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Overbearing Car Costs? How to Start Saving Money Today

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Whether it is a way of getting from point A-to-B for work, dropping the kids off at school or simply a lifestyle choice, driving a car is an integral part of living for many people. Yet as you will no doubt know by now if you’re reading this, a car can leave a significant hole in your bank balance, and leave you feeling like your car is a somewhat of a money pit.

While regular costs cannot be avoided in full, there are steps to take that will help to reduce your car-related expenditures. So if you want to start saving money today and not suffer from high car costs, read on for various top tips to take onboard.

Drive sensibly

Did you know that everything from hard braking to speeding can have a significant impact on your gas mileage? Well aggressive driving, especially on highways, is a sure way of draining that gas tank. Due to this, driving steadily – preferably at 50mph when possible – is highly advised. Also if you are parked and waiting around in your car, don’t forget to turn the engine off!

Shop around for insurance

Based on a recent study, only 39% of Americans searched around for a new auto insurance provider in 2014. Yet shopping around different insurance companies, finding the best one for you could result in a large annual saving compared to what you’re currently paying. If you have an older vehicle, also look into cutting down to just property damage and injury coverage – that’s because the price to repair could end up being more than the value of the car!

Avoid air conditioning usage

This might seem like a minor problem at first, but using the in-built air conditioning can really take it out on your vehicle. In fact, research suggests that during especially hot temperatures, using the AC could reduce fuel economy by over 25%. So instead of relying on the AC all the time, keep the windows down in an effort to help battle uncomfortable heat conditions.

Regular maintenance checks

Admittedly, having your vehicle looked over by a mechanic is going to incur a fee – but the long-term benefit would certainly be worth it if your car suffers from significant engine failure. If possible, and especially if you own a foreign brand of transport, take your car to a specialist firm like Tokyo Automotive. If you own a Subaru for example, their Tokyo Automotive Subaru service will ensure your vehicle is treat with due care while also keeping costs down.

Avoid driving when possible

While this is easier said than done, the easiest way to save money is by simply not using your car whenever possible. For instance, if certain destinations such as the local supermarket, school or workplace are within reasonable walking distance, leave the car behind whilst also getting in some rewarding exercise at the same time. Also consider setting up a carpool as another way of saving on gas usage.

The Role of Private Equity Firm in the 21st Century Economy

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Private equity is something that many of us have heard of, but few of us really understand. We know that it is important in the financial market, because it is constantly mentioned in financial bulletins and reports. However, it is also a confusing term with few people understanding just what its principles are, and how people view it. One of the reasons for this is because these types of investments are controversial, as investors like Bob Stefanowski are very aware of.

What Do Private Equity Specialists Do?

People like Bob Stefanowski look for companies that have a medium- to long-term potential of becoming highly profitable. Private equity investing is an art, as it means having to be able to find firms that are currently struggling, to the point of going under, yet that have excellent management teams in place and have the potential to become great again. Stefanowski’s role is to make sure that the route to profitability is identified as quickly as possible, so that an exit strategy can be employed and the private equity firm earns a profit.

Stefanowski’s role is not just to find companies to invest in, however. It is also to find sources of funding, which are private rather than public ones. This includes pension funds, high net worth individuals, and so on. What brings these funding sources together is that they all want to make a quick profit on any investment they make.

The Importance of Private Equity Firms

It is a known fact that private equity firms contribute greatly to the overall economy. Research has shown that they make companies a lot more competitive, and that discipline in the market is increased. In the United Kingdom, for instance, over £80 billion has been invested in this way since 1983, helping 29,500 different businesses.

So why is private equity so controversial? Essentially, some feel that this type of investment is far too harsh on a firm that is failing. Commonly, a private equity firm will sell off any assets the company has, completely disregarding how this affects the workforce. The redundancies that follow “asset stripping” are harsh, and cause individuals huge problems. This, in turn, affects the community as a whole. Furthermore, the negotiations in private equity are private, meaning others do not know what is happening.

However, although private equity investments do usually mean job losses, they also mean company growth. And when companies grow, new jobs are created. That is the harsh truth of capitalism, meaning some have to suffer in the short term, so that everybody can gain in the long term. The reality is also that, if private equity firms did not invest in struggling companies, they would go under, meaning that everybody would lose their job, rather than just a percentage of the workforce.

For people like Bob Stefanowski, one of the greatest stresses of the job is to balance the human impact and the business impact, no matter how difficult that is.

How to Receive the Best Price for Your Property

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Encouraging buyers to walk through the door of your home can sometimes feel like an uphill challenge, and it may feel even harder to receive the right offer. Read our helpful tips on how to receive the best price for your property.


  1. Research the Property Market

It’s important you have a firm grasp of the property market, so you understand your property’s worth. Review the most recent sale prices of similar homes in your neighborhood within the last 30 to 60 days, as well as how long they were on the market. Also, aim to discover whether the properties were sold for the initial asking price.


  1. Price the Property Well

Every homeowner wants to receive as much money as possible for their property. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of listing their homes that exceed comparable housing prices. While others may start with a high price and work their way down.

Both strategies can backfire, as home hunters will also have a budget in mind and the price could result in them ruling out your home. A property will become stale the longer it remains on the market, and it can be very hard to attract buyers once this happens. Aim to accurately price the property so you receive the best price at a faster rate.


  1. Find the Right Realtor

Aim to find a real estate agent who will take the time to learn about your property, which will complement their extensive knowledge of your neighborhood. For instance, John Mikesh aims to make the process as stress-free as possible, as not only will he help you receive the best price for your property, but he will take care of all the legal work, too.


  1. Home Staging

Little changes can make a big difference to your property. From a well-tamed garden to neutral walls, create a space that offers a great first impression. Add mirrors into small rooms to elongate a smaller space, or upgrade fittings to provide a room with the wow factor. It could result in a prospective buyer making an offer on the spot.

However, don’t embark on any major renovations that will add little value to your home. Focus on smaller changes that can make a big difference to your property such as a fresh coat of paint, depersonalizing your accessories and removing any quirky artwork that may not be to a buyer’s taste.


  1. Set an Offer Deadline

If your home is competitively priced, it might be beneficial to set an offer deadline to potential buyers. Encourage them to make an offer within the first two weeks of the home entering the real estate market, and launch an open house immediately. This could help you receive multiple offers for a quick sale.


  1. High-Quality Photos

Choose your photos wisely when listing your home on a real estate website, as you will want as many people to view the property as possible. Only advertise high-quality photos that showcase your home’s best features and don’t include any problem areas on the listing.

Choosing the Right Online Lending Company

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When it comes to choosing an online lending company, there are many options; however, finding the right one to work with can be difficult. Whenever you borrow money, you will need to be diligent about who you are getting it from. Today, we are going to learn how to choose the right lending company for your current borrowing needs.

Determine How Much You Need

There are many different loans online with monthly payments. But before you start looking for a lending company, determine how much you are going to need. While you might have a certain amount in mind, you will need to see what you can actually afford. Remember that paying back your loan may be difficult if you borrow more than what you can afford to pay. Failure to pay back a loan can have a huge impact on your credit score, and you will have collection agents hounding you. A great way to determine how much you should borrow is to take a look at your monthly income. Make sure that you will have the cash to pay the monthly fee, even if something unexpected comes up.

Know What You Are Getting Into

Before signing any paperwork, make sure to go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Reading important details will help you avoid any hidden fees that might be in the contract. Remember, some online lenders charge large interest rates. Others also charge a lenders fee that could add up to hundreds of dollars. So, make sure that you read the entire contract at least a few times before agreeing to the terms. For more tips on how to read a loan contract, please check out this helpful link. These tips will come in handy when you are trying to understand these lengthy contracts.

Do Your Homework

When shopping for an online loan, make sure to do your homework. Try to learn as much as possible about the lending company you are going to deal with. Some have been in business for many years and are highly respected, while others have a more shady reputation. A wonderful way to learn more about these companies is by reading online reviews. These reviews can help you learn a lot about a lending company without having to contact them first. People who have used these companies in the past will often share their experiences in an online review. If you would like to know more about how to conduct online research, please check out this website.

If you are in need of an online loan that offers monthly payments, these tips can help you find one. By doing your homework and checking out the lender, you will be able to get a loan with generous conditions. Remember to only borrow as much as you need and never get a loan that you can’t afford to pay back. This will help you boost your financial freedom and give you some relief from the burden of needing money.

Why a Vacation Home Could Be a Smart Investment

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Ask any financial expert what their best tip is and most will say “build a savings pot”. This is, of course, excellent advice, as we never know what life has in store for us. However, once we have a nest egg and a decent retirement fund accumulating interest, what else should we do with our surplus income?

Depending on your interests, there is a lot you can do with your disposable income. Travel is fun, as is gambling if you enjoy a flutter on the roulette wheel, but if you want to make your money work harder, investing in property is a smart move.

The Right Location

A vacation home ticks several boxes. On the one hand, once you own a vacation home you never have to worry about finding somewhere to stay. On the other, a vacation home in the right spot can easily earn you a decent income when you are not around.

Choosing the right location is critical. Firstly, it needs to be somewhere you and your family want to spend time on vacation. Secondly, it needs to be somewhere other people want to visit, too. Beachfront properties or real estate in ski resorts are always popular, but you need to strike the right balance between desirable and affordable.

For example, Amelia Island Planation real estate is a good investment, as the island is a popular vacation spot. Millions of tourists visit Florida each year and the attractions of Amelia Island are well-documented. If you buy a vacation home here, you can look forward to some fantastic holidays and a steady income. However, if you hate the hot Florida climate, a property in a more northern state might be a better choice, as you are more likely to use it for your own vacations.

Choosing a Suitable Property

While your own needs should take precedence, pay attention to what the majority of holidaymakers will look for when selecting a vacation property. Families with kids will want to be close to the main attractions, so a beachfront condo is a good choice, whereas golfing enthusiasts will want a property near a prestigious golf course.

Unless you know the local area well, speak to real estate experts. They can advise you on where the best investment areas are located. Property usually appreciates in value over time, but some areas appreciate more than others, so if you buy a property in the right location, you will maximize your investment.

Management Decisions

Vacation properties need to be carefully managed. If you want full access to the property, there is little point in renting it out as a holiday let, but if you only want to use it occasionally, you may as well maximize its earning potential. Either way, however, the property will need a manager to keep a watch on things and prepare it for new rental clients when you are not around.

A vacation property can generate a rental income and capital growth, but only if you buy the right property. With this in mind, don’t rush into making a hasty decision and always take professional advice.

4 Tips for Cutting Your Monthly Household Expenses Down

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When you work hard to make a living, it’s nice to be able to have as much money as possible left over each month to save up or spend for your own entertainment and leisure purposes. But, living expenses can quickly add up, leaving you with less money than you’d like that doesn’t have to be set aside for rent, bills, and other living expenses. Luckily, the good news is that there are several things that you can do to cut down your living costs and save money on your essential bills. Let’s find out how.

Tip #1. Upgrade Your Home:

Whilst making upgrades to your home such as installing double glazing will cost you initially, over the long-term, they can be essential to saving money. For example, changing your windows from single glazed to double glazed will help to trap more heat in your home or keep it cooler during the summer months when using your air conditioning system; in turn, this means that you’ll waste less energy, which will result in your bills coming in at a lower price. Don’t forget to choose your installer carefully when it comes to getting double glazing, as the way the windows are installed can play a huge role in determining how much energy you will be able to save.

Tip #2. Rethink Your Entertainment Package:

Today, many people like to have a good entertainment package in their home, with cable TV offering a plethora of channel options to choose from. However, signing up for a full package including a telephone line, broadband, and cable TV can be a costly expense to pay for each month. Instead, you might want to consider online alternatives, such as Netflix, where you can find several TV shows and movies to enjoy at a much smaller price.

Tip #3.  Use Vouchers for Grocery Shopping:

We all have to eat, so it’s no surprise that the grocery shopping bill takes up a huge percentage of many households’ monthly expenses. If you have little mouths to feed, then no doubt your grocery bill is higher than those of single people or couples. When it comes to saving money on groceries, there are several strategies that you can use to save money. For example, shopping at budget and discount grocery stores, or opting for own-brand rather than branded products, can help you to cut your grocery bill down significantly. You can also find several voucher and discount sites available online that anybody can sign up to for money-saving deals on their grocery shopping and more.

Tip #4. Ditch the Cell Phone Contract:

Cell phone contracts are the main option these days, however many people aren’t aware that there are other options available that could result in significant savings. For example, if you’re not really in need of a new cell phone handset and yours is working just fine, then choosing a SIM only contract for your upgrade, rather than buying a new handset, can save you a large amount of money per month.

Did these tips help? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

40-Something and Saving for Retirement? Here Are 4 Tips

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You know that retirement is inevitable yet you find yourself in the situation of the majority who have failed to save enough to quit the workforce comfortably. How did you get to the place of being 40-something and unprepared? The good news is that there is still time to turn things around in the retirement department when you are in your 40s. Here are four tips for saving for your grand exit from the workforce later in life.

  1. Determine Your Retirement Age

You may have to work a few more years than the savvy young person who started saving in his 20s, but there is still enough time for you to make a decision on what age you would like to retire from the job sector. Many professionals decide to hang up their work hat during their 60s and definitely before turning 70-years-old. Your choice on how long you want to work, however, is entirely dependent on your willingness and health.

  1. Save Aggressively

You are technically behind the pact when you begin saving for retirement in your 40s, which is why your efforts must be intentional and consistent. At least 15 percent of your annual income should be set aside for retirement. Many individuals saving for their exit from the workforce contribute 20 percent of their yearly income to such efforts at age 40 and beyond. It is easiest to accomplish your annual saving goals when you set up automatic transfers from your checking account every pay period. All bonuses and should go towards your retirement fund.

  1. Take Full Advantage of Your Retirement Accounts

Many people leave free money on the table at their exit from the job sector because they are ill-informed about their pension plans. You should take the time to learn every aspect of your retirement accounts and contribute as much as you can to them. Also, make sure that you benefit from an employer’s offer to match your contributions if such incentive is available.

  1. Take Out Life Insurance 

In the event that your spouse and dependents rely on your income to live, it is important that you are covered with life insurance. By taking out a policy, you can be sure that if anything were to happen to you prior to retirement, then your loved ones would still be able to live comfortably.

  1. Decrease Debt

There is little point in you maxing out your retirement accounts and saving like crazy if you maintain debt that will follow you into the golden years. Consider paying off large accounts before you begin saving aggressively so that your frugal efforts can be of greater use to your overall plan.

Living a minimal lifestyle is essential to those getting a late start in their retirement savings. You cannot be a 40-year-old big spender working a traditional job and expect to have $2 million saved when retirement comes. Sacrificing your desires and only spending money on necessities is the best way to prepare for your grand exit from the workforce.

4 Ways Everybody Can Save on College Costs

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Besides choosing the right college and major, finances are usually at the top of preoccupations for new students. And for a reason: tuition costs have been steadily on the rise in the last few years and many students are considering downgrading the college they decide to enroll in, or drop post graduate studies all together. But there are some simple ways anybody can cut down on college costs. Here are a few of them.

Consider Enrolling in an Online College

There was a time when online degrees were scoffed at by most prestigious organizations. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth today. Many reputed institutions are offering great online degrees that are accepted almost everywhere. And it isn’t limited to a few programs, either. These days, you can get a nursing, finance or even an online civil engineering degree. Modern civil engineering online degrees give you all the tools to perform at the highest level and enough lab time to give you all the hands-on experience you need.

Online classes not only allow you to save on tuition in many cases, but you also won’t have to deal with all the costs associated with on-campus learning, such as lodging, transportation and study materials, since most of them will be dispensed online.

Consider Staying within your State

Going to an out of state college can be really expensive. As a matter of fact, in 2011-2012, students who studied out of state had to pay on average over $10,000 more per year on tuition. In addition, those who decide to study within their states are eligible to regional tuition breaks, which can significantly cut costs.

Think about Community College

Community colleges have been getting a bad rap lately, but there are many great advantages to going to a community college that should not be overlooked. First of all, going to a community college will cut you thousands in tuition, with many community colleges charging only $1,000 tuition fees for in-state students. Also, those who decide to enroll in a community college are still eligible for financial aid, which could further cut costs. While a community college degree won’t always be as respected as an Ivy League degree, many community colleges have great reputations in certain fields.

Consider Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to reduce your tuition costs, and they aren’t limited to sports stars or academic geniuses, either. Pretty much anybody can get a scholarship if they know where to look. Also, when looking for scholarships, don’t overlook local options. Many local businesses and organizations have scholarship programs to increase their visibility within the community. The advantage of local scholarships is that you’ll have less people competing for them, which will significantly improve your chances of getting one.

If you follow the tips in this article, you should be able to significantly cut your college and tuition costs. Consider local scholarship options, don’t overlook online classes and consider community college if you have to. Also remember to stay within your state as much as possible if you want to take advantage of regional tuition breaks and advantages reserved to in-state students.

Self-Employed? 3 Strategies to Better Manage Your Finances

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Financial success is difficult for most people, but for the self-employed, it’s an entirely more complicated beast. You don’t have the luxury of asking anyone for a raise or negotiating better benefits. Sure, you have the flexibility to make your own hours and you don’t have to deal with a micromanaging boss, but sometimes that’s the hard part: it all comes down to you.

So while the flexibility of being your own boss is second to none, so is the weight of that responsibility. That’s why you need all of the help that you can get when it comes to making strategic financial decisions for both you and your company.

Don’t Rely on a Single Income Stream

While it may be hard to imagine how you can make time to generate income from anywhere but your main business, diversifying your income stream is crucial to financial security when you are self-employed. Get creative and think of ways you can serve clients in new ways through side projects, whether they relate to your current business model or not.

Another option is to generate income in an entirely new realm, through direct sales, real estate or property management. For instance, you could invest in a multi-family development to generate rental income. Or you could build a guest house in your backyard and rent it online through Homeaway or Airbnb.

Keep an Open Mind for New Business Strategies

Change is inevitable, so keep your business nimble by always remaining open-minded to new business strategies. Learn as much as you can about the state of your industry and current trends by attending conferences and classes. Listen to the needs of your target audience by requesting their feedback at every opportunity, and incorporate your findings into new business strategies.

Some new strategies may seem counterintuitive, but they could be best for your business in the long run. For instance, many companies resort to outsourcing their product manufacturing to save costs, but direct sales giant Amway found that the “Made in America” sticker helped them stand out and save costs in many areas, reports Forbes. However, for liquid products that are expensive to transport, the company completes its manufacturing in other countries.

Set Financial Goals & Reach Them

When you are busy juggling all of the responsibilities that are required to keep your business running and generating an income, a year can flash by before you know it. For this reason, it’s critical to set financial goals for the year and check in on your progress each month to ensure you can follow through and achieve your goals by the end of the year.

To help maintain this habit, set a calendar event to repeat every month so you can spend time evaluating your progress. All you need is an hour to review your goals and make plans for how you can reach new heights toward your financial goals.

Deck the Halls Without Worry This Holiday

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The holidays are coming and with it they can bring a feeling of dread for many hardworking Canadians. If you’re low on cash, this expensive time of the year can be a workout for your budget. Just because your finances are out of shape doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the holidays. A simple payday loan can float the cash you need to keep things merry and bright.

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Like most financial responsibilities, the holidays have a finite due date. When you’re working under a time limit, it’s nice to know that payday loans from lenders like GoDay are simple, convenient, and — most importantly — fast. In fact, online payday loans from them are processed by an automated system that knows no holiday. It’s running 24/7/365 to accept your applications. You’ll know if you qualify in as little as 5 minutes, with the possibility of same day deposit just an hour after approval. 

Fast access to cash advances usually comes with one caveat: their repayment is on a shorter timeline. Typically, this means you have to pay back your loan, plus fees and interest, by the day of your next payday. Hence the name! If you can’t cover a short term advance of up to $500 by the next time you get paid, then this financial product might not be for you.

It’s important to know the rates, terms, and conditions before you accept a payday loan to make sure its assistance is a practical cash flow solution. Keep to those lenders that follow the standards set by the Canadian Consumer Finance Association (or CCFA for short). This third-party organization makes sure consumers like you are safe to search out short term loans. You can visit GoDay to get more information on what you should look for when seeking a company to work with.

If they aren’t associated with the CCFA, then chances are their rates and terms break provincial lending laws. Avoid those lenders to save yourself the financial trouble, sticking only with those that offer up responsible lending opportunities with no hidden fees.

Let’s face it — even when you say you’re keeping it small this year, the holidays have a way of going overboard. There’s no cheap way to travel across the country. Whether by train, plane, or automobile, you’ll pay for that cross-provincial visit back to Grandma’s. Santa’s list can turn into a never ending scroll of gifts and you — not the big man — are footing the bill. And to top it all off, necessary repairs and other small responsibilities can come your way alongside your holiday spending. Cover these and more with the help of a payday loan.