Jewelry and other important possessions not only hold economic value but also emotional value for a lot of people. So, it is only natural to think of ways to protect them and prevent them from being stolen. Many places at home may be safe to hide these valuable items, but there are also some obvious and not-so-safe options where jewelry should not be hidden or kept. Here are some common places to avoid hiding your jewelry: 1. Fridge Hiding valuables and jewelry in a fridge has become quite popular, thanks to certain movies and shows in which people freeze cash and other valuables in the freezer. While it may seem like a good idea, it has now become a known place to hide valuables, so at the time of the break-in, the robbers may also check the fridge contents. 2. Drawers This is another common place where homeowners usually hide their jewelry, hoping robbers will not find it. However, many robbers already expect this to be a good hiding place for homeowners and go straight to the closet. While people assume that the jewelry will be safely covered under the clothes, the robbers will simply toss everything aside and search relentlessly. This also means that the jewelry safely kept aside will be tossed out and can easily break or shatter. 3. Laundry basket Keeping valuables in a dirty laundry basket may seem like a great idea, because who would want to go through that? But burglars are prepared to go through all the items in the house, so they will most likely go through the laundry basket as well. Additionally, robbers know that people usually keep spare cash or credit cards in their pockets and often forget to remove them before dumping clothes into laundry baskets. So, more often than not, the laundry basket will be among the first few things they check.

For automobile enthusiasts, there’s nothing comparable to buying an SUV that perfectly balances speed, space, comfort, and power in a vehicle. This is the main reason why SUVs have emerged big time in the automotive industry, offering different sizes and trims to suit personal preferences. However, buying an SUV is a significant investment, so avoiding mistakes becomes crucial. To help make an informed decision, here are some common mistakes to avoid while purchasing an SUV. Only going by the design There are many SUVs with unique designs currently on the market. But going only by an SUV’s design is a mistake because a spectacular SUV with limited utility features is a white elephant. Therefore, one should consider the overall features of the vehicle, including factors like its performance, cargo space, price, safety, etc., before making a choice. Buying a vehicle of the wrong size An SUV’s size determines the number of passengers and the amount of cargo it can accommodate. While only four to five passengers may fit comfortably into a compact SUV, midsize ones can accommodate up to seven passengers, and the large ones have space for even more. The best way to decide what size of SUV one requires is to consider personal requirements – the number of family members, frequency of long-distance travel, etc. For example, people with smaller families who need an SUV primarily for local commutes may do better with a compact SUV. But those who travel often and need additional space for cargo or have large families may require a midsize or large-sized SUV. Not researching adequately The first step to buying a good SUV is to research the available options thoroughly. Jumping on the bandwagon or hastily finalizing the brand and model can backfire in the long run. It is also important to avoid being too brand loyal because that limits one’s options.

If you ask an SUV shopper what they are looking for in their new car, safety will be one of the first things on their list. People believe that SUVs are safer than most other passenger vehicles. But, when it comes to surviving a crash, not all are created equal. Here is a list of some of the top crossover SUVs with the best safety features you can rely on: 2022 Tesla Model Y An electric crossover SUV, the 2022 Tesla Model Y earns a top spot as the safest SUV on most reviewers’ lists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have awarded the car favorable ratings for crash avoidance and crashworthiness. Tesla Model Y is equipped with seat-mounted airbags on the side and knee airbags in the front. Its side, rear, and front cameras assure 360-degree visibility up to 820 feet, allowing you to navigate safely. This feature is backed by adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and blind-spot monitoring. According to IIHS, the only low associated with Tesla Model Y is that the child seat anchors are fixed deep into the seat, preventing it from offering sufficient support. But, the authority still passed it with an “Acceptable” rating. The same rating went to the headlights in one of its trims because of the glare issues with low beams. 2021 Acura RDX The compact luxury crossover SUV segment is swamped with options. But, Acura RDX finds its way into the list, thanks to favorable ratings by the IIHS and NHTSA. The IIHS has rewarded the car “Good” ratings in crashworthiness tests and “Superior” for its collision mitigation braking system. Some top safety features in Acura RDX are adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking are also impressive safety nets.

The first crossover SUV in the country was introduced in 1996 by Subaru and Toyota. Ever since then, the trend has been catching up. Crossover, unlike SUVs, is not based on truck platforms. With a car platform as the base, these models are known for comfort and the ease of driving in towns and cities. Unlike their bulkier cousin, these are typically easier to maneuver. Here are the top 4 crossover SUVs and their features:   Nissan Rogue   The Rogue from Nissan is known to set new standards in safety performance. The 2021 Rogue has been recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its crash-safety features.    ProPILOT Assist In traffic (heavy or mild), this feature helps the driver control the speed and distance from other vehicles. All it needs is a simple push of a button. Perfect for lane driving, the feature syncs well with highway mapping and Navi-link; it automatically alters the speed. Safety Shield® 360 A full-blown suite of six features provides the driver with a glimpse in all directions. Automatic emergency brakes The system has pedestrian-detecting features that stop the car when it detects a cyclist or pedestrian nearby. It also monitors the car’s speed vis-a-vis the vehicle ahead and signals in case it needs to slow down or use automated brake engagement to avert a frontal collision. Rear automatic braking This feature safeguards the bumper and the rear side of the car and keeps a watch on stationery items behind the car. Moreover, it brakes to avoid a rear collision when needed. Blind spot warning The Nissan Rogue is equipped with a warning system that keeps the driver informed about what is happening in the blind spots. Rear cross traffic alert It warns the driver about movements in the rear side of the car.

Buying a brand-new car is a significant investment as rising prices, insurance, maintenance, and repairs also add significant costs to your purchase. That is where the resale value kicks in. Buying a car with minimal depreciation or a good resale value can help you save money and find better long-term value from your purchase. Here are 25 new vehicles that offer the best resale value in the market today by category: Sedans and MiniVans Honda Civic The 2023 Honda Civic is a compact car that retails for a base price of $25,050. It has a projected resale value of 62.5%, ranking it at seven on the top 10 cars with the highest resale value this year. Honda Accord The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with a starting price of $27,295. The 2023 model has a projected resale value of 56.7%. Chevrolet Corvette The Chevrolet Corvette is a gorgeous sports car retailing at $64,500. It ranks number 5 on the list of top 10 cars with the best resale value for 2023, with a projected rate of 65.3%. Genesis G70 The Genesis G70 is a luxury compact vehicle available for purchase at a base price of $39,400. The projected resale value for the 2023 model is 48%. Acura TLX The Acura TLX is a midsize luxury car with a starting price of $39,850 and a resale value of 48.5%. Lexus LS The 2023 Lexus LX is a full-size luxury car with a base MSRP of $78,035 and a projected resale value of 44%. Electric Cars Toyota RAV4 Prime The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a hybrid/plug-in hybrid car with a starting price of $42,340, with a projected resale value of 56% after a five-year ownership period. Chevrolet Bolt EV The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is an electric car with a base price of $26,500 and a resale value of 41.6%.

Individuals with disabilities or certain extenuating circumstances often qualify for federal aid. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two such aid programs that offer assistance to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, such as a qualifying disability and limited income and resources, set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there are several reasons why the SSA may deny one’s claim, making it advisable to hire an attorney. The application process One could apply for the Social Security disability program online, over the phone, or in person. In either case, the process follows a couple of general steps: You will need to gather the information and documents you need to apply. The application must be completed and submitted. The application is reviewed by the SSA to ensure the basic requirements are met for the disability benefits. The administration will confirm you have worked sufficient years to qualify and evaluate current work activities. The administration processes the application and forwards the case to the Disability Determination Services office in your state. The state agency will make the disability determination decision. Understanding representation While the process seems fairly simple, there’s a lot of complex documentation involved, and hiring a lawyer could come in handy. The professional could be an attorney or a disability advocate who is not a lawyer but has passed an SSA-administered exam and met other educational and occupational requirements. Whether or not you require help is entirely up to you and depends on your circumstances. You may decide not to appeal if you are denied a claim; however, you have the right to an attorney to help with legal proceedings concerning the Social Security Administration. Benefits of hiring a disability attorney A range of obstacles may arise when dealing with social security disability applications.

The popularity of electric vehicles (EV) has been steadily rising over the past few years. Due to high consumer demand, many leading automakers have launched new lineups of electric cars. As a result, there are options available for consumers to choose from in their preferred segment. While this has made purchasing an EV easier, it has also increased the likelihood of making buying mistakes that may lead to financial loss. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a satisfying purchase experience. Forgetting to learn about the incentives Buying an electric car is a smart and responsible decision for both the environment and the wallet. The federal government offers incentives to electric car buyers, with clean vehicle tax credits of up to $7,500 available for eligible vehicles. However, this is only applicable to the first few thousand electric vehicles each carmaker sells in the market. So, it’s important to research which car manufacturers are eligible and whether they have exceeded the sales threshold before making a purchase decision. Additionally, check with the state to see if they offer any incentive programs. Taking advantage of this incentive can make owning an electric car more beneficial. Ignoring driving habits and requirements This is another common mistake that can be easily avoided when buying an electric vehicle. Many EV buyers forget to take into consideration their driving habits and the specific purpose for which they plan to buy a car. Some people opt for an EV for occasional short trips, while others may require it for daily commutes or longer trips. It’s essential to ascertain the purpose because electric cars have certain limitations in terms of charging time and range. Thus, for those planning to buy an EV for longer commutes or road trips, a plug-in hybrid or hybrid vehicle with both gasoline and electric features may be a better choice than a fully electric vehicle.

Moving homes can be an overwhelming task, especially for a family when there are so many belongings that need to be moved around safely. There are several things to check before this process, and there are some ways that can make this procedure a little less stressful. One should ensure hiring a trusted company for a seamless customer experience. On that note, here are some tips that can help with a smooth moving experience: 1. Make lists and label belongings Lists are a big part of the moving process. This involves creating an inventory of things that have been put into boxes and also determining which boxes must be placed in which room. This can make placing them in the new place much more accessible. An inventory will also help in knowing if all the boxes have safely arrived at the new location, and if anything is missing, it can easily be pointed out. Labeling helps understand which boxes contain what items. One can also assign specific color-coded labels to boxes that belong to the same category; for example, books can be inside boxes with blue sticky notes. 2. Plan early Since packing and moving is an enormous task, it is usually recommended to start planning for it as early as possible. That way, it becomes easy to strategize, and packing can happen in bits and phases. When the planning is done in an organized manner, it also ensures that there are fewer mistakes made during the process. Also, it gives the homeowner enough time to decide whether they want to take everything with them or would like to donate or sell some of the things that they do not need in their new place of residence. 3. Consider giving away things This is actually a major point to consider.

Thousands of conditions are considered disability, and most of them may qualify for healthcare benefits. Many healthcare authorities provide monthly resources to those who are unable to work due to their illness. However, one should also note that some conditions are more likely to qualify than others. To help one understand better, here’s a list of 10 common disabilities, which includes the largest group of people who receive various government-funded insurance and income. Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue This group of disabilities contains a wide range of disorders and makes up about 30% of all people receiving healthcare benefits. The musculoskeletal system includes the parts of the body, such as ligaments, cartilage, bones, and other connective tissue. The system connects the bones and helps one maintain movements, so sitting, standing, or walking is nearly impossible without the skeletal system. The most common musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders include arthritis, spine disorders, scoliosis, ruptured discs, fibromyalgia, and degenerative disc disease. Mood disorders There are several types of mood disorders, including bipolar disorders, cyclothymic disorder, major depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Other complications may also arise, such as depression related to mental illness, persistent depressive disorders (dysthymia), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Mood disorders can affect a person’s mood and emotions, leading to symptoms such as extreme sadness, emptiness, and irritability. It is estimated that mood disorders account for approximately 13% of those receiving healthcare benefits. Nervous system and sense organs The nervous system encompasses the brain, sensory organs, nerves, and spinal cord. It also facilitates communication between all body parts and is responsible for making decisions. There are various disorders related to the nervous system, such as functional disorders (like epilepsy and neuralgia), infections (such as meningitis and polio), degenerative diseases (like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease), and structural disorders (like Bell’s palsy, brain or spinal cord injuries).

Investing in a new pickup truck is a huge and costly decision that requires thorough research and planning, right down from choosing the correct model, brand, and size to knowing about one’s financing options. It is very easy to make mistakes and overlook certain things, making one regret their purchase decision. Here are a few mistakes one needs to avoid when selecting and signing the ownership agreement for a new pickup truck. 1. Failing to consider cabin size Choosing a pickup truck with the wrong cabin size is a major mistake, as it does not serve the purpose. For instance, a small cabin might not be able to seat enough people, or a cabin with too much room can cause someone to tumble or skid sideways at a sharp turn. Multiple pickup truck options are available, including regular cabins, crew cabins, and extended cabin sizes. Depending on their needs, drivers can select if they want a proper, spacious seating option for two people or four people. The thumb rule is to consider the number of passengers frequently traveling in this pickup truck. Of course, selecting a pickup with a smaller cab can help save money, but saving some dollars is not the only goal, especially if it can lead to purchasing another pickup truck because of the wrong selection. 2. Selecting the wrong engine Nowadays, trucks have much more to offer than they did back in the day. The biggest choice in terms of the engine is to select between an eight and a four-cylinder. This is important because the wrong choice could compromise the budget or the towing capacity. Going with a truck engine with a higher capacity also means spending extra, not just for the purchase but also for fuel and maintenance. This is a strict no-no, especially if the driver does not require what the sticker price offers.

Whether new or used, buying a car is a huge investment. With growing inflation, more people than ever have been opting for pre-owned cars, as it can significantly reduce ownership and insurance costs. However, these can come with their issues, such as wear and tear or negligent maintenance. Check out these ten common mistakes people make when buying a used car and easy ways to avoid them for a better experience. Skipping the test drive Many buyers do not take the car out for a test drive before they buy it. While one may do this as a vote of confidence or faith in the dealer, it could lead to potentially expensive repairs in the future. Before buying a used car, it is always a good idea to test drive a few. If possible, work out a deal for a longer test drive, say 30-40 miles, where the car can be tested in different traffic and road conditions. This will help one build a clearer understanding of what the car’s ownership and performance would look like. Leaving financing to the last minute Before heading out to buy a used car, one needs to figure out how they plan on paying for it. This could involve opting for financing in the form of a loan. To negotiate better terms, have a pre-approved financing solution ready. Some dealerships also offer financing, but this may be more expensive than other lenders, such as banks. Shop around to find the best rates that fit within the budget. Shopping based on monthly payments Of course, money is one of the most crucial facets when it comes to buying a car. However, shopping based on monthly payments alone could cost more money in the long run. Check all loan and payment details carefully before finalizing the purchase.

Credit cards offer an innovative payment solution where you can purchase products and book services in real time while paying for them later. A total balance of all expenditures accrues at the end of the billing cycle, where you can pay a minimum balance for the times when you are short on cash. But you need to use credit cards wisely as they can rack up significant bills that become too expensive to pay off.  Here are some common pitfalls you must avoid using credit cards. Making payment mistakes Having a credit card is tempting because you might not even notice the amount of debt that racks up with just a few swipes. But the bigger problem is not paying these debts on time. Yes, you do have the option of only paying the minimum balance so that the card doesn’t get canceled. But carrying over debt to the next payment cycle will only make it more difficult to ultimately pay the total dues. On top of it, you’ll end up paying interest on the unpaid portion. Even if there is a cash crunch, try paying off most of the bill so that no dues are pending. Also, missing your payment dates can greatly impact your credit score.  The bottom line, avoid paying only the minimum due and never miss a payment due date to stay clear of interest, late fees, and penalties. Not having clarity about the charges Credit cards carry fees for certain types of transactions. So, you need to know what the bank can charge. Typically, your credit card carries an annual fee that is chargeable in a single payment for account maintenance. Some banks waive off this fee as an exclusive perk for maintaining excellent credit scores. If you carry a balance month to month, be it for late or missed payments, banks will also charge an APR on purchases and payments.