Archives for February 2020

FLEET CARD: is it ideal for your business?

There are many businesses that depend on vehicles for most of their operations. Thus, it would be best to strike a comparison between credit cards for the fleet and the usual rewards card. For instance, firms such as transportation companies need to have many vehicles to cater to various business operations.

And one of the best ways to keep your business running smoothly is by adopting the use of fleet cards. Actually, this powerful innovation could be your gateway to the next level. See, there could be, or rather you may have heard about many cards. But this one has great perks that you can easily leverage. All your vehicles will be on the road despite any challenge that might come up.

Which is better: The business credit card or a fuel card?

If you are stuck between the two cards, then this article reveals the great perk of the fleet card. You see, your business has many requirements. You will need other supplies other than fuel. Thus, you can use the business credit card for such purchases. However, you can make sure to use a fleet card for all your fuel purchases since it is the most convenient and easy to track the expenses.

Here are some benefits of fleet cards:

Can help find out about the fuel efficiency of your vehicles

See, fuel efficiency is very important, and a great way to track it is by use of trucking fuel cards. You can get detailed tracing, which allows you to know if your vehicles are operating with good efficiency.

Helps you curb fraud

Control of purchases is one of the great benefits of fleet cards. You see, the drivers can be tempted to make extra purchases at the gas pump. Indeed, they all have need to cater to, but that should not be part of your expenses in the business.

You can always control what the cardholders can do with it. For instance, you can allow them to fuel the vehicle and pay for any vehicle repairs. Thus, the card is limited to such expenses. It cannot be used for any other purchases other than the stipulated ones.

Is ideal for tracking expenses

One of the things every business owner wants to keep track of is fuel expenses. And a card is great if you to want to achieve this. You get detailed information every time a driver uses the card to fuel or repair the vehicle. For instance, you get to know the amount of gas bought, name of driver, date and time, etc. you get all this information without having to visit every gas station and collect the statements.

Bottom line

You have explored the need to have a fleet fuel card for your business that greatly depends on vehicles to offer services to many reliable clients. If you want to achieve more success in your business, it is good to have a good fleet card for all your vehicles. It will help you track expenses and stop fraud at the right time.

All You Need to Know about Section 10(10D)

Who doesn’t like having fewer taxes to pay every year? Insurance policies give benefits under certain tax provision to encourage investing in term plans. But it is not advised to view insurance policies just as tax-savings instruments as policies provide security to your loved ones in case something unfortunate happens to you. So, before going ahead to buy a plan suitable for you, here is the tax benefit under Section 10(10D) and the terms and conditions that you should know.

What Is Section 10(10D)?

Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 enables policyholders to get tax exemption on the death and maturity benefit received from a life insurance policy. This tax provision allows you to avail the lump sum amount as tax-free by claiming it under Section 10(10D) for an income tax deduction. In turn, you are also able to secure the future of your family and fulfil long-term wealth creation goals by buying plans like money-back policy and whole life plan amongst others.

Terms & Conditions of Section 10(10D) of Income Tax Act, 1961

Here are some of the terms and conditions of Section 10(10D) that you need to know about:

  • If the death benefit is received under the Keyman Insurance Policy, the sum assured cannot be claimed as tax-free
  • If the death benefit is received under Section 80DD (3), then sum assured will be taxable
  • For a policy bought after or on 1 April 2003 and before or on 31 March 2012, the premium should not be more than 20% of the sum assured
  • For a policy bought after or on 1 April 2012, the premium should not be more than 10% of the sum assured
  • For a policy bought after or on 1 April 2013, the premium should not be more than 15% of the sum assured for the below-given conditions:
  • Severely disabled individual as mentioned under Section 80U of the Income Tax Act, 1961
  • Suffering from disease as mentioned under Section 80DDB of the Income Tax Act, 1961

Points to Note About Tax Applicability on Sum Assured

Under Section 194DA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the sum assured given to the Indian Resident policyholder not claimed under Section 10(10D) shall be subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) of 2%. The death benefit or maturity amount exempted under Section 10(10D) will not attract any taxes. And if the sum assured is not claimed under the tax provision but does not exceed INR 1,00,000, then no TDS will be levied. But you need to submit your PAN to the insurer, or else the TDS levied will be 20% instead of 2%.

Now, that you are aware of the terms and conditions for claiming the term insurance sum assured and the TDS applicable on it, you can be cautious and save on taxes.

 

6 Tips for a Rustic Living Room

Rustic is one of the design principles that you will see in many homes today. It is all about being casual, rough, and natural. Although, for many, they commonly associate it with a farmhouse-inspired décor. If you are clueless about how to pull off a rustic theme, keep on reading and we’ll share some tips on how you can do so in your living room.

  • Say It with Art

Let your wall breathe life by incorporating rustic art into blank spaces. Check out rustic wall art from Shutterfly. A common theme is to have elements of nature in the artwork. The material of choice is also important, which is often made of wood. This artwork can be the focal point in your living room and can also be a good conversation starter.

  • Install a Fireplace

To decorate a rustic living room, one of the must-haves is a fireplace. It is a combination of both form and function. Aside from making your house look better, it also gives you warmth. Go for a stone fireplace with dark wood accents. Throw in some cozy blankets and you will feel like you are in a rural cottage.

  • Go for a Neutral Color Palette

For a rustic and cozy living room, it is best if you go for neutral color palettes. Subdued colors will add more personality and will be relaxing. From the colors of the walls to the couch, make sure that they complement each other. Grey, brown, and beige are some of the best colors that you can incorporate in your living room.

  • Adorn Your Walls with Wood

Wood is one of the non-negotiables when it comes to rustic décor. If you want your living room to look like a cozy barn, cover the wall with wood. Reclaimed wood will add more personality to the living room. If wood walls are too bare for you, decorate it with simple wall art from Shutterfly.

  • Add Cozy Textiles

Having a rustic décor is also all about making your living room cozy. One of the best ways to do this is to add textiles. Aside from creating beautiful layers, it will also make your living room feel warmer. Pillows, curtains, and rugs are some of the best to have to complement the overall look of your living room.

  • Incorporate Plants

One of the basics of rustic décor is that it merges design with natural elements. With this, to give your living room a cozy and rustic feel, you can never go wrong with plants. Good thing, many houseplants don’t require a lot on your end when it comes to care and maintenance. As a bonus, some of them can also be effective in filtering indoor air. They can also add softness and a pop of color in any space.

Make your home feel like a countryside cottage. Keep in mind our suggestions above to transform your living room into a rustic sanctuary.

How To Tune Up a Pickup Truck

If you love your pickup truck, you want to keep it in the best shape possible. Part of good maintenance is a regular tun- up to keep everything in optimal shape. You likely already know this but may be wondering what is a tuneup on a car exactly. The good news is that most of the tasks are very easy and anyone can learn how to do them.

Ignition System

The ignition system is often one of the center focal points of the tune-up process. This system consists of the spark plugs, wires, coils and other components that help to ignite the fuel in your engine. Inspect the wires for any breakage, fraying or other damage. A thorough visual inspection should be sufficient.

Take out your spark plugs and inspect them. If they are in good condition and relatively new, give them a quick cleaning with a brush. If they are in poor condition or older, replace them. Make sure to check your owner’s manual to find the recommended type of spark plug.

If you have been experiencing any misfires or weakened acceleration, take a look at the ignition coils. Inspect them for any build-up or damage. Consider replacing them.

Filters

Change the auto air filter in your engine compartment. On some cars, you can do this without any tools. On others, you may need to loosen some screens to get the filter out of its housing. Filters are cheap and worth replacing reasonably often to ensure they are in the best condition possible.

Although not always considered part of a tune-up, consider also changing your cabin air filter. On most trucks, this is located behind the glovebox. Check your owner’s manual or service manual for information on replacement.

You may want to change your fuel filter and positive crankcase ventilation valve filter. These are slightly more complex tasks but worthwhile.

Fluids

Change your oil and replace the oil filter. Consult your owner’s manual to find the recommended type of oil. While you don’t necessarily need to use the recommended brand, you should make sure to match the suggested viscosity and type (synthetic or conventional).

Also, take a look at your other fluid levels. Check them for clarity and color. These include your coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid.

Belts and Hoses

Inspect all the belts and hoses in your engine compartment. Look for any cracking or wear. These items normally start to show problems before they fail. So, checking them often can help you keep them in good order. Replace any belts or hoses that are starting to decay. These include the serpentine belt and timing belt. Also, look at the belt tensioner to make sure it is maintaining proper tension.

Learn More

Head to your favorite auto parts store to pick up some oil, engine air filter, spark plugs and cabin air filter on sale. With a little patience and effort, you can easily learn to take care of your pickup yourself. This will save you money and let you enjoy ownership even more. Get started today.

 

6 Tips On Choosing The Best Camping Gear

If you love the adventure of camping and are always on the lookout for new pieces of camping equipment, which will make your upcoming camping trips a whole lot more comfortable, continue reading in order to discover a handy guide to purchasing camp gear.

6 Tips On Choosing The Best Camping Gear:

Consider purchasing a hammock to make your camping trip a little more comfortable:

Not only can you sleep in a hammock but you’ll also be able to read a book or listen to music, in the comfort of your own personal hammock. You can even purchase hammocks which can comfortably accommodate two adults.

Invest in a high quality, camping cot in order to sleep soundly:

As it’s far more comfortable to sleep off the ground, it’s a wise idea to invest in purchasing a high quality, camping cot. Which you’ll be able to place a portable camping mat on. To ensure that you’ll enjoy a comfortable night sleep. As sleeping on the floor of a tent can be an uncomfortable experience as the terrain which you pitch your tent on may be uneven or may feature pebbles or rocks.

Purchase a multi-purpose stool:

When it comes to shopping for camping gear, it’s a great idea to look for multi-purpose items, which will make packing your car for your next camping trip, a whole lot easier. For example, you can’t go wrong purchasing a multi-purpose stool, which you’ll be able to use as a makeshift dining table, a table to play card games or an extra seat. In order to browse a few high rated multi-purpose camping stools make sure to visit thecampinggear.com. As you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice.

Make sure to purchase a high quality sleeping bag:

Apart from your tent, your sleeping bag is the most important piece of camping equipment which you’ll own. So it’s important to choose a high quality sleeping bag, which will keep you warm at night. Especially as temperatures drop quickly at night, when you’re camping. Also make sure to choose a sleeping bag which offers the right level of warmth. As you’re able to purchase spring weight sleeping bags as well as heavy duty sleeping bags, which can be comfortably used in the middle of winter.

Select a tent which is easy to erect:

Do yourself a huge favor and select a tent, which you’ll be able to easily erect on your own. When it comes to purchasing a new tent, also think about how many people your tent needs to accommodate. As an example, if you plan on camping with a partner, you may want to opt for a two person tent. While if you plan on camping as a family of four, you’ll need a far larger tent. Which will better suit your family’s needs.

Invest in a camping stove and a camping cooler:

If you camp on a regular basis, it’s a smart idea to purchase a camping cooler and a camping stove, so that you’ll be able to prepare proper meals. Instead of being forced to eat canned food, three times per day.

So if you’re looking to increase your comfort on your upcoming camping trips, it’s well worth making sure that you own all of the pieces of useful camping gear which are listed above.

Things to Know About Stock Screeners Before You Decide To Buy One

No matter where you look nowadays, there is a brand new machine. Inventors make our lives so much easier. You don’t have to calculate if you are going to win or lose. Everything will be clearly written to you.

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What are stock screeners?

A stock screener is a tool that is made, especially for investors and traders. They can use this tool to filter stocks based on the filters they set up. You can find most of them online. Some are free, but others require a subscription fee.

You will choose if you want to see stocks by their price, market cap, price change percentage, and other criteria. This is so useful, especially to traders. Everything is clearly shown on the screen. So, you will be able to make decisions quite easily.

What exactly do these things do?

The main goal why traders use these devices is to find stocks that will do great over some time. The best thing about them is that you can set up many filters at one time. So, you will be left with a few choices.

The screeners basically narrow the options. You won’t see the stocks you don’t want. You’ll be able to focus on what is important to you and your trading. You don’t have to think much. You can do whatever you want with the info you got on the screen.

What to look for?

There are some investors that might have a hard time getting around. If you don’t know what to look for, the tool can’t help you. You are the one that gives orders to the machine. Thankfully, some sites have already thought this through. You can learn how to use them here.

They offer you predefined stock screens. That means that the stocks are already filtered. So, you can start from somewhere. If you don’t like what you are seeing, you can always change the variables. You can set it up any way you want.

Be careful

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There’s no doubt that these tools are really helpful in the stock exchange business. But, you will have to be careful. You can’t rush to make a decision based only on the information on the screens. You will have to do your own research.

You have to do this because the screens don’t give any information about pending lawsuits or any other problems. You have to find out if there are any. Also, look carefully at the timelines. Sometimes it may take a while for the system to get updated.

Boring ads

It would help if you were prepared. A lot of the free versions come with ads. You will probably get tired of them. One way to get rid of them is to pay a few dollars. You can get the premium version without the ads.

Also, the screeners you pay, come with certain benefits. You get better charts. You can set up e-mail alerts if you want. You will get to see real-time quotes. It might be better for you to pay for these tools immediately. It’s up to you.

Take the advice with a grain of salt

The information on these screeners will undoubtedly make your whole life more manageable. But, it will help if you think things through. It’s best if you do your own research. You might find some helpful things on your own. For more useful and interesting things connected to the topic, check out this link https://www.thebalance.com/top-stock-screeners-do-they-save-time-and-make-money-2637102.

If you see that a particular company has a lot of problems, you won’t certainly invest there. You will find this out if you do research. The best thing to do is to combine the things you have on the screen with the things you find out. You can’t go wrong.

Which program should you buy?

If you have decided to buy a stock screener, you will have to find out which one to get. It will help a lot if you get to learn which one has the best reviews on the Internet. Users leave honest opinions about the devices they have already tried out.

What are some of the most significant advantages of using these devices?

Some of the best screens give you an opportunity to try them in demo mode. That way, you will get a clear idea of how this thing works out. Nothing beats this. You don’t have to pay for anything. If you decide that you like it, you can buy it. If not, you can try another one.

There are many devices that you can access through your mobile. That’s quite handy. You can see stocks in the US and Canada. Also, make sure to check out the alert features. Those things can save you a lot of time and money.

Proper Ways To Use A Baby Nasal Aspirator

Having a stuffy nose can be very difficult, especially for the young ones. Aside from making it hard for them to breathe, young children with stuffed-up noses will have a hard time eating and sleeping. As a result, they will become irritable and lethargic.

To save your child from an uncomfortable situation and save yourself from losing your sanity while taking care of your sick child, you need to find ways to clear snot in your kid’s nose. To do this, you need the help of a baby nasal aspirator and other tools so they can breathe better. Here are the proper ways to relieve the child from a stuffy nose.

Moisten The Nose

The first step in clearing a child’s nose is to moisten it using a saline solution. You may either use the spray form or in drops to help loosen the mucus for easier suctioning. Fortunately, saline solutions are always available in drug stores. If you want to make one at home, you can mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water.

To apply the saline solution in your child’s nose properly, you need to lay him or her down with the chin slightly tilted up. Then squirt or place one to two drops of the solution per nostril. Try to keep the child’s head steady for at least 10 seconds. This solution will soften up the dried mucus and make it easier to expel by blowing or by using a baby nasal aspirator.

Use Nasal Aspirators

If the saline solution is not enough to remove all the unwanted goo in your child’s nose, you can altogether remove the congestion by using a baby nasal aspirator.

Before you use the nasal aspirator, you need to clean it first by squeezing the tip in warm, soapy water. Let the tip suck some of the water in the bulb several times to clear it then squeeze it out. Then repeat the process several times then dry it out accurately.

As soon as the nasal syringe is dry and clean, you have to squeeze it to release the air and make a vacuum. Then insert the rubber tip inside the nostril of your baby gently. Once inside, slowly release the pressure from the aspirator to suck out the mucus from the nose. After all these steps, you can remove the syringe and unload the bulb into a prepared tissue to get rid of the mucus inside the tool. Clean up the aspirator after each use.

Fortunately, there are newer baby nasal aspirators in the market that are easier to use. These aspirators are battery-powered. You only need to place it against the entrance of each nostril to suck out the snot entirely with just one press of a button. You may still need to use a saline solution for the more natural release of the mucus that already dried up inside the nose.

What to do if the nose remains congested?

If the nose of your child remains congested, you need to wait for a minimum of 5 minutes before you do the steps all over again. However, you can only suck the nose up to three times per day to avoid irritating the nose lining of your child.

Also, you must only apply the saline sprays or drops for up to four succeeding days to prevent it from drying out the delicate parts of the nose.

 

Advantages of Options Trading

Options are a great way to start investing for many reasons. They offer a great way to diversify your portfolio while limiting the amount you will need to invest in case your stock doesn’t move in the direction you are predicting. Options are a more affordable way to invest and, when planned well, can bring some excellent returns.

What are Options?

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Options are contracts to purchase a stock or investment at a set strike price. There are two common types of options contracts, call options, and put options. Call options set a timeframe where you have the right to purchase up to 100 shares of a stock for a set strike price. Put options grant you the power to sell stocks at a set strike price.  These contracts offer some fantastic benefits that many investors tend to overlook. By taking the time to do your research on options, you can have a competitive advantage over the market and see some excellent returns in your investment portfolio.

Options Are More Affordable

One significant benefit of choosing to invest in options contracts is that they are typically far more affordable than buying the shares outright. The options contract gives you the right to purchase or sell depending upon the contract to 100 shares of stock. Because you haven’t taken ownership of any stock, option contracts tend to be significantly cheaper. If you are unsure where a stock may be heading, but have a feeling the company might increase in value, buying a call option is a great way to secure a set price, and know how much you stand to lose. This is a substantial benefit to options trading as you can invest with a bit more confidence compared to purchasing a stock outright and having your losses remain unknown.

Options Can Bring High Returns

Options contracts are a great way to play the market with some added leverage. As options contracts are more affordable, you can budget for more options, then if you were to purchase all of the shares outright. With a lot of practice and market research, this is a great way to maximize your returns when you land on a few stocks that see some increased value. All with a smaller initial investment.

Options open the door to a whole other level of strategy that can significantly benefit the investor when used correctly. While utilizing these contracts and spreading your investments around, you have more opportunities to see high returns. If things don’t work out, you can only lose your initial investment, nothing more. This makes trading options a great way to take advantage of a more aggressive strategy, yielding much higher returns on your investments.

If you are interested in learning all you can about options trading, Raging Bull is a site with professionals ready to help you learn everything you need to know. They have all the tools you need to become a successful financial trader. If you want to gain the competitive edge you need to trade options successfully, check out their article about the best stocks in options trading.

 

How to Buy Sunglasses as a Senior

Designer sunglasses are not just for young hipsters concerned about looking cool whenever they leave the house. They are for people of all ages interested in protecting their eyes against both UV rays and direct sunlight. Sunglasses are even for seniors.

You might say sunglasses are more important to an older generation concerned about things like cataracts and macular degeneration. Indeed, with age comes a higher risk of all sorts of health issues – including those that affect the eyes. So it is just as important for seniors to wear sunglasses.

The big difference for seniors is the shopping experience. Your typical senior may not care what the latest styles are. He or she might not be interested in dropping several hundred dollars on a designer brand just because some celebrity wears them. Needless to say, seniors have their own concerns.

Consider Health Concerns

Olympic Eyewear, a Salt Lake City company that designs and sells more than two dozen brands of wholesale sunglasses, encourages seniors to consider their health concerns first. Speaking with the doctor before making a purchase is a good idea. Seniors need to know what they are looking at, health-wise, before they can decide what kinds of sunglasses are best.

As previously mentioned, cataracts and macular degeneration are always a concern. But so are things like cancer and photokeratitis, a condition that is essentially sunburned eyes. Protecting against such eye damage is a function of both UV filtering and tinting.

Understand that tinting only offers protection against direct sunlight. The darker the tint, the more protection. As for UV protection, it is accomplished by way of a filter applied to eyewear lenses. That filter is transparent. And know that UV rays cannot be seen by the naked eye, so a UV filter does not need tinting.

Quality of Vision

The next thing seniors should consider is the quality of their vision. A person already suffering from poor visual acuity will discover that an extremely dark pair of sunglasses makes it much harder to see. It might be better to go with a lighter tint – just so long as UV protection is not compromised. Everyone who buys sunglasses should insist on a UV rating of at least UV 300. A rating of UV 400 is even better.

Activity Level and Type

When seniors are buying sunglasses, they should also consider their activity level and type. In other words, how active are they during the course of a given day? How much of their daily activity has them outside, driving in the car, etc.?

Greater amounts of time spent out of the house indicate a greater need for a quality pair of sunglasses. On the other hand, a person who is mostly housebound can get away with a cheaper pair of sunglasses that will only be worn on occasion.

Activity type is important to the extent that certain kinds of lenses can enhance or inhibit activity. For example, a senior who walks several miles per day would do well with a pair of sunglasses that offer good contrast. Being able to clearly distinguish changes in the ground surface will mean a safer walk.

Buying sunglasses as a senior doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing. It’s all about asking the right questions and considering one’s lifestyle. With a little thought and some sound advice from eyewear experts, finding the right pair of sunglasses should be a big deal.

Are you a senior concerned about eye health? If so, get yourself a good pair of sunglasses you can wear whenever you leave the house. Your eyes will thank you for it.

 

All You Need to Know About Fruit Concentrates

Most people know about fruit concentrates from fruit juice drinks. But the process of creating fruit concentrates is not as clear in many people’s minds. And many, in particular, do not understand if fruit concentrates are healthy. Fruit concentrate is a type of juice with much of the water content taken out. This produces a versatile liquid that is used for drinks, flavouring and food products.

Here are some facts about fruit concentrates and what they mean for your health, and for cooking.

Fruit Concentrates and Water

Did you know that fruit juice is 90 per cent water? Water is essential for forming a palatable drink. And when it is removed from juice, you are left with a thick syrup – fruit concentrate. You wouldn’t want to drink the fruit concentrate, but it is easier to store and to transport. Most juice manufacturers that use concentrate, extract it at the source and then recombine with water once the concentrate has been shipped. Fruit juice concentrate suppliers UK restaurants use sell juice concentrates frozen or at room temperature, to be diluted before use.

How Fruit Concentrates Are Made

Growers pick whole fruits and then wash, crush, or blend the fruit to make a pulp. The producer then takes out the water from the pulp, which is evaporated. The fruit concentrates are shipped to their destination, where food manufacturers use them in drinks or food products. The natural flavour of the fruit is often diluted in fruit concentrates, so manufacturers use flavourings or artificial compounds to add the taste back to the product. Some add sweeteners. The healthiest fruit concentrate drink is made from 100% concentrate, with no sugar added.

Health Benefits of Fruit Concentrates

Concentrates made from 100% fruit are healthiest. These contain vital minerals and vitamins. Fruit concentrates also have antioxidant benefits from plant compounds, which help the heart and protect the immune system. Different fruits offer varying health benefits. Oranges and other citrus fruits, for example, help promote skin health. Carrot and tomato concentrates contain beta carotene that helps to reduce inflammation in the skin.

Other Benefits of Concentrates

Fruit concentrates are an economical alternative to fresh fruit and vegetables. Concentrates also have a longer shelf life and can be stored more easily. Concentrates are more practical for restaurants and cafes. The transportation cost of tropical fruits is reduced by using fruit concentrates.

Disadvantages of Fruit Concentrates

Fruit concentrates are more practical in many ways than whole fruits or fruit juice, but there are some downsides. Whole fruits contain fibre, and fruit concentrates do not have this benefit since they do not use the pulp and the skin of the fruit. Some fruit concentrates are not particularly healthy since they are loaded with sugars or artificial sweeteners. Choose the least-processed concentrate when you are looking for optimum health benefits. And always consume fruit juices in moderation since they contain high levels of sugar. Even if the sugar comes naturally from the fruit, it still contributes to obesity if eaten in excess.