Distance learning comes with this attractive label known as flexibility. And when acquiring education becomes a little easier, especially in terms of time, everyone loves to be a part of it. But not all distance learning programs offer you with complete autonomy, it largely depends on what kind of course you enroll for.

Every person opting for a distance learning course has their own reasons, some might be getting back to studies, some might find it convenient rather than moving to a new place or some people might have a job they can't leave. Whatever the case entails, this little trick of making a choice should be aced to gain an advantageous educational experience.

Here are the types of distance learning programs which will help you make a feasible decision if you are planning to enroll for one.

Blended or Hybrid Programs
In such programs the students are expected to attend classes on campus on certain occasions or have an online interactive session at fixed times. They may have a comparatively better amount of freedom while scaling the deadlines. Such programs can be beneficial for individuals who need to have their queries addressed and require some regular interaction with the teachers for guidance and counseling.

Open Schedule Programs
These programs come with the maximum flexibility. The students are provided with study materials like books, DVDs, audio books, etc. to assist them in studying and for completing the coursework at their own pace. This obviously has a schedule but the students are not required to report in the college or have mandatory online meetings. This can be a great option for people with full time jobs, or for people who are geographically located in a different place.

Online Programs
Like the name suggests online programs involves the students to log into the school system, so that they can access all the information that is uploaded. This can also include a live chat, frequent group interactions and activities. You can start a discussion thread and easily connect to your teachers as well as fellow classmates at any time of the day. The flexibility here mainly revolves around the fact that you don't have to be a part of a traditional classroom setup. Although depending on your tutor and course conditions you will have to make submissions at a prescribed deadline. If you are enrolling for an online distance learning program, then you might have to reorganize your routine, to dedicate a fixed time for online lectures and discussions.

The electricity rates have been surging since the past decade. However, have you ever wondered what’s the reason behind these skyrocketing energy bills every month? Not one but multiple causes are responsible for influencing the electricity rates. Moreover, these determinants are highly erratic and their effect keeps transitioning across states. Here are the four key factors that decide the electricity rates for your home.

• Power plants - Each power plant is based in a different location and might have a unique infrastructure which automatically customizes its operating and maintenance costs. Moreover, the transmission and distribution systems that supply electricity also have separate maintenance expenses such as damage repairs caused by extreme weather or accidents.
• Climate - The demand for electricity is highly driven by the climate of the city or town. For instance, if you reside in an area with scorching temperatures, the need for cooling will be greater. Inevitably, such requirement will boost the demand for electricity as well as its prices. Conversely, areas with rainfall and snow can work with hydropower generation at a low cost. Similarly, if your city or town weathers strong winds, then wind power can be used to generate low-cost electricity.
• Fuel costs - The fuel costs are so unpredictable that it can even starkly fluctuate on an hourly basis. A high demand for electricity can cause a surge in the need for fuel, such as natural gas. This tends to raise the overall fuel costs, consequently increasing the electricity rates as well.
• State laws - In a few states, the government is entirely in control of the electricity rates. Whereas in others, both, state-regulated prices (for transmission and distribution) and unregulated prices (for generators) are implemented. The electricity rates will vary based on the regulations laid down by every state.

As compared to an industrial setting, expensive electricity rates are charged for residential or commercial consumption. This is because it requires more finances for distributing electricity across different locations. Conversely, industrial settings use more electricity at higher voltages which makes it easier to transport and comparatively cheaper. In most scenarios, consumers have to pay high electricity rates during the months of summer as there’s an increased demand for energy. Therefore, expensive energy sources might have to be used during this season to gratify the added demand. Currently, states such as Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Utah, and Nebraska offer some of the cheapest electricity rates in the country.

In a bid to outdo their competitors, smartphone manufacturers have to keep their customers engaged by launching amazing smartphones equipped with the latest technology. Nobody likes using outdated smartphones with outdated technology. Adhering to this inevitable and constant need for savvy smartphones in the market, the formidable tech giant, Google, has decided to give its signature smartphone, the Google Pixel 2, a much-needed facelift. Google is launching its latest flagship model, Google Pixel 3 on October 18, 2018. If you aren’t sure whether you want to ditch your old phone for the smartest phone out there, here are some reasons that will help you rationalize your desire to own the newest smartphone on the block. Affordability Believe it or not, but the Google Pixel 3 will be the most affordable smartphones of the flagship models that Google has manufactured to date. Moreover, when you compare the cost of Google Pixel 3 with the other top-tier phones like the iPhone XS Max ($1,099) and the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 ($999), the Google Pixel 3, a 5.5-inch intelligent smartphone with 64GB RAM, priced at approximately $799, seems like an incredible bargain. Superior cameras The Pixel phones from Google have carved a reputation for themselves and their splendid cameras are what helped them in their endeavor. Google Pixel 3 has a 12.2 MP lens on the back, and it is easily rated as one of the best cameras of the year. The latest phone’s camera can pick the best image from the burst of images, infers colors in low-light shots, and bumps up the brightness and sharpens a digitally zoomed image; these features are known as Top Shot, Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, respectively. Perfect camera for perfect selfies Though Google Pixel 3 has a single lens in its rear-facing camera, Google has ensured getting perfect selfies won’t be a problem. Google Pixel 3 has a second lens on the front camera that allows you to capture wide-angle selfies. This means that you can get more people to fit into your frame and capture more of the background scenery. The Android Pie With Google’s Pixel 3, you will be the proud user of the latest and greatest version of the Android, the Android Pie. Moreover, you won’t have to ponder over the software updates for the next three years, as Google supports software updates from three years from the time you buy the phone.

There are a number of forms that are related to the filing of income tax for both individuals and businesses. Any individual, business, or a self-employed individual can use these tax forms for free. Tax forms based on income For any individual earning less than $62000, a special software that is offered through a partnership between a number of tax software providers and IRS is available. There are about 13 software providers who offer this free software to taxpayers. Many of them offer free state and federal return preparations as well as electronic filing services. For individuals earning more than $62000, an electronic version of the paper form is available. However, they might require the assistance of a professional to help them with the same. The free tax forms are offered by Free File, including Form 1040, Form 1040A, as well as Form 1040EZ. Every form is free if the individual has children in college or earns money through the stock market. Similarly, all the forms are free if the individual has Form 1099, Form W-2, or an EIN for the purpose of business. Filling tax forms One may understand the step-by-step process of filing income tax returns through the free tax forms. During the peak tax filing season, one can get all their queries answered through the tax software products. In order to file a tax return, one may begin with gathering all their documents, including the income statement. Business owners need to provide their employees with Form W-2 by the end of January so as to make it easier for them to file their tax returns. If one does not have their form, they may need to contact the employer and ask for the same. Those individuals who are unable to meet the April 18 deadline can use the free forms to submit for an extension. However, there is no extension to make the tax payment. One can only seek for an extension to file the return. Payment will need to be made in due time. The free tax forms are simple and convenient to use. They make the tax filing process easier and quicker. If one has only salary income, it will be very easy to file returns and professional help would not be required. Understanding how the forms work, one can manage the filing system with ease.

Sometimes, amusement is preceded by the angst of making choices and cruising falls under this category. There is a lot to consider before going on a pleasure voyage. The task of spending hours on the internet to choose the right cruise line for your purpose and taste is mostly overwhelming. But with the right choice and savvy strategies, you can have an onboard blast without having to bust your budget. So, say Ahoy and read on. Know yourself to know your cruise That's right. This secret and sacred mantra are true to every cruise journey. Are you a lone traveler or are you a family man? Are you a careless adventurer? Maybe you are a foodie. All these factors are vital considerations when it comes to choosing the right kind of ship with just the right amount of facilities and amenities you are looking for. The age of all-things-to-all-people experience' may be gone, as more and more cruise lines are coming up with specialized features for specific target audiences. For instance, a cruise with 128 single cabins won't be the right choice for couples looking for a sunset sail-away romance, nor would a Disney Cruise line with themed play spaces be the correct onboard option for families with older kids or night owls. The best personality match with the ship means the best cruise deal for you. Secrets of a budget cruise deal Do you desire to cruise on a shoe-string budget? Still looking for an upscale luxury cruise experience? It's absolutely possible as long as you know the tricks of the trade. One old trick is to go for the old timers; although an older vessel often lacks the latest splash and amenities of the younger counterpart, these can give you a rate as low as $42 a night each person. Some cruise lines offer super-short cruises throughout the entire season. Finding one of those is another great way of enjoying a grand cruise time at a lower price. Look also for a repositioning cruise as it tends to be cheaper due to its relocation and the change of route also means a higher than average time at sea as a bonus. Also, if you have a particular destination in mind, try for the voyages that take place at the beginning or end of a cruising season to get the seasonal discounts. Off-season cruises are also very cost-effective and may also have some exotic experience in store for you. Last minute cruise deal tips and strategies With access to the internet, it has become possible to enjoy last minute cruises at reasonable fares too. As a rule of thumb, the best time to find a good last minute bargain is 60-90 days before the departure of the vessel. It's imperative to keep in mind that these deals require you to be flexible with your choices as these are less likely to fetch the suite or cabin you demand. Also make sure that you look into the specifications of the offer including the port charges, service fees, and taxes carefully.

If you are a new entrepreneur raring to compete with the big daddies in the market, you have a lot on your plate. One of the most important steps to take care of as you start a business is to open a small business bank account. It will help you manage the finances and also let you maintain a higher level of professionalism when you are dealing with third-parties. Importance of a small business bank account When you open a small business bank account, you are basically separating your personal account from the bank account. This helps keep your business income and expenses separate from your personal finances. It is also important to maintain a separate bank account for the purpose of taxation in case of a company or a partnership. It will maximize your tax deduction and help manage the cash flow of the business. The bank account may also be linked to the business credit card, thereby making it easier for you to keep a track of the expenses. However, as a sole proprietor, it is not mandatory for you to open a separate account for taxation purposes. In the case of a small business, you will have a number of deposits and withdrawals made from time to time. As such, you may go for additional services like merchant facilities and debit cards to make it easier for you to transact seamlessly. There are several reasons why a business account is best for you. First of all, the interest rates on the account are high as compared to other accounts. In addition, the account comes with a business loan, overdraft account, and credit card facilities. Things to consider before opening a business bank account Remember to consider the size and type of your business before you make a decision to open an account. Go through the features offered by different banks and the fees charged by them for the same. Learn about the flexibility of the bank policies, its branches, online banking facilities, and the size of its network. Once you have shortlisted a few banks, always choose the one that offers the highest interest rate and has the lowest fees with regard to transactions. The account will help you meet the requirements of taxation laws. Even if you are a sole proprietor today and you convert the business to a partnership in the future, your small business bank account will be of use.