One of the most important parts of running any organization whether it is for-profit or non-profit is proper bookkeeping. If you have recently been thinking to yourself that you can’t keep up with the accounting at your church or if you are currently looking to help your church’s bookkeeping, you are in the right place. We are going to share our top church accounting tips below.

Keep reading to learn more and start applying what you learn today.

1. Spread Out Financial Duties

Even though you want to trust people in the church organization, you always want to implement safety measures to avoid being a victim of fraud. Assign different financial responsibilities to multiple people. For example, you can have someone in charge of tracking expenses and a different person keeping track of the income.

This will create a layer of accountability between several folks, making it easier to notice number discrepancies faster.

2. Annual Budget

Creating a realistic budget for the year will help the church stay on track. You can come back and re-evaluate the budget every quarter or as you see fit to make corrections or make the budget bigger.

Make sure that the budget is seen by those in charge of everything that has to do with the church finances, especially those who work on the church fund accounting team.

3. Classifying Workers

An easy mistake to make is to misclassify workers in your church bookkeeping. Churches are under most of the same laws for labor and employment as “for-profit” organizations. This means that independent contractors and employees have to be classified correctly.

If not, your church will end up with high penalties for making mistakes such as classifying and paying a worker with a 1099, when they should have been classified as an employee. To avoid this mistake, look at each individual you are paying for a service and use the IRS guidelines to determine the correct classification for each person.

If you are ever on the fence, classify and pay them as an employee to be on the safe side.

4. Don’t Do It Yourself

When it comes to taxes this is not a DIY project unless you have experience with non-profits, accounting, and taxes. Usually hiring an experienced bookkeeper might not be high on the list of necessities, but it honestly should be a top priority.

Setting up and maintaining a proper accounting system will be important in the long run. This will help avoid ending up with an ineffective church bookkeeping system where bills are not being paid or bills are being paid twice.

Feeling Like a Church Accounting Pro?

Now that you have our top tips when it comes to church accounting you can put them to work and optimize your church’s bookkeeping. Following the above tips will help you maintain an accurate account of the money that moves around within the church.

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Applying for a loan can be a difficult decision to make. Taking a loan out can affect your life negatively or positively, but unfortunately, it is often much more negative than positive. You should always give it due consideration before you go ahead and take one out. It is always advised you consult a financial planner before you take out a loan and discuss whether or not it will be detrimental to your long-term finances, and if so, you should not take one out. Sometimes, however, you can have little choice and in desperate need of extra finance end up having to take out a loan.

Should I Take a Loan Out for a Big Purchase?

Taking out a loan for a big purchase can often be a risky business. Before taking a loan out for a big purchase you must determine whether or not it is worth the added interest and potential financial errors in the future – when you enter into a loan agreement you can be pursued relentlessly for your payments, so when or if you fail to make a payment, they can immediately add a mark to your credit score which can prove detrimental to your report for years to come.

As with the current COVID-19 pandemic, loan companies have seen a huge surge in interest. In times of extreme financial hardship, it is not unusual to see huge panic buying sprees, whether supermarket shelves are empty or fuel stations empty, the instinct for a panicked human is to hoard as many supplies as you can to ensure the longevity and health of your family in the face of disaster.

Before you take out a loan for a big purchase, especially in an emergency, you should consult a financial advisor or at least weigh up whether or not you can afford it in the long run. Long after the item you have taken the loan out for becomes stale and boring, or proves redundant, you will still be paying back high-interest payments monthly. While these companies often do have payment plans available, they can just add further interest to your payment, which in the end can cost far more than the original product was even worse.

When you choose a company to take a loan out with it is important that you choose wisely and make sure that you do not pick a high-premium shady payday loan company. If you choose an unscrupulous lender you can become inundated with debt for years to come and find yourself in serious hot water. They will often go out of their way to destroy your credit rating. You should always choose a respectable lender, preferably FDIC-approved, and one held in high repute. A lender who appears good but has bad reviews is often to be avoided, as often they can appear to be well-meaning and professionals but are not, and rather, are far from it.

When is a Loan Appropriate?

A loan can be greatly beneficial in times of financial hardship, and notwithstanding the last point, it can offer many benefits. With the obvious negatives and risks taken into account, choosing wisely, and weighing up the possible permutations, you can find yourself a great friend in a time of need. 

However, a loan should not be taken out for trivial things, such as a games console, or clothes unless you are in dire need of them. If you are in a position where you might need to make a big purchase — to buy cooking equipment, household appliance, or able sales diesel tanks, or certain unexpected household disaster, a broken-down car, or a fire happened, these can all be reasons to take out a loan. We all experience disasters in our lifetime, and unfortunately, not all of us are born into wealth, nor will live in wealth during our lifetimes. With the world often feeling like it is stacked against you, it can be a great aid when you have a loan made available to you.

What Type of Loan Should You Get?

It is important to differentiate between the types of loans. There are payday loans which are often high-interest and high-premium loans that can cause disproportionate damage to your credit rating if you fail to pay them back. If you take out a more conventional loan from a bank, you will be offered a multitude of schemes and repayment plans to help you out of an awkward situation being unable to pay. Taking out a payday loan, or a personal loan will allow you to immediately purchase much-needed items, such as appliances, and electronics. Although you can incur some huge fees from personal loans, you can get them instantly and it will circumvent having to pay money while you wait for a more conventional bank loan to be approved.

Use Your Loan to Pay Back Debt

Taking out loans, whether payday or bank, to pay back debts is the most frequently cited reason for needing to take out a loan. While you would ordinarily think it is paradoxical to incur fees and more debt to pay back a lesser debt, it is very frequent and can be quite beneficial and helpful to those in need. Financial advisors would advise you to avoid taking out debt to pay back another debt; however, it is entirely up to your discretion.

Be sure to consult a financial planner to see if there are any alternatives to taking out a loan to pay back your debt. Many times, you can work out a payment arrangement. Debtors will play hard to get and refuse the availability of a payment plan but if persistent you should be able to sort one out. Consider this before you consider taking out a loan.

As aforementioned, if you do find yourself in a situation where you will have to take out a loan, make sure you find a reputable lender. Reputable lenders can be listed on money-aid forums or you can contact your financial advisor or accountant to advise you where you can find yourself a good lender.

Take good care with your credit score as to whether or not you need it now, you will need it one day, and having a bad credit score can hurt you in the future, and hurt your chances of taking out a mortgage.

Renting a property takes work on the part of the owner. Many individuals choose to turn this task over to a property management company. Before doing so, make certain you have the right insurance to cover any damages. This protects you in the event something goes wrong, and many property management firms require it before taking on a client. What are five practical examples of landlord insurance claims?

Tenant Damage

Research shows tenants don’t care for a property as if it were their own. They don’t have an investment in the property and therefore might not take care of it as well as you would. Imagine taking possession of a rental property at the end of a lease only to discover hidden damage that wasn’t discovered during the walk through. This damage must be repaired before the property can be rented again. Landlord insurance helps to cover the costs of this damage, and this type of policy may be obtained through insurers such as Roger Butler Insurance Agency. Landlords don’t bear the full brunt of repairing the damage when this policy is obtained.

Rent Guarantee Coverage

Many landlords only own one rental property and don’t have the funds to cover the mortgage on this property without assistance. When a renter refuses to pay rent for any reason, the property owner must come up with the funds to cover the mortgage payment. Landlord insurance steps in to cover the rent until the situation is resolved. Thanks to the current global pandemic, many landlords find this coverage of great benefit as they navigate these difficult times. Every landlord should consider purchasing this type of protection for future situations such as these and more.

Liability Coverage

Accidents happen. Landlords do everything possible to prevent them, but the tenant also plays a role in maintaining the property. For instance, a property may sustain damage in a storm. The landlord won’t know about this damage until the next inspection or when the tenant calls to alert the owner to the problem. If someone is injured as a result of this damage before the necessary steps can be made to rectify the situation, the landlord could be held responsible. Landlord insurance helps at this time by covering the bills of the injured party so the owner doesn’t have to pay out of pocket.

Property Insurance

Rental properties may not be covered by the owner’s property insurance. In the event the building burns to the ground, for example, and the landlord hasn’t listed the property as a rental, the standard homeowner’s insurance policy might not cover the cost of rebuilding. Rental properties need to be covered by a specific policy to protect the owner. Speak to an insurance agent today to ensure the right coverage is purchased to protect your investment.

Landlord Contents

Tenants can be rough on a home. They spill on the carpet, unplug a freezer while leaving it closed, or fail to replace filters in the heating and AC system, among other things. This leaves the landlord with numerous things to repair or replace when the tenant moves out. Landlord contents insurance helps to cover the costs of these repairs or replacements. Every landlord should consider obtaining this coverage to save money in the long run.

Look into landlord insurance today. The expense associated with purchasing this coverage is easily outweighed by the peace of mind the owner obtains knowing they are covered. No price can be put on this.

Increasing prices of cars make it necessary to buy a suitable car insurance plan. It will be a prudent and smart move. You can’t ignore it for your vehicle’s safety from theft, accidents, and other events.

People often worried about additional expenses and premium amounts. The premium may vary by hundreds to thousands. For this reason, it is possible to find out an affordable insurance plan. With iSelect car insurance comparison service, you can easily choose the best policy.

If you want to save money on car insurance, here are some essential tips to follow. These may help you to shop for the best policy at an affordable price.

Shop Around After Considering Your Needs

Prices of car insurance may differ in each company. Try to get almost three quotes from different insurance companies. Feel free to ask relatives and friends because their recommendations may prove helpful.

You will find different cheap options from a reputable company. Check the official site of insurance companies to learn about available options. With this information, you can pick the right insurance plan.

Keep it in mind that you can’t run after the lowest prices. You have to select a reputable company with affordable options. The company must have user-friendly customer care services.

Compare Cost of Insurance

Premiums of auto insurance are based on the car’s price, safety records, and repair costs. Several insurers offer several discounts for special features. With these features, you can decrease the chances of personal injuries and car theft.

You can compare insurance plans for used and new vehicles. Make sure to check the safety ranking of different models of vehicles.

Raise Your Deductibles

By selecting car insurance with a higher deductible, you may decrease the cost of premiums. Make sure to arrange sufficient money to pay the maximum deductible. Decrease optional insurance on an old car.

If the worth of your old car is ten times less than the insurance premium, you must not consider comprehensive and collision coverage. Carefully check the value of your vehicle.

Bundle Your Plans

Several insurers may offer a discount for purchasing two or even more insurance types. Feel free to combine auto and homeowner insurances. A few companies offer a special price break for longtime clients.

Before bundling insurance, compare the costs of different policies. Make sure to compare discount from a single insurer or different insurers.

Manage an Impressive Credit History

Keep it in mind that an impressive credit history offers different benefits. You will be able to get insurance at a low cost. Several insurers use this information to price your insurance policies.

Make sure to get your credit reports to avoid possible issues. It will help you to detect false information on your reports. Feel free to check your credit statements frequently.

Discounts for Low Mileage

A few companies offer a discount to drivers through special plans. Your employer, alumni groups, or professional business play an essential role in decreasing the cost of premiums. Make sure to see all the possible discounts available for policyholders.

With the development of materials and technology in production, LED lighting is no longer just a discrete light indicator or home decoration. This technology has found its use on tow trucks and rescue vehicles. Many people opt to install these bars to upgrade the look of their SUVs, while others want to make their vehicles suitable for off-road adventures.

If you are thinking ‘Should I get LED headlights,’ see below why these are better than halogen bulbs for your car:

https://www.cars.com/articles/led-vs-halogen-headlights-whats-the-diff-420551/.

Thanks to its construction, which is an assembly of LED tubes with individual lenses and mirrors, it is possible to make the light beam as you want. It extends the capabilities of applying these light bars to vessels, buildings, construction sites, etc. 

If you have decided to upgrade performances of your vehicle, you need to know what factors to consider when buying these bars. You already opt for full-sized models, but you should know that the performances of these bars usually don’t depend on the size. 

Why Do You Need LED Light Bars?

The first thing to think about is why you need this upgrade for your vehicle. Next, you need to know where to put them. Different patterns have different beams. Not all of them are suitable for roof mounting, where most people generally install these bars. Some can be installed on the sides and rearview mirrors, while others can go on bumpers.

For example, spotlight beams have the longest beam distance, but the disadvantage is that there is no side reflection. Because of the directed beam, this pattern is not suitable for off-road driving, but the streets only. These are great for slow vehicles cruising the straight roads.

Floodlight beams are your choice if you are a fan of outdoor activities and slow rides on off-road routes. In these LEDs, the beam ‘spreads,’ allowing you to see the obstacles from the side. But the beam distance is significantly smaller than with spot beams. Also, this type of light often creates a glare on your windshield and hood.

You can decide on a combination of the two patterns and get the most of both worlds. There is a specialized variant of full size led light bars, with the longest and widest beam. That is the best option if you plan on installing only one bar on your vehicle.

The Color

There is no great dilemma about color. When you need the spotlight for work and night driving, you can choose between white and ‘amber.’ These two colors allow for the best visibility and perceptibility of the area in front. In limited lightening conditions, these LEDs showed the best performance.

There are options to choose a specific color or their combinations for each module separately. Still, it is good to know that all colors have a more substantial reflection than white and are less suitable for use at night. Colored bars may be more appropriate to use when the weather is bad or as a warning signal.

The Price

The quality of the product, in most cases, determines its price. As for LEDs, you can find models in different price ranges. That means you have a choice – will you pay more for quality and long-lasting product at the start, or will you buy a cheaper bar and get a new one whenever the old one broke down.

Cheap products are usually not a good idea. They may eventually break down or create a problem. If you need an LED bar for business, consider buying a more expensive model as an investment. But if you just want to show off, you don’t have to spend a fortune. But cheaper reflectors have limited performance.

What you should pay attention to is the IP rating. You can find more information on this link. Keep in mind the quality of the lenses; housing should be of durable materials, and sealing must be firm. The preferred wattage per diode is between 3 and 5; you will recognize lower quality products by low wattage.

The installation of LED bars brings many advantages. They have a long working life (more working hours), as well as resistance to voltage changes. Also, these bars are economical in terms of power consumption.

Money, you always want to have a little more so you could buy that fancy dress or a new gadget, save more for your vacation or a cool dinner, pay off your debts faster, or feel more relaxed about your whole personal financial situation.

There are simple but effective and fun ways to make money on the side. You can earn a bit extra every month without wasting time or effort! Here are a few suggestions for what you can do.

 Photo by NeONBRAND

Make Homemade Movies

All you need to make a cool and memorable movie that’s perfect for becoming a YouTube sensation is a camera and a lovely idea. You don’t need any props or an ideal script. 

Anything goes! There’s a video that shows cute cats or some guy dressed like Batman doing daddy’s usual stuff. There’s an endless amount of video options with smart hidden cameras and water balloon jokes. These were all hits in the past.

After all, all you need is a nice idea and a rough vision of how to turn it into a video. Turn the camera on, make it happen, upload it to Youtube and share it with your friends. It’s probably not going anywhere. But it’s possible.

You’ll never know until you spend the day with the camera making the video. It could be a good opportunity to make some money and have fun while doing it.

Start A Podcast Series

Recording podcasts can be incredibly enjoyable, both for the person who listens and the person who records. 

All you need to record your podcast is a computer and a microphone. You can even record it using just a smartphone if it’s a simple solo show without much need for editing.

You can post your podcast for free using BuzzSprout as you start, and then switch to other ideas if your podcast becomes popular. When it becomes popular, you can start making money from it.

Making money for a podcast is a bit difficult. Still, once you start collecting an audience yourself, you can look at maybe joining a podcast network, which serves as a team to search and negotiate with advertisers to raise funds.

Moreover, podcasting is fun and a great way to attract any topic of interest to the online community.

Raise A Garden

Raising a garden is an interesting and exciting hobby. It is wonderful to take a plot of land, plant some seeds in it, take care of this area by removing weeds and adding nutrients, and watch the plants grow and produce fruits and vegetables. Also, if you use varieties, you can save seeds and plant them again next season.

So how does it make money? For example, you can take food and eat it yourself, getting rid of the cost of food or food ingredients, and keep that money in your pocket. 

You can also take extra food and sell it. You can post what you have for sale on Facebook or take it to the farmers’ market. You could also put them on a table in front of your house with a box, and a “take what you want, pay what you can” card. See how you can sell extra services to local grocers.

The bigger the garden, the more food it will produce, and the more food you produce, the more money you can get. It’s all about how much you like this hobby and how much time and energy you’re willing to spend.

Sports Betting Sites

Sports bets are skill-based bets (depending on the bets you choose). Although you may think that you are betting against the house, they often manipulate the lines, so you are betting against other players, and they charge a small fee to make a bet easier. 

With the right skill and a sharp eye, you can make a living betting on sports. Is it difficult? Yes, but it is quite possible, and many people do it every day.

You could consider joining a sportsbook and start making the right bets. You should start with a sport that you know well, and do extensive research. 

You should be a successful sports bettor if you can come up with a system to predict games and outcomes correctly. 

Take a look at this trusted sportsbook and sports betting site.

Consider Playing A Free Video Game And Stream It

There are many free computer games and inexpensive video games such as League of Legends and Ancient Defense 2 that offer an incredible depth of gameplay and fun. 

They also attract an amazingly large online viewing audience, people who love to tune in and watch people play and hear their comments through sites like Twitch.

If you like to play video games, broadcast them! You can easily set up streaming from Xbox One, PS4, or PC and stream your games and make some money. 

This feature is built-in; you can get OBS for free to stream from your PC. You can also record comments during the game if you have a microphone, and in my experience, this is the best way to create an audience – fun comments during the game.

One of the great strategies is to play niche games that are considered to be classics and joke around while playing as you played with your friends. You do not need to be competitive, just interesting.

 Photo by JESHOOTS.COM

Start A Blog On A Topic Of Interest And Put Some Ads On It

What interests you? What excites you? What do you like to do and say? These are the things that could make a great blog.

It’s pretty easy to start with a platform such as WordPress, Blogger, or Squarespace. All you are required to do is sign up, choose a template, and start writing. 

It is recommended that you focus on two things with each article – make it informative and entertaining. Many believe that items that combine to mix information with interesting anecdotes and stories fascinate people regardless of the subject.

So how do you make money here? There are many ways. 

• You can advertise on the site using Adsense.

• You can place affiliate links to Amazon on the site.

• If you have many articles, you can link them to an ebook.

• You can also use a blog to promote other things you do and other ideas.

Each of these things has the opportunity to make you some money.

Photo by Thought Catalog

Make Crafts And Sell Them Online

Do you have a particular craft skill that you would like to share with others? Maybe you are good at sketching and can make individual sketches for people from photos. Perhaps you are an excellent fiction artist (like this old friend of mine) and would like to sell some of your work. 

Maybe you are making handmade metal signs or key chains. Perhaps you like to knit scarves.

Whatever you do, you can sell it on sites like Etsy.

Opening a store on Etsy is pretty easy; basically, you list yourself and then list a few of the items you sell, pictures of those items, and a reasonable price for them. 

Describe these items well, and people who are looking for exciting jewelry or items to buy will find them.

Not only that but after you have the items listed on Etsy, you can discuss them elsewhere. Post the items on Facebook so that your friends can see them and share them on other discussion forums that you participate in and are related to your hobby.

Start A Video Podcast/blog And Add A Few Ads

It’s effortless. If you have a camcorder on your laptop or computer, record a video discussing what you like. 

Save the video, edit it a bit if you like, and then post it on YouTube. Turn on advertising on this video. Over time, you will make a lot of money on every video you post.

Like in blogs, the real value comes from recording a lot of videos, so people who will find you are interested in sticking with you by watching more of your videos.

It’s a great way to channel your thoughts into something that can make some money, especially if you’re not strong in converting those thoughts into written words—dealing with video challenges is an entirely different set of skills.

To Sum Up

The main thing to remember is that these paths will not necessarily lead you to become rich. However, they will allow you to do what you like and maybe earn enough to pay at least part of the cost of this hobby or possibly earn a decent extra income. Even a small amount of extra income can make a difference.

On the one hand, if it is a good hobby, it means that it generates an income, puts money in your pocket, and does not take it out. 

An income-generating hobby has the potential to grow into something big, provided that you hit the spot with your audience and promote it well, and its a great way to have fun!

Introduction

2020 has been enough of a turmoil for everyone, especially the new professionals have been hampered most as in the freshers who joined the working sector this year or the previous year. Some of the freshers have just stepped into the professional world and they have been awestruck by what 2020 had to bring for them. Some mid-experienced workers have claimed that they have been going through a lot of losses since the beginning of 2020.

Many clever individuals are trying to fix their losses by making some remarkable investments and some by saving money. Well for beginners who have just started to earn some money, it is wise to know that saving money will not grow your stable money, you need to start investing your money.

What could be a better time than this pandemic hit earth when everything is at utmost depression and no one is being able to get over the loss. The prices of gold have also hit the ground and it is still expected to rise in some time.

Best Investment Plans in 2020

There are many sectors of investment but we will give you the simplest ones which as a beginner would be easy to invest in or as an experienced would be some safe investments.

Bitcoin Investment

I am sure, you must have heard of the bitcoin billionaire, who helped many to become the billionaires in the world just by trading and investing on bitcoins. Well, the fact is that it has been revealed by the bitcoin experts that during the worldwide lockdown, there have been millions who lost their jobs.

At the same time, there is also a good sign that more and more people have joined the crypto world. Especially in countries like India and China where the use of cryptocurrency was banned almost, more and more people have shown their engagement in the crypto-related games and idea.

Hence if you are new to the world of investment and eating up too much of your brain thinking how could you investment safely then here is Option 1 for you. Start investing in bitcoins without even thinking twice, because we assure you that you will never run in the loss, not only you in fact all the experienced investors say that having bitcoins in the portfolio is as important as having gold. But since you are a beginner then you must first start with a bitcoin as an asset.

Invest in Gold

This might feel you a little risk plus you must be thinking that you need some decent amount of money to buy gold. Wait! Who asked you to invest in physical gold, do you know that there is also something called digital which you can buy at as low as $10?

In the case of digital gold, you do not have to think for the security of the gold or need not take any tension regarding the gold, all you can do is just get in touch with your state gold authority or your country gold authority and buy some digital gold from them and the transaction related to it will happen online. You will have to pay through any of the online payment methods, your portion of gold will be named on you and later of after few months whenever you want you can sell back the gold to the authority again and it will give you the amount at which the gold is priced on that particular day.

It also means that if you suppose buy at $4/karat today then after two months if you wish to sell the gold and if it is priced $7/karat then you will get back your money considering $7/karat.

The GDPR was created to “regulate” the management of privacy linked to the use of user data on the web, apps and social media by web and media companies who are trying to build their competitive advantage on user profiling. The GDPR can be “interpreted” as a “digital rights charter” of people.

The possible relationships between GDPR and blockchain

The GDPR regulation impacts on a number of areas that relate to the specific characteristics of the Blockchain:

Data access and visibility – The data entered in the blockchain are public and accessible by anyone participating in the chain

Data deletion – the data stored in a blockchain are tamper-proof, therefore their deletion will not be possible once such data is entered in the distributed chain;

Data immutability over time – the data present in the blockchain are kept unlimited and cannot be modified, tampered with or deleted.

Distributed data control – blockchain are distributed therefore control over data cannot be centralized and it is the responsibility of all participants in the blockchain (it is difficult to identify the Data Protection Officer figures required by the GDPR);

Automated decision-making processes – with Smart Contracts, automated decision-making processes or a new type of data management must also be considered

Blockchain and GDPR for a Security by Design

Blockchain and GDPR allow creating “security by design” solutions ensuring pseudonymisation (decoupling of data from individual identity) and data minimization (sharing only the data points absolutely necessary).

With this setting it is impossible to reconstruct the contents of a transaction from the one- way cryptographic hash. And unless one of the parties to the transaction decides to link a public key to a known identity, it is not possible to map and link transactions to individuals or organizations. This means that even if the blockchain is “public” (where anyone can see all the transactions on it), no personal information is made public.

Blockchain, GDPR and legislative issues

The GDPR introduces some rules that may not always be respected by blockchain.

GDPR and Data Protection Officer –   The GDPR introduces the figure of the DPO – Data Protection Officer, an expert in data protection legislation and practices who must assist the person who controls or manages them in order to verify internal compliance with the regulation . The DPO must be a person with a good command of IT processes, data security and other business coherence issues regarding the maintenance and processing of personal and sensitive data.

“When is it necessary to appoint a personal data controller? In the GDPR, the controller must be appointed in the event that the main processing activities require regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects on a large scale, if the activities include the large-scale processing of particular categories of personal data or of data relating to criminal convictions and offenses, again when the treatment is carried out by a public authority or by a public body. “

Which jurisdiction to apply for the law of which country – In the event of disputes, which laws must be applied and how it all began? You can follow trustpedia to read more about crypto.

In a blockchain (especially if it is public) data is kept on each node of the network – publicly accessible to anyone – regardless of the original purpose for which that data was entered and processed in the blockchain. How does this typical blockchain feature fit into a regulatory context that requires that the specific purposes for which personal data are processed must be specified, explicit and legitimate and that personal data must be adequate, relevant and limited to the purposes for which are treated.

The identity of a user (and therefore his sensitive data) is protected by a code that represents the public key to join the distributed network. From a regulatory point of view, it is necessary to understand what constitutes “personal data” in a blockchain context: must public keys be considered personal data? Although a public key appears as pseudonymised data, these do not represent anonymous data and are very often associated with specific natural persons.

Therefore, it is also necessary to deal with legislation on how to manage the “right to be forgotten” issue within a blockchain.

How can traders evaluate a company’s performance? The answer isn’t as simple as deducting expenses from total revenue. There are a few measures of financial performance and profitability within an income statement, and each of these indicators tells a different story.

You’ll likely encounter some of these measures when reading a company’s earnings report or using the software available now at us.tradezero.co. Understanding these indicators helps traders assess a company’s performance over time, and how it compares with its competitors. Below, you’ll learn a few terms that should be a part of any investor’s stock trading vocabulary.

Net Income

It’s the simplest measure of a company’s profitability. Net income is the amount of money left after expenses-; such as administrative expenses, taxes, interest, and the cost of products sold-; are deducted from revenue. Depreciation and amortization are also subtracted. If expenses are higher than revenue, the total is considered a loss. The common term “bottom line” refers to a company’s net loss or income as it is shown in the income statement.

Earnings Before Interest and Taxes

Many analysts and investors use EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) as a profitability indicator. EBIT is sometimes called operating profit. Because interest expenses and tax structures are different from one company to the next, setting these factors aside allows a trader to determine just how much a company is earning from daily operations. It also levels the playing field when comparing companies’ financial performance.

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization

Like the factor referenced above, EBITDA allows for an accurate, direct comparison between stocks and industries. Not only does EBITDA strip away taxes and interest, but it also removes amortization and depreciation.

Depreciation is a term used to explain how the cost of an asset is spread out over its lifespan; it allows a company to reduce its taxable earnings each year. For instance, if a piece of equipment is worth $1000 and is expected to last five years, the company can deduct $200 each year for depreciation.

Amortization is very similar, but it’s used to allocate the cost of an intangible asset. Stock traders may use EBITDA when evaluating companies with significant capital expenditures, such as utilities.

EPS or Earnings Per Share

EPS (earnings per share) is an indication of a company’s profitability per common stock share. Income statements typically include two earnings per share measure: diluted and basic. The basic EPS is calculated by dividing the company’s net income by its number of common shares.

If there are preferred shares, the dividends paid are deducted from net income before that total is divided by the number of common stock shares. If new shares were issued or bought back during any quarter, the weighted-average common share number would be used in the calculation of EPS.

A company’s diluted EPS is determined by dividing its net income by the number of common shares plus the number of shares that would be in play if convertible bonds, stock options, warrants, and preferred shares were exercised. Therefore, the company’s diluted EPS is usually lower than its basic EPS.

Considering EPS performance over an extended period will help investors assess the company’s profit trends if the number of outstanding shares remains relatively consistent. Keep in mind that companies can generate a higher EPS without adding net income if they buy back shares.

Price to Earnings

Beyond a company’s profitability, investors also want to compare the value of different companies’ stocks. The P/E or price to earnings ratio is the tool they use, and it’s determined by dividing the stock price by the EPS. This metric is great for comparative analysis, as looking at a single company’s P/E ratio without comparing it to another company’s figures won’t provide much new information.

Stocks with high P/E ratios trade at higher prices relative to their EPS. Those with lower P/E ratios trade at lower prices and could be considered inexpensive relative to other stocks with higher ratios. P/E is subjective, however. It’s typically used to compare companies within a sector because some newer sectors are known for higher ratios, while established industries’ ratios tend to be lower.

Return on Equity

Return on equity or ROE is an indicator that demonstrates the return on shareholder equity, and it’s just one way an investor can determine whether companies are spending their money wisely. ROE is given as a percentage that’s calculated by dividing the company’s net income by the value of its average common equity.

Investors can take the ROE and use it to compare companies to their peers. The ROE is different from an EPS calculation, as the denominator is the value of the average total equity rather than the number of outstanding shares.

Consider Your Rationale Before Investing in Stocks

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, it’s important to understand your reasons for buying a certain stock. What aspects of the company are compelling? It’s not a good idea to buy stocks based on the company’s brand, its employees, or long-held perceptions.

An investment based on emotions is the wrong investment to make. Likewise, a speculative investment may yield a profit, but it’s not wise to use them to form a long-term plan. For the most effective investment, focus on stocks that are priced fairly or undervalued.

Think about it for a minute. Even the biggest company in the world would be a bad investment if you paid too much for its stock. To make accurate comparisons and informed decisions, look to the fundamentals we’ve listed in this guide.

The Takeaway

The most crucial thing to remember is that, when you’re looking for a stock to buy, it’s vital to use multiple metrics to compare investments. Going by a single metric, such as the company’s net income, won’t give you the information needed to make the right decisions. An in-depth understanding of these terms, as well as an informed decision-making process, will do much to help you sell, buy, and hold stocks effectively.

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make in life. It is also one of the most costly, as you need to save lots of money to afford a decent property. Most homebuyers have no choice but to apply for a home loan. Even then, the process can be complicated, particularly if they cannot fulfill certain requirements to qualify and get the mortgage approved.

If you have a low credit score or a shaky financial history, chances are your application for a home loan will be rejected. In this case, having a mortgage guarantor may be what you need. A guarantor for a mortgage will back up your loan by agreeing to fulfill payments and take over in the event that you default. 

What is a Guarantor Mortgage?

 

A guarantor mortgage is a type of loan that requires a guarantor to co-sign a loan contract. This is a way to secure a mortgage when you lack the required deposit or when your financial history prevents lenders from approving your loan. A guarantor mortgage is sometimes called a family assisted mortgage, where a parent or close family member agrees to help and take the risks.

A guarantor mortgage is recommended if a borrower is a first-time homebuyer, with small or no deposit. This also applies if you have a low income and low to non-existent credit score. If you want to buy a property, but your lenders or mortgage loan aggregators calculate that it costs more than what you can afford, then this type of loan may be the answer to your problem.

What is the Difference between a Guarantor and a Co-signer?

 

A guarantor differs from a co-signer in several significant ways. While both can help unqualified individuals secure a mortgage, their rights and responsibilities are distinct. A co-signer is required to sign mortgage documents, so their name will appear on the property title. In essence, they co-own the home with the mortgagor and will be held accountable for any outstanding payments stipulated in the contract.

Unlike a co-signer, the name of a mortgage guarantor will not appear on the title of the home. This means that while they are responsible for covering the payments, they will not actually own the home even when the original mortgagor defaults. While a co-signer is used when an applicant fails to qualify due to major problems like income issues, a guarantor comes in only to give a boost and satisfy the lending criteria of an applicant on the verge of qualifying.

To give a more concrete example, a co-signer is needed if the borrower has an unverifiable source of income, like self-employment, but may be able to pay the loan easily. Meanwhile, a mortgage guarantor is brought in if the applicant qualifies income-wise, but has problems with credit. This often happens for young individuals looking to buy a home for the first time and do not have any credit with banks. 

How Do I Choose my Guarantor?

 

Some lenders have strict requirements that you have to follow when applying for a guarantor loan. Your mortgage guarantor Canada must satisfy the standards set if you do not want your application to be rejected right away. Technically, they must be in better financial standing than co-signers, must have a stable income and a job.

A guarantor for a mortgage must have a steady source of income to cover the cost of loan repayments if required. Lenders also check if they have adequate savings and a stable job, backed by relevant documents to be submitted by the guarantor. Having a strong credit record is also a requirement. Typically, a credit score of 650 or higher is needed to qualify. 

Owning a house as part of a legal guarantee will also eliminate the lender’s worries regarding flight risks. Some lenders require a guarantor to be a Canadian resident or have lived in the country for a certain period of time. Your mortgage guarantor Canada also has to present a government-issued ID showing they are over 18 years old. 

What are the Potential Risks of Being a Guarantor?

 

Signing a mortgage as a guarantor is not a decision to be taken lightly. You have to know your mortgage guarantor rights or run the risk of paying thousands of dollars if the primary borrower decides to bail out and leave you to clean the mess. It is important that a contract is designed to protect the guarantor from getting stuck paying defaulted loans for years.

In a worst-case scenario where a guarantor has to pay all loan repayments and it is tied to a mortgage, there are two possible outcomes and both are unappealing. Either the guarantor remortgages their own property or has it repossessed to cover the damages. Moreover, their credit score will suffer when repaying loans.

There is a reason why lenders prefer immediate family members, like parents and siblings, to be the guarantors in these arrangements. Some also allow extended families and ex-spouses. Considering their familial ties, they are less likely to run from their responsibility as guarantors. Family or not, it is best to seek advice before agreeing to sign any loan guarantee.

When Should I Agree to Become a Guarantor?

 

If someone you know asks you to become a guarantor for a mortgage, consider the following questions. Your answers will help you make an informed decision about whether to agree or not, considering all the risks involved. Always keep in mind that in being a guarantor, you are agreeing to be liable for someone else’s debt.

 

Do you trust the borrower to pay back the loan on time? 

Can you afford to cover any outstanding payment, in case of default? 

How much is the loan that you will be guaranteed?

Can you get yourself out of the contract at some point in the future?

Will being a guarantor affect your ability to secure your own loan later on? 

 

If you are in the right financial position to be a guarantor for someone you know who needs your help, by all means, be one. Just be cautious. Know your mortgage guarantor rights. Read the contract thoroughly before signing. If you need to, speak with a mortgage broker who will act in your best interest and ask them to explain all of your options.

Did you know the average flood damage claim is $42,000?

This is to say, if your property were to sustain flood damage today and you don’t have flood insurance, repairing and restoring it will cost you a whopping $42K. Do you have this kind of money sitting around in your account?

If you’re anything like most Americans, the answer is no. However, for about $700 per year, you can get flood insurance coverage with a $250K claim limit.

Sounds like something you would want to buy?

Good.

Here’s is a guide on how to get a reliable flood insurance quote.

What’s a Reliable Flood Insurance Quote?

Getting a reliable flood insurance quote simply means buying your insurance from a reliable flood insurance company.

Insurance companies aren’t created equal, and neither are flood insurance policies. There are some companies that have a reputation for taking too long or failing to settle claims. Others have a reputation for offering quality client service, meaning as long as the claim is valid, it’s paid out immediately.

You definitely want to buy flood insurance from a company that won’t frustrate you at your hour of need. At the time you’re filing a flood insurance claim, you’ll probably be under a lot of stress. The last thing you want is more stress.

So, how do you find a reliable quote?

Get Recommendations from the People Around You

As a property owner, you certainly know other owners. These could be relatives or close friends.

Reach out to them and ask whether they have purchased flood insurance and if yes, what their experience with the insurance company is. Pay more attention to property owners who have experienced flood damage. If they received quality service when filing a claim, that’s the kind of insurance company you want to sell you coverage.

If you don’t know anyone who has flood insurance, take your search online. A simple “best flood insurance company in X” where X is the name of your state or region will return a page with links to some of the top-rated local insurance companies.

Have a Good Idea of the Cost of Flood Insurance

You already know that the average annual flood insurance premium is $700. However, there are a number of factors that can push this amount a bit lower or far higher.

Understanding how these factors will affect your insurance premiums is key to getting a reliable quote.

The most important factor is the flood risk zone your home is in. If in a high- risk flood zone, expect a pricier quote than you’d get if the home were located in a low-risk flood zone.

Flood zones information is publicly available. Just look up your state’s flood plain map online. Most maps are colored-coded, with red indicating a high-risk zone.

So, if you’re in a low-risk zone and you get a quote that is markedly higher than the average, you have a good reason to be suspicious or ask the lender to explain their pricing.

Get a Reliable Flood Insurance Quote

Flood insurance is a must-have, whether you live in a high-risk or a low-risk area. However, you need to be careful when purchasing your policy. With this guide on how to get a reliable flood insurance quote, you’re now in a better position to get the best deal.

Keep reading our blog for insurance tips and advice.

Becoming a knowledge trader is very important to your success. Trading is nothing but speculation of the price of an asset or company. The stock traders buy an asset when they think the price will go higher and they short it when the price goes lower. Saying things in the article is easy but finding the trading opportunity in the real stock market is a very tough task.  The experience investors in Hong Kong often find it hard to determine the best asset to trade.

The success of stock traders depends on their actions. Traders can take rational steps when they have in-depth knowledge of this market. Considering the struggling traders, we are going to discuss some of the most amazing ways you can improve your trading knowledge.

Use the social trading community

You can become a member of the active trading community and participate in the discussion. By taking the professional trader, you will learn many new things. The rookies might not participate in the professional trader’s conversion due to lack of knowledge but they can still learn a lot of new things. Try to post some analysis on the major stocks and see what the professional traders say. Make friends with the top traders and you will get powerful insight into this market.

Read books

You must read books on a regular basis to become a top stock trader. Without harnessing the knowledge it is nearly impossible to become a professional stock trader. The majority of successful traders in the Saxo Forex broker read books on a regular basis. They do so because it improves your knowledge and let them understand the market much better. Though it might seem a little bit complicated task once you develop the habit of reading books, things will start to make sense in the stock market. You will know why you were losing money and you won’t make the same mistake again.

Revise your trading method

Every once in while you need to revise your trading method. During the problem fixing stage, you will find a few technical issues that require more analysis and research. Thus, you will get the unique chance to improve your knowledge. Revision to your trading strategy is a must as the market is always evolving. While revising the trading method, try to use the demo account like Saxo so that you get the real price feed. Fixing the problems in the real market is a very tough task and you might have to lose big money.

Join the webinar

Do you know the experienced traders join stock trading webinars on a regular basis? They do so because they know the importance of knowledge. If you stop learning about trading, soon you will stop making a profit. You don’t have to join the paid webinars. If you trade with the reputed brokers like Saxo, you will find many free educational resources. Use free resources and enhance your knowledge to become a better trader. Once you learn to trade in a very precise way, you will be able to trade like a pro stock trader.

Never lose confidence

Those who trade long enough always face a major stock market crash. Seeing the market about to crash, rookies often quit trading. But every crash is a huge opportunity to make some big profit. Learn how the big players make money using the market crash. It’s more like learning about the economic bubble theory. By doing some research you gain confidence and it will help you take trades in the most complicated market situation. Though trading is a complex task many investors consider it as one of the easiest businesses to engage in.

No matter what, you can’t lose your confidence. If you do, you can’t survive in the trading industry. Work hard and believe in your trading strategy to succeed in the long run.

About 30 million Americans use a pawn shop each year. One of the most commonly pawned items is electronics. But did you know you can pawn bigger items, like your car?

If you decide to pawn your car, you can potentially generate a much larger cash flow. This is an enticing possibility if you’re facing an expensive emergency and need a large amount of cash quickly.

There are some things you need to know before you get started, though. Follow this guide to understand the process of pawning your car.

Understand the Process

The requirements and process for pawning your car will vary slightly from state to state. Be sure you check your state’s requirements, so you understand any differences from this guide. As a general guide, there are a few things you must have.

• Have a car

• You’re listed as the owner

• Free of liens

• Government-issued ID

• Proof of income

You need to own the car outright because the pawn shop doesn’t want to worry about another creditor claiming ownership to the vehicle. You need to show proof of income to show that you can repay the loan.

Valuation of Your Car

When you arrive at the pawn shop, you’ll discuss how much you hope to borrow. Then your car will be assessed for value. They’ll look at the make, model, year, and condition.

Most locations will require you to leave the car with them when you pawn your car for cash. This is different from a title loan, where you’re commonly allowed to continue to drive your vehicle.

Kelley Blue Book

If you want to get an idea of what your car is worth, use the Kelley Blue Book. This valuation resource is what the majority of people use to determine the value of a vehicle.

Terms and Cash

The biggest advantage of a car pawn is that you walk out with cash. You can also negotiate the terms of your agreement with the pawnbroker. This lets you customize your loan to ease your financial burdens.

No matter what terms you agree to, expect the pawn shop to apply an interest rate to your loan. You’ll need to repay this amount in addition to the original amount you borrow.

You’ll find that a pawn broker is willing to lend you more than other lenders. This is because they keep the physical car, so they have more security in their loan.

Repay Your Loan

Once you take out the loan, you’ll need to make payments. Do this in accordance with the terms you’ve agreed to. Once you’ve repaid the entire loan, the pawn shop will return your car.

You can then choose to keep your car or pawn it again. There are no limits to how many times you pawn your car, as long as you continue to repay each loan.

Pawn Your Car Today

If you’re facing an emergency and need cash immediately, then you may want to pawn your car. You’ll need to give up physical access to your car, but you’ll be able to get cash immediately and on better terms than other lending options.

Browse our many finance articles for more helpful advice on how you can live financially secure.

What comes to mind when you think about planning for the future?

For many of us, short to medium term plans take center stage.

We look ahead to things like climbing the career ladder, saving enough money to buy a house, getting married, and having kids. Heck, for some people, the most pressing future consideration is where they’ll go for dinner tonight!

Unfortunately, the vital matter of what happens in the event of our death tends to be relegated to the side-lines. Indeed, over 50% of Americans lack even a basic estate plan.

But why is estate planning important?

It’s a good question, and one that’s worthy of an in-depth answer. In essence, it comes down to what you stand to lose by failing to plan, and what you’ll gain by doing it. Looking for further insight into the virtues involved?

Keep reading to learn all about estate planning and why it’s so essential.

What Is Estate Planning?

In simple terms, estate planning involves writing down answers to the following kinds of questions:

• What will happen to your assets when you die?

• How will those assets be divided and who will get what?

• What will happen to your liabilities when you die?

• What are your preferences for potential medical emergencies where you’re unable to make decisions for yourself?

• Who has the power of attorney in those situations?

The answers will, of course, vary by person. Everybody has unique circumstances and desires, which impacts the content and process of planning their estate.

For example, the estate plan for somebody with minimal assets, and no children is unlikely to be complex. But the opposite could be true for someone with multiple homes, numerous children from previous marriages, and significant financial wealth.

Circumstances aside, though, estate planning is about taking control of your affairs while you still can. By looking ahead, you ensure that your wishes are met and that your closest loved ones are taken care of when you die. Read more about the importance of estate planning in the next section.

Why is Estate Planning Important?

Still wondering why you should care what happens after you die? Here is a selection of primary incentives that should compel anybody to get their estate in order ASAP:

1. To Take Control of Your Wealth

You might have acquired a reasonable degree of wealth throughout your lifetime.

You might have multiple homes, stock portfolios, money in the bank, and famous art on the walls. Imagine dying suddenly one day, without a will, having made no attempts to document how your assets should be divided.

The fate of your worldly possessions would fall to the state in which you live. They’d decide how your estate would be divided. The wealth you worked so hard to generate could end up going to people and places you’d rather they didn’t.

Of course, you don’t need megabucks to benefit from estate planning in this way. It’s in the interest of anybody with assets to decide what happens to them. It’s a means of ensuring your wishes, as of now, are carried out in your absence.

2. To Ensure Your Medical Preferences Are Met

Contrary to popular opinion, estate planning isn’t just about preparing for death.

It’s also about stating your requirements and desires if you were to be incapacitated somehow. Imagine suffering a serious stroke, having a debilitating accident, or developing dementia. There’s a chance that you’d no longer be able to make decisions for yourself.

Without an estate plan, there’d be no way of knowing your medical or financial preferences. Consider giving somebody the power of attorney to act on your behalf. Telling them what you want to happen in these circumstances will ensure your needs are met.

3. To Protect Your Family

Having an estate plan makes your family’s life far easier too.

In the event of your death, the last thing they need is a long and confusing state of affairs to handle. It should be a time of mourning- not one of familial disputes and legal challenges.

Indeed, it isn’t unheard of for families to argue over large estates. Some people can feel entitled to ‘their share’ and feel hard-done-by if they don’t get it. Emotional conflict and disputes can rage over the money involved.

As we’ve noted, a well-formulated estate plan clarifies your wishes and distributes wealth accordingly. The right family-members receive the money they need to support themselves in your absence.

4. To Reduce the Tax Burden

Planning your estate helps to protect it from the IRS as well!

You can put a strategy in place to limit the amount of tax that can legally be taken from it.

Let’s face it, tax is a tricky enough pill to swallow in life. The fact that the wealth you’ve accrued can be taxed in death is even harder to think about. Without a plan, the people you care most about may only get a percentage of what’s on the table.

This is another example of the empowering nature of planning your estate. As we’ve said above, it’s about taking control and ensuring the best outcome possible if you die.

Considering working with estate planning attorneys for help making that happen.

Time to Plan Your Estate

Tens of millions of Americans don’t have an estate plan in place.

We could understand why! After all, few people revel in the thought of their death. It isn’t easy, or particularly fun, to look ahead and put a plan in place for it.

As we’ve seen, though, it’s of utmost importance to both you and your family. Without a plan, you leave your wealth in the hands of external powers. There’s no guarantee your wishes will be met.

Why is estate planning important? Hopefully, this post has provided an adequate answer to the question.

Want to read more articles like this one? Search ‘estate’ on the website now.

Did you know that the average cost of attending a private college is $48,500? That’s a steep price to finish college.

If you’re currently studying for a degree, you know that money is often a challenge. Depending on the institution you’re studying in, the fees can soar through the roof. In most cases, you can’t afford college without financial assistance.

Don’t get discouraged yet.

In this guide, you’ll learn ways to pay for college. Read on and find out which method works best for you:

1. Look for Grants

Colleges, states, and the federal government hand out grants. Your eligibility depends on your financial needs and the income you give to FAFSA. The best part about this is that you need not repay.

When getting a grant, the school will send you a financial aid award letter. It should arrive in your letter of acceptance. But if it doesn’t, don’t worry—some schools send it later.

The average grant aid for public college undergrads is $5,000. Meanwhile, those studying in private colleges received around $16,700. The biggest grant award often comes from colleges, so it’s better to ask whether you’re eligible.

2. Ask the College for Funds

You can bargain for financial aid, despite popular opinion. To do this, learn how to make a formal appeal letter. Call your college when you’re done.

Do your best to emphasize your strong points and compatibility with the school, and whether you got more aid from another college.

Aside from that, describe your current financial state more effectively. Sometimes, you might have a family member in need of financial aid, like medical bills. Do this only if the college hasn’t considered this special financial case.

The reason is FAFSA basing your income from the preceding year. If you don’t update your college about your special circumstance, they might not agree to give you aid. That’s why bargaining for college payments isn’t the time to be shy about your financial strife.

3. Work-Study Jobs

Eligible students have part-time jobs at their disposal, whether it’s on your campus or nearby areas. It depends on the school’s finances and available funds. Like asking for grants, submit your financial information to FAFSA to be eligible.

If you get a work-study job, you can expect payments at least once per month. Undergrads earn their wages by the hour, which doesn’t exceed your annual work-study award. The school also includes this information in your financial aid award letter.

If you’re not qualified for work-study, find another part-time job. Job posting websites have listings for college students searching for odd jobs. These often include dog walking, babysitting, tutorials, and other work related to your course.

4. Apply for Scholarships

This method is the most common aid you get if you can’t afford college. Thousands of private scholarships exist out there, funded by various organizations. Whether it’s from companies, charities, or community groups, scholarships can save you lots of money.

To start, ask your high school guidance counselor for the easiest scholarships to get. You can also check free online services for scholarship suggestions.

Take note, some departments offer scholarships separate from the college’s general admissions scholarships. They vary since some are academic, while others are volunteer-based and need-based.

If you’re looking for major-specific scholarships, seek them out since most departments won’t advertise it. Students applying for these might get the financial aid that covers a portion or even the entirety of their tuition.

5. Take Out Loans

Getting a loan should be the last on your list. But if your scholarships, grants, and savings aren’t enough to foot the entire bill, take it. In typical situations, a family can use iCash loans to cover 20% of their college loans.

When applying for loans, turn to the federal government first before asking private institutions. It’s because federal loans have a lower interest rate and protect you more as a borrower. That’s why you must fill out your FAFSA since you can’t student loans from the federal government otherwise.

You can get a loan regardless of your family’s financial situation. First-year undergrads have a maximum of $5,000 for their loans. But if you can prove your dire financial need, you might get subsidized loans that won’t gain interest until after your graduation.

The PLUS loan is another federal student loan type that enables parents to help their children pay for college. These loans need a credit check but it has a higher interest rate. The school determines the amount parents can avail, but it can cover the attendance cost while deducting other financial aid.

6. Claim any Tax Credits for Tuition Costs

Your tuition and other college-related fees might qualify for tax relief using the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. It has requirements to become eligible, and in most cases, you can only benefit from one instead of both.

The pleasant news is that these tax credits have a major impact on your tuition fees. For example, applying for the Lifetime Learning Credit decreases the taxes you pay. It doesn’t reduce your taxable income—it reduces the money you owe.

Sometimes, these tax credits will make your tax balance to zero. The money you save from taxes can fuel your next annual tuition bill instead.

7. Community College and Living Off-Campus

If you have the option of living at home and commuting to college, this saves a lot of money. Most colleges will charge you $10,400-$12,000 for a room each year. This can easily pay for your annual tuition at some schools.

Sometimes, your financial situation can only get you into a community college. This is a good decision, but keep in mind your goal is to transfer to a four-year school after. In a community college, expect your tuition to be around $3,500 each year.

Can’t Afford College? Use These Tips Today!

These are some ways to fund your education if you can’t afford college. Use them depending on your situation to make the most out of your money.

Found some useful tactics to make your tuition affordable? Are you looking for more useful guides like this one? If so, continue to check out more of our content here and discover more useful tips and tricks.

Do you own a business insurance policy? Maybe you run a business that insurance companies often avoid insuring or charge insane premiums. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to consider captive insurance.

You may have heard about this type of insurance, but think it’s only available for large companies.

While it may cost a pretty penny to open a captive insurance company, it might be the best option to insure your business. Want to learn what’s all the buzz about this type of insurance?

We’ve got you covered. We’ll discuss the basics you should know about captive insurance companies and why you should consider it. Read on for your guide to obtain the best insurance coverage for your business today!

What Is Captive Insurance?

Depending on your industry, your company may be at risk of suffering huge losses due to product liability, malpractice, or other costly claims. More often than not, traditional insurance carriers won’t cover these claims.

However, captive insurance would cover these claims. This type of insurance is the protection or coverage provided by a subsidiary to its parent company.

The parent company will pay its insurance premiums to the captive insurance company or subsidiary. Let’s say you own a medical practice and one of your patients sues your firm for medical malpractice.

If you had captive instead of traditional insurance, your insurer would cover the claim.

Remember the parent company controls the approval and funding of the claims. Contrarily, a traditional insurance company may only cover a portion of the claim. You would have to pay any additional costs.

Why Should You Consider Opening a Captive Insurance Company for Your Business?

Opening a captive insurance company may seem like too much work and expense.

It’s the best way, however, to ensure your assets and company are protected against any type of claim.

Still unsure why you should consider this type of insurance? Here are two reasons why you should open a captive insurance company today.

Comprehensive Coverage

Traditional insurers tend to cover only certain damages or injuries putting high-risk industries in jeopardy of huge insurance claim losses.

When you open a captive, you’ll be able to expand your insurance coverage to protect your business assets in any situation.

Customized Insurance Options

Expanding your coverage isn’t the only way captives benefit parent companies. You’ll also be able to customize the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.

These customizations will allow you to set parameters in your business to minimize losses and understand the factors that give rise to claims.

You Learned the Basics About Captive Insurance – Now What?

It may seem easier to stick to your current insurer or keep operating without an insurance policy. However, protecting your business assets is vital for risk management and long term growth.

Captive insurance may be the easiest and safest way to obtain comprehensive insurance coverage. To establish the best captive insurance company, it’s important to consult an expert that specializes in this type of insurance.

A good starting point is searching online for the term “captive insurance expert near me.”

Consider companies with experience establishing captives for other companies in your industry. Don’t wait until your company is sued and start protecting it today.

Did you find this article interesting? Keep checking the rest of our site to find more tips and articles to start growing and protecting your business today.

For many of you beginners out there, vaping can be a considerably new experience, and it’s relatively easy to make a mistake when you are not paying attention or are unaware of the basics. Some of the widespread errors may ruin the entire vaping adventure for you and leave you with a bad taste in its entirety.

If you are a person attempting to quit smoking, the horrible experience of the first vape can leave you with a bitter taste altogether, often leading to frustration, and crawl back to regular cigarettes. This is why here are a few tips and lessons to learn before buying your vaping accessories from a vape shop and trying them out.

Purchasing an advanced vape initially

One of the biggest problems that the beginners of vaping undergo is getting puzzled by so many varieties in the market and ending up buying a sophisticated vape for the first time. You buy the wrong device, which leaves you off with an unpleasant first try.

As a debut to your vaping experience, you should buy e-cigs that are easy to use, have a similar design to that of a cigarette and deliver you the right hit for your throat. One such great option for beginners is to use pod systems that are small, compact, and come with an automatic draw. Another option is to go for vapors, which can be upgraded just by changing the coil.

Starting with the wrong nicotine level

It is incredibly crucial for a beginner not to overestimate his/her vaping skills at the very start and opt for a device with a high nicotine level. Nicotine strength can influence the flavor of your e-liquid, not highly, but enough that it is noticeable.

It’s also particularly important not to start with a nicotine level that’s too low. A low-level nicotine vape would leave you unsatisfied, especially if you are looking to replace cigarettes. It is suggested for heavy smokers to not to start with the highest nicotine concentration available. This can leave you coughing much more than you would with a smaller level of the substance. Starting with too much nicotine can leave your throat itchy and harsh. Hence, it is recommended to take the advice of the seller when buying your first vape accessories.

Buying the wrong flavor

It is not just about nicotine, but it is also crucial to get the right e-juice. You will need to try several flavors put before you by the shop owner to determine which one suits you the best. This will ensure that you enjoy vaping much more than tobacco cigarettes. Rather than relying on the first flavor, or picking whatever looks good, you will also have to look at the PG/VG ratio to ensure you get the best experience for the vape.

Getting high VG liquid will provide you with a smoother hit and improve your first experience altogether; however, increasing the PG percentage could result in dry mouth and increased thirst.

Buying a cheap device

Many new agents and shop owners will try to sell low-cost devices and liquid selections, and more often than not, people opt to save their budget than buying a good vaping kit. If you are lowering the price, that automatically means that the quality will be compromised, which results in people not having a pleasant experience.

Even though you should spend hundreds on your first device, it is proposed to pay the right amount on your first experience, especially if you are making the transition from smoking to vaping.

Buying too many types of equipment

When you start vaping, you want to make sure that you have all the right stuff in which case end up buying more than necessary, hence it is better than at first you choose the items that are strictly required. The things that one should have for their first vape are:

• Good vape tank
• Two liquids of 10 ml of size
• Related flavors

Not buying replacement coils

Lots of vaping newcomers seldom keep using the same coil, which results in it tasting bitter. Coils should be changed every few weeks, even sooner, if you are using your device extensively. This ensures that you don’t inhale the vapor that is a load of burnt metal but have your best experience with fresh smoke and which tastes of the liquid you bought.