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Home warranty – Process, costs, and top providers

Home warranty – Process, costs, and top providers

Home warranty plans are special service contracts that cover the cost of repairing or replacing major home appliances. These plans can be purchased directly from a home warranty company to provide an extra layer of financial protection and the convenience of connecting with affiliated contractors to fix problems promptly. Unlike a homeowner’s insurance and the manufacturer’s warranties, home warranty plans cover system and appliance malfunctions that do not fall under any of the other categories. What does a home warranty plan cover? Coverage for home warranty plans differs greatly from one plan to the next. Generally, they include wear and tear of HVAC systems, plumbing systems, electrical systems, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, garbage disposal, water heaters, etc. However, home warranty plans may not cover things that are already covered by manufacturer’s warranties. What is the process of filing a home warranty claim? Here’s the process of filing a home warranty claim in case of an appliance malfunction or breakdown: 1. Check the coverage Since every home warranty plan is different, one needs to be aware of exactly what is covered. In every service contract, this information is listed under the coverage overview, which describes what the warranty will address, how, and what is excluded from coverage.
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8 common mistakes to avoid while using ovens

8 common mistakes to avoid while using ovens

Having an oven makes it quite easy to prepare meals. Whether it’s baking, grilling, or reheating food, an oven saves a lot of time. This means the oven is perhaps among the most used appliances in the kitchen. But frequent use means one gets careless about how they are operating the appliance. There are lots of mistakes made while using the oven. For example, shutting the door too fast or preheating the oven for too long. Common mistakes to avoid Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when using ovens: 1. Preheating for too long Many people often let the oven preheat for too long. It is easy to assume that preheating for a couple of minutes will not do much harm to the food. One can always adjust the temperature and time to ensure the food is cooked well. While this might be true, preheating does have an adverse effect on the oven itself. In fact, it increases the oven’s energy consumption, which invariably leads to inflated power bills. 2. Stuffing the oven with too many things It is a common practice to save time while cooking by loading up the oven with multiple things. But sometimes, this practice may go overboard when one crams all the racks over their capacity.
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6 common genealogy mistakes to avoid

6 common genealogy mistakes to avoid

Genealogy is the study of families and their history. It involves tracing their lineages and uncovering intriguing stories. Every step a person takes to learn about their family’s past could reveal new relatives and entertaining anecdotes. Those new to genealogy often make some common mistakes, which can lead to inaccurate results. By avoiding such common errors, individuals can succeed in their genealogy research while gaining a deeper understanding of their family’s history. Common genealogy mistakes to avoid When researching, people make common genealogy mistakes, which must be avoided to ensure successful research. 1. Not reviewing each document carefully Even the most experienced readers can make the mistake of ignoring everything else on a document and focusing only on the names and dates. Skimming each document could cause one to overlook vital details that, while initially unimportant, may later prove to be the crucial hint needed to continue the investigation. It can be avoided by carefully reading every bit of information on every document, including newspaper stories and obituaries. However, it is also important to note that not everything in print needs to be trusted. A family genealogy or record transcription may not always be accurate just because it has been recorded or published.
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5 mistakes to avoid when exploring family history

5 mistakes to avoid when exploring family history

Researching family history can be a fascinating journey, uncovering surprising information about one’s ancestors. However, it’s important to exercise caution during the process, as mistakes in genealogy research can be time-consuming and might lead to the wrong family tree. Whether  one’s  a beginner or a seasoned genealogist, the key to finding reliable sources and obtaining positive and desired results is to make the right choices and steer clear of any potential mistakes. Solely relying on online  sources Online sources are a great tool when looking for leads to find family history. But online databases are just one source; one cannot miss out on key offline sources such as libraries, archives, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, land records, historical societies, etc., that can help  in the  search for one’s ancestors.  Also, remember that  not all  the data found on the internet is accurate and reliable.  Adding the wrong names or people to the family tree can bring one down to the starting point of the search. One  needs to  distinguish between real and fake data by verifying the source and adding it to the family tree. Dig deeper into the details of each family member by finding out the names of parents, spouses, children, and their professional occupations, among other factors.
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10 reasons to consider buying whole life insurance

10 reasons to consider buying whole life insurance

Getting whole life insurance is a good idea because it secures the family’s financial future. When the policyholder passes, the insurance company provides the beneficiaries with a death benefit. They can use it to pay funeral expenses, settle debts, and cover daily living expenses. These policies are easily available, so anyone can find them. Those unsure about buying whole life insurance can research and learn its benefits to make an informed decision. What is whole life insurance? Whole life insurance is a type of life insurance designed to cover the policyholder for life. In other words, it protects people for as long as they live. Of course, one must pay premiums to avail of this service. The premiums for whole life insurance are usually fixed, but it is best to confirm that with the provider. Some plans may have variable premiums that go up or down over time. Death benefits are paid to the beneficiary upon the policyholder’s passing. Why purchase whole life insurance? Whole life insurance is among the most popular insurance policies. It offers many benefits that attract people, such as lifetime coverage, tax benefits, and, most importantly, peace of mind. Here are some reasons why purchasing whole life insurance is a great idea:
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Whole life insurance – 6 key features to know

Whole life insurance – 6 key features to know

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

9 common Salesforce CRM integration mistakes to avoid

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is crucial for  companies to manage client or customer interactions. Traditional CRM methods cannot handle the massive influx of data, making CRM software indispensable. Several CRM systems, like Salesforce, help ease interactions, streamline processes, and boost profitability. That said, the effectiveness of any software, in this case, Salesforce, only shines through when it’s integrated and implemented well. For that, common mistakes during Salesforce CRM integration should be avoided. 1. Customizing Salesforce prematurely or hastily Salesforce CRM technology is powerful and versatile, so it is best to understand its fundamentals first and then give it time to integrate into one’s workflow effectively. Companies often try to customize the system prematurely, and overwhelming the system with extensive customizations right from the start can often be counterproductive. So, it is best to make tweaks over time. Customizations can be implemented later in phases and as and when needed,  gradually  easing users into the changes gradually. The team, too, can then work on a few adjustments at a time and get used to the evolving setup. 2. Disregarding the need for new or better processes There are instances where teams try to force their old system into the new one or tend to disregard the need for change.
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10 bad habits iPhone users should give up

10 bad habits iPhone users should give up

Every iPhone user understands the joy of having one, even more if it’s new. The phone is sleek and bold and exhibits technological excellence. Unfortunately, many fail to avoid bad habits that may ruin it quickly. As there were more than 225 million iPhone users last year, many poor smartphone habits inadvertently became bad iPhone habits. Besides, some avoidable practices are exclusive to iPhone users. 1. Neglecting battery health iPhones have a phenomenally long battery life, so many users take their devices for granted. Many iPhone users go through multiple charge cycles during the day. Such practices tend to reduce the device’s longevity. Many users also ignore a critical ‘Low Power Mode,’ a battery-saving feature that gives them time to get to a power outlet so that their phone does not die completely. Finally, a common habit is allowing the battery to run out of juice entirely before plugging it into a power outlet. Doing so repeatedly can damage any phone’s batteries in the long run. 2. Running outdated software Opting for regular iOS updates is necessary as every update brings new bug fixes, performance improvements, and new software features to an iPhone. Despite these benefits, many iPhone users run outdated software or routinely ignore updates on their devices.
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Avoid these 9 common dating mistakes

Dating is a wonderful time of butterflies and excitement. Whether one meets organically or online, there’s much to be said about the dating culture today.  It  seems to have gotten trickier with issues like ghosting, catfishing, and more, which can make it difficult to predict what to do in a situation. To make this process easier and  be  one step closer to finding love, here are some mistakes everyone in the dating scene must avoid. Not communicating well One of the biggest mistakes people make while dating is not communicating properly.  Blurring boundaries regarding commitment has become so synonymous with dating today that many people are only attracted to the initial dating stage without any intention of pursuing anyone seriously. This toxic strategy could result in one missing out on mutual connections and potential partners. Instead of spending too much time and energy formulating a dating plan, focus on communicating. In the initial stages, be open and honest with each other about goals, expectations, and other important stuff. Not only will this help weed out unsuitable matches, but it will also help establish healthy groundwork for a future relationship. Treating the partner like a therapist When it comes to communication,  don’t rush to tell  a potential partner everything immediately.
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02.

6 lesser known veteran benefits

Most veterans are aware of some of the benefits the Veterans Affairs (VA) department offers when they return to civilian life. But, some might not know the kind of benefits available to them. For instance, it is well known that if a veteran is injured while on duty, the VA takes care of the treatment and remedies needed. But there are more than just disability benefits provided to former service members of the country. Aid and Attendance Program Long-term care can be a big ask for anyone’s budget, especially if a family plans things paycheck to paycheck. The Aid and Attendance program is helpful for senior veterans who are struggling with long-term care bills. The money allocated under this program helps ensure that the veterans can take care of the high nursing home prices and other costs associated with assisted living. Veteran couples can expect to receive higher pay under the program as opposed to what surviving spouses receive annually. To qualify, the VA would check that the veteran does not have anything amounting to more than $80,000 in assets. This excludes the ownership of one home and one vehicle. For people who find the process complicated or confusing, some companies help with the VA’s Aid and Attendance program application.
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03.

7 essential steps to remember when selling a house

Selling a house is a mammoth task, sometimes even more hectic than buying one. It involves listing the house, staging the living spaces, sharing pictures, calculating the asking price, and negotiating with potential buyers. A house is a valuable asset, and it can be difficult to have strangers in one’s home, inspecting every corner or pointing out flaws. However, keeping one’s emotions in check, staying organized, and streamlining steps can help simplify this process.  Hire a real estate  agent If one’s a first-time seller, don’t try navigating this territory without a qualified real estate agent. A good agent will help sellers set a fair and competitive price for their home, improve interactions with potential buyers, negotiate better, and handle any hiccups  along the way . Having an experienced professional to manage this process will also reduce the risk of delays or legal complications while selling. Those who don’t want to work with a real estate agent must consider hiring a real estate attorney , at the very least,  to review the fine print during the transaction and the escrow process. Don’t get too  emotional Selling a home is an incredibly emotional  process , especially if it is one’s first buy. With the  amount of  time and effort that went into building it and the memories one created in the space, it’s almost an arduous task to think objectively about the space.
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04.

7 mistakes to avoid when selling a house

Selling a house can be overwhelming yet time-consuming, similar to buying one. One may sell one’s house when downsizing, relocating, or trying to take advantage of a hot housing market. The process of selling a house has many steps and connected elements, which may cause one looking to sell the house to make certain errors. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial to safeguarding one’s finances and ensuring a smooth house-selling process. Misjudging the cost of selling Closing costs make up the largest portion of home-selling expenses. A few years ago, closing costs were estimated at 1 percent of the total sale price of houses. This percentage tends to fluctuate depending on the state of a given house and other factors related to the house sale transaction. Apart from closing costs, other expenses include preparing one’s home for listing. Then, if necessary, the costs are also associated with home improvements and repairs. All these costs mean that one may spend more than thousands of dollars when one decides to sell the house. Setting an unrealistic price tag When one sells one’s home, the temptation is always to price it as high as possible and then cash in on it once it is sold.
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