If you’re still making customers write checks or fumble for exact change, you’re probably losing business. Today’s customers expect to pay how they want, when they want. And frankly, that means digital.
I’ve seen too many small businesses struggle because they didn’t adapt their payment systems. The good news? Getting set up with online payments isn’t as complicated as it used to be. Here are solid options that won’t break your budget or require a computer science degree.
You already know PayPal. Your customers definitely know PayPal. That’s actually a huge advantage.
With over 400 million users worldwide, PayPal’s the payment equivalent of a familiar face. People trust it, which means they’re more likely to complete their purchase instead of abandoning their cart. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen customers bail on a purchase because they didn’t recognize the payment processor.
Setting up PayPal takes maybe 10 minutes. You can start taking payments almost immediately. No waiting weeks for approval or dealing with complicated merchant accounts.
The platform handles invoicing, recurring payments, and sends you instant notifications when money hits your account. It plays nicely with Shopify, WooCommerce, and most other e-commerce platforms you’re probably already using. The fees are straightforward — no hidden surprises that’ll bite you later.
Is it perfect? No. But it’s reliable, and your customers won’t hesitate to use it.
Square changed everything when they launched that little white card reader. Remember when only big retailers could accept credit cards? Those days are gone.
What I love about Square is how it grows with you. Start with just the card reader for in-person sales, then add online payments when you’re ready. Everything syncs together, so you’re not juggling multiple systems or trying to reconcile different reports.
The real power is in Square’s ecosystem.
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Getting older in Northeast Ohio has its perks: peaceful mornings by Lake Erie, tight-knit neighborhoods, and a slower pace that lets you enjoy the little things. However, for many adults over 55, there’s also a moment that can turn life upside down: hearing a serious diagnosis for the first time.
Whether it’s heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or something rarer, those few words can change how you see the world, your future, and even your day-to-day routines. Still, a diagnosis isn’t the end of the road. Let’s unpack how to navigate that journey with hope, knowledge, and resilience.
The first days after receiving a diagnosis often feel like walking through fog. You might swing between disbelief, anger, confusion, and even guilt. All these feelings are normal. Health psychologists call this the adjustment phase, and it can take weeks or months to settle into. Many local hospitals, such as Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, offer patient support groups where people with similar diagnoses can share experiences. If in-person groups feel overwhelming, online communities can fill that gap.
After the emotional dust settles, it’s time to dig into the details. Today’s medical care thrives on collaboration, so be sure to ask questions, bring a notebook to appointments and request copies of your lab results from your doctor. Knowledge gives you power and peace of mind, and understanding the condition also helps set realistic expectations.
For example, some diagnoses like early-stage hypertension or Type 2 diabetes can be managed for decades with lifestyle changes. Other rare diseases like mesothelioma vary widely in how they progress. Even within the same diagnosis, outcomes differ based on treatment options, age, and overall health. For example, a patient with mesothelioma may research topics such as mesothelioma life span to better understand what to expect and how treatment innovations can extend survival.
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Education, like the world, is continually evolving, and strategies that were effective even a decade ago can feel obsolete in today’s climate. As such, schools need to continually update and expand their strategies to meet the needs and expectations held by today’s parents.
Ultimately, parents want to send their children to schools that don’t just adhere to the latest standards but also that they can trust will continue to evolve. That gives parents confidence that their children’s future is in safe hands.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the things that parents want from schools in 2025. Take them on board, and you should find that both parent and student satisfaction rates begin to rise.
A Welcoming Environment
More than ever, parents want to trust that they’re sending their children to a safe, welcoming environment. With an increased emphasis on mental well-being, plus the fact that schoolchildren are increasingly likely to have mental health difficulties, parents want to ensure that the school they choose values inclusivity, has anti-bullying programs, and just more broadly has a happy atmosphere.
Education With Real World Application
Parents want their children to explore their interests and passions while they’re at school, but those are bonuses. Fundamentally, parents want their children to receive an education that prepares them for success in their careers. They’re particularly interested in seeing that the subjects that’ll have the most practical use in the future — such as STEM — are well-represented. Emphasizing competency in these subjects, or even getting STEM school certification, can demonstrate that schools understand the practical skills that the professionals of tomorrow need. Plus, aside from winning over parents, focusing on education that has real-world applications can also help boost student engagement, since they’re more likely to see the direct benefits of this type of learning.
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Have you decided that a career in the medical field is for you? If so, then you need to start thinking about what you would like to do. There is more than one route, and more than one profession, so you should be thinking about your options before you settle on anything.
Making your decision can be tough, but you’ve got to do it, otherwise you’re not going to get anywhere. Down below, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the options that are available, but this is by no means an extensive account. Keep reading if you would like to find out more about this topic.
Doctor/Nurse
Arguably, the biggest decision here is thinking about whether or not you want to be a doctor or a nurse. Two different options but which is right for you? Well, the first thing to consider is whether you want to spend a lot of time with patients. If you do and you’re interested in the human side of things then a nurse is definitely the right way to go. Doctors on average only spend minutes with their patients. This is why they will immediately check the chart. They have no idea who you are until they check the chart. However, doctors get the challenge of the diagnosis which can be more interesting for some people.
Supportive Roles
Have you thought about potentially taking on a more supportive role within the healthcare and medical industry? If you’re not overly keen on treating people, then maybe you can work as a medical secretary, a medical assistant, or something similar. This way, you’re there, and you’re helping people, but you’re not fully hands on, which might be the best choice for you.
There are plenty of staff that are needed behind the scenes, and they are no less valuable than those who see patients.
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