Popular ETFs to choose from
Popular ETFs to choose from

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) allow investors to build an investment portfolio at low cost. ETF is a marketable security which tracks a commodity or an index and the prices of the same constantly change. Most ETFs include index funds that track a collection of securities. Before you make an investment, it is best to choose the right fund that fits your needs. Here are some of the top ETF picks for 2018 to buy. You can choose from high-dividend ETFs as well and determine which ETF is the best for you.

SPDR® S&P 500®
This is one of the best ETFs with a rating of A+ and a holding cost of around $154. It holds assets worth around $254 billion.

iShares Core S&P 500
This is another popular ETF with an A+ rating and assets of around $146.7 billion. It has a holding cost of around $63.

Vanguard Total Stock Market
This is an A+ rated ETF fund with a holding cost of around $35 and assets summing up to around $94.6 billion.

PowerShares QQQ
This is another popular ETF with an A+ rating and assets worth around $62.1 billion with a holding cost of around $324.

iShares Core MSCI EAFE
This is one of the top-rated A+ funds with assets of around $58.8 billion and a holding cost of around $64.

ETF funds may be divided into stocks, bonds, and commodities. You need to choose the best ETF based on your long-term financial goals and your risk appetite. If you have a low-risk appetite, it is best to go for debt funds whereas if you are willing to bear a high risk, it is ideal to opt for stock funds. Whatever your budget, you will be able to find the best ETF that fits your needs. Consider the amount you want to invest and choose the best ETFs for the same.

There are different ways in which you may evaluate an ETF fund before buying it. Pick a fund and learn how the ETF follows it. It is important to look at the average daily trading volume on an ETF investment. As a beginner, you need to create a diversified investment portfolio which focuses on the long-term growth of your fund. Evaluate your risk appetite and weigh your investment options before you decide on a fund. Check the fund’s liquidity grade, especially if you are planning to exit the market early. The best option will be to choose a balanced fund if you have a long investment tenure and a strong risk appetite.

  • Tips to Enhance the Life of Your Car Battery

    Purchased a new car and you do not want to take any chances with its maintenance? You are also extremely careful about the well-being of your engine. Well, you are not the only one. There are many other people like you, who consider a strong engine is all that you need for running a car smoothly. To run a car smoothly, you need to be careful about each and every part of the vehicle. Special care should be given to the car battery because the vehicle becomes completely inoperative without it. Whether it is starting the car or putting on the lights, air-conditioners, and stereos, the battery is needed to function.

    Battery forms an essential part of your vehicle and needs equal care like clutch, break or engine. Though battery life is fixed, you can follow some simple tips to keep it strong for a little longer.

    Prefer long drives over the short ones
    Charging the car battery of your vehicle is essential for keeping it stronger and running the car for long distance is one of the best ways of keeping the battery charged. People who run their cars for short distances often fail to provide their battery adequate charge, which in turn reduces the battery life. However, if you do not have to cover long distances every day, make sure to ride it a little longer at least once a week.

    Do not keep the car idle for a longer period
    As it has been already said that running the car for longer distances increases battery life, you should also note keeping the vehicle kept idle for a prolonged period can weaken its life. Drive your car frequently, especially in the winter months, as the drop in temperature can dampen the car battery. Also, you should be careful about purchasing car batteries and look for Mighty Max Batteries. These car batteries have received a positive response from buyers and are known for their longevity.

    Switch off lights
    Many people often forget to switch off the lights of their vehicle, which in turn reduces the life of their car batteries. If you do not want to spend unnecessarily on car batteries, you should be careful about putting off the lights, when those are not in use. Special care should be given when you are installing any additional light unit in the car.

    Install electronics you need
    Installing different car electronics for decorating the car can also take a toll on the battery life. When installing any additional electronic gadget, you should make sure to check its compatibility. Also, you should refrain from installing devices that you do not need, as these will reduce the battery lifespan. Whether it is a light, stereo or video unit installed in the car, you should not use it when the car is idle, as this weakens the battery.

    Corrosion can be harmful
    Check your battery terminals frequently and save it from corrosion. Clean the terminals with water, baking soda, and a toothbrush. Dip the brush in soda water mixture and scrub the terminals. Once done spray cold water over the area and wipe it with a clean cloth.

    Fastening the car battery
    Many people forget to fasten the battery properly and end up damaging the vehicle. Short circuits and internal damage of the battery, which is often caused due to improper fastening, will not only compel you to replace it but also it will save the vehicle from any damage. So, check the terminals frequently. People driving on bumpy roads should give special care to the fastening of car battery as the batteries often get loose when the car jerks in these roads.

    Check the battery
    Get a car battery tester from Amazon or any other reputed store and check its output voltage. This will help you in understanding whether it needs to be charged or it’s running smooth.

    When purchasing a battery for your car, you should make sure to inquire about its life. Always go for a battery with bigger lifespan even if it’s a bit pricey than the ordinary ones.

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  • Give your wardrobe a makeover with leading major retailers

    The world would indeed be a dull place without fashion and this why retail giants have armed themselves accordingly to meet changing needs in this niche. This is because we all like to invest in the right pieces that will help us look good. Fashion has been an evergreen niche that is also one of the largest slices of the retail revenue pie. Major retailers in the USA like Macy’s and Target as well as many others stock up their fashion aisles with the latest trends every single season so that there is no dearth of choice for men, women, and children. So take a look at the latest products that you should buy for your wardrobe for a fashionable look this season.

    Prints: Summer is here and spring is still on its way out. This gives you the perfect reason to flaunt those prints. Remember to bring in plenty of summery prints in pastel shades and bold accents so that you have lots of interesting pieces. You can buy printed tops and dresses as well as printed skirts. Combine them with solid hued, bright jeans or blouses for a look that says cool and casual. Block prints from the exotic East are especially in, and you can try these for your next beach outing as well. Prints can also be worn to workplaces with formal skirts so that you have a laidback look for the season.

    Solids: Bold colors in tops, jeans, skirts and other items of clothing have been ruling the ramp for some time. This summer, try going for soothing blues as this is a trend that has really caught on this year. Pair with whites, grays and other neutrals as well as vibrant colors like yellow, so that you have a look that shines with elegance and pizzazz. Solid-colored lowers with patterned shorts and tops are best for day wear, but they can also be perfect for an evening out with friends.

    Lace: This summer, lace is a major trend. Team lace camisoles with colorful inners and a blazer on top for that ultra fashionable look, or simply get a lace skirt that will look great for work and parties alike.

    Dresses: Summer is the season when we all like to dress in our airy best. Dresses in various styles are a major fashion trend that we all like to flaunt in this season. Try maxi dresses for an evening out with your friends, or a short pleated summer dress for an outing to the mall. You can also get a number of A-line dresses for work. Pair them with a delicate shrug top for that formal yet feminine appeal.

    Trousers and Shorts: You can choose from many different styles for shorts and trousers this summer. Get yourself some capris to look cool and casual. You can pair these with camisoles and tees for a trendy effect. Shorts are also the perfect items to pair with your beachwear this summer. This is also easy to slip in and out of at the beach or the pool.

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  • Gold metal detectors – what you need to know

    Want to try your luck finding gold in an unclaimed land? All you need is a metal detector.

    Metal detectors work on the principle of electromagnetism. Every metal (in solid state) has its own electric and magnetic field. Metal detectors have 2 circuits; one circuit, which is connected to a small battery which powers it up. This circuit is called as transmitter circuit. It sends electricity down the shaft to the coil at the bottom. The coil gets magnetized (changes its magnetic field) when this magnetized coil is swept on the ground and if there is a metal object near its sweep area, the magnetic field of the coil charges the metal object. The magnetic field of the metal detector changes the magnetic and hence the electric field of the metal object. This change in electromagnetism of the metal object is picked up by the receiver circuit of the metal detector. Due to the change in the magnetism of the coil of the metal detector, the electricity flows up the shaft of the detector to the receiver circuit. This change in the electromagnetism registered on receiver circuit confirms a metal detected by the coil.

    Gold is not something that you can find in your backyard. And it is highly unlikely and improbable that you will stumble upon a pot of gold. Gold as metal can be found in the size of grain or even as big as nuggets. The place to find gold are the places where gold has been searched earlier and excavated from earlier. Placer deposits along the river streams and river beds can accumulate gold in small amounts.

    You need to consider those states in the USA that used to produce gold in the earlier years. You cannot expect to find gold where it isn’t to be found so, research your search area. You can head out to the regional libraries or look for details on mines and geological surveys that shed light on details about the type of land and what metal it is abundant of. Also, you need to consider the federal laws of the area you are searching for and the stakes that it will have on the gold you excavate. If the land has a certain ownership and patent, there is a good probability that you might have ‘struck gold’.

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  • Basics of heartburn

    Regardless of what the name suggests, heartburn is not at all medically related to any part of the heart. Heartburn is a rather common condition caused as a result of acidic activities in the stomach. Some symptoms of heartburn, however, are pretty identical to those of a heart disease. Heartburn is caused as a result of the forceful movement of the stomach contents and the stomach acids being pushed back into the esophagus. The term esophagus in layman’s language can be understood as the food pipe. The process brings into existence a burning sensation and pain in the lower chest, upper abdomen or below the breastbone. If the condition occurs more than twice a week it can diagnosed as GERD.  GERD is the abbreviation for the term Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.  Read on to know all that you need to about heartburn.

    Symptoms
    Some of the common symptoms of heartburn include continuous cough, pain in upper part of the abdomen and lower chest, problem in swallowing, and burning sensation in the food pipe and heart, etc.

    Causes
    The lower esophageal sphincter makes sure that the stomach acid remains in the stomach. It is situated at the meeting point of the esophagus and the stomach. The said muscular valve is designed to keep the contents of the stomach in place. The lower esophageal sphincter does this job with the help of gravity. It opens to let the food into the stomach or allow belching. But if the lower esophageal sphincter opens up often or doesn’t close tightly enough, the contents of the stomach get pushed back into the esophagus, causing the sensation of inflammation. Eating a heavy meal or lifting heavy weights can cause heartburn. Major causes of heartburn are lifestyle related. In the United States of America, 20% of the total population suffers from heartburn at least once a week. The condition is more common among pregnant women and overweight people.

    Diagnosis
    The doctor after sufficient tests and diagnosis will determine if the symptoms need further treatment. A few of these tests include endoscopy, Upper GI series tests, and ambulatory pH testing.

    Prevention
    The prevention and precautions are both mostly lifestyle related. Rather than indulging in a single big meal, it would be advisable to enjoy small meals every now and then through the day.
    Exercising immediately after eating is a big no. Make sure you leave a gap of at least four hours after you’ve eaten, if you want to exercise. Smoking interferes with the lower esophageal sphincter. So if you do smoke, then you will have to stop in order to avoid heartburn. Also, make sure you maintain an appropriate weight. Obesity leads to heartburn too!

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  • Interesting terminology of American football to understand positional play

    The Super Bowl draft forms one of the most important aspects of American football since the first round of order is determined taking into account the positional needs of every team playing this year. 32 teams will go head to head, literally, to gain one of the spots in the championship game!

    The draft is determined after taking into account team, player records, the strength of schedule and even coin flips to determine who picks the 9th and 10th order. The draft order is generally categorized into teams of 10, the last order consisting of 12 teams to make the final 32.

    Here are five Super Bowl draft terms you should be aware of to understand the draft order and the game better and determine the odds and picks for Super Bowl 2018.

    High upside guy
    Positional placement of a high upside guy will have a big impact on the team and game.

    Height weight speed athlete
    These are players who have the ideal height, weight, and speed to manage their position effectively. The term is used as a reference to wide receiver. It doesn’t matter if the player is playing offense or defense when it comes to height weight speed athlete.

    Three and five-technique linemen
    A common technique used when defensive linemen line up across from the offensive linemen. The three-technique is positioned to generate a pass rush when there is a defensive front of a 4-3 lineup whereas the five-technique is best suited for the 3-4 lineup or scheme play.

    Technician
    In the game, the technician is commonly referred to the left tackle player who is proficient and adept in every play and scheme at that particular position. The technician has quick feet, possess agility, and has great balance to maintain an efficient left positional tackle play.

    Linebacker
    These athletes from the most important of any football team, with three distinct forms of linebackers namely the strong-side linebacker, the inside linebacker, and the weak side linebacker. For a 4-3 defensive scheme, this is a commonly used set of linebackers.

    Super Bowl tickets can be availed at the NFL’s official website which is one of the best and legitimate sources of American football tickets and fan experience packages for every edition and game of NFL.

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  • A new generation of compact luxury crossovers

    The crossover species are taking the country by storm. They have even infiltrated a corner of the market where compact luxury sedans reigned supreme. It seems that everyone wants to own one of this high-riding, practical and athletic brutes. Today the crossovers are so in a trend that buyers are presented with a large variety of super cool luxury crossovers to choose from. Scroll down to get a glimpse of the best rated compact luxury crossovers available in today’s market:

    • Jaguar F-pace: The Jaguar F-pace is a performance crossover with its high power engine and unique features. It can seat five passengers, and its cabin is functional as well as upscale. The cabin layout is user-friendly but elegant at the same time. Jaguar offers three engine options for this model- 180, 340 and 380 horsepower. The vehicle responds appropriately as it has a sporty suspension.
    • BMW X-3: The BMW X-3 is one of a kind luxury crossover and is a total balance of performance and practicality. This compact crossover comes with a good safety score and provides excellent reliability.
    • Mercedes Benz GLC: This is a great option for buyers looking for an upscale compact luxury crossover as it is a highly ranked and reliable vehicle. It prioritizes the comfort of the passengers so that they experience a smooth and hassle free ride.
    • Audi Q5: The Audi has the most expensive costs of entry in the class, but it is definitely worth the buy. It has a good safety score and comes with a list of useful standard features including the all wheel drive. This is an excellent example of a compact luxury crossover according to critics. It comes with a turbo or super charged engine that provides quick acceleration.
    • Acura RDX: Though it is comparatively low priced it still comes with good safety scores and a powerful V-6 engine. They are easy to customize with option packages. The Acura RDX is good value for money. The standard features of this compact luxury crossover include heated and power-adjustable front seats and an infotainment system.
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  • What is Aleve PM?

    Aleve PM is an antihistamine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. One of the most innovative and popular drugs marketed worldwide, Aleve PM helps one fall asleep and also deal with minor aches and pain in any part of the body. Aleve PM is safe and effective when consumed in an appropriate and correct fashion as directed by a clinical physician. It has proven its worth in clinical trials. Aleve PM blocks the body’s the production of naturally produced chemicals. The prostaglandins deal with the pain and the naproxen sodium gives the person relief from the pain for 12 hours from the time of its consumption.

    It is the first over-the-counter (OTC) PM pain reliever with a safe sleep aid plus. Its effects stay for almost 12 hours. One of the most active ingredients involved in Aleve PM is diphenhydramine hydrochloride HCI which acts as a sleep aid and naproxen sodium which works as a temporary healer of pains.

    This drug is recommended for adults, for children above 12 years of age, definitely not for individuals who are recovering from an immediate heart surgery or for women who are pregnant, at least for the first five months unless the doctor recommends. However, the effects are different for each individual depending upon the health and if they are allergic to something. For instance, for some Naproxen sodium may cause allergies, especially to those who are allergic to aspirin. The symptoms could be facial swelling, wheezing, rashes on the skin or blisters. It is better to stop consuming once such reactions occur. For weaker people or those who are 60 years of age and more, the ingredient involved with this drug ‘NSAID’ turns out to be bit risky. It can cause the stomach to bleed, stomach ulcers or act as an anticoagulant. Hence, it is always good to use after consulting with a doctor.

    Direct access through Aleve website can get one information about discount coupons. These days online shopping is really good which delivers products at your door step within four to five days.

    Generally, one would feel drowsy after consuming the drug, but that’s the nature of the drug. One should ideally take the medicine with food (but having the medicine with food might take a longer time to start its function) or milk (which is really good) and never on empty stomach.

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  • 9 benefits of assisted living you should know

    The mere thought of moving into an assisted living facility can be scary for a senior. After all, it is a new way of life away from family and friends, and the fears are warranted. But if you do your research, you will know about the many benefits associated with assisted living; a life of loneliness at such homes is nothing but a misconception.

    Check out the following benefits of assisted living.

    • Safety: One of the top benefits of assisted living is that seniors have round-the-clock safety and security. And also, if the residents require any help or medical assistance at night, it is available for them.
    • Medical Care: If residents require any physical therapy, it can be arranged for them at assisted living homes. Also, there are people to give them medicines on time.
    • Assistance: Often, it can be painful for a senior to complete simple tasks. When they live in assisted living homes, there is help available for them. They don’t need to worry about not being able to dress, bathe and carry out other basic needs.
    • Healthy Meals: During old age, appetites can diminish. Also, preparing daily meals can be difficult. At assisted living facilities, residents get nutritious meals on time keeping in mind specific health needs of some residents.
    • Socialization: Loneliness can be a big problem during old age. At assisted living homes, there are ample opportunities for socialization with other residents. Family and friends can also visit the residents.
    • Mental stimulation: At assisted living facilities, elders have many opportunities to learn new courses and classes that are available to them. Residents can opt for computer lessons, read in the library, or take up art courses.
    • Physical activities: There are many options for safe physical activities that residents can choose to do. Some facilities also provide personal trainers for specific exercises.
    • Transportation: During old age, driving can become problematic and risky. For assisted living residents, transportation is available as needed, for shopping trips or medical appointments.
    • Ease of life: Seniors don’t have to worry about chores or their health. With the right assisted living facility, elders can continue to live a healthy and happy life.
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