When one thinks of data security, the only thing that comes to mind is protecting digital files. However, a business could suffer from breaches even when it comes to hard copies. It could be as simple as someone picking the not-shredded documents out of the trash. Therefore, entrepreneurs should never overlook or cut corners when shredding sensitive documents. Below are six risks associated with not shredding documents before recycling them. Data breach One of the most common breaches is a data breach. This could occur when sensitive documents are leaked within or outside a company. If the paperwork falls into the wrong hands, the business and its clients may fall prey to identity theft, fraud, and other forms of crime, including cyber crime. Legal consequences Poor document disposal could attract legal consequences. Several industries are subject to data protection regulations that require secure data disposal, including HIPAA or GDPR. Businesses that do not comply with the regulations will have to pay heavy fines and undergo legal action, which could also damage the company’s reputation in the long run. Customer attrition A customer who signs up with a business entrusts them with sensitive information. Therefore, if the data is breached due to improper disposal, the user might lose faith in the organization.

The average cost of burials and funerals in the country can range between $7,000 and $12,000. This cost includes viewing, service fees, burial casket, transport, and other preparations. Cremation may cost between $6,000 to $7,000. This is why individuals, including seniors, could consider signing up for funeral expense insurance that could help cover most costs at a specific premium. This article explores five benefits of purchasing funeral coverage for seniors. Lowered stress Losing a family member can be stressful for anyone. During this period, one might not be able to handle the complications associated with planning the funeral. In such situations, funeral expense insurance could help loved ones feel less stressed as it covers most of the costs associated with the service. Doing so will allow family members to pay full attention to other elements of the funeral without worrying about the money. Assured financial security A funeral expense insurance policy provides financial security to the loved ones of the deceased. The coverage helps ease the strain of factors associated with burial, cremation, and other funeral expenses so that the deceased’s family does not have to worry about the expenses. The family members can focus on other things about the funeral and rest assured that the associated insurance firm covers the expenses of the funeral.

Life insurance is a tool that offers a financial cushion to loved ones after one’s passing. While it may seem sad to think about, it is an important source of financial reassurance that offers peace of mind to the family members. However, the buying process is not a straightforward one and may often result in many errors along the way. Learn about four mistakes to avoid when buying a life insurance policy. 1. Waiting to buy insurance Premiums for a life insurance policy change depending on one’s overall health and stage of life. Insurance rates tend to increase as people age. If one develops certain illnesses, they may also be ineligible for coverage. That is why buying a policy sooner rather than later is better. 2. Buying the cheapest policy Of course, it is crucial to buy a policy within one’s budget. However, that should not be the only criterion when choosing a life insurance policy. One needs to look for the coverage that best fits one’s needs. For life insurance policies, one generally picks between a term life insurance or a permanent life insurance. Term life insurance offers coverage for a limited period (say 20 to 30 years) and has cheaper premiums.

House sitting is a practice in which the homeowner or renter leaves their home for a certain period, entrusting it to another. Generally lauded as a win-win arrangement, it allows the homeowner to leave stress-free, knowing their property will be cared for and gives the sitter a place to stay for free, without rent. However, things don’t always go to plan. Here’s what to do to avoid running into a house-sitting disaster. Carry out a risk assessment It’s always safer to be mentally and physically prepared for anything that could go wrong. Most often, this includes being ready for difficult situations such as various pet-related issues, such as injury, tragic deaths, and missing pets, broken or leaking pipes causing water damage, insect infestations, extreme weather conditions, unexpected delays, or sickness and injury. Before agreeing to a house-sitting project, consider these details and formulate a plan for each. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy Emergencies may arise unexpectedly. In such cases, one must have a list of emergency contacts handy, with contacts such as 911, the local or preferred vet, the local police station, friends or family members who could help out on short notice, a Property Management Company, and local evacuation centers.

Grants help individuals and organizations get the much-needed funding for their growth. Many government bodies and private firms provide them after assessing the applicant’s requirements. But winning a grant is not that easy. One must be very careful when filing their forms and ensure their application stands out because many apply for the same grant. Avoiding certain common mistakes is also important to ensure one stays alive in the competition. Missing the deadline The biggest mistake one can make when applying for a grant is missing the deadline. Whenever the grant-issuing body offers a grant, it sets a date by which individuals must submit their forms. Applicants must remember that if they are late in submitting their application, their request will simply not be accepted . This could cause all their hard work to be wasted. So, one must create a schedule for applying and stay mindful of the deadline. Not specifying the amount required Many avoid mentioning how much money they need in their grant application, which is a big mistake. Assuming the evaluators would know the amount one needs is the wrong approach to filing for grants. Applicants must be straightforward and mention their financial requirements. One can at least provide an estimate depending on the project’s goal.

The world of online dating can be both exciting and frustrating. While some people may have trouble landing a date, or find that their first dates fail to spark any chemistry, others may feel that online dating has become more of a chore than an opportunity for finding love. Despite one’s best efforts, many fall victim to common pitfalls that sabotage their online romance quest. Swiping left, sending likes, and crafting the perfect opening message can all be effective, but they must be executed smoothly to be successful. Being picky Online dating platforms have many users who may not be interested in a serious relationship. This means that finding the right match can be challenging. However, it is important to learn how to navigate these platforms effectively. One important tip is to avoid specifying physical characteristics such as height, hair color, and skin color on profiles. Instead, use filters on the apps to narrow down the search and find people who meet one’s preferences. Using misleading photos When it comes to dating profiles, users are either confident or insecure about sharing their photos because of their appearance. They may upload misleading or old photos of themselves or choose group photos to confuse profile visitors.

Payment processing software has made it extremely easy for businesses and individuals to send and receive payments. This is why one may notice that more and more businesses have started switching to this software. However, wherever online payments are involved, it becomes important for both businesses and individuals to stay wary of scammers. So, when selecting and using payment processing software, one must ensure the following to avoid any scams. Choose the right software The very first thing an individual should do is choose the right payment processing platform or software. If one is trying to decide which software to select, it is better to do a little research about the available platforms to find out which one of them is more trusted and secure. This one extra step and knowledge about trusted payment platforms can ensure that one’s financial data is safe. Read the terms and conditions thoroughly Secondly, before signing up with a payment processing platform, one must read all the terms and conditions. This way, one can find out if the merchant has included any hidden fees. This is especially important if the merchant’s pricing seems suspiciously low compared to that of their competitors. Use multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authentication is one of the best ways for an individual to ensure that their payment processing gateway is secure.

Payment processor software includes a collection of tools that help facilitate electronic transactions. As the name suggests, this technology lets businesses process and accept payments from buyers. The programs can accept different modes of payment, including cards. Since there are various payment processor options, it is important to choose wisely to avoid a costly investment that doesn’t meet the company’s needs. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing payment processor software. Lack of research Improper research is one of the most common mistakes people make when selecting payment processor software. Researching options allows individuals to consider the necessary features and rule out the ones that are not particularly necessary for their business. It also allows them to identify the functions and features integral to the company’s smooth functioning. Overlooking support One of the most common mistakes while choosing a payment processor is ignoring after-sales services. Since it is software, problems may often arise. In such instances, individuals or the business team will need assistance from the software company’s developers. Ensure the payment processor software company has reliable and actionable customer support that helps with solutions and guidance in times of need. Check the team’s availability and compare it with the establishment’s operating hours.