An increasing number of people are now opting for contract-free for their cell phone plans. Foregoing contracts and embracing prepaid plans is giving cell phone users the freedom to choose the plan that suits them the best as and when they want it.
Understanding your phone needs
The categories of users who benefit the most from noncontractual phone plans are usually users with high overseas calling needs, with budget limitations, and those who prefer unlimited calling and texting plans. The best prepaid cell phone plans offer flexibility and value for money without any hidden charges. Choosing plans that offer unlimited texting to international numbers plus a fixed amount of calling minutes allows ample communication overseas. For the budget conscious users, there are several prepaid mobile phone plans that let a family or a group of people share the data and talk time. It is very important to understand what category of users you fall under so that you don’t end up paying for more than what you need or if you do not get enough for your needs.
Choosing an economical carrier
If you are looking for the best prepaid cell phone plans that are economical as well, it is always better to go for carriers that offer talking and texting plans at a cheaper rate. Most of the times, it is the bigger brands that offer expensive plans, which is why it is ideal to avoid them to save money.
Find out about the coverage in advance
Even some of the best prepaid cell phone plans can be an added expense if they don’t provide good network coverage. Before opting for any plan, make sure you find out if the carrier provides coverage where you stay and work.
Opting for prepaid plans saves its users’ money by reducing the phone plan expenses as compared to the contract plans as there are no hidden charges or additional fees involved. So go ahead and make the best use of the best prepaid cell phone plans available in the market.
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Learn to differentiate the cost of fireplaces
Read moreNothing makes a home warm and cozy like a fireplace. If you live in a cold region, then you can easily understand how crucial they are for residential and commercial buildings. Though HVAC and other heating machines have become increasingly popular among most people, the charm of a fireplace is still unbeatable. Adding a fireplace to your property will improve its market value as well. So if you want to make any investment in your home, then opting for a fireplace won’t disappoint you. Consult your building authority before installing the fireplace, as some may have restrictions.
The cost of installing a fireplace can range from $400 to $10,000; choose one that fits your budget and requirement well. There are readymade units available as well as brick-lined hearths or custom mantels.
For those who do not want to spend too much on fireplaces can opt for a free-standing gel fuel or electric fireplace. The best thing about electric fireplaces is that it eliminates the installation cost.
Costs of a wood-burning fireplace
Wood burning fireplace has always been a popular choice due to its elegance and style. Installing a wood burning fireplace will require skilled masons and a high budget. So if you are ready to spend about $10,000, this is the right choice for you. One can fix the fireplace in existing home as well, but for that one has to spend on a chimney and other essentials. It may increase the cost by $7,000 to $10,000. To save on your wood burning fireplace choose drywall surround and a simple, wall-mounted mantle.Costs of a gas-burning fireplace
Gas burning fireplace unit uses natural gas or propane it requires $2,000 for the basic materials package. The Installation and finishing will demand $2,500.
Cost saver tip: To reduce the cost of the fireplace use simpler surround and mantle, replace chimney with a direct-vent fireplace and save on your chimney. Another option is vent-free gas fireplace; it will cost only $400 or so. Hiring a professional to install a gas line or a connection to a propane tank adds about $1,000.Least-expensive option
For those who want to install a fireplace in less than $1000 can opt for a gel-fuel fireplace or an electric fireplace. It starts under $400. It has a portable unit, so just remove packaging and start using, no costly installation or renovation is required to get it fixed.
For a stylish look one can include a mantel package, but then its cost will increase to $800 and can go up to $1,600. What makes this gel fuel fireplace really interesting is its sound that matches the crackle and pop of a real fire.Ongoing costs
To get a realistic idea about the ongoing cost, estimate the energy cost. You can use a fuel cost comparison calculator for this. A wood-burning fireplace demands $100 to $200 a year for chimney cleaning. Gas fireplaces require an annual service check ($100 to $150) plus a chimney inspection. Gel-fuel and electric fireplaces don’t need regular maintenance, so they are cheaper and better alternatives. -
Managing type 2 diabetes with medication
Read moreManaging type 2 diabetes with medication
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body produces insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes and there are about 27 million people in the country that suffer from this disease. In this condition, the body’s cells are unable to respond to the insulin produced. While this is a lifelong disease, it is possible to manage this condition with the help of the right diet, exercise, and prescriptions by your doctor. Ensure that you are aware of the symptoms and take immediate help if they last for too long.Symptoms to be aware of:
- Frequent urination
- Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
- Non-healing wounds
- Yeast infections
- Blurry vision
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Not just one, but usually a combination of things causes this condition.
Genes
Your DNA determines how your body will make insulin, and hence some people would genetically be at the risk of developing this condition.Obesity
Being overweight can cause insulin resistance, and hence it is important for everyone to keep a check on their diet and exercise.Glucose production
The liver makes and sends out glucose when there is not enough in the body. But for some people, this secretion is unstoppable resulting in excess glucose in the body.Metabolic syndrome
People who have conditions like high blood glucose, extra fat around the waist, high blood pressure, triglycerides, and high cholesterol are more likely to be affected with type 2 diabetes.Some medications that you can research more about are:
SymlinPen
Its common name being Pramlintide, it is used with mealtime insulin, along with a proper diet and exercise program that helps control high blood sugar level in people who are suffering from type 1 and 2 diabetes. Patients who are already using insulin take this medication to control their blood sugar.Xultophy
This is a combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide. It is used by patients of type 2 diabetes along with a proper diet and exercise program.Victoza
Also known as liraglutide, this medication is similar to a natural hormone called incretin in the body, which helps control blood sugar levels in the body by releasing an appropriate amount of insulin. However, if you require insulin treatment, liraglutide is not an alternative for insulin.Ozempic
This medication is used with a proper diet and exercise program to help control blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetes patients. The common name for this medication is also semaglutide, and it should not be used as a substitute for insulin if you already use insulin.Trulicity
Dulaglutide being its common name, works similarly to a natural hormone in our body called incretin, which helps control blood sugar. It is again used with a proper diet and exercise program for type 2 diabetes patients.Glumetza
This medication helps the patient restore the body’s proper response to the insulin it naturally produces. It helps decrease the amount of sugar made by the liver, and the amount that is absorbed by the stomach or intestines. Its common name is metformin.Always take medicines that are prescribed by your trusted professional, and while research is good, do not let the internet be your doctor. Prescription for each diabetic patient could be different as one’s insulin and medication quantity may differ from the other. It is important to eat healthy food and exercise regularly to control your sugar levels.