Online broking is simply buying assets through a brokerage firm that has an internet-based trading platform. The late 90s witnessed the evolution of the high-speed internet. This enabled online trading of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which gave rise to online brokerage companies. These companies help investors trade their money in different investment options. Online trading is also referred to as e-trading or self-directed investment.

Based on factors like affordability, platform versatility, and customer service, here are some of the best online brokerage companies that you should consider for trading your investments.

Vanguard
It is one of the top brokerage firms, which is popular among low-cost investors. It is mostly utilized by retired and buy-and-hold investors who have a high account balance. Long-term investors should consider using this online broking company as it has a low expense ratio of ETFs and index funds.

It is one of those online brokerage companies that list the safest trading options, promising a long-term growth. Vanguard offers around $7 trades for accounts worth $50,000. The same trades cost $2 for accounts with $500,000. The trades become free once the account reaches a million dollar. Investors who frequently trade (for at least 25 times a year) might be charged with a nominal fee.

Ally Invest
If you are a seasoned investor, you should consider Ally Invest. The online trading company offers forex trading and automated portfolio management. Although there are no minimums, the commissions on trades are around $4.95. Frequent investors who trade for 30 times or more within three months are required to pay only $3.95 for their trade.

Ally Invest has a versatile PC and smartphone platform. You can make your own customized dashboard with a diverse set of trading tools. Some other useful features are a profit and loss calculator to evaluate your earnings. It also has Maxit tax manager, which informs the investors about changes in the taxes based on the trades. The probability calculator tells the likelihood of the desired target for each share.   

TD Ameritrade
This is one of the best online brokerage companies. This is because it has some of the best resources for both, beginners and advanced investors. The company offers portfolio-building advice, more than a hundred ETFs, and a trading platform for both mobile and PC. TD Ameritrade has online programs for beginner traders called “web platform” where it helps investors build a balanced portfolio including ETFs, mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. TD Ameritrade also provides free resources if you like to do your own research.

You can also communicate with a panel of specialists with whom you can chat personally and get advice on the best investment options.

Scottrade
The online brokerage company has about 500 offices across the country, where investors can visit and consult a knowledgeable investor. Scottrade has more than 1000 consultants for all your investment-related queries. They do not have an account minimum as you have to pay around $6.95 as a commission for a single trade. Scottrade offers 50 commission-free trades on depositing $10,000 in the Scottrade account.

They have also lowered their contract fee from to $1.25 to $0.70 in the recent years. Another factor that makes Scottrade one of the best online brokerage companies is that it only costs around $17 to sell and buy no-load funds. The number of such transaction fee-free funds is a whopping 2600.

Robinhood
The online brokerage companies are best for commission-free stocks and ETF trades. The investors don’t have to pay the account minimum. They can immediately trade $1000 to invest in various stock options. A free upgrade enables investors to sell stocks and ETFs and buy the same elsewhere.

The online brokerage company has a great mobile app that saves you from the hassle of switching to your PC to track your stock earnings. It allows you to transfer your money automatically to your bank account and vice versa, whenever you want.

Video games are not the sole preserve of children. Everybody loves to spend some time in front of the console, playing their favorite genre of video game. Video games are classified into genres in accordance with the characteristics of gameplay of the individual game. Every genre has its dedicated fanbase too.

Video game genres
The genre is defined by the type of challenge the gamer has to face in a video game. There are seven genres of video games. There are action games, action games with a mix of adventure, adventure-only games, and strategy games. Then there are games where the gamer plays a particular role such as Action RPG, MMORPG, and others. There are some simulation-type games like construction and management simulation games. The other is the sports genre of games.

Games beyond the common genres
There are still some video games which cannot be classified into any of the above genres. You can get party games, logic games, trivia games, card games, board games in gaming CDs and enjoy them on your computer.

Criteria for selecting video games
Genre
When you are going to shop video games, the first criterion is obviously the genre of your choice. The racing and strategy games are mostly the first choice for boys. Girls may go for party games or others.

Price
After you have decided on the genre, you need to search for best prices on video games. You can search for it, both online and offline. What matters is that you need to get the best-priced video games.

Hardware to play on

• Console
  An essential criterion in selecting a video game is the hardware to play the game in. If you own a gaming console, then you have a plethora of choices. There are top console games like Grand Theft Auto, NBA 2K17, etc. These are blockbuster games — designed exclusively for consoles. So when you go to buy video games, don’t consider the blockbuster ones, if you don’t have a console.

• Computer
  To play high-quality and exhilarating video games with exciting graphics on a computer, you need high-end configuration of your computer. You can get some good games with high-end graphics. However, these games are never as good as those designed exclusively for consoles.

• TV
  You may buy video games for playing them on your TV. You can turn your TV into a console and play a variety of games. You can also play body-motion TV video games like boxing games.

So if you don’t have a console, you have two choices TV and computer. There is a wide range of exciting games which can be played both on the computer and TV. With similar gaming experience, the price may become the most important criterion in selecting a particular video game. Enquire about the best prices on TV video games. Get a TV video game price list, go through it, and select one that falls under the category of best prices on video games.

Taking proper care of spa hot tubs is simple and essential to keep spa running well. Good maintenance of spa hot tubs demands regular cleaning of the cover as well as the filter of your spa. It is also important to check the chemical levels in the spa hot tub and to ensure that only the right chemicals are added in there. Regular attention and maintenance will make your hot tub clean and last longer. You can look for hot tubs on sale from popular online stores and get the best deals on same during the Black Friday sale!

Let us take a look at a few simple steps that will help you keep your spa hot tubs clean.

Always use test strips to evaluate chemical and mineral levels in the hot tub. It is best advised to adjust the spa hot tub chemical levels at least 1-2 times a week. These spa test strips are easily available at most department stores.

One should be very careful when using chemicals. It is advised not to add more than one chemical at a time. While adjusting hot tub chemical levels, ensure a gap of at least 2 hours before adding another chemical. The gap allows the substances to dissolve naturally and also increases their effectiveness.

Keep the spa hot tub cover off for a minimum of 15 minutes after a chemical has been added. Also, ensure that the hot tub water is running when the chemicals are added. This is essential to ensure that the jets in the hot tub mix the chemicals in the water.
It is important to keep a tab on the chemicals that are added to the spa hot tubs. Always pre-measure your chemicals to avoid any reactions.

Measure total alkalinity. Based on test reading (as suggested in the first point), add sodium bicarbonate or sodium bisulfate. Use spa test strips to check the level and ensure that it falls between 80-120 PPM in total alkalinity. If the alkalinity level is above 120, add spa down. However, if the test strip gives a figure that is below 60, you need to add spa up to reach the optimal level. It is crucial to maintain the alkalinity first as it affects your pH.

There are endless options in the market if you decide to buy a mattress. However, it is not as easy as you may think to buy one. It is very important to choose a mattress that best suits your needs and does not induce back pain. A wrong pick would make you unable to get a good night’s sleep and negatively impact your physical and mental health. If you suffer from back pain, then it becomes all the more important for you to buy the best mattress. A proper mattress would give you back pain relief, whereas a wrong one would aggravate the problem further and for longer. Here are certain tips to help you buy the best mattress for back pain:

Research Online
It is extremely important to research before making the purchase. Check out information on the kind of mattress you should buy if you have back pain. Accordingly, find the brands and types that sell the kind of mattress you are looking for.

Talk to Your Physician
Talk your healthcare provider or physical therapist and ask for their recommendations. Depend on their expert advice as they would suggest treatments on the basis of your symptoms and medical conditions.

Do Not Fall for Marketing Gimmicks
It is difficult to not to fall into the traps of marketing gimmicks. There are manufacturers who claim their products to be “medically approved” or “orthopedic” or the “best mattress for back pain.” While they may be orthopedic friendly, but there is hardly any real “medically approved” mattress available.

Test the Mattress
When you go shopping for a mattress, lie on it for at least 10-15 minutes to understand the feel of the mattress. Do not get self-conscious or let the salesperson hurry you up. To make an important decision and big purchase like this, you must at least have 10 minutes of experience lying on it. In case you have a partner, always go for the testing with him or her. You must buy a mattress that best suits you both and your partner, and avoids back pain for both of you.

Mattress Firmness
When you are suffering from back pain you want to consider the best mattress for its firmness. Studies show that a medium firm mattress are best suited for relieving back pain. A soft mattress, on the other hand, is not so good for the ailment. Note that a firm feel is different from firm support. What you need is firm support and a comfortable feel. The comfort level depends on your preference.

Pillow Tops Not Meant for Everybody
People who are light in weight don’t need a thick pillow top mattress as their weight is insufficient for compressing the foam and touching the underlying support coils. However, people on the heavier side would find a mattress with an extra cushion more comfortable an option.

Adjustable Beds
You can also buy adjustable beds if you are more comfortable being seated in a recliner instead of lying down. This bed will let you elevate your knees and neck slightly to mitigate pressure on the lower back.

Trial Period and Comfort Guarantee
There are retailers and manufacturers that guarantee comfort or give your money back. Most mattresses come with a free trial period as well. It means if you do not like the product after using for a certain period of time, you can send it back to the seller. Check these facilities with the retailer before buying a mattress.

Check for Warranty
A proper mattress would come with a 10-year, non-prorated, or full-replacement warranty.

Use Protection for Your Mattress
Never use a mattress without waterproof mattress protector as stains will nullify the warranty.

Shop from a Specialized Mattress Dealer
It is always advisable to make your purchase from a store that deals with mattresses only and a specialized seller as well. They would guide to buy the exact mattress you are looking for.

Brands
Best mattresses for back pain support include the following brands:

• The Amerisleep AS2
• The Saatva Mattress
• The Helix Mattress
• The Bear Mattress

All these mattresses are priced between $800-1200.

It is always suggested to buy a mattress after proper inspection and testing. You do not want your back pain to hurt more.

Omega XL is a joint pain and inflammation relieving supplement that comes in pills form that have transparent covering. Each bottle of omega XL comes with 60 soft gel capsules. The effectiveness and legitimacy of omega XL has been debatable for some time now.

There has been many television advertisements and other media to promote the consumption and sales of omega XL. The sale of these capsules is on the rise but the legitimacy debate around it remains put.

There are over 30 fatty acids in the capsules. Omega XL consists of DHA and EPA and there are claims that it’s been backed by 30 years of research. The company behind this product is Great HealthWorks that is based in Florida.

The omega XL capsules have high quantity of fatty acids. They also have a patented blend of more than 30 fatty acids to make their product more effective. Fatty acids that contain DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are known to treat inflammation in the entire body.

Omega XL is claimed to be the best solution made from fish oil and is also sold as the best fish oil supplement to cure inflammation and joint pains. There are also claims of having no after taste of fish. There aren’t any drug interactions either in the ingredients, as claimed by the makers.

There are many benefits of Omega XL that the company offers, such as:
– Pain relief
– Healthy joints and relief from joint pain
– Improved heart health
– Cures inflammation
– Good for respiration

Usage of omega XL is simple as it supposed to be consumed just like any other capsule. Usually two capsules a day is taken for the best results. However, it is recommended to take Omega XL with food as that will get absorbed faster.

The complete set of ingredients of omega XL is not known to anyone. The company that manufactures the product has kept that information to themselves; however, you can get little information about the ingredients from the bottle.

Omega XL are available online as well as in stores. You can also purchase them from the official website: omegaxl.com. A pack of 60 capsule will cost you $61. You may check the shipping is that is applicable to your order.

You may want to read all the reviews and consult your doctor before consuming these capsules.

Online MBA has its own share of upsides and downlows. It completely depends upon you, as to which pros will lead you to opt for online MBA and what cons will make you reconsider. Here are a few pros and cons that will help you decide better.

Pros
The main advantage of an online MBA is the ability to pursue your degree while maintaining your current career path. People involved in time demanding work schedules often are unable to devote their time into campus learning.

Online MBA is a good option for people with tight work schedules, as it allows them to learn in a virtual learning environment that is accessible 24/7.

Another advantage of online programs is that you don’t have to relocate to receive the post-graduation. There is an increase in the number of schools that offer online MBA.

Cons
Online MBA programs have their own set of drawbacks. For students who learn best by attending lectures practically, an online program might not be the best option for them as the interaction and coaching is through a virtual medium.

Online MBA programs are conducted by streaming lectures on the internet. So, If you are looking for personal attention, then an online program may not be for you.

Another disadvantage with online learning is that you will miss out the advantages associated with a traditional on-campus experience. For example, students looking for internship or recruiting opportunities during their post graduate education may not get as much options in an online MBA program as on-campus programs offers, as campuses are likely to provide career services or host hiring events.

Weigh your options
Students learning on-campus are receiving the same education in terms of courses and curriculum. Some assignments or projects may differ as they are tweaked to accommodate into an online format. For example, a project that is assigned to a group of students participating in a campus program may be sized down for an individual student enrolled in an online program.

One of the biggest differences between online and campus learning is the way curriculum is progressed. Campus programs have in-person classroom lectures, face-to-face discussions and assignments that are submitted directly to instructors or professors.

Internet plays a major part when it comes to online MBA. Students use the Internet to watch and stream a video lecture and participate in a discussion via chat room and submit assignments by uploading them via the internet. Online programs deliver the same content and require the same amount of effort as put by campus learners. The difference is in the mode of learning.