Paper checks are an important banking instrument that enables secure financial transactions. Although there are several modern ways to make payments, like debit or credit cards and payment apps, checks still reign as one of the most common and preferred modes of transaction, especially among older generations. Whether one is running a small business, managing personal finances, or just prefers the tangible nature of a check, there are several convenient ways to order checks. Ways to order checks for the first time Here are a few ways to order checks for the first time: 1. Online banking app One of the fastest ways to order a check online is to download the mobile application of one’s bank or financial institution, sign in to the account, and request a check under their specified section.

Annuities are a popular investment option that helps one get a steady stream of income during retirement. It is essentially a contract with an insurer in which one pays premiums and, in return, gets a guaranteed stream of payments in retirement. There are several annuity options, and choosing the right one can help one meet their long-term financial goals with ease. Also, one should avoid the following common mistakes associated with annuities: 1. Overlooking future tax implications Annuities are not taxed during the accumulation period. However, these benefits are only available until one withdraws money from their annuity plans. So later, the retirement income earned in the form of annuities will be taxed.

Choosing a life insurance policy can be a slightly different experience for seniors because there are more risks involved. Age and health play a significant role in determining premiums; sometimes, these can be high. Choosing the best life insurance policy for seniors doesn’t have to be a harrowing task or one that puts a strain on the finances. Check out some best practices to make the right choice. 1. Assess needs and budget Buying life insurance shouldn’t be a hasty decision, and one should assess all factors before picking one. Budget and needs should be the first consideration. Evaluate all outstanding debts, future payments, and one’s current financial situation before choosing life insurance.

With the growth of mobile technology, phones have become an indispensable part of people’s lives today. This, however, has also resulted in climbing rates, making phones an increasingly expensive purchase. To make phone ownership easier for customers, several companies offer ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ (BNPL) personal loans. These plans divide the payments into smaller chunks and generally have no associated interest or fees. Here are some of the top BNPL providers to finance phone purchases. Affirm Affirm has many different BNPL plans that allow customers to choose between a few payment schedules. One of the most popular is the pay-in-four, where the purchase is divided into four equal installments paid in regular, two-week intervals.

Most people’s daily activities, such as traveling to and fro from work or grocery stores, heavily depend on fuel. But the more fuel one needs, the more they must pay for it. This is where gas cards come in and help with cost reduction. Personal fuel cards make it incredibly easy for households and organizations to manage their fuel expenses, particularly because they can be easily regulated through the card. So, here are some popular gas credit cards one should consider: AARP® credit card from Chase The AARP® credit card from Chase offers several rewards on gas spending, and contrary to its name, one doesn’t have to be an AARP member to avail oneself of its benefits.

People have been increasingly investing in cryptocurrency, a form of digital currency. Some reasons behind its popularity include the near impossibility of counterfeiting or double spending, cheaper and quicker money transfers, and decentralized systems that don’t collapse due to central issues. Given its quick rise to fame, the market remains volatile, leading to several costly errors. Here are some mistakes to avoid when selling or investing in cryptocurrency to avoid losing money with these investments. Ignoring trading costs Market traders make several trades in a day. However, all these trades are not free; they often have a transaction fee. Some payment portals may also charge more for every deposit or withdrawal.

Stock options can be worthwhile derivatives for investors, however, trading them without weighing their pros and cons can be a mistake. Upon buying an option, one gets the right to buy or sell an asset at a certain price and within a set time frame. Options can strengthen an investor’s portfolio when traded using strategies that minimize the risk and maximize the returns. So, here are a few strategies one must consider while trading options: 1. Covered call One of the most popular option trading strategies is buying a naked call option. The covered call strategy reduces investment risk and helps generate some income.

Since their introduction, cryptocurrencies have become one of the most talked-about topics in the financial market. However, the currency is volatile, and money invested in it could see massive drops in value. So, if one is ready for the risk, there is no better time to invest in them than today, especially with some tokens at an all-time high. Check out the five top cryptocurrencies to consider investing in today. 1. Solana (SOL) Solana is one of the top picks in cryptocurrency, primarily for its utility. It is popular as it helps developers create decentralized applications (dApps). The network is also significantly quicker than other blockchains and has lower associated fees for higher scalability.