What’s preventing you from starting a business?

If you’re anything like most aspiring entrepreneurs in the United States, it’s not a lack of ideas that’s holding you back. It’s a lack of adequate capital to start and run a business. In a recent survey, 42 percent of respondents said they lacked enough money to fund their business ideas.

This begs the question, how much does starting a business really cost?

If you’re thinking of setting up a business but don’t know how much money you need, this article is for you. Read on to learn about the average cost of starting a small business in the U.S.

The Average Cost of Starting a Business

While every business has unique capital needs, the Small Business Administration notes that the average cost of starting a microbusiness is $3,000. A home-based franchise will set you back anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.

That being said, there are several factors that will influence your startup costs. They include:

The Nature of the Business You’re Starting

Generally, there are three kinds of businesses you can start:

• A brick-and-mortar business
• An online business
• A home-based business.

A brick-and-mortar is the costliest business to start of the three. Among other things, you need to rent or buy a commercial space, which can cost thousands of dollars.

With an online business, you eliminate the expenses that come with renting and operating a physical space. Building a decent ecommerce or business website isn’t as costly as renting a commercial space.

A home-based business falls between a brick-and-mortar business and an online business in terms of startup costs. Since you’re starting the business from your home, the need to rent a space doesn’t exist.

Does the Business Need Permits and Licenses?

Every business needs a general business license issued by the state in order to operate. However, there are businesses that need more specialized licenses.

For example, if you’re starting a food service business, you need a general business license, as well as a food service license.

The cost of getting a business license isn’t typically prohibitive, but it can add up to your startup costs.

So, if you’re starting a business in an industry that’s heavily regulated, expect to need more money.

The Need for Expert Services During Startup

It’s possible to start a small business entirely on your own. However, depending on the nature of the business you want to start, you might need to get some professional help.

For example, you might want to hire a business attorney to help you with business registration or incorporation paperwork. You may want to hire a small business consultant to help you write a business plan. Or, you may want to work with a branding specialist like Alexandra Watkins.

Expert services cost money, so if you need the help of a professional at any stage during startup, expect your costs to be higher.

Starting a Business Needn’t Be Out of Your Financial Reach

The cost of starting a business varies depending on a number of factors, including the nature and size of the business. On average, though, expect to spend about $3,000. Drawing a business plan before starting a business is an ideal way to get an estimate of your startup costs.

Explore our blog for more small business tips and advice.

Are you struggling with deciding between a skilled nursing facility vs nursing home for your elderly loved one?

There comes a time when your loved one might not be able to age in place and instead, need the help of a medical professional to care for them on a full-time basis. When this time comes, you will likely need to choose between a skilled nursing facility and a nursing home. 

Making the best decision can be difficult if you are not sure what type of care your loved one needs. If you are wondering about the difference between a skilled nursing facility and a nursing home, this short and simple guide is for you. 

What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?

Before you can make a decision, you need to know the skilled nursing facility definition. 

In short, this type of facility offers a high level of medical assistance to those who need short or long-term care. In skilled nursing care facilities, you will find registered nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, and more. 

If your loved one needs rehab from an injury or illness, they might need a skilled nursing facility.  

What Is a Nursing Home?

To make a decision, you also need to know what a nursing home is. 

In a nursing home, your loved one will have assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, eating, taking medications, and more. They will also have the opportunity to participate in exercise classes, scenic tours, arts and crafts, and other hobbies. 

Nursing home staff can also give basic medical care to patients, usually under the supervision of a registered nurse. 

What Are the Differences?

There are several differences between skilled nursing care and a nursing home. 

Typically, a skilled nursing facility is for those with serious medical needs while a nursing home is for those who need daily living assistance. While Medicare insurance will usually cover a skilled nursing facility, it might not do the same for a nursing home. A stay at a nursing home is typically long-term while a skilled nursing facility can be short or long-term. 

What Is the Best Option?

Choosing the best option for your loved one depends on the medical situation they are in. One of the best ways to decide is to talk to your loved one’s doctor and medical team. You can learn more about choosing a skilled nursing facility here.

Skilled Nursing Facility vs Nursing Home: These Are the Differences

If you are trying to decide between a skilled nursing facility vs nursing home, this guide is for you. 

By reading this guide, you will learn what a skilled nursing facility is and what a nursing home is. You will also learn the main differences between the two types of facilities. Ultimately, you will learn how to determine the best option for you and your loved one.

Read this guide to determine the best way to meet your elderly loved one’s needs.  

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on relationships, beauty, travel, and more. 

Do you need work done on your teeth, but you don’t have dental insurance? Well, there are many ways to receive affordable dental care, and several low-cost options to choose from. If you don’t know where to look to find inexpensive dental procedures, this guide has you covered.

If you’re curious to learn about how to get dental care with no insurance, just keep reading.

Dental School

Perhaps one of the best options for affordable oral care, when you don’t have dental insurance, is a dental school. Dental schools allow students that are practicing to become dentists to get hands-on experience. The great thing about this option is that dental services are drastically discounted.

You should go to a dental school when you need oral care beyond teeth cleaning. So, if you require an extraction or a root canal, you can get those procedures for half the cost.

Also, you don’t have to be afraid of a student working on your mouth. They are always supervised by a licensed dentist that knows what they’re doing. Not only that, but you can ensure that the treatment is done by the book.

Visit the Commission on Dental Accreditation to find a trustworthy school.

Free Dental Clinic

There are many charities and faith-based organizations that provide medical and dental services to their community. To obtain an appointment for dental care at a free clinic, you may have to get on a long waiting list.

Not only that, but sometimes there are income shutdowns that prevent the clinic from further operating until they receive more funding. Although this option is a bit tricky, if you can get in and get free dental care, it’s worth a shot.

Non-Profit Clinic

There are also other types of options for individuals who don’t have dental insurance. Some cities offer no-cost dental services for low-income families. The clinic is usually operated by volunteer dentists who provide a variety of dental procedures for free.

Some of these clinics partner with organizations like the United Way.

Government Provided Dental Care

If you are someone who is unemployed or works part-time, check to see if your family can get Medicaid coverage. You should also try and get your kids on the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

In most states, Medicaid doesn’t charge a premium, but it provides full dental care for children up to the age of 19. Also, your particular state might also offer limited dental benefits through Medicaid.

Groupon

Believe it or not, you can also find low-cost dental care on Groupon. If you don’t require a major procedure like a root canal or filling, many dental offices provide teeth cleaning at a discounted rate.

For instance, you could buy a Groupon for $45 for one teeth cleaning session. That’s an amazing deal if you don’t have dental insurance. Even if you want your teeth whitened, there are some dental offices that will provide whitening treatment at a discount.

So, look through Groupon in your local area to see if there are any affordable dentists close by.

A Payment Plan

Most dentists have caught on to the fact that a lot of people don’t have dental insurance. That’s why some dental offices offer payment plans. Either they’ll allow in-house installments or direct you to a third party that they are partnered with.

Lots of dental offices connect with credit providers that will handle loan installments for dental work. For instance, if you want Invisalign or veneers, you can get a loan for a certain amount and pay for the dental work in installments.

Try DIY Methods

Some dental procedures can be done at home. For example, if you want your teeth professionally whitened, but you don’t have dental insurance, try over-the-counter whitening first. You might find that a store-bought whitening kit works just fine.

There are even laser whitening kits that you can find in stores or online that generally provide better results than whitening strips.

Take Care of Your Teeth

You can avoid the dentist by taking care of your teeth. Be careful when eating certain foods, and don’t use your teeth to open miscellaneous objects.

Be sure to brush and floss regularly. By taking care of your teeth, you reduce the chances of gum disease and cavities. This is a preventative technique that’ll ensure that you don’t require extensive dental work.

The only procedures you’ll need are routine cleanings—which you can find for a fairly affordable price.

Private Dentist

There are dentists who are willing to provide free services for individuals who require dental care. Some dental offices might even bring in a few patients per year to give them no-cost services. They’ll accept referrals from other dentists who want to help patients that can’t afford oral procedures.

Even if you have a dentist that you’ve been seeing for many years, be honest with them about your financial situation. If you need an extensive oral procedure that’s too costly, let them know. They may have connections with free dentists or are aware of programs that you can take advantage of for low-cost dental care.

To find dental financing and payment options, follow this link: http://www.boisedentist.com/dental-financing-and-payment-options/i-have-no-dental-insurance/.

Oral Care Without Dental Insurance

Sometimes it’s hard to find affordable dental insurance, which is why some people opt against it. However, if you ever need dental care, try the options above. 

Did you enjoy reading this article? If you did, consider browsing more of our website and visiting our blog regularly.

It’s no secret that having a kid will cost you. Sleepless nights, countless gray hairs, and, of course, cold hard cash. Yes, having a child is expensive—some estimates put the amount you’ll spend by the time your kid turns 18 at close to $300,000.

But, of course, there are ways and means of cutting costs here and there. Medical and dental expenses can add up to be two of the biggest costs you’ll end up having for your children. Kid’s dental care can be expensive, but it is possible to make savings—if you’re smart.

Want to learn how? Read on to find out three easy ways to save money on your kid’s dental bills today.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Of course, it costs money to take your kid to the dentist. However, this is one of the best ways to ensure you catch issues early before they turn into costly problems. Taking your child to the dentist once a year will mean that you’ll stay on top of their oral health, which should mitigate any big and expensive surprises you’re likely to have.

In a similar vein, you should also take your child to the hygienist regularly. Making sure they’re having their teeth cleaned will help to prevent issues such as plaque build-up which can cause cavities. And, of course, you should ensure they are brushing twice a day and avoiding drinking too many juices and sugary drinks.

2. Go to a Dental School

If you’d like to have your kid’s dental work carried out for a fraction of the usual cost, one trick you can try is to go to a dental school, rather than your regular dentist. Here, because it is dentists-in-training working on patients, the costs are reduced by an impressive amount.

If you’re nervous about an unqualified trainee performing dental work on your kid, this is understandable. However, you should be aware that all work of this manner is carried out under the watchful eye of a fully qualified dentist, ready to step in should the need arise.

3. Talk to Your Dentist

If you’d like to figure out a way to make some savings, it can be worth just having a conversation with your local pediatric dentist. Oftentimes, they will be able to offer special payment plans so that you can pay in installments. They might also offer a discount if you agree to pay in cash.

You can also speak with them to see which treatments are necessary, and which could possibly be put off until later. Be open and honest with them, and you have a chance of finding a solution that works for everyone.

Slashing Your Kid’s Dental Hygiene Costs

Kid’s dental treatments are a necessary part of life, essential to keep our children healthy and happy. Unfortunately, they can be expensive. Especially for those who aren’t lucky enough to be on an employer’s dental plan.

Follow the above tips to find your very own dental discounts. For more thrifty hints, check out the rest of the blog!

Shopping for insurance isn’t something most people look forward to. While this is true, it is a necessity for most families.

Even though time may be limited when it comes to choosing a health insurance plan, if you rush and pick the wrong one, it may cost you – a lot – in the long run.

While this is true, there are some tips you can use to help you find and select the right plan for you and your family. Keep reading to learn what those tips are.

Figure Out the Type of Policy You Need

You can find health insurance plans in different variants. Each variant offers a unique type of coverage.

This means it’s up to you to find the right policy for your family. Some of the most common health plans that are available include:

Individual Health Plans

If you are single with no kids, an individual health plan may be ideal. It is considered an indemnity health insurance plan, and claims are only paid for hospital-related expenses.

Family Floater Plans

With a family floater plan, all members of your family are covered for a single price. This policy offers umbrella coverage and allows each person to claim the max amount covered.

Senior Citizen Plans

For individuals over the age of 60, this plan may be ideal. It typically covers services seniors require, such as pre-existing diseases, outpatient treatment, and more.

Disease-Specific Plans

If you or someone in your family has a specific illness, a disease-specific plan may be needed. This includes things like COVID, heart problems, and others.

Coverage Considerations

It’s important to choose the health insurance that offers coverage for many problems and needs. For example, choose a plan that your family doctor and family dentist accept.

Also, consider if the policy covers pre-and post-hospitalization costs, transportation costs, daycare costs, and more. If you are buying the policy for your entire family, be sure it meets the needs of each person.

You also need to find out if the plan will provide coverage at healthcare facilities nearby.

Figure Out When and Where to Enroll

Depending on where you live, you can use different sites to purchase your insurance.

For example, the District of Columbia and 12 states have their own exchange. You can also shop for policies during the federal exchange’s open enrollment period, which lasts until mid-December.

If you live in a state with its own marketplace, you will likely have more time to shop and buy.

Compare the Options

Your out-of-pocket costs will be lower if you can go to an in-network doctor. That’s because insurance companies work with in-network providers to reduce rates.

If you go out of network, the doctors don’t have any pre-established rates. This means you have to cover the higher costs.

For situations where you already have a preferred doctor, you want to continue to see, be sure they are listed in the provider directory for the plan you are considering. You can also speak to your doctor to see if they take the plan you are thinking about buying.

In situations where you don’t have a preferred doctor, try to find a plan with a large network. This is going to give you more choices.

Bigger networks are also important if you live in rural areas. It will be easier for you to find a local healthcare provider who will accept your plan.

If you find a plan that doesn’t offer local, in-network doctors, then eliminate these.

Look for Policies with Comprehensive Coverage

As mentioned above, you need to ensure you find the right plan by finding one with the required coverage benefits. Making sure you have comprehensive coverage is essential, which will ensure all medical costs are covered.

Also, when looking at coverage benefits, make sure the ones offered to meet your requirements.

For example, if you recently got married, you should choose a plan with a maternity benefit if you plan on having kids.

Compare Plan’s Out-of-Pocket Costs

The out-of-pocket costs you are responsible for are just as important as the network you choose. The summary of benefits for a plan should be laid out and easy to understand.

The federal marketplace also provides you with summaries of costs, making it easy to compare different plans.

It’s a good idea to learn a few health insurance-related terms. Some of the most important related to out-of-pocket costs include coinsurance, copayments, and deductible.

The total amount you can spend yourself each year is limited. This maximum amount will be listed in the plan’s information section. Usually, the less your premium is, the more you will pay out of pocket.

During this step, try to find a plan that balances out-of-pocket costs with deductibles. This is going to help you avoid spending too much, regardless of your situation.

What to Know When Shopping for Insurance

When you are ready to start shopping for insurance, keep the tips and information above in mind. These will help you find the right policy and provide you with the coverage you need.

Remember, when buying a plan for you and your family, there are several factors you need to keep in mind. Knowing what to consider will help ensure you find a plan that meets your needs now and that will meet them in the future.

Are you searching for more information and guides about topics like family life, frugal living, and earning money? If so, take time to read some of the other blogs on our website.