According to data by the Federal Trade Commission, banking scams have increased by 70% between 2020 and 2021. Although bank security and technology have been rapidly evolving to keep accounts safe, this unprecedented rise in crimes is a matter of concern. Staying aware of some frequently reported frauds can help one steer clear of them and keep their money safe. Here are three of the most common banking scams and how to avoid them. Phishing scams Unfortunately, with the boom in online banking, there has also been a rise in online phishing scams. Here, the scammer sends a message or an email that looks like it is from the bank. These messages ask for immediate action and dangle the threat of account closure. They may also include a link to a website designed to look like the bank’s official website, but it is actually a front for gaining access to one’s account information. With access to this information, scammers and fraudsters can withdraw funds from any account. To avoid these scams, individuals must exercise extreme caution when opening messages received from unknown sources. If in doubt, double-check with the bank before clicking on any links. Automatic debit scams When scammers gain access to one’s banking information (including the account and routing number), they can set up routine, automatic payments to themselves in the same way that payments for subscription services are debited.

Buy now pay later, also called BNPL, is a convenient way for individuals to purchase items at the moment and pay for them gradually. This method of paying has become quite popular, especially for expensive electronics, as it allows one to get their dream device without feeling overburdened with its cost. It is paramount to be cautious when dealing with credit. Therefore, when opting for BNPL, it is necessary to avoid certain errors, such as: Ignoring the terms and conditions Many people find reading terms and conditions to be a tedious task. However, when it comes to money, ignoring them can be a costly mistake. This is especially true for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) purchases. It is essential to carefully review all the plan details before agreeing. For example, if buying a phone, one should read the plan and understand what will be required to pay, how many installments to make, and what happens upon missing a payment. One should know several other important details before signing up for a BNPL plan. Missing payments One does not necessarily miss payment deadlines on purpose. It could happen due to several reasons, like busy schedules. However, if one forgets to pay or misses a deadline, the receiving company may charge late payment fees.

Buying a new laptop is exciting, but zeroing in on one out of the multiple options available can be time-consuming. The whole purchasing process involves more than just looking at the specifications and features. While the innumerable laptop reviews online can help to some extent, there are certain common mistakes laptop buyers often make. To make an informed choice and avoid regrets, here are four common mistakes to avoid when purchasing a laptop. Not considering the laptop size Laptops come in a range of sizes. From 11-inch minis to 18-inch jumbos, one can look at a wide variety of laptops in the market. But before the purchase, it becomes highly crucial to consider the correct size. So whether it is about traveling with a laptop in a backpack or ensuring it perfectly fits the study table space, check the laptop size beforehand. Ignoring the ports Checking for required ports is one of the most important things to do when buying a laptop. Buyers should ensure that their laptop has enough USB ports, whether it comes with an HDMI or DisplayPort, and if there is a port to connect a microphone or earphone. Assuming every laptop has all the ports required for external devices is a common mistake that may lead to regret.

Vacation homes are used occasionally and can be great sources of income for property owners. Rather than letting it sit idle for months on end, renting it out does seem like a way to put it to good use. But renting out one’s home and inviting a revolving door of visitors comes with its unique set of challenges. Here are a few mistakes that those looking to rent out their vacation homes tend to make: 1. Neglecting legalities The laws on short-term rent can vary based on location. Not considering these laws before putting the property up for rent can lead to legal issues and even hefty fines. Homeowners must have the necessary license valid in the respective state or county before putting the property up for rent. 2. Not pricing it right This is a tricky one, especially if the vacation home is in a touristy area that attracts a lot of visitors. Overpricing to keep it exclusive can deter renters, while underpricing can attract the unsavory kind. So, the price should be competitive yet reasonable enough to appeal to renters. 3. Lack of property maintenance There’s nothing worse for those who rent out their vacation homes than receiving bad reviews for the property.

First-time parents tend to be anxious about their baby’s well-being. Their close circle and the Internet may give information that could simultaneously calm and worry them. Being a parent can be a taxing experience; chances are it will also be the most rewarding one. However, worrying too much can make this journey a challenging one. Instead, first-time parents must learn from other people’s mistakes and avoid the following parenting mistakes. Stressing about breastfeeding Experiencing excessive stress over breastfeeding can take away from the joy of motherhood for new mothers. Speaking to the gynecologist and pediatrician to discuss breastfeeding basics is essential. It is acceptable to feed the baby with the help of a bottle. Breastfeeding comes with a lot of sleepless nights, so there is no point in stressing about it and losing the little sleep that one can get. Not trusting others New parents often become overly concerned with the safety and well-being of their newborn. This can lead to anxiety and difficulty in trusting others to look after the child. However, constantly worrying about the baby’s location and safety can cause unnecessary stress on both the mind and body. After going through the significant changes of pregnancy and delivery, taking care of oneself is essential.

Most couples wait eagerly for Valentine’s Day to plan dates and give and receive gifts. But, oftentimes, individuals have a hard time figuring out what to gift their loved ones. Eventually, they end up settling for a gift that does not sit well with their partner. To prevent such a situation, here is a list of some Valentine’s Day gifts that are most likely to be returned and so are best avoided. Clothes Gifting clothes to a partner on Valentine’s Day is not wrong. A shirt, a dress, or any similar item of clothing can, in fact, be a great gift idea. However, one must make sure that the clothes they purchase match their partner’s style and taste. The least someone would expect on Valentine’s Day is from their partner to know and understand their taste. Also, one must ensure that the size of the clothes is right. If not, they would end up getting returned. Clichéd jewelry A piece of jewelry makes for a romantic gift, ideal for Valentine’s Day. But one can even go wrong with this if they pick clichéd pieces. Since it is a gift for Valentine’s Day, a lot of individuals end up choosing heart-shaped jewelry for their partner.

Parents try their level best to raise their children well. However, the process of parenting is no easy feat. There are many factors in the child’s life that they need to consider, such as nutritional, educational, and healthcare needs. These are sensitive matters and require an adult’s undivided attention constantly. Therefore, it might be easy for parents to make some mistakes unintentionally. Here are five of them that one could avoid. Attempting to control all their choices The thought of a child doing something could be stressful for any adult, especially if it’s the first time. However, parents should support their kids and let them make important life decisions. Controlling their choices could result in them feeling unconfident and restricted. Entrusting them with a task could help them make mistakes, learn from them, and build self-confidence. Not setting boundaries Parents should set certain boundaries while allowing their kids to make decisions and be independent. This helps reiterate that the adult is in command of the parent-child dynamic. To ensure good parenting while setting boundaries, one must not be too lenient or strict with the child. The parent must develop a midway route so the kid can understand the authority, respect it, and be comfortable sharing thoughts.

Considering getting a walk-in bathtub? Unlike a regular bathtub, the edge of which is usually 14 to 16 inches high, a walk-in comes with a small water-tight door and a lower threshold. This allows one to just walk into the bathtub rather than climb over its edge to get in. While this sounds extremely convenient, such a bathtub does have some drawbacks, which should be weighed against the benefits to make an informed buying decision.  Pros 1. Higher convenience In addition to water-tight doors, walk-in bathtubs may feature bars, handrails, built-in seating, and handheld shower units, all of which make the bathtub more comfortable, especially for seniors, those with mobility issues, and those who use a wheelchair. 2. Safer option Walk-in bathtubs are designed to be a safer alternative to traditional variants when it comes to entering and exiting the tub.  3. Offers health benefits A walk-in bathtub makes it easier to maintain good hygiene for those with declining mobility. The ease of use also provides such users with a sense of independence, as they can use the tub without assistance. 4. Versatile options Walk-in bathtubs come in versatile designs, so one can equip their tub with a rainfall showerhead.