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The importance of using merchant services for business development

Merchant services is almost always seen as a synonym for debit or credit card processing as it is the most commonly used payment method. However, merchant services is more than that, it includes all forms of payment methods used between a customer and a business in order to facilitate the transfer of funds for the services rendered.

Financial Planning

3 financial tips for youngsters

Are you a teenager or a youngster struggling hard to manage with your pocket money or have you just started to earn? Proper financial planning is an art, and not everyone gets to master it. Here, we share some simple financial planning tips to help you become a good financial planner in the future.

Personal Finance

Need and importance of retirement planning calculator

Investing for retirement isn’t as big and tedious and undertaking as it is made out to be. The key is to define how much money you’ll need for the days after you retire and then draw out a plan to achieve your objective. To make things easier, begin by considering your lifestyle post retirement.

Personal Finance

Retirement calculator: Your planning assistant

Retirement planning is about setting aside enough money for retirement and is the preparation that must be done well in advance so that you will be organized for the life after your work career ends, not just in monetary terms but in all aspects of life. The non-financial facets include lifestyle choices, how to spend time in retirement, where to live, etc.

Investments

10 best short-term investments you can bank upon

Short-term investments may be a safer alternative for investors when the markets are unstable. Short-term investment allows investors to invest their money with little or no risk. Here are some short-term investment accounts that you can consider investing in. Which one is right for you depends on your particular situation and preferences.

529 Plan

Save your money with 529 plan

529 plans are named after the section 529 of Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. This is an investment plan that encourages saving for future higher education expenses. These are state-operated plans that provide a tax benefit. Your choice of school is not affected by the state your 529 plan is from.

Mortgage

Understanding the different types of mortgage options

For a first-time mortgage applicant, the intricacies involved in picking the right mortgage option may be more than a daunting task. In order to understand the basic elements in a mortgage loan application, it is crucial to first understand the different types of loan options available to the home-buyers. The primary choice that a home-buyer has to make is to pick between either a fixed rate mortgage loan or an adjustable rate mortgage loan.

Mortgage

Things to remember while researching on mortgage plans

Buying a new home is not just expensive but also requires commitment from the individual in the case of mortgages. It is essential to first understand the basics of a mortgage in order to be able to know what the applicant is involving herself/himself in, given that the repayment of a loan is usually long term in most cases.

Mortgage

How to plan for the pre-payment of mortgage loans

The process of applying for a mortgage and then getting it sanctioned, as well as keeping up with timely payments is definitely a hard task. Moreover, a substantial chunk of the debtors’ money goes into these payments and the remaining income is at most times used up completely for other personal expenses.

Mortgage

Factors to consider before applying for mortgage loans

An individual’s eligibility for mortgage loans depends on one’s bank balance and financial situation. Many individuals commit the error of applying for mortgage loans without any research and end up disappointed due to their applications being completely rejected or end up with a loan grant that is way lesser than the one they had expected.

Auto Refinancing

Hidden costs for car refinancing mortgage

Refinancing a car does sound quite easy. Just sort out the paperwork and get back home with an amazing deal. The market is known to reduce interest rates by 1% on an average in most of the refinancing mortgage deals for cars. However, there are some hidden costs in the whole process, which can often create additional financial hassles for you.

Mortgage

Factors involved in the formula calculation of HECM reverse mortgage loans

While there is no set formula that can equally assess each individual under the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program for reverse mortgage, the factors used in the calculation of the eligibility amount remain as constants. While the use of an online reverse mortgage calculator can give an estimate of the grantable amount, only reverse mortgage counselor can provide the exact dollar amount provided all eligibility requirements are met.

Featured Articles

Health & Wellness

All You Need To Know About Bleeding Gums

All you need to know about bleeding gums We often do not pay much thought to bleeding gums and shrug it off because they invariably happen when we brush or floss our teeth. We consider it as normal but it should not be ignored. Gum bleeding is a fairly common problem. It is best to see your dentist, who will diagnose the problem and advice gum disease treatment options. But, a mild form of bleeding can be treated at home with easy remedies for gum diseases. Gum disease is a common cause of bleeding gums. Many adults experience a gum disease once atleast. Here is some information about bleeding gums, its causes, and more. What should you know about bleeding gums? Bleeding gums are an early sign that something is not right in the mouth. Healthy gums generally don’t bleed easily. Bleeding in itself could be because of various reasons. But, it is more indicative as a symptom of a gum disease. If left untreated, it may lead to severe gum disease. What can I do to prevent bleeding gums? Identify the reason for the gum bleeding. Practice good oral hygiene as the accumulation of plaque along the gum line can cause gums to bleed. Try using a softer toothbrush and not brushing very hard. If the bleeding is very mild, it can be self-treated. Gently brush your teeth twice a day and make sure to clean all the surfaces inside the mouth, including the tongue. Reduce the intake of sugary foods or drinks that help bacterial growth. Rinse and gargle your mouth immediately after you finish eating. Flossing every day by gently rubbing the area around and in between each tooth is essential to good oral hygiene. Do not smoke or chew tobacco. For early diagnosis of any gum disease, regular dental check-ups will be helpful. When do I need to consult a dentist? If gum bleeding becomes a regular occurrence every time you brush. When you observe that gum bleeding is persistently occurring and not stopping. How are bleeding gums treated by the dentist? The dentist will conduct a dental examination to understand the cause of bleeding of the gums. As a preliminary measure, and as a gum disease treatment, the dentist will remove plaque bacteria, which cause gum disease if left untreated. The dentist might advise other gum disease treatment options such as scaling and root planing. In some cases of severe gum infection, surgery may be recommended. What are some at home remedies for treating bleeding gums? Replace your old, hardened toothbrush with a new softer one. Brush softly and floss regularly. Add a mouthwash to your oral care routine. Rinse your mouth with salt water at least twice daily. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, sweet potatoes, and red peppers, and vitamin K, such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, can help in promoting immune health. Deficiency of vitamin C can lead to gum bleeding despite practicing good oral hygiene. Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant which promotes gum health, helps remove plaque, and stops the bleeding of the gums. You can rinse your mouth with a solution but be careful not to swallow it. Chew on some raw vegetables, such as carrots, radishes, and cucumbers to improve circulation of blood and strengthens the gums. Apply a cold compress to the gum line as it will reduce the swelling and restrict the flow of blood causing the bleeding to stop. As per research, drinking green tea is known to reverse gum disease and stop frequent gum bleeds. Ensure you do not skip on your routine dental check-ups.

Health & Wellness

Understanding The Stages A Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious progressive condition affecting the pumping power of the muscles in the heart. It is generally called heart failure, but CHF specifically means the stage when fluid builds up all around the human heart resulting in inefficient pumping. There are a total of four heart chambers. There are two atria in the upper part of the heart and two ventricles in the lower part. The task of pumping blood to the tissues and organs of the body is carried out by the ventricles while the atria receive blood from the body and circulate it back to the rest of the body. CHD occurs when the ventricles are unable to pump a sufficient volume of blood to the body. This might result in the buildup of fluids and blood inside the liver, lungs, lower body, and the abdomen. Immediate CHF treatment is important because leaving this condition untreated can be life-threatening. Below is some information about the symptoms of a CHF, its stages, and more. What are the symptoms of CHF? It is essential to seek medical attention if one experiences any of the symptoms associated with CHF. Some common signs and symptoms of CHF to look out for are: Shortness of breath when being physically active or upon lying down or even resting. A persistent cough, excessive phlegm formation, and rapid shallow breathing. Fast heart rate, arrhythmia, missing heartbeats, and heaviness of the heart. Memory loss, confusion, and brain fog. Swelling in the legs and, especially, in the ankles, around the lungs, the chest area, around the spleen or the liver, and in the abdomen. Muscle pain, fatigue, overall tiredness, feeling restless, loss of appetite, and weight gain. Excessive urination at night. What are the different stages of CHF? CHF is a condition that does not take place in just one day. It takes several months and, in some cases, even years for it to come to the forefront. Generally, the doctors make use of a four-stage categorization for helping patients with the treatments for CHF. Each stage involves a specific mechanism taking place within the body. They are explained below: Stage 1 – Normal physical activities like climbing the stairs or walking do not result in breathing shortness or palpitations. Nevertheless, moderate exercises like jogging and brisk walking make the patient feel tired and breathless. Stage 2 – The patient might feel a little uncomfortable while taking rest. He/she might feel breathless and tired or the heart might start racing as soon as the patient goes for a walk and climb up or climbs down from the stairs. Stage 3 – While taking rest, the patient may feel fine but doing even a simple physical activity might make him/her tired. The patient might feel palpitations or may pant even if he/she gets up from the sofa or walks over to the kitchen. Stage 4 – The patient may feel his/her heart beating fast and hard while taking rest. He/she might feel tired when sitting or feel palpitations and anxiety at all the times. What are the treatment procedures for CHF? The main objective of treatment for CHF is making the heart beat more efficiently so that it is able to meet the energy requirements of the body. Treatment procedures include: Fluid restriction or trying to decrease fluid within the body in order to make it possible for the heart to work harder toward circulating blood through the vessels within the body. Decreasing the intake of salt. Water pills or diuretic medicines might be prescribed. Most common diuretics used for the treatment of CHF include bumetanide, hydrochlorothiazide, and furosemide. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors along with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications that can be used for increasing the chances of a patient’s survival. These medicines work by decreasing systematic resistance while altering the hormonal milieu affecting cardiac performance. Patients of end-stage CHF might need aggressive treatments like the left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) that help in cardiac circulation.

Health & Wellness

Deep Vein Thrombosis – Diagnosis And Treatment

Deep Vein Thrombosis – Diagnosis and treatment Deep Vein Thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot occurs in one of the deeper veins in the body; usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis leads to symptoms such as swelling, cramps, and leg pain. In a few rare cases, there are no symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. This ailment develops if you have a medical condition that affects the way your blood clots. If you do not move for a long time after an accident or surgery, you may experience deep vein thrombosis. It can have serious consequences as the blood clots can break and cause blockage in your lungs as well. What is deep vein thrombosis? Deep vein thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot in the vein located in the deeper parts of the body. The clot is a blood clump that is in a solid state. It is most commonly found in the regions of the lower leg and thigh. A clot can also form in other parts of the body. Deep vein thrombosis is also called post-thrombotic syndrome, thromboembolism, and postphlebitic syndrome. Who can have deep vein thrombosis? Anyone over the age of 50 is at a high risk of deep vein thrombosis. There are certain conditions that affect how the blood flows through the veins and increase the risk of clots. Here are a few conditions that can lead to a clot. A family history of DVT A catheter placed in a vein An injury such as a bone fracture causing any damage to the vein Obesity which increases the pressure on the veins in the legs Smoking Hormone therapy Birth control pills Being seated for long durations of time There are also certain diseases that can increase the risk of DVT. These include conditions such as IBD and cancer. An individual undergoing surgery will have the risk of DVT. Pregnancy causes an increase in the hormone and sugar levels which again increase the risk of DVT. What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis? There are a few symptoms that occur in patients that suffer from this condition. However, in some cases, there may not be any clear symptoms and you have to monitor your health carefully. Swelling in the ankle, leg, and foot on one side alone Severe pain in the ankle and foot Painful cramps in the leg that is affected One part in the skin feels warmer when compared to the surrounding areas Discoloration of the skin over the affected area. The condition is often recognized only after an emergency pulmonary embolism treatment is done. It is a life-threatening condition which is a complication caused by DVT. When Should You See A Doctor? Deep Vein Thrombosis is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention and care. If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms, you need to seek help and find out if you’re qualified for treatment. You can visit the nearest emergency room and let them guide you. After a thorough check of your symptoms and health history, a deep vein thrombosis diagnosis is done where the doctor suggests the best mode of treatment. What treatments can be explored for deep vein thrombosis? The focus of the treatment is to ensure the clot does not grow. The treatment will also ensure that there is no pulmonary embolism. Medicines There is deep vein thrombosis medication available which makes the blood thin and prevents clotting. These include warfarin, heparin, fondaparinux, and enoxaparin. Even the existing clots can decrease with this deep vein thrombosis treatment. Compression stockings Wearing these stockings can prevent swelling and clots. These stockings reach below the knee and should be worn every day. Filters Filters might have to be added inside a vein called vena cava if blood thinners don’t help. This is a deep vein thrombosis treatment which prevents the clots from entering the lungs. Leaving the filters over a long time can cause DVT. It is a short-term treatment that can be used to reduce the clotting. What are the complications of deep vein thrombosis? The major complication of this condition is a pulmonary embolism. This may occur if the clot moves to the lungs causing serious damage to the body. You need critical help if you have any of the following signs. Sweating Dizziness Rapid breathing Pain in the chest Increase in heart rate Coughing blood

Health & Wellness

The Causes And Symptoms Of Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors

The causes and symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors The neuroendocrine system can be described as a network of glands producing hormones that are carried into the bloodstream. There are different roles that these hormones play in the human body. The carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor is a very rare tumor that shows up in the cells of the neuroendocrine system. Around 80% of these tumors grow in the small bowel and the appendix. However, they can even grow in the lungs, pancreas, ovaries, stomach, testicles, and kidneys. These tumors develop at varied rates, and they are usually slow at developing. They might develop over several months and even years. Nevertheless, there are some tumors that tend to be highly aggressive. They can spread very quickly to other parts of the human body and can even result in serious issues. What are the causes of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Experts are still not aware of the main causes of neuroendocrine tumors. However, there are certain conditions that might make you a victim of these tumors. These are called risk factors, and they are situations and diseases that you cannot control. Some of the most common causes of neuroendocrine tumors are as listed: Some diseases that are caused due to family history or genes passed to an individual through their family can increase their chances of having a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor. Individuals with multiple endocrine neoplasia disease can be the victims of carcinoid tumors. This is a disease where tumors form in the cells, making hormones or chemicals that have a major effect on the actions of the body, such as sex drive, mood, and hair growth. Your age can have an effect on your chances of suffering from carcinoid tumors. There are certain NETs that have an effect on people of specific ages. The gender of an individual also has an effect on the risk for certain NETs. However, women have an increased chance of suffering from these tumors. The race of a person also has an effect on their chances of suffering from carcinoid tumors. The immune system in the body is its defense against all kinds of germs. Diseases or conditions that affect the immune system, such as organ transplant and HIV/AIDS, can increase the chances of neuroendocrine tumors in individuals. Excessive sun exposure can also result in neuroendocrine tumors. This is because the sun gives off ultraviolet rays that damage the skin DNA. This can result in the growth of cells in an uncontrolled manner, resulting in cancer. Studies have proved that smoking can also increase the chances of neuroendocrine tumors in people. What are the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Neuroendocrine tumors are generally diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 60. People with these tumors might experience certain symptoms, or they might not have any signs or changes in their body. The symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors include the following: Anxiety attacks High blood pressure Headaches A fever Rapid pulse Clammy skin Sweating Vomiting Nausea Heart palpitations Weight loss Flushing Severe diarrhea Wheezing Increased heart rate Appetite loss Sudden changes in blood pressure Always keep in mind that neuroendocrine tumors are rare and therefore the above-mentioned symptoms might be the result of other medical conditions. Nevertheless, it is important to consult a doctor if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks. What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? If you go through carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor prognosis, you will be able to find that these tumors are either malignant or benign. The benign tumors tend to be small and can easily be removed completely, not to come back again. There are no symptoms produced if you are suffering from benign carcinoid tumors. The cells from these tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. The malignant or cancerous carcinoid tumors are large and can damage organs and tissues close to them. The cells of these tumors can easily break and enter the lymphatic system and the bloodstream to form new tumors. How can carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors be prevented? There is no way of preventing these tumors at present. However, quitting or not starting to smoke might reduce the risk of these tumors. It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and a good lifestyle in order to prevent such tumors.

Health & Wellness

An Overview Of Cla Safflower Oil

An overview of CLA safflower oil CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. It is high in good fats, i.e., monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. According to the National Institutes of Health, typically, CLA is found in foods like beef and dairy. However, it can also be found in small quantities in vegetable oils. Safflower oil is a oil produced from the seeds of a safflower plant; thus, it is a vegetable oil. Safflower plant is about 30 to 150 cm in height and each branch of the plant has about one to five flower heads with 15-20 seeds per head from which the oil is extracted. The plant is found in Kazakhstan as well as India, the USA, Mexico, and Argentina. Below is some information about CLA safflower oil. What are the advantages of using CLA safflower oil? The CLA safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, namely, polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. These fats, commonly known as good fats, are required by the body to function well. The CLA safflower oil helps in improving memory and aids hormone regulation. This oil allows the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin K, E, D, and A. CLA safflower oil reduces inflammation in the body and also improves general health. It is a good way to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Regular intake of CLA safflower oil improves blood cholesterol levels, thereby, reducing the chances of any kind of heart diseases. It contains vitamin E, which is great for skin issues like dry skin or even inflamed skin. However, you must perform a patch test before applying the oil all over the skin. How do you use CLA safflower oil in diet? The moderate use of safflower oil in your food will improve your metabolic rate, thereby, reducing your weight. The proportion of safflower oil intake would be dependent on weight-loss calorie requirement. For instance, a woman who needs to have 1200 calories daily would need 4 teaspoons of the CLA safflower oil. Men who are on a diet and need to consume 1600 calories would need 5 teaspoons of it. What are the side effects of CLA safflower oil? Most often people do not face any side effects from this oil if it is consumed or applied in recommended proportions. CLA safflower oil thins the blood so it could slow down clotting and could increase the chances of bleeding for those who have bleeding disorders or are undergoing some sort of surgery. People allergic to ragweed or pollen should not consume this oil as it could lead to an allergic reaction. Pregnant women should avoid it. Which are the best safflower oils of the year? As per CLA safflower oil reviews, the following brands have made the list of favorites among consumers this year: Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil – This is a USDA-certified brand and it is high in oleic acid. Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil is extracted using the cold pressed method that allows it to have a high amount of oleic acid, which is great for hair growth. Hollywood Safflower Oil – This is a great oil for cooking. It is the best when it comes to light heat cooking. The Hollywood Safflower Oil is available in a pack of one, three, or twelve, and it works well for pasta and as a drizzle over appetizers. It is good for cake mixes as well. Eden Unrefined – This brand of CLA safflower oil is organic and kosher, and it only has safflower oil. It works well for acne-prone skin and for cooking too. Dr. Adorable One Gallon – If you want to use CLA safflower oil especially for body massages, then this brand works beautifully as it blends well. You can take a generous quantity and apply it all over the body. It has no noticeable smell. However, this oil should be only used for external purposes. Spectrum Naturals High Heat – This brand produces the perfect CLA safflower oil for cooking. It has a smooth flavor that is ideal for cooking. The Spectrum Naturals High Heat does not have any artificial coloring, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other common allergens. It is much lighter than other oils, such as olive oil.