DirecTV NOW Review

I ditched stellite television a couple of weeks back and substituted it with Hulu, Netflix and Sling TV. So being a cable cutter, I was seriously psyched by the news of DirecTV NOW with its 120+ channel lineup. I am looking to cut back on expenses as we near retirement and tv can get pretty expensive. After many weeks of screening DirecTV NOW - I can tell you it's not quite ready for prime time.

DirecTV NOW app

The interface for the DirecTV NOW app is tidy and consise, however not quite simple, so it takes a little time to get used to it. The app lets you do things like set TV channels as favorites, check out a TV guide, and gain access to on demand titles. 

Thus far, the app is still buggy, however it's being routinely upgraded and enhanced, and extra on-demand titles are being included. Regardless, possibly the neatest element of the DirecTV NOW interface is that you can continue to view a show in the background as you scroll around the user interface searching for something else to view.

TV programs and channels stream effortlessly and look fantastic. Already, there are apps provided for Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, Chromecast, iPad, and iPhone. Along with those apps, you can even log in from your browser to stream DirecTV NOW.  I'm actually a Roku fan and have been using it on there for a month and I will continue for one more month to really get the feel of it.


I initially found out about DirecTV NOW as a service with over 120 channels and one that would be $35, however it ends up both of those things aren't real at the same time. DirecTV NOW has 4 subscription levels, varying from over 60 channels to the leading level, which has more than 120.

Prices

Live a Little-- $35/ month (60+ channels).
Just Right-- $50/ month (80+ channels).
Go Big-- $60/ month (100+ channels).
Got ta Have it-- $70/ month (120+ channels).

The 120+ channel lineup for DirecTV NOW is outstanding, and you can even add on premium channels like HBO and Cinemax for an additional $5 monthly each. When DirecTV NOW initially released, they offered a special introduction discount which provided their 100+ channel lineup for $35. 

That promotion ended in January, and now they've gone back to their regular multiple bundle prices which begins at $35 for 60+ channels and increases to $70 for 120+ channels. Regrettably, at $70 for 120+ channels, you're most likely much better off going straight through your cable television carrier and getting a TV/ Internet package that consists of DVR functions, which DirecTV Now presently does not have. 

This is damaging to the service, because without the DVR function this is potentially the greatest defect of the brand-new service.

Decision

DirecTV NOW will unquestionably keep improving gradually-- currently, we've seen its catalogue grow considerably since its release over the past number of weeks. However, in the meantime I cannot support its high price point. 

At its $50/Just Right option, the price was right for me, I do not need anymore channels than that. To make the service a somewhat more appealing, I 'd like to see offline watching and DVR functions hopefully very soon, a larger on-demand catalog, and more reasonable prices compared with other services. 

If DirecTV NOW can make all that occur, it might end up being a cord-cutter's dream.

The Good: 

• More channel choices than its rivals 
• provides premium channels for an additional price 
• smooth streaming experience 
• fantastic for live TV
• no contract needed 
• no surprise costs

The Bad: 

• No DVR component yet 
• buggy software
• expensive plans
• requires more on-demand titles to make it interesting

My recomendation is to try the Live a Little-- $35/ month (60+ channels) choice and see if you like it. If it's your first Internet tv choice, this is a good one to get your feet wet.

DIRECTV® NOW - Start Streaming Today. Live Stream Your Favorite Channels on All Your Screens with No Annual Contract!

3 Pre-Winter Home Repairs That Only Get More Expensive If You Wait

While spring is usually seen as the season for cleaning and tidying up a home, this season of rebirth comes directly after the season of cold. It is the very weather and temperatures that occur around winter where lax repair work around the house can lead to worsened problems. 

While several different problems may come to mind, here are three especially notable problems that would best be handled before the first frost.

Treating Your HVAC

While a problematic HVAC system is one of the most obvious things to have fixed before winter, there are still some home owners who forget to give it regular maintenance. 

Professional HVAC companies know what a premium central heating is in the winter and will generally charge more for work in the winter than in other seasons.

Fixing a Damaged or Weakened Roof

You should make it a regular habit to look over your roof after every major storm and maybe once a month. By making regular checks, you can fix small problems before they grow out of control or require major work. 

This is especially notable when it comes to temperatures conducive to snowfall; a weakened or damaged roof increases the risk of a partial collapse when a heavy layer of snow continually presses against the roof. 

Snow also does a great deal of obscuring where problems might be, leading to nothing but frustration should you decide to investigate your roof after a snowfall. 

Another reason to inspect for cracks and damage in your roof is to avoid mold and structural damage as snow and ice melt, turning into water that can penetrate your imperfect walls.

Rectifying Cracks in the Foundation

The winter is the worst time to inspect and make work on a concrete foundation. Moisture can worsen problems that may extend beyond where you can see, possibly to the foundation’s underside. 

One of the easiest ways for water damage to play havoc with a foundation is when temperatures cause water to freeze and expand; the pressure generated by these form changes can result in upward-reaching cracks or erosion of the soil. 

Because weather and temperature also play roles in concrete work, it is least recommended to wait until winter to repair a cracked foundation.

Winter is a time to relax and spend time with family through various holidays, not fixing up problems in your home that you decided to put off. Be vigilant in checking your home for problems throughout the year and remember to make repairs a priority issue. 

If you aren’t sure what to look for, call professionals like Fischer Roofing to help you out. The last thing you want for your home in the winter is to resort to starting fires inside it, tolerate a constant draft from an unclear source or discover that your doors and windows aren’t closing quite right because the foundation shifted.

Why a Personal Line of Credit is Better than a Personal Term Loan

Puzzled between a personal Line of Credit and a personal term loan and which is better? Look no further, go ahead and explore more on this as you read on!

Confused between a personal Line of Credit and a personal term loan? You are not alone; many borrowers face such a situation sometimes while deciding a financial product feature. Let’s clear the air.

• A Line of Credit makes it uncomplicated for you to manage your cash flow better and clear the air to find out why it is better than an average term loan. 
• A personal loan may be your best option when it comes to optimizing the output of your personal needs or ventures. 
• It offers a low-interest rate so that you manage the finances even more, without the alarming worry of repayment of the loan amount at an exorbitant interest rate. 
• A personal loan subscriber is free to select from an array of flexible repayment alternatives and opt for the one that fulfils the current financial needs. 
• A personal loan is an unsecured loan and does not need any security or collateral or even a guarantor when you apply for it. 

What’s more, it also comes loaded with a variety of add-ons offers to augment the borrower’s experience such as hassle-free and easy-to-use personal loan EMI calculator and online account access. 

But, the best feature of a personal loan is the unique Line of Credit facility that not only provides the personal loan term benefits but also comes with an assortment of extra features that makes it perfect for an individual.

Under Which Scenarios Should You Opt for a Line of Credit

• Renovating Your Home
• A Family Vacation 
• Child’s Education 
• Wedding Ceremony 

You can use Line of Credit facility for renovating your home, planning a family vacation, funding your child’s education and an upcoming wedding Ceremony and more– and for doing this; you don’t need to apply for a loan many times.

There are also no hidden or extra charges for part-prepayment or foreclosure.

Why Should You Select a Personal Line of Credit Over a Term Loan?

If you wish to get a personal loan from a reputed financial lender, you get the chance to avail a Line of Credit facility as well. 

Many leading financial companies provide the facility to its loan claimants, through which you also become eligible for a fixed loan limit for a pre-determined tenure. As a result, when you avail the Line of Credit facility, your EMI only includes the interest amount you need to pay, minus the principal component, attached to all payments in the case of the personal term loans. 

With a Line of Credit facility in action, you only repay the principal loan amount at the end of the duration. The personal Line of Credit (LOC) option also lets you manage your cash flows without the need to repay the principal part at the each month-end; you can also channel the same amount towards other personal needs and boost your profits.

The Extraordinary Features of a Personal Line of Credit

Here’s the list of impending reasons why a Line of Credit is a go-to option when considering a new loan:

• When compared to any other term loan type, your monthly instalment or the EMI (Equated Monthly Statement) via the Line of Credit facility connects only the interest amount charged for that particular month
• You can carry out any transactions and it is also possible to access all the loan based information online with an exclusive customer portal at your disposal always 
• Part-prepay of your loan amount on mind? You can do this anytime you want, throughout the year, without the worries of incurring any add-on charges whatsoever 
• You can also opt for withdrawals or draw down facilities without facing any extra charges whatsoever 
• With the bullet repayment option in active mode, you can pay off your loan faster at the end of the year
• If you are already in possession of the term loan and wish to convert to a Line of Credit (LOC), you have the choice to do it at any time and as per your wish
• You can also measure the total exact interest that you will pay at each month-end with the Line of Credit calculator 

The Bottom Line

You can pay up to 45% lower EMIs on your term loan when you avail the personal Line of Credit facility which many prominent financial lenders offer these days.

You should know that a Line of Credit is a hassle-free version of a personal loan, in which you also get a pre-qualified loan amount. You can withdraw as per your needs and repay only the interest as EMIs; making it an incredible facility that sets you free.

You can use it for anything under the sun – planning a family holiday, renovating the home, upcoming wedding ceremony, funding child’s education and beyond – without having to subscribe many times.

The other perks? You also pay no extra or hidden charges for loan’s part pre-payment or foreclosure.

It would be a wise step to take and apply for a personal Line of Credit with your term loan. Happy financing! 

Insurance Premiums: How to Determine What Your Monthly Pocketbook Can Handle

In this economy, everything is getting more expensive. And with the skyrocketing costs of homeownership, how do you decipher how much you can afford on homeowner's insurance each month? Don't let high insurance premiums keep you from getting the home of your dreams.

Work out a Budget

Don't go through this process alone. You can either sit down with a financial advisor who is trained in this area of expertise, or a friend or family member who is good with numbers, too. 

Write down all sources of monthly income and what percentage of it goes to your other bills such as credit cards, student loans, and car payments. You will also need to factor in the expenses of homeownership, such as monthly mortgage payments, utilities, and taxes. 

Keep your credit score in mind, too, as this will most likely affect what you pay.

Deductibles Will Affect How Much you Pay Each Month

If your deductible is higher, you will pay much less each month than with a lower one. This means a lot more money in the long run if you ever have to file a claim, but your month to month bills with being lower in the short term. 



However, if you live in areas prone to natural disasters, you may have separate deductibles for those parts of the policy. For example, if you live near the water in an area prone to flooding, your flood insurance may have its own, separate deductible.

Always Shop around and Compare Rates

This almost goes without saying. Why would you pay more to one company for the same coverage that costs less elsewhere? The best way to compare rates is to go through an agency that can evaluate numerous companies with your information and give you a list of the best rates, their deductibles, and how much coverage you are guaranteed. 

Some companies, like Rob Jackson Insurance, know that you should make sure when comparing prices that you factor in how much each policy is worth. You might want to go with a slightly higher monthly rate and have adequate coverage than find yourself in a tough spot if disaster hits.

Besides increasing your deductible, there are other things you may do to lower what you pay for homeowner's insurance. Increasing the security on your home, making it more resistant to weather damages, or even revising your policy once a year can all help potentially lower your payments.