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I’m trying to understand how long-term care insurance actually works, especially when it comes to long term health care insurance and elderly care insurance. I live in the US and want to know what kind of daily care or services this insurance covers. Also, I’m curious about how buying long term care insurance helps with managing costs for things like nursing homes or in-home care. Can someone explain the basics and what to expect?

I’ve been looking into joining a gym and Crunch Fitness caught my eye because of its affordable pricing and variety of memberships. I live in the US and want to understand how much is Crunch Fitness a month including the different Crunch membership types available. Also, I’m curious about the Crunch fitness family plan price if that exists. Can someone break down the costs and what each membership includes? I’m also wondering about Crunch gym memberships in general and if it’s worth it compared to other gyms. Thanks!

let’s talk about why Shopify is a go-to for over 4.4 million online stores worldwide. From seamless website building to powerful point-of-sale (POS) systems, Shopify offers everything you need to sell online, in-store, or across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. But with great power comes a price tag.

Let’s explore Shopify pricing plans to see if it fits your budget and goals.

Shopify Pricing Plans:

Shopify offers five Shopify subscription plans tailored to different business needs. Below, we’ll unpack each plan, including costs, features, and who it’s best for. All prices are based on monthly billing unless noted, with a 25% discount for annual subscriptions. Plus, Shopify offers a 3-day free trial and a $1/month deal for the first three months on select plans—perfect for testing the waters!

1- Shopify Starter ($9/month)

- Best for: Side hustlers, influencers, or anyone selling on social media or existing websites.

- Features:

• 1- Sell unlimited products via a basic storefront or Buy Button on blogs/websites.
• 2- Access to Shopify POS Lite for in-person sales.
• 3- Sell on social media (Instagram, TikTok, etc.).

- Transaction Fees: 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction (with Shopify Payments).

- Drawbacks: No full online store or blog—ideal for small-scale sellers.

- Who Should Choose This? If you’re testing a business idea or selling merch as a creator, this is the cheapest way to start.

2-  Basic Shopify ($39/month or $29/month annually)

- Best for: New entrepreneurs or small businesses launching a full online store.

- Features:

• 1- Fully customizable online store with blog.
• 2- Unlimited products and 10 inventory locations.
• 3- 24/7 support, discount codes, and abandoned cart recovery.

- Transaction Fees: 2.9% + 30¢ online, 2.7% in-person (Shopify Payments). 2% for external gateways.

- Why Choose This? Perfect for startups needing a professional store without breaking the bank.

3- Shopify (Grow) ($105/month or $79/month annually)

- Best for: Growing businesses with small teams.

- Features:

• 1- Everything in Basic, plus five staff accounts.
• 2- Standard analytics, gift cards, and up to 88% shipping discounts.
• 3-  Language translation for global selling.

- Transaction Fees: 2.6% + 30¢ online, 2.5% in-person (Shopify Payments). 1% for external gateways.

- Why Choose This? Ideal for businesses scaling up and needing multi-user access.

4- Advanced Shopify ($399/month or $299/month annually)

- Best for: Larger businesses with complex needs.

- Features:

• 1- 15 staff accounts, advanced reports, and third-party shipping rates.
• 2-  Duties and import tax calculations for international sales.
• 3- Shopify POS Pro for $89/month per location.

- Transaction Fees: 2.4% + 30¢ online, 2.4% in-person (Shopify Payments). 0.5% for external gateways.

- Why Choose This? Suited for high-volume sellers who need robust analytics and global reach.

5-  Shopify Plus ($2,300+/month)

- Best for: Enterprise-level businesses or high-volume merchants.

- Features:

• 1- Customizable checkout and headless ecommerce.
• 2- 20 POS Pro locations included.
• 3- Dedicated account manager and advanced automation.

- Transaction Fees: Custom rates, typically lower than standard plans.

- Why Choose This? For brands like Gymshark or Allbirds, Shopify Plus offers unmatched scalability.

Is Shopify Free?

If you’re Googling is Shopify free, here’s the truth: Shopify doesn’t have a free plan, but it’s not out to drain your wallet either. The 3-day free trial lets you explore the platform without a credit card, and the $1/month deal for three months (on Basic, Grow, or Advanced plans) is practically free. After that, you’ll need to commit to a paid plan. Unlike some competitors, Shopify’s value lies in its all-in-one features—no need to cobble together separate tools for hosting, payments, or analytics.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

When calculating how much Shopify costs, don’t overlook these potential extras:

1- Domain Name: A custom domain (e.g., yourbrand.com) costs $14–$20/year via Shopify or third-party registrars like GoDaddy.

2- Premium Themes: Free themes are great, but premium ones ($140–$450 one-time) offer advanced designs.

3- Apps: Shopify’s App Store has 8,000+ apps. Free apps are available, but paid ones range from $5–$100/month.

4- Transaction Fees: Using external gateways (e.g., PayPal) adds 0.5%–2% per sale. Stick with Shopify Payments to avoid these.

5- Shopify POS Pro: Advanced POS features cost $89/month per location.

6- Shipping Labels: Costs vary by carrier and volume, typically $10–$200/month.

Save money by choosing an annual plan (25% off), using Shopify Payments, and starting with free themes/apps.

How to Choose the Best Shopify Plan for You

Picking the right Shopify pricing plan depends on your business stage and goals. Here’s a quick guide:

• Side Hustle or Testing? Go with Shopify Starter ($9/month).
• New Online Store? Basic Shopify ($39/month) offers the best bang for your buck.
• Growing Team? The Grow plan ($105/month) supports scaling businesses.
• Large Business? Advanced Shopify ($399/month) or Shopify Plus ($2,300+) unlocks advanced features.

Still unsure? Start with the 3-day free trial and explore Shopify’s features. You can upgrade or downgrade anytime, so there’s no pressure to commit long-term.

Shopify vs. Competitors: Is It Worth the Price?

Compared to Wix ($20/month) or Squarespace ($17/month), Shopify’s prices are higher, but its ecommerce-specific tools are unmatched. WooCommerce is cheaper but requires technical know-how and separate hosting. Shopify’s all-in-one platform, seamless POS, and global selling features justify the cost for serious sellers.

Ready to Launch Your Shopify Store?

Now that you know how much Shopify costs and what each Shopify pricing plan offers, it’s time to take action. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a global brand, Shopify has a plan to fuel your growth. Start with the 3-day free trial, snag the $1/month deal, and build your dream store today.

Don’t let Shopify prices scare you—investing in the right plan is like hiring a 24/7 business partner. Got questions about Shopify subscription plans or need help choosing? Drop a comment below or contact Shopify’s 24/7 support. Your ecommerce empire awaits!

Banking Then and Now

Not so long ago, opening a bank account was a bit of a headache. You had to take time off work, drive to a branch, pick a number, wait in line, and then sit across from a banker filling out forms by hand. You probably remember the endless signatures, photocopies of your ID, and the polite but time-consuming process of  just a few more minutes.

Fast forward to today, and the picture looks completely different. In 2025, opening a bank account is something you can do without ever stepping foot in a branch. You can be sitting in your kitchen with a laptop or lying in bed with your phone, and in less than fifteen minutes you’ll have a fully functioning bank account. What used to feel like a big, formal step is now almost as simple as signing up for a new email address.

This shift isn’t just about convenience. It’s about how technology has reshaped banking. Digital-first banks don’t need expensive branch networks, so they save money and pass those savings to you through lower fees and higher interest on your savings. They’ve also built apps that make money management part of your daily life instead of something you only think about once a month.

Why More People Are Choosing Online Banking

There’s a reason why millions of people have moved away from traditional banking. Online accounts often give you perks that brick-and-mortar banks don’t. Imagine getting a notification on your phone the second you swipe your card, or seeing your monthly spending neatly broken down into categories like groceries, entertainment, and travel without having to keep receipts.

Many online banks also drop the kind of fees people hate most. Monthly maintenance charges, overdraft penalties, and minimum balance requirements are being replaced by customer-friendly policies. And because everything runs through an app, you can pay bills, transfer money, or set up automatic savings goals anytime, day or night.

For frequent travelers or international workers, some online banks even go a step further by offering global ATM fee reimbursements or fair currency exchange rates. A decade ago, these were perks reserved for premium accounts. Today, they’re becoming standard features.

Choosing the Right Kind of Account

Before you hit the  apply now  button, it’s important to think about what kind of account makes sense for you. If you want to pay bills, get your salary, and use a debit card for daily purchases, then a checking account is the foundation you need. If your goal is to put money aside and watch it grow, then a savings account is the natural choice. Many people find it useful to open both, creating a simple system where one account is for spending and the other for saving.

For couples or families, joint accounts are still very common, and online banks have made them even easier to manage, often allowing both partners to see real-time updates from their phones. Freelancers and small business owners, meanwhile, can open business accounts online too, giving them tools to track income, send invoices, and even handle taxes more smoothly.

The Online Account Opening Experience

So how does the process actually feel when you’re doing it? It’s much simpler than most people expect. You start by choosing a bank and heading to their website or downloading their app. From there, you’ll fill out a short digital form with your name, date of birth, address, and a few other personal details.

The bank will then need to verify your identity. In the past, this might have meant mailing copies of documents or visiting a branch. Now, it usually means uploading a photo of your passport or driver’s license, and sometimes taking a quick selfie video to prove you’re the same person. Advanced systems check everything in minutes, and in many cases you’ll be verified instantly.

Once that’s done, you’ll be asked to fund the account. This step is straightforward. You can link an existing bank account and transfer money in, use a debit card, or even deposit a check by snapping a picture of it with your phone. Some online banks allow you to open an account with as little as one dollar, while others ask for a slightly higher starting balance, but it’s almost always affordable.

Finally, you’ll set up your online access. This is where you create your login details, add extra layers of security like two-factor authentication, and download the bank’s app. From that moment on, your account is live and ready to use.

Features That Make Online Banking Stand Out

The real beauty of online banking is the experience after you’ve opened the account. The apps aren’t just places to check your balance—they’ve become full financial dashboards.

Imagine you buy groceries at your local store. Instantly, your phone buzzes with a notification that tells you how much you spent, where you spent it, and what category it falls into. At the end of the week, you can open the app and see a clean chart showing that maybe 30% of your budget went to food, 20% to entertainment, and 10% to transportation.

Many banks also include automatic savings tools. Every time you make a purchase, the app can round it up to the nearest dollar and move the spare change into your savings. Over time, those small amounts add up. Some banks even give you early access to your paycheck—up to two days before it would normally hit your account.

For the tech-savvy, certain online banks now offer integration with cryptocurrency wallets or investment platforms. Others make international money transfers cheap and fast, which is a game-changer for people who work abroad or send money home to their families.

What to Keep in Mind When Picking a Bank

Of course, not all banks are equal, and this is where doing your homework matters. Security should always be your first concern. Make sure the bank is insured by the FDIC in the United States or by an equivalent authority in your own country. That way, even in the unlikely event the bank fails, your money is protected.

Fees are another area to pay attention to. A bank that advertises itself as  free  may still have hidden charges buried in the fine print—things like overdraft fees, paper statement charges, or limits on international transactions. ATM access is also worth considering, since you’ll want a bank that won’t nickel-and-dime you when you need cash.

Finally, think about customer service. Even the best apps can’t solve every problem, and there may come a time when you need to talk to a real human. The best online banks offer responsive support through live chat or even 24/7 hotlines.

The New Normal: Banking on Your Terms

The biggest change online banking has brought is freedom. You don’t have to arrange your schedule around branch hours anymore. You don’t have to wait days for checks to clear. And you don’t have to treat money management as a stressful, complicated task. Instead, it’s become something quick, natural, and even empowering.

For many people, opening an account online is their first step toward better financial habits. Once you see how easy it is to track your spending, set goals, and watch your savings grow, you start to feel more in control. And that’s really the point—banking that works for your life, not the other way around.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been putting off opening a bank account because you think it’s going to be complicated or time-consuming, 2025 is the year to let go of that fear. The process today is fast, secure, and designed to fit into your lifestyle. Whether you’re in the United States, Canada, Europe, or anywhere else, chances are you can open a fully verified account in less than half an hour without leaving your home.

What used to be a chore has become one of the simplest things you can do for your financial future. And once you experience the convenience of online banking, you’ll probably wonder why you ever wasted time standing in line at a branch in the first place.

If you own a limited liability company (LLC) and need funding, understanding llc loans can help you find the right financing to grow your business. Whether you’re looking for an llc business loan, llc startup loan, or llc small business loan, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—from what LLC loans are to how to apply and alternative funding options.

What Is an LLC Loan?

An LLC loan is a type of business loan tailored for limited liability companies. While lenders don’t usually have strict rules based on your business structure, LLC loans are designed to help fund startup costs, working capital, equipment purchases, expansion, and refinancing.

You can get LLC loans from banks, credit unions, online lenders, and SBA programs. These loans work like any other business loan, where you receive a lump sum or a line of credit, repayable with interest over time. Some loans require collateral (secured loans), while others don’t (unsecured loans).

How an LLC Loan Works

Once approved, lenders will provide funds either as a lump sum or a credit line. You’ll repay the loan with fixed or variable interest rates, making payments monthly, weekly, or as agreed.

Important: Most LLC loans require a personal guarantee, meaning you’re personally responsible if the business can’t repay. This can affect your personal assets, so understand the risks before signing.

Best LLC Loan Options

These options vary by loan amount, credit score requirements, and business age. SBA loans offer great terms but take longer to fund, while online lenders provide faster access with more flexible requirements.

How to Get an LLC Business Loan?

1. Review Loan Requirements

Most lenders want to see a personal credit score of 600-700+, at least several months to a couple of years in business, and proof of steady revenue. New LLCs might qualify for loans relying more on personal credit.

2. Choose the Right Loan Type

Decide if you need a term loan, line of credit, SBA loan, or equipment financing. Your funding goals and timeline will guide this choice.

3. Compare Lenders

Banks and credit unions offer the best rates but have strict requirements. Online lenders fund quickly but may charge higher interest. Always check reviews and avoid lenders promising guaranteed approval or no credit checks.

4. Gather Documentation

Prepare your EIN, LLC formation documents, tax returns, bank statements, and financial statements. Having everything ready speeds up approval.

5. Apply and Review Terms

Submit your application online or in person. Once approved, carefully review loan terms before signing.

Alternatives to LLC Loans

If you don’t qualify or want other options, consider:

• Small-business grants: Free money but competitive and time-consuming to apply.
• Personal loans: Use your credit but risk personal assets.
• Business credit cards: Useful for short-term expenses or 0% intro APR offers.
• Crowdfunding: Raise money without debt but requires marketing effort.
• Loans from family and friends: Flexible but should be formalized in writing.

Final Thoughts

Getting an llc loan involves understanding your business needs, credit profile, and loan options. Whether you’re after an llc startup loan or a small business loan for an established LLC, preparing well and comparing lenders can help you secure the funding you need.

As a construction project manager, I’ve learned that managing a building project is like juggling flaming torches—one wrong move, and everything could go up in smoke. Over the years, I’ve faced countless challenges: tight deadlines, budget pressures, coordinating teams, and keeping clients happy. But one thing I can’t stress enough is the importance of having builders risk insurance. Let me tell you why.

What Is Builders Risk Insurance? My Experience

Early in my career, I was managing a mid-sized commercial building project. We had everything planned meticulously—schedules, budgets, subcontractors lined up, and materials ordered. But one day, a sudden storm caused significant damage to the partially built structure. Without builders risk insurance, the cost of repairs would have come straight out of our budget, threatening the entire project’s viability.

Builders risk insurance is a specialized coverage designed to protect buildings under construction from risks like fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage. It covers the structure itself, materials on-site or in transit, and sometimes even temporary structures like scaffolding. For me, this coverage was a lifesaver—it meant the financial burden of unexpected damages didn’t derail the project.

Why Every Project Manager Needs Builders Risk Coverage

As a project manager, one of my key responsibilities is risk management. That means identifying potential risks and putting contingency plans in place to keep the project on track. Builders risk insurance is a critical part of that strategy. It protects the project’s financial health by covering losses that could otherwise cause costly delays or budget overruns.

From my experience, here are some reasons why builders risk insurance is non-negotiable:

• Protects your investment: Construction projects often involve millions of dollars. Builders risk coverage safeguards that investment against unforeseen events.
• Covers materials and equipment: Not just the building, but also materials stored on-site or in transit are protected.
• Required by lenders and contracts: Many financing agreements and contracts mandate builders risk insurance before work begins.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that the project is insured lets you focus on managing timelines and quality without constant worry about what might go wrong.

How Much Does Builders Risk Insurance Cost?

When I first looked into builders risk insurance, I was surprised at how variable the cost could be. The premium depends on several factors:

• The total value of the project
• Location and associated risks (like weather or crime)
• Duration of the construction
• Coverage limits and deductibles

Generally, builders risk insurance costs about 1% to 4% of the total construction value. For example, on a $1 million project, you might pay between $10,000 and $40,000 for coverage. While that might seem like a lot upfront, it’s a small price compared to the potential losses from damage or theft.

How I Manage Builders Risk Insurance on Projects?

Managing builders risk insurance is part of my broader role, which includes planning, budgeting, and risk mitigation. Here’s how I approach it:

• Early assessment: During project planning, I assess insurance needs and consult with brokers to get quotes.
• Clear communication: I keep clients, lenders, and contractors informed about coverage and requirements.
• Policy review: I carefully review policy terms to ensure all project phases and materials are covered.
• Ongoing monitoring: Construction sites change daily, so I regularly check that coverage matches current risks.
• Claims management: If an incident occurs, I coordinate with insurers and contractors to process claims quickly and minimize delays.

Final Thoughts

For anyone managing a construction project, builders risk insurance is not just another checkbox—it’s a vital tool that protects your project from unpredictable setbacks. From my years on the job, I can say that having the right builders risk coverage has saved projects from financial disaster, kept timelines intact, and helped maintain client trust.

If you’re gearing up for a build, don’t overlook this essential insurance. Talk to your insurance provider early, understand your coverage options, and factor it into your project budget. It’s one of the smartest moves you can make as a project manager to ensure your construction journey is as smooth and successful as possible.

Are you wondering, “Are donations tax deductible?” or “How do tax deductible donations work?” If you’ve ever given to a charity and asked yourself whether you can claim a charity tax deduction, you’re not alone. Many people want to help good causes but also want to understand how their generosity affects their taxes. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about charitable donation tax deductions in simple terms, so you can give confidently and keep more of your hard-earned money.

What Is a Charity Tax Deduction?

A charity tax deduction is a way the IRS encourages people in the U.S. to donate to nonprofit organizations by allowing donors to deduct some or all of their contributions from their taxable income. This means if you donate $500 to a qualified charity, you might reduce your taxable income by that amount, lowering the taxes you owe.

But not all donations qualify, and the rules can be tricky. The good news? Understanding how donation tax deductions work can help you maximize your benefits while supporting causes you care about.

Are Donations Tax Deductible? The Basics

The short answer: Yes, donations to qualified charities are generally tax deductible, but there are some important details:

• You must donate to a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS.
• You need to keep receipts or written acknowledgment from the charity for donations over $250.
• Only donations made voluntarily and without receiving anything in return qualify.
• You can deduct cash donations, property, and sometimes even mileage if you volunteer.

If you’re using tax software or working with a tax professional, they will ask if you made any charity donation tax deductions to help calculate your return.

How Do Tax Deductible Donations Work?

Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to claim your charitable donation tax deduction:

1. Keep Records: Save receipts, bank statements, or letters from the charity. For donations over $250, you’ll need a written acknowledgment.
2. Itemize Deductions: You must itemize your deductions on Schedule A of your tax return to claim charitable donations. If you take the standard deduction, you won’t benefit from the donation deduction.
3. Calculate Your Deduction: Add up all your qualifying donations for the year.
4. Report on Your Tax Return: Enter the total on your Schedule A form. This reduces your taxable income, potentially lowering your tax bill.

For example, if your taxable income is $50,000 and you donated $2,000 to charity, your taxable income might drop to $48,000, depending on other deductions.

Are Donations Taxable?

Most donations themselves are not taxable income to you. Instead, they can reduce your taxable income through deductions. However, if you receive something in return for your donation (like a raffle prize or a dinner ticket), the value of that benefit may reduce your deductible amount.

Tips for Maximizing Your Donation Tax Deduction

• Donate to IRS-qualified charities: Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to verify a charity’s status.
• Keep detailed records: Always get receipts or written confirmations.
• Consider bunching donations: If your total donations are close to the standard deduction, consider giving more in one year to itemize deductions.
• Use donation platforms wisely: Platforms like GoFundMe or Benevity often provide tax receipts automatically.
• Consult a tax professional: Especially if you donate property or large sums.

Final Thoughts

Giving to charity is a powerful way to make a difference—and with charity tax deductions, it can also help you save money on your taxes. By understanding how charitable donation tax deductions work, you can plan your giving strategically and enjoy the benefits come tax season.