The term “bad credit score” can be quantified in many ways. For example, as per FICO ratings, a score of below 670 is considered poor. Likewise, VantageScore has its threshold at 661. A bad credit score greatly reduces an individual’s chances of getting loans from banks and other financial institutions. Nevertheless, there are certain borrowing avenues and ways to get personal loans with bad credit scores. Some of those useful options include: Make soft-credit inquiries This avenue is known as seeking prequalified loans from banks. Several lenders allow customers to submit prequalification online to let them see their estimated loan offers without affecting their credit scores. Soft-credit inquiries are effective for receiving a pre-approved loan from banks and other financial institutions that lend money to individuals. This process involves discussions with several potential lenders to assess one’s loan options. One must avoid making hard credit inquiries (loan inquiries in which lenders request to review the loan seeker’s credit report, as opposed to soft-credit inquiries that only involve talks), as that can further lower one’s credit score. Keeping personal identification handy Before agreeing to sanction loans for individuals, banks need them to reproduce their personal documents, including their social security number ID, driver’s license, W-2 forms from the previous two years, two most recent bank statements from all accounts, recent utility bills, mortgage statements, pay stubs, federal tax returns of the last two years, and other documents that verify one’s residential address, personal loan information, and overall contact details. Keeping such documents on hand makes the process of KYC (know your customer) much quicker, and so does the process of getting a loan. Negotiating an agreement with one’s bank This option only works for long-time customers of a bank. Essentially, if a person has had a good credit record with a given bank (except for some recent repayment issues), they can negotiate an agreement in which the bank provides a bad credit loan to them on a short-term basis.

Resorts are among the most popular accommodations for individuals, couples, and families on vacation. With their lush gardens, swimming pools, and overall laidback vibe, resorts are the perfect destinations for relaxation. However, not all resorts offer the best facilities and services, making some of them not worth the money. Say, a lack of cleanliness, improper security for guests, or poor service can make the stay unpleasant. So, here are some resorts one should avoid: 1. Resorts with poor housekeeping services Many budget-friendly resorts may compromise on cleanliness. Often, their staff may have not undergone proper training to keep rooms clean and sanitized at all times. So, one must not settle for unclean accommodation when they plan their vacation. While making holiday plans and booking accommodation online, one must check customer reviews to see if anyone has complained about unclean rooms, lobbies, pools, or hallways. Upon finding multiple complaints of poor housekeeping services, one should reconsider their decision to book a stay at the resort in question. 2. Poorly rated resorts Online ratings and reviews play an important role in the service and hospitality sectors. One can simply look up the name of a resort, and they will find everything there is to know about it through online ratings given by former guests. Along with guest ratings, one can read through good and bad stay experiences in reviews and understand what to expect during their stay. So, resort ratings can act as a meaningful reference point for those looking to book a stay. Resorts with poor ratings and reviews must be avoided, especially if a large number of guests have given the resort a negative review. Here, the chances of an unpleasant stay are higher. 3. Resorts with bad security Vacationers often take their families, including children, to resorts to get access to a variety of amenities in one place.

Skin conditions are the most challenging to deal with. Whether battling a sunburn or acne, you must have the right products or remedies to combat them. Considering the myriad of skin conditions and the lengthy treatments associated with them, it can often dig a hole in your pocket. So, instead of having a doctor on board, why not seek refuge in some ingredients lying in your pantry? Here are some natural remedies for skin care.  Use coconut oil If you have dry skin, there is no better remedy than coconut oil. It is both safe and effective. It works like petroleum jelly and treats dry skin. It also increases the amount of fats or lipids on the skin surface and improves hydration. The oil has emollient properties because of the presence of saturated fatty acids. An Emollient is an oil or fat that works like a moisturizer to fill the gaps in dry skin. Thus, it leaves the skin feeling smooth and supple. Include turmeric in your meals Turmeric lowers inflammation, which is prevalent in several skin conditions. Turmeric has curcumin that works like an antioxidant, shields the skin, and reduces the wound healing time. Ideally, you must add at least a spoonful of turmeric to your daily meals.  Use tea tree oil Melaleuca alternifoila or tea tree is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic oil. It is a steam-distilled essential oil extracted from an Australian plant that works against protozoal, viral, and bacterial infections. The tea tree contains terpenes, which break down the bacteria’s cellular matter. Before applying the tea tree directly onto the skin, dilute it by mixing a few drops of olive, coconut oil, or cream. You can use it in an affected area post-shower. People with itchy feet or scalps should shop for commercial products like foot creams or shampoos with tea tree oil.  Baking soda for exfoliation Blackheads are pretty tricky to deal with.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect anyone, irrespective of age and gender. It causes skin dryness and discomfort that can affect a person’s quality of life. Eczema has no definitive cure, but certain home remedies can help prevent flare-ups and control the symptoms. It’s recommended to start with a good skin care regime, along with other treatments, when its first signs start to show up.  Early warning signs of eczema The most important thing to know about eczema is its symptoms differ for everyone. It can also impact different areas of the body depending on an individual’s skincare routine.  Itchy skin This condition always begins with itchy skin. Eczema-related itchiness may range from mild to moderate. People with severe itchiness may even feel the need for constant scratching resulting in bleeding and inflamed skin. Rashes People with eczema may develop unique rashes in specific areas. They tend to have flaky skin that lets irritants and allergens penetrate the outer layer. This, in turn, causes an inflammatory response leading to redness and rashes.  Inflamed and discolored skin The area of the rash may get inflamed and swollen. There will be a noticeable discoloration which means the affected skin may look darker than the surrounding skin.  Scaly patches Scaly patches occur when the outer layer of the skin starts to form scales due to dryness. Home remedies The affected person can use a few home remedies to reduce the effects of eczema and its symptoms. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer that is extremely good for people with dry and sensitive skin. It has the potential to alleviate eczema symptoms. Aloe vera gel has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties and can help soothe irritated skin. Either prepare fresh gel at home or opt for a good vegan skin care product containing aloe vera gel.

Cold and flu are common upper respiratory tract diseases and even though they are different, they have shared symptoms like sore throat, fever, and nasal congestion. The viral conditions spread via droplets suspended in the air from an infected person. Colds are a mild form, while a flu tends to be more severe. Once can turn to home remedies to effectively control their symptoms initially in mild cases of either condition. Top 7 home remedies for cold and flu Increase your consumption of zinc A very effective home remedy to help treat cold and flu symptoms, as well as help manage COVID, is adding zinc to the meal plan to boost the immunity system. This mineral aids in creating germ-fighting white blood cells so that symptoms of cold and flu stay under check. Additionally, zinc is also known to fight off the flu virus and reduce its growth in the body. Some of the foods that come rich in zinc comprise chickpeas, beans, dairy, lentils, red meat, eggs, and more. Furthermore, supplements can also be taken before the flu season commences to keep the immune system strong. Adding these foods as part of daily meal plan will not only aid in keeping cold and flu virus at bay, but will also help in maintaining good health. Stock up on warm soups The key to keeping virus-borne cold and flu symptoms under control is to increase the intake of fluids like warm chicken soup as it not only aids in easing congestion but also in staying hydrated. Plus, the soup is rich in protein, which provides energy during the illness. The presence of minerals like potassium and sodium in chicken broth also helps to refill the lost nutrients due to cold and flu. Moreover, chicken soup includes a compound known as carnosine that assists the body’s immune system in fending off cold and flu symptoms in the initial stages.

Home renovations are a major task, especially if you own a big house with a complex design. A lot of deliberation must be done before the project can even begin. Right from coming up with ideas to drawing a plan on paper, you need to consider multiple factors before hiring professional contractors for the job. Further, you must avoid making the following mistakes in planning and executing the home renovation project. Miscalculating your budget Everything costs money. Whether simple repairs or a complete makeover, you must be prepared to spend your hard-earned bucks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t set a realistic budget. Typically, a home renovation is estimated to cost 10% to 15% of the home’s total value. Whatever the estimate, always keep an additional 10% to 20% buffer over the agreed amount. Experts suggest this as a general rule of thumb for calculating the final cost. Material and labor rates keep fluctuating, so you might end up underpaying or overpaying depending on the extent of the job. The bottom line is never underestimate the budget, or you may fall short of the actual costs. Neglecting the natural layout of your home Home renovation is a complex job. It involves making significant modifications to the entire space, including the living room, bedroom, and kitchen. A big mistake homeowners make is that they don’t consider the existing layout and plan an extravagant renovation that doesn’t suit the blueprint. You can avoid this error by paying attention to your home’s natural architecture and then considering modifications that are subtle yet impactful. You don’t have to go completely overboard with the redesign. It’s always the little things that make a big difference. Not paying attention to the home’s present condition Layout aside, you must also consider the home’s present condition. Are the foundation and support structures strong enough to handle a major renovation?

Lighting helps set the mood of a room. When done correctly, the results are simply jaw-dropping! You can play around with different types of lights in different areas of the house to see what works. While at it, you can even experiment with smart fixtures that integrate with the internet for remote control. If you can’t think of anything, look at these simple types of lights for home décor and find inspiration! Ambient lighting This is the most basic type of lighting that illuminates a room or a particular area, such as the dining space. The light could reflect off walls for uniform brightness throughout. The primary ambient light source could be anything, like a chandelier, pendant lights, or LEDs. Many homeowners prefer chandeliers hung from the ceiling as they both enhance the look and feel of the room while illuminating the entire space. Don’t limit your creativity when installing chandeliers. You can add a single unit in the middle of the room or multiple at fixed intervals. If you decide to buy pendant lights for ambient lighting, you will find many modern options with LEDs. LED lights provide a cooler shade that doesn’t strain the eyes when switched on for extended periods. They’re also more energy efficient and come in various colors. That said, do give the classic incandescent ones a try as well. Their warm lighting with a yellow hue emanates a cozy vibe. Regardless of the type of ambient light you choose for home décor, check whether it has automatic dimmers and diffuser controls. This help adjust the brightness in the room to a level you find comfortable. Ceiling or accent lighting Ceiling lights differ from chandeliers and pendant lights in terms of design. They’re generally smaller and placed closer to each other in a straight line, perfect for brightening up a poorly lit hallway or passageway.

Households rely on running water to carry out all kinds of tasks, from drinking and bathing to watering plants. This supply can stay uninterrupted as long as the water is safely contained in pipes. The problem arises when water finds gaps and leaks, potentially damaging the home’s structure. One way to prevent such damage is to check for leaks around the home. So, here are a few ways to find hidden water leaks: 1. Monitoring the water bill Over time, one tends to have a clear idea about the average water bill they can expect each month. Sometimes, one may use excess water, which could drive up water usage. However, sometimes, one can get a high water bill even without excessive usage. Such unexpected charges should be monitored as they could be signs of leakage in the house. Even tiny leaks, such as a faucet with a steady drip, may waste as much as 10,000 gallons of water per year. So, tracking the bill each month is the best way to identify and fix a water leakage at the earliest to prevent spikes in bills. 2. Checking meter readings Monitoring the water meter is another method of tracking a leak before it worsens. The meter runs up based on the usage, and if there is a tap running, one could expect the numbers to change accordingly. The meter is usually located beneath a manhole-type cover near the street or on the side or back of the house, close the where the water supply line enters the home. Here is how to check for a leak: – First, one must turn off all water faucets in the home and ensure appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher are not running. Then, they must check the water meter and make a note of the numbers on it.

Having a superior hoover makes life easier. Cleaning can be completed fast and effectively, giving you more free time to do something enjoyable. Fortunately, some of the top manufacturers, such as Dyson, Shark, and Bissell, will be offering a ton of excellent Black Friday vacuum cleaner discounts in November. Here is a peek into what was offered by the brands last year to help you determine what to expect this year. Shark Navigator DLX This Shark upright vacuum cleaner is excellent for pet owners because it can clean floors and pick up hair very well. The long hose and extension wand lets you reach up to 11 feet for those difficult-to-reach ceiling nooks. The bagless canister stores 3.5 quarts of material that you can quickly empty into a rubbish bin. It was available at a low price for Black Friday and might be the one to watch for this year. Hoover WindTunnel 3 The 13 cyclones in this provide power where you need it most. You can move between rooms easily with the 40-foot extension cord, and the 12-foot hose, crevice, and pivoting dusting tool allow you to reach bookcases and ceiling corners far over your head. It has a five-year warranty. Last year on Black Friday, it was at a discounted price of $180 at Best Buy. Roborock H6 Adapt Cordless Stick Along with a docking station, carpet and dusting brushes, and a five-stage HEPA filtration system, this cordless stick vacuum also comes with a crevice tool. Pop off the wand to use a powerful handheld cordless vac in tight locations such as an automobile. Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal This cordless stick vacuum can clean for up to 60 minutes on a single charge and converts rapidly to a handheld for use in cars and tiny spaces. Put the vacuum’s wall-mounted charger in after emptying the bagless canister into the trash can.

There are over 1.46 billion active iPhone users worldwide as of 2023, making it one of the most popular brands in the smartphone market. While the iPhone may be great, some unknowingly develop bad habits when using it, which affect the gadget’s overall performance, reduce its lifespan, and lead to unnecessary repair costs in the long run. Experts recommend breaking these habits today to keep the iPhone in top condition. Neglecting software updates One of the biggest mistakes is delaying or ignoring software updates. Many users think it is unnecessary to download and install updates on iPhones because they are known for providing good security out of the box. However, not performing this task can leave the device vulnerable to security threats and lead to compatibility issues with apps and services. Updates often contain essential security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements. If someone finds it inconvenient to check for updates regularly, they can visit the Settings app on the iPhone and enable “Download iOS Updates” under the “Software Update” section. This handy feature downloads and installs updates automatically at a suitable time. Not backing up regularly Some users forget to back up the iPhone regularly or avoid it deliberately because it is time-consuming. Remember, a single crash or malware attack can result in significant data loss. The same can also happen if the device malfunctions, gets stolen, or someone clicks the wrong buttons. iPhone users risk losing photos, messages, contacts, and app data without regular backups. A simple solution here is to enable iCloud Backup or use iTunes/Finder to create regular backups of the internal storage. Always ensure the data is safe and can be restored if needed. Using unauthorized accessories Apple strictly advises against using unauthorized accessories to protect the hardware. Despite that, some opt for cheap, unauthorized chargers and cables to save money.

When it comes to designing your kitchen, the type of cabinets you choose can significantly impact the overall look, functionality, and organization of the space. With a wide range of options available, you can enhance both the esthetics and functionality of your kitchen. To make an informed decision for your ideal kitchen, explore popular cabinet types and seek the advice of professionals who can help you determine the best choice. Shaker cabinets Shaker cabinets are a timeless classic known for their simplicity and versatility. Inspired by the Shaker furniture design principles of minimalism and functionality, these cabinets feature clean lines and a five-piece door with a recessed center panel. Shaker cabinets can complement a wide range of kitchen styles, making them a popular choice for both traditional and modern designs. One of the key advantages of Shaker cabinets is their durability. Typically crafted from solid wood, they can withstand the wear and tear of daily kitchen activities. Whether you choose painted Shaker cabinets for a clean, contemporary look or opt for stained wood cabinets to add warmth and richness, you can count on their enduring appeal. Glass-front cabinets Glass-front cabinets add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any kitchen. These cabinets feature glass panels on their doors, allowing you to showcase your finest china, glassware, or collectibles. They come in various styles, including mullion patterns, which are decorative elements that hold the glass panes. One advantage of glass-front cabinets is their ability to make your kitchen more open and spacious. They can reflect light and create a sense of transparency, making even small kitchens appear larger. Depending on your preferences, you can choose clear glass for maximum visibility, frosted glass for a touch of privacy, or textured glass for added visual interest. Frameless cabinets Frameless cabinets, also known as European-style cabinets, offer a sleek and modern look.

Home renovation does not necessarily mean hiring contractors and spending a lot of money. However, it need not be as easy as hanging framed pictures and relying solely on seasonal decorations. Instead, the focus should be on identifying the best hacks that have a significant impact and upgrade the appearance of your home’s walls and furniture. This article discusses simple hacks for home upgradation. Read on to learn more about home upgradation. What makes your home look untidy? Before discussing some of the best home improvement hacks, let’s take a quick look at some things that may make your home look cluttered. Too many accessories When you have a few pieces tastefully displayed, it makes the place looks classy. However, when there are too many décor pieces stacked along each other, they make your home look overwhelming. Items not in their place Often there are small things that keep floating about the house. Though small, things like keys, purses, and shoes make homes look messier. This also includes laundry piled up in different rooms. Cables and cords An increasing number of appliances being used at home, like smartphones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets, also bring with them various cords. All these cables tangled together and lying in heaps make your home look messier. Papers and magazines Stacks of papers and magazines left out in different places, especially your tables, make your home look cluttered. They should be removed regularly and put away in baskets. Too much furniture Too many furniture pieces, especially oversized ones, make your home look unkempt and smaller. Removing those pieces that you don’t use will solve this problem. Open shelves Open shelves with all the items peeking out make the space look shabby. The best way to avoid this is to choose organizers with closed shelves to make the place look neater.