Buying CPO car, Damaged luggage & Mastering Online Privacy

Why buying CPO car is better, how to handle damaged luggage & Mastering your Online Privacy.

Sep 08, 2023

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Market: Despite a challenging week, Wall Street managed slight gains as it closed on Friday. The S&P 500 inched up by approximately 0.1%, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 0.2% (77 points). The Nasdaq Composite also saw a modest increase of around 0.1%. However, concerns surrounding the Fed's interest rate policy continue to cast a shadow of uncertainty over investors' sentiments. This Friday marked a welcome break from a series of losses for both the S&P and the Nasdaq.

After hitting near two-month lows in late August, both the Nifty 50 and Sensex indexes staged a remarkable recovery, surging by approximately 3%. This impressive rebound was largely attributed to the news of India's first-quarter GDP growth, which stood at a robust 7.8%, marking the fastest rate in a year.

What to Do When Airlines Mishandle Your Bags

If you've ever retrieved your luggage from the airport carousel only to find it in less-than-pristine condition, you're not alone. According to a report by a leading expert in air transport communications and technology, airlines worldwide mishandled approximately 18% of the 24.8 million bags reported in 2019. "Mishandled" encompasses bags that were delayed, lost, stolen, or damaged during their journey.

When your checked bags leave your possession at the airport check-in desk, they embark on a unique journey, encountering conveyor belts, vehicles, and numerous baggage handlers along the way. Some scrapes and scratches are to be expected, but what if your bag sustains significant damage?

In the worst-case scenario, luggage can go missing entirely, as one unfortunate incident in April 2023 demonstrated. On an American Eagle flight operated by SkyWest Airlines, a luggage compartment may have opened during the flight, causing bags to fall out.

But what should you do when your bag returns to you visibly damaged? Here's a step-by-step guide from the experts.

Before Leaving the Airport:

First and foremost, be aware of your bag's condition when you checked it. A lost wheel, torn fabric, or a broken zipper constitutes damage. Take photos of the exterior, interior, and packed items to provide proof of your bag's condition.

After retrieving your bag, inspect it for damage. If you find any, photograph the damage, both to your luggage and its contents. Also, capture images of the baggage tags and leave them on your bag until you've submitted your claim.

Passengers are encouraged to file a claim with the airline for any damages to their bags and their contents. However, be aware that airlines' Contracts of Carriage may limit the extent of reimbursement for damage.

It's best to report any damage before leaving the airport. You can make your claim at the baggage service office for the airline you flew with, often located near the luggage carousel. If the office is closed, visit the airline's check-in counter for guidance on damaged luggage claims.

If You Discover Damage Later:

If you only notice the damage after leaving the airport and it's not severe enough to warrant an immediate claim, report it when you return, especially if you're flying with the same airline.

For those flying with a different airline or who have already left the airport, contact the airline you flew with to report the damage and inquire about the claims process.

Airlines often have specific timeframes for reporting luggage damage, ranging from hours to days after your flight, so it's essential to be aware of their policies.

Remember that airlines generally require baggage tags to remain attached to your luggage, so having backup photos can be helpful.

Ultimately, the airline decides the compensation you receive for damaged bags, with each case evaluated individually.

In the realm of luggage, a calm and collected approach is more likely to yield positive results than frustration. Remember, minor wear and tear may not be covered, so consider your bag's manufacturer's repair services if needed.

#SettleWiseStance – Don't stress over minor luggage dings. It's your call whether to report damage at the airport. Small scrapes on a hard case? Not a big deal. Missing wheels, a broken handle, or a tear in a soft suitcase? Definitely worth reporting. Also, think about whether the airline will accept your damaged bag for the return trip. If it's in bad shape, filing a claim makes sense.
When buying luggage, consider its durability. It goes through a lot, so sturdiness matters, especially if it's pricey. And remember, valuables or must-haves should stay with you, not in your checked bag.

Wiser Craving

Multiple subscribers reached out expressing their interest of learning few specific topics. If you want to read about any specific topic, Please let me know in the comments or email to author.settlewise@gmail.com

Why Buying a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicle is a Smart Choice

In the world of automobile purchases, the allure of owning a brand-new vehicle often takes center stage. Shiny, untouched, and equipped with the latest features, new cars undoubtedly have their charm. However, there's a hidden gem in the automotive market that savvy buyers have come to appreciate: Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. These gently-used cars offer a range of benefits that can make them a superior choice when compared to buying brand new.

Significant Cost Savings:

One of the most compelling reasons to opt for a CPO vehicle is the substantial cost savings. New cars depreciate rapidly during their first few years, often losing around 20-30% of their value within the first year. CPO vehicles, on the other hand, have already weathered this initial depreciation hit. You can enjoy the benefits of a nearly-new car without paying the steep new-car price tag.

Better Financing options:

When it comes to financing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you're in for another pleasant surprise. Auto companies often offer highly attractive financing options for CPO purchases. These financing deals typically come with lower interest rates.

A lower interest rate can translate into substantial savings over the tenure of your loan. This not only reduces your monthly payments but also helps you build equity in your vehicle more quickly. So, not only are you getting a great deal on the purchase price of your CPO car, but you're also benefiting from more favorable financing terms, making it an even more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Rigorous Inspection and Certification:

CPO programs require vehicles to undergo a thorough inspection and refurbishment process. This means you're getting a vehicle that's not only lightly used but has also been meticulously examined to ensure it meets stringent quality standards. It's like having the best of both worlds—affordability and reliability.

Warranty and Peace of Mind:

CPO vehicles typically come with extended warranties provided by the manufacturer. This means you can enjoy the confidence of comprehensive coverage, often similar to what you'd receive with a new car. You won't have to worry about unexpected repair costs, at least for the duration of the warranty.

Vehicle History Reports:

When purchasing a CPO vehicle, you'll receive a detailed vehicle history report. This report provides insights into the car's past, including accident history, title status and more importantly maintenance records. It's an invaluable tool for making an informed decision.

Lower Insurance Costs:

Insurance premiums for CPO vehicles are generally lower than those for new cars. Your wallet will thank you not only at the dealership but also when it's time to set up your insurance policy.

Variety and Availability:

CPO programs cover a wide range of makes and models, giving you more options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a compact sedan, a spacious SUV, or a fuel-efficient hybrid, you're likely to find a CPO vehicle that suits your needs.

#SettleWiseStance – While the allure of a new car is undeniable, the advantages of purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle should not be overlooked. The combination of cost savings, rigorous inspections, extended warranties, and peace of mind make CPO vehicles an attractive and practical choice for those in the market for a quality vehicle without the brand-new price tag. So, before you head to the dealership to pick out your next car, consider the benefits of going Certified Pre-Owned—it might just be the smartest decision you make on the road to your next vehicle.

Google’s Topics API: Mastering Your Online Privacy

In a world where our online activities are closely observed, the quest for digital privacy has become more crucial than ever. Google, the tech giant behind the popular Chrome browser, recently introduced its Topics API as part of the Privacy Sandbox initiative. This API aims to replace the longstanding, sometimes intrusive, third-party cookies that have been tracking our online movements and preferences for years.

What is the Topics API?

The Topics API is designed to strike a balance between user privacy and relevant advertising. It allows browsers to share user interests with third parties while safeguarding personal data. Although it's part of a broader privacy-focused initiative, some users may want to retain greater control over their online footprint. If you're one of them, fret not; it's relatively simple to turn off this feature. Here's how:

1. Open Chrome Settings:

Launch Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
Navigate to "Settings" and then select "Privacy and Security."

2. Access Ad Privacy Settings:

In the "Privacy and Security" section, choose "Ad privacy." Alternatively, you can directly enter "chrome://settings/adPrivacy" into your address field.

3. Customize Your Preferences:

You'll encounter three categories:

Ad Topics: This option identifies your interests based on your browsing history.
Site-Suggested Ads: It suggests ads based on the websites you've visited.
Ad Measurement: This shares data with websites to help them assess the effectiveness of their ads.

4. Make Your Choices:

For a more in-depth understanding of how Google categorizes your interests, click on each category. You can also toggle off specific subcategories if you prefer.

#SettleWiseStance – If you're in a hurry or prefer a hassle-free approach, simply toggle off each category within the three sections. While this method is a step towards bolstering your online privacy, it's important to note that individual websites may still employ their own tracking mechanisms. For those seeking even greater privacy, exploring alternative browsers such as DuckDuckGo and Brave is a worthwhile consideration.
Taking control of your online privacy is an ongoing process. By learning how to manage features like the Topics API in Chrome, you're well on your way to achieving a more secure and private online experience.

DEAL DASH

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