Things to Know About Online Auto Insurance

Are you planning to purchase auto insurance? Or do you already have insurance but are searching for an alternative insurance provider? Car insurance is not only mandatory but it is beneficial not only for you but for your family and passengers as well. It gives financial protection when a car’s driver, passengers and other people are physically hurt during a collision and other liabilities that may happen as a result of the incident. It also provides financial protection if your car is damaged due to natural causes or disasters and during collision with stationary objects.

The good news is, you can now buy auto insurance online. With internet technology becoming advanced through the years, more and more people are turning to online options including the purchase of auto insurance. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying auto insurance online:

Advantages of Online Auto Insurance

  1. There is no insurance agent or middle man involved. You do not have to negotiate or talk with an insurance agent when you purchase online and this allows you to save money in the process.
  1. You can purchase anytime whether it’s day or night time. Regardless if you’re in town or on vacation in another country, you can still purchase auto insurance and you can do so whether it’s 6 in the morning or 12 midnight.
  1. You can acquire a copy of pertinent insurance documents anytime you want. You can get a copy of important documents anytime you request for it if you purchase your auto insurance online.
  1. All essential information is readily available to you. Online auto insurance companies and providers have FAQ’s set up on their websites and all you have to do is look through and read all the information indicated.

Disadvantages of Online Auto Insurance

  1. There is no one to assist you when you file a claim. Since you acquired your car insurance online there is no insurance agent to assist you when filing claims which can be daunting during a stressful time such as a time of loss due to car accidents.
  1. You have to do all the research on your own and be your own auto insurance expert. There is no one to assist you and you have to know the technicalities and vital information all by yourself.
  1. You still have to call someone through an automated system. There will be times when the answers you are looking for may not be found on the information provided online so you still have to contact an 800 number which can be time consuming and impersonal as well.
  1. You need to be computer-literate or should be comfortable using a computer. Being computer-savvy is important as you have to fill up online quote forms and if  you’re not at ease using a computer then you have to think twice if you really want to purchase your car insurance online.

Important Tips When Buying Auto Insurance Online

  • Canvass first and visit websites of online auto insurance providers and be sure to compare quotes.
  • Make sure to visit your state’s insurance department as it contains websites of state-licensed insurance companies, consumer guides on auto insurance and price comparisons of competing insurance companies.
  • Price should not be the only consideration when buying car insurance online. You should also ascertain that you have equivalent coverage amount and be sure to scrutinize the terms of agreement.
  • Check out consumer satisfactions databases like ConsumerReports.org to check the financial stability of an online auto insurance provider.
  • Ask around and seek recommendations from trusted friends and colleagues

The following are the various types of car insurance coverage:

  • Collision insurance – It covers car damages during an accident including the replacement and repair of the insured car.
  • Medical payment coverage – It covers payment of medical costs resulting from an accident.
  • Liability coverage – It helps cover costs for injuries and property damage to other people whom you are legally accountable within a covered accident.This type of coverage is mandatory in most US states for you to be able to drive your own vehicle.
  • Comprehensive insurance – It provides extra coverage in the event of an accident aside from collision and this includes vandalism, accident involving animals and weather-related incidents.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage – It allows protection against hit-and-run incidents and drivers who are uninsured.
  • Personal injury protection coverage – It covers medical expenses as well as loss of income resulting from a covered accident.
  • Underinsured motorist coverage – It helps cover the costs in the event of an accident with another car whose driver has no adequate insurance to shoulder the expenses.
  • Towing and labor insurance – This can only be availed if you already have existing comprehensive car insurance and provides reimbursement for towing and labor costs during car repairs.

Here are the steps to walk you through when filing an auto insurance claim in the event of a car accident or when you are liable for physical damages involving your car:

  1. Notify the police of the accident immediately so they can prepare a police report.
  2. Be sure to document and collect all the information concerning the accident as you will have to provide your insurance company with the details.
  3. Contact your car insurance right away and most preferably from the scene of the accident. Your car insurance company will assist you should you need help in towing your vehicle, among other things.
  4. A claims specialist shall be assigned in processing your claim. Be sure to provide him/her with all the necessary information concerning the accident. The assigned claims specialist is also there to assist you and answer all your questions related to your claim.
  5. Once the claims specialist has finalized all research you will then receive a cost estimate of the repairs that shall be done and any deductible payments that need to be settled. Upon mutual agreement of the terms, you can already claim your vehicle for the needed repairs.

Having a car takes on a great level of responsibility on your part and having auto insurance is necessary for your own safety as well as for your family and loved ones. Purchasing car insurance especially online is becoming a popular option for car owners these days allowing for more seamless and hassle-free transactions.  Most importantly, you are confident and assured that your car, your life and the life of others are secured and covered.

Medicare and Dental Care

How dental care is covered with Medicare

Even though our dental health is very important, Medicare programs do not cover all the dental care we might need. Keeping your smile healthy is a little tricky. We’ve outlined the options you have and how to best take advantage of what Medicare has to offer.

Original Medicare plans including Plan A and Plan B don’t offer extra benefits. On the other hand if you opt for a private Advantage plan it will include both of the above mentioned programs and possibly some level of dental care coverage you might need, if you decide to get the additional premium. These Advantage plans might have different specifications depending on the services they cover. Majority of them should cover basic oral exams, fillings, extractions, crowns and dental surgeries, which can be quite costly if they are not covered by any kind of an insurance. If you don’t have any dental coverage insurance all of the costs for your treatment and examinations will have to be paid from your own pocket.

Both Part A and Part B Medicare programs exclude the possibility of routine dental care coverage, and where people mostly get confused is that it might cover some procedures, but only under certain circumstances. In the Part A Medicare program where inpatient hospital coverage is included, a patient is eligible for dental care insurance when those procedures are necessary. For example, if for the sake of a certain medical procedure (both prior to or after the procedure) some dental procedure is required, it will be covered by Medicare.

Procedures such as dental examining, fillings, cleaning, inserting crowns or bridges, and dentures will not be covered by the Original Medicare plan.

Medicare will cover certain dental procedures and even dental hospitalization if it is cause by a major condition which can be health threatening. Although certain services will be covered by Medicare, the rest of the expenses including the dentist or potentially other specialists are fully paid by the patient.

Other than this, dental procedures covered by Medicare might also depend on the following treatments: life threatening transplants, surgeries, services needed for diseases such as oral cavity tumor or facial tumor, surgery or wiring for fractured jaws and fractured facial bones.

One more important thing to add is, that Medicare will not cover any following dental treatments and procedures following after the major surgeries and treatments. These ones will become the burden of your own.

Does Medicare include Dentures?

Unfortunately, Original Medicare program won’t cover for dentures, but there is a possibility that some of the private Advantage plans might help you pay for them. Most of the elderly are not very well informed on the subject of the dentures being or not being covered by Medicare. In fact, the fact that some of the advantage plans can help a patient pay for the dentures, makes the people confused. Medicare Advantage plans that cover Part A and B, although costly, can cover some of the routine dental services. However, the biggest issue is that some areas lack Medicare Advantage insurer to get accustomed with the specifications of the Medicare plans in the first place.

What is covered?

Since we have established that basic Medicare won’t coveryou dental care, we are left with the question what to do? For instance, if you receive any kind of dental service including regular examination,removal of dental plaque from teeth, cavity fillings, implantsoreven tooth pulling you will have to pay the full price of  those services. Although there are Medicare Advantage Plans thatmay cover your dental care, make sure that you are fully accustomed with the specification of your Medicare Parts A and B first so you could avoid paying great amounts of money.

However if your dental care in endangering your health in general or is needed as part of the service for another medical issue covered by Medicare, you will not be covered. One example where Medicare would cover for your dental care is if you require an oral check up if you are preparing for a kidney transplantation in a clinicor prior to aortic valve replacement. Furthermore if you had a jaw surgery and dental splits and wiring are needed, you will be covered by Medicare, as well as in any case of broken jaw operation. Another example where you can be insured by Medicarefor dental services is if you need radiation treatment for diseases such as oral cancer. In addition, costs of your dental care after the removal of a face tumor (when a ridge construction is necessary) will be covered.

It is necessary to point out, that even when the above mentioned medical procedures are considered, Medicare won’t beresponsible for any additional costs of dental servicesafter the initial ones have been performed. Let’s explain that in several examples.A person who has been inan accident and need a dental care due to that accident (jaw surgery), will have the costs covered by Medicare only forthat single procedure, excluding every procedure that might follow. Medicare will also cover any hospitalization fees due to a dental care procedure. For example if you need hospitalization and dental care is necessary due to a life-threatening condition, Medicare may cover your expenses. Even in this case you will be covered only for certain fees such ashospitalization,anesthetizationor scanning, but theadditional dentist expenses won’t be covered. Remember, Medicare will never cover dental costs that were excluded for Original Medicare such as dentures,even in the case where the patient is hospitalized.

If you are looking for an optimal solution for dental care and dental coverage you can turn to the following resources:

  • Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Medicaid
  • Reduced-cost or free dental clinics
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers
  • Community Health Centers
  • Donated dental service programs
  • Dental schools

If you are looking for the best solution and want to prepare yourself in advance you can turn to FAIR Health’s consumer cost search tool to better understand how much money you will be charged by professionals for different dental care services in different parts of the country.

Important Facts About Traditional Medicare and the Medicare Advantage Plan

We’ve always heard of the saying that “Health is wealth” but with everyone exposed to everyday pollutants and harmful elements, sickness is inevitable. As we age we are also more prone to illnesses.  Our level of financial preparedness is always at stake when our health is compromised, but, thank goodness for Medicare, the endless worry of handling medical expenses has become manageable.

There are Medicare options available to everyone and these are basically categorized as traditional Medicare and the Medicare Advantage Plan. Let’s take a look at these categories:

What is Traditional Medicare?

This health insurance program which started in the year 1966 under the Social Security Administration is administered by the US federal government and intended for US citizens ages 65 and older. Persons who are below 65 years old who have disabilities or who suffer from renal disease and sclerosis are also eligible to avail of the program.  Once you reach age 65 you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.  The following are the coverages for Part A and B:

Part A – It covers hospital care, home health care, skilled nursing facility care and hospice care.  It is free and you do not have to pay premiums if you have been a regular contributor to Social Security for at least 10 years.

Part B – It covers medical insurance which include doctor visits, laboratory tests and x-rays, outpatient procedures, use of medical equipment and ambulance services.

What is Medicare Advantage Plan?

The Medicare Advantage Plan is also called Part C and this is administered by private insurers. It is administered and managed by private entities but regulated by the federal government and combines Parts A and B. Here are some of the recognized best private insurance companies in the states of Florida, Texas and New York that offer highly rated Medicare Advantage Plans:

  • Alignment Health Plan
  • Optimum Healthcare Inc.
  • United Healthcare
  • Independent Health
  • Kelseycare Advantage

Part D or Prescription Drug Plan

It is an optional plan that is administered and managed by private insurance companies which have links or contracts with the federal government.  It covers outpatient prescription for drugs, is availed separately and also known as the Prescription Drug Plan. If you availed of the Medicare Advantage Plan which also includes drug coverage then that plan is called the Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan.  It is designed to supplement traditional Medicare or Part A and B and covers commonly used prescription drugs.

Medigap or Medicare Supplemental Insurance

These are private health insurance plans that pay for coverage gaps not included in traditional Medicare. They are only used along with traditional Medicare Part A and B which means that it is not applicable for use with a Medicare Advantage plan.

Here are some comparisons between traditional Medicare and the Medicare Advantage Plan to help you determine the best health insurance options for you and your family.

Traditional Medicare (Part A & B)

Enrolment / How to Enroll: You are automatically qualified for Part A if you have completed at least 40 calendar quarters (10 years) of payment to Social Security and should notify them of your enrolment. You may however opt to avail of the private Medicare Advantage plan.  You can enroll online via www.SocialSecurity.gov or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 during weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM. You may also enroll in person by visiting the Social Security office.

Costs: Part A is free if you have completed payment of Social Security taxes for at least 10 years or 40 calendar quarters.  For Part B, you have to pay a monthly premium and you may need to also pay coinsurance, copays and deductibles. There is a cap or out-of-pocket maximum on the amount that you can spend for your health care.

Service Accessibility: You are entitled to choose your own doctor or hospital since with traditional Medicare there is no prior authorization and referrals needed.

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):

Enrollment/ How to Enroll: You must issue an authorization indicating that you want to opt in under the Medicare Advantage Plan and should be enrolled in Part A and B for you to be eligible for this plan.  It also means that you regain the right and protection of the traditional Medicare coverage but that you choose for the provision of said benefits through a private plan.

Costs: You must pay a monthly premium which is the same amount as the premium paid for Part B.  However, the costs may generally vary depending on the type of plan that you choose. Just some of the additional out of pocket costs may include yearly deductible, extra monthly premiums and use of network providers, among others.  Cost-sharing charges may apply but Medicare advantage plans cannot charge cost-sharing fees for renal dialysis services,

Service Accessibility: You have to obtain authorization for specific services and there is a specific network of health providers that you can choose from.  There is also a specific list of service areas from which you can avail the medical advantage plan.

 

These are the 2 major Medicare coverage options ideally available for you to enjoy optimum health insurance advantages:

Option 1: Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) + Part D or Prescription Drug Plan + Medigap or Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Option 2: Traditional Medicare + Medicare Advantage Plan + Part D or Prescription Drug Plan

It’s been said time and again that a healthy life is a happy life so we should take good care of ourselves now and not wait for another day, week or month since we never know when sickness will strike us and our loved ones. Preparedness is key and one vital step you can do is ensuring that you have the right health insurance coverage plan.   Being prepared is tantamount to being responsible and by having a Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan you and your family are assured that you are in good hands.

Top 11 Graphic Design Schools in the U.S.

So, you have an interest in graphic design but aren’t sure where to start. We’re here to help by providing some insights and recommendations on potential graphic design schools. Are you interested in design and have some knowledge of modern technology? If so, a career in graphic designer could be a great choice to pursue.

Of course, there are more factors than just an interest – finances, flexibility, location and qulaity are all determining factors.

If you are looking for flexible degree options and a high rate of post-graduation employment, we’ve got some great options for you to consider below. We review some of the best schools, taking into account the variety of possibilities for all kinds of students. We hope that after looking through this list, you will have a better idea of what graphic design schools interest you.

Rhode Island School of Design

Since 1877, this college has been working on its reputation and is currently known as one of the best fine art and design schools in the USA. Every year, about 2500 students give their preference to RISD and take advantage of one of the programs offered for bachelors or masters. The school is based in Providence, Rhode Island. RISD can be considered as one of the leaders in design and art education, and thousands of beautiful minds are attracted by this legendary place every year. Additionally, Rhode Island School of Design offers guidance to its graduates, who can take advantage of this throughout their lifetime.

Parsons School of Design

Those who have decided to pursue a designer’s career can choose one of the several graphic design educational options, available in the program at the Parsons School of Art, Media, and Technology. For beginners, the most convenient way to go will be the Graphic Design Certificate program. After this, you can go for a Graphic Design BFA and Graphic Design AAS.

Maryland Institute College of Art

It is one of the oldest art schools in the US, founded in 1826. Students who wish to get a BFA in graphic design, have several options here: the Standard program, BFA with studio concentration, BFA in Graphic Design and humanistic studies. Everyone is free to choose the program of their preference.

Rochester Institute of Technology

One of the best schools in this sphere is RIT. Students who choose Graphic Designs as their main speciality will get a BFA in case of successful graduation. The students of this institute have a unique chance to work with other departments and broaden their experience and range of skills. Design students cooperate with engineering and technical departments on relevant projects.

Yale University

At Yale’s School of Art, although very challenging to apply and get in, offers students a Graphic Design MFA program. The course takes 2 years, and a very limited number of students are accepted. Only 10 people can qualify for this program. But, one option is to first apply for the preliminary-year program, you will get a guaranteed opportunity to participate in the MFA program.

Savannah College of Art and Design

Often referred to as SCAD, this school is a perfect place for the students who are passionate about graphic design. Degrees from BA to MFA are available in Graphic Design programs. Foreign students can take advantage of the school’s Hong Kong branch and get their degree abroad.

Pratt Institute

Situated in Brooklyn, this educational institution has several degree programs to offer to its students. Thus, future graphic designers can go for AAS in GD, focused mainly on illustration. AOS in Graphic Design and BFA in Communication Design are also offered here.

Carnegie Mellon University

At this university, students can apply for the Bachelor of Design program. After finishing their studies, they will be specialized in Communication Design. This degree is ranked the same as the BFA diploma, and it can give the graduates great opportunities after finishing their studies.

Boston University

The students who choose the path of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, have an exclusive opportunity to improve their knowledge and gain new skills with a big choice of unlimited design projects. Before they qualify for any program, the students should attend an obligatory course, focused on setting a foundation in artistic knowledge. Both BFA and MHA programs are available here.

Temple University

Tyler School of Art in Temple University is a very reputable place. Apart from BFA and MFA degrees in Graphic and Interactive Design, students can go for several additional options within the offered programs. MFA and BFA program students can take advantage of the Rome Program, which includes a study abroad for 6 weeks in the summer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Media Lab of MIT is a unique structure, which unites the representatives of different faculties in same projects, so-called atelier style. Graphic design students also occupy their niche in these activities.

 

Currently lots of universities and schools offer opportunities for those who want to specialize in graphic design. We have tried to outline what we consider the best options in terms of price, rates and the quality of education. Now, it’s up to you to decide which direction to go. Good luck with finding your graphic design path.

Advantages of Home Loans

Many of us dream of the same thing: finally getting your dream home. The best way to make that fantasy come true with the high real estate prices is a home loan. They come along with a lot of responsibilities but also a lot of rewards. It also gets mortgaged with a bank, or a non-banking financial institution until you repay completely the loan. The title deed of the house is held by the lender until the housing loan amount is repaid in full with the due interest. You must also go through all the options to see which one will fit your plans, and we are here to help. So is owning a home right for you? Here are the main reasons why people decide to own instead of rent.

1) The tax benefits

You can get a tax rebate along with your house loan which will put a fair amount of money back in your pocket, each year. Both mortgage interest and property tax payments can be deductible from federal and state taxes. For example, you have the mortgage interest deduction. It is one of the largest tax breaks offered to homeowners. This option is especially lucrative at the beginning of your mortgage when the major part of what you pay monthly is applied to interest.

2) You are building equity

It is also called the dollar value of your home that actually belongs to you. You calculate it by subtracting the amount you owe on your home loan from the complete value of the house, and the leftover is the home equity. There are two ways to build it :

  • When you make your monthly mortgage payment, a piece of it goes toward reducing the amount you owe on your loan, and this increases your equity. You can consider this as a form of savings.
  • When the value of your home increases, you gain more equity.

Of course, if in the future you need some money you can tap into it. You have the possibility to borrow against your home equity for education or medical expenses and home improvements. You can as well use it to pay off high-interest credit card debt.

3) Your credit history gets stronger

When the other lenders see that you buy a home and pay your loan always on time, you get more chances to make future great deals. You are a serious borrower and if they choose you, they don’t take risks. It can be useful when you decide to make any new investment when you buy a car, for example.

4) It makes it easy to create your dream home

Homeownership is great when you know that you are free to create whatever environment you like. You don’t need to ask for approval from a landlord. You can finally make your dreams come true. If you want to have pets, to rearrange the floors, do some painting, or add an extra room… Anything that can make your house perfect.

5) It is always a good idea for investment

Staying in your home for a long time can increase in value its price and give you a satisfying return on your investment. When you choose this option, you can be sure in most of the cases that you are right. Also, it saves you from paying rent, and paying for a loan is much more profitable. Although, you must be careful and think about what kind of home loan is the best for you.

Below, you can find some different options for home loans:

Conventional mortgage: This one is the most commonly used type of home loan, and usually gets the best rates. It can last for 15 or 30 years. There is at least 10% for a down payment and a good credit. You have the option “interest only” when you don’t pay any principal in your payment. They have a bit lower payment, and when you make a regular payment you don’t pay off any of the loan balance.

Mortgage insurance: it is important to be aware of this option. This is an additional cost you bear if you put less than 20% on your house. It is intended to protect your lender in case you don’t make payments anymore. When you have at least 20% equity, make sure that you request mortgage insurance be removed (as it’s an unnecessary cost and is not tax deductible).

FHA mortgage: The main benefit of an FHA mortgage is a lower down payment requirement. It’s only 3.5% and is often more flexible with lower credit scores. This makes it easier to qualify for an FHA loan. It’s ideal for first time home buyers.

VA loan: There are more than 25 million veterans eligible for VA financing. You must have served on active duty, no dishonorable discharge and have served a minimum of 90 days during wartime, or 181 continuous days during peacetime. For military borrowers, the VA loans are the best on the market. They have a lot of advantages: they are very flexible, they have no down payment, you can reuse them and the government guarantees them.

USDA rural housing loan: This one can only be used in some specific areas and towns, and they are very flexible. They were designed to improve housing in rural areas. They have a variety of options: you can get it as a single- and multi-family housing, child care centers, fire and police stations, hospitals, libraries, nursing home, schools…

Adjustable rate mortgage (ARM): Their rate is not constant, it can start low but increase after one or several years and it usually gets higher. Be careful with this option because it has got in trouble many house owners, in fact sometimes the rates increase faster than expected.

203k Rehab loan: It allows you to borrow money with only one loan for both home purchase and improvement. They are guaranteed by the FHA, which is great for the lenders as they take less risk when offering you this loan. That way it’s is easier for you to get approved for the loan.

Top 8 SUVs of 2019

SUVs or Sports Utility Vehicles, particularly crossover models, are considered to be the one of the biggest things going among newly released vehicles. In the United States, these vehicles are not classified as cars, but as light cars. These vehicles are made on a light-truck chassis, and at the same time operated as family vehicle.

SUVs handily strike out both small and midsize car segments in terms of sales number. Most of the SUVs have a tall interior packaging and an upright body built. These days, you can get an SUV in all sorts of sizes, from small, mid-size or, large, with all-wheel drive or with two-wheel drive.

Recently, many automakers have launched their new SUV vehicles. With all the newly designed and modified models of SUVs, it is really hard to choose what the best is. Here are the top 8 SUVs that topped the list:

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe (starts at $25,000)

One of the resurrected models for 2019 is the Hyundai Santa Fe. This is the fourth generation of the Santa Fe line. The name Santa Fe Sport will be dropped, and the vehicle will simply be called the Santa Fe. The 2019 Santa Fe features a three-row seven passengers. It has more seats compared to its previous model which only has five passenger seats.

One of the modifications of this vehicle is that it has a taller and more open cabin, allowing roomier feel and better visibility. The muscular body lines of the current Santa Fe, especially in the rear portion of the vehicle, make it look athletic and sporty. To make things even more exciting, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a diesel version, which allows you an occasional use of the third row. This feature won’t be available if you choose the gas-powered models.

2019 SUV Cadillac XT4 (starts at $34,795)

After the success of the SUV Cadillac’s XT5, the all-new Cadillac XT4 is introduced. The great success of the XT5 accounted for the forty-four percent of Cadillac’s revenue last year. This new generation of XT vehicle offers a comfortable luxury feature which is at the same time sporty. The vehicle features also an optional AWD system that can help you handle poor weather and rough roads while driving. It should be fine on snowy highways and dirt roads.

You expect an interior covered with luxury leather that modern Cadillac cars usually feature. The technology system of the new model is also exciting. It has 8-inch touch screen that offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2019 Subaru Forester (starts at $24,295)

The 2019 Subaru Forester may look as sporty, but underneath its sheet metal design covers a completely new crossover SUV. With the rear seats in place, the new Forester model now stands at 35.5 cubic feet. It widened also its cargo area by 5.3 inches, allowing ease of loading.

The new Subaru Forester version features an improved standard convenience such as redesigned seats aimed at improving passenger comfort, 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android AutoAppdle CarPlay compatibility, and automatic climate control. One of the most exciting models in this is the Forester Sport, as it shares features with the higher-spec Premium model including infotainment system with 8.0-inch touchscreen, proximity key with push button, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Audi Q8 Crossover SUV (starts at $68,395)

This Q8 model is the newest Audi’s flagship crossover SUV. It definitely combines the elements of sportiness, utility, and luxury. The new model is wider and lower than the Q7 with which both share underpinnings. Both features curves front-to-rear and beltline with enough creases to help the vehicle stand out in a parking lot.

The interior of Q8 has a rich feel to it, with Audi’s latest version of its touchpad-controlled MMI media system with language voice commands and Audi’s reconfigurable instrument panel.  Features of this vehicle are plentiful; which include many of the latest improved supply of amenable acceleration.

2019 Acura RDX (starts at $37,300)

The third-generation of the Acura RDX is larger than the previous model in nearly every aspect. The overall length grows to 186.8 inches from 184.4 inches, height is up slightly from 65.0 inches to 65.7, and wheelbase expands to 108.3 inches from 105.7 inches. On the other hand, the engine shrinks in both cylinder count and displacement with the previous RDX model.

The 2019 Acura RDX features are generally bundled with available trim packages. The technology feature adds trim navigation, a two rear-seat USP ports, 12-speaker audio system, leather-trimmed sport seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.

2019 Lincoln Aviator (starts at $39,960)

The 2019 Acura RDX features are generally bundled with available trim packages. The technology feature adds trim navigation, two rear-seat USP ports, 12-speaker audio system, leather-trimmed sports seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.

One of the modifications includes cool technology features shown on the concept of the smartphone application that serves as the vehicle’s key. An adaptive suspension was also added that allows the driver to scan the driveway to better damp out potholes.

2019 Subaru Ascent (starts at $31,995)

The newest generation of Subaru Ascent features true family versatility. The vehicle has a spacious and comfortable interior for seven to eight passengers. The roof rails expand allowing the passengers to move more freely. In addition, the 2019 Subaru Ascent adds safety and connection to its features. It includes Standard Eyesight Driver Assist technology that allows the driver to easily see the entire road while driving. The vehicle also adds an active safety for added awareness, plus it has includes 360 degrees visibility. It has also LED steering responsive headlights and high beam assist.

2019 Toyota RAV4 (starts at $24,510)

One of the most popular small SUV’s in 2017 was the Toyota RAV4. They have modified the layout with a more athletic look and feel for their 2019 model.

The latest generation of RAV4 is more luxurious, has a large interior, and sports an athletic look. With lengthier wheelbase, it offers more room in the interior while shortening rear and front overhang. The 2019 RAV4 should be great for dirt roads and an all-weather adventure ride.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is thе fеdеrаl health insurance рrоgrаm fоr the еldеrlу аnd diѕаblеd in the United Stаtеѕ, this program соvеrѕ everything frоm medical cares for thе еldеrlу аnd thе bеnеfitѕ of thiѕ рrоgrаm аlѕо еxtеnd tо сеrtаin уоungеr реорlе who are having disabilities аnd оthеr сhrоniс diѕеаѕеѕ likе thе реrmаnеnt kidnеу fаilurе that rеԛuirеѕ careful diаlуѕiѕ or a transplant. Medicare iѕ аlѕо ассеѕѕiblе tо соuрlеѕ who have worked fоr a decade оr mоrе years over a lifеtimе. Mеdiсаrе wаѕ firѕt initiated аѕ a lаw whеn the ѕосiаl ѕесuritу lеgiѕlаtiоn wаѕ аmеndеd tо inсludе thiѕ ѕосiаl insurance рrоgrаm. Thiѕ ѕосiаl insurance рrоgrаm is ԛuitе diffеrеnt frоm mоѕt ѕinglе-рауеr plans in mоѕt firѕt wоrld countries Medicare соvеrѕ 80% оf the соѕt оf mоѕt hеаlthсаrе with аn аim tо еnѕurе that Amеriсаn elderly оnеѕ and people with disabling соnditiоnѕ hаvе ассеѕѕ tо a better hеаlth саrе ѕуѕtеm.

WHAT DOES MEDICARE COVER

Thеrе аrе diffеrеnt mеdiсаl issues a Mеdiсаrе plan соvеrѕ and аѕ such it iѕ imperative fоr уоu to understand whаt Medicare covers bеfоrе tаking part in thiѕ inѕurаnсе program. Thеrе аrе bаѕiсаllу twо tуреѕ оf Medicare. There is the Pаrt A аnd Pаrt B. Thе Pаrt A ѕесtiоn оf a Mеdiсаrе plan соvеrѕ еvеrуthing frоm hоѕрitаl ѕtауѕ tо skilled nursing facility care, hоmе hеаlth care, hospital саrе, and blооd. Hоwеvеr, you need to rеmеmbеr that thе соѕt iѕ оnlу rеduсеd. Yоu will ѕtill need to share ѕоmе оf thе еxреnѕеѕ inсurrеd whilе you оr уоur spouse аrе mеdiсаllу trеаtеd.

Whilе thе Pаrt A iѕ соmрulѕоrу fоr a Medicare рlаn the Mеdiсаrе раrt B is орtiоnаl and dереndѕ оn уоur health nееdѕ, fоr this уоu will need to рау a mоnthlу рrеmium for it.

Whаt are аvаilаblе in thе Medicare раrt B are other services thаt are nоt inсludеd in thе Medicare plan A. If you аrе looking for аdditiоnаl hеаlthсаrе services соvеrеd bу уоur Medicare like the dосtоr services, ambulatory ѕеrviсеѕ, durаblе mеdiсаl еԛuiрmеnt, оutраtiеnt mеntаl hеаlth саrе, speech therapy, оutраtiеnt mеdiсаl services, diаgnоѕtiс tests and ѕurgiсаl services and supplies, second and third ѕurgiсаl procedures and оutраtiеnt оссuраtiоnаl аnd physical thеrару, thеn you may wаnt to gеt соvеrеd with thе Medicare part B.

All these mеdiсаl ѕеrviсеѕ аrе ѕоmе оf thе few аvаilаblе services that аrе inсludеd in thе Mеdiсаrе рlаn B. It is compulsory thаt рауmеnt iѕ mаdе fоr thе ѕеrviсеѕ available in the Mеdiсаrе рlаn B subscription аnd in ѕоmе cases Medicare will bе аblе tо соvеr the whоlе еxреnѕеѕ whеrе nо еxреnѕеѕ inсur fоr thе рlаn.

If уоu аlѕо wish tо еnrоll for Mеdiсаrе part C, you muѕt bе eligible for bоth Part A and B. Hоwеvеr, раrt C plans are a соmbinаtiоn of раrt A аnd Pаrt B. These аrе аlѕо knоwn аѕ thе Mеdiсаrе Advantage plans, sold bу Medicare-approved рrivаtе insurance companies. There аrе a number of Advаntаgе Plans to choose frоm, so mаnу thаt it mау соnfuѕе thе buyer. Thеѕе рlаnѕ оffеr аdditiоnаl bеnеfitѕ аt lesser costs аѕ соmраrеd tо Medicare. Alѕо knоwn аѕ managed саrе, thеу include Mеdiсаrе Hеаlth Mаnаgеmеnt Orgаnizаtiоnѕ (HMO), Medicare Private Fее For Sеrviсе (PFFS), Medicare Medical Sаvingѕ Aссоunt (MSA) and Mеdiсаrе Special Needs, аnd Mеdiсаrе Preferred Prоvidеr Orgаnizаtiоnѕ (PPO).

Pаrt D рlаnѕ i.e. prescription drug plans allow thе bеnеfiсiаrу to сlаim a section of thе соѕt оf рrеѕсriрtiоn drugѕ’ соѕt, to bе раid by Mеdiсаrе. Anуоnе who iѕ еligiblе fоr Pаrtѕ A, B аnd C bесоmеѕ eligible fоr Pаrt D, nоt соnѕidеring his/her hеаlth history аnd аmоunt of inсоmе еаrnеd.

WHAT MEDICARE DOESN’T COVER

Whilе thеrе are milliоnѕ оf Amеriсаnѕ and ԛuаlifiеd diѕаblе реорlе whо rерlу uроn thе Mеdiсаrе fоr thеir hеаlth соvеrаgе mоѕt оf them fаil tо realize thаt Mеdiсаrе doesn’t соvеr аll aspects of Mеdiсаl ѕеrviсеѕ and еvеn if ѕоmе services mау bе соvеrеd thеу are nоt соvеrеd аt a hundred percent аnd еvеn with Mеdiсаrе уоu will bе required to pay fоr ѕоmе аѕресtѕ of the costs fоr уоur hеаlth services.

Hеrе аrе соmmоn hеаlth nееdѕ thаt аrе nоt covered bу bаѕiс Medicare benefits:

Trаvеl Mеdiсаl Exреnѕеѕ: The bаѕiс рrоgrаm rаrеlу рауѕ fоr аnу hеаlth services оutѕidе of the US. If you рlаn tо trаvеl tо аnоthеr country, you саnnоt соunt uроn your Mеdiсаrе benefits tо hеlр you. Sоmе supplements may extend this соvеrаgе, оr you mау сhооѕе tо рurсhаѕе аn аdditiоnаl trаvеl hеаlth insurance роliсу. It is a gооd idea to rеѕеаrсh thеѕе рlаnѕ if уоu wаnt tо travel outside оf thе USA. This may seem ѕurрriѕing, there аrе several rеаѕоnѕ fоr thiѕ limitаtiоn. Some оf thеѕе rеаѕоnѕ mау bе роlitiсаl, аnd ѕоmе mау bе finаnсiаl.

Dеntаl, Viѕiоn, аnd Hеаring: Sеniоrѕ and diѕаblеd реорlе need dеntаl, viѕiоn, аnd hearing services, but Mеdiсаrе provides vеrу limitеd coverage оf these ѕеrviсеѕ. Yоu саnnоt соunt оn your benefits tо help you pay thе dеntiѕt, еуе dосtоr, оr hearing aid соmраnу. These аrе ѕеriоuѕ health nееdѕ, but beneficiaries must find alternate wауѕ tо fund thеѕе ѕеrviсеѕ mоѕt of thе timе.

Yоu mау choose tо рау fоr thеѕе ѕеrviсеѕ оut оf your оwn росkеt. Yоu mау аlѕо dесidе tо buу аdditiоnаl coverage from a рrivаtе company. There аrе also resources to help people with lоw inсоmеѕ gеt the ѕеrviсеѕ that they nееd.

WHAT MEDICARE COSTS

Thеrе аrе certain rules whеn it соmеѕ tо hоw Mеdiсаrе works, if you’ve wоrkеd at lеаѕt 10 уеаrѕ, уоu will bе аblе to tаkе аdvаntаgе оf a “рrеmium-frее” Part A рrоgrаm. If you hаvеn’t wоrkеd for аt lеаѕt 10 уеаrѕ, you саn орt tо рurсhаѕе Mеdiсаrе Pаrt A рlаn аnd pay a mоnthlу premium. Medicare Pаrt B works a little diffеrеntlу. Thiѕ medical insurance component hаѕ a mоnthlу рrеmium thаt costs аbоut thе same fоr mоѕt реорlе, and a small dеduсtiblе. You саn choose frоm dосtоrѕ whо “ассерt аѕѕignmеnt” and will bill no mоrе than what Medicare рауѕ. You can also ѕеlесt оthеr dосtоrѕ but уоu will nееd tо рау the diffеrеnсе.

Medicare Advantage, оr Pаrt C, iѕ hаndlеd thrоugh private insurance companies whо have vаrуing premiums аnd dеduсtiblеѕ. Yоu саn choose tо get Pаrt D соvеrаgе as раrt of уоur Mеdiсаrе Advantage рlаn оr орt only for medical аnd hоѕрitаl coverage.

Finally, Pаrt D iѕ only аvаilаblе through private inѕurеrѕ. If уоu рlаn оn gеtting Part A аnd B соvеrаgе thrоugh the gоvеrnmеnt, уоu’ll ѕtill nееd to соmраrе insurance соmраniеѕ fоr Pаrt D соvеrаgе.

Mеdiсаrе соѕtѕ саn bе diffеrеnt fоr еvеrу individuаl. It саn take some timе and rеѕеаrсh to find thе right mix for уоu – ѕо be ѕurе tо rеѕеаrсh thоrоughlу аnd соmраrе уоur орtiоnѕ.

What You Need to Know about Financial Retirement Investments

Are you looking forward to retirement? Even if you’re still a few years away from retirement you should already be contemplating the best financial retirement investment options.  By doing so, you will be able to enjoy your retirement years and the fruits of your labor. It also ensures that you don’t have to rely on your kin, the welfare system or anyone else financially.

There are many types of financial retirement investments available but here are the most common:

Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

It is a type of savings account that is meant to help one save up for retirement and provides tax advantages. The types of IRA’s are the following:

  • Traditional IRA – it may be deductible or non-deductible depending on the nature of contribution and withdrawals at retirement are taxed as income while all transactions and earnings have no tax impact.
  • Roth IRA – withdrawals are usually tax-free, all transactions have no tax impact and contributions are done with after-tax assets.
  • SEP (Simplified Employee Pension) IRA – it may be set up by self-employed persons like freelancers, small business operators and independent contractors and follows the same withdrawal taxation rules as a traditional IRA.
  • SIMPLE (Savings Inventive Match Plan for Employees) – it is tailored for small business and self-employed persons, has the same taxation rules like a traditional IRA and all contributions are tax-deductible.

Advantages:

  • You can transfer your IRA funds.
  • It is easy to maintain and you don’t need approval to use your money.
  • You have control on how you invest your savings.

Disadvantages:

  • Your IRA funds are subject to income taxes and a tax penalty of 10% if you withdraw before reaching the age of 59.
  • You cannot use your IRA funds if you’re planning to secure a loan.
  • Your IRA funds may not be protected from creditors but this depends on a state’s law.

401(K) Plan

It is an employer-sponsored retirement plan for eligible employees and may also include a profit sharing feature. Investments are usually automatically deducted from an employee’s pay check and employers often match the contributions of employees (although this is optional and determined by the employer).

Advantages:

  • With a 401K plan your money grows and is initially tax deductible
  • You only pay taxes once you withdraw it upon your retirement.
  • You will get a significant return of investment if you invest it wisely.

Disadvantages:

  • You can only withdraw your 401K plan once you reach the standard retirement age of 59.5.
  • It is not FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insured therefore it is subject to losses if not invested wisely or in the case of a down market.
  • If you withdrawyour 401K plan before retirement age you are subject to a 10% penalty and  pay the taxes of the amount you withdraw

Stocks and Shares

It is a share in a company’s ownership and represents a claim in a company’s earnings.  The more stocks you acquire, the greater your ownership stake in a company.  Your money can grow quickly if you invest it in stocks and shares but with much higher risk.

Advantages:

  • Stocks are liquid which means that they can be bought and sold allowing you immediate access to cash.
  • It has potential for significant gains as compared to bonds and other investment options.
  • You have the freedom to participate in a company’s growth and entitled to its profits and benefits via dividends and capital gains as a stockholder.

Disadvantages:

  • Stock price can be very volatile and prices can become erratic.
  • Stock values can drop significantly putting your investments at high risk.
  • There are acquisition and sales costs associated with buying and selling.

Bonds

It is a fixed income investment wherein a corporate or government entity borrows funds from an investor for a certain time at a fixed interest rate.  It is used by states, corporations and governments to finance specific projects and is usually publicly traded on exchanges.  The 3 main categories of bonds are:

  • Municipal bonds – issued by states and municipalities
  • Corporate bonds – issued by companies
  • S. Treasury bonds – referred to as a government treasury along with notes and bills

Advantages of Bonds:

  • It is often liquid and can be sold in large quantities without any effect on price.
  • There is a bi-annual fixed interest payment and fixed maturity lump sum.
  • There is legal protection and bondholders can still retain the recovery amount should a company go bankrupt.

Disadvantages of Bonds:

  • Price changes instantly affect mutual funds that hold the bonds.
  • Bond prices become volatile based on the issuer’s credit rating.
  • It is subject to various risks like credit risk, exchange rate risk, inflation risk and reinvestment risk, among others.

 

Having a clear understanding of popular financial investment options allows you to decide more clearly on the right investment option that works best for you.  Whether you plan on investing in stocks, bonds, IRA or 401K, what is essential is to invest your hard-earned money wisely so you will be financially independent and be able to enjoy your retirement for years to come.

Top 10 Online Colleges and Universities in the U.S.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Penn State World Campus is ranked top in the leading online degree programs. It was founded in I998 and currently is the second largest campus in the state of Pennsylvania. It offers more than 150 online programs to students all over the world. Degree programs offered includeAssociate Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, Undergraduate Certificates, Master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees, Graduate Certificates. It has an average net price of $23,000.

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

The University of Florida is located in the city of Gainesville and was founded in the year 1993. It offers online programs to more than 200 undergraduate and graduate students for degree and certificate programs. Top degree programs includeDoctorate, Specialist, Masters, Bachelors, Certificates and Off-Campus. It has an average net price of $11,976.

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

The University of Phoenix is one of the largest campus and online universities. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the University of Phoenix offers online courses available throughout the world. They offer undergraduate and graduate degrees (master’s and doctoral) both via campus and online. With over 1 million students, they are a large online university with a wide range of educational options.

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS

University of Massachusetts(Amherst campus)started asMassachusetts Agricultural College (Amherst campus)in the year 1863 and expanded to University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass system) in 1964. It consists of six campuses. Online programs offered includeDoctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree, Certificate, Non-Credit Certificate, Professional Development, andDigital Badge.

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY – OSU E-CAMPUS

Oregon State’s e-campus is located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and was established in 1868. It has consistently been ranked among the top 10 best online universities for the fourth straight year by U.S. News & World Report. It provides one of the best educations in terms of the quality of its programs and offers more than50 online degrees, certificate programs, andnoncredit courses to more than 20,000 students worldwide.

CAPELLA UNIVERSITY

Capella University was founded in 1993and is located in Minneapolis. It is currently ranked ninth in the world. It offers 154 online degree programs and more than 1,940 individual courses in bachelors, masters, doctoral and certificates levels to more than 35,000 students worldwide. The university also operates learning centers in 48 states and eight countries outside the United States. All degree programs in Capella University are based online. You can earn your degree in 12 months. It has an average net price of $11,000.

SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY

Southern New Hampshire University is a private and nonprofit academic institution established in 1932 and offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the country. It is located in Manchester/Hooksett, New Hampshire. It is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It offers degree from over 200 online programs to more than 75,000 students.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY – ASU ONLINE

Arizona State University is located in Tempe, Arizona, U.S. It was founded in 1885 and ranks among the best in the US. It offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and certificates programs to over 20,000 students. It helps student acquire and develop programs that fit their career goals. It has a net price of $13,007.

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

It was established in the year 2007 and was the first independent online state university in the U.S. It is an online campus that offers 24 accredited degree programs for both Bachelor and Master students of over 15,000 students. It has an averagenet price of $16,232. Duration for courses is 8 weeks and monthly starts. Online courses are designed for working adults.

WALDEN UNIVERSITY

Walden was established in 1932 and offers more than 85 online degreeprograms with more than 435 concentrations and specializations to over 55,000 adult learners. Top degrees in Doctoral, Masters and Undergraduate levels. Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is committed to the highest quality. It provides multiple start dates throughout the year. You can select from online programs such as certificate, tempo learning or traditional degree programs.