Being a sports handicapper could put you in a pretty unique position as a sports bettor. Sports punting is pretty widespread and plenty of people all over the world bet on their favorite sports every day. Some do it casually while others have made it a way of life. Sports handicappers, though, are a cut above the rest.

The term handicapper, specific to sports betting, refers to someone who does deep analysis into sporting events in order to give themselves an advantage over the bookmakers. Pretty much anyone could become a handicapper and, whether you’d like to take it on in a professional fashion is up to you. There are both pro and amateur handicappers making bets on various sports every day. The former typically spends hours looking into figures, statistics, and just about anything that might give them an edge.

Serious handicappers take many things into account before betting on a particular event. Previous performances, injuries, player form, home and away stats, the ease or tightness of a schedule, and back-to-back games all form part of the analysis. Some even develop their own models to make this easier.

While many handicappers keep their findings to themselves, a great deal of them share their tips online. Sports analysis isn’t the only thing handicappers focus on, finding the best odds and deals could also offer the leg up. There are countless betting sites available online, with outlets like Youwager review among the most reputable.

Handicappers come in different forms. One group, referred to as “generalists,” dip into a number of sports and bet on whatever is happening at the time. But most handicappers specialize and focus on just one or two sports as it allows them to spend more time doing research.

Sports are seasonal events, with most campaigns lasting 8-9 months a year in professional leagues. Of course, this isn’t ideal for handicappers, especially if betting happens to be their chief source of income. One sport might be enough if there are off-season tournaments available. Take football, for example, you can almost always find international activity afoot after clubs break off for the summer. The World Cup comes about every four years but there’s also the Euros, which comes around every four years too but never the same year as the World Cup. Football handicappers can also get by on pre-season football, leaving them with enough to bet on while the official club season lies dormant.

You could find very profitable handicappers in both groups so it’s hard to say which group is better but specialists are likely to find more success as they could narrow their focus and concentrate on just one or two sports, which leaves them with more time to understand everything that goes into them.

Other groups will rely on data scraped by models they’ve developed themselves. While those are not foolproof, many of them are pretty accurate most of the time.

Yet another group makes their picks based on opinion. This does not mean that they simply guess – they still do the research. The difference is they prefer not to have systems guide their hands.

Handicappers take on just about every type of bet there is to make but some stick to particular types such as Money line, Over/Under, and Parlay Picks.

You might not have the time to put into handicapping yourself. Fortunately, you could make some decent money following a handicapper. Tailing a handicapper could leave you in just as great a position as the handicapper as you could take advantage of the many hours of analysis. This practice works out well for folks who, as mentioned above, simply don’t have the time. Also, they might not have the resources or know where to look, or they could just be new to betting.

There are plenty of tipsters offering free advice online but it’s worth making sure they have a winning track record. If you find one of those, they could have you ride in the green for years.

You could also find great handicapping guides online but we have a bit of advice right below that could set you on your way.

Mainly, do the research. The quicker you come to realize what you already know will get you nowhere when it comes to sports betting, the better. Every single game is different and, though anything can happen once that whistle blows, there are lots of factors leading up to any game that can give you a better chance of making the correct choice. You might decide to bet on a sport because you enjoy watching it but, once money gets involved, it pays to do your homework.

 

When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the process can take several months or even a year or more, during which time applicants may be able to recover financially in several ways. Specifically, applicants can apply for other types of support, work while complying with SSDI requirements, and seeking other sources for financial support.

This article will review each of these methods and how they can work in an SSDI applicant’s favor.

Applying for Other Types of Support

In addition to SSDI, there are other types of support programs available to individuals on a local, state, and federal level.

For example, SSDI applicants may be eligible to enroll in the Food and Nutrition Services program, i.e. food stamps, which is available via the Division of Social Services. Additionally, applicants may also be able to apply for Medicaid through the Division of Health Benefits.

Other programs may include the Department of Social Services or a local family social services office. Working with a social worker in either department may be able to help determine if an SSDI applicant qualifies for other programs.

Seek Other Resources for Financial Aid

Apart from applying for various programs, SSDI applicants may be able to identify other sources for financial assistance while their SSDI application is pending.

For example, if an individual owns a home, it may be possible to refinance or take out a home equity loan on the home. If the individual has family or friends who are capable of providing support, it’s possible to request this or accept their offer to do so.

If individuals have a life insurance plan or 401k retirement plan, they may be able to cash it out or borrow against it. Finally, local charity organizations may also be able to provide support if needed.

Work While Waiting, if Possible

It’s also possible to work while waiting for SSDI applications to go through, but there are certain conditions that applicants must meet to avoid having their application denied.

If individuals want to be able to work while filing for disability, they can do so by adhering to the program’s guidelines for eligibility. These include earning income below $1,260 per month, which is the threshold for “substantial gainful activity,” or SGA. If a person makes a higher monthly income, they may no longer qualify for SSDI.

When applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), individuals won’t be able to make a substantial income, nor will they be able to accrue other assets.

Ultimately, SSDI and other similar programs are intended for people who are unable to work, and any income could put applicants at risk for ineligibility. However, if a person can make an income level that falls below SGA, they may not be at risk. In some cases, income from employment may not impact eligibility at all, but it’s important to speak with authorities on the program about this to avoid disqualification.

Any of these sources of financial relief could help individuals if their SSDI application is currently pending, leaving them with many options in the event of a disabling injury that prevents them from working.

 

Following any type of accident causing an injury, there are several ways to go about covering the costs of the injury and other damages, including health insurance, car insurance, and personal injury claims. The following are some of the specific ways to avoid going bankrupt following a personal injury. Whether individuals are involved in car accidents or other types of accidents or incidents, these may apply to a given situation.

Health Insurance Coverage

Following an accident, it’s important for injury victims to seek medical treatment immediately if needed. Victims’ health is always a top priority over other aspects of the accident. However, major injuries and other factors can contribute to expensive medical bills that could put a financial strain on victims as they recover.

To help cover these expenses, health insurance coverage may help alleviate this financial burden and cover many costs associated with treatment and recovery. While it might not cover everything, including more extensive or cosmetic procedures, it can help significantly reduce overall costs.

Car Insurance Coverage

In addition to health insurance claims, victims may be able to file car insurance claims to help cover the damage done to their vehicle in a car accident. Repair expenses are often steep, and they can be especially costly when compounded with medical expenses. Thankfully, accident victims may be able to recover some of these costs with the help of a car insurance claim. If individuals aren’t responsible for the accident, it’s often easy to prove liability and recover compensation via an auto insurance claim. In the process, individuals can make sure their vehicles get the repairs they need without compromising their ability to recover.

Personal Injury Claims

As personal injury victims recover after a serious accident or incident, there are additional costs involved beyond those pertaining to recovery and vehicle repairs. For example, victims may miss work for an extended period of time to recover, resulting in lost wages as they are unable to earn a paycheck. Additionally, pain and suffering could cause serious emotional and physical distress that may be compensable if another party’s negligence caused the initial accident.

To recover some of these economic and non-economic damages, personal injury victims may be able to file a personal injury claim with the help of an attorney. While a lawyer can help collect evidence proving negligence and organize a case, victims can focus primarily on recovering.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

In some cases, personal injury claims may not be sufficient. If victims aren’t responsible for an accident and wish to seek damages from negligent parties whom they believe are liable, they may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. This will entail taking the case to court if the defendant refuses to pay. During the court proceedings, the defendant may be found guilty, in which case the courts may award compensation to the victim to help the victim recover. These damages may include medical expenses, damage to vehicles and other belongings, or pain and suffering that the victim experienced because of the accident and injuries.

If injury victims are worried that they may need to file bankruptcy, these sources of financial support can prevent this.

 

One way for owners of historic homes to save on Illinois property taxes is to enroll in the Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program. While rehabbing historic homes in Illinois can be a challenge that’s both costly and time-consuming, the Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program is intended to alleviate some of these costs by relieving homeowners of their tax burden.

How the Program Works

Specifically, the program works by freezing the assessed value of homes that are historic, occupied by the owner, and have served as an owner’s principal residence for at least eight years upon the owner’s decision to rehabilitate them. If the rehabilitation is approved, individuals may qualify for the program. Once a homeowner has enrolled in the program, the home’s assessed value returns to the market level over the course of four years.

The Illinois State Historic Preservation Office has made this program entirely free to homeowners throughout Illinois. Ultimately, the program effectively rewards homeowners who undertake rehabbing projects to restore historic properties.

Steps for Getting Approved

If property owners are planning on rehabbing a historic home, there are ways for them to get approved for the Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program. First, the property must meet certain conditions, including:

• The home has to be a certified historic structure. These structures either appear on the National Register of Historic Places or are designated historic structures in a community through an approved historic-preservation ordinance.
• It also must be a single-family, principal residence that the owner occupies, or it needs to be a condominium building, cooperative building, or an owner-occupied apartment complex with a maximum of six units.
• The rehabilitation needs to be over 25% of the fair market value as determined by the property’s assessor, and it must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for Rehabilitation.”

If an individual meets these criteria, they will need to take the following steps:

1. Find Out if They Qualify

Individuals can first consult the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office or their local landmark commission to find out if a historic home is considered a certified historic structure. They can then contact an assessor or look at a previous property tax bill to determine the fair market value for the property.

Additionally, individuals can figure out whether rehabilitation will cost more than 25% of the fair market value and speak with the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office to find out if the property meets their “Standards for Rehabilitation.”

2. Receive Approval for Planned Work

Property owners can request an application from the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office for the program. Before rehabilitation begins, they can complete and submit Part 1 and 2 of the application, attaching photos of the property and rehabilitation plans before construction begins. The State Historic Preservation Office can then decide whether to approve the work.

3. Have Work Approved

Following rehabilitation, individuals can submit Part 3 of the application, attaching photos of the finished project along with documentation pertaining to costs. The State Historic Preservation Office may then send a Certificate of Rehabilitation.

When buying a historic home that needs work, taking these steps can help owners save money and make rehabilitation less financially straining.

 

If you’re unsure of how online casino betting works, continue reading in order to discover a foolproof, step-by-step guide that will teach you the basics of how online casino betting works. So that you’ll be able to make smart decisions when it comes to placing bets.

Players can play for fun or place monetary bets:

Online casinos offer players two options. Players can play for fun or they can choose to play monetary bets, just like at a traditional casino. Beginners are usually advised to play a few free games for fun before they place their first bets at a new online casino. So that they know exactly what they’re doing and don’t accidentally place bets which they may regret.

Online casinos often offer high jackpots than traditional brick and mortar casinos:

You may be surprised to read that online casinos often offer much higher jackpots than traditional brick and mortar casinos. The reason for this is that most online casinos attract a far higher number of players on a daily basis. As online casinos are incredibly convenient and can be visited at any time of day and can attract international players from around the world. One online casino which is well worth visiting is 22bet.ng/casino/.

Slots have minimum bets and maximum bets:

Players who choose to play slots, get to choose how much money to bet per spin. Many players choose to bet the maximum amount, in order to win lucrative bonuses. However, players can place smaller bets, if they want to play for longer and to go through their money at a slower rate. Also keep in mind that some casinos have minimum bets, which players must reach in order to be able to cash out their bonuses. So if you don’t intend on going through a lot of spins, you may want to avoid making maximum bets.

Some online casinos allow players to bet on the results of sports matches:

Many online casinos have diversified and now allow players to be on the results of a variety of sports matches. Some sports that players can usually bet on include football, soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, and golf. If you religiously follow a particular sport, you may have the knowledge needed in order to make well-informed bets, which could win you a lot of money. Remember that the riskier your bet is, the more money that you may be able to win.

You can withdraw your winnings to an approved bank account:

Once you’ve won money, you have two choices. You can choose to keep playing and to use your winnings to make further bets. Or you can have your winnings transferred to an approved bank account. Alternatively, you can choose to spend a percentage of your winnings to a bank account and to continue playing with a small percentage of your winnings. Such as 20% of your earnings.

In conclusion, if you were curious about how betting works at online casinos, compared to traditional casinos, hopefully, you now have a clear picture of how to bet at an online casino.

 

Getting a new property is an exciting time and whilst it may be tempting to borrow the absolute most that you are able to, it is critical that you are smart with your budgeting before you apply. I was helped greatly by the team at Accelerate Mortgage when I bought my property back in 2018. Were it not for the team there then I may very well have gone about things the wrong way, and they were superb in helping me to budget properly for the mortgage which I eventually took on.

If you are considering buying a new property or your very first property then here is how you can put together a smart budget plan which will help you to then decide how much to borrow.

Problems With Poor Budgeting

The mistake which many will make is to assume that their budget will be the total amount that they have, once they have subtracted their other spends from their salary. The truth of the matter is that your budget should be around 50% of this figure. When you max out your available income like this, you restrict yourself greatly in so many areas of your life. You have to still consider savings and the risks involved with potential future problems when you are budgeting.

General Rule of Thumb

Generally speaking you should be looking at a budget for your mortgage which is going to be 28% of your pretax income. At the very most you should be considering 40% of you pretax income. Any more than this will open you up to a high level of risk. Those going for 40% should be doing so if they are in this along with a partner, so as to mitigate the risk. Many forget that whilst everything in their lives may be comfortable at the moment, this may not last. Things can change very quickly in life, job losses, divorces and even death can alter your financial situation and that is why you shouldn’t greatly expose yourself with an expensive mortgage.

Considering Your Future

As you budget it does make sense to think about your future plans. For example if you are in a career whereby you will continue to rise ups through the ranks, then you may wish to take on a little extra with regards to the mortgage. For example there are many who are working in low paid positions as they train, and are confident that once they qualify, that they will be earning a much higher salary. Also consider further plans regarding your family, if you wish to have children ini the future then that too will become a cost that you will have to incur, giving you less spending power.

The smart move here is to budget that 28% and then look to get a mortgage which you are able to overpay. This way you can commit to a larger payment each month, helping to bring down the mortgage, and if you can’t afford to overpay all of the time, you won’t have to.

Many people look forward to retirement as an opportunity to live comfortably. And for those who want to make the most out of their savings or pensions, living abroad is a common consideration. Some countries are ideal for retirees, especially when it comes to affording a simple lifestyle. But, transferring to a foreign country also means you need to transfer your source of funds. As such, you can either leave your pension fund in your home country or take the money with you.

Accessing your money while living abroad

If you leave your pension fund in your home country, you might be able to access your funds if the provider allows it. The good thing about this option is that you can take advantage of all pension schemes available in your country. Depending on the guidelines, your provider may not allow direct payment to a foreign bank account. Even if they can, there are exchange rate fees and other charges that will apply.

An alternative would be to cash in your pension and put the money in a bank account in your home country. You can then access the funds while living abroad. If you open a foreign bank account, transferring your money will be less of a hassle.

Should you transfer your pension abroad?

Having an overseas pension is another choice, as long as your pension provider allows it. You need to check if the pension scheme is qualified, and you also need to verify if taxes will apply. Similar to transferring your money, there may be fees and charges that apply. As such, the transfer could significantly diminish the amount you get when you retire.

Instead of transferring your pension directly, what you can do is consider offshore investments. Nonetheless, you need to be aware of the risks. A financial adviser can help you assess your current financial circumstances and determine if making an offshore investment is the best move for you.

Paying taxes when you transfer your pension abroad

Even if you live abroad and bring your pension fund with you, you still have tax obligations to your home country. In addition to that, you’ll also need to pay taxes in your current residence. If you live in a country with a tax agreement to your home country, it may eliminate the possibility of paying taxes twice on your pension. So, before choosing a country where you want to retire, you need to thoroughly verify tax rules and how they will affect you financially.

Getting the help you need

While planning for retirement abroad, you’ll need all the expert help you can get. There are services that specialise in helping pensioners who are considering living abroad. These services are either private or public, hence there’s no shortage of information if you exhaust all available resources.

Moreover, you can hire a fund manager or a financial adviser to take care of all the technical matters. Make sure that you choose a specialist from a reputable firm. If possible, get an adviser from your home country and one from the country where you plan to retire.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/5bYxXawHOQg

 

Drivers who are in a car accident in a rental car may face additional financial repercussions than those who are driving their own vehicle because of the additional risk the rental car company takes when renting out the vehicle. This is true even if the driver was not at fault for the accident. Taking the right precautions before and after a crash can help drivers avoid unnecessary expenses and legal implications.

Drivers Need to Consider Insurance Before Renting a Car

Insurance is critical for rental car drivers. Drivers need to have their own personal car insurance, which covers their liability in the crash. In fact, to protect themselves, many rental car companies require proof of personal car insurance before they will rent a vehicle to a driver. However, drivers may not have full coverage on their policies for damage to rental vehicles.

Most rental companies also offer loss damage waivers and collision damages waivers. These supplement the driver’s insurance company and take away the liability if the car is damaged in a crash.

Finally, credit card companies often offer insurance coverage for vehicles the cardholder rents with the coverage. This coverage varies but it can provide an additional layer of protection.

First Actions After a Crash

If a driver in a rental car is involved in a crash, the steps to take after are the same as the steps taken after a crash involving the driver’s own vehicle. First, the drivers and others involved in the crash need to make sure everyone’s medical needs are met and the appropriate emergency professionals are contacted. Drivers should share their insurance information with others involved in the crash and avoid making unnecessary statements that could imply fault.

As soon as possible, all affected parties should call their insurance providers to discuss a car accident claim. Doing this soon after the crash allows the insurance company to start collecting the data and details about the accident.

Next, the rental car driver needs to call the rental company. The rental company has a role in handling recovery, repairs, and replacement of their vehicle. They may also need to provide insurance information to the driver.

When Is the Driver Liable For Damages?

If a driver of a rental car is guilty of causing an accident, such as in the case of distracted driving and cell phone use, he or she may be liable for the accident. As long as the driver has liability insurance, he or she will not be personally liable for injury or property damage to others in the accident. However, because he or she does not own the car, he or she may have to repay the rental company for the car.

This is where car insurance coverage for rental cars is so important. Collision insurance can protect the driver from this financial responsibility, as the insurance will cover the cost to replace the vehicle. For this reason, rental car drivers are best served by checking insurance coverage before signing for a rental vehicle to ensure they will not be left with a big bill after an accident.

Everyone dreams and wants to win the lottery, don’t we?

But is anyone willing to put in the efforts that may increase the odds of winning, despite knowing how low the chances of winning are? Is anyone willing to play strategically and do as much as possible to be the winner of that lottery?

If you are willing to, then I got some news for you!

We have some big tricks for you from seasoned players that have been tested (and succeeded) so that you can be one of those winners too! Let’s see them!

Join a lottery pool

Many people believe that purchasing additional tickets can increase your odds of winning.

And while that may be true, it is not something that everyone can afford. It obviously isn’t a cheap trick and also does not guarantee a win.

Therefore, instead of playing solo, why not consider joining an existing pool or start your own pool with your friends or colleagues.

That way, you can multiply your chances of winning without investing much and while having so much fun!

A cheaper and more fun way to increasing your odds of winning – yes, please!

Strategically pick your numbers.

Let us give you some statistical tips while picking your numbers that can improve your chances of winning.

• Do not go for consecutive numbers. Try going for random numbers and make sure that the total sum of your five numbers is 104 to 176, as according to the statistics, 70% of jackpots fall in this range.
• Do not go for numbers that fall in the same group or has a similar last digit.
• Do not go for specific dates as they only go up till 31. If you have more options after these, go for those as it can improve your chances significantly.
• Once you pick a combination of numbers, stick to those numbers and don’t keep changing every time you play it. Your chances of winning the lottery with the current number are the same as any other number; why bother changing, and why not stick with the current one?
• Experienced players suggest picking unusual numbers so that you wouldn’t have to split the winnings if you win.
• According to a statistics professor at the Southern University, Dr. Min Su Kim, 20 is the most drawn red ball number over the last ten years. The next more common winning numbers are 2, 31, 35, and 37.
• Choosing numbers from all sections can increase your chances of winning!

Play second-chance games

Don’t throw away your ticket so quickly if you didn’t win it.

Hold on to that ticket!

There might be a chance that there is a bonus drawing, and you could get lucky!

Several games hold second-chance games where you can still win some prizes and cash! It might not be a big prize, but you can still stick around for a few cash or a few prizes that keep you motivated for the next game!

Pick newer games

You can check websites to see if a new game has been introduced so you can play in that one. Since they are new, they will have fresh new prizes, and you can be the first to get your hands on those! (If you get to the store the fastest, obviously!)

Games with less competition!

Think about it – a game with fewer players will automatically mean that your chances of winning are here.

For example, if there are five players, your odds of winning are 1/5. But if there are 500 players, your odds of winning are 1/500. Get it?

So why not go for small or local lotteries that have fewer customers so you can be the winner?

Obviously, the prizes won’t be as big as in the bigger competitions, but hey, your chances of winning are higher! If your priority isn’t big prizes, then this trick is definitely the one for you.

You can go to stores that have fewer customers so that you can be one of those few ones and actually have a chance of winning.

Keep checking your state’s website.

You should keep an eye on your state’s website to see what prizes have already been claimed and which ones are unclaimed so that you don’t waste your time anywhere.

If you live in Texas, a good website for you would be The Lottery Parakeet. Over here, you can find the results and get your hands on various tickets from all over the world – all at the comfort of your home.

So before you head out to purchase that ticket, make sure you check the state’s website!

Recheck your numbers, please!

People have indeed lost their million dollars’ jackpot just because they didn’t check their numbers properly and ended up thinking they lost.

Yes, that is right!

Don’t let that happen to you, please.

When the results are released, check and match the numbers one, two, three, or a hundred times to make sure if you really lost or not.

Besides, don’t be so quick to throw away your losing tickets – you can go for the second-chance games as well that many games offer.

Some additional tips from a 7-time winner

• Buy more tickets if you want to increase your probability.
• Form a lottery syndicate. You can gather money from the lottery players and have a better chance of winning.
• Look for unpopular games at odd timings. You will have less competition as well.
• Keep in mind every number in the lottery has an equal chance of being the winning number.
• Play the right games!

Leave it on luck

In the end, what we will say is keep in mind that it is a lottery game and that the probability of winning it is not so high.

So treat it like a game, don’t spend too much money on it, and don’t be disheartened if you don’t win it! You always have more chances, right?

Good luck to you all!

 

Do you want to borrow money for your wedding or car? No matter what kind of consumer loan you are looking for, you would be interested in knowing the best ways to get a consumer loan. It’s time to unlock these methods one by one.

National Banks

It’s a traditional method of borrowing money. You may already know about it. But when it’s your first time obtaining a loan, you don’t know how painful the whole procedure of getting a loan from the bank is. You will talk to a lending agent. Try to see whether you are qualified for a particular consumer loan or not. If your credit score is zero or bad, then you should save your time by not going with this conventional lending method, because banks are not flexible in their terms. Know what makes up your credit score. When you have a good credit score, you still have to go through all the hassle, but in the end, you can expect a reasonable interest rate.

Credit Union

When you like to knock for help at the door of a less-rigid financial player, you should pick a credit union. They are more flexible than banks, but again your credibility matters the most. You can’t make a good deal when your financial condition is poor. However, with your good credit score, you can have your hands on the best terms and conditions.

Online Fast-Money Lenders

People whose loan applications get rejected by banks seek refuge in the online lending market. It’s because this market quickly welcomes all borrowers despite their credibility. It means you can get a loan no matter if your credit score is good or bad. Online consumer loan providers facilitate their customers through flexible loan options. You can add ultimate convenience into your life by filling an online application and get a loan amount directly into your bank account upon approval. You won’t have to go through any hassle of traditional banking. Many personal loans and especially title loans are available with quick approval. In most cases, you can get loan approval in less than 24 hours. When you have cash emergencies, then consumer loans online are undoubtedly the best option to avail. Read complete guide about online consumer loans and find out how you can get them.

Payday Lenders

Payday lenders work online and in-store and let you borrow money quickly. However, payday loans are regarded as a bad idea by many experts; it’s because of the bad reputation of the lenders. Borrows opt for this kind of loan as he knows that his assets aren’t at risk. If he doesn’t pay back the money, then no one will come after his property. What he doesn’t realize is that payday lenders have an organized collection system. If you don’t pay back the money on your next payday, then collection agents will do anything to get back your money.

Wrap Up

You can get consumer loans not only online but also through traditional ways. However, when you want to skip the hard part of the financing, the online world certainly offers you an exceptional comfort level. You can get both secured and unsecured loans from online lenders.