elm Street. The burnt face, fedora, and those sharp finger blade gloves, more than enough to haunt you wherever you go, even in your dreams. This costume has been the spookiest and cult favorite after those typical zombies, Dracula, and other supernatural elements involved in a horror character. The most dreadful thing about Freddy is, you can’t get away from him, even in your dreams. He never dies. Good luck having a good night’s sleep now.

4. Frankenstein

Source: IEEE Spectrum

Even after 90 years, Frankenstein is still the classic Halloween costume that never goes wrong. An experiment of a scientist gone wrong, Frankenstein is a sewed up the corpse with a mad man’s brain. What’s more iconic than the costume itself is the way Frankenstein talks and walks. It’s like a whole package. Hence even now, it is considered the most memorable and recognizable costume. You can always churn it up and produce something new from his outfit.

5. The Mummy

Source: DIY Projects

Another old classic but spooky, the mummy’s costume, has become a depiction of horror now, along with ghosts, Dracula, and Frankensteins. Brought back to life by the 1999 version, the mummy was a massive hit and had to be the most effortless yet perfect Halloween costume. The Mummy franchise is still going strong with their movies, and so is the historical character. Just wrap yourself up in a roll of bandage, and you’re good to go.

6. The Nun – Valak

Source: YouTube

People find solace in religion, but what to do if the people preaching faith turns out to be your worst nightmare? The Nun is somewhat like that. Devout Nun by the day, demonic spirit by night, wandering around in halls blending in like a regular. That’s the irony of this character, perhaps which the movie is trying to portray. The well-recognized character does not only scare but mock the religious authorities for their biases and internal hypocrisy.

7. The Exorcist- Regan Macneil

Source: The Pit

When the evil takes over the good, the once good shy, and timid girl Regan Macneil who gets possessed by an evil spirit takes a 180-degree personality flip and turns into a terrifying evil little thing. Not just that, the physical appearance too is somewhat similar to a menacing grotesque figure. The glassy eyes, bloody face, and rotten teeth on Regan was a fantastic makeover that quickly changed the air that once surrounded the not-so-evil Regan.

8. Insidious – The Demon

Source: Reddit

Sometimes, too much costume and CGI can ruin the character’s essence, especially in a serious horror movie. Simultaneously, even a few items can make something look ghastly and astonishingly scary that we have a hard time getting it out of our mind. That is what The Demon from Insidious did for us. Sudden appearance with nothing but a little paint and contacts, a job well done.

9. Vampire

Source: Unsplash

Not belonging to a single movie, a Vampire or a Dracula is also one of the oldest inspirations for Halloween costumes, which depicts a blood-thirsty yet sophisticated kind who are rather intimidating instead of monstrous. You can never go wrong with a vampire, bring out your tux, wear a cape, and get your fangs out for the night, just don’t bite!

These are a handful of frightening characters that have been inspiring the masses when it comes to shopping for a Halloween costume. Even if things get mainstream, people tend to stir things up with their own creativity. Like Frankenstein gets a makeover, or the whole family tends to follow the theme of the character, Franken-Dad, Franken-Mom and Franken-Kids and so on.

Among thousands of movies, these were some of the most iconic and well-loved characters, the best part is that you won’t have to spend hundreds on this, a little paint here, fake blood there, and voila, you are now ready for some Trick or Treat!

Bad Debt vs. Good Debt and How You Can Get Rid of the Bad

Credit is available everywhere. Banks, credit card companies, retailers with their own cards, payday lenders – they’ve all made it easier to borrow money than ever before. Generally speaking, people want to be debt-free. It means they have more money for themselves and more to save. But not all types of loans are necessarily bad.

We’ll take a look at the difference between bad vs. good debt, and why borrowing money sometimes helps your financial position, but often not.

Source: The Conversation

Bad Debt

This tends to come from loans that are:

  • Used to purchase a depreciating asset;
  • Not able to generate any extra income;
  • Charged a high interest rate;
  • Difficult or impossible to repay.

Bad debts are expensive and tend to hold you back by eating into your monthly budget, preventing you from saving and doing something more productive with your finances.

If you’re trapped in a negative debt cycle, visit Creditcanada.com and find out what you can do about it. There you’ll learn about different options, like Debt Consolidation Programs. Debt consolidation allows you to roll all your various unsecured debt payments into one monthly transaction with a lower (or no) interest rate. It’s managed by a certified Credit Counsellor from a non-profit credit counselling agency who negotiates with each of your creditors for lower interest charges. This is a great method for dealing with credit card balances and payday loans, which charge some of the highest rates around.

Credit Cards

Source: rte

The most prevalent kind of bad debt comes from credit cards. Credit cards can be useful. They help consumers establish a credit history, and using them may come with rewards. But in order to get this kind of rolling credit to work for you, you need to pay off the full balance every month. Otherwise you start paying interest.

Credit cards are such an everyday part of life that unless you’ve been deep in credit card debt, it’s hard to imagine how tough it is to get out. Interest rates are very high compared to other loans. It’s typical to pay 20% APR on a credit card balance. Meanwhile, the minimum payments these companies require you to make aren’t much help, as most of that money goes toward interest before it reduces the principal.

Payday Loans

Source: Online Payday Loans With Bad Credit

Payday loans aren’t just bad; they’re practically toxic. The interest rates are the highest you’re likely to encounter on any type of debt. Depending on the rules where you live, they can be as high as 650% annually. Usually payday lenders present their interest rates as a bi-weekly interest rate, which may look high but not as extreme as the APR (annual percentage rate). Often people who rely on payday loans find themselves in an endless cycle of payday loan after payday loan that they can’t escape. Talk to a certified Credit Counsellor from a not-for-profit credit counselling agency about potential solutions.

If there is any way you can get by without taking out a payday loan, you should probably take it. Their high interest rates and penalties create a never-ending payday loan cycle. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it won’t be any easier to pay it off later.

Auto Loans

Source: Knowledge@Wharton

Like mortgages, auto loans are secured debt. If you can’t keep up with payments, the vehicle will likely be repossessed. However, unlike real estate, cars don’t usually appreciate in value. In fact, they depreciate rapidly from the moment you drive off the lot. As much as 20-30% of your car’s value is gone by the end of the year in which you bought it. Depending on the terms of the loan, that can put you in a position where selling the car isn’t enough to pay back the debt. Relatively higher interest rates also mean auto loans are generally considered bad. So, while they may be necessary to make sure you can get around, they’re not necessarily great to have.

Good Debt

This is often thought of as credit that helps you buy assets that will grow in value. Mortgages are a classic example, but student and small business loans can also help you amass more wealth in the future.

The difficulty with defining good debt is that not all outcomes are the same. Sometimes real estate markets go down, and homeowners wind up “underwater.” Not all degrees will improve your earning potential. Nevertheless, these are the types of loans generally considered good.

Mortgage Debt

Source: Marketplace.org

Anytime you borrow money to purchase an asset that is likely to increase in value over time, you’re using debt productively. Appreciating assets like real estate help you achieve wealth and stability, and buying your first home can make a real difference in your financial position.

When you’re a renter, every month you pay a significant sum of money (hundreds or even a couple thousand dollars) to somebody else. Your landlord uses it to pay their own mortgage or takes it all as income. With a mortgage, every month you build equity in your home – meaning you own that much more of your home. Equity in any asset is something you can tap into later, whether you want to borrow against it or sell the property.

Student Loans

Source: 12monthloansonlineco

There are a lot of caveats that come with student loans. On the one hand, given the rising cost of post-secondary education, student loans often stay with graduates for years, even decades, delaying other important financial milestones like buying a home. However, if a degree is going to increase your earning potential, then it’s worth taking out. They also tend to have relatively low interest rates.

Of course, pursuing an education isn’t always just about how much money you’re going to earn. There are plenty of less lucrative careers that people pursue out of passion. Ultimately, student loans should be taken seriously. It may take years to repay them, but if it sets you on a productive course in life, you can likely categorize it as “good debt.”

Not all debts are bad. Knowing the difference will help you use credit to your advantage and build your wealth.

4 Classic Looks to Keep You Warm and Stylish This Fall

As we say goodbye to summer and roll deeper into fall, you might be wondering how to add some sparkle to your wardrobe. Fall is the perfect season for fashion because typically, the weather suits outfits of all kinds — it’s not too warm or too cold! Furthermore, it’s the ideal time of year to enjoy the outdoors because of the beautiful colours and crisp, autumn air.

Are you the type of person who prefers to wear a pair of jeans and an old t-shirt most days? Perhaps you enjoy looking at fashion blogs and magazines, but you don’t like the act of shopping itself because it’s too overwhelming. There are too many choices!

If you want to add some pizazz to your look this fall but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover four hot new fall trends that are sure to keep you warm on a chilly fall afternoon, while also being ultra chic.

1. Big Cozy Knits

Source: Pinterest

Nothing says fall like an oversized knitted sweater. Look for crew knits and cardigans in warm tones, such as deep reds, golden yellows, and chestnut browns. Real wool and cashmere are the best materials because they’ll last a long time and provide the most warmth. The best part about this trend is that it’s timeless — you probably already have several sweaters sitting in your closet right now that you can dig out again for this year. The oversized look never goes out of style because it looks great, and it’s also the most comfortable way to stay warm on a chilly autumn day.

This year, because so many of us are spending a lot of time working from home and meeting colleagues digitally, the fashion world has created and coined the “Zoom sweater.” The Zoom sweater is a comfortable one and also looks excellent… over Zoom. Think of candy-coloured sweater sets and sleek fringe details that people can see viewing you on the computer. And if you’re not so keen on the fancy sweater, consider a good old-fashioned sweatshirt instead. Cotton sweatshirts are making a come back — and you can find them in all colours of the rainbow this season. The great thing about relaxed-fitted sweatshirts is that not only do they look good, but they’re also the perfect layer to take on a camping trip or a hike in the woods.

2. Thermal Layers

Source: Eventing Nation

While thermal layers may not be entirely haute couture, it’s something that everyone should consider during the fall season. While you wear your beautiful cashmere sweater with the sleek fringe, remember to layer up with quality thermal underwear and a pair of thermal socks. Thermal products regulate your body temperature, keeping you warm and dry. They provide incredible insulation, preventing the cold from reaching your body. Check out a company such as Heatholders.com — they make socks that are seven times warmer than a basic cotton style. They also carry many styles of underwear and tights to wear under your clothes that will maintain a warm temperature, even on the coldest of days.

The fall season is a lovely time to bundle up and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can hike, go camping, or walk around your neighbourhood on a sunny Saturday afternoon — just remember to wear your thermals underneath your new stylish outerwear to stay warm and comfortable!

3. Leather Accessories and Jackets

Source: Departures

Leather was the star of many shows during the Fall/Winter 2024 fashion weeks in Paris, New York, London, and Milan. Leather is one of those classic, timeless materials that will never go out of style — it’s how you wear it that can either make or break an outfit. This year, you’ll want to add a few leather jackets to your wardrobe.

Some of the most current leather jacket trends are more like statement pieces. A few trends include:

  • Ankle-length snakeskin jackets
  • Knee-length jackets with wide, matching leather belts
  • Cropped, white leather jackets
  • Bombers
  • Glossy, colourful leather Moto jackets

The trick to buying a new leather jacket is to try on several styles. Many people don’t realize that a leather jacket, of any type, can feel incredibly heavy and often takes a couple of weeks to adjust and fit into — much like a new pair of shoes. You’ll want to ensure that the style and fit are perfect for your body. As you wear the leather jacket, it will soften and mould to your body. Do you prefer a longer coat for the fall? Or maybe you like the look of a cropped bomber. If you don’t like leather because you try to refrain from wearing animal products, you can always find faux-leather products.

4. Ankle Boots

Source: Diane von Furstenberg

The classic, versatile ankle boot style is ideal for men and women this time of year. Ankle boots go with fitted or wide-length pants, and they’re also perfect to wear with skirts and dresses. They’re easy to walk in and come in heels of all sizes, and it’s almost as if they were designed specifically for this season because they’re not always suited for winter or spring weather, but perfect for right now.

This year, you’ll see a lot of chunky heeled ankle boots and styles with texture. For example, you’ll find lots of snakeskin, suede, and fabric in the shops right now. If you’re looking for fashion but also practicality, a plain Chelsea boot might be just what you’re looking for. Or, if you want to take practicality a step further, invest in a pair of boots such as Blundstones or Dr. Martens. Such boots are stylish, and they still leave room for a pair of warm socks to keep your feet warm and toasty even during the winter months.

It’s easy to forget that you can still stay warm and comfortable while looking and feeling your best. Stay on top of the trends this season, but don’t forget to bundle up to enjoy the crisp, beautiful weather before winter takes over for another year!

Challenges of Dating When You’re a Millionaire

A study conducted by the General Social Survey among US adults between 1972 and 2016 came to an interesting conclusion: overall, money can buy happiness, and the vast majority of people interviewed said that growing their wealth would make them feel better about life. At the same time, an earlier study by Princeton University found that money would only make people happy to a certain extent and that earning over $75,000 would only cause more problems. And millionaires seem to agree.

While being affluent has its perks – buying everything you want, providing for your family, knowing that you can handle emergency expenses – it also comes with social and emotional challenges. Among the challenges millionaires mention the most often are difficulty dating people and maintaining healthy relationships. Romantically, having a large bank account and fame attached to your name can create more problems than it solves, and soon after making their first million, people realize that they have to learn new rules.

Source: Breakup Shop

Being the rich one in the relationship makes you question your partner’s motives

One of the main reasons why affluent people are less likely to be successful in love is that they find it harder to trust their partner’s motives. In theory, you should be able to find an honest person who loves you for who you are, not for your money, and yet, in reality, most millionaires are afraid that their partners could secretly be gold diggers.

It’s a legitimate concern but, while a bit of skepticism is healthy, psychologists warn that trust issues taken to the extreme can harm the relationship and cause it to break apart even if it showed promise. Why? Because not trusting your partner and second-guessing their intentions leads to communication issues, and it hurts their confidence too. Can you overcome this? Yes, but it takes time. You have to learn to be transparent with your loved one, but in a way that breeds respect. Give them the benefit of the doubt – just because you were misled in past relationships doesn’t mean that everyone is the same. Remember your lesson, but learn to also be vulnerable and gradually open yourself up to your partner.

Source: CNBC.com

Finding a partner isn’t easy to begin with

There’s this common misconception that millionaires look for dates by going out to flashy clubs or attending glamorous parties, but this only applies to a small percentage of them, those celebrities that love being spotted by paparazzi and making a spectacle out of every weekend. However, not all millionaires are like this. Millionaires are also successful CEOs, surgeons, lawyers, and philanthropists. According to millionairedatingsites.com, most affluent individuals lead very private lives, and a club is the last place where they go to find dates.

Instead, they have small but trustworthy social circles, only go out with friends of friends and people that they know are reliable. Or, the latest trend, they join millionaire dating sites, which are much more selective and complex than regular dating sites. Here, users have to undergo a basic screen process and verify their identity before joining. Many millionaires join these websites because they want to date other millionaires and avoid the issues created by the money gap. So, to make sure people with questionable intentions don’t end up on the platform, millionaire dating sites ask members to provide evidence of their income.

Then there’s the option of elite matchmakers: professionals who find potential partners for their affluent clients based on certain criteria. More often than not, these matchmakers charge a fee for applications and interviews to filter out gold-diggers. It’s a complex and sometimes impersonal process that not many people resort to, but it goes to show just how different dating can be for someone with a six-figure net worth.

Source: Sugar daddy websites

More money, but less time spent together

Here’s the good news about millionaires’ love life: you’ll never argue about money problems, and you’ll never have to choose between going on a trip for your anniversary and paying for your child’s school supplies. But that doesn’t mean you won’t argue at all. You will, but for different reasons. Most millionaires built and maintained their wealth by working hard and putting in a lot of sleepless nights, and they now spend most of their time working or traveling.

Over the years, many studies have shown that millionaires, especially self-made ones, have trouble maintaining friendships and romantic relationships because they simply don’t have the time to nurture them. In fact, millionaires often complain that their lifestyles are romanticized and that people form their opinions based on what they see in movies. In reality, a millionaire’s life isn’t one long vacation. On the contrary. You work insanely hard to become wealthy and, once you get there, there’s this pressure to chase the next big thing. Like all other people, millionaires can also be stuck in a rat race, and the stakes are even higher: one wrong move, and you could lose everything. As a result, millionaires often have a hard time decompressing, they can’t achieve a healthy work-life balance, and their romantic relationships are the first to suffer.

Source: pexels.com

Tips for a rewarding dating life as a millionaire

The fact that dating can be a bit difficult as a millionaire shouldn’t discourage you from meeting new people and pursuing romantic happiness. Once you learn to overcome these inevitable hurdles, your love life can be more rewarding than ever:

  • First and foremost, take care of yourself, especially your mental health. Know when to work and when to take time off. Happy people attract happy people.
  • Practice a healthy dose of skepticism when going out. Don’t reveal your income right away and, if you can, date only friends of friends or join a specialized dating site.
  • Once you find a suitable partner, grow your relationship by increasing trust and transparency.

And remember, love can be hard for everyone, not just millionaires, and you have to be patient and open-minded. Sometimes, relationships work well right away, but usually, you need to put in some effort.

Role of Money in Relationships: When to Discuss a Budget

Money can make or break a relationship. Even though it is important, it’s not proper to bring up the topic whenever you wish. It’s a good idea for you to discuss the budget within your relationship, but only when the time is right. How do you know when that is? We’re going to answer that question and many others. Here is everything you need to know!

Don’t discuss money on first dates

Source: Wells Fargo Stories

According to research by Douwant experts, don’t discuss money on first dates. There are several reasons why that is the case, starting with the fact that you don’t have any elements of your lives that are entangled to that point. Now, some people wonder about what they should do in terms of paying for the date. While conventional wisdom will tell you that the man has to pay, there isn’t always a man on the date, right? There are two schools of thought on the subject. First, the person that asks the other person out for the date should pay for it. If you’re inviting them, then you should treat them. It’s relatively fair and ensures that they don’t have to cancel because they don’t have the money.

Realistically, if you can’t handle the cost of two people on a date, then you probably shouldn’t be asking people out for dates, either. Another thing to think about is the increasing number of people who would prefer to split the bill. It might seem a little odd based on the dating values that we’ve been taught. It is a lot fairer and more equitable to each person that takes part in the date. While some people might be uncomfortable with it, it’s best to have a plan in place before you go out on a date.

Budget in a relationship: How and when should this be discussed?

Source: Estes Therapy

Now that we are past the first date, when should you consider talking about a budget in a relationship? Well, the answer is pretty simple. You should start talking about a budget as soon as your finances become entangled with one another. That means when your financial situation starts to impact that of your partner, it is necessary to start talking about the budget. Some couples believe that the budget should start coming up when you are regularly dating. However, many others believe that the better option is to wait until you are living together. Since more couples are moving in before marriage, planning and executing a budget with your significant other is far easier when you are living in the space.

How do you bring it up, though? Well, the key is waiting for the right time. Don’t try to tell someone how to spend their money before you two have mutual interests or bills with one another. That way, you can talk about it with confidence and knowing that you are not stepping out of bounds with your partner.

The short answer to this question is to start talking about budgets in your relationship as soon as you share a bill.

You must have similar financial priorities

Source: Bridge Financial Planning

When you’re considering getting financially entangled with your romantic partner, each of you must share the same financial priorities. Two people that have a dissimilar or conflicting philosophy on saving and spending money will not last long together in a relationship. The reason is quite simple – people who like to go out and spend money on the weekends will be viewed negatively by people that would rather save that money for a retirement fund or a house. Thus, if you and your partner find yourself at odds over the everyday expenses that you share, then you are not likely to be happy at all. You should find someone that is going to have the same long-term and short-term goals as you.

Otherwise, you might have to lay some ground rules on how you accept their contributions to the household. Some people might have more money to offer than others, and they might not need to be as judicious with their spending as people that don’t make as much. All in all, it is necessary to balance fairness with your long-term goals for budgeting. Every couple is different, though, so make sure to talk to your partner directly.

Tips on how to start a joint budget

Source: Showbiz Cheat Sheet

After you have a conversation about your expenses together, it’s a good idea for you to start your joint budget. Where do you begin? Well, that depends on your philosophy of couples’ budgeting and how interconnected your finances are. Some people are willing to set a joint bank account when they’re engaged; other people like to keep their finances separate. In the early stages of living together, it’s good to fairly and evenly split the bills unless there is a large disparity in the amount of money that one person makes relative to another. While it might not be equal, if someone is making three times as much money as their partner, then it might be kinder for them to take on a portion of the other bills. Again, every couple is different.

After you go through your bills and split them up, determine what quantity of money should go into joint ventures. Contribute to savings, set a limit on how much you spend on dates, and then come up with a hard limit for how much you spend on frivolous things, too. You have to agree, and it’s up to you both to determine what you consider fair.

Stating a budget with a significant other is a big step, and it’s a step that can result in some pretty significant discussions. You have to be ready to have them, though. Immature relationships do not survive financial discussions. However, if you’re both ready to merge finances or talk about them in the context of your relationships, then it’s time to break out the bank statements and look at how you want your money to interact.

9 Simple Ways to Make Money with Your WordPress Website

You have spent the last few months or years raising your blog. You now have a decent audience, and numbers keep going up. Perhaps this is the right time to start making some money out of it, but what kind of options do you have?

1. Displaying Ads

Google’s AdSense program is probably the most popular in this field. It is based on CPC (Cost Per Click) and you get money whenever your visitors click on the ads. Obviously, this is not a get rich scheme, but based on the amounts of visitors you get, you might end up with a decent income that keeps going up.

There are a few other alternatives to Google’s program, and each of them comes with specific rules.

Source: Medium

2. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing involves recommending a product. If someone buys it through your link, you get some money out of it. It works on a simple principle – bring a friend, and you earn a commission. Obviously, those products will not sell by themselves.

You have to review those products, and more importantly, they must be relevant to your audience. Otherwise, it is only a waste of time. Amazon is probably the largest name on the market when it comes to affiliate marketing.

Source: bitrebels

3. Selling sponsored posts

If ads are not your thing, you can get money by posting about specific products, services, or companies. While ad networks do not give you too much control over what goes on your WordPress blog, this idea does.

To start this venture, you might want to put out a page that provides details about traffic, visitors, social media interactions, and so on. You can approach companies for sponsorships as well. In some countries, you may need to disclose the fact that certain posts are sponsored. It is all about the law.

4. Writing reviews

This option is pretty similar. You can write paid reviews and help your visitors get some hints about one product or another. How does it work? You will need to test and try products before writing about them. Sometimes, you may get to keep those products. Other times, you are paid for writing about them only. There are also situations when you could keep the products and still get paid for the reviews.

It is imperative to stick to products that are actually relevant to your blog or niche. Otherwise, you are wasting money – plus, you are less likely to get any deals anyway. If you run a blog about the latest cameras on the market, it is pointless to review a new toothpaste.

Source: ProWritingAid

5. Creating an event calendar

This option works great if your blog grows fast and you have a good audience. Coming up with an event calendar could get you some earnings from companies willing to advertise for their events. For example, you have the calendar and the upcoming events in your niche. You could get paid for displaying particular events – or perhaps even write a few words about what is going to happen.

Based on your audience, many businesses will be willing to explore it and reach to it. Of course, the more you narrow your niche to a certain audience, the easier it is. But then, your events will be limited. Try to find a middle option – specific industries, particular areas, and so on.

6. Offering your writing services

You have an audience – people follow you. Some of them are interested in what you write about. Some others want to be like you, and they try to learn from you. Some others are interested in dealing with people like you. As a blogger, you clearly have some experience, and you know what you are doing, hence the possibility to offer your writing services.

Freelancing is an easy and a quick way to make some money. According to James Scholes, you do not need to make any investments. You have proven yourself, so you can start getting customers over your blog.

Source: writingcooperative

7. Selling WordPress themes

You spend lots of time online interacting with your audience and thinking about new topics to write about. But at the same time, you probably love a bit of design too – sometimes, you have to. No matter how professional or well developed a WordPress theme is, it always needs a few adjustments. This is when you get into coding and details in order to change its appearance.

At this point, you probably ask yourself – how about developing your own themes? You do not have to learn how to code from scratch, as you can base them on other themes. Chances are there are a few bloggers among your followers who would love to try them out.

Obviously, you can get into deeper details, too, and learn how to use a WordPress theme framework for a head start.

8. Creating a job board

A paid job board is an excellent idea if you have a solid audience. No matter what you write about, chances are, there will be companies interested in some of your followers. How do you make money out of this idea? Job entries must be paid for. Every listing has a price.

Creating a prolific job board is fairly simple, and it can provide a great source of income. The more specific your niche is, the better. This way, your WordPress website could become the go-to website for anyone hunting for jobs in this field.

Source: themega

9. Selling WordPress blogs

Raise a blog for a few months or years. Come up with relevant content and set it up right. Make sure there are options for expansion and establish a good social media presence too. At that point, you can sell this virtual business online.

If you do it right and you focus on it, you could come up with a solid audience and loads of high-quality posts within a year. It could become a good business venture if you start more blogs simultaneously and work on them on a daily basis.

The bottom line, there are, indeed, a few good ideas to make money out of your WordPress blog or website. There is no such thing as a get rich scheme, so each of them involves work and dedication. You must be passionate about blogging and actually enjoy the niche you are in. Things will kick in naturally then.

Discovering Santorini Off-Season: A Guide to the Island’s Hidden Charms

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Santorini is widely known for its stunning sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant summer energy. But visiting Santorini during the off-season—from late October through early...