Virtual currency changes after the birth of Bitcoin

Bitcoin emerged during the global financial crisis. The essay, written by a person named Satoshi Naka moto, inspired the vision of Bitcoin.

The value per bitcoin started from almost zero. But now it has risen to about $6,400. To summarize the paper, Bitcoin makes it possible to directly trade with each other directly through financial institutions without using pure peer-to-peer electronic money.

Bitcoin is operated through a distributed ledger system known as a block chain.

For the first few years of its birth, Bitcoin was not widely known to the general public, only to the attention of some enthusiasts and criminals who were looking for a means of money laundering.

When the price of 1 bitcoin exceeded 1,000 dollars about 113,000 yen for the first time in 2013, people at financial institutions began to pay attention.

The initial idea of Bitcoin was to make payment easier, but many experts say that it is mainly used as a means for storing value and also as a speculative means because of its volatility. The US Securities and Exchange Commission SEC is currently considering whether to approve a listing application for Bitcoin ETF, a listed investment trust that includes Bitcoin as an investment target. If the SEC accepts the application, Bitcoin will be part of the existing financial system that it was trying to avoid.

Bitcoin uses a technology called block chain, and builds a network with an unspecified number of participants to maintain and manage information for all participants, thereby creating availability and fragmentation resistance without system interruption. In addition, since the information written on the block chain cannot be basically rewritten, the block chain has been drawing attention in recent years as a technology suitable for storing information that is difficult to falsify. These technologies allow Bitcoin to exchange value on the Internet without the intermediary of trustworthy third parties such as financial institutions. After the paper was published, the development team gathered under Satoshi Naka moto to start the development of Bitcoin. Bitcoin mining started in January 2009, and the first block (Genesis block) was generated. Initially, Bitcoin had no property value and could not be exchanged for goods or services.

Virtual currencies such as Bitcoin were used without any legal basis; the Japanese government said that virtual currencies have the same value as currency. It was noticed that you admitted. In Japan, crypto currency exchange companies are obliged to register with the Financial Services Agency, and regulations such as money laundering prevention and user protection such as asset segregation will be established. Use immediate-edge.co for more details.

An example of the Bitcoin ecosystem

The Bitcoin ecosystem refers to all industries and services that surround Bitcoin. Below, you will introduce representative businesses and services related to Bitcoin.

The editorial department introduces the outline of Bitcoin in 5 points in an easy-to-understand manner. You also introduce recommended exchanges and sales outlets where you can buy Bitcoin, so please take a look.

Currently, Bitcoin has a strong aspect as a target for speculation. Looking at the world as a whole, virtual currencies such as Bitcoin are: Although it is being used in various fields, it has not yet reached the stage where it penetrates the economy. Mega banks will be overwhelmed by taking a bite out of Bitcoin with the possibility of becoming huge in the future. In addition, cooperating with bitcoin players such as coin bases and bit flyers for megabanks will lead to technical cooperation in utilization of block chain mentioned above, and will be described below. Although Bitcoin has the potential to turn over the conventional concept of money, many people are worried that there is no issuer administrator and that price fluctuations with respect to fiat currency are large.

You can use crypto assets virtual currency such as Bitcoin BTC to collect the price of shopping and goods/services. Payment costs using crypto assets virtual currency are becoming widespread, such as the introduction of Bitcoin BTC payments at major electronics retailers because payment costs are lower than with credit cards and do not require more complicated procedures than bank transfers. Block chain is a technology born as a distributed database that realizes Bitcoin.

The absent economy such as the derivative market will change to virtual currency

The market size of Bitcoin is 50 trillion yen. The actual market size of the economy is 3000 trillion yen. And 17K is the economy that has no reality. An irrelevant economy is secured by a country or company. However, that country and company will disappear if the missile falls. However, the block chain will not disappear even if the missile falls. You believe that the price of virtual currency will still rise in the long run as the assets of the economic zone, which has no reality, will be changed to virtual currency.

Further technological innovation of virtual currency advances

Also, we cannot overlook that technological innovation of virtual currency and block chain will progress further. If payment chains such as plasma for Ethereum and Lightning Network for Bitcoin are advanced, it will be possible to realize micropayments for various purposes. Trading becomes even faster. Then, new payment technology will spread overwhelmingly. Whether it’s managed by the nation or managed by the block chain, when people feel safe both, they will use the block chain. This will increase the investment in the mechanism, and it will be a cycle that it will be easier to develop and use. In that case, the virtual currency market will increase 10 times, 100 times, and 1,000 times. Five years later, block chain technology-based currencies will be circulated in the general public and can be used in supermarkets and convenience stores. Ten years later, there are no major powers such as the United States and foreign country. Btc News Trader is best bitcoin software.

What will happen to the concept of the nation in the future?

You think large-scale nations will start to be dismantled, and small-scale nations will be born. In your personal opinion, you think the United States and other countries will not survive at least in their current form after 10 years. Currently, in terms of block chain crypto currencies, the United States and other countries are in regulation. A state with vested interests is in regulation. Therefore, the people of these countries will become more difficult to move in the future. On the other hand, foreign countries are stimulating evaluating virtual currencies and block chains more and more.

The existing centralized system, which is managed by the country, is not very stable in the event of an emergency and there is a high possibility that data will be lost, so it is not safe. On the other hand, countries that use block chain, which has an overwhelmingly high safety mechanism, will be able to gain credibility. Suppose that a small country uses a system that is tamper-proof and fairly secured, rather than any tamper-proof system created by the government.

Where then would the world capitalists want to deposit their assets?

You will choose a country that employs block chain. Capitalists are the ones who want to get the most out of this trend. Because if you have a lot of money and you don’t have to spend your current international financial capital, you do. I think that speed is faster than you expected.

In 2017, the exchanges in other countries showed great excitement as it was called the first year of virtual currency. For example, Bitcoin, which is a hot topic right now, has the momentum to reach the bubble sphere, and has created a virtual currency boom around the world. It was in 2009 that the first block of bitcoin was born when 10,000 yen was over 100 million yen. This is the de facto start of virtual currency. Bitcoin will rapidly increase its value thereafter. The current Bitcoin rate is over 700,000 yen for 1 BTC, just over 7 years after the first transaction. Even if the rate at the time of the first transaction was 1 BTC = 1 yen about 1 cent, it would have been a surprising increase of 700,000 times or more. If you buy Bitcoin for investment, don’t get it out of your living expenses, but don’t worry if you don’t. By the way, looking at the price movement from the beginning, it has risen considerably.

The World’s Newest Adults: Everything You Need to Know About Gen Z’s Financial Situation

Gen Zers are the newest adults. Their ages range from 5 to 25 years old, making them born between 1997 and 2015. Gen Z is unique because they were raised with technology and are savvier and more intelligent in many ways than their predecessors, including Millennials.

But what about their financial situation? Only 24% of Gen Zers are financially independent by the age of 22. But there could also be a few reasons why — Gen Zers are still supported by parents at this young age, many are in college, and more.

So, what all do we know about Gen Z’s financial situation?

How Gen Z Compares With Other Generations

Gen Z is different from other generations for many reasons. They’re not only well-versed in technology but they rely on it. This means that Gen Z may not know traditional financial tasks, such as writing a check.

Visited Their Bank

The Federal Reserve states in 2017, half of U.S. adults with a bank account used their phones to access their accounts. And this trend has likely increased throughout the years.

But do Gen Zers visit their actual bank location? While they likely have been to their bank location, they don’t visit the physical bank building as much as Boomers, Gen Xers, and even Millennials. That’s because you can do most banking functions online or on the banking mobile app.

Written a Check

Checks are becoming archaic. This is why many Gen Zers don’t write checks, especially compared to Boomers.

Applied for a Credit Card

Gen Zers are still young and may not have a sound financial situation or even the need to apply for a credit card. All other generations have credit cards and use them regularly. Gen Zers are also smart; they see the financial mistakes that Millennials made and may be hesitant to sign up for a credit card.

Contributed to a Retirement Savings Account

Gen Zers are young and retirement is likely far from their minds. While most Boomers already reached this retirement age, Gen X is right around the corner from retiring. Even Millennials are taking retirement seriously and have contributed to their retirement wealth.

How Does Gen Z Handle Their Finances?

While Gen Z may not be as experienced in certain financial tasks as other generations, they do have many advantages over their older counterparts. Does that mean Gen Z handles their finances better?

First, Gen Z is likely in less debt than others. That’s mainly because Gen Zers are still young and less experienced in many areas of life. For example, Gen Z only owns 2% of the housing market, so many 20-something-year-olds aren’t paying off a mortgage.

However, many Gen Zers are still in school and hold student loan debt. Their debt will likely increase in the next coming years.

Is Gen Zers Receiving Financial Support?

One of the reasons why Gen Z has a more stable financial situation than Millennials is they’re receiving financial support, specifically from their parents.

Most Gen Zers are just starting out in the working world or are going to college. They can’t afford to cover their housing, groceries, and more.

This is the perfect time for Gen Zers to find ways to make money and save for the future. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at some of these Grant Wydeven finance tips.

Does Gen Z Strain Their Budget?

It’s easy to get out with friends when you can’t afford it or buy a new phone that’s way out of your budget. Millennials had the bad stereotype of spending outside of their means. Is Gen Z following this same path?

Surprisingly, most Gen Zers don’t spend what they can’t afford. They likely watched the same mistakes that Millennials made and learned from them. They may also try and lower their spending as much as they can.

However, there are Gen Zers who make the same mistakes as Millennials. They may take those extra funds out of their savings or will put them on a credit card.

Financial Misconceptions That Gen Z Is Taught

One of the reasons why Gen Z may not be financially successful is some misconceptions that we’re taught. For example, a Gen Zer may have been told they’re too young to save for retirement.

Here are some other examples of financial myths.

Having Multiple Credit Cards Is Bad

As stated previously, most Gen Zers don’t have a credit card or even applied for one. They may not think they need one or they may have even told holding multiple credit cards is bad.

While collecting debt on multiple credit cards can be bad for your credit score, holding multiple credit cards won’t badly impact your credit score (though signing up for one may reduce your credit score). Actually, actively using your credit cards is good for your credit card.

You Need to Carry a Balance on Your Credit Card at All Times

Ideally, everyone should pay off the entirety of their credit card. If you carry below 30% of your credit card balance, it won’t dramatically affect your credit score. But all cardholders should aim to pay off the entirety of their credit card balance.

This is a common myth passed down from generations, including Gen Z. Fortunately, more education and better credit card practices are reducing these myths.

There’s No Need to Invest in Retirement at a Young Age

The younger you invest in retirement, the more financially successful you will be in life — especially when those retirement years roll around. Even if Gen Z only adds a little bit of money to a retirement savings account, they can experience some serious wealth once they reach retirement age.

Does Gen Z Have a Good Financial Situation?

We often wonder about the financial situation of younger people. But what about Gen Z? Gen Z saw the mistakes that Millennials made and are more educated in the ways of finances. Since Gen Z is young, they’re supported by their parents and don’t carry as much debt.

However, Gen Z was taught some common financial myths such as they’re too young to save for retirement. It does seem that many Gen Zers aren’t believing these myths and are putting financial health as a priority.

Do you want to read some more finance information and tips? Continue reading our blog!

How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Loan? A Simple Guide

Have you been wondering, “How long does it take to get a personal loan?” If so, you’ve come to the right place. The answer to this question is complicated since there are so many variables involved, but there are some steps you can take to get an answer you want.

Keep reading for a guide on taking out personal loans!

Investigate Different Lenders

When you’re looking into personal loans, it’s important to cast a wide net. In other words, don’t do business with the first lender you find. Spend some time shopping around for other options so you can make comparisons.

You can go the bricks and mortar route by using a bank or credit union. The advantage of doing that is that you’ll speak with an actual person and may be able to negotiate a better result. But if you have a need for speed, online lenders should be able to come through more quickly.

There is one other way to expedite the loan approval process: get pre-qualified. In many instances, you can submit a prequalification application, and if all goes well, you’ll have a higher chance of securing the actual loan.

Look at the Interest Rates

Not all loans will come with the same interest rates. The numbers will vary according to your finances as well as your sense of urgency. If you need a loan quickly, you’ll probably be socked with a higher interest rate.

How strong your credit score is will impact your loan’s interest rate, and your employment status can affect it, too. The moral of the story is that it’s important to keep your credit score in good standing so you’ll be able to snag the best deal possible.

Know Your Stats

When you begin the process of seeking a loan, you can move things along at a faster clip if you’re prepared. This means you should have a copy of your credit report (and know your credit score).

If you know that your credit score isn’t at its best or your employment status is shaky, you might want to ask a trusted friend or family member to serve as a cosigner. This can enable you to score a better loan.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Personal Loan?

Ultimately, there’s not a definitive answer to this question — but there is a general timeline you can expect. Once the approval process is underway, you could have your loan in as little as a day or up to a week later.

When in doubt, ask the experts for help. The professionals at bonsaifinance.com can work with you to handle your financial needs and make sure the loan process goes smoothly.

The Bottom Line

So, how long does it take to get a personal loan? If your credit is in good shape and you’ve done your research, the approval process can move swiftly. All you have to do is get started!

When you’re ready to learn additional financial tips, check back for more great articles!

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Investing in Cryptocurrency

So, you want to invest in cryptocurrency? Plenty of great reasons exist to invest in this new form of currency.  Other points may make you want to stay away. For some investors, it is a great idea, but others may want to stay out of the fray. Which category do you fall in? That depends on several factors.

To determine whether investing in cryptocurrency is right for you, ask yourself a few basic questions. Answering them will help determine how good a fit cryptocurrency investing is for you and your particular financial management and investing style. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before investing in cryptocurrency.

1. Do I understand what cryptocurrency Is? 

The first question to ask yourself is if you have (or can obtain) a basic understanding of what cryptocurrency is. If you can’t wrap your head around that, it doesn’t make sense to invest. You may not understand everything a company like Procter & Gamble does before you buy its stock but at least you have a basic understanding that they are a multinational conglomerate that produces and sells a variety of tangible goods and services. You don’t need to know anything about surfactants but you should know that they are used in their business.

If you are starting from square one, it helps to know cryptocurrency is a secure digital currency that is not issued or controlled by any central entity (like a central bank).  Iit is created with blockchain technology that keeps a public ledger of transactions that is, in turn, kept on a network of computers. If you already know this or are interested in learning more, cryptocurrency investing may be for you. If this all sounds like Greek to you, maybe put your money elsewhere.

2. Do I have the resources to learn more about cryptocurrency? 

If you have or are ready to acquire a basic understanding of cryptocurrency and are interested in investing in this product, the next step is to dive in deep and learn as much as you can. You need to learn about the different categories of cryptocurrency, the different individual cryptocurrencies, the exchanges where they are traded, and how to use those exchanges. To do this, two different resources will prove very helpful and informative. Your options are investing time or finding a knowledgeable person to help you.

If you have the time and the wherewithal to dig down deep into how cryptocurrency investing works, by all means, do it. The nice part about investing in such a new market is that there is not yet much institutional knowledge to keep you at a disadvantage. If you are willing to put in the work, you can know just as much, if not more, than the experts in the field. If time is not a resource you have or are willing to invest, the other option is finding an expert who can help advise you. This is not as easy as walking into your favorite investment firm’s local branch and asking them to invest for you. Experts in this field are still few and far between so finding one may prove too difficult for your location and circumstances.

3. Do I have the resources to invest in trading? 

Cove Markets notes that day trading is one increasingly popular path to getting involved with cryptocurrencies. As the article explains, “Day trading is the process of speculating on financial products and assets over the span of a single day.” The cryptocurrency market, which is known for its wild price swings on a seemingly minute-by-minute basis lends itself very well to this type of trading. When you can dedicate the time and focus it takes to do day trading right, plenty of opportunities to make huge profits arise. It is also likely some trial and error will be involved so you should have the capital to invest so you can weather some losses as you learn how to do it.

Day trading is not for the faint of heart. This is an immersive, hands-on trading activity in which you will have to be fully engaged to conduct properly. If you are willing to put in the time and money, it is probably the best way to go about investing in cryptocurrency. If you can’t dedicate what you need to do in order to be successful, daytrading in cryptocurrencies is probably not something in which you want to immerse yourself.  

4. Do I truly believe in cryptocurrency? 

In an ideal world, you should be passionate about your investments. You should believe in each company and think that, in the right circumstances, the company or the asset could take off and explode. This is the core of investing. It is playing a hunch that something you like and really believe in will catch on and others will start believing in it, too. This is what earns people long-term money when investing.

If you think cryptocurrency is the future of money and that fiat currency will soon be a thing of the past, then you should absolutely consider investing in this currency. If you think this whole concept is just a flash in the pan or the latest investing fad that will soon be replaced by something else, it may not be for you. This is not to say that if you do think it’s a fad you can’t make some money while it’s booming but chances are you will be far more interested and involved if you are passionate and truly believe in cryptocurrency’s potential.

5. How risk tolerant/averse am I? 

Now we get to the real question. You may understand everything there is to know about cryptocurrency. You may have the time and resources to get the best advice and day trade all day long. You may love cryptocurrency and believe that is the future of money around the world. But, the biggest question you need to ask yourself is, how risk-tolerant (or risk-averse) am I? This is what, in the end, will truly determine if investing in cryptocurrency is right for you. For every overnight teenage millionaire in the world of cryptocurrency investing, there are just as many if not more cautionary tales of investors who lost their shirts.

A recent three-month period perfectly illustrates the rewards and risks of cryptocurrency. Bitcoin was trading at the time at just under $6,000. Over the course of a few weeks, the price rose to just under $20,000. Great, right? Well, in just a few more weeks, the price had dropped all the way back down to just under $7,000. If you got in around $6,000, that was amazing! If you sold at the right time, the profit was incredible. If you bought in near the peak though, within a few weeks you may have been completely wiped out. That’s the rollercoaster of cryptocurrency investing for you.

Conclusion 

There are many good reasons to invest in cryptocurrency and probably just as many good reasons not to do so. For the right person, it can be a great opportunity. If you are interested in seeing if this kind of investing is right for you, ask yourself these 5 questions to help make your decision.

Why More Students Should Choose a Degree in Economics

If you are interested in keeping up to date with current events from around the world and love anything to do with business and finance, it might be a good idea to look into enrolling in an economics degree course in order to pursue a career in this field. There are numerous career options on offer for economics graduates, many of which are very lucrative and interesting. Economics might appear to be all about money, but it’s actually a very human-centered subject. It can be defined as the study of how people allocate and utilize financial resources on both an individual and a group basis. Because of this, the economics programs available to study can vary greatly.

What is Economics?

So, what exactly is economics? This social science covers a broad range of issues that tend to influence the financial decisions that we make. Economics explores how both individuals and organizations use, produce, consume, and distribute the goods and services of the world. Knowledge of money alone is not enough; a good economics degree will also examine several other areas including politics, psychology, sociology, law, history, geography, and more.

What to Expect from an Economics Degree

Whether you’re starting out studying economics as a freshman or want to get a Master’s degree in Applied Economics, it’s always good to know what to expect from an economics degree program like the one at https://appliedeconomics.bc.edu/. Economics degree programs offer students a wide range of seminars, lectures, written assignments, reports, projects, and sometimes even exams in order to ensure a broad and deep understanding of the subject. A bachelor of science in economics tends to focus heavily on statistics and math and will require students to have a very solid grasp of mathematical principles.

Reputation

One of the main reasons to consider studying for a degree in economics is the reputation of this subject. It’s a very well-respected degree that will certainly be noticed by both professors and future employers, whether you decide to go straight into the workforce or want to further your education even more. You can also often combine an economics major with several other well-respected subjects such as computer science, law, engineering, politics, and languages.

Career Prospects

A degree in economics will open up doors for you when it comes to several different career prospects. One of the best things about economics is that it can be applied to a huge range of different industries and fields, so there’ll never be a shortage of things that you can do with this degree. You might find yourself providing advice to politicians or lawmakers, or working for a bank or other large financial institution. Economists often also work closely alongside businesses as risk analysts, or you might take an interest in economic reporting and journalism. The options truly are endless when it comes to a career in economics, so it’s an ideal choice if you’re interested in math and money but not 100% sure of what you’d like to do – it leaves plenty of options open.

Economics is a well-respected, interesting degree with plenty to offer for those who study it.

A Simple Guide to Health Insurance Deductibles

Health insurance is confusing for many people. Most people think they understand it, but they really don’t.

About 74% of Americans say they know what health insurance deductibles are. Yet, only 51% were able to correctly define what they are. Only 4% of Americans understand all of the terminology related to health insurance.

That lack of understanding can be costly and leave you underinsured when you need coverage the most. Read on to find out how health insurance deductibles work.

What Is Deductible in Health Insurance?

You may have seen the term deductible in other insurance policies like your home or auto coverage. What does deductible mean? It refers to the amount of money you pay out of pocket for health care services before your insurance pays its share.

For example, if you have a health insurance policy that has a $5000 deductible, you’ll pay out of pocket for medical care up until the $5000. Once you reach that mark, then insurance will cover the rest of your health care costs.

There are some exceptions to this rule. Some policies only make you pay a co-pay for doctor’s visits or you don’t pay anything at all for preventative lab work.

This is why it’s so important to understand your health insurance policy before you sign up.

Premiums and Co-Pays

You pay a monthly amount for your health insurance, and you might be wondering why you have to pay more for your health care. Your monthly cost is your premium.

Your co-pay, or copayment, is what you pay at your doctor’s office. This could be a flat dollar amount or a percentage of your bill. Some insurance plans will have a combination of the two.

You might pay $20 for doctor’s visits, $40 for specialists, and 20% for hospital stays. Again, you may have to meet your deductible before these payments kick in, which would leave you responsible for the full bill.

Shopping for Health Insurance

When you shop for insurance, you’ll find that most plans that have a low deductible have a high monthly premium. Plans that have a low monthly premium usually have a higher deductible to meet.

With the low monthly payment/high premium plans, you have to be prepared to pay a lot of money out of pocket if you’re in an accident or need to visit the hospital.

You want to make sure that you know what type of insurance you need. You can then look for sites that give you premium estimates as to how much you’ll pay every month.

For instance, if you need Medigap insurance in Alabama, you can check out a site like MedicareWire that lists the premium payments for different carriers.

As you shop for insurance, you need to look at the entire cost of health care, not only the premiums.

How Do Health Insurance Deductibles Work?

Health insurance policies have so many terms and conditions that it’s easy to get confused. When you shop for health insurance, look at the health insurance deductibles, premiums, and co-pays.

That will help you find an insurance plan that fits your needs that won’t leave you financially broke. For more financial insights, head over to the home page of this site for the latest articles.

Great Tips to Start Making More Money This Year

There is always a good time to be trying to make more money, and this is even more of a focus these days because of the fact that the economic future of the country is so uncertain. That’s why you need to make sure you do as much as possible to improve the process right now, and it is something that will play a huge part in this process moving forward. 

You need to take steps to try to make sure you are as financially sound and secure as possible, and this means looking for some of the best ways of being able to improve your cash in the right sort of way. You have to put measures in place that will help you to make additional money, and this is something you need to think about right now.

Find Work Online

Make sure you take the time to get online and try to find as many different opportunities for work as possible. There are so many ideas you can use to improve and help you make additional money, and these are avenues that you should be looking to explore. There are a lot of things that you need to work on as much as possible, and things like blogging, completing surveys, and publishing ebooks are some of the best ways of being able to make money on the internet that can be used to supplement your income. 

Invest in Cryptocurrencies

If you are feeling bold and you have done the right amount of research, there are a lot of things that you’re going to need to think about when it comes to cryptocurrencies. Making the best possible changes to help you improve your financial situation is so important. Now, you need to make sure you focus on cryptocurrency investment, and think about what you can do to achieve this as much as possible. Make sure you do as much as possible to make the most of this right now, and there are a lot of elements that play a part in this right now. 

Generate Passive Income

One of the best and least intrusive ways of being able to make additional money is to generate some passive income. Now, there are a lot of things that you can do to try to make the most of this, and it is important to ensure that there are plenty of things that you can do to help generate the right sort of income. Check out this guide on CIT Bank Savings Accounts that you can use to grow your savings, but also try to look at things like monetizing a blog in order to help bring in passive income as well. 

As you can see, these are just a few of the key ideas you can use to help you when it comes to trying to make more money. It is so important to find great ways of doing this right now, and you should be looking to try to get this right as much as you can. Make sure you do what it takes to improve things right now, and these are some of the best ways of being able to make additional money on the side.

Everything You Need to Know About Investing in Dividend Stocks

When you get started in dividend stocks, you can easily research and purchase worthwhile stocks in a few simple steps. From researching your choices to keeping an eye on the market, here’s everything you need to know about investing in dividend stocks.

What Are Dividend Stocks and How Do They Work?

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Image via Pixabay by geralt

Dividend stocks are shares of a company’s earnings that give regular payments to shareholders. Well-established companies make shares in their growth available on the stock market, which investors can then take advantage of as the company continues to earn profits. Shareholders who have invested in dividend stocks usually receive quarterly cash payments.

Pros and Cons of Investing in Dividend Stocks

Dividend stocks come with many benefits along with some drawbacks. To start, if you’re looking for investment opportunities that guarantee you a regular deposit, dividend stocks can certainly provide this. Another immediate benefit to investing in dividends is that there is less risk associated with the volatility of the stock market. This means that even with a downward trend in the market, your dividends will still pay.

That being said, there are a few drawbacks to dividend stocks to be aware of. If your dividend stocks are classified as “beta risk,” this means they are at risk because of the stock’s sensitivity to the movements of the market, and you could stand to see a reduction in your quarterly dividend payments.

Another drawback to dividend stocks is that if a company isn’t seeing much growth and stands to go into debt or another adverse market move, they may reduce the offerings in their dividends, or may eliminate dividends completely. So it’s important to do your research before investing in a specific stock.

1. Researching Stocks and Assessing Risk

Your first step should be researching all the dividend stocks you’re interested in purchasing. This includes analyzing the risks that come with each stock. Even though dividend stocks aren’t as risky as other types of stocks, you’ll still need to be aware of any effects the market can have on your investments.

2. Purchasing Dividend Stocks

Once you’ve done your research and evaluated the risk to your investments, you can purchase your stocks. You can do this through an online trading platform, where a broker will find the best options and make investment decisions on your behalf.

3. Tracking Your Performance

Once you’ve invested in the dividends you want, keep track of the stock performance. Keep track of market shifts and each time you receive your dividend payouts. This can help you make future decisions about your investment portfolio.

Popular Dividend Stocks

When you start your research into popular dividend stocks, consider the following options to add to your investment portfolio:

  • Energy and fuel: Chevron Corp., TC Energy Corp., Duke Energy Corp., and DTE Energy Co.

  • Technology and medical: Seagate Technology Plc. and National Health Investors, Inc.

  • Finance: M&T Bank Corp., Principal Financial Group, Inc., and National Bankshares, Inc.

While these are several examples of some popular stocks that pay dividends, there are many more out there to look into. As you get started trading in dividend stocks, be sure to use your platform’s tools and resources to monitor and research every aspect of your stock portfolio so you can make the best investment decisions.

DVC: How Long Does Disney Vacation Club Last?

To many people, Disney and its theme parks are the means to make their fairytale dreams come true and it’s no longer for just princesses and castles.

With the acquisitions of Marvel, 20th Century Fox, and Lucasfilm, you can also see beloved Marvel superheroes, Jedi and stormtroopers, and soon maybe even the X-men at all of their Disney theme parks. What better time than this to visit Disney theme parks?

What’s more, you have the opportunity to be able to extend your happiness by being a part of the Disney Vacation Club. But what is it and how long does Disney Vacation Club last?

Where Dreams Come True

Firstly, Disney Vacation Club, also called DVC, is a timeshare opportunity operated by Disney. They offer the chance to stay at Walt Disney Resorts as well as other places like Hawaii.

The program is based on a point system. You are able to buy points (between 160 and 2,000) at the start of the contract, and the points can be used at the resorts as well as the parks.

If you find that the timeshare is not for you, the timeshares can be resold to others and be taken off your hands.

How Much Does The DVC Cost?

This is the kicker; you have to understand that this is essentially buying real estate. Therefore, Disney Vacation Club timeshares can cost $20,000 or more.

This depends of course on the number of points you purchase at the outset as well as other provisions that are provided in the contract

But just like any other kind of real estate, DVC financing is available to help set up convenient payment plans. You also can take out DVC loans to help with your purchase of a Disney Vacation Club timeshare.

However, considering how long they last and all the perks associated, the cost does not seem as bad

How Long Does Disney Vacation Club Last?

The DVC actually lasts a long time. Most contracts last around 25 years or more and others such as resorts like the Grand Californian may last about 40 years or more. You can expect to see your return on investment between five to seven years.

Other benefits of this include that you obtain a deed to your piece of the property, and you have the ability to pass the ownership to children when they become eligible and can also leave it to others in your will.

And as previously stated, you have the option to resell if you grow tired of the investment, or if you find it’s not the best fit for you and your family.

Be A Part Of The Mouse Family

Disney Vacation Club gives you the opportunity to be a part of the Disney Family: it gives you vacation relaxation, discounts and member-only exclusives, and investment opportunity that allows it to be passed down to future family.

How long does Disney Vacation Club last? It lasts as long as you need it to. Become a part of the Disney Vacation Club because it lasts as long as it continues to make your dreams come true. For more information check this website.

5 Reasons Why Paying For Insurance Should Be Included In Your Budgeting

During your lifetime, you’ll encounter unanticipated events that can either bring good or harm. Whatever the circumstances are, it’s important to ensure your financial protection, and this is what insurance is all about. By purchasing an insurance policy, you have financial protection and compensation against unexpected losses, which can surely make a huge difference in your life.

Insurance policies exist in various forms: health insurance, life insurance, car insurance, and many more. As a policyholder, your responsibility is to pay the insurance fees monthly or annually depending on your negotiation with the insurance company. 

Since insurance premiums have to be addressed regularly, it’s important to include them on your budgeting for the following reasons:

1. Daily Exposure To Risks

The whole point of obtaining insurance is to keep yourself protected. Health and safety risks are present wherever you are, especially if you’re an active person who travels to a lot of places daily. For instance, having car insurance is paramount to car owners in the event a vehicular accident occurs.

Although car insurance policies are costly, you’ll need them for car ownership. You can try searching for cheap SR22 insurance for your vehicle, which can ease the financial burden of paying for your premiums.

If you drive through different roads every day, you should always include your car insurance in your budgeting as you’re always exposed to the risk of getting into an accident. In the worst-case scenario that you do get involved in an accident, you have something to fall back on, and you’ll be able to recover with assured assistance.

2. Limit Bad Spending Habits

Payday is probably everyone’s most awaited day of the month. People have different budgeting approaches and techniques once they obtain their hard-earned money. While you might be tempted to purchase those designer shoes you’ve been eyeing for a while now, you’ll have to reevaluate your financial decisions and prioritize the necessities.

To ward off those unnecessary spending habits, paying for your insurance is a better way to spend your money. Instead of buying products that you only want and don’t need, you should work on your insurance premiums that have more benefits once paid off. 

Think of your insurance as another savings nest. Most individuals follow the 50/20/30 budget rule. To spend less on your wants and add more for your needs, you can cut 5% of your 30% wants to add it into your 50% needs, making 55% of your income deposited for your “needs” budget. 

3. Make The Most Out Of Your Employer’s Health Plan

Health insurance is difficult to budget as there are several factors to it. Upon employment, you can receive a health insurance plan from your employer, but its coverage varies from employer to employer. Most employers provide a package of medical, vision, and dental plans while some may offer less, leaving their employees to work on the rest.

If you wish to maximize your employer’s health plan aside from having an individual plan, including your premiums on your budget allows you to fill the gap on your employer’s health plan. Since you’ll spend most of your time at work, obtaining insurance with broad coverage guarantees your safety and protection.

4. Ensure Peace Of Mind As You Age

While your employer’s insurance can suffice through your career life, you can’t guarantee its protection when you retire or transfer to a new career path. This is when individual plans prove their importance. An effective insurance budgeting assists you to pay for your insurance premiums consistently, thus bringing peace of mind. 

Building your life insurance is important at any stage of your life, and it will become extremely significant in your retirement. You can apply for capturing your insurance’s cash value in different ways, such as growing your nest egg as an addition to your retirement income. 

While it’s still early, assigning a portion of your budget on your insurance premiums can help you age comfortably and securely. Before tapping into your cash value, talk to your financial advisor about this. 

5. Worthy Lifetime Investment

It’s challenging to earn money from your career while trying to make ends meet, especially for middle-income earners with families. Fortunately, including your life insurance in your regular budget encourages you to pay for valuable investments that can benefit your family in the long run. 

Your family’s financial future is in good hands through insurance, as it assists you in effective financial planning. For instance, life insurance guarantees that your family receives financial protection in case of your early demise, and also helps for paying your burial and funeral expenses.

Moreover, if you have a cash value insurance policy, a portion of your premiums goes to a tax-deferred account, which slowly grows according to your negotiated rate with the insurer according to the policy’s terms. Earning cash value can help you in a variety of large-scale purchases for your family.

Bottom Line

Some people mistake insurance as something to prioritize once you start becoming an adult, but it should be the other way around. While you’re still young and can afford to have one, budget your money efficiently and don’t forget to save a slice for your insurance because of the essential reasons discussed in this article. 

5 Tips to Get the Best Mortgage as a Nurse

Registered nurses in Australia earn an average salary of $65,000 per year. That’s enough income for most lenders to approve your mortgage, provided you don’t have delinquencies and the amount you’re borrowing isn’t out of your league.

However, home loans for nurses consider much more than that. It becomes quite complicated when a nurse applies for a mortgage.

Can a nurse buy a house still? Of course, but as you know, the income of nurses can be greatly fluctuating.

This can be detrimental to your application, but don’t worry. Follow our tips below to increase your chances of getting a home loan.

1. Establish Your Employment History

While your current income is important in assessing your qualification, your work history is almost as important. Lenders use it to create a vague idea of your capability to pay in the future.

At the least, you should have 12 months of history. Although, your chances will have a significant boost if you have two years or more of experience.

Some lenders consider the nursing school as a part of your work history. But having experience isn’t all that matters when applying for home loans for nurses.

They’ll also look at your income for the past 12 to 24 months to assess its stability. To them, the more solid your employment history (and income) looks, the more likely it is that you’ll continue to work (and receive the same income) in the future.

While we’re talking about history, take a look at your credit history, too. You can get a free credit report once a year from any of the three credit reporting bodies.

2. Prepare Explanations for Employment Gaps

It’s somewhat common for nurses to change employers, pick up per diem work, or take a few months off. Employment gaps are especially common for travel nurses.

Lenders will question any gap they see in your history but don’t worry, they’re not deal-breakers. They’re not red flags, but they’re flags still. Exceptions would be some extended periods of unemployment.

You’ll only have to prepare proper explanations for such gaps.

Why are employment gaps such a big deal, anyway?

Like we said above, lenders use your past to see if you will continue to have a stable income in the future. Gaps indicate instability. If you were to have another gap while paying for a mortgage, you might not be able to pay on schedule.

Your income stability is what matters to them, so you might have to provide more than explanations at one point. For instance, you’ve only started picking up night shifts, which add to your income. The lenders would likely want to have the assurance you’ll continue picking up night shifts.

You might need to get a letter from your employer saying that this set-up will likely continue in the future.

3. Consider Your Current Debt

Your lenders will also look at your current debt and everything you’re still paying off. Before they do that, though, take a look for yourself.

Nurses rack up a lot of debt because of schooling and training. This is often why you might find it hard to get mortgages for nurses.

Calculate how much money you’re using each month to pay off debts. Then, get an estimate of how much you’ll be adding to that once you get a mortgage.

Do you think you can consistently pay for that amount for the following decades? Are you sure you can handle additional debt?

If you don’t think so, lenders will likely agree with you. That’s why you must assess.

If you’re struggling, it will show through your application. When you’re ready, you can show you’re ready by showing your savings and income sources, as explained below.

4. List Down All Your Income Sources

One of the mistakes you can do is listing down only your base pay. More often than, nurses get way more than their base pay each month. That’s because they still have night shift differentials and overtime pay.

The way that lenders consider these into your application, may vary. Some might only include them if you have a history of receiving these types of pay for two whole years. Some might not even use them when calculating for how large of a mortgage you qualify.

Still, it’s a good idea to include them all in your application. Lenders often include variable income in other occupations, so there’s a good chance you can use your extra pay to qualify.

Fringe benefits are common for nurses, too. You might be getting meal allowances and such, but relevant?

It depends on the lender, but if you can, find one that adds such benefits to your income.

Gather your pay stubs and any documentation about all your extra income. Get a letter from your employer stating your whole package, including night shift differentials and fringe benefits. Give the lender a name and contact number of your HR, as well.

They may not be a requirement, but they might help your case.

5. Ask for Help

You can talk with lenders directly, sure. But, if you want to increase your chances of getting approved, it’s best if you work with a third-party instead.

Mortgage brokers can help you prepare your application and everything you’ll need.

They have a more important role than that, though, and that’s to find the right lender for you. As a nurse, you want to find a lender that understands all your special circumstances to increase your total borrowing capacity.

Brokers would already know which lenders are the right fit for you, so you don’t have to find them. They’ll take care of the whole process, which is a whole lot off your shoulders. View more info to know more about how they can help you.

Know Your Home Loans for Nurses Options

Nurses may not be the ideal employee on paper, but getting a mortgage isn’t impossible. Lenders are now quite aware of what a nurse’s application looks like. Still, you have to do your part to prove you are (and you’ll be) a good payor.

Look around for the best home loans for nurses, and talk to brokers to improve your chances of getting approved. For more financial tips or career guides, check out our other guides right now! For more informative articles check this websites.

Treading Lightly: Here’s Why Jumping Straight to IRS Appeals After a Tax Audit is Not a Good Idea

Finding yourself under the spotlight and being subjected to an IRS tax audit can be an uncomfortable experience and it can be all too easy to make rash decisions in such stressful circumstances.

One thing that would help your situation would be to have tax attorneys with decades of experience on your side as they will know what steps to take, and when its the right time to launch an appeal.

Here’s a look at what you need to know about the appeals process when you are subjected to a tax audit.

Three different types of audit

The first relevant point to consider is what type of IRS audit you are being subjected to, as this can make a difference to the approach you take and the process you follow.

A field audit will involve a visit from an IRS employee and this is normally the type of audit that businesses are subjected to.

Correspondence audits are the usual method of investigation and this is where the IRS requests information from you but does not require a meeting.

An office audit is where you are asked to attend an IRS office in order to meet an agent to discuss your tax affairs.

Don’t ignore the notice

The most important point to remember when you are notified of an IRS audit is to not ignore the notice.

You have 30 days to acknowledge receipt of the audit notice and it is critical that you respond within that timeframe as your options will become limited if you simply ignore the notice or take too long to reply.

The IRS could automatically adjust your bill and make their own assumptions in the absence of your response, so reply within 30 days so that you have time to gather information and get professional help if you need it.

Get your documents in order

Before you even consider appealing the notice and disputing the figures it is essential that you work on organizing your records and presenting your documents in a way that makes it easy for the auditor to find what they are looking for.

Being organized with your documents also helps the auditor to make the assumption that your tax records are in order, which means the audit could be concluded more swiftly.

Take your time and know your rights

It is often best to only provide the information requested and see if you can reach an agreement about what is owed at this stage before launching an appeal.

It is worth noting that if you do decide to appeal your file will be transferred to someone who is more senior than the agent you are currently dealing with. This means they are more experienced and knowledgable when it comes to finding ways to support their claim for extra taxes to be paid.

The bottom line is that it is often better to be patient and try to resolve the issue at the first stage before launching an appeal. If in doubt, seek professional help with your taxes as they may be able to get you out of a tight spot and get you out of the spotlight as soon as possible.

Lee Beaman Believes That a Happy Community is a Success beyond Dreams

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People worldwide dream of becoming successful and wealthy, but some are just not keen to achieve that. Most of them look for easier ways to get rich. They call their faith to help, so they bet or play the lottery, hoping to win the grand prize.

People with both feet on the ground, work on making their dreams come true. You’ve probably heard of many billionaires and successful business people starting from nothing. That path is the only way to make it. 

The chance of becoming a millionaire or even a billionaire doesn’t fall from the sky. Not all wealthy people were born rich, nor their journeys to success were smooth. In order for you to enjoy what you’ve gained, you have to work hard on it. And if you want to be fulfilled, make the world a better place. 

Each of you can help society in some way. Yet, the wealthiest individuals of every community are expected to help the most. Although it’s not obligatory by any laws, the moral code doesn’t allow them to avoid doing it. Successful people like Lee Beaman pay a lot of attention to the well-being of society.

Beaman’s Path to Success

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Lee Beaman is one of the people who fulfilled their dreams many years ago. Things weren’t always easy for him, although he had a pretty stable background (his father was an entrepreneur). But having money didn’t get any shortcuts to Lee.

Alvin Beaman was Mr. Lee’s father, who passed away in 1997. Beaman senior was an incredibly capable man and an excellent role model for young Lee. He knew he wanted to follow his father’s footsteps of becoming an entrepreneur throughout his school and college years. Here is a list of what successful people do.

History Repeats Itself

Alvin tried to succeed in Nashville since he moved from Knoxville in the mid-1930s. Some years later, he started a successful business of bottling soft drinks. The company did so well that he bought a local radio station and the Dodge-Plymouth franchise in 1945. Mr. Alvin continued on his business rampage and taught his son how to achieve his life goals.

Beaman Jr. dedicated his life to becoming as successful as his dad. Today, he speaks of his father with utter respect since he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for Alvin. Becoming successful is much easier if the path before you is clear and set. Lee knew how to use the cards he was dealt with.

Ever since he achieved the goals, Lee Beaman has been helping his community every way he could. Beaman’s primary business, ‘Beaman Automotive Group,’ is the largest dealership franchise in States.  This company brought him fame and fortune. And Lee Beaman has been giving it back to people every chance he gets.

Hard Work and Engagement Earn Respect

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The famous saying mentioning lemon, life, and lemonade is familiar to everyone. Lee Beaman took it to another level. Metaphorically speaking, when life got him lemons, he didn’t make lemonade for himself. Lee made a fruit punch and invited the entire Nashville community to enjoy. That is an accurate description of how generous Mr. Beaman was and still is. 

Mr. Lee is active in numerous fields that help the Nashville area grow and become better. His corporate social responsibility portfolio includes building neonatal intensive care in Nashville’s hospital, campus library, and student center for local universities. He’s funding organizations like Red Cross and Salvation Army.

More on the importance of socially responsible business read below:

https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4679-corporate-social-responsibility.html

Personal Involvement

What sets Lee Beaman apart from other humanitarians is his personal involvement. He’s not just there to sign checks. This businessman believes that his engagement should be followed by others as much as they can. By being a board member or chairing various organizations of importance to the community, Beaman Jr. is changing the society for the better. Being involved in many life-changing projects makes him the most influential person in Nashville.

Ever since he became a rich man and a popular figure in Tennessee, Lee Beaman has been doing a lot of good. Following his example, earning the community’s respect can only be achieved by giving back with whatever you can. The status and fame came long before that, but it wasn’t earned until he decided to do something about it.

Charity Projects and Funding

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Wise people learn a lot from their past. And what’s most important, they never forget their roots. Lee Beaman is really close to his family history and community. Born and raised in Nashville, this philanthropist is using his accumulated wealth to support causes important to him.

When Beaman Jr. got into a successful businessman’s position, he decided to share his success with society. He joined numerous non-profit organizations. Their purpose is to help them build up the Nashville area and make it more appealing for the people.

Mr. Lee has been giving incredible funds for many projects. One of them worth mentioning is the donation he gave to the organization to help war veterans. With all his compassion, Beaman Jr. provided rehabilitation to these people and settled their lives back to normal. 

Providing green areas to his hometown is also one of the things Beaman did with all his heart. A memorial park named after his late father was a project that Lee supervised by himself, from scratch to final works. Today, this green area is one of the most beautiful spots in Nashville, with hiking trails and playgrounds. To know more about the benefits of green space in cities, read this article.

Regardless of how successful and wealthy anyone is; sharing your fortune with less fortunate is what distinguishes great people from mediocre ones. Lee Beaman knew this from his very beginning, and he never flinched when the community needed something. Becoming great is not depicted by the numbers on your bank account but by the number of good deeds you’ve done for others.

What to Know When Betting on Stock Futures

If you’re interested in trading in stock futures, there are several things to know before getting into heavy trading. From the benefits and drawbacks to the way traders calculate risk and speculate on commodities, futures trading can offer a lucrative income stream when done right. Here’s what to know when betting on stock futures.

What Are Stock Futures?

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Image via Pixabay by Gerd Altmann

Stock futures or futures contracts are financial transactions between a buyer and a seller that set a specific price for the commodity for a predetermined date in the future. This predetermined date is the expiration date, and on this date, the seller is obligated to sell the stock and the buyer is obligated to make the purchase of the asset. Futures contracts enable traders to buy stocks at lower prices and sell them at higher prices.

Benefits to Trading in Stock Futures

One of the benefits of trading stock futures is that they are highly liquid. In other words, you don’t have any limits to how many stock futures you can make within a day, and you can make futures contracts at high rates. In fact, day traders frequently use futures contracts to liquidate quickly and create profit gains.

Another great advantage of trading in stock futures is that of leverage. Futures contracts enable traders to gain leverage by only needing to provide the initial margin of the stock’s purchase price. The margin may vary between 3% to 12% of the commodity’s value, but this means that traders can potentially expose themselves to assets with much higher values than the margins they provide at the time of purchase.

Stock futures are also a great way to diversify your investments. Unlike the volatility of different stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, futures contracts enable you to lock in a specified price that these assets will sell for in the future, no matter how the market moves.

Drawbacks to Trading in Stock Futures

One of the drawbacks of stock futures trading is related to the high leverage of futures contracts. Even though the high leverage can offer higher gains, it can also mean drastic fluctuations in the stock’s future value. Since futures contracts are set to expire on a specific date, as this date gets closer, the specified prices for the commodity can appear less attractive to investors. This can be because of more profitable investments or another reason, but this can sometimes lead a futures contract to expire with little to no value.

How to Get Started Trading in the Futures Market

Ultimately, it is fairly easy to get started trading stock futures. For one, you can get started through an online trading platform where you can find full-service brokers and discount brokers who can analyze, research, buy, and sell futures on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started with stock futures trading, look for platforms that provide learning resources and research tools. You can even use trading simulators to help you practice trading before getting into the actual markets.

As you learn more about futures trading through resources, tools, and experience, you’ll have what you need to truly make futures trading a viable way to make investments.

4 Sections of the CPA Exam: What Skills Will You Be Tested For?

Becoming a certified public accountant means passing the CPA exam. A passing score on the exam leads to a license to practice. Even though the CPA exam may seem intimidating, taking the time to understand the concepts and types of questions on the exam can produce a successful result. The exam contains four sections and three different types of questions.

Types of Questions

In each section of the exam, the questions are structured as either multiple-choice, task-based simulations or short answer or essay. Although the multiple-choice format is fairly self-explanatory, the task-based simulations involve case studies that replicate real-life accounting scenarios. The short answer or essay format involves writing a response, sometimes in the form of memos or other means of business communications. Taking live cpa review courses can help someone become familiar with the three formats.

Four Sections

Within the CPA exam are four different subject areas that test a person’s accounting and business knowledge. Auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation are the subject areas every test taker will need to study. Each of these subject areas covers various sub-components to different degrees.

The first subject area of auditing and attestation covers accounting ethics, principles, and responsibilities. A test taker will also need to be familiar with concepts such as risk assessment and risk response, obtaining evidence and conducting deeper investigations, and reaching conclusions and writing reports. The majority of the test deals with risk assessment and conducting further investigations.

Business environment and concepts deal with general business knowledge, including corporate governance, economics, information technology, financial management, and operations management. Each of these sub-components is covered relatively equally within the CPA exam’s questions. Those who have taken general business courses or gone through a business administration degree program will already be familiar with these concepts, but it is a good idea to take a refresher course.

Subject matter related to financial accounting and reporting covers several key areas. Basic conceptual reporting frameworks, financial statement accounts, transactions, and state and local governments are all included in this section of the test. The bulk of the material involves financial statement accounts, with the smallest percentage devoted to state and local governments.

The final section deals with regulation. This area covers ethics and tax procedures, business law, property transaction taxes, individual taxes, and entity and business taxes. Taxation of entities and individuals represent the majority of the material.

Taking the Test

Registering to take the test involves submitting an application to the Board of Accountancy. Once someone’s application is approved, he or she will receive a notice to schedule to take the exam within six months. A person does not have to take all four sections of the exam in one sitting, but can. However, to achieve a valid passing score on the exam, all sections must be taken with a passing score within a consecutive eighteen-month period.

Deciding to take the CPA exam can be an important step in beginning an accounting career. Due to the rigor of the test, months of preparation are recommended. Self-study, as well as in-person and virtual course options, are available. Some choose to supplement previous business education with additional continuing education courses or test preparation courses. To achieve the minimum score of 75 in each section, thorough planning and preparation are highly recommended.

3 Surefire Ways to to Protect Your Future Self

A person sitting on a table Description automatically generatedMost of us are taught the Golden Rule by kindergarten: Treat others how you want to be treated. And most of us follow it as much as we can. But there is often one person whose feelings we forget to think about: our future self. 

Who gets it worse than him or her? If I want some chocolate cake now, it will be Future Me’s responsibility to hit the treadmill. If I want to binge out on Netflix this evening, Future Me can work double time to finish that report tomorrow. We freely abuse our future selves in ways that we never would if it was anyone else.

No more! Future Selves have rights too! And since Future You really is just you, it really will pay to start trying to make his or her life easier.

How do you do it? Do you have to abandon dessert and never procrastinate again? Some discipline will help in those obvious areas. But a lot of it starts with taking steps now that will pay off for years to come. Specifically, work on the following three areas today and you can start protecting your future self forever.

1. Be More Social

There are a ton of studies that show how much more healthier people are when they are surrounded by family and friends. In particular, we know the opposite can be very detrimental, with more and more research revealing just how harmful it can be when people isolate, especially in their older years.

According to the National Institute on Aging, an agency within U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, loneliness and isolation have been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and depression. To avoid all this, the best medicine may be community, so you should make efforts now to widen and deepen your circle.

2. Take Your Medicine

Our medical advancements in recent decades have been nothing short of miraculous. While we all need to steer clear of scams, overpriced placebos, and potentially harmful substances pushed as wonder cures, there are so many ways to make taking THC simple and other pharmaceuticals available today that allow you to live better and prevent diseases from progressing.

For those at retirement age, this makes signing up for Medicare Part D as soon as possible almost a no-brainer. It supplements the core Medicare plans and gives seniors access to a wide range of drugs for free or a very reduced cost. And since it is so affordable, getting access immediately can significantly help your older self stay healthier longer.

3. Live Within Your Means

Few things are worse for your future self than drowning in debt. Overspending now is a classic case of pushing a problem down the road so that you don’t have to deal with it now. Everybody thinks that they will be making more next year or that they can just tighten their belt a little when it comes time to pay it off.

But you are setting your future self up for failure if you cannot live within your means. What happens when you get laid off or injured and can’t work for eight months? What if your home is damaged and insurance doesn’t cover it? What if any number of emergencies hits? Sure, there are some legitimate reasons to take on debt (mortgage or student loans being good examples). But if you’re just putting a vacation you can’t afford on a credit card, you’re only creating a burden for Future You.

Looking Out for Number One

We all want to be successful in the future. But it can be hard to think about it in concrete terms. The concept of the future is just so nebulous and hard to envision. If you start thinking about your Future Self as someone you can help, however, it may become easier to do the right thing today.

Start by trying to cultivate more of a community with your family, friends, and social groups to stay healthier and more engaged later in life. Take your medicine and start practicing preventative care before ailments progress into serious issues. And don’t create debt burdens just because you can’t be patient enough to save up for a new shiny toy.

There are no guarantees in life, and even the best laid plans often go awry. But by applying the golden rule to Future You, there is a great chance that you both will be able to enjoy yourself more down the line.

4 Key Things to Remember When Insuring Your Business Property

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Purchasing a commercial building is a huge investment. You want to take the necessary steps to protect your asset. Fire damage, lighting strikes and theft can occur at any time. Insuring your property is key to protecting both your building and physical assets in the case of such unforeseen eventualities. That means picking the best possible insurance commercial building owners can find.

To arrive at this decision, there are a few considerations you must factor in. If you’ve never insured your property before, it’s easy to find the task overwhelming. No need to feel intimidated by the legal jargon associated with commercial property insurance. We’ll clearly highlight the main factors you must keep your eyes peeled for before deciding which policy to go with. A registered agent service can remove the obligation of a registered agent for a business in a hassle-free way. These services can allieviate the need to constantly be physically present in the work place. For more information consider this list of the best registered agent services.

What Does the Policy Cover?

The very first thing you need to consider is what exactly you’re paying for. What does the policy actually cover? Know that there are different types of commercial insurance available. The first mistake you can make is to assume that your commercial property insurance policy covers your building and everything in it—including your workers. Read up on the following examples of insurance coverage types so you can make the necessary differentiations:

  • Commercial auto: This policy covers your motor vehicles that are used in any manner which is business related.

  • General liability: This type of insurance ensures your employees are protected from bodily injuries that are triggered by property damage under this policy.

  • Workers compensation insurance: This type of insurance covers workers who are injured while conducting their duties on the premises.

  • Commercial property: This type of insurance protects your building and its assets from damage or loss caused by fire and theft.

The last type is our focus below.

Theft of Property Which Isn’t on Your Premises: Is it Covered?

We mentioned how commercial building insurance covers theft of your assets. But it’s important to realise that there are certain conditions to this clause such as:

  • Only items that are stolen while on your property at the time of theft are covered. 

  • With most building insurance policies, items that are 100ft away from your premises won’t be covered.

  • You may need to take a separate policy that’s designed to cover your business assets that are in transit from one place to another.

How Much You Should Pay?

Your budget plays a huge role regarding the type of commercial insurance you pick. You simply need to be aware that the premiums you pay will depend on a number of factors such as:

  • Condition of your building: If the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems on your premises are in good condition, your premiums are likely to be lower.

  • Your industry: Certain industries such as the construction sector are considered to be high risk industries. This may push your premiums up.

  • Business location: If you’re operating in a high risk location, your premiums may be higher.

  • Safety procedures: Do you have adequate safety measures on your premises such as fire alarms or sprinkler systems?

  • Size of your business: The larger your business, the higher the premiums. 

Pick the Right Agent

It’s imperative that you pick the right agent to represent you and provide you with the best possible coverage. Make sure that insurance agent you pick meets the following criteria:

  • Is licensed and registered by the respective insurance board.

  • Has ample knowledge regarding your business industry and operations.

  • Have the necessary credentials.

  • Is reputable. Research the company by visiting their website and also reading a few reviews on the company. 

  • Are readily accessible, professional and responsive. The last thing you need is to pick an agent that’s difficult to get hold of. Such situations are bound to get worse once they have your contract secured. This doesn’t bode well, especially when you need them the most—like when you want to claim your insurance. Pay attention to the small details. Do they respond quickly to emails? Do they call you back when they promise to? Do they pick up your calls?

Final Words

Picking insurance commercial building owners will find valuable is no easy task. The wrong policy will leave your company exposed and unprotected when it matters the most. 

You’ll also need to establish whether the policy covers more than just your building. Does the policy cover non-payment of rentals from tenants in the event that you lease your building? Some policies will compensate you for the rentals, but never assume. Always ask for particulars. 

Pick a professional and reputable commercial insurance agent that has your business best interests at heart. And even so, we advise you to consult with your lawyers before signing on the dotted line. They’ll look over the policy and explain to you what exactly it covers & what you’re paying for.

Did you find our tips helpful? Let us know.

Types of Insurance that Everybody Needs

Life comes with unexpected events, and there’s no question about that. But when the accidents happen, whether you have insurance or not will matter a lot. Read more information about insurance when you click here.

Insurance will act as a buffer for unexpected expenses and emergencies. Most people know that having this kind of security means that they will be prepared in times of crisis. However, not everyone knows that there are different types of assurance plans available out there and how these can impact their lives.

Some of the most popular types available are the following:

1. Health Insurance

Everyone needs a health plan to pay for hospital bills and medical expenses in times of unexpected illnesses. Healthcare is costly, and when you add maintenance and prescribed medicines, the bills can become overwhelming. When you factor in surgeries, daily hospital stays, and routine check-ups, expect everything to pile up in no time.

When you are a policyholder, the good news is that you can walk out of the hospital free from bills and debts. This is because your insurers will pay for the costs of your hospital stay. For some people, they don’t even have to pay anything from their pockets for the duration of their stay. But not all insurers can cover all costs, but some pay for at least a considerable portion of the bill. You may want to read first the terms and conditions before signing into anything.

2. Vehicle Insurance

Your vehicle is prone to unwanted accidents every day. When you are insured, you will have the peace of mind that any damages can get repaired in no time without you needing to spend anything. Most policies cover theft, collision, vandalism, and accidents, so you may want to get an assurance plan before these things happen.

If you got your car under a loan, you would not have to continue paying for it once it got stolen – which is an unfortunate situation for anyone – but this is an excellent example of how insurance can help you. The coverage can include trucks, motorcycles, cars, and other vehicles that are under your possession. If you also get into an accident resulting from driving the vehicle, getting medical assistance for your injuries may get covered if it’s part of your agreement.

3. Life Insurance

People who have dependents need life insurance so that their loved ones won’t struggle financially even if they can no longer work or they have an accident. In extreme cases, the policies cover funeral expenses, estate planning, and other unexpected costs that resulted from death.

Life assurance plans are contracts between an assurer and the policyholder. The assurer promises to pay a fixed amount to the beneficiaries upon the death of the insured family member. These are all in exchange for a monthly premium. Other events, such as critical illnesses can trigger the payment of the plan.

4. Mortgage

Crop woman counting money at modern office table

Assurance plans on mortgage protect the titleholder in the event of default payments from the borrower. When the borrower dies, the heirs are protected even if there’s still money owed on their apartment or townhouse. The plan can either pay the heirs or the lender depending on the agreed terms.

These types can have typical pay-as-you-go premiums, and other companies require lump sums. Different types will protect the borrower in cases of title invalidation. There are cases when two people own the title for the property, and the sale is invalidated. You can know more about mortgage insurance on sites like low.ie, where you can choose the best types of plans that you need for your property. The title insurance protects the beneficiaries from possible losses.

Possible Scenarios where Insurance are Needed

Life

You may have a neighbor that suddenly met an accident and died. He left behind a wife and three kids, plus two older parents in his household. Your friend doesn’t have enough savings to cover the needs of the family. He barely has money in the bank to pay two months of food and rent. Life insurance will have ensured that his family will receive enough money to spend every month.

Health

You might have caught the flu in the office. However, you can’t put off work as you are looking to close a big deal this month. Eventually, the flu worsened, and it escalated into pneumonia. You went into the hospital to be admitted, and they say that it will take at least two weeks for you to recover. 

The total expenses were over $800 for the hospital stay and about $150 for the treatment. A $50 health coverage could have saved you from paying all of these, and the total out-of-pocket expenses that you may have incurred was $0.

Vehicle

You drove to work like any other day. However, there’s an unexpected oil spill on your way to work. The car near you suddenly became out of control and hit your vehicle. The headlights and the bumpers were damaged. 

The bumper repair costs are about $132 and for the lights, you may need another $92 for replacements. The average price of $99 of auto insurance a year should have paid for the repairs and replacements if you have one.

These are not the exact figures, but it will give you an idea of why you need insurance. When you are protected, everything gets easier. You have cushions for accidents, emergencies, and health problems. You know that you can afford to get the best possible treatment in case of health issues, and your family will have a financial backup that will help them get back on their feet when you pass away.

How To Grow Your Company Profits This 2020?

The year 2020 will go down in history as one of the worst economic years for small and large enterprises alike. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought business processes to a standstill. Without a doubt, business owners are only trying to keep their businesses afloat. Whether there will be a repeat of this in the future, people do not know. In any case, entrepreneurs need to be well-equipped for any unprecedented business crisis

Let’s look at the different ways that a company can remain profitable to ensure they hold business processes together even in tough economic times.

Financial planning

Accounting and financial planning is the first step towards proper management of company funds. As a start-up, failing to take into account how much capital is needed and how it is spent is detrimental to the business. Understanding a company’s finances and the policies surrounding business loans ensures business stability, which goes a long way in helping an enterprise remain profitable in good and bad economic times.

Furthermore, accounting and financial planning allow a business to make worthwhile business expansion programs, which are instrumental in the long-term survival of the business.

Eliminate redundant tasks

Start-up companies are especially notorious for the rapid inclusion of various business processes. Over time, some of these processes or tasks may turn out redundant. Bearing in mind that a company should be constantly striving to maintain profitability, entrepreneurs should make a habit of cutting out redundant tasks as soon as possible. 

Doing so saves money hence increasing the value of the company. These cuts, no matter how small, affect the company’s bottom line in terms of value addition and profits.

Great customer service

Great customer service is the spinal cord of any successful business. Customers should be given exceptional customer service at all times. Not only does this make them feel valued but it also ensures brand loyalty. Maintaining high levels of customer service significantly minimizes the need for consumers to seek the services of competitor brands. 

Business owners must realize that a satisfied customer is more important than happy to share their shopping experience. They are a ‘free’ marketing tool that should be safeguarded at all costs. The business they offer and their loyalty is enough to keep a business afloat amidst an economic recession.

Generate more leads

Lead generation is one of the most effective ways for a business to remain profitable. It may mean employing effective marketing strategies to ensure both local and international prospects are familiar with the brand. 

The goal is to drive profit margins a record high, entrepreneurs must embrace cost-effective marketing tactics. For example, they can use various social media platforms to alert clients of their products and services. Additionally, there is a need for offline networking. Going to corporate parties and hanging out with fellow businessmen is the first step. Doing so places an entrepreneur in a position where they are likely to rub shoulders with prospective investors.

These are some tactics businesses can leverage to beat economic crises. Adopt them today to ensure you remain competitive in this cut-throat business environment.