Thursday, November 30, 2017

The Big Money Game Of Property Investment

property investments
You hear a lot about property investment on the news, but you mostly never think of becoming one yourself; however, you should give it another thought!

Investing is a big game, and even more so on the real estate market. If you have investment property on your side, you’re already doing better than most of the population in terms of your finance, but what can really be reaped from these houses or apartments that you’ve sown down to try and return an investment on? Here’s a few tips for you to consider when you’ve finally decided to start on the real estate market.

Why Should I Invest?

Because it’s one of the most lucrative markets in the world, and let’s face it, we’ll feel good about ourselves when we hand someone the key to a new home after a long and arduous search. There’s also the freedom of choice in what to do with your properties, and often enough people like landscaping out a house to make it look and feel better than ever.

You can either rent, or sell on property at a later date, depending on how much use you can get out of it and whether you can play the market well enough to gain back the most money from your original investment. Having a troubling property in your hands is always good to sell on immediately, whether it’s due to it being in a bad area or had recent damage. But if you have some apartments or a building in places like downtown New York or California, you’re going to want to hold onto them.

What About the Risks?

No investment is going to come without its risks, that’s just the balancing of the scales. The main problem is the fluctuation in market value, and how it can be up and down all over the country and you can often never keep a consistent price.

You have to learn to be patient whilst keeping an eye out for opportunities, as slow periods do grace us with their presence. This is where you can grab big money and better prepare for the fast pacing that’s coming next.

Tip: Find So Called ‘Turnkey’ Properties

This is a good way to get introduced to the fast paced world of real estate, and how you can get your feet on the ground when it comes to the investment/rental agreement. If you’ve never heard of that term before, it refers to buildings that have recently been renovated and can then be immediately rented out afterwards.

So look into turn key rental property investments for a good start up the property ladder; they’re one of the best projects to have on your side as usually another company will be responsible for the renovations themselves, which is good if you don’t have the ability to manage them yourself.

You can earn thousands per year on a rental agreement or get a lump sum when you sell off, so do it your way.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Received Plenty Of Unexpected Funding? Act Wisely With It

unexpected funds
Sometimes, through whatever means, a person may come into a large amount of money. This could be through an insurance claim, an inheritance, bereavement allowances, or even winning big on the lottery. It could be that your business idea has fully taken off, or that you have sold off your unused assets, and they have totalled more than you ever thought they could be worth. When you come into a significant amount of funding, the next question almost immediately pops up: how are you going to use it?

You can save it, growing it through bank interest or generally living from it work-free for a good proportion of time. However, as we all know, if you’re smart, this money could go a lot further than you originally expected. We’re talking about investment. If you place your chips in the right place, you may be able to gain a significant and annual return on this, which gives you the long-term security you may have desired. Acting wisely with your money is much more than hoarding it, although that’s much better than spending it frivolously. Coming into money means that many opportunities for investment await, and we’ve detailed some of the best opportunities for you to make sense of this:

Real Estate

By far the most predictable market is concerning real estate. If you have the funding, purchasing your own properties for renovation, renting or resale can become a great career, and help expand your profit even further. If you provide good homes to people, you are also doing a public service and good, despite the private nature of the business. Working in real estate on your own terms can be wonderfully rewarding.

Not only can you choose the location of the property you hope to renovate, but also allocate the best people you’d like to live there. There’s almost no better contribution to a community than making sure the properties which house it are well developed, safe and have all the modern requirements. You will be helping a family or young professional start their life, or give shelter to students as they study. With services that help you find turn key rental property, the whole process can be simplified further, and your investment can make stress-free money sooner than you think. There is potentially massive profits to be made here, as a good progression in the real estate market will allow you to purchase, sell or rent even more homes, and your portfolio will be strengthened.

Angel Investing

Angel investing is one of the main and most prominent incubators for smaller businesses. It pays to have some business sense in order to grow your funding this way, but if you are wise, you might be lucky enough to fund the next mammoth corporation, nesting yourself a tidy percentage as they grow. Part of the strength of this relationship is that you are always in the driving seat. Businesses will approach you left, right and centre with deals that they claim are too good to pass up. If you consult with a business partner, you will be able to separate the good from the bad reliably and develop ideas to even more wonderful places than expected. Be sure to change the terms of your investment and repayment percentage based on the amount of money invested, and the expectations of growth. This can be much more flexible than real estate investment because you are in the driver's seat. However, it does have an added risk. For that reason, vetting everyone you come across is a must, not a suggestion.

These two investment fields will grant you all the funding growth you may need. Move forward with courage and wisdom, and there’s no reason you won’t become a success.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Maximizing Profitability In A “Bull” Market For Construction

interms of profit
The Bulls And The Bears

Bulls are always bucking their heads “upward”, while bears slash “downward” with their razor-sharp, heavy claws. A “bear” market is bad, but a “bull” market is good—even though getting stuck in the pathway of either animal rampaging through a city in reality would likely be disastrous. Thankfully, these animals are only analogous descriptions of the American stock market.

Today, a “bull” market has characterized forward egress for many months. The economy has become positive. Positive economies can pose difficult questions for business owners. Sometimes the run of a political administration can suck the energy out of an economy, and by the time it’s “good” again, business owners are looking to sell their old business and be rid of it. But sometimes persevering is a better choice. Many in the U.S. are at just such a crossroad.

It’s a good time for the construction industry in the America of today. The economy is at record highs, and new buildings are going to be put up across the country, and as a collateral result, the world. How long this boom will last is anybody’s guess, but signs are indicating continued positive development.

Whether your business has suffered in recent years, or it’s doing very well, it makes sense to exploit this situation as best you can. First things first: you want to establish operational practices which will perpetually yield positive results. Source employees who are skilled and have a history of employment that is solid, and isn’t filled with short stints where they were either fired or quit.

Equipment Considerations

Next, you want to look at your equipment. The idea with purchasing equipment is to get the most for your money. Again, basic economics come into the picture: you want to buy low and sell high. The key is to get the best equipment at the best price and keep it running as long as you possibly can. At the bare minimum, you want to get your investment back.

This means if you spent $10k on a grader, dozer, or other piece of equipment, you need to get at least $10k worth of use out of it before you sell it or retire it. Calculating such use requires factoring out the cost of paying whichever employee runs the equipment, gasoline, or collateral repair expenses that may result from accident or misuse.

Sometimes buying cheaper will cost you more money because productive time will be lost in repairs. Also, sometimes getting a deal on an after-market “premiere” piece of equipment can underhandedly slap your finances when you discover said equipment isn’t conventionally served in your area. Americans come up against this problem with Volkswagens all the time.

Purchasing From The Right Sellers

Finally, you want to get the right kind of equipment—the operative word here is “versatile”. Consider the skid steer loader, as an example. Skid steer loaders can be put to a variety of use; according to www.mylittlesalesman.com/find/skid-steer-loaders-i1c29f0m0, “Skid steer loaders are speedy, versatile machines with a rigid frame and dual lifting arms that can be outfitted to perform a wide variety of landscaping, agriculture, and construction tasks.”

The right sellers will offer such equipment at affordable rates. Additionally, you should expect variety in purchasing choice, and read all the fine print surrounding machines being sold. While generally buying too cheaply represents a cumulative loss, there is an event horizon where that changes.

If you only get one day out of a $500 piece of equipment, and do $1,000 worth of work, then you’ve doubled your investment. Today’s market is conducive to growth, so consider your options and buy well. If you’re careful enough, you’re likely to see the kind of positive forward growth you may have missed in previous years of un-bear-able markets.

Monday, November 27, 2017

How Do Exchange Rates Work?

currency deals
Exchange rates are one of those things in life which we have all heard of and used, but not many of us have ever wondered what the purpose of it is and why we pay exchange rates. An exchange rate is the cost of converting one type of currency into another. Simply put, you are ‘buying’ another currency when you go to exchange at the store.

For example, if you were to go and exchange your own money for money with another country, you will have to pay whatever the difference is to get your money. If the exchange rate between USD and GBP is 1.34/1, then you will have to pay $1.34 in order to buy £1. You can usually find the live exchange rates online, and you can even invest in the exchange rates with a site such as http://trustedforexbroker.com/ if you feel confident that the rate will stay high for a long time.

Most of the time when you look online at the exchange rate and then go to the store to exchange your currency, you will have to pay more at the store than the rate online. This is just because the trader wants to make a profit, so they will put up the price a small amount to gain a little profit out of your exchange.

Why Do They Change?

The main question people have about exchange rates is why they change. The simplest answer to that is that the value of a country changes. It might be for political reasons, it could be due to inflation, or simply the state of their economy. Take the UK for example. The US has always paid around $1.7 per British pound, it has been like this for a long time. However, earlier this year the UK voted themselves out of the EU. European countries cut trade ties with the UK and the world wasn’t happy with the decision. Because of this the value of the British pound dropped. To this day the exchange rate is around $1.35 per pound.

It can be the smallest of changes that make a huge impact on the way the world looks at exchange rates and how they value a country. It is rather similar to the stock market in that the value of a company goes up if they are successful and down if they are failing or a scandal has occurred.

When To Buy

Because exchange rates will change by the hour, it can be difficult to pinpoint when the best time is to exchange currency and buy your foreign cash. However, you can sometimes see a trend forming over a few weeks- and you want to catch the trend when it is low so that you don’t have to pay out as much of your for the cash. You can see the trends live here: http://www.xe.com/. Always keep you eyes out and you will be able to bag the best deal you can for your trip or holiday away.

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Freedom Debt Relief Explains How Women Can Avoid Financial Pitfalls

ladies debts
While it is most certainly true that we have come a long way when it comes to pay equality and other measures relating to the equality of the sexes, there is still a ways to go before we really close the gap. Freedom Debt Relief seeks to level the proverbial playing field when it comes to finances and one of the ways to do that is to help empower women to invest and illustrate ways to avoid common financial pitfalls or blind spots.

The sad fact of the matter is, for a variety of reasons, women tend to make less than men and they are also less likely to be involved in the investment marketplace, which further drags them behind their male counterparts. Couple all this with the fact that, on average, women live longer than men, and too many women are facing an uncertain financial future. Freedom Debt Relief explores how confidence in investing can make a huge difference in the outlook of many women's financial futures.

Investment Means Opportunity and Security

While Freedom Debt Relief understands the appeal of putting all of savings in a safe, secure basket, this is one of the ways that women fall behind men in earnings and net worth. Of course you want to make sure that much of your investments are in secure, though likely low earning investments, but not taking part in higher risk investments really limits the potential opportunity women have to really make their money work for them and to provide enhanced financial security for their future. For women who don't feel like they have the skills or knowhow to invest smartly, get with the professionals, that is what they are there for! They are experts so you don't have to be.

Be Proactive in Your Financial Life

Again, it is easy to understand why taking a hands off approach to one's finances seems like a safe way to be, but it really isn't. Freedom Debt Relief recommends that you take an active and intimate role in your financial life. Don't keep putting off planning for the future to some unknown day in the future. This is how women so often fall behind in retirement savings. This is why being proactive, as young as possible, in your finances, investments, retirement accounts, and the like, will help ensure that you are on track to having a savings that can actually see you into your old age.

Freedom Debt Relief understands that there are still many hurdles that stand in the way of women achieving financial security, which is why they provide high quality advice to help women take control of their financial future and take steps that will ensure that they will be provided for in their older age. This means that women have to take a proactive role in their financial lives. Women need to start saving as young as possible and take some risk when it comes to where to put their investments. This will help ensure that they are on their way to having a solid retirement savings and also taking advantage of the unique money making opportunities presented by the various higher risk investment instruments.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

It's True What They Say, Crime Doesn't Pay!

money law
Have you ever been tempted to commit a small crime? The general thinking behind these types of crimes is that they don’t hurt anyone and make your life a lot easier. But you have to be careful here because there are quite a few seemingly small crimes that carry seriously high financial costs if you get caught. And, you will get caught. Let’s look at a few of these possibilities and the traps that you could fall into trying to get the most out of these scams.

Fronting

Ever thought about fronting? What is fronting? Well, let’s say you live in the middle of a city. The cost of insurance here for a car is always going to be a great deal more expensive. Ah, but your friends live way out in a rural area where the crime rate is exceptionally low. Their insurance is super cheap, so you give the insurance company their address and say that’s where the car is being stored. It’s a dangerous game because if the insurance company finds out, they can do everything from charging you a higher premium that includes back payments for past years you have claimed on insurance to seeking legal action. This can result in a heavy fine and may leave you in you being blacklisted by insurance companies. These are the type of costs that you will certainly want to avoid.

Piracy

You might say that you would never commit piracy. But have you ever streamed something online without the permission of the owner of the media? If that’s the case, you have indeed committed piracy and companies are getting far more strict with how they handle these types of issues. In the past, they would only target the individuals who were responsible for sharing the media in the first place. Now, there have been actions against people who have watched the content without sharing.

The maximum jail sentence for piracy is currently set at ten years, and fines can range in the high thousands. Of course, this isn’t the biggest cost. The biggest cost is finding the lawyer who will handle a reversal of a decision that will most likely be given if you are found guilty of piracy. Luckily, you will always find appellate court lawyers nearby where you live who can help you with this and make sure that you do not end up in a difficult situation.

Providing False Details

Whether you are trying to get a job, buying a home or perhaps even attempting to rent an apartment, it can be tempting to provide false information that will give you a greater chance of accomplishing your goal. However, providing false information to official channels is indeed a crime and can get you in a lot of trouble, leading to expensive fees, and we’re not just talking about the cost of hiring a lawyer this time. If you are found guilty of this crime, the judge can end up charging you a lot of money depending on what you were using the false info for.

As you can see then, it’s true what they say. Crime, even small crimes, do not pay.

Friday, November 24, 2017

Could You be Sitting on Lost Cash?

find your money
In the United States alone, there is approximately $32 billion of unclaimed assets that have been forgotten by their rightful owners, or in some cases, their owners aren’t even aware exist! That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to lost cash that could be reclaimed, and whether you’re in dire straits, dealing with debt, or not, it has to be worth checking if any of this cash could rightfully be yours...

Check Out the Government Savings Bond Database

A good place to find lost cash is the federal government’s E Savings Bonds database, of which around $17 billion worth has not been claimed. These E Bonds were available between 1941 and 1980 as a safe, government-backed form of saving, If you were around back then and there’s any chance you could have bought bonds or had them gifted to you, it’s worth checking out.

Look Into Compensation

There are millions of people out there who have been injured or ill-treated and could be entitled to compensation ranging from a few hundred to millions of dollars. So, contacting a personal injury claim solicitors, employment lawyer, or whichever legal representative is most appropriate for your situation could result in you getting the lost cash you need. Obviously, this will only be appropriate for those of you who have actually had an issue that you could litigate against.

Check the NAUPA Website

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators is a fantastic resource for those of you who may have once opened a bank account, perhaps a savings account for your kids, or an account grandma set up for the kids, that you somehow forgot to cash out. Check it out if you want to know if you have any money that is rightfully yours sitting doing nothing.

Go to the IRS

Perhaps, this is the idea that is most likely to bear fruit. If you go to the IRS website, you will be able to find all kinds of information about tax refunds that are available and how you can get them. There is a good chance that you’ll find some sort of refund that you’re eligible for and it’s your money, so go ahead and do it! Just click on the “Where’s My Refund?” enter some basic information, and you’re good to go. Good Luck!

Check Your Drawers

You might think that you can account for every single cent of cash you have, and maybe you can, but what about that gift card that your aunt gave you for Christmas or those gift certificates you won a few years back and never used? It’s always worth checking for gift cards that you haven’t used because, even if you don’t want to use them, you can sell them off at a slight discount to people who do, and since it’s estimated that $6.8 billion worth of gift cards go unredeemed each year, it has to be worth a try.

I hope this helps you finally get what you’re owed!

Thursday, November 23, 2017

How The Self Employed Should Manage An Injury

injury expenses
Getting injured at work is one thing, but what if your work is actually a place of self employment? The rules are a little different in this scenario, but there are still ways you can manage it to minimize the trauma.

It’s a common misconception that those who are self employed and become injured while working cannot make a claim. There are many instances where a self employed individual can claim and get help. Let’s take a look at what you need to know:

Working Alongside Others

If you’re the kind of self employed person who is hired by a contracting company, you’ll likely work on their premises and use their tools and equipment. If it turns out that this workplace is unsafe or the equipment isn’t safe, then it will be the company's responsibility if something happens to you. If you work alongside other contractors, such as builders, plumbers, joiners, electricians, etc, and you are injured because of one of them, you can also claim.

If you do suffer an accident caused by another, receiving medical attention ASAP is a must, no matter how serious your injury seems to you. If you do go and pursue a claim, you will need a medical record, explain Blumenshine Law Group. Don’t put off getting seen by a professional. Keep your own record of what happened too, as well as who saw it happen. Taking pictures of your injury can be helpful too.

Getting Insurance

Many self employed people don’t work alongside others. What do you do if you’re one of these kinds of self employed people? First off, you need to be sure that you have insurance in place to cover you if something should happen. Yes, it’s a little extra expense, but it’s worth looking at if you are worried that you may hurt yourself in a way that puts you out of action for a while. Lost earnings could seriously hinder you, especially if you don't have savings. Think about how you’d cope if you were out of work for a few weeks. It isn’t a lot of time, but it is when you’re self employed and you rely on those earnings.

Having the right kind of insurance for other staff members, if you have them, is a legal requirement. This is something that should be looked into before you even hire.

Most professional law companies will offer your advice for free with no obligation, so you don’t have to worry about spending too much when you’re just getting an idea of what could happen in your case. You can find out quickly and easily whether you’ll be able to make a claim at all.

It’s always best to look at things in the long term right from the get go, and consider every eventuality so you can be properly prepared. You’ll only regret not having savings or insurance later on down the line if something does happen. You can’t put a price on your peace of mind.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Heading into Your 30’s? You Should Have Started Retirement Planning Five Years Ago!

money retirement
In our 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s retirement can seem a lifetime away. It’s something that we look forward to in many ways as the idea of no longer having to go out to work and being free to do what we want appeals to many of us. But, think about your yearly income. That’s not going to be there anymore. If you want to be able to live comfortably and do whatever you want, you are going to need money. Even if you’ve managed to pay your mortgage off, which now the average age of a first-time buyer is so much older, is by no means a certainty, you’ll have bills, food and other expenses to pay for.

Now the average life expectancy is rising, and many of us can expect to live fulfilling lives well into our 80’s or even 90’s, retirement is something we need to think about much earlier. Especially those of us that work for ourselves or don’t have the security of company pensions. But, many of us spend the first few decades of adulthood struggling for money. The cost of living is rising; minimum wages aren't going up at the same rate, more young people than ever are in debt, struggling to get buy or living hand to mouth, and the prospect of saving is unthinkable.

What You Need

As a guide, to live comfortably in retirement, you should aim to have at least 70% of your annual income available. So, if you earn $50000 per year while working, you need $35000 a year in retirement. If you retire at 65 and live for a further 20 years, that’s $700000. The average income from social security payments post-retirement is around $15000 per year. So, to live a comfortable and happy life after retirement, you may need to find $400000 yourself. So, you should have started saving a long time ago. But, don’t worry, it’s not too late. Far from it. Let’s take a look at ways to start saving for your retirement.

Property

While most of us are still aiming to buy our own home in our 30’s, some people are lucky enough to already be in a position to buy a second. Others come into property by other means. Selling is one option, as it gives you a large, fast cash injection. But, when it comes to saving for your retirement, renting your second property out is a good idea. This way you get a steady monthly income, and you can sell it later, perhaps when you enter retirement to give yourself a nice chunk of extra cash.

There’s a lot to think about before becoming a landlord. But, thanks to Schemel-Tarrillion.com, you can continue to make money from rent even if the home needs some renovation work.

Savings Accounts

If there’s little chance of one massive cash payout coming your way, you need to save instead. Now our parents are living later you may not even have an inheritance to rely on until you are well into your own retirement. So, open a high-interest savings account and set up a monthly standing order for whatever you can afford. Interest rates are currently higher than they have been for a long time, so this is the perfect time to get saving. If you can afford to not touch this money, apply for a savings account which offers a bonus when no withdrawals are made. Saving is all about getting the most from your money, so make sure you shop around for the best deal to suit your circumstances before committing to move any money.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to saving is that every little bit counts. If you were to cancel some subscriptions or cut back on your nights out and buy budget food options, you could probably commit to saving $20 a week. That might not seem like a lot, but if you retire in 35 years, that’s an extra $36000 in your retirement fund, before interest.

Pay Off Debt

Saving or renting out property is no good if you are currently in debt. Being in debt basically means you’re paying for nothing. If you have $5000 on a credit card at 20% APR and just pay off the minimum 2.5% payment, it could cost you an extra $7000 and take at least 30 years to pay off. What a huge waste of money that you could be saving. So, to start with, instead of paying that extra $20 into a savings account, set up a standing order to pay an extra $80 a month off your credit card or other debt. The sooner you can shift your debt, the less it will cost you.

If you are struggling to pay off credit card debts, but have a good income and high credit rating, the best options can either be a balance transfer to a long-term interest-free card, giving you a much better chance of paying off extra. Or, consolidating your debts into one loan. Speak to an advisor or someone at your bank for more information.

Earn Extra

The best way to save extra money is always to earn extra money. If up until now you’ve managed well on your salary, any extra you earn you can comfortably put in that high-interest savings account. Working full-time can mean it’s hard to have time to take on any extra, but it’s not impossible. Here are some of the best ways to earn a little additional income:

• Get a holiday job. Shops are always much busier around the holiday season, so looking to take on weekend or evening staff to help out.
• Waiting tables. Bars and restaurants are frequently looking for staff. Working just one night a week you could earn double in tips.
• Blogging. Why not start a blog about your attempts to save for retirement and make extra cash through sponsored content, advertising and affiliate marketing?
Online surveys. There are many market research companies out there willing to pay you to answer questions online. You can do this for an hour a night sat in your PJs watching TV.

It’s never too early to start thinking about your retirement. In fact, now we are living longer, the sooner you put a plan into place the better.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

You Can't Possibly Afford A Video Game Care In Real Life... Or Can You?

money for cars
This year saw the return of the Gran Turismo game series after a long, four year hiatus. Now, if you are anything like us, then your love of cars probably comes from the deep-rooted obsession you had with the first Gran Turismo game, which came out way back when the PlayStation One was fresh on the shelves. Sure, the graphics weren’t great and the unavoidable scratches made certain tracks unplayable, but that is irrelevant; this was a game that was more realistic than looking out of your bedroom.

That’s what makes this franchise so special. It’s the fact there are over a thousand real-life and licensed cars to be enjoyed. It offers the Average Joe and Johanna the chance to test drive the latest from Lamborghini and Bugatti, as well as some of the hybrid supers that have been made by the Mercedes SLS team. Essentially, Gran Turismo is your chance to leap into the cockpit of every dream car that is impossibly out of reach for almost everyone because they cost more than your kidney, lungs and brain re worth on the Black Market.

However, they aren’t all out of reach. That’s right, there is a slew of cars that offer plenty of fun that are - possibly - within the grasp of your budget when you know how to finance them, and they’re the ones we are going to focus on. So, without further ado, head onto Google, buy a slogan t-shirt that reads “I can afford a car that’s in Gran Turismo” and then pull up outside your mates house because these cars are packed full of vroom-vroom.

Subaru WRX

The Mitsubishi Evo or Subaru Impreza was a decision that divided friendships quicker than the Marmite argument but, in reality, there is no competition. The Subaru WRX just casts a spell over all those that catch a glimpse of it. It is a car that stirs up something deep inside of us, and the latest release - the fourth generation - will blow your socks off. It has taken its twenty-year pedigree and showed us what we have always loved about it. The turbocharged engine, that infamous silhouette and the handling that made this car a world rally champion so many times. However, what makes the latest release so special is the modern touches. It’s the highly sophisticated infotainment system, the luxury comforts, breathtakingly stylish cockpit and the state of the art tech. Here is the real kicker, though, there are Subaru finance schemes available to make your dream a reality. This car used to be for those that wanted to leave other cars choking on dust. But now, this car is for those that want to leave other cars in the dust while enjoying the comforts of a car that can be driven every day.

Mazda RX-7

Now this car may have stopped coming off the production line fifteen years ago, but it remains a hero that is still worth getting your hands on. It isn’t just the fact this car was a drifting-superstar in the game, it is the fact it is a crisp, clean and simple car that manages to turn heads no matter where it is driven. That shape is about as iconic as a Christmas tree, with the pop-up lights and smallish wheels only adding to its allure. In terms of which model you should get your hands on, the third generation is by far our favourite; the FD. Twin-turbocharged engine with a twin-rotor powertrain this thing packed a punch, even if it is just a 1.3L. It did 0-62 in five seconds flat and hit highs of 156 mph. That is staggering. Sure there are flaws, like the non-adjustable steering wheel and the fact it lacks a little headroom, but by using these classic car loan tips, you’ll find out this is still a glorious car that will make you smile from ear to ear.

Chrysler 300C

The statement this car made was something special, and it still has that in its arsenal. It is the chance to feel like a Mafia Don as you ride around town. Yes, this statement costs a premium. However, you get plenty of other things for your money too, starting with the performance, running through the luxury and ending at the ambience. Rear-wheel drive automatics have fallen out of favour in recent years, but the 500C is proof of what is possible. The obvious flaw - as anyone who has ever stepped inside or seen one of these up close will attest - is the build quality. Our favourite shape is the 2005 to 2011, but we can’t deny our love for the new models - especially the 2017 edition. This is our favourite to own and buying second hand is our top tip when it comes to affording one. The reason it is our fave is simple: it is still unapologetically bold, but it is also super well-equipped with modern tech, as comfortable as anything else out there and surprisingly quiet too. It is practical and it boasts a V8 option; now that is cool.

Subaru Legacy

Yeah, our first port of call has competition from within its own ranks because the Subaru Legacy is another option that cannot be ignored. It may not have the yeehaw appeal of the WRX, but it certainly a great option for a family that has to live with the muck and yuck of everyday life. What makes the 2017 model so delightful is the added style it has been given. Yes, it has been given a sporty trim both on the outside and in. The result: it deserves a second glance when you are window shopping, maybe even a third glance. What really sets this apart from its competitors, however, is its all-weather driving capabilities. Some of you are probably reading this from a geographical location where the weather is a big factor in life and having a car to meet those demands is crucial. Oh, and it has a much better fuel efficiency rating than its competitors. Now we know that is a wholly un-Gran-Turismo thing to say but, in real life, that is an important factor (probably more important than how well it drifts).

And there we have it, three manufacturers and four cars that are well worth considering in real life the next time you are thinking about an upgrade. Come on, just imagine how happy the kid inside you will be if you get to see one of these sat on your driveway each morning.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

The War Against Debt Needn’t Be A Solo Mission. Help Is Available

anti debt actions
Being trapped in serious debt is horrible for anyone. Not only are financial worries the most common form of stress in modern society, but it can also leave you feeling embarrassed. Due to the latter reason, many people decide to face the burden alone. However, we all need a helping hand from time to time, and grabbing the available support can truly make all the difference.

This help can come from a whole host of different sources. The first step, though, is to make yourself aware of those possibilities. So let’s take a look at some of the best support out there.

#1. Friends & Family

Regarding the potential embarrassment, admitting an issue to loved ones can be tough. Still, the issue is far bigger in your mind than it is in real life. Furthermore, a problem shared is a problem halved. Quite simply, it’s good to open up about those troubles.

Friends and relatives may be in a position to offer financial help. If they do borrow money, it’s important that you draw up a contract. This is as usual for you as it is for them as it will prevent any confusion regarding repayment terms and other factors. 

Even if they can’t provide financial support, they can offer emotional care. Meanwhile, they may have tips from past experiences that could prove to be priceless.

#2. Debt Advisors

Facing the prospect of meeting repayments is very scary, not least when APRs are high. Aside from the financial commitments, simply managing those accounts can be a difficult challenge. But you needn’t go it alone.

Whether you were irresponsible or encountered unforeseeable situations doesn't matter. Debt relief services can help lower payments, cut needless interest, and consolidate loans. While it won’t suddenly wave a magic wand, it does make the situation less daunting in an instant.

There are other financial advisors whom may assist with government schemes that you may not have known about. Any support that can be achieved in this manner is a step in the right direction for the immediate and long-term finances.

#3. Employer

When money is leaving your account too fast, you’ll want to find ways of letting it hit your account quicker. While there are ways to earn a little extra money on the side, boosting your situation at work is always best.

In an ideal world, you’ll be in a position to ask for a raise and get it. If this isn’t possible, you could still ask for travel reimbursements or similar relief. Meanwhile, taking on overtime is clearly a great way to gain quick access to funds. This additional money can help pay pending debts.

Employers can often offer wage advances while some may offer loans to be paid back from a percentage of your salary. Companies don’t want their staff to be distracted, so it’s a favor for them as well as you.

#4. Credit Score Advisors

Your financial health isn’t just about getting from the red into the black. For lifelong stability, you’ll also need to consider other influential factors. Credit scores should undoubtedly be near the top of that list. After all, this will impact what interest rates are offered in all future deals.

Credit histories will follow you around, and you can check how yours looks with a free annual report. If the results aren’t good, finding a way to repair the damage can be difficult. There are agencies out there who can point you in the right direction, though. This can be invaluable.

Even with their support, you’ll find that it will take a long time to get a bad score looking good. Still, all progress is another step towards improved financial health. And it will reduce the threat of long-term debts too.

#5. Psychologists

It may seem a little extreme to speak to mental health experts about your money problems. Then again, it can be a great way to reduce stress and gain some clarity. More importantly, you can get help with indirect matters that may be harming your finances.

Those with gambling addictions, for example, are even more vulnerable when facing debt. Similarly, the money spent on cigarettes or shopping may be preventing you from paying debts. Either way, getting help with those problems will inevitably have a huge influence on your finances.

Aside from accelerating the process of getting back to black, it can help you build future savings for long-term stability. If that doesn’t validate your decision to seek support, what will?

Monday, November 6, 2017

Collection Investments To Benefit Your Future Nest Egg

money future
If you have a career or job and a regular income; your monthly expenditures are probably quite routine and planned so that you can pay your bills and mortgage or rent. While keeping on top of your outgoings is crucial for your financial security; there are always other ways to spend your cash which can prove to be a wise investment in the long run. Investments don’t have to be boring either; there is a lot of fun to be had for those with a great eye and a passion for collection items that will increase in value in the future.

If you have money to spare at the end of each month, and can still afford a comfortable lifestyle for you and your family; it might be worth thinking about where next to put your excess income. Investing in, and collecting physical items is a lot less intimidating than larger financial investments, and can become a hobby you have a thorough knowledge of over the years. Buying items piece by piece is also an affordable option for those who don’t have the luxury of a large deposit to pay out but still want to place their money somewhere it can grow. The following are some ideas, inspiration and tips for budding collectors who want to spend wisely for their future nest egg.

Art

Art is subjective; however, there’s no getting away from the fact it can appreciate in value over the years, especially if you have the eye to spot a new artist, early on in their career, who is heading towards success. Getting to know the art scene and having a natural interest in a certain style or genre is the best way to navigate the process and ensure that your money goes towards the right pieces. Art will provide you with interior joy and will be increasing in value in the meantime. Start small, and build up to larger pieces; check out your local auction houses, and do your research beforehand online to discover what pieces are worth so that you’ll never overspend on something as it will only defeat the point of your investment.

Precious Metals

Whether you decide to invest in gold or buy silver; precious metals can provide a reliable place to put your money. Silver coins can be a collectors dream; often affordable, decorative, and certain to increase in value further down the line. Therefore, it’s worth checking out a reputable dealer that will provide gold or silver that are IRA approved. Diversify your retirement portfolio and start saving your money in a different way, with the benefit of a beautiful collection that you and loved ones can enjoy for years to come.

Antiques

Much like art; antiques can be bought at an affordable price, and increase in value over the years. Antiques can be slightly different to art, however, as if you find a gem at a car boot sale and spend very little; you can resell immediately for a great price to another collector. Therefore, it’s about knowing the market, what’s popular at the time, and having some background knowledge of a particular style or era; usually, one that you enjoy and favour having in your home. Knowing where and when to sell will also help your collection grow your investments, and you’ll become a savvy expert in no time.