Purchasing a car is a significant financial investment that requires careful consideration. Aside from the fundamental aspects such as safety, performance, and esthetics, it is also important to take into account its current resale value. You may want to upgrade to a newer model in a few years, so being aware of its depreciation cost is crucial. This article discusses 5 best options to look for in the market that have an average resale value.  Subaru Crosstrek According to some experts, the Subaru Crosstrek’s resale value is 61 percent. It is a subcompact SUV, and the starting price for this car is $23,645. This pricing is for the base model, which comes with a manual transmission, while the Premium model starts at $24,795. If you prefer a CVT automatic transmission, you can upgrade by paying an additional $1,350. There are other models in the Crosstrek series, like the Special Edition, which starts from $26,745; the Sport model at $27,995; and the Limited trim, which starts at $29,495. If you are looking for a hybrid option, they have the Crosstrek Hybrid, which starts from $36,845. It’s important to note that there are some tax incentives available for choosing a hybrid option because it benefits the environment and is supported by the government. Also, be sure that these prices are the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and they do not include the destination fee or what is popularly known as the factory-to-dealer delivery fee. Tesla Model X The resale value of this car is estimated to be around 66 percent. This all-electric Tesla Model X is a large luxury SUV and the pricing for the same starts from $98,490. This is a seven-seater car that boasts of high performance and design, and it also has received a 5-star score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it a safe car to travel in.

There are many reasons why sugar is considered a culprit, and one of them is its negative effect on our skin. When we consume excess sugar, our body experiences an imbalance in glucose levels, leading to various skin complications. To ensure healthy skin, it’s essential to be aware of sugar’s impact on our body and find ways to improve our bodily function without relying on it. Here are some signs of excess sugar. Increased acne When you eat food that is high in sugar, it causes a spike in the blood sugar levels in the body. This spike can have severe side effects, the major one being inflammation that can be difficult to manage. The blood sugar spikes also make excess sebum, the skin’s oily substance. Though this natural oil keeps the skin well hydrated and is necessary, excess sebum can cause issues like acne. The sebum blocks or clogs the pores on the skin, making it difficult to breathe and cleanse. The dirt can collect when this happens, leading to infections and acne problems. The blood sugar spike is not just due to sweets but also junk and processed foods, including dairy products. These foods can cause a hormonal imbalance and lead to hormonal acne. Appearance of wrinkles Consuming too much sugar can accelerate the formation of wrinkles on your skin. This happens because the telomeres in our DNA act as protective caps at the end of chromosomes. As these telomeres become shorter and shorter with each cell division, they eventually become too short to protect the cell from damage. This can cause the cell to die or be unable to divide, leading to premature aging and wrinkles and lines on the face. Studies have linked increased sugar intake to faster telomere shortening. Moreover, excess sugar consumption can cause collagen cross-linking, which can reduce the skin’s elasticity.

Our digestive system plays a crucial role in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients for producing energy. The gut, or stomach as it is called in simple terms, is where food is temporarily stored during the process. Certain harmful foods or lifestyle habits can affect the working of this organ, leading to severe complications in some people. The following are a few common signs of an unhealthy gut to look out for. Constipation or diarrhea An unhealthy gut can change the consistency and frequency of a person’s stools. Repeated cases of constipation (irregular bowel movements) or diarrhea (loose, watery stools) indicate the stomach is facing trouble processing food or experiencing microbial imbalance. Generally, people are advised to see a doctor if these symptoms last more than seven days and the frequency of passing stools rises considerably. Constipation and diarrhea can interfere with a person’s daily routine, so one should not delay visiting an expert. A lack of sleep Insomnia is a health condition where people find it hard to sleep at night. As a result, they feel tired throughout their day, which takes a toll on their productivity. A lack of sleep can result from various reasons, such as depression, anxiety, and cancer. Another common cause is an unhealthy gut. Most of the body’s serotonin, a compound that influences a person’s sleep patterns and mood, is created in the gut. So, when a person has stomach issues, it triggers serotonin imbalance. Consequently, they find it incredibly hard to sleep during the night. Acid reflux Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also commonly known as acid reflux, is a condition in which the digestive system does not work correctly, and, as a result, the digestive juices in one’s gut travel up the food pipe. This causes a burning sensation in one’s throat and upper abdominal area.

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.

Leukemia, or blood cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the white blood cells. It also starts with the lymphatic system and the bone marrow. The white blood cells are the body’s natural defense system against infections and allergies. Under normal circumstances, these cells grow and multiply whenever the body needs to fight off intruders. However, the white blood cells start to malform and multiply at a higher rate with the onset of the cancer. Uncommon signs of leukemia The symptoms of leukemia start to appear within a few days or weeks of tumor growth. Generally, the early indicators of this form of cancer are difficult to diagnose since they are similar to the signs of other health disorders such as influenza or GERD. As a result, diagnosis often happens later, when the severity of the symptoms increases. Therefore, if one is at a high risk of leukemia, it helps to be aware of some of the rare symptoms of the disease. Here are some of them: 1. Vomiting This symptom is generally observed in about 5% of leukemia patients. It is generally experienced before an accurate prognosis has been received. With a lot of physical and emotional changes occurring in the body, blood cancer can trigger nausea and vomiting. Several other underlying reasons can cause these symptoms. For instance, blood cancer may cause frequent constipation or other problems related to the bowel. With the digestive system disrupted, one may frequently experience vomiting and nausea. 2. Hypercalcaemia In some cases, leukemia can lead to calcium leaking into the bloodstream. As a result, calcium levels in the blood rise to quite high levels. This phenomenon is known as hypercalcemia. This can cause a person to feel thirsty and drowsy. It can also cause brain fog, making one feel confused and unable to think coherently.

Listening to one’s favorite playlist and watching streaming videos with the device placed at a distance have become incredibly convenient with wireless earbuds. Today, several brands offer premium wireless earbuds with exceptional sound quality, portability, and noise cancellation, making them popular choices for accessing different types of audio. Caring for one’s wireless earbuds is essential to ensure their durability and reduce maintenance costs. Here are some mistakes one should avoid with wireless earbuds: Leaving active noise cancellation on when not required Today, several earbuds have the active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, which helps reduce background noise. While availing of this feature significantly enhances audio quality, ANC typically reduces the earbuds’ battery life and eventually diminishes sound quality, often causing music to sound highly compressed. Therefore, it is best to turn off ANC when using wireless earbuds in a quiet environment that does not require noise cancellation. Not downloading companion apps Many manufacturers of premium wireless earbuds have come up with companion apps, which not only allow users to increase their earbuds’ battery life and update firmware but also offer several other cutting-edge features to elevate one’s listening experience. For instance, many companion apps allow users to pick specific gestures, such as double-tapping the right earbud to receive a call, to perform certain actions or opt for advanced ANC and EQ control. Thus, users should download companion apps and explore them for such features. Forgetting to close an empty case or leaving earbuds outside the case A disrupted connection between the contact points on earbuds and the ones inside the case can cause earbuds to eventually stop charging in their case. A common reason for this connection disruption is the accumulation of dust or grime on either of the contact points, which may occur when earbuds are left outside their case for a long time, or the case is not closed when empty.

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.

Smartphones are the technology that breaks all communication barriers and helps people connect better. With its plethora of features, this device has simplified people’s lives. However, due to the various models in the market, zeroing in on the best smartphone can take time and effort. Many brands offering lucrative deals make choosing the best one more difficult. However, it is also essential to steer clear of certain common mistakes while purchasing smartphones. Not analyzing your needs Smartphone buyers often tend to purchase mobile devices without considering their requirements. However, listing the features you want will help you achieve better clarity about the phone that will fulfill all your needs. Rather than spoiling the device’s overall experience, it helps you single out the best possible pick for your daily use. Rather than going by your friends or family’s opinion, it is also advised to research the specific smartphone model you intend to purchase carefully. Going for design and not functionality While buying smartphones, many people fall for marketing gimmicks where brands highlight more about the beauty of the device rather than its functionality. Furthermore, brands tend to exaggerate their products rather than discuss its shortcoming. So, the overall purpose of using a phone gets completely dissolved. Therefore, it is significant to get into the device’s details and check its performance, quality, battery, and more before making the purchase decision. Overlooking the smartphone’s dimension Along with the design and functions, customers are also required to anticipate the size and weight of the phone as it will ensure complete comfort for the user while using or carrying it. For example, people with small hands might struggle to handle large smartphones. Similarly, buying a heavy phone may prove uncomfortable for the user while traveling. Ignoring the price The smartphone market is diverse and comprises multiple brands that offer phones at different price ranges to match the different needs of users.

Medicare is a federal health insurance initiative that covers treatment expenses for eligible U.S. citizens. The program provides healthcare benefits to senior citizens aged 65 and above. However, younger people with disability and those approved for Social Security disability insurance can also benefit from the program. As part of this initiative, most people in the country earn the right to enroll as taxpayers contributing to the system. Keep reading to learn more about Medicare. 11 facts about Medicare Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Usually, Medicare benefits can vary depending on the enrollment plan chosen by the beneficiary. It includes four enrollment plan options – Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. But there are many important facts one must know about the initiative before enrolling. Some key facts regarding the program are listed below. Employees and employers contribute money toward Medicare benefits In most cases, the bulk of the money to provide Medicare benefits comes from employees and employers. It includes 1.45% of a worker’s wages, which adds up to 2.9% of the total amount. In the case of self-employment, the workers contribute 2.9% of their income towards the Medicare program. Not every U.S citizen qualifies for Medicare benefits A federal health insurance program, Medicare, and its benefits are provided to U.S. citizens aged 65 and above. However, young people with disabilities can also qualify for the program and its benefits. Furthermore, as a part of the rules and regulations, these people must have received social security disability benefits for 24 months or have a diagnosis that indicates their disability. It can include health conditions such as end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Contributions can only be made towards Medicare or HSA, not both Once an individual chooses to contribute towards Medicare, they can no longer contribute to a health savings account (HSA).

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.

A pump is a great tool for every breastfeeding mom. It gives you the flexibility to provide breastmilk to your baby even when you need to be away for some time. Or when your baby is not latching. Thus, pumping makes a mom’s life a little easier. At the same time, the pumping process can be frustrating and uncomfortable. However, making a few changes to your process or learning new techniques makes a lot of difference.  Here are a few common pumping mistakes and ways to rectify them. Not using hands-free pumping bras If you are exclusively pumping and not nursing, it can keep you occupied for a significant amount of time daily. So you may end up sitting there holding your bra in place for almost two hours. Whether you wish to multitask or relax by scrolling through your phone or reading a book, you won’t be able to. The time you spend pumping will be completely blocked by this activity. What you can do Purchase a couple of hands-free pumping bras. These will make things easier for you. With your hands free, you can multitask while you are pumping. While buying these bras, make sure what your requirements are. This is because some of these bras are made to be worn throughout the day, while others have been designed to be worn only when you are pumping. Using the wrong flange size The flange of a breast pump is the cup-shaped end that has to be fitted over the breast. It is an important part of the pump since it stimulates the breast to produce milk. Its size should be right, just like the cup size of a bra. The wrong size will cause discomfort, such as nipple pain, elastic nipple, and difficulty in pumping. Furthermore, it will be difficult to pump out the quantity of milk that you require.

Selling a vehicle can be a daunting task. Further, a seller must make the most of the transaction. This means that maximizing the sale value is crucial, whether one is selling to upgrade to a new model or simply looking to part ways with a vehicle. However, sometimes, there are chances of making some errors during the process. Hence, here are some mistakes to avoid when selling a vehicle: 1. Insufficient research on market value One of the biggest mistakes one can make when selling a vehicle is not thoroughly researching its market value. Overpricing can deter potential buyers, while underpricing means losing out on money. So, make use of reputable online platforms, such as Kelley Blue Book, consult dealers, and consider factors like the vehicle’s condition, mileage, and demand in the region to set a fair and competitive price. 2. Neglecting necessary repairs and maintenance Presenting a vehicle with visible issues or neglecting maintenance can significantly diminish its perceived value. This is because buyers are likely to pay a higher price for a vehicle that appears well-maintained and in good working order. Therefore, before listing the car, one must address any needed repairs and thoroughly clean it. 3. Inadequate presentation and advertising A not-so-good-looking advertisement can significantly impact a vehicle’s marketability. Poor-quality photos, inadequate descriptions, or incomplete information can deter potential buyers. So, take high-quality pictures highlighting the car’s features and write a detailed description outlining its specifications, history, and condition. Furthermore, it’s suggested that sellers utilize multiple platforms for advertising to maximize reach. 4. Misrepresenting the vehicle’s condition Being transparent is essential when selling an automobile. Misrepresenting the vehicle’s condition can lead to disappointed buyers and reputation damage. So, ensure to disclose any known issues, past accidents, or repairs. Being transparent builds trust and ensures a smoother transaction.