Home | Home security

Top 5 tax-deductible charity contributions

Top 5 tax-deductible charity contributions
Donating to charities is a meaningful way for individuals to contribute to society and gain personal benefits. Unbeknownst to many, charitable contributions made in the country make an individual eligible for tax advantages, creating a win-win scenario. Contributions like cash donations, non-cash donations like clothing or household items, stocks, etc., can lead to tax benefits. Explore some tax-deductible charitable gifts and donations below to understand how to make a positive impact while enjoying financial advantages. Cash donations Cash donations are one of the simplest ways to contribute to charitable causes and get tax benefits. Cash donations can be made in various ways, including checks, credit cards, or through payroll deductions made by one’s employer. If one is donating cash to qualified public charities, it allows them a tax deduction of up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) in a year. Furthermore, making cash donations to private foundations allows individuals a tax deduction of up to 30% of their AGI. To claim tax deductions, one must keep records of their donations, such as bank statements, canceled checks, or receipts and acknowledgment letters from the charity. Non-cash donations Besides cash, donating goods such as clothing, furniture, or household items can also yield tax benefits.

Beware of these 4 online money-making scams

Beware of these 4 online money-making scams
With online payment becoming the norm, it is possible to carry out transactions in no time. However, this ease of payment has also emerged as a double-edged sword, as several online scams exploit innocent people every day. In this scenario, users need to be extremely cautious while communicating with strangers online or making digital payments, even to seemingly trustworthy payees. Here are some online money-making scams one should watch out for. Voice recording scams With technology, it is possible to record the other person’s voice over the phone and manipulate it for money. Specifically, scammers use a software application to create a deep-fake version of the recorded voice, which is used to impersonate the individual to extract their information and access their investments or insurance policy details. Not answering unknown calls is the best way to avoid such scams. If the person still wants to connect, they may do so over messages. Donation scams Genuine donations can open up a whole new world for certain individuals and communities. On the other hand, donation scams can exploit philanthropists in the pretext of helping others. Charity scammers are usually well-trained to elicit empathy and masquerade as registered charitable organizations. Many people end up believing their words and donate large amounts without even verifying the organization’s credibility.

4 common online banking scams and how to avoid them

4 common online banking scams and how to avoid them
Technology allows one to manage finances and make transactions within seconds using one’s phone. But on the flip side, technology makes it easy for people to fall prey to online banking scams. Scammers typically exploit credit and debit card users or people having payment applications on their phones. So, those using online banking should be wary of such scams and tread with caution. Here are some common online banking scams and how to avoid them. Phishing scams Phishing is when scammers send text messages and emails to individuals, persuading them to share their personal details. Such details may include passwords, account numbers, one-time passwords, etc. With such information, they access one’s email accounts and bank accounts and take away their money. Sometimes, these messages or emails may also ask one to click on a link provided to complete a certain action. The person’s account is hacked the moment this link is opened. So, one should never disclose personal information over text message or email, even if the sender appears genuine. If it seems like a bank-generated message, it is best to call up or visit the nearest bank branch and check with them if they had actually sent such a message.

6 common online shopping mistakes to avoid

6 common online shopping mistakes to avoid
Online shopping has become an increasingly preferred option for purchasing. The Internet has sites and applications that sell everything from daily needs to luxurious wants. However, the online shopping world has its pitfalls, some of which can alter a customer’s online shopping experience. Learning about mistakes is crucial to steer clear of potential pitfalls. This, in turn, will enable shoppers to make the most out of their shopping experience. Here are a few to avoid: Not reading description A critical mistake shoppers make when shopping online is not checking product descriptions. Product descriptions are sections that can provide buyers with essential information about the product. It can contain the item’s dimensions, features, material used, and potential care options. However, missing reading the description might cause the shopper to end up with a product that may not meet the customer’s requirements. Overlooking reviews Another mistake shoppers make during online shopping is failing to check product reviews. Reviews from other buyers provide valuable insight into the product’s quality, functionality, and durability. Ignoring these reviews will also mean the shoppers could be stuck with a product that does not meet their expectations. Taking the time to read reviews helps shoppers understand the product and adjust their expectations.

5 electronic document signing software that you can use

5 electronic document signing software that you can use
Everything in recent years has been turning digital, right from essentials to non-essentials. Name it, and the Internet will present it from its vast data. One of the things we are familiar with, thanks again to the Internet, is sharing documents. The easiest form of sharing information with each other is creating a pdf and sending it off to as many people as you want. It is time we all move on to the use of electronic signatures instead of wasting tonnes of paper and printing out multiple copies of the same document. Let us learn why electronic document signing software is an invention you should be turning to. What is an electronic document signing software? Simply put, an electronic signature is an image of your actual signature or your mark that you can use on documents electronically. Programs that allow you to do this are known as electronic document signing software. This can be done on any device and operating system. All you have to do is install the required software and get signing. Why should you be using it? A lot of companies still email documents that need signing. This means this person will have to print, sign, scan, and then mail them back to you.

Useful travel tips to help plan your next vacation efficiently

Useful travel tips to help plan your next vacation efficiently
It doesn’t matter if you plan to travel solo or visit exotic destinations for a much needed holiday with your family. Traveling comes with its own challenges, and the more prepared you are, the better your experience will be, especially while going abroad. Planning for travel entails more than just booking flights and hotels. You have to be responsible for a number of things, especially when you go with your family. So here are a few useful travel tips you must consider while planning your next destination travel to stay one step ahead, and most importantly, in charge! Organize your info When you plan a multi-city tour, ensure that all the details of the upcoming trips are organized in a single destination travel folder. These include your itinerary and all particulars of flight, hotel, and activity bookings. Organizing a travel folder helps you stay prepared for the next city on the list. This is especially helpful when you are hopping across cities in different nations and have to be at certain places on fixed dates. Planning ahead can save you both time and efforts once you reach the place. Plan in advance From the cab ride to the airport to the last leg of your multi-city destination travel, it pays to plan well in advance.

Must
Reads.

4 key things to consider when choosing a new garden fence

Having a fence around one’s property can serve multiple purposes, such as providing privacy, safety, and keeping away animals or keeping pets inside. Choosing the right fence that is compatible with the house can be a challenging task. Therefore, it is important to take some time to consider the various options available on the market before installing a fence. Moreover, there are several important factors to take into account when selecting a new garden fence. Legal responsibility and planning permission This is one of the most crucial aspects that must be considered before deciding on anything else regarding fence installation. If this issue is not sorted out initially, one may end up spending a lot of money and time in the building and installing the fence, only to cancel everything later on.  Therefore, it is important to understand who would be responsible for replacing or repairing a fence if it is a shared entity between two neighbors. This can be found out through property deeds that provide details regarding which boundaries are the legal responsibility of which neighbor. In addition, it is a good idea to have a discussion with one’s neighbors before starting the work. Also, one needs to figure out whether planning permission is required for the new fence. Privacy and security For homeowners who live in urban or suburban areas, security and privacy are two of the key things they need to consider before building a new fence. If one’s home is on a quiet street with fewer people passing through, an open and breezy fence panel like arched top pailing fence panels may work well. But for those living across busy roads or a locality that has a lot of people and traffic moving around, higher fencing styles such as traditional Close Board Fencing Panels or Waney fence panels should be considered.

10 Designer Perfume Deals to Expect for Black Friday 2023

The much-anticipated Black Friday sale is only two months away, so one can start preparing their shopping list. Besides clothing, appliances, furniture, and other essentials, people with a fondness for alluring fragrances can buy perfumes during this time. Labels like Chanel, Armani, and Bond No. 9 are known to have fantastic offers. Based on last year’s trends and current prices, we’ve listed ten Black Friday designer perfume deals one can expect in 2023. Floral fragrances 1. The Dioriviera by Dior embodies a fresh and fruity fragrance. It’s designed to convey modern and romantic impressions inspired by a rose garden. It also emanates a slight warmness of a pleasant, sunny day. Since the Dioriviera launched earlier this year, it’s hard to say how much it will be discounted for Black Friday. However, last year’s trends indicate premium Dior perfumes like these will likely sell for at least 10% less. Both men and women can use it. 2. Jimmy Choo’s Blossom Eau de Parfum spray was marked down by 50% last sale season. It usually costs $60, but one could pick it up for just $30 at Macy’s. This spray c ombines juicy berries, fragrant florals, and creamy sandalwood, creating a sweet, lively party scent perfect for the holiday season. It comes in a striking fuchsia bottle with a dimpled pattern and diamond-shaped lid. 3. The Armani My Way Eau de Parfum combines floral and woody notes. One of the key ingredients, orange blossom, is extracted from hand-picked bitter orange fruits. This perfume currently costs $155 on the brand’s website. However, for Black Friday last year, sites like Beauty BFF let customers save 30% on Armani perfumes with a coupon code. One can hope such offers repeat in 2023. Fragrances for women 4. The Chanel N°5  Eau De Parfum spray has been around since 1921.

4 benefits of wearing a body shaper

Body shapers or shapewear are undergarments that create a smooth foundation beneath clothes by providing a firm, thin layer of compression. They are often worn to create a smooth silhouette across the bust, hips, waist, and thighs. Shapewear is available in a wide range of shapes, styles, patterns, colors, and types, including body briefs, control camisoles, long-leg shapers, corsets, waist cinchers, and so on. The right shapewear can offer the following benefits: Smoother silhouette Whether one is planning an outfit for a casual day out, party, or a formal event, wearing a body shaper underneath can help elevate the look. The right shapewear can smoothen the seams and hide clothing wrinkles so that the outfit looks well-fitted and sharp. It will give a smoother appearance along with a toned silhouette. Further, aging is a natural process that causes muscles to lose their elasticity and suppleness, making the skin prone to sagging. Here, shapewear can help firm up the appearance of loose skin. Improved posture A full-body shaper that covers the complete torso compresses the body and offers a snug fit. This helps in keeping the back straight and maintaining a good posture. The long-term effect of maintaining a good posture while wearing compression shapewear is that one gets used to naturally sitting, standing, or walking with their back straight, even when not wearing shapewear. This may help in alleviating back and shoulder pain while improving the posture. Helps with sweating Thermal body shapers are special types of shapewear designed to stimulate sweating. These are usually available in the form of vests, pants, shorts, and bodysuits. Most of them tend to focus on the midsection. So, those who do not sweat enough while working out can opt for these body shapers that increase the natural body heat and perspiration around the waist and midsection.

Top 10 Tablet Deals to Explore on Black Friday 2023

Black Friday, one of the most anticipated retail holidays of the year, is right around the corner. This year, it falls on November 24. With early-bird sales and holiday season excitement comes the need for preparation. With each Black Friday bringing with it discounts on everything, from kitchen appliances to phones and tablets, one can add all kinds of electronics to their shopping list. So, here are some tablets worth considering on Black Friday 2023: Slate tablets The slate or standalone tablet is the most traditional variant while also being the most popular option. Here, the gadget comes with a big touchscreen, ranging from 5 inches to 13 inches. While these are usually regular-sized tabs, one may also be able to find mini tablets. 1. On Black Friday, shoppers can expect amazing deals on slate tablets, but one must keep in mind that the prices can differ depending on screen size, features, and other specifications. An already affordable tablet, the Lenovo Tab M8, sold for just $79 at Walmart last Black Friday.  2. Last year, shoppers got a $230 discount on the Samsung Galaxy 14.6-inch tab at Best Buy. This deal is worth following up on this Black Friday. 3. Those looking for affordable Samsung tablets can consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. This gadget carried a $60 discount last Black Friday, selling for just $139. With a 10.5-inch display and 32GB of memory, the tablet can be a great Android option for students. 4. Additionally, Lenovo’s 10.6-inch slate tablet model has previously carried a post-discount price of $139 on the brand’s official website during the shopping season sale. With 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, this tablet is great for students and professionals, making it worth considering this shopping season. 5. The Lenovo Yoga tablets have previously sold for $319.99 during the holiday season.

Our
Blog.

Black Friday 2023 – Top 10 Smartphone Deals to Watch Out For

Black Friday 2023 – Top 10 Smartphone Deals to Watch Out For

Even during non-festive periods, smartphones sell like hotcakes in online and offline stores. Most tech enthusiasts routinely feel the need to get their hands on the latest models of their favorite smartphones. With Black Friday 2023 still several weeks away, shoppers can check out the features of their favorite smartphones. All the estimated deals listed in this article are based on the existing retail discounts, and buyers can expect similar bargains this Black Friday. High-range smartphones 1. Different variants of Apple’s iPhone make up the top 4 of the bestselling smartphones in the country. On many retail sites, devices such as the Apple iPhone SE 5G are being sold with discounts that range from about $200 to $250. This means that there is a high percentage chance that similar or better deals will likely emerge for such devices when Black Friday looms closer. The Apple iPhone SE 5G offers fantastic features such as lightning-fast processors, 5G connectivity, 4K video recording capability with 60 FPS, the unique Dynamic Island display, IP67 water resistance, and many more. 2. Samsung’s Galaxy devices come second in the sales pecking order after Apple’s iPhones when it comes to the smartphone market leadership. With the presence of Black Friday looming on the horizon, users can expect great deals on their favorite Galaxy smartphones. For instance, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is available on many retail sites with existing discounts ranging from 10% to 15%. Shoppers may possibly find such (or better) discounts during the upcoming sale period. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a one-of-a-kind foldable phone packed with incredible features such as a massive display, dual-app viewing, immersive gaming experience, super AMOLED screens, and many other niceties. 3. A device that is likely to offer massive discounts during Black Friday is the Google Pixel 7.
Read More
10 Incredible Black Friday Deals to Expect on Laptops in 2023

10 Incredible Black Friday Deals to Expect on Laptops in 2023

Laptops combine the power of desktops with the portability of smartphones, making them suitable for several tasks. But this is also why they tend to be pricey. Unsurprisingly, many wait for sales like Black Friday to buy the model of their choice. Below are ten types of laptops and the Black Friday 2023 deals one can expect on them in the coming months. The discounts listed are based on last year’s sale and current prices. 1. Dual-screen laptops Unlike older dual-screen models, newer ones are much more efficient and non-gimmicky. They have secondary displays with anti-glare capability that perfectly complement the primary screen. A great option is the ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo UX581. It comes with a 15.6-inch 4K UHD NanoEdge touchscreen glossy main display, a cutting-edge Intel Core i7-9750H Quad Core Processor, and a 14-inch 4K matte touchscreen for seamless scrolling and usability. Last year, Amazon sold specific variants of the Zenbook Pro Duo for a discount of 15% in the run-up to Black Friday. 2. Gaming laptops Gamers need laptops that are responsive, less prone to overheating, and armed with high-end graphics cards. In short, they seek devices that will not leave them high and dry in the middle of a high-octane, graphics-heavy game by being laggy and annoying. Thankfully, several gaming laptops tick these boxes, an example being Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3. The device has incredible features, such as the latest AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors, GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs, and Rapid Charge technology to boost battery by 40% in just 15 minutes. Amazon reduced the price of specific IdeaPad Gaming 3 models by $300 last Black Friday, so gamers can hope for similar savings in 2023. 3. Chromebooks Those who prefer the ultra-reliable Chrome OS can check out Acer’s Chromebook 315. It has a powerful Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor, a full HD IPS touchscreen, and over 12 hours of battery life!
Read More