Steps to follow for a hassle-free passport renewal

Besides being an entryway to offshore travel and employment opportunities, your passport is also your safeguard against travel liberty intrusions. Such a key document needs to be legally binding for the entire duration of the trip to steer clear from trouble. Contrary to the popular sentiment, passport renewal is not that an intricate process. The US Department of State empowers you with an expedited service by mail, which is fast, convenient, and reliable. Additionally, the authority does not require you to be present in person provided the requirement is not urgent. You can consider hiring a registered courier service for added convenience.

Candidates for passport renewals by mail
The US Department of State has laid down elaborate criteria for passport renewal by mail. You are a more likely candidate for the service if the document does not carry significant damages and was issued when you were 16 years or above. Passports made within the past 15 years are eligible for the service. Additionally, the document needs to carry your current name, or else you need to furnish relevant documents to testify the name change.

Steps for passport renewal
Passport renewal is a straightforward process accomplishable in three simple steps. Let’s be specific about the nitty-gritty of each step for a better insight.

Fill in Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82
The passport renewal gets underway when you fill up the DS-82 application form. The form can be completed via online and offline modes alike. If you prefer offline mode, it is essential to download the form, take a hard copy, and write the desired information using black ink. You need to be clear with the writing, as illegibly presented information can result in printing errors, and rectifying them can be a cumbersome process. If you wish to keep such issues at bay, opt for completing the application form digitally. The process is convenient and prompt, and the only requirement is a stable internet connection. If the connection falters during the process, you need to download the passport application.

Keep supporting documents ready
Thankfully, not many supporting documents are required for a passport renewal. All you need to furnish is your existing passport, which will come back to you as an invalidated document. If your passport is in a severely disfigured state, you may need to appear in person. Additionally, submitting a recent 2x 2 passport-sized photograph is a requisite. In case, you had a name change in the recent past, sending in evidence documenting the act is essential. The document can be either a court order issued recently or a marriage or adoption certificate.

Package and mail
The ultimate step for passport renewal involves packing and mailing your form, renewal fee check, and other related documents to the regional National Passport Processing Center. Ensure that the check is written in the name of The Department of State and carries your personal information, including full name and DOB, on the front side. For safety reasons, prefer using Tyvek envelopes with additional protective packing.

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  • Things to ponder on before choosing a place to retire

    Wouldn’t it be breathtakingly awesome if you could spend your post-career life in a sunny natural serenity away from the hubbub of urban anxieties that you have known all too well during your working years? Or maybe you want an active retirement life with a lot of social activities and volunteering? A lot of retirees still like to go for those hobbies or activities that they loved always, but could never pursue due to a scheduled work life.

    The possibilities are many when it comes to the consideration of moving to a new place post-retirement, but so are the restrictions. The harsh realities of limited income and more reliance on a social security budget tend to narrow the options down; although that doesn’t mean a compromised retired life.

    Financial factors to consider
    When it comes to deciding on the best places to retire, the simple solution can be to head for a lower-cost neighborhood that can offer all sorts of retirement attractiveness and amenities. But the reality is not always ideal. In some parts of the country, the basic monthly security payment is enough to account for all the basic housing, food, healthcare and transportation expenses. The tax climate of some states like Nevada, Florida, Texas and Alaska are not sky-high, but a lack of affordable housing in states like Florida and California makes it burdensome to some retirees.

    The overall cost of living and the healthcare facilities are also to be considered. Likewise, good walk-ability can ensure fewer fuel expenses. Also take into account factors like economic sturdiness and mobility of that place if you’re considering a part-time pay-job. A place with an average real-estate value and decent future growth prospects should be your bait, if you’re planning to sell your house and move to another location.

    Cities to consider
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    Florida with its below-the-national-average tax burden and the beneficial no individual income tax’ policy
    Boise, Idaho with its low housing costs and other affordable amenities
    Round Rock, Texas for its cheaper home and utility goods prices such as gas and prescription drugs
    Scottsdale, Arizona, which boasts a low tax rate and slightly lower cost of living with the added bonus of hiking scopes
    Fargo, due to its amazingly low unemployment rate of 1.8%
    West Des Moines for its low cost of living and comprehensive financial security
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    America’s biggest financial regret is the fact of not starting to save for retirement early enough. Make sure you don’t fall under this category. After all, you’re never too young to make a retirement plan.

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    Mild colitis
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    Severe colitis
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    • Severe dehydration and weight loss
    • Increase in the white blood cell count
    • Raised heartbeat
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  • The small SUV with not so small pricing – Buick Encore

    Are you one of those chic, cosmopolitan, young urban professionals? Or are you an affluent person who wants to add another SUV to your already existing fleet of vehicles? If you are either of these or are just researching options to purchase a small SUV, then the 2017 Buick Encore is definitely what you are looking for.

    The well equipped Buick Encore cost is slightly towards the expensive end, at a starting price of $23,000 for the standard FWD, while the optional AWD is slightly higher.

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