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5 top-rated home warranty companies in 2022

5 top-rated home warranty companies in 2022

Living in a property without a home warranty can be a huge financial mistake. Repairing or replacing major home appliances and systems is expensive. A home warranty is beneficial as it covers the cost of repairs and replacement in exchange for a monthly or annual premium. The best warranty providers offer flexible plans, high coverage limits, and reasonable premiums, among other things. Check out our top picks for the best providers. America’s 1st Choice Home Club America’s 1st Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) is known for offering a range of coverage options. It offers four different plans, out of which, one covers only home systems (Systems Plan), while the other covers only home appliances (Silver Plan). The other two plans — Gold Plan and Platinum Plan — cover different home appliances and systems. One of the biggest draws of AFC is its extremely long guarantee on repairs, which lasts for the life of the plan (maximum three years.) In addition, members get to choose their own technician, have 24/7 access to the provider’s in-house service team, and get discounts on home security, restaurants, shopping, kitchen appliances, and more. American Home Shield With over 50 years of experience in the home warranty industry and more than two million members, American Home Shield is one the oldest and most trusted names.
Electronic payment processing – Its modes and advantages

Electronic payment processing – Its modes and advantages

Electronic payment processing is the new-age way of transactions. In simpler terms, it means creating a process for customers to pay for materials or services through online payment without the use of cash or checks. Most eCommerce websites, and even independent brands, incorporate this mode of payment into their online store, making it easy for customers to make purchases. Let’s understand what this process means and some advantages of e-Payment Processing. Common modes of e-Payment Credit or debit cards Familiar to most people, this method involves an electronic payment device that starts the transaction process. The customer has to fill out details like card number, registered name, and a pin (depending on various banks and their protocols). The payment is then cleared by the customer’s bank. Most online transactions take place using this mode of e-Payment. Internet banking This digitally transfers funds from one bank account to another. Internet banking is often used by either consultants/freelancers or even small businesses for their customers. All you have to do is add the proper account details of the payee and transfer the agreed-upon amount. Direct debit This does not involve adding any payee to your bank account; instead, it involves a direct debit of funds from your account with the help of a third party.
6 best sources for finding unclaimed funds

6 best sources for finding unclaimed funds

Most of us feel happy when we unexpectedly find a $20 bill in the back pocket of our old denim or under the couch. Well, what if you found out that a decent chunk of money that’s rightfully yours floating around somewhere waiting to be accessed? Around 10 percent of the country’s population has unclaimed money or property. But you need to look in the right places to find these unclaimed funds. What are unclaimed funds? These assets are rendered unclaimed when a business, government office, or financial institution cannot locate or contact an individual who owed funds or property. These funds are generally handed over to the government after a certain amount of time, and they stay with the government until the rightful owner makes a claim. A common scenario in which people have unclaimed funds is when they open accounts with financial institutions but don’t use them for a year or so, prompting the institution to contact the account owner. If the institution fails to contact the owner, they may declare the money unclaimed and turn it over to a state or federal agency. Similarly, there are other reasons for unclaimed funds, such as forgotten bond savings, accounts from bank and credit union failures, insurance accounts or annuities, unpaid wages, pensions from past employers, insurance and tax refunds, and 401(k).
A basic guide to tackling water damage and undertaking repairs

A basic guide to tackling water damage and undertaking repairs

Did you just move into a new house and find that the ceiling is swelling up or the mold is growing on the walls? If so, it could be a case of water damage, which can cause massive losses if you don’t act promptly. A common occurrence, water damage is a disastrous situation that can also cause issues after the repair work is complete. While some things can be repaired, others might end up in the trash, and wet things can develop mold later. So, tread with caution, and read on to know how to deal with water damage. Types or common causes of water damages in a home Predominantly, there are six leading causes of water damage that homeowners should know about: Storm-related water damage The most common and recognized type of water damage experienced by households is storm-related water damage. People who reside in areas that are more susceptible to natural disasters or high rainfall are at a heightened risk of facing the associated risks. So, it’s advisable to get a corresponding insurance policy to ensure protection and coverage for the costs. Homeowners who face water damage caused by a hurricane or any other typical storms should know that their insurer will cover the expenses for the damage during a storm.
6 useful tips for starting a new online business

6 useful tips for starting a new online business

For those of you who hope to someday start your online business, you’re in luck. There are millions of successful online businesses in the country. However, before being recognized on the World Wide Web, a business needs to have its groundwork in place. This includes identifying the target audience, the budget, the type of business, and several other factors. Still, to make the journey a little easier, here are a few tips to keep in mind before starting a small online business. Do the market research A business plan with efficient market research is likely to thrive as compared to one without research. Conducting market research before your small business starts can help accumulate information about the demand, market size, location of the consumers, income range, and the price consumers are willing to pay. This information will further help identify areas in that particular market where your business can boom. Create a business plan template Creating a business plan template should be number one on your list. The template will help you set up, execute, and manage the business. Besides, a good business plan will help convince others about why investing in your idea is a good choice. It will also help you secure funding from new business partners.
A look into the history of e-commerce and its services

A look into the history of e-commerce and its services

A few decades ago, online shopping was probably just a wild, incomprehensible notion. Today, the e-commerce industry’s market size is about $5.55 trillion. While online sales were about 17.8% in 2020, it is expected to touch 21% in 2022 and go beyond 24.5% in the next three years. Let’s revisit where it started and discover the significant elements that led to such a boom and the emergence of today’s e-commerce services. Where it all started Unlike what most people think, e-commerce was not born in the late 1990s. The history of this revolutionary concept can be traced back to the 1960s. E-commerce was a possibility because Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) was developed in the 1960s. The American National Standards Institute further strengthened the system for electronic exchanges between industries with the Accredited Standards Committee X12. Here’s a brief timeline of the early years of e-commerce: CompuServe, in 1969, was the first online service in the country. It was the brainchild of two students at Columbus who studied engineering.   In 1979, Michael Aldrich from the UK connected a domestic TV to a computer via a phone line for real-time transactions.   Boston Computer Exchange was the first online marketplace to open in 1982.   In 1990, the world wide web came into being.
5 Shows to Binge on Netflix During the Holidays

5 Shows to Binge on Netflix During the Holidays

Streaming platforms have made it easy to binge our favorite shows and movies. And Netflix has paved the way in this aspect. Whether you want to watch a teen drama, romance, comedy series, or something that will chill you to your bone – find it all here. But, if you’re already done with your watchlist and are not sure what to watch next, here are some of the best series to catch on Netflix. Bridgerton Shondaland’s romantic period drama is one of the most popular series on Netflix. The show has two seasons and has been renewed for a third and fourth. Bridgerton is based on the books by Julia Quinn and follows the story of the eight Bridgerton siblings. Each season focuses on a different sibling and their quest to find love, happiness, and much more. You get to enjoy the lavish sets, top-notch period costumes, great acting, and an immersive story that will keep you hooked. The first season is based on the book The Duke and I and focuses on the oldest daughter Daphne Bridgerton. The second season is all about Anthony Bridgerton. Shondaland has also recently announced that there is currently a spin-off in the works, which will premiere in 2023 alongside the third season.