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Top 5 tax-deductible charity contributions

Top 5 tax-deductible charity contributions
Donating to charities is a meaningful way for individuals to contribute to society and gain personal benefits. Unbeknownst to many, charitable contributions made in the country make an individual eligible for tax advantages, creating a win-win scenario. Contributions like cash donations, non-cash donations like clothing or household items, stocks, etc., can lead to tax benefits. Explore some tax-deductible charitable gifts and donations below to understand how to make a positive impact while enjoying financial advantages. Cash donations Cash donations are one of the simplest ways to contribute to charitable causes and get tax benefits. Cash donations can be made in various ways, including checks, credit cards, or through payroll deductions made by one’s employer. If one is donating cash to qualified public charities, it allows them a tax deduction of up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) in a year. Furthermore, making cash donations to private foundations allows individuals a tax deduction of up to 30% of their AGI. To claim tax deductions, one must keep records of their donations, such as bank statements, canceled checks, or receipts and acknowledgment letters from the charity. Non-cash donations Besides cash, donating goods such as clothing, furniture, or household items can also yield tax benefits.

5 common mistakes people make with their fridge

5 common mistakes people make with their fridge
It is a common practice for many people to stuff their grocery haul into the fridge and call it a day. While stocking a fridge is quick and easy, this approach can do more harm than good. It can increase the risk of food spoilage and hamper the optimal functioning of the fridge. To ensure the appliance’s durability and lower the risk of food spoilage, avoid these common mistakes people often make with their fridge. Not making the most of the fridge space A common problem many face is that the fridge space is not enough to store everything they want. But if one looks closely, they will find many things inside the fridge that have eaten up some necessary space—for instance, bottles of expired sauces or juice boxes and yogurt tubs that have gone bad. A common mistake many people commit is forgetting to declutter their fridge, making it difficult for them to make the most of the available space. Keeping the temperature too high or too low It is important to set the fridge temperature at the correct level depending on the weather conditions. For instance, the fridge temperature can be at the lower end during warm and hot months and towards the higher end during colder months.

8 common mistakes people make when using ovens

8 common mistakes people make when using ovens
An oven is an integral part of a kitchen. Whether cooking full-blown meals, comfort food, or pre-packaged microwavable foods, the oven ensures the job is done easily and swiftly. Like all kitchen appliances, the oven also requires occasional maintenance. However, people make several mistakes while preparing food in the oven or cleaning the appliance, which can affect its efficiency and shelf life. Here are some mistakes one should avoid. 1. Relying heavily on the self-cleaning feature Many ovens come with a self-cleaning that makes the cleansing process convenient. However, one must not rely on the feature regularly, as it isn’t a substitute for regular cleaning. It may also not work on ovens that are extensively used. One should always refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual before using the self-cleaning feature or cleaning the oven. 2. Failing to install surge protectors Thunderstorms or lightning strikes are major risk factors to an electric oven’s operation. One could have a surge protector plugged in during the oven installation to protect it from extreme weather or excess voltage. 3. Overloading the oven While time might be of the essence when preparing multiple meal courses, one should not cook too many things simultaneously. Doing so reduces the overall performance and increases the risk of appliance fires.

Top 6 ways to get a free cell phone

Top 6 ways to get a free cell phone
Mobile phones have become indispensable tools today, helping one communicate, carry out professional tasks, and entertain themselves. However, the advances in mobile phone technology can make newer phones expensive. Nevertheless, there are some ways in which one can get a new mobile phone for free and stay connected to the world. From promotional offers to government programs, here are some of the best ways to find a mobile phone for free: 1. Carrier deals One of the best ways to get a new mobile phone for free is to look for deals offered by phone carriers. Network providers can offer a complimentary phone, provided one switches to that particular carrier. These deals typically do not require one to trade in their old device. However, certain terms and conditions may apply, including making a commitment to the carrier for a specified period. 2. Government programs To those facing financial constraints, the government extends support and offers free mobile phones through programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Lifeline provides eligible individuals with free or discounted phones and service plans. Here, the eligibility criteria include income level at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines. Similarly, ACP extends free phones to those with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Top 6 mistakes to avoid when trying to get out of debt quickly

Top 6 mistakes to avoid when trying to get out of debt quickly
The road to financial freedom and stability is often laden with obstacles, and making mistakes can hinder this progress. A debt-free life begins with staying accountable to one’s financial goals. Failing to track progress and reassess budgets regularly can lead to complacency. It is essential to be aware of common mistakes, such as the ones mentioned below, and steer clear of them to achieve one’s goal of getting out of debt quickly. 1. Refusing to alter spending habits A common mistake individuals make when trying to repay debt is not altering their spending habits. This is one of the root causes of debt accumulation, which may lead to a cycle of financial strain and hinder progress towards becoming debt-free. To avoid this, one can reassess their budget and cut unnecessary expenses. One can find cheaper alternatives and alter routines in a way that helps save money. For example, one can make food at home and set a budget limit for takeaways or dine-outs, buy ingredients that are easy to store in the refrigerator in bulk, and carpool with friends or family for grocery shopping. Alternatively, one can make a shopping list, stick to it while grocery shopping, and unsubscribe from streaming services that one does not use.

4 handy tips for using food vacuum sealers

4 handy tips for using food vacuum sealers
When it comes to food storage, the importance of food vacuum sealers cannot be overstated. Sealers remove the air around the food, helping keep the food safe and hygienic for long periods. As food is perishable, vacuum sealing can keep air, moisture, dust, and other external elements at bay, increasing the shelf life of food by days, weeks, and even months. So, here are tips for using food vacuum sealers: 1. Freeze meats before sealing Freezing meat can prolong its shelf life. So, when transporting meat, a crucial step to follow is to freeze the meat right before vacuum-sealing it. This helps prevent bacterial growth in the meat when it is being transported. The sealing should be done immediately after the freezing, as many bacteria thrive at room temperature. The combination of freezing and sealing helps make it easier to thaw the food and, by extension, makes meat-based dishes taste fresh and delicious. Following the right order in storing perishable items helps one make the most of vacuum sealers. 2. Cover sharp food edges with wax paper Foods like beef jerky and dehydrated fruits or snacks can be challenging to store due to the thinness of the vacuum bags. They come with sharp edges, which can puncture the thin vacuum bags.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks. It is very common to get into a depressive state before or after the manic episode. Postpartum Depression (Peripartum Depression) This depression episode is characterized by dramatic hormonal changes in women after giving birth. They may tend to experience bouts of sadness and cry anytime. The symptoms usually alleviate after a week or two of giving birth. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) People with this type of depression start experiencing depressive symptoms with a change in seasons. For many, it happens during winter. The individual starts feeling worse as the season progresses and can even have suicidal thoughts.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress. Nausea and vomiting may also cause headaches, but medications cannot always be taken, as they may affect the baby’s health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause extreme mood swings, so everyone around must be prepared to deal with this. Maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s partner and responding to their needs is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, when the baby starts developing quickly. Counseling One of the more crucial aspects of family and pregnancy planning is prenatal counseling.
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