Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

Seniors have different requirements from their cell phones, and they might not want to pay for the standard features that usually come with phone plans. Some seniors may not want to pay for unlimited data, or they might need extra hours on their talk time, or they might want to make international calls at no extra costs. Considering their different needs, many cell phone carriers in the country have created phone plans for seniors. There are many low-cost options available, and some mobile carriers offer specific plans for seniors who are on Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or other government-funded programs. Following are some of the best senior phone plans that you can enjoy in the country.

T-Mobile – Pay as You Go
This plan can be availed at a monthly price of around $3. It offers the seniors 30 minutes of free calls or texts, and any additional usage costs 10 cents per minute or per message. It is probably the cheapest and the best phone plan for seniors as they do not have to pay for additional facilities other than calling and texting.

AT&T – GoPhone Daily
AT&T’s GoPhone Daily plan costs approximately $2 per day. This phone plan for seniors comes with unlimited talk time and text messages. This plan needs them to pay only on the days that they use the phone. Therefore, they do not even have to pay $2 on other days.

Ting
Ting charges seniors separately for their data, talk time, and text usage. The base price for a phone plan for seniors is around $6, and post this the customer has to pay based on their usage. The usage of individual services is divided into levels, and the senior has to pay for these services only after they reach the level.

US Mobile
US Mobile also offers a similar plan where individuals have to pay the company based on their usage. The base price for this type of plan is around $4, and it is topped by how many messages the senior sends or how much data he or she uses. Again, here, the plan is divided into levels, and seniors have to pay only they reach the level.

Boost – Mobile Unlimited
This plan from Boost is an excellent phone plan for seniors who are mobile savvy. This plans costs roughly $50 per month and provides the seniors with unlimited talk time, high-speed data, and unlimited texting.

  • 4 reasons why you must buy the Nike Air Max 90

    The Nike Air Max trainers have been around for more than four decades now, and they still hold a strong position in the shoe fashion industry. They are still as popular as they used to be in the early 70s. A major reason for the sustained popularity is the constant evolution of designs which have kept up well with the changing trends in the design world. The Nike Sportswear team has also worked well in incorporating the new upcoming designs of the Nike Air Max 90, a clear example of which is the Nike Air Max 2018. This Nike shoe is a pure mix of the new design and authentic Air Max style. If you aren’t convinced already, here are some reasons why you must definitely own a pair of the new Nike Air Max 90:

    Breathable
    The shoe is breathablethis makes a huge difference to most of the people that are looking to buy a new shoe. When you do not sweat or do not feel a tightness in your foot (wearing the ideal size for your foot), the shoe is considered to be breathable. The Nike Air Max 90 stands out as it is a multi-layered shoe and still extremely breathable.

    Comfortable
    Along with being breathable, the shoe gives you a paramount level of comfort. This is one of the key factors for the popularity of the shoe, along with the exceptional designs, of course. According to a review, many customers have said that they feel like they are walking on air.

    Exceptional grip
    The Air Max shoes are known mainly because of their superior grip and a heavy sole that adds bounce to the shoe. The waffle pattern on the outer sole is the one that adds extra traction to the shoe. This also prevents the wearer from slipping on a watery or oily surface. The grip is not heavy as most people believe that a strong grip means that it would add some weight to the shoe. However, this is not the case in the Nike Air Max 90.

    Stand-out designs
    The shoe has evolved over the years, in terms of the model, design, and colors. There have been multiple collaborations of the Nike Air Max 90 that hold the potential to catch the eye of most people looking for Nike shoes. The new Nike Air Max 2018 is slightly simple as it is only available in gradient colors or solids. However, over the years, the Nike Air Max 90 has had many different and unique design patterns.

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  • Salient features of the new Microsoft Surface Pro

    It has been around five years that Microsoft launched its first installment of Laptop PCs. The Microsoft Surface and Surface Pro were more than just an eye candy to all users alike. When Microsoft launch tablets in the consumer electronics market, a market already dominated by tech giants like Apple and Samsung, it quickly gained popularity and became a competitive brand.

    For Microsoft, it was all about maintaining a gold standard and giving consumers more freedom on controlling the software and hardware aspects of their laptops or tablets. Looking back half a decade, the Microsoft Surface seems to be a low-end laptop. The newest version of the Microsoft Surface Pro launched in the first half of 2018. It offers a 2-in-1 experience, giving the user the freedom to use it as both, tablet and laptop.

    Let us take a closer look at its features and what makes it worth a buy:

    Build and design
    It can be confusing to differentiate between the new Microsoft Surface Pro and the Surface Pro 4 as both have a similar look. However, a keen eye will notice that the Microsoft Surface Pro now comes with a magnesium-aluminum alloy frame with more dramatically rounded edges. The new Microsoft Surface Pro is 292mm long, 201mm wide, and a mere 8.4mm thick. Its 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen offers a vibrant 2736×1824-pixel resolution.

    Drawing inspiration from their own arsenal of PCs, Microsoft Surface Pro offers a “studio mode” giving users a Surface Studio-like (Microsoft desktop) experience. The “studio mode” offers a 165-degree angle, allowing users to do much more than just doodling.

    The keyboard or as the company fondly calls it, the “Type Cover,” is offered as an accessory. Which means you will have to pay extra to use the tablet as a laptop. This might not work well with consumers who are looking for a comprehensive solution. The “Type Cover” connects to the tablet magnetically. Although it adheres to the screen perfectly, the arrangement can be wobbly if you get too comfortable with it and use it on your lap. The keys are backlit which is helpful if you are using the laptop in a dark room. However, the layout is cramped if you are used to working on a full-size keyboard.

    Technical specifications
    The following three variants are offered in Microsoft Surface Pro:

    • Microsoft Surface Pro with Intel® Core™ m3 processor, 128GB SSD storage (Solid State Drive), and Intel® HD Graphics 615
    • Intel® Core™ i5 processor with 128GB/256GB SSD storage powered by 4GB/8GB RAM and Intel® HD Graphics 620
    • The most popular variant is equipped with an Intel® Core™ i7 processor with 256GB/512GB/1TB SSD storage powered by 8GB/16GB RAM and Intel® Iris Plus Graphics 640

    All variants have a single USB 3.0 port for swift file transferring and a mini display port to cast Surface Pro on bigger screens and projectors. This can be handy for presentations or watching movies in a small room. It also houses a micro SDXC card reader, and a headphone/mic jack.

    The battery life has always been an important component of a tech gadget as it powers all the components present in them. A RAM is only good enough until backed by an efficient battery. The official Microsoft website claims loftily that the Surface Pro’s 42 Wh (Watthour) can run a video playback straight for up to 12 hours.

    Microsoft has tried to up the ante by making the Surface Pen more sensitive by increasing the pressure levels. This gives the users more control over the intensity and width of the lines in their illustrative drawings. They also offer Surface Pen Tip Kit which lets you select a tip based on size and level of friction. The Surface Pen tip kit is offered as an accessory, which is a down-low for users looking for a comprehensive solution.

    Price and availability
    The basic variant of the Surface Pro which has an Intel® Core™ m3 CPU paired with 128GB SSD storage and 4GB RAM costs approximately less than $800, but it just escalates from there. If your work involves using high-end editing and project-building software, you might have to go with techier and pricier variants. Microsoft Surface Pro with Intel Core i7 with 1TB SSD storage and 16GB RAM can go well over $2600. If compared with leading competitors, such as Apple, they might fall behind as Apple offers a 10.5-inch iPad Pro with 64GB SSD with Apple’s signature A10 X processor for approximately $650 while the most heavily-equipped Macbook (with 512GB and same CPU) costs around $950. Microsoft surpasses Apple given the technical specifications offered for the price.

    Having said that, Apple outruns any other brand in terms of security. The curated app store is a boon for people who are in search of a failsafe OS. They have been able to thwart cyber threats in under a week. This gives them an edge over any other brand. However, when it comes to flexibility, Microsoft seems to be flexible in terms of an OS as it gives plenty of elbow room for apps. It gives the users more functionality as compared to iOS.

    The new Microsoft Surface Pro is a good idea if you are planning to upgrade from the Surface Pro 4 as it comes with more variants and an enhanced battery performance. The Microsoft Surface Pro straddles the fine line between entertainment and productivity. Its 2-in-1 aspect is a sure seller, but it can be heavy on the pockets.

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  • Tips for maintaining a neat and beautiful garden

    Maintaining a neat and beautiful garden can be achieved by attention to detail and giving it the right care. From lawns, patio, borders, fences, and gardening, here are the top tips for keeping a neat and beautiful garden:

    Get the right tools
    From trimming the lawn to refining the borders of your garden, getting the right tools will help you on your quest to creating a sensational garden. You can prevent the grass from turning brown by mowing it for short amounts of time but often. Lawn mowers and long-handled shears help with trimming and mowing lawns. If you’re making a wildflower feature in your garden, mow carefully around the edges. You could also surround the edges or borders of the garden with birch logs chopped with your chain saw around the edges.

    Work on the borders
    If you want to create a focal point near the borders of your flower beds, use low-spreading annuals like medallion flowers, vinca, and lantana. These provide color and define the borders with clear edges. You can place a row of tall plants behind these to set them apart and add a formal touch. Using support frames, bean sticks, or stakes will save your plants and prevent them from falling over due to bad weather. Push the supports far enough into the ground or snip the tops with a garden hoe to hide them in the foliage. If you’re planning to prune tree branches, use chainsaws. A petroleum chainsaw will give you more flexibility and portability compared to an electric one.

    Organize your storage
    From stocking shelves with plant seeds, to keeping danglers in place, organizing your storage space or garden shed goes a long way in garden maintenance. Wash your patio at the start and end of every season using a pressure washer and hose down mud deposits during heavy rain. You can get a storage shed with hooks behind doors to hang danglers and chainsaws, storage shelves for pots, and tables with drawers for storing all your gardening tools and essentials.

    With these tips, you’ll find that creating a neat and beautiful garden is not only easy but fun too.

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  • Belk handbags – Offering a bag for every occasion

    The craze for handbags is fairly common, and there is a reason for it. Every style of a handbag would complement your personality. The fashion industry has seen several styles of handbags that are must-haves in one’s collection.

    There is nothing better than picking up a bag of your choice to go with the outfit you are wearing for any occasion. For this, you need to build your collection and have the latest trends updated in your collection. The one-stop shop for all types of handbags is Belk handbags. They have a wide variety available, and you can find the perfect handbag that will fulfill your fashion and functional needs.

    Here are the types that you must own in your collection.

    Clutches and Evening bags
    A fancy dinner or a fun evening out with friends calls for a small bag. Clutches are one of the best inventions as they allow you to carry all your valuables within your grasp. They come in the most exquisite designs. You can even find one with embellishments to jazz it up. A somber outfit calls for a fancy and attractive clutch. The whole idea behind evening bags is that you do not have to carry much. You can keep all your essentials like credit cards, license, cash, keys, maybe a lipstick or two and your phone.

    Crossbody bags
    Convenience and style rolled into one, the crossbody bags have been in vogue for a long time now. They come in fresh designs, and the best part is that you just have to wear it across your body and walk freely. They have plenty of space to carry all the little things you need throughout the day. It is the perfect one to carry on a hectic day. It’s best for you to have one of these in your closet in case you have a busy day coming up. You can get them in different styles and choose colors that will even complement your outfit.

    Designer handbags
    very woman’s closet will have one or several of these. There are hundreds of brands that make these handbags, and they are irresistible. You can find plenty of them at Belk handbags. They look classy and sophisticated and can be carried on any occasion. Be it work or fun, when you walk in with a designer handbag, everyone will want to know where you got it from.

    Hobo bags
    This charming type has a single handle and a curved body. This type of handbag will have plenty of space. It has a timeless look to it, and there is no outfit you cannot pair it with. Mostly made of leather, you can get bags with ornamentations like tassels, bows, chains, and even multiple pockets. Any fashionista will own at least one hobo bag in their collection.

    Satchels
    Originally designed to carry books, the fashion industry revolutionized this style over the years to create an attractive and stylish bag. These are bags that have flaps and have straps which are worn across. They still do have plenty of room, and the latest of the designs even have smaller handles in addition to the straps. This timeless design deserves a space in your collection.

    Mini bags
    Small in size and every bit as appealing, this is the best one to grab when you are out for short trips to the store or to meet a friend. They are extremely convenient and come in a variety of shapes, designs, and color. You will be spoilt for choice for these at a Belk handbag sale.

    Shoulder bags
    These are one of the most commonly available handbags. They have two handles that are worn on one shoulder. They have plenty of compartments and come in all sizes too. These are the bags in which women store every essential thing. They are very convenient to use and is a style you probably already own. Explore the variety of shoulder bags in Belk handbags to discover the latest trends.

    Handbags are one of the essentials. Investing in them is wise as they help you leave home carrying everything you need, every single day. Having the necessary bag types in your collection will keep you be ready for any occasion. You can explore all kinds and styles of bags at Belk handbags to stay updated with the latest trends.

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  • Top four reasons why estate planning makes sense

    Death and taxes are the two bitter truths of life. As such, it is incumbent upon each individual to strategize for a comfortable life for his loved ones in the post-death scenario. Estate planning is an effective way of doing so and achieving tangible gains. In this legal arrangement, you anticipate and arrange for a hassle-free management and disposition of the assets that are an outcome of your lifelong toil and vision. Additionally, it is instrumental in restricting taxes and liabilities that can take a toll of your savings. Here are the top four reasons why estate planning makes sense.

    Ensures your assets end up with intended beneficiaries
    Erstwhile a prerogative of elites, estate planning is the new norm. Nowadays, even individuals from a middle-class background are trending towards estate planning to ensure that their assets end up with the designated heir in a timely manner. In absence of any such initiative, it is up to the court to decide the person or persons who may inherit your assets. Moreover, the legal proceedings often take years, leaving behind a trail of disgruntled and beleaguered heirs. Even your surviving spouse will have a hard time proving her claim in the court. On the other hand, estate planning renders you the power to decide the fate of your property long after you depart from the scene.

    Provides for your immediate family
    As the sole breadwinner, you strive hard to provide for your immediate family. Seemingly, your untimely departure will get them into a state of emotional and financial mess. On the emotional front, the loss may be irrecoverable for your spouse and kids, but their financial misery can be addressed with an appropriate estate plan. You can ensure a stable income for your surviving spouse and facilitate kids’ education and upbringing in the best possible ways. Also, you are in a position to designate personal guardians for the young ones in case your spouse expires.

    Secures health decisions
    Estate planning serves as a hedge against financial issues emanating from any physical or mental incapacity that you may have to contend with in the elderly days. Living wills, which are an integral part of estate planning, help you make decisions regarding life support, well in advance. Additionally, you can designate health care powers of attorney to a reliable person who may take key decisions regarding your treatment.

    Restrict expenses
    Expenses involved in the transfer of property can be significant enough to eat a major chunk of your savings. The expenses are more pronounced for properties exclusively owned by you. In fact, the parties involved in the process, including the executor and attorneys, will get remunerations from savings that your heirs are supposed to inherit. Here too, estate planning comes in handy. With a proper estate plan, you can minimize expenses and pass on the savings to the rightful heir.

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  • Pros and cons of a mobile home

    If you can’t afford a small place by the beach or bay, then a mobile home may come as a savior. In the late 1960’s, the mobile homes were considered as a new thing in vogue. But by early 2000’s, it became common in the US with around 18 million people living in 7 million mobile homes. A mobile home comes with a lower price but has its pros and cons too.

    All buildings and properties tend to depreciate its value with time. But mobile homes for rent with renters residing them for a longer time may cause problems. The mobile homes’ rent may hike up 10% every year which could be an advantage to the homeowners. With the depreciation of mobile homes after a period of time, the renters have to worry about the damage to their land or property. Selling of Mobile homes may be an easier task, but it comes with a lot of repair and maintenance.

    A mobile home which is vacant during winters may require a lot of repairs due to leakage and other issues. During winters, there is a risk for the freezing of pipes in an empty home because of its lack of usage. With the tenants, the water is in constant use, and there are fewer chances of winter damage. A disadvantage of living in a mobile home is that the residents or the tenants must follow some ground rules pertaining to the home and its surroundings.

    There are certain hard and fast rules for pets and loud music. The pets are required to be kept under leash 24/7 outside the house. The tenants who fail to do this will be given an eviction notice or must pay a hefty fine. The tenants are strictly advised not to play loud music both inside and outside the house. They have to keep their surroundings neat and clean, failing at it may require them to vacate the rented trailer.

    The best part about living in a mobile home for rent is that it is affordable and you don’t need to worry much about renovating it. If you opt for one of the used mobile homes for rent, then you could get your monthly cost down to $300 to $500 a month.

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  • 3 steps to make life with distal spinal muscular atrophy type 1 manageable

    Distal spinal muscular atrophy type 1 is an ailment that has no permanent cure. It is an inherited condition that begins in infancy and is characterized by muscle weakness that ultimately results in respiratory failure.

    Distal spinal muscular atrophy type 1 is often diagnosed between the ages of six weeks and six months; the child diagnosed with this condition, unfortunately, doesn’t survive for more than two years owing to the respiratory issues it faces. This condition arises when the child inherits two copies of a broken gene from each parent, and this broken gene acts as a hindrance in allowing the body to create proteins, without which the cells controlling the muscles die. Children diagnosed with distal spinal muscular atrophy are often at risk of developing further complications, and the very fact that the condition doesn’t have positive prognosis is indicative of its severity.

    As mentioned earlier, distal spinal muscular atrophy type 1 cannot be cured. However, certain steps can be taken to ensure that the child diagnosed won’t face a lot of predicament.

    • Choose the best for your child
      You have to come to terms with the fact that your child would not be leading a normal life like other children, and would require constant medical attention. In case of emergencies or even otherwise, you need multidisciplinary care for your child, and for this purpose, you need to put together a team of professionals who specialize in neuromuscular conditions, dietetics, physiotherapy, palliative care, respiratory medicine, and a pediatrician. This ensures that your child receives the best possible treatment.
    • Breathing aids
      Children diagnosed with distal spinal muscular atrophy type 1 face difficulties in breathing, and this is quite fatal. So, it is imperative that you seek appropriate respiratory management to provide comfort and reduce the impact of the complications arising out of muscle weakness. For this purpose, you can opt for chest physiotherapy suction that is instrumental in removing secretions in the baby’s body or opt for medications to reduce the distress caused by breathlessness. Also, parents can choose non-invasive ventilation with a mechanical ventilation to manage acute infection or night-time hypoventilation, which is known to cause extreme discomfort to the child.
      Choosing the right respiratory management technique requires the parents to be patient and to explore every option available.
    • Seek a nutritionist’s advice
      Distal spinal muscular atrophy type 1 interrupts with the child ability to chew and swallow, and this leads to malnutrition since the child cannot eat properly. Babies who cannot swallow their food are at a higher risk of inhaling their feed into the chest, thereby resulting in chest infections. So, the baby can be fed through a nasogastric tube, a nasojejunal tube, or a gastrostomy tube. The decision to choose the method of feeding rests solely upon the parents and the child’s comfort quotient.
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  • Top 8 employee evaluation software for your business

    One of the toughest tasks for any organization is the process of evaluating its employees every year to determine their performance. This where an employee evaluation software can make the process simpler and more systematic for the Human Resources (HR) department. Here’s is a list of the best software providers for employee assessment.

    BambooHR

    It is a human resources information system that makes the role of the HR team more effective. This cloud-based software offers a great range of employee information management options, which will help to keep an eye on their performance. This is an affordable software and ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.

    Engagedly

    When it comes to employee evaluation, today’s business needs a modern approach, and that is exactly what this employee evaluation software offers. It engages employees in the process of performance evaluation, making it possible for the system to be more simplified and save a lot of time.

    UltiPro

    This Cloud-based software offers a range of amazing features that make employee evaluation more effective. UltiPro comes with features like feedback, compensation management, evaluation history, development plans for individual employees, rating scale with customization options, on-going tracking of performance, goal-setting, skill assessment, and peer appraisal.

    Workday

    This employee evaluation software helps with the growth of your business by offering more insight into the workforce. This software has some of the most effective features for employee appraisal. Some of these are compensation management, goal-setting, a development plan for individuals, and skill assessment. With Workday, you’ll be able to build the most efficient workforce.

    Zoho People

    The Zoho People employee assessment software lets you easily manage attendance, timesheet, leave requests, and much more. It enables you to accurately evaluate your employees with options like feedback, self-appraisal, self-service, rating scale with customization, peer appraisal, goal-setting, and performance tracking. The software also allows you to import employee data from biometric devices.

    CakeHR

    This is a globally popular software for performance and attendance management. The software engages the employees with the process to simplify the operations. CakeHR offers a plethora of options like feedback, compensation management, tracking appraisal history, development plan for individual employees, custom rating system, performance tracking, goal-setting, and skill assessment.

    HRweb

    This is another employee evaluation software that makes managing your workforce easier and more efficient. If you want a software that enables you to get better control over employee performance assessment then HRweb is what you need. Feedback, appraisal history, compensation management, development plan for individuals, performance tracking, goal-setting, custom rating system, and skill assessment are some of its key features.

    Synergita

    This is a complete HR system that includes some of the best employee appraisal features. To determine how your workforce is performing, you can track their appraisal history, rating scale, peer evaluations, skill assessment, and much more.

    As there are many choices available in employee evaluation software, you must take some time to understand their features to find the one that meets your requirements.

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