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Investing Made Easy With Alto’s Self-directed IRAs

Investing Made Easy With Alto’s Self-directed IRAs

With the help of an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA), you can open a retirement saving account with exclusive tax benefits. While employers offer most retirement benefits, you do have the option to open more accounts if you want to invest more of your money into multiple funds. Aside from the usual options of traditional and Roth IRAs, you can save up with self-directed funds that provide quite a few more investment options. 

Self-directed Roth IRA
These retirement accounts allow you to invest in non-traditional assets such as real estate, jewelry, commodities, and limited partnerships. To open a self-directed Roth fund, you need a qualified IRA custodian who offers a wide range of investment options. So, if you’re interested in real estate or want an IRA with gold bullions, ensure that your custodian has these offers available. Alto is one of the more popular and easy-to-use self-directed IRA providers. 

Alto IRA
This popular IRA firm specializes in self-directed IRAs and helps you invest your retirement funds in a wide range of alternative assets. To name a few, you can allocate money to startups, real estate, cryptocurrency, private funds, and even art. The best thing about Alto investments is how easy the entire process is. Alto simplifies your choices, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned investor or new to the field. 

Setting up an account with Alto IRA
To create an account, select the type of IRA you want to invest in, fund your account, and start investing. Alto even provides options such as traditional self-directed and Simplified Employee Pension IRAs. After choosing the investment you want, you can transfer funds from an existing retirement account or send funds from the bank. Alto IRA provides you with more than 75 partners, wherein you can invest your capital. 

Alto’s CryptoIRA account is used to invest your money in cryptocurrency outside the funds. You can buy, sell, and trade any digital coin of your choice on the CoinBase platform through your Alto IRA account. 

Plans offered by Alto IRA
One of the biggest benefits of choosing Alto IRA is that there are no hidden fees. You are provided equal pricing, irrespective of the amount invested. This firm offers two monthly IRAs: a starter plan that costs $10 per month or $100 per year and a pro plan that costs $25 per month or $250 per year. The starter plan only allows you to invest in Alto partners. In addition to investments, Alto IRA provides account conversions, tax reporting, e-statements, and account funding. 

Alto’s investment partners
Alto IRA has many investment partners in various fields, including art, farmland, private companies, and even startups. Some of them include 

AcreTrader
This real estate investing platform lets you purchase shares of farmlands. The minimum investment is $10,000, along with a $10 per investment fee. AcreTrader focuses on providing passive income, transparency, flexibility, and ease of use. 

Texture Capital
Texture Capital is a technology-driven platform that allows investors to enter private markets more efficiently and participate more directly. Simply put, you can invest IRA funds into private equity with a minimum investment of $25,000 with a $10 investment fee per investment. The platform also supports digital securities that are recorded on blockchains and secondary trading. 

AngelList
If you’re looking forward to investing your retirement money as capital in startups, you can try AngelList. This firm’s mission is to fund a large number of startups across the globe. AngelList is the perfect platform for early-stage investing, and you are offered everything needed to easily invest in good entrepreneurial ventures. In 2020, roughly 50% of top-tier startups were funded by AngelList. To get started, you need a $1000 minimum investment with a $10 investment fee per investment. 

Capital Engine
This private equity investment option provided by Alto IRA is open to everyone, and you need to make a $1000 minimum investment with a $10 investment fee. The capital can fund real estate, healthcare, renewable energy, and even crypto projects.  

MasterWorks
Masterworks allows you to make top-notch blue-chip investments in the field of art. Investors can purchase interest or shares in any painting, sculpture, etc., similar to purchasing the shares in a company. You need a minimum investment of $10,000 with a $10 investment fee per investment. 

Safety and security of investing with Alto IRA
One of the most important things to remember about a self-directed IRA is that its custodians don’t provide financial advice. Any investment you make should be made after a lot of consideration and homework. Self-directed Roth IRAs can provide you with greater yields but also have more risks. You also have more flexibility and options but may have more risks and rules to adhere to. Financial advisors can help manage investment deals and take care of the due diligence required for a self-directed IRA. Alto IRA provides insurance coverage of $250,000 on cash assets.

If you’re looking to invest in a normal Roth IRA, you can check out Vanguard. Vanguard is one of the best performing IRA providers and can help you invest in EFTs, mutual funds, and other assets. You don’t need to have deep pockets to make exorbitant monthly contributions, as this firm is an ideal choice for low-cost, long-term investments. The Digital Advisor developed by Vanguard’s experts appeals to young investors who would like to build a strong foundation in the market. All these factors make Vanguard a great option for post-retirement investments.

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Top 4 Car Insurance Companies for Seniors

Car insurance is mandatory for all drivers, and while senior citizens may not get behind the wheel as often as they used to, auto insurance for them too is a mandate. Insurance companies offer special discounts, tailored policies, and perks for senior drivers who might not want to use their car often. Mature drivers can compare and choose best priced car insurance plans from insurance companies that offer them. Best car insurance for seniors  These four companies offer the best combination of affordable premiums, senior-specific discounts, and exclusive policies to save money on car insurance. Nationwide® Nationwide® car insurance rates are 21% lower than the national average for drivers over 60. For a cheaper premium, the insurance company pays for all liabilities related to bodily injury, personal injury, property damage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, treatments, and comprehensive collision coverage. Nationwide® also ensures quality customer service, a grievance-free claims handling process, and ranks among the top vendors for customer loyalty. One of the company's key highlights is the SmartMiles program beneficial for senior drivers with limited mileage after retirement. The yearly car insurance premiums are calculated based on the total number of miles driven with SmartMiles. This policy, available in 40 states, is suitable for seniors who commute less than 12,000 miles per year and can still afford to pay for car insurance after retirement. Overall, the estimated savings with Nationwide® can go upwards of $400 each year, given seniors meet all the driving criteria specified by the company. GEICO Due to competitively lower rates, GEICO ranks among the popular picks in best car insurance for seniors. Drivers between the ages of 65 and 85 can benefit exclusively from additional discounts. One of the key highlights of the policy is the guaranteed renewal program. Policyholders aged 50 and above qualify for the renewal program and may avail of the Prime Time contract features. For this contract, the company specifies that policyholders cannot have any operators/drivers below 25 for the insured vehicle. They should not have been involved in violations or accidents in the three years prior to application with GEICO. But this contract is currently available in only 30 states. Policies also cover accident forgiveness and feature innovative usage-based insurance for good drivers with a clean driving record. GEICO offers exclusive discounts for careful driving habits, retired government & military personnel, and owners with multiple vehicles using the same policy. State Farm® State Farm® is a more lenient option for commuters who may not have a clean driving record. Key highlights of the insurance include a usage-based policy and decent rates for drivers with DUI (driving under the influence) violations. Senior drivers with prior speeding records or driving offenses can also benefit from better rates for insurance premiums. Policyholders earn exclusive discounts and rewards with the company’s patented Drive Safe & Save™ program. Download the app and let the company actively monitor driving and overall performance. Those who match the criteria can save up to 30% on auto insurance rates for the year. Senior drivers with good credit enjoy excellent policy renewal scores and pay 22%-24% less insurance premiums than the national average. State Farm® operates in all 50 states, making it one of the best car insurance for seniors. Allstate® Seniors can save a lot on the best-priced car insurance policies with Allstate®. The company is the fourth largest auto insurance provider in the business. Allstate® also ranks among the best for customer service and claims handling processes. One of the key highlights is the pay-per-mile insurance policy that allows seniors to get affordable rates as per the number of miles driven in a year. The Drivewise® program monitors daily driving habits and provides the insurance company with on-time updates. Also, seniors with the best driving score and a good driving record can avail of low premiums. Allstate® offers addons, including accident forgiveness that prevents a premium increase and features loan or lease gap insurance. It also has an exclusive app that lets all policyholders review their profile, make payments, and monitor insurance status on the go. How to choose from the best car insurance for seniors Since most insurance companies offer various senior discounts and special deals to lower the premium rates, it can be challenging to make a choice. So here we've listed a few things you can consider to make the right choice and get competitive rates. Update driver status online After retirement, seniors should update their status from regular commuters to driving only for leisure. Insurance companies offer unique low-mileage plans or pay-per-mile policies for seniors who drive a limited number of miles in any given year. This detail can be updated while requesting quotes online. Learn defensive driving Some states, by mandate, require seniors to learn defensive driving. Drivers over the age of 50 can benefit from lowered premium rates and enjoy exclusive discounts on the quotes for qualifying for this eligibility criterion. Seniors can consider courses offered by AAA and AARP and spend no more than $20 for the short refresher course. Maintain a proper driving record The number of traffic violations and even accidents determines how much of an insurance risk seniors pose. Having a clean record with minimal infractions increases the chances of getting affordable premiums. Those who have multiple priors should alternatively consider applying to insurance companies that offer policies for average drivers. Compare multiple insurance companies Seniors must compare premium rates and check available discounts across top insurance providers in the country. It may so happen that a company may offer reasonable rates but no special discounts for seniors. Understand that insurance quotes are subject to changes deemed fit and necessary by the insurance provider. Please check and read all contract terms before giving any consent.

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How to Apply for a Personal Loan

Personal loans are usually taken for personal needs or for an emergency. Since it is a significant amount and time, this can be a big financial decision. So, it is vital to ensure you go to the right organization or financial institute and know the processes beforehand. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you make up your mind, sign any contracts, and start paying your monthly installments. Calculate everything Before going to any of the lenders, always make sure that you have run the numbers to get a personal loan and are in the position to pay that money back. Lenders are simply interested in your ability to pay the loan back. So, even though these banks do their due diligence in background checks and calculations, being prepared beforehand goes a long way. Make sure you have understood what amount needs to be put down first and then the monthly installments which you can afford. Some organizations also have a processing fee apart from the interest on the loan, so keep these extra numbers in mind. Check your credit score This is one of the most important factors that determine your ability to get a loan. A credit score suggests your financial history with paying loans and bills. So, the better the score, the better chances you have of getting a personal loan. A reasonable or fair credit score lies between 580 and 669; however, if your score is higher than that, you are in the clear and have the best chance of getting a personal loan. What if the credit score is low for some reason? Well, there’s still a chance you get your personal loan but with a higher interest rate and fee. So, check all your options before you give up. Look for other options Sometimes, if the credit score is low, the bank or private lender may ask you to co-sign a loan with someone. In case there is no right person to co-sign the loan with you, you can also opt for secured personal loans instead of unsecured options. What this means is that you will have to provide some collateral against the loan amount; it could be your car, house, any other belongings, or even cash in a savings account. If you are unable to pay the loan off, the bank will seize your collateral. Also, getting personal loans from a traditional bank may be challenging if your credit score is terrible, so you can browse through some online lenders in your area who are trustworthy and work with those whose credit score is not up to the mark. Just ensure you do your due diligence to ensure they are not fraudsters. Choose the right loan type Debt consolidation loan This is one of the more common loan types. A debt consolidation loan means getting money to pay off existing debt, but at a potentially revised interest rate and probably fewer monthly payments. Credit card refinancing loan A lot of people get personal loans to pay off their credit card debt because the interest rate is much lesser. This can be especially useful if your debt has accumulated and you want to avoid the high-interest rates on it. Wedding loan Get personal loans for weddings or even holidays when you cannot pay in one go. These significant events can be costly, and personal loans make it easier to pay off an amount in monthly installments. Emergency loan Small medical expenses, home improvement needs, or even expensive car repairs can be covered under an emergency loan. Home improvement loan This is specifically for big home improvement projects that require extensive renovation. Getting this personal loan gets you out of the bind without having to take a secured home equity loan which might be more expensive. Medical loan Specifically for medical emergencies, this type of loan helps ease the burden of unpredictable medical expenses. You can pay off these personal loans over several years. Find the best option Just as you shop around for the best deal on any commodity or service, finding the best option to get a personal loan is also advised. If you think all companies will give you the same offer, you are mistaken. You can find personal loan offers from various entities like traditional banks, online lenders, and credit unions. However, all financial organizations have different processes and procedures. Check all these options and see which fits your needs the best and who is giving you the best chance to pay off the loan in a hassle-free manner. Fill out the application Once you have chosen your personal loan lender, you can start the application process. Depending on which entity you have chosen as your lender, you can either finish the whole process online or visit the nearest bank that offers the loan. Since all vendors work differently, they may need various documents, so it is always advisable to meet an executive in person to get a better understanding of the application process. Besides, if you are working with this lender for the first time, it is always better to ensure where their office is located in case of any emergency. After presenting all the documentation and going through the screening process and background check, you can now get your personal loan for your needs. Make sure to read the fine print and understand all the terms and conditions of your contract. This includes the rate of interest, the years through which you can pay your loan, and your registration fee. To avoid any late payments, you can also set up an auto-debit format that transfers the monthly installment to the lender’s bank account on a particular date every month.

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Essential Points and Services to Consider for Gutter Protection

Renovation and upgrades are not just limited to the aesthetic changes around the house. It also includes the necessary repairs and maintenance to ensure there are no unnoticed damages that could worsen with time. Rain gutters collect all the water and provide a proper outlet flow to prevent leaks during a heavy pour. And gutter protection systems ensure these drainage outlets operate efficiently. Here are essential points to consider before installing these systems. Gutter guards function as a primary filter Protective covers prevent leaves, mud, sticks, and even smaller rodents or pests from washing into the small opening designed for water collection. This helps lower the cost of maintenance significantly, as you do not have to frequently clean these outlets. Most guards have a crisscross mesh pattern that allows only liquids to flow into the drainage system. With protective covers installed, you spend no more than a couple of hundred dollars to have the entire system serviced twice a year. Long-term utility benefits When water flows freely within the drainage system, it reduces the risk of pooling or overflowing and ultimately leaking. Water pooling, if left unchecked, can also damage the structural integrity of the home. Moreover, dirty, backed-up rainwater becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other parasites, increasing the risk of infection.
02

How to Choose the Best Monthly Disposable Contact Lenses Online

Contact lens users can choose from a range of categories of lenses. Among the different types, a popular choice is monthly disposable contact lenses, requiring minimum cleaning and easy handling. You can wear a pair of monthly lenses for 30 days before replacing it. But with several options available online, it can be challenging to find a suitable pick. For your convenience, we’ve discussed a few things you can consider before buying disposable lenses online. Popular monthly disposable lenses available online Purchasing a pair of high-quality contact lenses is imperative to ensure good eye health. We have listed six popular lenses from different brands that you can pick from online. Note that each lens for your left and right eye is designed based on a prescription from an eye doctor. Alcon AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY®AQUA® Approved by the FDA, the AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY®AQUA® flexible lenses are designed to sit comfortably in the eyes for 30 consecutive days and nights as you can sleep in these lenses. A box of six lenses costs about $95.99. The product boasts a SMARTSHIELD® Technology – a protective layer of moisture that repels unwanted deposits that may irritate the eye. Moreover, it is one of the softest and most breathable lens options.
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Tips to Get the Best Deal for a Junk Car

It might be difficult to sell your beloved trusty old commuter car due to its frequent repairs. However, car selling can help you get an extra slice of income, even if it is junk. Statistics suggest that selling your junk car to the auto recycling industry contributes at least $25 billion per year to the national GDP. So, read this article if you are looking to sell your car to a junkyard for some extra cash. Know your car’s true value You will be surprised to know the worth of a junk car as it stands stationed in your garage, gathering dust. There are multiple services and history-based value tools available online that can help you get an estimate of your old car. A thorough evaluation can help you get a good deal, especially if you are looking to sell your car to a junkyard for cash. If your car is inoperable, gathering rust and dust in your garage, consider selling it to auto salvage yards or junkyards. These yards might not offer a higher price, but you can certainly earn some profit by selling your junk car to them. Ask around or look online for the best auto salvage yards that offer you a good deal.
04

Top 7 Healthy Energy Bars

With energy bars gaining immense popularity, it comes as no surprise that their market is expected to grow by $1.09 billion this decade in the continent alone. These protein bars have become the go-to choice for a quick and healthy snack as people become increasingly conscious about their food choices. These nutritious mini-meals are highly preferred by young people and athletes alike. Let’s look at some of the leading healthy options for you. Boom If you are among those who love to start their day with a caffeine kick, Boom bars help you just the right amount of that jolt. A single energy bar contains about 150mg of caffeine, which is more than that in a single espresso shot or a regular cup of coffee. Not only that, but they also contain 11g of protein, making it a filling snack. Understandably, they cater to a niche market that specifically enjoys the deliciousness of edible coffee. Boom focuses on highlighting why eating caffeine makes for a smoother experience than simply drinking it. A box of 7 bars costs about $24.  GoMacro These are vegan bars made from sustainably sourced ingredients. These healthy energy bars are organic, Kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and even soy-free.

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Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Braces are the go-to option most people choose for straightening teeth and jaws. This treatment provides aesthetic benefits, helps improve oral health, and relieves pressure from the joints. Traditionally, the base material used to be metal, but the latest developments in dental technology have given us a new option. This article gives you in-depth details about what makes invisible braces so popular, how much these products cost, and the best brands. What are invisible braces? Invisible braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are transparent dental trays that are used to correct your bite. These trays are usually worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. As the teeth shift, you have to make a new invisible tray every one or two weeks. Invisible braces are quite similar to retainers, but the former is used the slowly align your teeth while the latter keeps your teeth in place. Benefits The biggest benefit of invisible braces that’s quite evident at first sight is the fact that they are transparent. Factors like the lack of wires, bands, and brackets make these braces suitable for people of all ages, especially adults. Unlike the metal and ceramic counterparts, these braces can be removed at any time, which makes them easy to clean as well.
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Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Those suffering from an overactive bladder experience an increased urge to urinate. Such an uncontrollable need significantly compromises one’s quality of life. Issues that arise from this condition may lead the patient to compromise or rearrange their daily routine around their diagnosis. One may even suffer from bladder-related symptoms due to complications from other diseases like diabetes. This article highlights the significant causes as well as management techniques of an overactive bladder in patients: Causes Overactive bladder can result from various reasons such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, age, and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes that lead to the development of this urological condition:  Poor pelvic muscle strength Pelvic muscles provide the lower abdomen with the necessary support. As a person ages, their muscles tend to lose strength. Weak muscles are, thus, a common causative factor that leads to the development of an overactive bladder. Factors like pregnancy and childbirth are also known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles.    Nerve damage This cause of an overactive bladder is quite common as the nerves can sustain damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. This damage affects the signal transfer among the brain and other body parts, including the bladder.
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Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

A medical alert system consists of life-saving devices that instantly connect the user with emergency help with the push of a button. Such equipment helps seniors live independently and offers peace of mind to their loved ones and caregivers. A good-quality life alert system for seniors has several useful medical features like fall detection, GPS tracking, and professional monitoring. In this article, we’ve listed the best medical alert systems for seniors out there today. Medical Guardian Founded in 2005, Medical Guardian is known for designing best-in-class life alert devices and systems. Depending on the lifestyle of a senior individual, they can choose between different types of On-The-Go and In-House systems. Almost every Medical Guardian life alert system for seniors features its state-of-the-art fall detection technology, along with other essential features like GPS location tracking, extra neck/wrist buttons, and water resistance. This company’s medical alert products have the longest battery life (up to 168 hours) and furthest signal range (up to 1300 feet) compared to any other product on the market. Medical Guardian also has a highly reliable monitoring center that operates 24/7. Bay Alarm Medical With over 70 years of experience in life alert devices, Bay Alarm Medical is one of the most trusted providers in the country.
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Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

The ability of dentures or implants to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that it has changed millions of lives worldwide. These prosthetics are used when natural teeth have significant issues. With a little maintenance, they can be an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, if you are planning to get them yourself, the following article can help you know the factors to consider and the prices of dental implants and dentures. How do dental implants work? Before discussing dental implant prices, it is essential to understand how they work. Dental implants consist of three different pieces that serve distinct functions, as given below: Implant post Also known as the fixture, this small, cylindrical screw acts as an artificial root for the tooth. Abutment This piece connects the implant post and the crown. There are various types of abutments depending on the prosthetic type requiring support. Crown The final piece of the entire prosthetic, the crown rests on the top of the abutment. It can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramics. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look the most natural. Costs of dental implants Depending on one’s needs, there are four types of dental implants. Given below are average costs for the same:
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Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place.  This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy  These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option  The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours  Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.
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Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies. The signs of pulmonary fibrosis Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early. Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include: A dry cough. The sudden loss of weight. Fatigue. Pain in the muscles and joints. Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.
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