Life insurance enables individuals to cover their family members against financial risks that may arise in the future. So, one must not overlook its purchase. If one can afford it, they could consider picking a policy with a higher coverage. Moreover, there are several errors that one could make when buying a life insurance policy, which could result in limited benefits for their family. Here are five such mistakes to avoid. Focusing only on the premium amount Several buyers pay attention only on the premium amount they are supposed to pay instead of looking into more about the coverage and its terms. Doing so could result in buying a policy that is insufficient for meeting the requirements of the policyholder’s family. So, one must consider factors such as future goals, children’s education fees, and inflation instead of only focusing on the premium. Relying on the employer’s insurance coverage Employers generally offer a basic level of life insurance coverage. So, one must not completely rely on it for protection and should consider getting supplemental life insurance. Moreover, one may be able to secure a reduced premium rate when they opt for the life insurance provider associated with their employer for standard coverage.

A flexible spending account (FSA) can be categorized as a savings account. It helps the owner get certain tax benefits. Sometimes also referred to as flexible spending arrangements, FSAs are helpful for health and dental care reimbursements, childcare, or care expenses for a dependent adult. But to get the best out of these, it is essential to learn about potential pitfalls. Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid with FSA. Assuming one can take the FSA with them after quitting a job FSAs work this way: An employee contributes a part of their salary to the fund, and the employer contributes the rest. Therefore, the FSA money stays with the employer once an employee quits a job. Hence, it is usually recommended to use up any pending healthcare expenses when one is planning to leave an employer. For instance, one can fill a prescription or buy eligible OTC products that they may need in the future by using the remaining FSA funds before they quit the job. Not getting to know what the FSA will pay or not pay for Most people are not aware which services and products come under eligible expenses for an FSA. For example, some may assume that gym memberships or insurance premiums can be paid for with a flexible spending account.

Most experts believe that a certificate of deposit (CD) is a safe and secure investment option that can provide lucrative returns based on the chosen bank. A CD is a type of savings account offered by banks or credit unions, wherein the invested money is parked for a specified period. Investors might incur penalties if they prematurely withdraw from the account. Moreover, avoiding certain mistakes when opening a CD can help one reap significant returns. Not knowing the types of CDs Most individuals believe that all CDs levy penalties on investors in case of premature withdrawals. While the standard CDs result in penalties for early withdrawals, some other ones, called no-penalty CDs, do not charge penalties if investors withdraw from the account before completion of the lock-in period. Moreover, the lock-in period for these no-penalty CDs is usually no longer than one year. However, it is important to check the differences in interest rates between standard and no-penalty CDs and opt for one accordingly. Withdrawing prematurely Withdrawing one’s funds prematurely from standard CDs can prevent one from reaping the benefits of lucrative returns in the long run. For instance, in many cases, one may be charged three months’ worth of interest in case of withdrawal before completion of one year.

Donating to charities is a meaningful way for individuals to contribute to society and gain personal benefits. Unbeknownst to many, charitable contributions made in the country make an individual eligible for tax advantages, creating a win-win scenario. Contributions like cash donations, non-cash donations like clothing or household items, stocks, etc., can lead to tax benefits. Explore some tax-deductible charitable gifts and donations below to understand how to make a positive impact while enjoying financial advantages. Cash donations Cash donations are one of the simplest ways to contribute to charitable causes and get tax benefits. Cash donations can be made in various ways, including checks, credit cards, or through payroll deductions made by one’s employer. If one is donating cash to qualified public charities, it allows them a tax deduction of up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) in a year. Furthermore, making cash donations to private foundations allows individuals a tax deduction of up to 30% of their AGI. To claim tax deductions, one must keep records of their donations, such as bank statements, canceled checks, or receipts and acknowledgment letters from the charity. Non-cash donations Besides cash, donating goods such as clothing, furniture, or household items can also yield tax benefits.

Planning one’s own funeral can be challenging and very uncomfortable. Yet, preparing financially for this inevitable event is essential. It alleviates the burden on one’s family and adds to their peace of mind. Getting a burial insurance policy is one way to meet the costs associated with the funeral, burial, and other end-of-life expenses. Read on to learn about the types of burial insurance, the coverages included, and the factors to consider when signing up. Types of burial insurance There are three popular types of this insurance plan: Simplified issue life insurance Individuals do not need to appear for a detailed health examination when applying for this plan. However, they would still need to answer a few health-related questions. The insurance company may not accept one’s application if they have pre-existing health issues or participate in high-risk activities that could be life-threatening. Still, this insurance type is sought-after because of swift approvals and relatively higher coverage amounts. Guaranteed issue life insurance This plan neither requires applicants to answer health-related questions nor appear for a health examination. If the applicant is between 50 and 85, they will likely be approved. However, this policy has a waiting period. Beneficiaries may not receive the full sum assured if the insured passes away due to natural causes during this period.

Credit cards have made transactions incredibly convenient, as users can choose to pay later for any purchase. Such flexibility ensures that one’s purchasing power does not depend on one’s bank balance. Today, several credit card companies offer attractive benefits on purchases, including cashback and reward points, and have emerged as highly lucrative for users. However, one needs to exercise some caution while using credit cards. So, here are some credit-card habits to avoid: Applying for many cards at once Users often have multiple credit cards to split large expenses so that there is sufficient credit available for each card. However, applying for multiple credit cards successively can trigger multiple inquiries, which can negatively impact the credit card holder. So, it is best to avoid applying for multiple credit cards simultaneously. Not making timely payments Delaying credit card payments repeatedly can affect one’s credit score, which can cause problems with securing loans. In most cases, banks either reject loans or charge high-interest rates for those with poor credit scores. Many employers also reject candidates with a negative credit report. Paying credit card bills on time can help improve one’s credit score. Frequently paying through EMIs Equated monthly installments (EMI) allow users to repay credit card debts flexibly in parts over a specific time frame.

When considering low-risk investment options, a certificate of deposit (CD) is one of the most common options. CDs offer a safe way to grow savings while earning a fixed interest rate over a set period. However, like any financial endeavor, opening a CD requires careful consideration and knowledge to avoid common pitfalls and get the most out of the investment. So, here are five common mistakes to avoid when opening a CD: Not exploring all options One of the most common mistakes while opening a CD is not shopping around for the best rates. Banks and credit unions offer varying interest rates on CDs. Failing to compare rates could make one miss out on higher returns. So, one must explore various financial institutions and choose one offering the most competitive interest rates. Ignoring the fine print All financial products come with terms and conditions, and CDs are no exception. Ignoring the fine print could lead to unexpected surprises and financial losses. Some CDs have penalties for early withdrawal, while others may automatically renew at less favorable rates. So, it is crucial to read and understand the terms of the CD agreement beforehand to ensure it aligns with individual financial goals.

Investing in precious metals is a smart addition to diversifying an investment portfolio. Precious metals are a popular commodity and a less volatile market when compared to stocks. With multiple regulatory authorities and trading platforms, investing in precious metals hassle-free has also become easy today. But there are many points one must consider and be well-informed before investing. Here are some key things to know before investing in precious metals. Understand the types of precious metals Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are popular precious metals with unique characteristics, market demand, and investing dynamics. Invest only after a thorough comparison. Diversification Precious metals can be an effective way to diversify any investment portfolio. They often have a low association with other assets like bonds and stocks, which can help reduce overall portfolio risk. Storage and security Physical ownership of precious metals necessitates the need to invest in home security. Options include home safes, bank safety deposit boxes, or third-party storage facilities. Be sure to consider the associated costs and security measures before buying assets. Physical vs. paper investments There are two ways to invest in precious metals: purchase physical bullion (coins or bars) or invest through paper investments like exchange-traded funds (ETFs), online futures contracts, or online mining stocks.

The process of securing a home loan can be both exciting and daunting. A home loan is a noteworthy financial investment that requires careful consideration and meticulous planning. Unfortunately, many make mistakes during application, leading to costly consequences in the future. This is mainly the case with first-time homebuyers. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when applying for a home loan to ensure a smoother and successful application experience. Neglecting the credit score One’s credit score is a vital factor in securing a home loan. Failing to check and improve this score beforehand is a mistake. Lenders heavily rely on this metric to assess the borrower’s creditworthiness. Individuals should take the time to review their credit reports, rectify inaccuracies, and work on boosting their scores before initiating the application process. Overlooking pre-approval Getting pre-approved gives a clear picture of the loan amount one qualifies for and reassures sellers that the buyer is serious and financially capable. By bypassing this step, applicants may find themselves in a weaker negotiating position or even risk losing out on their dream home to a more prepared buyer. Ignoring the importance of a down payment While many loan programs have low down payments, experts recommend paying a significant sum upfront.

Gift cards can be used to pay for several products and services across multiple platforms. Corporate gift cards, holiday cards, and even cash back cards are the most popular formats to redeem online or at kiosks. However, the process of redeeming them is anything but simple. And if not done correctly, you may miss out on many discounts and exclusive offers. Here are five common gift card mistakes to avoid while shopping. Buying from auction websites Gift cards can be used for several retail purposes. But never buy cards that are auctioned off from websites like eBay. You cannot verify the authenticity of these cards being sold online. Moreover, scammers can skim and track the magnetic data on such cards before they are auctioned off. Once you activate the card, scammers can also use it to avail of all the inclusive benefits. So it’s best to avoid buying from such auction websites. Consider only reputable retail and eCommerce stores that offer such redemption options. Keeping cards unused You might often end up receiving gift cards of no specific use. For example, somebody might gift you a $500 card that can only be redeemed for auto spares and accessories. Here, the best thing to do is exchange it on platforms where consumers can buy and sell gift cards.