Seattle Simplicity

How to Find a Job

2019-11-05T22:56:00.001-05:00

There are times in your life when you need to find a job. You could be graduating college and looking for your first entry level position, or you could be a well experienced executive looking to change things up in your life. Either way, finding a job can be tricky and stressful. Not only is it typically difficult to land a new job but there are also many things to consider when getting on board. Not only do you need to consider the salary and benefits, you also need to know what makes you happy and feel fulfilled. To get to that point, where you are weighing the risks and benefits of taking a job, you need to find the job! So what are some ways to find a new job?

Word of Mouth

The single best way to find a new job is to know someone or have an in with the company. Think about who you know and what connections they might have. Does a family member or friend work at a company you might want to work at? They could probably submit your resume for you which gives you a leg up on the job offer process. This tactic also works if you already work at a company and want to transfer positions, the more people you know the better. Be sure to tell people you are searching and you never know what opportunities may be available. The more you talk about it, the more people will keep their ears open for you. Just like if you hear about no deposit electricity, you would tell everyone about it.

Online Sites

There are many sites available that not only help you with the application process but they post jobs and filter searches for you. Go online and find these sites and keep applying. Some sites are free which is nice, but you can also subscribe to sites that require payment. I have found that even though it is a hassle to pay for sites, they often offer the best opportunities and matches.

Recruiters

You can also get a job through a recruiter. There are people and businesses who sole purpose is to find jobs for people. Companies hire recruiters to find employees. When you use a recruiter they are on a mission to help you as well as the businesses who hired them.

Creative Measures

Some people get very creative while on the job hunt. You can use social media by posting to your linked in or facebook. Some even update their resume and do a direct mail campaign to get the word out there they are looking for a job. These days people even make websites for themselves and have an online resume of sorts. The creative possibilities are endless.

These are a few methods to get you started on your job search. By using any or all of these avenues you should be successful.

With Easy Cyber-Targets Agio Secures Hedge Fund Security

2019-03-01T14:11:00.001-05:00

While you're looking for a deal in the stock market, hackers are looking for a way into your system. It's not just because you're a moneymaker—it's because so many moneymakers lack property security.

This isn't an attempt to explain the psychology of the successful. It could be a risk-embracing lack of concern until a hack happens, or many hedge funds may be too busy to implement security when there's always a new market change on the horizon. Agio provides IT support and preventative measures to hedge funds and private equity firms. No matter the reason, your data and finances are in danger. Here are a few details, provided by Agio, to understand why you're a target, how you can prevent most attacks, and how you can recover with less stress.

Preventing Basic Effort Hacks

Champions of risk, hedge fund managers and top performers need to work on the cutting edge of trading. It's not uncommon for an international deal to require fast thinking and even faster funds transfers. Unfortunately, it's becoming easier for bad actors to pose as legitimate business partners. Especially if they've already hacked your existing business partners and have all the tools they need to look real.

Spearphishing is a massive threat that snatches billions of dollars every year. One of the more damaging techniques is the Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack, which nets about $3.5 billion yearly. Modern spearphishing is more than waiting for people to fall for spam. Hedge funds are worth observing for long periods of time, and hackers will either observe your patterns, your business partner or clientele's patterns, or both. Agio can offer training for employees, even employees that are digitally intelligent, that can dramatically decrease the risk of phishing with Agio testing. How to start a private equity firm with completely fool proof cybersecurity measures? Agio can certainly help with standardizing these efforts but most likely all operations will have to evolve over time as hacking becomes more advanced.

Observation is more than just listening in on conversations or looking up trades. Viruses that have no other job but to observe and report information can get everything they need to pretend to be a trader. Do you have a method of verifying your client on the other end? Do you know the trading team on the other side? Do you have a way to sanitize or completely terminate your tech assets if you've been compromised?

The answer to these questions are both technical and policy-base. A cybersecurity professional can help you with hardening against hacking, but you need a post-game plan in the event of a successful compromise.

Recovering In The Age Of No Perfect Defense

There is no such thing as a perfect defense. Sales teams can get excited and young programmers have a lot of confidence, but any security is meant to be broken.

If it's not going to be broken by someone looking for profit, it'll be broken by a bored, highly-intelligent hacker. If not by a kid in a basement, then a kid contracted by a government group. While you shouldn't let your tech assets lay exposed, you need to spend as much time planning recovery as you plan defense. First, figure out how to get your money back.

If your credit cards, bank account, and other financial accounts were emptied today, what would you do? Do your financial institutions have policies for proving that a hack happened and helping you recover? While the 1980's to the mid-2000's had many Re: Change need to all digital properties and collateral horror stories of lives collapsing after having their accounts emptied, there are a lot more protections in place today. Hacking is a matter of if, not when, and as long as you have cyber security best practices in place, few institutions could fault you.

Your main obstacle in recovery is proving that you're not lying. Having a friend or contractor "steal" your assets while you file a claim and keep both piles of money is hardly a new scam. Financial institutions need to check for that type of fraud while simultaneously helping you with real fraud.

Have a set of emergency numbers and email addresses to contact in the event of a compromise. These numbers should be to the fraud department of your financial departments and a cyber-security professional who can perform a sweep of your systems to figure out what went wrong.

Finally, set personal vendettas aside. The first hours of a hacking situation should involve recovery. Unless you see physical evidence of the hack and can take a picture on your camera, you shouldn't try to become a counter-hacker. Contact a cybersecurity professional to discuss a partnership to protect your tech assets, finances, and digital footprint.

Reasons Your Dog Might Be Experiencing Anxiety and How You Can Help

2017-12-15T14:34:00.000-05:00

When you first introduce your four-legged friend to your family and move them into your home, it can be difficult to guess whether they will settle in the ideal way you want them to. This article hopes to enlighten you on any possible signs of distress in your puppy and how you can help to alleviate them. From subtle panting to more overt aggressive behavior, anxiety can be demonstrated through a variety of communicative traits. So, as a dog owner, you have the responsibility to recognize these symptoms and do something about it. They are your family now, so why let them suffer?

Royalty Free Photo

Suffering from an Illness

When pets are suffering from an illness or are hurting, they often have to find ways in which to express their pain. This is done through changes in their normal behavioral patterns to unusual, and even sometimes aggressive retaliation. This is to alert you to their pain, so you can help them and sort out the solution they require.

For example, if you notice that your dog is licking their nose a lot, panting, or showing distress, then that is usually an indication that something is hurting them. If this is the case in your house, then the best option would be to take your dog to the vets. Even if it’s nothing serious, it’s much better to be safe than sorry.

Unfamiliar Situations

Introducing a young animal into a new environment doesn’t always go down the way you originally intended. Big houses can seem like giant mazes to your puppy, meaning you must be prepared to ease the process for them.

To begin with, make sure you don’t leave them alone for periods longer than necessary, except for when it is time for bed. You don’t want them to feel as though they have been abandoned, especially in the first few weeks; however, it is still important to establish a routine where they have some time alone to ease the risk of them suffering from separation anxiety. The more they get used to this routine, the happier they will be.

Separation Anxiety

It is possible that when you go off to work, or leave the house to run some errands, that your puppy won’t understand that you have only left temporarily. This will automatically cause them to act out. If your puppy has chewed up furniture or drives your neighbor mad by barking every minute until you return, then they have separation anxiety.

This can be solved through a variety of steps:

1. Take your dog out for a walk before you go. This will encourage them to expel some of that energy they could have potentially used to destroy your new couch, causing them to sleep and remain calm instead.

2. Don’t let them know you’re leaving. Making a fuss will only associate this behavior with abandonment and the cycle will begin once again. If you leave without letting them know, then they should remain calm and wait patiently until you return.

3. Try Canna Companion. This helps to keep your four-legged friend calm and therefore promotes a relaxed demeanor.

So, if you’re considering adopting a beautiful puppy or dog this Christmas, I hope you find these three steps useful. By noticing the signs of anxiety early, you can help your companion to once again return to their calm and collective self. This will help to avoid any unnecessary aggression and promote a positive relationship between you and your pet.

4 Ways to Get Your Customers to Leave Great Online Reviews

2017-09-11T16:20:00.003-04:00

As a business owner or a manager, you understand that how people perceive your brand makes a huge difference in your bottom line. Yes, your product or service has to be awesome. But so does your image. And that’s even more relevant in today’s rapidly expanding online world.

According to research, more than 80% of customers check online reviews before they purchase a product or use a service. If your business does not have goodwill online, you are going to struggle.

So what do you do? One way is to solicit positive reviews from your existing customers. In this post we’re going to tell you how.

1. Ask them personally

The best and the easiest way to get positive reviews for your business is to ask existing customers directly and personally. Customer service should already be a strong point of your business strategy, and you can build on it further by getting regular feedback from customers.

You can simply call up some of your best customers and let them know that you would love to get their testimonial and review to feature online.

Most people will agree if you ask. But if they sound at all hesitant, be sure not to sound pushy. You don’t want to ruin your existing relationships either or risk a less-than-stellar review.

2. Send out email reminders

An effective strategy used by a lot of businesses is to send customers an email reminder several days after they have purchased your product or service.

Your email serves as a virtual “check in” with them to make sure all is well. Invite them to contact you if they have any questions or concerns. And, if they’re satisfied, encourage them to leave a review.

3. Make it easy

One major reason customers don’t like leaving reviews is that it can be time-consuming. So make it easy for them by creating a simple review process.

You can do this by setting up a very short form, requiring just a name and basic feedback instead of asking for extra details like phone number, email, address, item description, date of purchase, etc., etc. Similarly, if you’re emailing requests to customers, consider giving them the option of replying directly to that email with their feedback rather than asking them to take an extra step, like clicking on a link, visiting a site and filling a form.

The easier you make it for your customers, the easier it will be for you to get positive reviews for your business.

4. Resolve bad reviews

Another great way to get positive reviews from your customers is to pay attention to the negative ones.

While negative reviews can definitely hurt your business, each negative review can also be an opportunity to turn the problem around. For example, you can turn a disgruntled customer into your advocate by apologizing, offering a complimentary service, or replacing a defective product.

Many customers who leave negative reviews actually care about your product or service. Your positive, prompt response can change their mind, cause them to retract their negative review (or amend it with an updated, positive one), and improve your general goodwill online.

It has been proven that positive reviews boost sales and we hope these tips help you generate some great reviews from your customers.

How to Deal with a Difficult Customer

2017-09-05T17:08:00.000-04:00

When you’re running a business, customers are your lifeblood. Whatever a customer means to you, whether that’s a single person buying one product from you, or a client who retains your services for their whole company, their good will is what ensures they not only come back to you, but recommend you to other people.

It’s important to keep your customers happy, and that’s why it can be so excruciating when they aren’t, whether that’s your fault, theirs, or totally out of anyone’s control. If you’re running a small business without a dedicated customer service team, it can be both difficult and emotionally exhausting to resolve a situation with an upset or dissatisfied customer.

This short guide should give you a few tips to help with the trickiest situations.

Engage

The most important thing is to fully engage with the dissatisfied customer or client. Make eye contact, and stop doing other tasks. If you’re not dealing with them in person, make sure you’re fully listening to the phone call: don’t type in the background except to record information they give you.

Whatever the reason, a customer has been let down by the service you provide. You are no longer reliable in their eyes. Giving them your time and full attention is the first and most important step in turning the situation around and helping them become a happy customer who may yet recommend you to their friends.

Some upset customers simply want an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction: doing this to a person who is clearly fully engaged and empathetic with them will help them to calm down a lot, and you may find the inciting issue is much smaller and easily solved.

Don’t Blame the Company

It can be tempting, if you’re being empathetic with the customer, to agree with them in blaming the company for the problems they’ve suffered. This should be avoided, before you’ve spoken to your business lawyer about your liabilities in the situation. You don’t want to open yourself or your company to lawsuits.

You can genuinely empathise and apologise to a customer for a bad situation, for the inconvenience they’ve suffered, but do stop short of saying “I’m sorry we caused this”, unless you are completely certain your company is to blame.

Having listened and empathised with a customer, you can then present your best solution to a calmer customer who is ready to hear you.

How to Get Into Interim Management

2017-09-05T16:54:00.001-04:00

Interim management is a field that’s getting more and more popular. According to the Interim Management Association, use of these specialists has grown by 93% since 2006. It’s not hard to see why: many businesses are facing times of uncertainty and massive change. Specialists in guiding them through this difficult period will naturally be in high demand.

As more people are exposed to the idea, we’re also seeing more entering the profession. It’s an attractive proposition. Rather than becoming a victim to uncertain economic climate, specialise in it, and make it your career!

That said, not everyone is a good fit for the demands of the job, and it can be difficult to get a foot in the door. Today’s guide will help strip away some of the mystery and help you on your journey into Interim Management.

Firstly, do you have the right skills?

You need to be a dedicated and ambitious independent worker: you’ll have no permanent colleagues, and no structure guiding your development but the need to stay at the forefront of knowledge and expertise so you can continue to provide value. This means you need to motivate yourself to keep researching and reading between jobs, and swapping insights with contacts. You also need to be a good communicator: clear but diplomatic, as you’ll often be upending established processes and even recommending redundancies. It’s important to convey your ideas quickly, as you work, by definition, under pressure to deliver, but you also need to be sensitive to the people you’re talking to and achieve change by persuasion rather than force.

Secondly, getting jobs is a challenge. Once you’ve been working for a while, a record of success and endorsements from businesses will help to sell your services, but in the beginning you need more help. Establishing a relationship with a specialised executive search agency is helpful, as they are the first point of call for businesses looking for the service you provide.

It’s vital to point to a previous record of expertise in this area, so if you have previous consultancy work that’s helped a business transition through a difficult period, or have come off a project in a more traditional business where you’ve helped them pivot into a new market, talk about this front and centre. Experience like that is your qualification for work as an Interim Manager, rather than a CV of traditional office work, however impressive.

Mobile Security Across Africa

2017-09-05T16:51:00.003-04:00

Mobile phones are getting more and popular in Africa and it’s not hard to see why. They can be charged from solar panels, so don’t need to rely on power line infrastructure that’s unreliable across much of the continent. Online top up services mean family members who’ve moved away in search of more opportunities can still send credit back to contribute to friends and relative’s lives back home.
Mobile phones have given people in Africa access to information and services that simply would not have been possible ten years ago. As well letting people communicate and coordinate in a way that was previously undreamt of, even simple SMS phones are being to revolutionise lives. mPesa is a mobile banking system that uses text messages to allow people living in rural Africa to access banking facility and begin to move away from a cash in hand existence. This also makes finance options more available for entrepreneurial spirits who previously weren’t able to obtain the money needed to kickstart their business ideas.

Health has also been an important focus for mobile tech developers in Africa. Mobile devices allow doctors to receive test results faster and so put treatments into effect more quickly. SMS programmes for patients suffering from ongoing conditions like AIDS offer regular reminders to take medication correctly and give advice about health, which has been proven to improve the outcomes for these patients.

All this development means that security is a newly important issue for mobile technology in Africa. More and more sensitive information and money is accessed with mobile log ins and is this vulnerable to hackers and indeed simple theft of the device in question.

Developers are clearly aware of the problem. Google’s new ICE 2 phone, aimed at being the first smartphone to crack the African market, is the first to launch with Google’s new Google Play Protect software. This is Google’s best attempt at keeping phones and apps and data totally safe from malign incursions. It also includes a fingerprint scanner to ensure unauthorised people cannot access the phone.

Nigeria’s aware of the problem of stolen phones being ransacked for data and sold on, and his created PhonReg that aims not only to identify stolen phones and remove them from circulation but also make it easier to buy legitimate handsets. With this understanding of the security concerns around mobile tech, it can be no coincidence that Google chose to launch their new smartphone in Nigeria.

Why Working Remote Is The Only Way To Go

2017-07-11T21:18:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had the opportunity to work remotely? Is this something that has eluded you to this point in your career? Are you hoping to make a change in the near future?

While there’s nothing wrong with working in a traditional office setting, a remote setup can change your life forever (in a positive way, of course).

With this, you can work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have the tools and technology necessary to get your job done.

In the United States alone, the number of people working remotely is closing in on 50 percent. There is no way of knowing what the future holds, but there is good reason to assume that this will remain the trend. Here’s why: it benefits both employees and employers in a number of ways.

Here are several reasons why working remote is the only way to go:

1. Freedom To Do What You Want

When you’re required to work from the same office, day in and day out, you don’t have much freedom and flexibility. Instead, you know that you’ll spend a minimum of eight hours a day in this space. Talk about boring.

When you work remotely, you don’t have to be in the same place (unless you want). One day you can work from home. The next you can head to a local coffee shop or restaurant. From there, maybe you want to take advantage of the adventure tourism boom. It doesn’t matter where you are, as long as your company is happy with your performance.

Although the typical telecommuter works for a company with less than 100 employees, employers of all sizes are looking into this strategy.

2. The Best of Both Worlds

Depending on your circumstances and employment arrangement, you may have the opportunity to work remotely on a part-time basis.

According to a survey by GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com, 50 percent of the United States workforce has a job that is compatible with working remote at least part of the time.

With this arrangement, you have the opportunity to work on-site when necessary, but to also take advantage of the benefits of working remote.

Tip: if you’re interested in working remote but your employer is unsure, offer to compromise with a part-time telework schedule.

3. More Time for the Things You Love

Have you ever held a job where you spend a minimum of eight hours per day in the office? Did this hold you back from dong the things you love?

This can be extremely frustrating, often to the point of having to ditch one or more hobby in order to make a living.

When working remote, this is never a concern. You’ll still put in your time, but since you’re not tied down to an office there is more availability in your schedule to do the things you love.

A good example of this is somebody who spends several hours each day commuting to and from the office. By cutting this out of your life, you’ll have more time for the things you love, from photography to sports and much more.

Find a Remote Gig

If there is no potential to work remotely within your current company, it may be time to start your search for a new gig.

There are many ways to find a remote opportunity, with these ideas a good jumping off point:

· Online job boards. With the ability to search by “telecommute” or “work from home” you’ll find opportunities that suit your needs.

· Social media. There is more to social media than fun and games. You can also use Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to uncover your next job opportunity.

· Your network. Do you know somebody who currently works from home? Would they be willing to help you land a job with their employer? Don’t hesitate to reach out to everyone in your network, letting them know what you’re trying to accomplish.

Conclusion

It goes without saying that some careers are more closely aligned with working remote than others.

For example, the United States Department of Labor notes that people in financial operations, business, and management, have the tendency to work from home more often than other professionals.

Regardless of your current career path, you should seek an opportunity that allows you to work outside a traditional office environment. In today’s day and age, this is the only way to go!

Do you have any experience with telecommuting? Are you doing your best to find a job that allows you to work remotely?

Why your logo really matters

2017-06-01T09:53:00.002-04:00

When I think about some of my favorite brands, the products that I buy on a regular basis are not the first images that pop into my head. Instead, the images that most readily come to mind are the logos. The three Adidas stripes and the gold and navy blue Dove logo are, to me, as much a part of the brand as the goods I depend on to fuel my everyday life.

Every entrepreneur knows that in order to resonate with consumers, they have to deploy comprehensive and connected digital campaigns. From effective Facebook ads to influencer marketing posts on Instagram and targeted PPC ads, creating content across digital customer touch points is the key to success. But before brands even begin to ideate compelling ad content and copy, they first have to design a logo that communicates their brand story and connects with potential customers.

Logos are, often, the first point of contact consumers have with a brand. Long before we’ve tested a product our service out for ourselves, our eyes have been drawn to the name, font, shapes, and selected colors that have been carefully chosen to work in tandem as the brand’s marker. More often than not, it is an interesting logo that commands my attention in a grocery store aisle than a product description or, even, a price marker. Strong logos have the power to encourage consumers to forget about pre-existing brand ties in favor of an untested competitor.

While you know that certain logos stand the test of time - think Coca-Cola and the Gap - you might not understand exactly why logos play such a big part in building and sustaining a brand. The elements of a logo - the colors, symbols, shapes, and fonts - create immediate connotations that have emotional effects. When logos are effective it is because every element of their design scheme is working toward a common goal or story. Take the Barbie label for example. This toy symbol is as renown as the platinum blonde hair on each doll sold. The large, swooping cursive in bubblegum pink spelling out the first doll’s name not only sends the immediate message that this is a toy designed for girls, but also that this is a welcoming, fun, not-too-serious toy. If the Barbie logo were in orange or, even, red, the effect would be entirely different.

Color is one of the strongest elements of a logos, and also one of the most researched. There’s an entire school of thought devoted to communicating how and why color makes us feel certain emotions. For example, take the color yellow: the immediate connotation we assign to yellow is the sun. Because of this innate attraction, we view yellow as an energetic, upbeat color that brings energy and happiness. The brands that utilize yellow in their logos (often) try to communicate these associations; both McDonald’s and Cheerios want to communicate that their food will make you happy.

Through color, alone, brands have the power to convey an immediate and potent message. The trick is, however, really understanding your brand values and product market value and aligning a message with a tangible color scheme. Given all of the interest in sustainable materials and solution, your brand might be interested in appealing to eco-friendly consumers. But if your product is not designed to spark health or is not made from earthy, sustainable materials, assigning the color green as the anchor color within your logo will not make much sense to consumers; upon seeing green tones they’ll immediately decide your product is designed to do something it actually isn't, which will result in mistrust and no repeat purchasing. Even if they are not conscious of it, consumers are reading into the messages your logo is emanating, and if that message does not align with the truth of your product, they will (likely) be turned off by your brand. Shapes are another element of logos that give off instantaneous messages. For example, a circle in a logo automatically communicates a brand built on community and trust. Whereas seeing a triangle in a logo tells a consumer to expect a brand involved in science or religion.

Luckily for today’s emerging brands, there is an abundance of resources to make the log designing process as streamlined and effective as possible. While some brands choose to employ large-scale branding agencies, others have found great success in creating their own logos with resources like Deluxe. Regardless of which path you choose you first have to determine your overall brand mission and message. Understanding who you are, not necessarily who you want to be, but what value you can offer a customer, is the first step in great logo design. To determine the brand qualities you want to communicate in your logo, try deconstructing the elements of your brand, including: history, product, and target audience. From there, you can assign specific messages and characteristics to your logo. For example if your target audience is Gen Z and you know that they are a generation that appreciates community building and authenticity, you can bring a circular shape into your logo mix. There’s no right or wrong way to create a logo, but the ones that stand the test of time tend succinctly and creatively embody all of the elements of a brand in one visual representation.

Dollars on the Road: Working while Travelling

2017-05-03T09:19:00.001-04:00

The ability to see the world while earning a paycheck might just be the new American Dream. With over 38% of millennials currently freelancing in some fashion, it's a concept that's becoming less “dream” and more “reality.” Many people use these jobs to make a living working from home, but as laptop prices become more affordable and Wi-Fi becomes more available, there are fewer barriers every day to making a living on the open road. Want to join the movement? Here are a few jobs that you should consider if you'd like to unshackle from a traditional desk or retail job.

Content Writer

If you enjoy writing and have a good grasp of grammar and storytelling, you might want to check out content writing. Individuals working as writers typically solicit projects from "mill" sites that list jobs available. These jobs can be as small as Twitter updates written for businesses to longer "white papers" that take on an essay-like length and depth for a given subject. One of the more stable online jobs, there's never a lack of businesses that need work like articles, blogs, and even product descriptions done.

Note: You'll need a payment account, such as Paypal, in order to get paid.

Stock Trader

One of the most well-known ways to make a living on your own schedule, stock trading holds a great deal of promise for those that show proficiency. It requires a solid understanding of any markets you're trading in, but it also has nearly unlimited earning potential for the right individuals. You'll need a good laptop and a reliable internet connection, but trading on the road can open up a world of possibilities for travel and life experiences without needing to punch a clock or answer to an overbearing boss. It can be helpful to have a subscription to useful resources such as industry news sites, stock trading classes or courses, or newsletters known for smart stock picks.

Secret Shopper / Reviewer

One of the more challenging on-the-road jobs, this position requires you to do a little research and weed out scams and fly-by-night companies before committing. As a general rule of thumb, you should never pay money for access to "lists" of job opportunities: more often than not, these are simply culled from publicly-available information and job boards and filled with positions that have already closed. Look for review opportunities that come from known businesses or organizations, and don't be shy about looking up reviews on those companies themselves.

Note: A reputable review company—either for products or experiences, such as hotels—will pay for your products or services upfront and won't require you to submit information for reimbursement at a later date.

Vehicle Advertising

While not as lucrative an opportunity as some of the other jobs on this list, partnering with a company that pays you to "wrap" your car in a vinyl sign or a specially-made window shade can be a great source of passive income. If you're planning on driving through populated areas, this is an excellent way to make money doing the driving you were already planning to do!

Note: Most car signage companies will require you to have a newer, dent-free car, so if your ride is looking a little ragged, this might not be the right opportunity for your needs.

Promotional Agent

Product launch parties, demonstrations, and seasonal displays all need to be set up, staffed and documented—so why not earn a living doing it yourself? Promotional companies routinely search for enthusiastic "brand ambassadors" to talk up their products at special events nationwide and even worldwide, so if you're young, energetic and attractive, it's worth looking into!

Note: Most companies that hire for these positions and pay for travel will ask you for a headshot and, ideally, some experience either modeling or performing in a brand representative capacity at trade shows or similar events.

If you're tired of being "trapped" in your town or job and aren't sure what to do about it, why not consider breaking free and seeing the world in a whole new way? If you have a phone, a laptop and an entrepreneurial spirit, there's no reason why you can't earn a great living while taking in some of the greatest sights in the country, or even the world.

Are You Investing Enough for Retirement?

2016-09-15T16:45:00.000-04:00

George Bernard Shaw probably said it best: “Youth is wasted on the young.” When you’re fresh out of college and starting your first job, setting aside money for your golden years is the farthest thing from your mind. That lack of interest in planning for your future doesn’t negate the proven fact that now is the time to start your retirement savings and learning money management skills

If you do a bit of research on ways to plan for your future retirement, one strategy stands out. It is included in just about every strategic plan that the experts advise: start saving now, keep saving throughout your working years, and stick to whatever goals you set. Invest your savings to see it grow into that next egg you want for your later years.

What’s the plan?

You must have a plan; there’s no getting around that. When you’re working on your investment planning for retirement, the first thing you need to nail down is how much savings you’ll need to fulfill your retirement dreams. Envision what your retirement will look like, then ask yourself – and your financial adviser – how much that dream is going to cost. Take a look at all the different options open to you, then decide which investments will fit best in your individual retirement plan.

Social Security, et al

If your retirement plan has Social Security as its cornerstone, you may want to rethink your retirement planning strategy. The future of Social Security is heavily tied on the political climate of the country, so depending solely or mostly on it could prove risky. Getting an estimate of the amount of funds you may receive from this source can give you a starting point in your retirement plan, however. Also take into account any defined benefit pension benefits to which you may be entitled upon retirement. This can also impact the total amount that you need to be saving now.

Of course, the earlier you retire, the larger a retirement nest egg you’ll need. If you retire later in life, you’ll likely be retired for a shorter time and can get by with a bit less.

The bottom line: how much?

The burning question is, “how much is enough?” The simple answer to that would be, “as much as possible.” A general rule of thumb is to strive for savings of between 10% to 20% of your annual income throughout your working years. That’s every year, not just a few here and there.

In the early days of your career, this may seem like a big chunk of your paycheck. If you can’t muster the full percentage amount recommended, try to at least contribute an amount equal to your employer’s matching contribution.

Check on your nest egg from time to time to see how you’re doing. Most financial planners consider a withdrawal rate of four percent per year to be an acceptable rate of yearly expenditure from your retirement fund.

Do the math, tighten up the belt, and get your retirement savings on the right track. Start saving for retirement while you’re wasting your youth on being young.

Personal Lending Grou's Tips For Getting Approved For a Personal Loan

2016-06-23T14:12:00.002-04:00

Could a personal loan be right for you?

Personal loans may be utilized for a variety of needs, from paying off credit cards and debt settlement, to your dream vacation, or wedding expenses. They are also useful for building credit and establishing a solid repayment history in order to purchase big-ticket items in your future like a car or a house. Generally, a personal loan is a loan not with no collateral and so your assets can’t be repossessed for non-payment, making them even more appealing.

Personal Lending Group recommends applying for a personal loan online; you’ll find the convenience and flexibility that you can’t get at regular banks. Though the concept is similar – lending money and charging interest based on risk assessment – personal unsecured loans faster and easier than any other bank, private lender, broker, or consultants in the market today. The process is simple and your funds could be delivered in days. With this in mind, to make the process as easy and efficient as possible Personal Lending Group has some tips to be fully prepared when sitting down to apply:

Debts: A summary of other loans and regular debt obligations you have, including the amount of outstanding credit card debt. Your payment history may also be investigated. The greater your debt, the higher the risk so pay down credit cards and other installment loans as much as possible before you move on with the application.

Credit Score: Your credit score plays a huge role in the approval process. Before you apply for a loan, it’s a good idea to check your credit score and do everything you can to improve it. You can request a free annual report from each of the major credit reporting agencies so you can review for accuracy and correct any errors that may drag down your score.

Loan Amount: How much money are you asking to borrow? Typical amounts for online personal loans range from $1,000 to as much as $50,000. Know what you need and what you are comfortable with paying back regarding interest. At Personal Lending Group you can acquire greater amounts than traditional unsecured loans – up to $80,000.

Create a Checklist: Gather all the documentation you need for the loan application like id’s and proper contact information. You may need to work with creditors, your employer and other financial resources to gather everything that you need, so you’ll want to give yourself some time. Current address, e-mail address, and phone numbers are required. Proof of address is also required, such as a utility bill in your name or a copy of a lease. Proof of income such as W-2 forms or tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements may be required. Proper documentation and information can mean the difference in securing the loan or being denied. They money is worth putting your best efforts forward.

Once you have taken these important steps towards applying for your personal loan, you may find that Personal Lending Group is a great option for your loan needs. Personal Lending Group is here to help you get finances for what you need but also get you on the right path to financial freedom.

Discount Dining Etiquette

2015-04-02T13:21:00.002-04:00

Daily deal sites such as Groupon have become very popular over the last few years – they allow you, as the client, get to take advantage of some really great deals. On Groupon Coupons, Nordstrom has over 30 coupons available, which will lead to some real savings. In other cases, restaurants deals can be particularly enticing, often allowing you to get a free entrée, drinks, etc.

Of course, these deals and how you use them raise some interesting etiquette issues, especially when it comes to dining out with friends. Is it okay to use your voucher when eating out with friends and, if so, do you use it to pay for only your portion or do you set it off against the whole bill? What is the correct etiquette in these situations?

Who is it that you are going with?

Any time that a bill needs to be split; there is an opportunity for problems to arise. Why not chat to your friends and see what they think? Technically, since you paid for the voucher, you are still paying your share but your friends may not see it that way.

If you are going with friends that you know well, the chances are that they won’t object. If you are going out with acquaintances, or people that you don’t really know all that well, it is better to keep the voucher for a different day.

What is the occasion?

Is it a get-together where you will be running separate bills anyway? Then go ahead and use your voucher.

If it is a special occasion – maybe a friend’s engagement, for example, then you should apply the discount against the whole bill, not just your portion, or not use it at all.

What about the tip?

Remember that you should still contribute the full value of your meal when it comes to the tip, no matter what discount was applied. Not doing so is just going to make you look mean. The server still delivered the same service they would have had you paid full price and they are losing out if you pay less.

The best answer to what can be a sticky question is undoubtedly, if you are in doubt, ask the people you are going with what they think upfront or keep the voucher for another time.

What about the cost of the actual voucher?

Another sticky issue can arise when the voucher is being applied to the whole bill – do you get credit for the cost of the voucher in the first place? Say, for example, you had to pay $10 to get $30 off the cost of the meal. To make things easier, let’s assume each of you had the same meal – if the bill is split evenly, you’ll have paid $10 more than everyone else, because of the voucher cost.

In the simplified example, we are talking about $10, not a lot of money, but the principle is the same for $10 and $100.

Now whether or not the cost of the deal is counted or not can depend on who invited who. Generally speaking, it is assumed that if you invited the others, you are going to pay the cost of the voucher yourself.

If this doesn’t sit right with you, it is a good idea to communicate this before you and your friends go out – then your friends do have some say in the matter as well. It is too late to assume that everyone is on the same page when the check is on its way.

All in all, the issue of whether or not to use your voucher when dining socially can be a little tricky – if you and your friends communicate properly, however, there is no room for misunderstandings.

How to Find the Right Loan for Your Business

2015-03-31T12:21:00.000-04:00

While many people dream of having their own business, many factors often keep it from becoming reality. One of the biggest stumbling blocks most people encounter is a lack of money, which unfortunately is necessary to make any business successful. While most people go to traditional banks to obtain funding for a business, this can present its own set of problems. The loan process can be very tedious and complicated, and many times potential entrepreneurs may be turned away due to issues with poor credit or past money problems. Other times they may need short-term loans to purchase products or equipment, yet find banks are unwilling to provide them with such small loans. However, as the financial industry has evolved over the years, many other financing options have become available.

Short-term lenders, such as https://www.quickloansexpress.co.uk, offer loans that often have more flexible payment terms than traditional banks. The requirements to obtain a loan from these lenders make qualifying for them much easier. In most cases, the person need only have a full-time job, an active bank account and a debit card that's linked to that bank account. Because these companies deal mostly in short-term loans, they are able to make the loan process much quicker for those needing money for their immediate business needs.

For those seeking short-term loans, they must remember that these loans are meant to be paid back within a limited time frame. Therefore, entrepreneurs need to carefully plan how much money they need for their business and make sure they have the income in place to make the loan payment on time. The good news with these loans is the lenders are very transparent with the terms and conditions associated with the loans, helping to avoid any potential issues.

For entrepreneurs who are in need of short-term financing that will allow them to get the money they need to start a business or purchase necessary supplies and equipment, short-term loans offer a viable solution to pressing financial problems. Most loans can be obtained online, making the process even easier for those whose time is very valuable.

Can You Invest While You Are in Debt?

2014-12-10T12:15:00.002-05:00

Most people carry some form of debt. It could be $800 in credit cards, $120,000 in mortgage, and/or $15,000 in student loans. Everyone's debt load is different, as are the kinds of investments that you will be able to make while in debt.

When considering how much to invest while paying off your debt, it is more important to look at the rate of interest that you are paying than the total you are paying. If you are paying off your mortgage at 3.5%, that debt is growing at a very slow rate. Sure, you would save thousands of dollars in total payment if you were able to pay it off all at once, but you experience that loss very slowly and gradually, often over either 15 or 30 years. Student loan debt is similar in that it is also paid off with a low rate of interest. By paying off just the minimum amount and putting the rest of your spare money into savings and investments, you have likely made a wise decision.

The thing you have to keep an eye on is the rates. If you have mutual funds that are yielding 8.9% every year, and a student loan at 4.6%, you are making money faster than you are losing it. However, if you are paying off a credit card at 23.9%, you are losing money much faster than you are gaining it with those same mutual funds. In this situation, it is much better to kill off the big interest debt before allocating much to your other investments.

There are two exceptions I would recommend for certain individuals:

1) Limited Funds in High Risk, High Reward Investments. Of course this won't work for everyone. But some people become very skilled at an investment form called spread betting. It's a form of day trading where the user wagers on the behavior of markets and stocks, whether they will grow or shrink within a certain time frame. Get it right, and you win; get it wrong, you lose. You can make thousands of trades a day if you want to (though I don't recommend it). If you limit your investment to between 5-10% of your investment dollars, you may see a huge return, if you're careful. Use the free tutorials to see how you do before you sink much money in risky investments, despite their excellent payoffs.

2) Everything you can spare in tax-deferred accounts. IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) are a way to save money in the stock market, but avoid paying taxes on it. You can choose to pay taxes now (and not when you withdraw at retirement). You can also choose not to pay taxes now (waiting to pay when you retire). Because these monies, invested in index mutual funds, mirror the overall growth patterns of the market, you're all but guaranteed to make money over time. You'll also have compound interest working for you, you yields going back into the pot to swell with the rest of your money.

Investment is tricky for people in debt. Getting out of debt should be your first priority, unless the debt you have is very low-interest. If you've gotten rid of your bad debt, invest away.

Ways to Avoid Lifestyle Inflation

2013-07-29T11:35:00.003-04:00

Think back to the last time you made it to that next level of income with you personal finances. Was it a brand new job? A raise? What was your first thought? If it was, “I have so much more disposable income.” Then you are not alone. There are plenty of people who probably have that initial feeling. It’s exciting to make more money, especially when it is your first “real job.” Letting your spending equally grow with your income is called lifestyle inflation and can get out of hand pretty quickly.

Hedonistic Paradox

Have you ever heard of the paradox of hedonism? Well, it pretty accurately describes the dangers of lifestyle inflation. There will probably never be a time in your life when you feel like you’ve “arrived.” No matter how lavish your lifestyle becomes there is always something out there that is bigger, better, and more expensive than what you have. I like to call it the smartphone principle. If your goal is to have the best smartphone out there, you are going to be spending a lot of money every six months. It is better to learn to be content with what you have than it is to constantly seek new and better things.

Awareness

Lifestyle inflation isn’t always such a conscience thing. You may be out one day when you see something and think, “well, I can afford that now, so why not?” Eventually that can become a regular occurrence. So the first way you can combat falling into inflating your lifestyle is to become aware of its signs. Keep a watchful eye on yourself whenever you come into some new money. Make sure you aren’t spending right under your own nose.

Stay Behind

Think about this. If you are struggling to make ends meet and you finally get more money that’s great. However, if you let your lifestyle inflate, your new expenses will eventually swell to the point that you were at in your old income. It’s like you are kid who buys a whole new wardrobe of large shirts as soon as you fill out your mediums. The best thing to do is to let your income get a few paces ahead of your lifestyle. That way you can easily handle all of your expenses.

Save

Another thing that could serve you better than splurging with your new found income is using the money to bolster your savings. There are plenty of things you could apply your new income too you’re your 401k, an emergency fund, a child’s college fund, of general all-purpose savings accounts.

Destroy Debt

There is one thing that you should definitely take care of before you let your lifestyle inflate; debt. If you have pre-existing debts you are really hurting yourself if you start to spend more frivolously after an increase in income. Whether it’s student loans, credit card debts, or some other thing that has you in the whole, an increase in your salary is your chance to pay them off.

Considering these tips, try to avoid letting your lifestyle grow to consume more of you money. Try to focus less on acquiring material things and more on time with friends and family.

WHAT IS PRINCE2 ® & HOW IS IT USED IN THE WORKPLACE?

2013-01-20T09:40:00.002-05:00

We all have projects in our lives: building a kitchen, running a conference, refurbishing an oil rig. We also have our methods for managing them: using our instinct, writing on the back of an envelope, or employing project management. PRINCE2 ® is a method of project management that anyone can use at anytime and anywhere successfully.

To understand how it works, we need to understand what constitutes a project. A project, if you consider the examples above, is a unique and temporary activity that you undertake to change what exists now, that will end with a specific result. Imagine you’re building a new kitchen: it will have a beginning; it will be a unique event; there will be a change; you’ll have a new kitchen; the project will end. Project management is the method you can use to ensure that your kitchen build is effective and efficient throughout each of these phases. One of the most popular and respected methods of said project management is PRINCE2 ®, which stands for Projects IN Controlled Environments.

The PRINCE2 ® structure is designed to enable you to tackle any project. Its seven Principles provide guidance and good practices that must be followed in order to run a successful project. The Themes tell you what needs to addressed throughout the project. The Processes take you through the lifecycle from starting up to closing the project. Tailoring is essential in PRINCE2 ® for it to be applied to a specific size and type of project.

When you launch PRINCE2 ® to run your project, it tells you if your project is worth starting and later, if it’s worth finishing. Then it helps you allocate the right people and put them in the right roles. It enables you to plan, monitor and manage the project and crucially make sure that you control things like cost and time and that the end product is as envisaged. At the same time, PRINCE2 ® helps you execute plans, spot risks, deal with changes, keep everything on track and finally close the project. The result will be that you will get a kitchen, a conference or an oil rig that is fit for purpose.

Why Your Car Model Is Expensive to Insure

2012-11-08T17:05:00.000-05:00

As there are numerous different makes and models of cars on the road, the insurance rates cannot be the same across the board. When a person makes the decision to get a new car, they must also decide what type of car insurance coverage they want to have, and where to obtain it.

Each car insurance quote will be different depending on the company giving it - even for the same person. This is due to the type of coverage that will be provided, as well as the driving record and personal attributes of each individual driver. Auto insurance rates also differ depending on the type of vehicle that will be insured, making more expensive vehicles more costly to insure. If you’re curious to see what your vehicle costs to insure, you can find automobile insurance rates here.

For those looking to find inexpensive auto insurance coverage for their vehicle, choosing a more expensive car may not be the right decision. The cost of the insurance is also dependent on the model of the vehicle, so even if it is an inexpensive car, the size, number of doors, and even color of the car could change the final cost of the insurance coverage. Auto coverage rates also differ between states, so getting a rate adjusted after a move may raise (or even lower) the insurance costs for a vehicle.

Another factor that will influence the overall cost of auto insurance is the person that will be holding the policy. Younger drivers - even with older model cars - will pay more than experienced drivers due to their lack of a driving record. This reason is why many drivers look forward to their 25th birthday - the day that their insurance rates will drop (as long as they have previously been a responsible driver).

Car insurance is a necessity, but it does not have to be an inconvenience or a burden to those paying for it. There are many options and choices for drivers to consider before making their final purchase and choosing the insurance path that will work best for their particular car model.

How To Know If You’re Getting a Good Deal on a Car

2012-11-05T12:25:00.002-05:00

One of the worst parts of car buying is trying to get a good deal on a car. The car dealer is trying to make as much money as possible, while at the same time you are trying to get the best car deals possible as well. As a result, it can be really difficult to know if you’re getting a good deal on a car. So here are some things that you can do to make sure that you get the best new car deals possible.

Do Your Homework

The first thing you can do is your homework on the car. Many sites like Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds will have the prices that you can expect to pay for cars in various conditions. Also, you can see how prices vary by market, and features on the vehicle.

If you’re buying a new car, it is important to find the invoice price for the car. This is essentially the price the dealer will pay for the vehicle. You should also look for dealer incentives that the car manufacturer is offering. Many companies, like Honda, will pay the dealers $X amount per vehicle sold, so even if the dealer has an invoice price, they make money in other ways.

Ask The Dealer

If you’re at the point of negotiation on the car, you can always ask the dealer for their bottom line price. The goal of negotiation should always be win-win: meaning the dealer makes a fair profit and you get a good deal. A smart dealer will be willing to pull out the actual invoice for the car and show you in good faith.

Then, you can remember if there are any dealer incentives, and know what the dealer’s true bottom line price for the car really is.

Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away

Finally, if the dealer really won’t budge, or won’t even be honest about the price of the car, don’t be afraid to walk away. There are thousands of every model car made each year, so you can always find another one at a different dealership.

Some of My Favorite Comedy Shows

2012-10-23T20:44:00.003-04:00

When I was in high school and college, I really wasn’t a fan of comedy shows or stand-up. I sometimes felt bad for the comedians and I didn’t really get it. However, now a few years later, I’ve really started to enjoy several comedians’ comedy routines, and I thought I’d share them with you. Some many not perform any more, but I enjoyed what I saw.

Chris Rock

I thoroughly enjoy Chris Rock’s comedy routines, and they air regularly on networks like Comedy Central. What I love about Chris rock is that he is funny about current events, while at the same time funny about life situations (usually using his own life as an example). I follow Chris Rock on Twitter, and his tweets are usually the highlight of my boring workday.

Michael McIntyre

Michael McIntyre is a British stand-up comedian, but he has also done shows here in the United States. He is considered one of the most popular British comedians. His comedy is very observational, and is often about himself, similar to Chris Rock. If you like his style, but without the inherent racism in Rock’s humor, you will probably enjoy McIntyre.

Lewis Black

Lewis Black is another stand up comedian who I was first introduced to through the Daily Show’s Back in Black. He is know for his harsh style, but also breaking down stories that end up looping back to the punch line at the very end. He also starred as the Dean in one of my favorite movies, Accepted, where he delivered one of the greatest line about higher education ever.

Ron White

Ron White is a stand up comedian who made his big time debut as a member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. I find him funny because he also jokes about his own life, but also about stupid things that people do. He likes to call out “common sense stupid” things, but they are very funny in both content and his delivery.

Tips to help you stick to a gaming budget

2012-10-18T12:32:00.000-04:00

The current economic situation is tough and there’s no denying that people are feeling the pinch and becoming more financially aware. This awareness is a positive sign, and budgeting is becoming more and more common for people who want to take control of their finances and stabilize themselves and avoid debt traps. For those who enjoy online casino entertainment the smartest way to play is to set a budget and assign a portion of money that is not needed for necessary items to gaming. The portion you have budgeted for then becomes your allowance and it’s important that you stick to it and do not live beyond your means.

If you are struggling with sticking to your budget and finding your resolve is slipping and perhaps your self control or discipline is not as strong as you would like it to be, there are some resources you can consider to help you play responsibly.

Set special limits

Special limits are easy to set and simple to manage and will ensure you keep within your budget over a particular time period. Established and reputable sites like RiverBelle online casino offer you the opportunity to set your limits by contacting their support team 24/7 and the process is easily managed by both the casino and yourself. You can set daily, weekly and monthly limits, as well as spend per game and session limits. Varying limits can be set that control how much you deposit, how much you play, lose and bet. All of these limits are set at your request, but they are not easy to change as the casino recognizes you have created them for a reason and they are designed to help you stick to your budget.

Access control

Access control is a more serious way of ensuring you stick to your budget and is offered in 2 different levels. Level 1 is a time out or cooling off period whereby your account is temporarily closed for a duration specified by yourself, and level 2 is self exclusion, where you exclude yourself from playing for 6 months or longer.

All of these resources are designed to help you stay in control of your finances and there are plenty of ways for you to manage your money and ensure that you stick to your budget, using these or other methods.

Tips for Finding Business Insurance for Your Small Business

2012-07-05T11:46:00.002-04:00

If you own a small business or are in the process of forming a start-up, you will no doubt be considering what type of business insurance to have in place to cover the risks associated with your particular trade or profession. Should you opt for public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, employers’ liability insurance, business property insurance, key person insurance, business interruption service …?

An important decision to make, aside from which type(s) of cover you’ll need is how much cover to take out to adequately protect your business. Check any existing or potential contracts with clients for details of any types and values of cover they would expect you to have in place, and also speak with any professional body or trade organisation that covers your type of business for impartial advice.

Then you need to check the details of the terms and conditions in all of the quotes you receive for your cover, to see whether there are any significant exclusions or conditions that would reduce your ability to claim. Perhaps a policy with a low premium might exclude claims that arise from using electrical equipment (useless if you are an electrician, say); or perhaps it limits the number of claims you could make in a year (what if you are sued more than once?).

There are fewer companies that offer business insurance than offer car or home insurance, so there are fewer policies to choose between. Nevertheless, the insurers are keen to get and retain your business and if you find a cheaper quote for the same or similar cover it is worth taking that to your current insurer or to other insurers that offer you a quote and haggling.

You should make sure that any insurer you choose to take your policy/policies from is reputable and has a proven track record of paying out on claims and for good customer service. The last thing you want, when faced with a letter from a customer threatening to sue, or with a fire at your business premises, is a company that won’t answer the phone or that gives you the run-around.

Check online customer reviews to check whether you would be happy to take your insurance from that particular company.

Needless to say, the best thing you can do to protect yourself against having to claim against your insurance is to reduce risks as far as possible by taking steps such as installing smoke detectors and sprinkler system, sturdy locks and burglar alarms, and making sure that you and your staff are fully aware of health and safety issues.

The more years you can manage without making a claim, the more no-claims bonus you will accrue and the lower your business insurance premiums will be.

Finally, don’t reduce the amount of cover you buy just to reduce your premiums: think carefully about how much cover you will need and stick to that because reducing your cover is a false economy that could ultimately ruin your business.

Alternative Ways for Quick Cash Before the Holidays

2011-11-22T09:23:00.001-05:00

There is no denying that many people are feeling financially pinched and looking to make extra money. Perhaps you are contemplating another job but already feel overextended at your current job and don’t want to use your remaining free time to work more. Luckily, there are several ways to make some extra money that don’t involve getting another job. Consider the following:

Sell stuff around the house. We all have clutter. Identify the items you haven’t used in a year or longer and sell them on eBay or Craigslist or at a garage sale.
Open a new bank account that offers a financial reward. There are bank accounts available that offer you anywhere from $50 to $100 after the account has been open a designated number of months (often three) and you have made a designated amount of transactions (usually including a few direct deposits). Meet the bank’s requirement, and you have free money.
Use credit cards to your advantage. Many credit cards offer generous rewards. The best cash back credit cards often offer 2 to 6% cash back on certain types of purchases. Use your credit cards for all of your purchases and reap the cash back rewards. (Just make sure you are disciplined to pay off the balance each month. Otherwise, the rewards will be offset by the interest you pay.)
Call to negotiate your cable bill. Cable and Internet bills often are high. Call the company to see what discounts they can offer you. They may offer you a discount for six months, or they may give you options for items you can cut from your service to lower your cost. Either way translates to more money in your pocket.

If you are looking for extra money, the only solution isn’t to get a part-time job. There are plenty of ways to trim your costs and generate extra money if you are creative.

Guest Post by Melissa

What should you look for in a student bank account?

2011-10-12T08:59:00.000-04:00

Heading off to college is an exciting time in any young person's life, but it can also be stressful. With so many decisions to make regarding class schedules and dorm room décor, a student bank account may be the furthest thing from your mind.

College orientation weeks tend to feature credit card and bank representatives beckoning students to sign up for their financial services. Before you go with the bank dishing out the free gifts, look for one with better perks like a free overdraft.

Banks are going to entice college students into opening accounts because they view them as potential life-long customers.

Most students come to college never having held a separate account from their parents and those work-study funds have to be deposited somewhere.

Keep in mind that banks exist that offer free checking, convenient online banking, free savings and overdraft protection, all of which are better for students just learning how to manage finances on their own.

You need to choose a financial institution that has a convenient location.

A national or regional bank near the university will be best for easy withdrawals and deposits, but you also want to consider those emergency or regular care funds your parents want to send. Having a bank in their location as well as near the college will make it easier on everyone.

Make sure that ATMs are within a short distance of your university. Using another institution's ATM will rack up fees you don't want to pay. It's okay if your bank doesn't have an ATM on campus, as long as there's one within a short distance.

Although you may only be thinking about a student checking account at the moment, consider more long-term financial needs. Does the bank lend student loans? Do they offer online bill pay? Are credit cards available?

While you may be tempted to get customized checks featuring your college's mascot, remember that the plain checks serve the same purpose and are often free. Chances are you will be using a debit card more often anyway, so don't bother spending extra money having your school's name stamped at the corner.

Responsible students need to appreciate and utilize a savings account. If you plan to save money during college, consider a certificate of deposit (CD). These accrue higher interest and have to be left alone for a certain period of time, so you could open one during your freshman year and cash it in as a graduation gift to yourself. You can check out a full range of savings and current accounts at moneysupermarket.com.

Don't underestimate smaller regional banks and credit unions. These often provide better deals in regard to lower fees and higher interest rates than national banks and you may even find an on-campus credit union that caters specifically to students.

Set up your online bill pay early, preferably right after you open your brand new account, so you can learn how to pay your bills from the convenience of your dorm room.

If you're still unsure which bank to go with, ask around campus or talk to friends and roommates to get a better idea of where students on campus are banking.

No matter which type of account or bank you go with, be responsible with your funds and keep track of the amount of debt you accrue. You will probably be graduating with some amount of student debt as it is, so you don't want even more from credit cards and other loans.

Guest Post by MoneySuperMarket

Alternatives to savings accounts

2011-09-29T10:40:00.002-04:00

Saving money is an essential part of modern life and without a comfortable buffer, if the worst happens, life can become pretty uncomfortable.

However, if you have sufficient money in the bank and want to think about other ways to use your spare cash, what options are there?

Investing money in the US government is said to be one of the safest ways to make a return, despite the state of the country's economy at the moment. Treasuries – or government bonds – are an investment that can offer either a variable or fixed rate return and offer little risk.

The only downside is that to get the maximum benefit, it is necessary to tie up funds for a long time, with penalties usually enforced for withdrawals before five years.

Individuals willing to consider riskier vehicles could contemplate investing their money; an option that has the potential for great returns but also a very real possibility of losing some or all of the capital laid out.

For this reason, investing is not a suitable choice for everyone and the general advice given is that you should never invest money that would have catastrophic consequences if lost.

There are a huge number of investment options, of which simple purchasing of stocks and shares is the one of the most commonly chosen and certainly the best-known amongst the general public.

However, there are a number of other options which could also be considered, such as forex – the trading in foreign currencies – a market that eclipses conventional stocks and shares and offers the same potential for gains.

Anyone with a significant sum to invest might find real estate a viable alternative, especially with the current property prices at rock bottom and expected to rise as the economy eventually strengthens.

Savers with a particular interest could opt to support a project or invest into funds with a special emphasis, such as eco-friendly schemes or sharia compliant shares.

Those who want to help a charity but do not feel they have the spare cash to make the donation they would like might want to consider helping the cause out by purchasing a bond, if available, or shares.

The credit crunch has meant that borrowing from banks has become far more difficult and alternative means of lending are springing up. Peer to peer is one such enterprise but to be successful, it obviously requires members who are willing to lend as well as borrow.

Applicants are usually thoroughly credit-checked and given a risk rating and lenders can bid against each other to offer the individual a loan at the rate of interest they feel reflects their credit score.

One golden rule of thumb is that if the money is likely to be needed at retirement, it should be moved to a low risk safe haven where it can remain without the danger of falling in value, at least two years proper to when it is likely to be utilized.