Why you must consider using business cards
Why you must consider using business cards

Did you know that the first use of a business card dates back to China in the 15th century? It is safe to say that using business cards is a centuries-old tradition that remains unaffected even with the evolution in the modes of communication. These cards are a smart and cost-effective promotional tool, even in the age of social media.

If you are still not convinced about the use of business cards in today’s digital world, here are some points to convince you otherwise.

  • All your contact info in one place
    Business cards list your active calling numbers, current address, email accounts, and even toll-free numbers for customer support. All the information can be printed on one card with attractive fonts and themes. So, anyone looking to get in touch with you can have all the information handy.
  • Easy use and accessibility
    Keep your business cards in your wallet or stash a bundle in your bag. You don’t have to worry about having an active Internet connection or exchanging information. Instead, simply exchange a business card.
  • Great for advertising and marketing
    You can carry your business brand in your pocket stylishly. A custom business card represents your brand. So, the more cards in circulation, the better you can market your brand name and advertise your business. It is also a more economical way of advertising, as the printing cost is quite inexpensive in comparison to taking out a full-fledged advert in the local daily.
  • Help with business credibility
    There is a good amount of uncertainty surrounding a lucrative and profitable business, and one of the main challenges is to maintain credibility. Believe it or not, your business cards can help gain or recover credibility by earning the trust of your regular clients.
  • Not everyone is tech savvy
    Many don’t own a smartphone yet. Even Warren Buffet, the business goliath himself, prefers a simple phone to call and text. Seniors who are not tech savvy prefer an old-fashioned business card. So, always have a dozen prints handy in your wallet. Especially if that person is someone whose attention and investment is of paramount importance to you and your business.
  • Culturally appropriate
    In many countries, it is considered culturally appropriate to hand out a business card when asked for contact information. People from Japan expect a business card when you meet them for the first time to exchange information.
  • The evolution of Toyota Sienna in the Generation 3 stage

    From its origin in 1998 as the “Camry of Minivans,’ the Toyota Sienna has consistently fared well in the minivan segment over the last two decades. Over the years, the manufacturer has upgraded the styling as well as the engineering features and the latest generation of Toyota Sienna is the third generation which was launched as the XL 30 in 2010. Amongst its many positive features are high conformance to safety norms.

    The Sienna XL 30 comes in five trim levels – the base grade, LE, XLE, Limited and SE Trim. Among the major feature changes is a style revamp with the new generation of Toyota Sienna looking for sportier and sleek in its design which includes 19-inch wheel, improved suspensions, and upgraded steering tuning. Toyota initially offered a four cylinder engine in the minivan model at the start of this generation for the first time since it discontinued the Previa in the late nineties. Later, in the 2013 model, the four cylinder engine was dropped.

    Added features included an optional sliding second row with plush lounge-like recliner chair seats and larger LCD screens with both wide screen and split screen options for rear seat users. In the 2012 model, the Entune navigation system became a feature in the XL 30.

    The 2015 models saw some minor design facelifts and also a few new color options.

    The 180-degree panoramic view camera is an added safety feature, as is a driver’s knee airbag and advanced vehicle stability control system. An automatic high beam dimmer and a new pre-collision system are other enhanced safety features making the Toyota Sienna XL 30 touch close to 130,000 in sales in 2016. Its performance in crash test measures continues to be rated as “good.”

    Significantly, Toyota is the only automobile manufacturer to provide an auto-access seat for the disabled which is also an optional feature in the /Toyota Sienna. The 2017 model of the Toyota Sienna features an eight- speed transmission with increased power of 296 hp and increased torque of 263 lb.ft. Another feature of the 2017 model is the inclusion of Toyota’s direct injection fuel system.

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  • 3 top basement flood detectors

    Timely detection of any leak in your home can go a long way in saving you from spending hundreds of dollars in damage repairs. You can install a basement flood detector, which will send you a notification on your phone, similar to a security alert. This way, you can resolve the matter before it turns into a major problem. Here is a list of the top basement flood detectors of 2021.

    Flo by Moen Smart Water Detector
    This is a highly recommended device, as you can also get a Flo Smart Water Shutoff valve with it. The tool monitors water flow in your home, and when it detects a leakage, it automatically shuts off your water supply to prevent any further damage. This can be especially helpful if you stay outside your house for long hours and might take time to return home if you receive an alert for the leak. The smart device can be connected to WiFi and works with Alexa, IFTTT, Google Assistant, and Control4.

    iHome WiFi Dual Leak Sensor
    This device can be your basement flood detector that connects directly with your WiFi. It has two sensors; so, water leakages at two locations can be monitored simultaneously. If a leak is found, you immediately receive a notification and a 100-dB alarm rings. The tool can be connected to other iHome smart devices but, otherwise, it only connects with IFTTT. This device does not come with the function to automatically shut off your water supply if needed.

    Honeywell Lyric WiFi Water Leak & Freeze Detector
    Apart from the usual features of a flood detector, this device monitors the temperature and notifies you when it is freezing. Pipes tend to burst when the water trapped in them freezes; so, an early warning about a drop in temperature can help you rectify the situation. The batteries of this device will last for approximately three years, and it comes with a four-feet long cable, which can detect leaks. You can connect it directly to your WiFi without any hub. It connects with Alexa and can work alongside other smart home devices. When a leak is detected, the tool sounds a 100-dB alarm. Unfortunately, it only performs the functions of a basement flood detector and cannot shut off the water supply if a leak is found.

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  • 4 ways to find snow blowers and plows on sale

    The festive season is already round the corner, and like everyone else, you might also be interested in decorating your home. While festivity and long holidays are something that comes first to your mind, when speaking of winter, yet it is not all winter is about. Winter also brings snowfall, storms, and blizzards. Therefore, if you are looking for some fun in the winter, you should prepare yourself to ward off the adversities of weather in the best possible way. Check all your snow cleaning accessories and get a snow blower for sale if your old one is not functioning smoothly. Finding snow plow sale is simple these days. In case, you cannot find one on your own; you can check the steps mentioned below:

    Look for classifieds – You can look out for classified advertisements in your newspapers or check out the billboards on streets to learn about the snow blowers for sale. Visit the place of sale at the scheduled time and get one for your home or office at a discounted price. However, you need to be careful about the quality of the blowers you purchase as purchasing a defective piece will be a complete waste of money. Also check the snow plow prices carefully to calculate the discount.

    Check for online sales – In case, you cannot manage the time to visit the snow plow sale near you, visiting online stores can serve the purpose well. There are several portals, which offer snow plow sale on different brands. Check the snow plow prices in these discount portals to buy cheap snow plows. When you purchase from any online snow plow sale, you need to be careful about the brand of your choice. All brands do not offer the same performance, and it is always recommended to get your machinery from a reputed brand.

    Compare the prices – When you are looking for snow plow sale, it is important for you to compare the price charged by different stores. Check the snow plow prices offered by different stores on the models they have on sale. Compare them and place your order in a store, which offers the lowest price. It is also recommended for you to verify the authenticity of the store in this regard as some might try to scam customers by offering them attractive deals.

    Visit the official site of the manufacturer – Not only the third-party online stores but also the official portal of the manufacturer also offers snow plow sale at different times. Checking them out is also a good idea to get down the snowplow prices when you purchase.

    When looking for a snow blower for sale online, it is better to go to the stores offering free shipping.

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  • Things to remember when looking for senior apartments

    There are several seniors who prefer seniors apartments to living at homes. This can be because of difficulties at home or due to the fact that they prefer living independently. While there are several housing options out there today, it’s important to be careful before choosing one.

    Seniors often have to live on low pensions or their retirement fund. Many of them prefer low-income senior apartments as these housing facilities are more affordable. There are government funded and retirement communities that offer all required facilities for a low cost. There are also several low-income apartments out there that support independent living that seniors are seeking.

    However, before rushing into anything, there are a few things you need to check this low-income, affordable senior apartments.

    Verification And Certification
    Most senior apartments and staff present are verified prior to their employment. Safety is an important factor. Always ask for verification of the apartment and the employees there. Precaution always tends to pay off, since you want to make sure that the housing is safe and secure.

    Talk To The Neighbours
    The best way to ensure that they have all the facilities they claim to have is to ask the people that have been staying in the apartment for a while now. You can find out if they have any issues with maintenance or water problems before coming to any decision. This is also a great way to get to know the people around you as well. It’s important to maintain social connections.

    Experience
    Find out how long the housing been open. If it’s been around for a long time, check the condition of the apartment. If it is well maintained, you won’t have much to worry about.

    Besides, facilities that have more expertise in senior care are guaranteed to provide better comfort to seniors. They have a better idea of what elders need.

    Cleanliness
    It will take you less than a minute to gauge the state of the apartment. Since a majority of senior houses are maintained by housekeeping, you can tell if they’re doing a good job or not. Cleanliness is a very important factor. It plays a crucial role in the health of seniors.

    Security
    Most apartments today have security guards. They also install security cameras around the premises. Besides serving the purpose of keeping the tenants safe, they’re a great way to check if any of the senior citizens need help.

    Cost
    Most senior apartments have low rentals and are hence affordable. Several facilities are known to increase the rent a few months after tenants move in. You can check with other senior apartments in the surrounding areas to ensure you’re paying a fair price.

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  • How to get make up for free!

    The idea of getting free makeup is a very intriguing. Imagine getting your favorite or the latest products to try out without actually doling out some moolah. You end up saving money and experimenting for free! Free samples are also easy to carry during travelling, and most importantly, if you’re in love with a certain product then a free sample pack is just the icing on the cake.

    Most companies today come out with free samples. It is a very effective marketing strategy which they indulge in the hope that one would end up buying the product. However, the best part about trying out makeup samples mean that it lets you have a run-through of all kinds of cosmetics the high-end makeup choices as well as drugstore cosmetics.

    As of today, acquiring beauty samples for free is not a big deal because it’s easily available by email or at the stores.
    – There are websites, which provide free samples through emails every day. There are few common products whose samples are available online. One can get free samples every month from online beauty retailers just by paying postage fee or signing up or subscribing for getting their emails.
    – If one doesn’t wish to subscribe online, the other best way to collect them is from cosmetic department stores where they have a wide range of free samples. The fact of the matter is that any store that markets and sells makeup products will definitely have free samples because they want the free samples to convert into a sale later.
    – Some stores let you join their makeup trials. Often, the trials are free and are usually surveys that are conducted by cosmetic brands. You are free to put down your suggestions, which would later help them improve their products. The ‘PF buzz program’ is even more interesting. Through the Physician Formula, one can get their brand new cosmetic products to try and keep them with you after the trial.
    – Some cosmetic biggies such as Sephora have free events that you can attend to get free samples. In the past, they’ve given away free samples of eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, and eyeliner during these events.
    – If you’re a member of any particular buyer program of certain products, you’ll also be able to rack up points each time you buy something online. You can exchange and redeem these points for product sets, special collectibles and deluxe samples.

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  • 5 natural and alternative ways to treat COPD

    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States today. This respiratory disease is caused due to an abnormal inflammation of the lungs resulting in restricted air flow and hence the difficulty in breathing. Spiriva is a bronchodilator drug commonly used to treat this condition. However, it has some side effects and is not often recommended for patients with glaucoma or enlarged prostate. Fortunately, though, some Spiriva alternatives are available in the market today and can be taken after consulting a physician. You can also change your lifestyle and food habits to keep the condition under control to some extent.

    Spiriva is a bronchodilator drug commonly used to treat this condition. However, it has some side effects and is not often recommended for patients with glaucoma or enlarged prostate. Fortunately, though, some Spiriva alternatives are available in the market today and can be taken after consulting a physician. You can also change your lifestyle and food habits to keep the condition under control to some extent.

    Spiriva alternatives often include simple home remedies or lifestyle changes too. These can keep your condition under control and prevent sudden flare-ups. Here are some tips to follow:

    • Quit smoking: This is the most important and natural way to treat COPD. Avoid any kind of smoking including electronic cigarettes and vapes.
    • Improve your breathing: You can adopt several techniques to improve your breathing. The American Association for Respiratory Care suggests that pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing may increase your blood oxygen levels and help reduce shortness of breath.
    • Maintain a healthy diet: Your diet must include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to ensure that you get lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Include citrus fruits, fishes, chia seeds and flaxseeds in your diet.
    • Drink lots of water: Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Water helps to dilute the mucus trapped in your airways, which is the main reason for persistent coughing.
    • Eucalyptus oil: According to a study, cineole, the main constituent of eucalyptus oil, reduces exacerbations and dyspnea in people with COPD. It also improves lung function.
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  • Fibromyalgia arthritis: tips for better sleep

    In addition to struggling with the fibromyalgia symptoms of aches, joint pain, and dizziness, patients of this condition also need to cope with insomnia, sleeplessness, and sleep disorders. While the easiest way to overcome this symptom would be to take sleeping pills to get a restful sleep, this may not be the best option, as these may have side-effects like addiction to the pills. Some tips that you could use to get a more restful sleep at night without the aid of pills are:

    • Exercise: Exercise is extremely effective in relieving symptoms of fibromyalgia. You can decide on the intensity of the exercise according to your level of fitness. An hour of good exercise which stimulates your brain and body will result in your body wanting a good night’s rest.
    • Meditation and relaxation: Fibromyalgia symptoms can take a toll on your body and leave you too exhausted to rest. A good session of meditation and relaxation coupled with exercises which help in regulating your breathing can get you ready for a good night’s sleep.
    • Using herbal teas and hot drinks: The characteristic Fibromyalgia burning pain can be relieved by drinking tea infused with herbs which can help in reducing the pain.
    • Schedule: Maintain a schedule for sleep. As silly as it may sound, it is beneficial. Keeping a schedule and going to sleep at the same time every night can trick your brain into submission. Getting into bed at the same time each night whether you get that restful sleep or not may be the most demanding thing to do but the regimen will help you to get there eventually. Fibromyalgia symptoms can be draining, but for your body to repair and heal itself and to be prepared for the strain of the next day, you need a good night’s rest. This is achievable without the use of medication.

    Sleep is probably the most underrated therapies for pain. Most people are not aware that their body repairs and heals itself while they sleep. Therefore, to relieve the fibromyalgia symptoms, restful sleep should be of utmost priority.

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  • How to reduce risk with tax diversification

    Tax diversification is a financial term that refers to the allotment of investment money to two or more accounts. It is similar to an asset location which refers to transferring of investment money to numerous account types, and finding the best investment type that work best in those accounts. Taxable accounts and tax-deferred accounts are the two basic types of investment accounts. When the taxpayer invests that money in a taxable account, the money invested will not be tax- deductible nor it would raise tax deferrals, rather they would tax on shares and capital benefits when the investment is sold at a higher price.

    Tax analysis of different income brackets
    There are wide categories of income in terms of tax analysis as it connects to retirement, this needs to be understood for perceiving tax diversification. There are incomes such as tax-free, fully taxable, earned income, partially taxable, tax favored and other incomes like rental, pension, non-lifetime annuity etc. These are considered as different money brackets and the idea is to identify income from each bracket to reform the tax situation. Most of the time you may get the chance to manage your income to reduce tax. Basically, while you work, you get your salary and then you pay taxes, but a similar pattern is not observed during your retirement period. This is because they have brought the new withdrawal systems from 401(k)s, 403(b)s and IRAs, where you are offered with the liberty to organize the income you receive.

    The best tax schedules
    At the time, you overshoot the deductible amount you are in the 10% bracket which is up to $18,650, then you are 15% bracket which is up to $75,900. Filling the first two brackets with income would be the best tax strategy. The income can be received in different ways, and usually the timing for it cannot be completely anticipated but you can control the retirement withdrawals. It is better to do tax planning in November and December when you have a clear idea of what you would receive as income. You can also refer the previous year tax returns as a beginning step. Once the first two brackets are filled it is important to look for other sources on income that are less taxable. There is one complication in tax planning, i.e. the social security’s taxation, Medicare payments and taxation of long term capital gains could get stricken by the level of income you receive. When you have more brackets to draw from you will have the flexibility in planning and controlling your taxable amount. Tax diversification is something that you should focus on in your 20’s to 40’s as they take long period to develop. You should plan early as tax diversification can immensely benefit you in the long run.

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