With cashless economies becoming the norm, debit card transactions have increased exponentially, and almost all major retailers across the country accept debit cards as a mode of payment. Their ease of use with other benefits and cashback options add to their appeal. Debit cards can also be used to withdraw cash instantly, which is especially useful when cash payment is the only option. Having the right debit cards is the key to enjoying maximum benefits. Empower Debit Card The Empower app, powered by AI and cutting-edge technology, has made finance management a breeze. It helps individuals with every aspect of financial planning, from investment and retirement to health savings. The company offers a cashback debit card, which provides 1% cashback on the first $1,000 spent using the debit card every month. Also, those who register for the card can additionally open a savings account. With the Empower Referral Rewards Program, one can receive a credit of $5 upon referring a friend to Empower. U.S. Bank Visa® Debit Card The U.S. Bank Visa® Debit Card has emerged as a popular, convenient option for users as it is accepted by millions of retailers in the country and has flexible autopay and recurring payment options.

For centuries, gold has been a sought-after possession. Today, it is also a sound investment option for both conservative and risk-taking investors, as the metal has intrinsic value and is accepted as a legitimate high-value asset across the world. From diversifying the portfolio to making long-term safe investments, gold can be a beneficial and relatively safe investment option. But, if one’s not familiar with the market, one could make costly mistakes while investing in gold. Common mistakes to avoid 1. Overlooking associated costs When one thinks of gold investments, they might only imagine buying and stocking up gold bars, gold coins, or jewelry. While the metal itself is a legitimate investment option, physical gold comes with a 10% production cost. Then there are also safety and storage concerns associated with gold as well as transaction fees. 2. Not exploring all options Many think of gold as a physical asset, but gold investment goes beyond that. Those strictly interested in gold investment and not personal use are better off buying ETFs (exchange-traded funds), which track gold prices, or gold mining stocks. With these options, the investor holds shares of gold mining companies that can be bought or sold on stock exchanges.

Regardless of economic conditions or inflation, precious metals remain relevant in the market. That’s why investments in precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are considered safe hedges against economic and financial turbulence. But, investing in precious metals is a major financial decision, and just like every other type of investment, it involves some benefits and drawbacks.  Understanding certain aspects before diving in can help protect oneself against potential financial repercussions. K now the various ways to invest in precious metals While buying precious metal in its concrete form may seem like the most obvious way of investing in it, it’s not the only strategy. Many people also buy gold, silver, or platinum futures, wherein they essentially sign a contract  to purchase or sell the precious metal at a specified price and on a specific predetermined date. Those who opt for futures investments do not physically possess the precious metal but only the contract. Yet others may choose to invest in gold, silver, or platinum exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded receipts (ETR), bonds, etc.  Understanding the pros and cons of each method  of precious metal investment helps one make the best financial decision. Check if the precious metal is allocated When investing in precious metals, one should always choose allocated ones, which guarantee the highest safety levels.

As many parts of the world are steadily moving toward a cashless economy, debit cards are becoming highly popular and accepted modes of payment. These cards can be used for shopping at all major retail stores and withdrawing money instantly. Also, most debit cards offer lucrative benefits, such as rewards, cashback, and no annual fees. But to get the most out of debit cards, it is important to avoid certain mistakes. 1. Using too many debit cards As different banks offer different deals and benefits on debit cards, many tend to use multiple cards to benefit from a variety of offers. But such deals and offers come with additional fees, so, the more cards one has, the higher the aggregate fee one would have to pay. These extra charges can increase the expenses. So, it’s best to have a maximum of three cards to avoid spending too much money on fees. 2. Using debit cards for big purchases A debit card uses the funds deposited in the cardholder’s bank account. So, if one tries to pay an amount that exceeds the total balance in the account, the transaction may bounce. For this reason, it’s best to use a credit card for large transactions so that one can repay the amount flexibly until the deadline.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers loans to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses. These VA loans can help veterans buy homes without a down payment. Additionally, VA loans come with low interest rates. While VA loans can be beneficial, one must understand exactly what to expect when applying for such loans. So, one should understand the terms and carefully avoid mistakes that can interfere with the loan approval process. 1. Ignoring the credit score The minimum credit score requirements for VA loans vary from one lender to another. Nonetheless, if one’s credit score is incredibly low, then their VA loan application may be denied. Even if one doesn’t get a rejection from the lender, they may be charged a higher mortgage rate, which would mean more expensive monthly loan installments. For this reason, one needs to always check their credit score before applying for a VA loan. In fact, if possible, one should try to boost the score to improve their chances of getting the loan approved. 2. Not exploring all options Many national banks and other lenders are authorized to offer VA loans. Each lender offers attractive rates and special features to lure as many borrowers as possible.