Deciding which computer to buy is not something you should do on impulse; after all, you are putting in good money for a product that you probably intend to use for a considerable time. Even if you have decided to go for a refurbished model, you need to do proper checks to ensure that you buy the right product and get good value for money. Here are some handy tips to remember when buying such a refurbished computer:

• Prioritize your computing needs: By this, we mean that decide what purpose you want to use the device for. Refurbished computers come with different specifications, so think about whether you want to use it for light work, for gaming, and so on. Accordingly, check the quality of the processor, graphics card, and other features.
• Find a reliable seller: There will be many flea market sellers of refurbished computers, but it is best to go for authorized refurbishers since they do proper repairs (if needed), tests, and even simple upgrades on the equipment. Manufacturer’s websites are another good places to look for the computer you want.
• Ask about the software: Find out if the computer comes with an operating system and other software. Check what application updates you would want on your computer later on. Also, check whether the software included comes with original documentation and manuals.
• Check warranties and return policies: We are talking about refurbished computers after all, so it is vital that you thoroughly check the warranty, whether there is scope for extended warranties, the exact return policy, and so on. Also, find out how long the seller needs to respond when a computer under warranty needs repairs.

What accessories, if any, are included? Many refurbished systems do not come with a monitor, so get that clarified first. Enquire about any extra peripherals, whether they are included or not. Once you know everything in detail, you will need to take into account the additional cost as well. Buying refurbished computers can be a smart idea when you want to get more value out of your purchase. However, remember to do these checks so that you know exactly what you are getting.

The rain can be a damper to all the fun activities you had planned out for the weekend. Footpaths are muddy and the sky is grey. Not the most uplifting of situations. However, the rains do let you latch on to the excuse and jump into a pair of fun rain boots. Rain boots used to be regarded as uncouth and ugly. Luckily, recent fashion trends have revamped the humble rain boot. They are now available in a variety of colors and designs as per the latest trends in fashion. Back in 1850, an entrepreneur from America named Henry Lee Norris founded the famous North British Rubber Company in Scotland. The company was primarily established to produce footwear made of rubber. Eventually, they expanded into manufacturing a variety of other items as well. When World War I broke, the British government commissioned the company to produce footwear for the troops. This footwear need to keep the soldiers' feet dry in flooded trenches. Thus, thousands of such footwear were manufactured for the troops. After the War ended, the boots became popular among the civilians of the country. The original Wellington rain boots became highly sought after amongst the elite. As time passed, these boots became everyday working boots and were mostly available in dark colors. Recently, these rain boots have undergone an overall revamping. The once lowly boots have now become highly fashionable footwear worn by people all over the world. If you are looking for a mix of style and comfort, there are different types of rain boots which are suited for people with a varying sense of style. Ankle Length Boots If you are looking for rain boots that come up just above the ankle, then you will find them in plenty of styles and colors. You can easily wear them with anything right from trousers to half-pants to shorts. They are very comfortable and keep your feet warm and dry even in heavy rains. Mid-calf Length Boots The mid-calf length boots rise above the ankles to halfway up the shank. Tucking in a pair of pencil or even skinny jeans will make you look sharp. You can also pair it up with knee-length skirts or dresses with hemlines right below the knee. Classic Wellington Boots This type of rain boots has traversed a long way since its inception. It now comes in a variety of designs and styles, but the core remains loyal to the original. They are waterproof and made of synthetic materials or rubber, which can effectively keep out the rain water. They don't let mud stick to the shoe since they were originally designed for soldiers who fought in wet trenches. Wedge Some women dislike the fact that the rain boots generally have flat soles which ruin their style statement. Thus, many designers have chosen to add height to the heels. Now you can look trendy while also being comfortable. These are the few common variants of rain boots from which you can choose the one that appeals to you most.

If getting a better handle on your financial life tops your to-do list, well, you've come to the right place. After all, everyone wants to save more, get out of debt and aspire for bigger things like asking for that well-deserved raise. Here are some tips that will put you on the right path to better money management. Make the most of your 401k. That's right before you take that big step towards your career, make the most of your 401k. Leaving your money right where it is may make sense, but if you are ready to take the money with you after comparing on options at your future employer, consider a direct rollover to a traditional IRA. It can be done with one simple step and the help of a smart broker who will walk you through the entire process over the phone. • Set up automatic bill pay: Don't pay late payment penalty fever! Simply set up automatic bill pay. You can also request your bill collectors to change their due dates to match your pay cycle. This way, you'll always have enough in the bank to cover you. • Save for a rainy day: Dipping into your savings to bail yourself out is the last thing you would want to do. Learn to keep cash stashed in the cupboard for this purpose or you might just slip right back into debt. It would be wise to have an emergency fund to cover you for three to six months. Also, save to cover your annual deductibles like health and car insurance. • Don't dip into your retirement account: At all costs, funds in your retirement account should be your last resort. If you take money from that account before you hit 59, you are liable to pay a penalty of 10%. Plus, you're putting a dent in the money available to you later in life. It simply doesn't look good. Finally, follow these steps if you lose your wallet: - Call your debit card/credit card issuers and prevent unauthorized spending. If you fail to do so until after days and before 60 days, your liability might jump to $500 in event of fraudulent activity, especially in case old debit card misuse. - File a police complaint and set up a fraud alert or identity theft alert with one of these agencies Experian, Equifax, Transunion. - Call your health insurance company and inform them too, if your health insurance card was in your wallet. - But if your social security card was in it too, consider applying for a credit freeze so that no lasting damage is done.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a health condition where one experiences a frequent urge to urinate. They also find it hard to control, leading to involuntary loss of urine. About 33 million people across the country are diagnosed with an overactive bladder, and women are more prone to the condition than men. Read on to learn about the treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder: Treatment options Besides simple home remedies, several oral treatments help manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder. The most common FDA-approved options include GEMTESA, MYRBETRIQ, and TOVIAZ. These work in different ways to relax the bladder muscles, help the bladder hold more urine, and keep it from squeezing often. If used correctly, they can reduce the frequency and urgency of going to the bathroom. Meal plans A balanced food plan can help cope with the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Patients must avoid sodas, canned juices, flavored yogurt, and ice cream. These have added sweeteners and preservatives that irritate the bladder, squeezing it and making it difficult for the muscles to relax. Instead, one can opt for fresh juices, high-protein home-cooked meals, whole grains, and fiber. Creating a meal plan makes it easy to have the ingredients ready for different recipes. If unsure, one can consult a doctor about the foods to eat and avoid. Lifestyle changes Doctors advise patients to follow an active lifestyle besides using treatments and eating the right foods. A 40-minute workout can be rewarding. One can choose a sport, go for morning or evening walks, or join a fitness club. Specific exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, helping control the urge to urinate for longer. However, strengthening the pelvic muscles can take some time, and patients must seek the advice of an expert to perform the exercises correctly. Monitor fluid intake If one starts their day late, they may drink more water in the latter half of the day, which results in a higher frequency of urination during bedtime. This is a common mistake overactive bladder patients make. However, it is essential to stay hydrated as not drinking enough water could lead to other complications. Timing fluid intake better will bring about noticeable changes in the symptoms of an overactive bladder.

Whether it's a sudden holiday plan or you have a trip planned for a long time, booking round-trip flight tickets is the best thing to do. Airfares are somewhat unpredictable and form an important part of your travel budget. Round-trip flight booking are usually cheaper, if you can do your bookings in advance. Let's have a look at how this works. Why most airlines charge more for one-way trips Airlines have different reasons to charge more for a one-way trip. Mostly, the airlines need to make up for potential losses and earn profits. Some probable reasons for airlines to charge more include:

• Booking round-trip air tickets are convenient for airlines operations management. When you book a one-way ticket, it is difficult for the airline staff to manage their schedule system. It's a practice discouraged by the airline management itself.
• Higher pricing also delivers better system management for airlines. If the cost is high, the complete effort of handling the scheduling system is profitable for them.
• A one-way ticket may offer convenience to the passengers. However, your airline is not sure of your return journey on the same flight. They charge you higher to make up for the potential losses they'll make.
• Business travelers are frequent travelers. Corporate travel means high business for airlines. This set of passengers prefers time convenience over the price of the ticket. As they form a major chunk of airlines users, the flights continue to remain expensive to use.

What to do if you are uncertain The cost of cancelling an air ticket is high. If there is a possibility of a change in your travel schedule, then don't book cheap round-trip tickets. A more workable option is to keep a tab of airfares using the Internet since frequent changes in airfares take place and you can also compare the prices of different flights and book the cheapest option. How to shop better for airfares If you are looking for a good deal on airfares, even on round-trip flights you need to follow certain steps. Keep the following in mind for cheap round-trip flights:

• Book your tickets in advance. Even if you buy tickets one month in advance, you will benefit more on round-trips airfares than on one-way tickets.
• There exists a concept of cheaper days as well. You are in for a better deal during off-peak seasons. Middle of the week is also less busy tourist days.
• Airlines always reward people for booking earlier. The more flexible you are, the better are your chances to get cheap round-trip flights fares.
• Follow an organized approach for travelling. Even if you don't know your exact travel dates, you can continue to check airfares. Subscribe to airfare alerts and visit various search sites. You will get a good deal if you book at least a month in advance.

One of the four precious gemstones, sapphires are sourced from the corundum mineral. Sapphire is a stone believed to be good for attracting blessings, abundance, and gifts. Moreover, it is also used to calm the mind, protect against negative energies, invite spiritual clarity, and strengthen intuition. These stones are most commonly known for their striking color - blue, but they also appear in other colors - purple, pink, yellow, white, and green. Sapphires - Historical glance Sapphires and sapphire jewelry are often prominently found in numerous beliefs, past and present, but they have also been used for healing rituals and astrological prophecy throughout centuries. In the earlier days, it was believed that precious gemstones, including sapphires, had virtues that would benefit man. Hence sapphires have been famously known as a gemstone with a heavenly touch. What do Sapphires look like? Blue sapphires have remained popular and come in various colors and types. Although sapphires are naturally formed, they can possess certain flaws and inclusions. But these flaws are not to be taken as a drawback. These inclusions prove that the gemstone is genuine and unique, making them a good choice for jewelry. Moreover, in most cases, flawless sapphires are lab-created. Sapphires - What are they made of? Naturally formed Sapphires Sapphires are gemstones with origins in the mineral corundum - a crystallized form of aluminum oxide. Corundum usually forms in crystalline rocks containing different types of gemstones, according to other minerals present during its formation. This amalgamation then works together over thousand years to produce rare, beautiful, coveted gemstones such as sapphires. Lab-created sapphires While natural sapphires may take thousands of years to form correctly, technological advancement has led to the formation of sapphires much faster. These lab-created sapphires are formed from synthetic forms of corundum. Since natural and lab-created ones are extracted from the same mineral, the lab-created ones are similar to their visual appearance and hardness counterparts. However, lab-created sapphires are cheaper due to their faster creation and reduced rarity. The top 4 factors to be considered while buying sapphire jewelry: When purchasing sapphire jewelry, one must look at various factors. Some of these include: Color The most important factor during the buying process is the color of the sapphire. However, one must also check for the measurements of hue, saturation, and tone to ensure the gemstones are not colorless, dull, or gray. Hue The hue of a sapphire usually describes the gemstone's balance of color. For instance, in blue sapphires, one can call it an intense purple, slight purple, slight green, or strong green. Furthermore, the closer one gets to the "true" blue, the more expensive the gemstone gets. Tone and saturation The tone of the sapphire describes how light or dark the stone is. This may range from very light to very dark. If one wishes to choose a sapphire, the medium to the dark range is the best choice as the look of the lighter sapphires is more watered down. Finally, the saturation tells the vibrancy of the color - ranging from weak/dull to vivid. Hence, it's important to remember that the most desired sapphires will possess a highly saturated and vivid color without any areas of brown or gray. How to buy a suitable Sapphire - Which type to choose? When most people hear sapphire, the extremely popular blue comes to mind. But the stone does come in different colors, and the price of this precious gemstone often depends upon its color. Hence, here are some of the types of sapphires to choose from. Blue Sapphire One of the most desired and popular colors (in sapphires), blue, is mined in various locations, and the different environments produce varied results. For instance, some countries are known for some of the clearest cornflower blue sapphires, and others are famous for producing lighter green ones. This type of sapphire comes in a range of blue shades and is known to be one of the finest precious gems in the world. Some blue sapphires are teal sapphire, Ice blue sapphire, and corn blue sapphire. White Sapphire White sapphires are known to be colorless and contain no trace elements. This precious gemstone is extremely rare; most lab-created ones have removed traces. White stands for joy, purity, and mental clarity and can be bought as an excellent alternative to a diamond engagement ring. Pink Sapphire Pink or red sapphires are the perfect choices for romantics, as the stones symbolize love and compassion. Earlier, pink sapphires were a rare find, but due to a large deposit, this gemstone has become incredibly popular. The colors of the stone can range from pastel pink to hot pink, and the more intense ones have only grown in the form of sapphire jewelry pieces. Conclusion Buying a Sapphire involves fewer technicalities than buying a Diamond, as the latter is sought-after for its brilliance, while the former is treasured for its color. Unlike diamonds, sapphires and other gemstones do not have a grading standard due to their variety in colors and characteristics. With so many different types of sapphires available, one can choose the best according to their personality, the stone's meaning, and color.