Personal Finance and Budgeting: How to Create a Budget that Works

Are you new to the concept of budget for your personal finances? Creating the first-ever budget can turn out to be quite overwhelming. However, it is all worth the effort. When you tend to develop a proper budget for your personal finances, it helps in leading to building wealth in the long run while also helping you to get rid of all debts & expenses.

Whether you are looking forward to making a personal budget or just getting a hold on money management, personal budgeting can help you out. Creating a budget with a proper template every month can help you in feeling control of your finances while allowing you to save money for your long-term goals. The ultimate key is to figure out a proper way for tracking your expenses that would work for you.

Here are some essential personal financing and budgeting tips by the experts:

# Note Down Your Net Income

The first step in the process of creating a personal budget is identifying the amount of money that keeps coming in for you & your family. However, it is also important to know that it can be highly convenient to overestimate what you are able to afford in case you would analyze that your salary is something that you can spend. It is important to remember subtracting the deductions –including taxes, Social Security, account allocations for flexible spending, 401(k), and others when you are creating a dedicated personal budget worksheet.

The final take-home pay amount is regarded as the net income. This is the amount that you should consider while creating your personal budget. If you happen to be working as a part-time or full-time freelancer, then also you should know about managing your irregular income. Moreover, if you happen to have a specific talent or hobby, then you can come across some additional way of earning income. When you have an extra source of income, it can turn out to be immensely helpful in case you end up in some emergency situation.

# Track the Overall Expenses

It is immensely helpful when you are keeping a track of while categorizing your overall spending. This helps you to be aware of places or situations wherein you need to ensure adjustments. When you do so, it will help you in identifying on what you are spending the most money and where it can be possible to cut short your overall expenses.

You can start by listing all your possible expenses. These would include monthly bills including mortgage or rent, car payments, payments for utilities, and others. It is highly unlikely to cut short your expenses on these essentials. However, when you know how much of your income these expenses are taking up can turn out helpful.

Then, you are expected to list down all your variable spending –the ones that keep changing from one month to other –including entertainment, groceries, gas, and others. It turns out to be an area wherein you might come across opportunities for cutting back your expenses. Bank statements and credit card statements are regarded as great places to start over. This is because these help in itemizing or categorizing the monthly expenses.

# Set Specific Goals

Before you start going through finance-specific information that you have collected for yourself, it is advised that you should prepare a proper list of the respective financial goals that you wish to achieve –both on the short-term & long-term basis. The short-term goals that you have should not be taking more than one year to be achieved.

On the other hand, long-term goals –like saving for your retirement or financing the education of your child, might take several years to be achieved. It is important to note that it is not important to pave your goals in stone. However, as you identify your priorities before planning your personal budget, it is going to help immensely. For instance, it can become seamless for you to cut the overall expenses when you are aware of the short-term goals. One such way can be reducing the debit limit of your credit cards.

# Make a Proper Plan

You can make use of both fixed as well as variable expenses that you have compiled for allowing you to obtain a sense of what you will be spending in the coming months. With the help of fixed expenses, you can look forward to predicting accurately how much budget you are going to have. You should also analyze the past spending habits that should serve as the ultimate guide for predicting your variable expenses.

You can consider breaking down your overall spending even further. You can categorize the same between what you are required to have and things that you wish to have. For example, when you are driving to work on an everyday basis, gas expenses are going to be counted as your need. However, a music subscription on a monthly basis can be regarded as your want. Analyzing the given difference is important when you wish to achieve some basic adjustments.

# Adjust Habits When Necessary

Once you have implemented the important steps, you will have all that you need for creating your personal budget. As you have already documented your spending and income, you can start observing where you have money left over and where you can consider cutting back. This way, you can always have money that you wish to put forward towards achieving your goals.

The expenses that are under the category “want-to-have” are the primary areas that you should look into when you wish to cut spending. Is it possible for you to skip the movie night while watching the same at your home? You should aim at adjusting the given numbers that you have tracked for observing how much money gets freed up. In case you have already made adjustments with your expenses on wants, you should then analyze your overall expenses on needs.

"Fender" Way To Buy Your Car: Your Options If You Can't Afford A Car Outright

We all know that, in the modern world, buying a car is pretty much a necessity for all of us. But going about buying one isn't easy. There are various options to consider, you can buy a car outright, you could lease a car, or you could scour the personal ads in the hope that something fantastic and cheap will arise. It's important for you to understand the best options, and what are these?

Using A Personal Loan

If your credit rating is good, you can get a decent loan from any bank or finance provider. The great thing about this is that you can spread the cost over many years, usually between 1 and 7. When picking a loan, it's always best to make sure that it's not secured against your home or other collateral. The great thing about a personal loan is that it's usually the cheapest alternative. The issue of a personal loan is that it could affect other borrowings, and there could be a wait for the funds to go into your bank account. So if you found a car you need to buy right away, such as an ex-demo model, this could be frustrating. However, some lenders put the funds into your account immediately.

Credit Card

If your credit rating is good enough, and you've got enough of a balance on your card, you can use your credit card to purchase the car. Some of the benefits of doing it this way include extra protection should something go wrong. This is on condition that you meet your monthly car payments. But, as with most credit cards, there will be a charge and can be up to 3%. Some dealers don't accept credit cards at all, which can be very annoying, so it's much better for you to ask at the outset if you have this intention.

Hire Purchase

A considerably popular way right now. Hire purchase is buying the car on finance. The loan is secured against the car itself, you then need to pay a deposit of approximately 10%, and then make monthly payments for the fixed amount. So the benefits in this are that you can shop around and get some really competitive interest rates, the deposit is low, and it can be done really quickly. The other benefit in this is that you are able to pick a higher spec of car, so if you are looking for a car like a Subaru XV or something that packs a bit more punch for your money, then it's more feasible than buying an old banger second hand. When negotiating this, it's better for you to go for a long-term agreements, up to 60 months is doable, but if you need a short-term agreement for personal reasons, this can be more expensive.

Personal Contract Purchase

A PCP is similar to hire purchase, but with the one notable difference that you make lower monthly payments. Beware with this, as the total amount of money you will pay is usually higher than hire purchase. And instead of getting a loan for the cost of the car, you will get a loan for the difference between the cost as it is at the outset and what the determined value will be at the end of the hire agreement. But, at the end of the payments, you can trade in the car, either for a newer model or something completely different, or hand the car back to the dealer. Your other option is to pay a larger final payment, which is known as a balloon payment, and keep the car outright. Beware of this as the general wear and tear of the car can incur extra fees. Also, if you exceed the determined mileage, this could put you out of pocket.

Peer To Peer Loans

This isn't something you hear about much when it comes to buying a new car. But peer-to-peer loans, allows people to borrow from other people, as opposed to banks or financial institutions. While on the surface this sounds ideal, you still need a good credit score to get a decent interest rate. And, much like a personal loan, if you miss any payments, your credit score will be affected. The best approach is to get your credit score as high as possible so you can negotiate the best interest rate for your money. But, it's advisable to do your research with this, and there's lots of information about peer to peer loans online. There are various websites to give you the information you need, such as this one, but it's important to keep your eye on the interest rates. Sometimes a personal loan will be a better option for you.

Cash Or Savings

Some people choose to save outright for the cost of their car, which can take a long time! Paying with cash is the cheapest way to get any car because you don't need to pay interest, or sign up for any financial agreement. If you do choose to go down this route, it's important to remember that you need more than the cost of your car, ideally 10% more. You need to make sure that there's enough left over in case an emergency arises. But if you don't have enough money to pay the car in full, you can still put down a big deposit, which means your monthly repayments will be lower if you choose to go down the higher purchase agreement route. Or, you can combine your savings, with a credit card payment, and then not only have you been able to pay for the car outright, if something goes wrong with the car, the credit card company is also equally liable with the retailer. This is a little bit more peace of mind!

A car is the second biggest purchase you will make in your entire life after a house. And as it's something you rely on as much as your house, you need to make sure that you get the best bang for your buck. Your financial options aren't always obvious, but these are what you can do if you are unable to afford your car outright.

Riding The Avalanche Wave Of Debt

You told yourself it was temporary and you were going to figure out a way to repay your loans and avoid what you’ve seen others do. You knew the dangers of getting out too many loans because you may have seen your family and friends become buried under an avalanche of repayments. Unfortunately, perhaps you now realize you bit off more than you can chew. It can happen to anyone as even when you’re conscious of the pitfalls you can still fall in them. It's a surreal feeling that almost plays out in slow motion. Time slows down, and you suddenly come to terms with the fact that you need to change your lifestyle if you are to climb out of this hole. Not to worry however because modern climbing gear in the form of settlement schemes, and advice on cutting back and managing your finances is on hand.

A family tree-like budget

Like a family tree, your expenditures are all connected. Your food bill is connected to your electricity because you put the food in the fridge to keep it edible. Your electric bill is linked to your heating bill if you have a central heating system that’s digitally operated. The heating system uses water that’s heated and circulated around your home, and so on. Sit down are on a laptop make a table of all the expenses that you incur every month. The largest should go in their own separate group as these will be priority needs such as those mentioned. The secondary expenses will be your usual maintenance bills such as maintaining your vehicle like paying for gas and repairs, and other bills such as home repairs or clothes. The third grouping shall be luxuries that don’t really affect your life in a negative way should they be cut. With this budget laid out in front of you, figure out what you need not what you want. Begin to cut back until you see a net positive saving.

Cutting loose

Sometimes it can get too much, and you could end up losing it all if you don’t act responsibly. Even if debt consolidation is off the table, you still have options. It may be termed the nuclear decision, but when you’re being suffocated by the mountain of debt, it's only right you do try to cut loose those you owe. Go to debtsettlement.co and check out the various options you have for debt settlement programs. This style of repayment takes a lot of negotiation with and on the part of the company you decide to go with. They’ll figure out a way to come to a settlement figure that will be the lump sum amount you’ll pay to all your creditors. You will end up paying less than what you owe. However, the terms may be strict, and you may need to pay for processes such as lawyer fees and payment to the settlement company. It's definitely a way out and shortening the length of time you’re under the burden, but you need to be ready to part with the lump sum in order to do so.

Riding the avalanche wave of debt can be tricky, but it can be done. There’s always a way out for those who are prepared to change their lifestyle and ultimately bite the bullet and pay the lenders off quickly.

How can I manage my money better?

With the cost of living rising but not all wages rising accordingly, it can be a tricky time. It can feel like there is a constant need to be spending money, but in reality, there isn’t much to spend. So if you’re struggling from paycheck to paycheck, then something's got to give. Here are some ways that you can better manage your money, so that your money doesn’t manage you.

Get Help

If you are getting yourself into major financial trouble, then first of all, you need to seek help as soon as you can. It is going to be easier to deal with certain things before they get any worse. You could look at a site like debtconsolidation.co as a way to consolidate any debt that you have, if that is the issue (which in many financial cases it will be). But it is also worth speaking to the lenders that you owe money to, to work out a different plan. Some lenders will have a scheme where you can have an interest-free break for a couple of months, so that you can get back on top of things. The most important thing is that you face up to the problems and don’t just leave bank statements or bills unopened. It can be hard, but take charge.

Set a Budget

This may seem like a simple option, but think about your finances and if you have sat down and budgeted. Most people that get into financial difficulty will not have set themselves a budget; they have no idea what they are spending or how much they should be spending. When you take charge and budget, you know where you are at. If you’re looking to save, then make sure that you budget to spend less than you earn. Put your savings in as part of your budget too.

Get Everything You’re Entitled To

If you work, pay your taxes, and still struggle, then it is completely worthwhile to check that you are getting everything that you are entitled to you. You may not qualify for full welfare, but there may be some child maintenance grants that you could get if you’re a parent, or working tax credits, if you’re working. Though these kinds of thing aren’t there to rely on all of the time, they can be a great help when you need them. So check what you are entitled to in your situation on a site like welfareinfo.org.

Look For Ways To Increase Income

If you need a little extra cash, then looking for a way to get that can help to ease your financial burden. It could be another job or something that you can do from home like writing or looking for similar freelance work. If it can ease the financial burden, then it can be completely worth doing. And who knows, maybe you could make it into something that you do full time. Even if you’re just looking to save more, then this could be worth doing and the second income could be what you put into savings.

Three Ways To Make Your Life Easier As A Business Owner

If you’ve ever owned a business or currently own one, you will know that time and effort are as precious a resource as money, so it’s important to conserve as much as you can wherever you can. There is a lot of work that needs to be done when you’re a business owner, and if you want to have any time to yourself, it makes sense to do whatever you can to make your life a little easier. Here are some ways to do this.

Get Some Help

The obvious way to make your life a little easier is to get some help. There are a few options that you have when it comes to help for your business. Firstly, you could visit some online forums or business Facebook groups and find yourself a mentor; This mentor could then help you out with any business-related problems that may crop up, and keep you motivated to reach your business goals. You could also hire employees, which could help you out massively. An accountant, for example, could deal with all of your business finances, including more complicated things like your tax. They could even find ways to make your business run more cost efficiently, which is great if you’re not making much profit each month. You could employ other people to deal with sales, which will free up time so that you can focus solely on running the business.

If you're struggling to find leads for your business then consider trying out a lead generation company like 360 Leads. It can be hard to find time to generate leads when you are focused on servicing your clients so hiring outsiders can be very useful.

Have Separate Accounts

When you are the sole owner of a business, it can be easy to think of any money going into and out of your business as yours. However, this could be a big mistake and could put a strain on your finances and your business. Instead, it makes much more sense to have separate accounts for your business and yourself, so that you don’t mix up your personal money with your business money and don’t spend more than you actually have. The same rule applies for your credit card; You should get yourself a business credit card, rather than use your personal one for business so that you know where all of your money is going.

Use Online Templates

The web is filled with useful information and tools that can help make the day to day running of your business a whole lot easier. One of the most helpful things are templates, such as for work contracts and pay slips. Lots of small business owners avoid writing contracts of employment purely because it’s a lot of work, but a template would make the process a lot easier. The same can be said for free check stub template printables. Both of these things benefit you and your employees, and online templates can make creating them incredibly simple.

Running a business requires a lot of work and dedication, but it can be easy to get in over your head. Being a business owner was never going to be simple, but it doesn’t have to be such a struggle either, so follow the tips above to make your life somewhat easier.

I Wish I Knew That Before Taking out My First Credit Card...

If you are thinking about taking out your first credit card, it is important to do plenty of research beforehand and make sure you know the terms and conditions of your credit agreement. Having a credit card is vital for your credit rating, but it is even more important to use your card correctly. Read on to discover some of the things that most people wish they knew before getting their first credit card.

Making numerous credit card applications can have a negative impact on your credit rating –

A lot of people are tempted to make numerous credit card applications, so they can then see what they get accepted for, and choose the best one. This is not advised, as it will hurt your credit rating. Credit card searches and applications show on your credit report, and it can give the impression that you are a high risk. They will show on your report for six months. This is why you should use one of the comparison tools to find out how likely you are to be accepted, and then choose a card with over a 50 per cent change of acceptance.

There are great promotional offers available on credit cards –

You don’t want to miss out on the best deals. You can find out about the different offers and the best cards for you at best.creditcard. There are some cards that will give you 0 per cent interest on balance transfers or purchases for up to 36 months, sometimes even longer. There are then cards that give you cash back, travel points, and other rewards. Think about what you need most, and choose the right offer for you.

Missing a payment hits you with a double whammy –

A lot of people don’t realise just how bad missing a payment on their credit card can be. First of all, you are going to be subject to interest added to your account. Secondly, you will have to pay a late payment fee. In fact, you could say it is a triple whammy, because the missed payment will show up on your credit report, and it will stay there for years. This will cause significant damage to your rating. The best thing to do is set up a direct debit so you can avoid this from happening.

Closing your credit card isn’t always the best move –

When getting your first credit card, you will likely have a small selection to choose from. After a while, this gets bigger, and you may want to choose a different card because they have better offers. It seems sensible to close your first card, however, this can harm your credit rating. This is because it reduces the average age of your credit accounts.

Hopefully, you now feel more prepared for your first credit card. There is a lot that needs to be taken into account when getting a credit card for the first time, and it can feel like a bit of a whirlwind. But so long as you are careful, and you use it responsibly, you should have nothing to worry about.

Marriage on the cards? These financial tips will help

The run-up to your marriage can be a frenzied, hectic affair. Money matters take precedence when it comes to finalising the wedding location, the caterer, the guest list and so on. However, money matters of another ilk fall through the cracks during such tumble-dry phase. It is very easy to forget, amid the hullabaloo, the importance of understanding each other’s life goals and financial habits. After all, you would be sharing most of the daily activities together for the rest of your life. So, before you walk down the aisle, here are some financial investment tips for beginners.

Know each other’s money habits

Effective communication is the key to any successful marriage. Yet, more than often, most couples hesitate to discuss money matters. However, it is best that you and your spouse understand each other’s money habits, past and current debts, investments and savings. Assess your financial health and share it with your better half. If you find it awkward, begin with small talks. Make it a casual discussion. Get into the details as you begin to get comfortable with each other.

Take some decisions for the future

After the wedding, you and your partner would take combined decisions for all things under the sun. Start with deciding on how the both of you would manage your monthly finances. Think whether it would be better to have a joint account. It is also important to divide your monthly expenses. Also, thinkhow to take care of investments and savings.This would enable you to run your house effectively.

Update your records

Never underestimate the importance and urgency of updated documents. Updating your marital status and/or new name in your PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, bank accounts, insurance and investments should be top-priority on your post-marriage to-do list.

Anticipate post-marriage expenses

Are you planning to stay in a rented house or your own house? Do you need to setup a fully-functional house? Would you be looking at buying a new apartment? What will be the change in premium to get your spouse added to your insurance policy? Would it be easier to commute by public transport from your new home? Or do you need a personal vehicle? Do you need a motor loan? Having some idea of post-marriage expenses can allow you to plan your finances accordingly.

Be emergency-ready

Having a contingency fund is not the only way to be ready for an emergency. With a partner adding to your life, your contingency fund should increase. Besides, it is important that you have some short-term easy-to-liquidate investments like fixed deposit, corporate deposits, bonds etc. After your wedding, it is the life of two that you need to protect and secure.

Invest wisely

As you begin a new life together, your responsibilities will increase as well. To fulfil these responsibilities, you would need sufficient funds at the right time. Mere savings will not help you build enough wealth to meet your goals. Hence, you must also invest according to your goals. It could be buying a car/house in three years, your child’s education and retirement. A planned investment portfolio, with the right mix of equity and debt, can help meet all your future goals as a couple.

Planning makes everything easy

A well-laid financial plan serves as a road map for your future. Make sure you both devote enough time before and after marriage to make and review your plan. If something doesn’t seem going the right way, change the route. Sometimes, a detour may seem time-consuming but is a better way of reaching your goal.

Use these tips to get into the skin of the new role you are about to take up. A happily ever after is not a myth, but it involves efforts, communication and some strategic thinking from both partners.If you aren’t well-versed in the world of finance, it is best to start with mutual funds. There are fund managers who can help invest your money in the right places.

The Importance of Knowing Your Rights and Access to Personal Damages

It’s a well-known fact that the law practiced within Australia is one that is treated with the utmost importance in order to keep the rates of crime exceptionally low and in order to make it a comfortable and safe environment for the multicultural population of the continent. Yet, a lot of people don’t have much of an idea about the legal rights given to them by the Australian government.

Of course, there’s no question about the fact that one should always be certain of their legal rights regardless of what their country or city of residence is. There have been several instances in which the injured was unaware of their right which was the reason they never filed for a personal injury claim despite the odds being in their favour.

It is highly important to seek law advice, at the very least, when you’re involved in a serious injury – especially one that causes you great damages or losses. The personal injury law in Australia is rather simple and one that will get you your rights, if in the court of law, it is proven that you did not have direct fault in the accident in question or that the accident was entirely the fault of the opposing party.

Personal Injury Law in Australia

Personal injuries are not only detrimental to one due to their health, but they also cause one great discomfort in day-to-day life. The restriction and pain inflicted as the result of an injury is enough for the injured to take the matter to court. Upon winning the case, the injured receives huge compensation for the damage and pain that they had to bear.

Such cases are commonly handled by personal injury lawyers and unless the case is too complicated, you don’t need to worry about not acquiring access to the personal damages induced upon you. You must always remember that the access to personal damages is your legal right and there’s nothing that can stand in your way when it comes to that which is legally yours.

Compensation for Damages

Once it is proven in the court of law that the injured had no part in the accident that took place, their injuries are assessed and medical reports – if any ¬– are also taken into consideration. Once the damages are assessed, both parties agree to a set amount which the injured receives as compensation for their damages. In case the accident took place in your workplace, there are different workers compensation laws for the purpose as well.

The bottom line is that one who has to suffer as a consequence to something that wasn’t even their fault, they have every legal right to take the other party to court and receive compensation for the damages that they have had to bear. In Australia, there are absolutely no exceptions when it comes to the law so don’t be afraid to find out about your own rights.

Maximizing Profitability In A “Bull” Market For Construction

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.

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

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.

Play By Your Own Rules, Not Anybody Else’s

When it comes to your personal finance, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is making decisions based on other people’s rules, not your own. You can’t go through life trying to follow what everyone is doing. If you assume control of your life, you’ll have a happier and more fulfilling life, and it’ll also make a big difference to your financial situation. Below, we take a look at a few ways you can begin to rethink your approach to the big matters.

Make Your Job Work For You

The world is kinda odd when you stop to think about it. People are being asked to work more extended hours than ever before, usually, in jobs they don’t enjoy, to get money for things they don’t really want to buy. Instead of assuming that you need to have 40+ hours a week, career-track job, why not think about how you really want to spend your time? If you trim your needs down to the essentials, then you may be able to work for only twenty hours a week, which would free up a lot of time for you to pursue your other interests.

New Housing Thinking

Like your job, it’s also worth rethinking about the kind of place you want to live. Everybody is after that big home with five bedrooms, but why? Larger homes are more difficult to manage and much more expensive. We strive to own one because we think we should, not because we really want to. There are other, better, more affordable options available. Take a look at mobile homes for sale, and you’ll see that the prices are much more attractive, and you won’t lose any of the comforts of a regular home, either. It’s about finding the accommodation that works for you and your budget.

Homestead Gardening

You have three necessities in life: shelter, water, and food. The latter is where much of our weekly budget goes. We think that it’s inevitable that we must go to the supermarket and pay other people to give us food. In reality, we can more in control of our food than we think we can. It’s never been easier to grow - and then eat - your own food. Take a look at how to grow vegetables and start eating food you’ve produced yourself!

Goodbye to the Joneses’

It’s important to keep in mind what motivates you. If it’s coming from somewhere inside of you, then that’s worth pursuing. If you’re doing something because you want to match your neighbors, friends, or family, then that’s not worth pursuing. You’ll save yourself a lot of money and stress if you don’t worry about keeping up with other people!

Thinking Outside The Box

Ultimately, living is about doing what you want to do. Get creative, think about what is possible, and then do that. Living any other way will only bring you problems. Once you’ve established your own rules, you’ll be in greater command of your finances and overall happiness.

How to Get Your Entrepreneurial Venture off the Ground

Beginning a new business is a wondrous experience. It’s a jump into the unknown, and a chance for you to forge your own destiny and chart your own course through life.

That being said, anyone can tell you that it’s no easy process, either. Many things can and will go wrong, and seemingly golden ideas will at times have to be abandoned down the line and replaced by new ventures altogether.

There are, however, various things that can be done to ensure that your entrepreneurial venture has the best possible chance of getting off the ground.

Consider your most profitable areas of focus

In any business venture, no matter the industry or area of focus, you will find that there is a literally unlimited number of tasks that you could be spending your time on at any given moment.

There will be thousands of books, articles, webinars and courses available, all promising to give you the secret keys to making it in your industry, and each will include dozens of pieces of often disparate, or even conflicting, advice.

One of the most important skills you’ll need to acquire as an entrepreneur is to discern which are your most profitable areas of focus, and to dedicate your time to those. Is your time best spent researching MT4 and MT5 white label suppliers, or conducting an email campaign to reach out to prospects?

Focusing on a few core strategies is always a better tactic than trying to juggle hundreds at once.

Spend money where it’s needed

As the saying goes, “you have to spend money to make money”. While different entrepreneurial ventures will entail different entry costs, you should be aware that it’s all but inevitable that you’ll need to invest some money into getting off the ground.

The key is to know where that money should be spent. Certain things like web design and professional headshots, while not strictly things you have to pay for, are essential to your professional credibility and are well worth investing in, to have done properly.

Understand what these key areas are where money will need to be spent, and budget accordingly.

Avoid the temptation to spend money on frivolous activities

As the other side of the coin to the previous point, there is always the temptation for new business owners to try and throw money at their problems to make them go away as quickly as possible. Often, this results in wasted and unnecessary spending.

The fact is that a business will require a certain amount of straight-forward hard work and time, and there will always be situations where throwing money at a problem seems tempting, but will ultimately prove fruitless.

If your product is poor, you’ll need to spend time refining it, talking to focus groups, refining it again, and so on. In this case, trying to compensate for your poor sales by investigating massive amounts of money into PPC ad campaign will be utterly pointless and counterproductive.

Practice the skill of determining where a certain problem will take time, work, or a different approach, and consult with trusted people in your professional circle to share their opinions.

Resist the quick-fix temptation of trying to solve complex issues by throwing money at them.

5 Money Wasters Businesses Need To Avoid

Getting a business loan to manage cash and trade flows approved by a bank or lender can be a long and arduous process. There is often a long list of documents that you need to collect, compile and submit along with your application. Receiving an approval is a joyous day for any entrepreneur, regardless of the approved loan amount.

You can make the most out of your hard-earned loan by avoiding the following money wasters.

1. Bad advertising

Regardless of the type of advertising you opt for (i.e., print, TV, radio, online), you need to make sure that your brand’s message reaches your target market. Between traditional marketing methods and online advertising, the latter may be simpler and cheaper to implement, but it is still not free. Simply running an ad requires time, effort and money. 

Do your research on which publishers target your audience and learn how to run an effective online marketing campaign. Experiment with different publishers and designs. Don’t commit to any long-term contracts.

2. Large office spaces

New entrepreneurs (and even the most educated businessmen) fall into the trap of going big when first establishing their businesses. They pay excessive amounts of money to buy a building, rent a space, purchase new furnishings, equipment, signage and other space improvements. Startup companies often have limited budgets.

There is a lot to learn and not a lot of assurances as to how successful your business will turn out. Limit any unnecessary expenses.

Be scrappy. Instead of wasting your capital on a posh place and furniture, find a basic space where you can setup your business, make plans and execute your ideas. You can turn a part of your home into an office. If you do decide to rent an office space, you can save by looking for used furniture or equipment. You can find items from businesses that closed down on sites such as Craigslist. Check out garage sales if you can.

3. Wrong mobile plan

Entrepreneurs who are just starting out with their businesses don’t need an unlimited data plan. According to a study by Consumer Reports, almost half of unlimited data plan subscribers use no more than 300MB of data a month. What you can do instead is to look for the right plan that matches your normal usage. The same goes for calls and SMS messages. Telephone bills can also be reduced by using voice over IP solution.

4. No follow up

Small businesses and startups spend a lot of resources in advertising their brand, products and services to generate leads. However, all that work and effort can be for naught if there is no established follow up procedure.

Do not forget about your leads after the initial contact. At times, leads do not automatically become buyers. Constant contact and communication is needed to keep your brand in their mind and convert potential leads to sales. Devise a plan on how to track each lead. You may need to invest in a customer relationship management system to connect with your leads on a regular basis.

5. Expensive website design

Your business needs a website to tap the online market but you don’t need to spend all of your capital to get one. A lot of entrepreneurs make the mistake of investing too much on logos and branding when they first establish their businesses.

Start with a template if you have a limited budget. Use WordPress if you need to set up a blog. Focus your attention on finding ways to produce content, market your brand, follow up on leads and monitor your site’s data without making a massive hole in your budget.

You have worked hard on getting the capital needed to put up your business. Whether it is a bank loan, your savings or donations from family and friends, it takes time to raise money. Do not waste it on superficial aspects. Think carefully on where you plan to put your resources so you can make your business grow without the risk of going to the poorhouse while you are at it.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Short-Term Business Loans

Small business owners will know that there are times when cash reserves dry up. This may be prompted by a need for unexpected repairs to equipment, an unanticipated re-supply of stock, a brief period of lower demand for goods or services, a temporary revenue shortfall, or simply a month or two when the numbers don’t quite add up as you would like. It happens to most small businesses at some point, so there’s no need to be unduly concerned. To help you over a financial hurdle, you may benefit from taking out a short-term business loan. This is a type of business capital loan that provides your small business with an injection of working capital. You will receive a lump sum that must be paid back over a set time, usually a shorter window than other loans. When you take out a short-term business loan, there may be lender fees added, and the interest rate is also likely to be higher than loans paid back over a longer period.

In this article, we’ll talk you through the advantages and potential disadvantages of this solution.

Advantages of short-term business loans

Quick and convenient access to working capital

The most compelling advantage of using a short-term business loan is that it gives you fast access to the cash you need to keep all aspects of your company operational. You will not be required to make cutbacks to staff hours, miss payments to suppliers, or hike up your prices. Instead, you can inject sufficient money into your business to ensure that there is no disruption to trading.

Appropriate for a variety of business purposes

A short-term business loan is not limited to one specific purpose. Once you have agreed terms with a lender, you are free to direct it as you see fit. Whether you need to make up a shortfall in wages, pay a bill, or purchase new stock, it’s entirely up to you.

Limited paperwork

With a short-term business loan, you will not be required to endure the rigmarole of multiple pages of associated paperwork. An increasing number of loans can be secured online; eliminating the need to utilise precious paper supplies. If you are considering a short-term loan, LendGenius can help. Apply online here.

Set payment structure

There are no surprises with a short-term loan. The payment structure is created and agreed before any money changes hands. You will not be hit with unexpected fees, as long as you keep to the payment schedule.

Bad credit is not a limiting factor

If you have an unfavourable credit rating, this is usually not a problem when applying for a short-term business loan. Most lenders will not penalise you.

Disadvantages of short-term business loans

Relatively high APR

As the payment period is relatively short, and loans are unsecured, you may encounter a high APR. This must be factored in when budgeting the repayment of a short-term loan.

Payments can be difficult if revenue fluctuates

The circumstances that created a need for a short-term business loan may also affect your ability to pay it off in the future. Consider whether any revenue fluctuations are to be expected over the course of a payment plan.

Loan amounts are capped

If you have a need for a significant capital outlay, a short-term loan may not be right for you. In this instance, it is worth discussing your situation with another lender.

Top 5 Common Causes of Debt

Getting into debt is an issue that has the potential to affect all different kinds of people in varying walks of life. If you have already experienced this personally, you will already know what a potentially damaging experience this can be. Of course, there are a number of different ways of dealing with debt, but it also helps if you know some of the most common causes of it so you know whether you are at risk.

Reduced Income

If your income is suddenly reduced but you continue enjoying the same kind of lifestyle, this is an extremely common way of getting into debt. The best way of dealing with this is by adjusting your spending as soon as possible. A good way of doing this is by drawing up a monthly budget so you can see what your money is going on each month. The essentials are what you will want to focus on continuing to pay while it is the nonessential items that you will want to cut back on.

Divorce

With such a high proportion of marriages ending in divorce, this is something which many people don’t want to think about but it is still a possibility. And if it does happen, the results can be financially devastating, especially if the split turns nasty and there is no prior agreement in place. Though the money conversation can be a difficult one to have with someone you care about, it is still worth getting all your cards on the table as early as possible.

Poor Money Management

Often, debt is caused not by a single big event, but by something as simple as poor money management. If you don’t keep track of your finances and rack up costs on credit cards, you are at a much higher risk of getting into serious debt. Credit card debt also has the future effect of damaging your credit score so check out http://fixmy.credit/ if this has happened to you. Financial planning doesn’t have to be complicated - it can be as simple as writing down your expenses and income in two columns and analysing them.

Having No Savings

If you have nothing in the bank, you have no backup plan which can get you through if times get tough. Sometimes, you end up getting hit with unexpected costs that can come from all different areas. So, try to make it a rule that you have at least a couple of month’s salary saved in reserve in the bank just in case you should suddenly need access to the money.

Addiction

Something which can eat money quickly is addiction of any kind and you can quickly find yourself in difficulties. If this is something which you think you are suffering from, you should seek out professional help as soon as possible.

These are just five reasons why debt can strike you as well as a couple of potential ways in which you can react to deal with the issue.

Replacement Can Cost An Arm And A Leg But Repair Doesn't

A good, long-lasting car will be able to give you the freedom you desire, not just for the first couple of years that you use it, but many many years after the initial break in phase. Replacing some parts of a car is incredibly expensive and can punch a large hole in your finances. Such large payments can disrupt your life immeasurably and put any other obligations you might have in peril. You may also have to put family expenses on hold while you recuperate back up to where you were. It's a very simple regimen to understand, but many people fall short of it, and that’s because regular maintenance and scheduled testing requires consistency. There are no miracle cures to detrimental problems once they are allowed to fester and flourish. Cars are machines and anything that is man made, no matter how advanced can and will break down. Financially, you should be looking at your car as an investment, and upkeep it like you would any other kind.

Shattering glass

Cars have adopted a much more sloped approach to their aerodynamics. Even cars in the affordable price ranges, all now have pointed front designs and smart aero lines down the side to direct airflow away from the car. However, the more sleek and flatter the cars get, the more complex it becomes to design and fit windshields to them. Manufacturers have fully embraced the aftermarket businesses that keep drivers on the road and satisfied with their purchases. Even if you have a stone chip on your windshield, due to the faster-flowing air of aerodynamic designs, it puts slightly more pressure on them. Direct sunlight can also make the glass expand, which in turn, spreads the small crack, making it larger and larger. Coupled with the increase in pressure, at any moment the windshield could shatter or collapse inward while you’re driving. 

To prevent this dangerous event from occurring, seek the services of a professional automotive glass replacement business that can also do repairs. Not only can the strength be restored to the windshield, the repair is instantaneous, with no need to hide from the rain or the sun. You’re able to drive away immediately, and what’s more is, a replacement of the windshield is known to be a very costly purchase. The tempered glass costs more to make, as well as be fitted properly, which will mean your car is out of action, potentially for a couple of hours to a day. Repairing is the financially smart decision to make, so it’s best not to stave it off before it gets worse.

Seized engine

Many people forget or a too lazy to change the oil regularly of their car. The importance of this thick liquid cannot be underestimated as it is the blood that flows around the moving parts, and allows them to move. It also stops parts from grinding against each other from friction, which can damage the cylinders, block, timing belt, crank and drive shafts, as well as flow down through to the clutch. The danger is very real, as a seized engine cannot be saved. This is because the engine will need to be taken apart vigorously at a garage, and the parts will be too damaged to be put back together. Essentially, the engine is useless at that point. A new engine, especially if you have a car of the newer generation, can cost thousands of dollars and sometimes head into the five-figure range. 

It's important to realize that you need a high-quality engine oil, that can flow through the engine in both the extremes of hot and cold. A good oil won’t become too thin during a hot day, and yet it will remain in a liquid form ready for the engine to be started on a freezing cold morning. It's also financially savvy, if you take your engine into a garage, preferably the specialist garage in the brand and model of your car, and go through a port and polish. Aside from the major components, parts of the engine will be taken out, cleaned, smoothed and put back again. Not only will this increase horsepower but also the longevity of the engine.

Replacing an engine or the entire windshield are both very costly things to do, and they take potentially hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix. Repairing any parts you can see are damaged, and doing so, ahead of time before the issue is allowed to spiral out of control, is the financially savvy thing to do. Many drivers push the problem to the back of their mind until suddenly, it comes back to haunt them. Don’t put yourself in a position which gives your short term relief, but long term financial pain.

Recover Your Finances After An Accident Leaves You Unemployed

Accidents can be mentally and physically damaging; however, when they cause you to lose your livelihood, they become even more of a problem. Rebuilding your life after you’ve suffered an accident is no easy feat, especially when you have money worries to thinks about. You’ll want to be able to focus on your health and having a speedy recovery, but when there’s stress involved, the process can be slowed down and sometimes come to a grinding halt. If you’ve been affecting by an incident that caused you to lose your income; take a look at the following advice to help you take the steps back towards financial security and physical health again.

Look Into Your Entitlements

The last thing you might want to do following an accident is to sort out your paperwork and any admin. However, the sooner you can bring yourself to work out what you’re entitled to; the quicker you’ll have a helping hand to get back on your feet. Ask a trusted colleague of family member to help you work out what you may be owed from your old job and what your insurance will cover. Be savvy and as thorough as possible; companies will often avoid paying out even when they should. If you need to; contact reputable car accident lawyers so that they can walk you through what you need to do to gain the right compensation for your specific situation. A little time and effort, in the beginning will pay off long-term; just try and make sure you get the right help and advice from the get-go. 

Adjust Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle may have taken a hit during your recovery anyway. However, if you’re unsure about how long it will take to be fighting-fit again; it’s worth thinking about your long-term plans regarding care, accommodation, and location. Being unable to work may result in missed rent or mortgage payments; so before that happens, think about downsizing, or moving in with loved-ones for the duration of your recovery. You’ll be able to save your cash while you’re there which you can utilize with future houses or apartments. Sway takeout for home-cooked meals, and reconsider where and how you buy your groceries; little everyday changes can really add up to decent savings. If you’re unable to drive, but you own a car; consider selling it and utilizing the lump sum of money you’ll receive and put it towards living costs. Material things can be replaced once you’re on the mend again; don’t risk a roof over your head or going hungry for things that can be bought.

It’s Never Too Soon To Think About Future Options

Keep your mind occupied with what you’re going to do when you’re better; maybe it’s time to consider a career change or training to add to your skillset. Don’t be cautious when it comes to talking to those who could help you in the future; be honest about your current circumstances, but let people know that when you’re ready, you’ll be able to work hard again. Getting a new job when your better will be a positive focus that can help to guide you through these challenging times.

Take One Step Closer to Buying Your Own Home with Freedom Debt Relief

Saving for the purchase of a new home is sometimes easier said than done. You know that your credit needs to be in good shape, and you know you should have 20% saved for a down payment, but getting to that point can be difficult. To save for a down payment, you need to have extra money that you can put aside each month, which not everybody does. And the more expensive the home, the more you’ll need to save. If you are in debt and struggling to make ends meet, there is good news. The Freedom Debt Relief program could help you get one step closer to achieving your dream of homeownership.

Saving for a Home – Where Do You Start?

If you have made the decision to save for a home, the best way to start is with a plan. Research the market to get a general idea of home prices so you can determine how much you’ll need to put aside. Once you have a savings goal, try to decide on the ways that you can reach it. The fastest two ways that you can do this are by earning more and spending less.

You can earn more money by doing things like taking on a part-time job. This could be delivering pizzas, driving for Uber, or even babysitting. Or, if you have a talent or hobby that you enjoy such as making jewelry or woodworking, turn this into a side business and earn a little money off it too. Another way to generate more money is by selling things you no longer need. Have a garage sale or list things online for sale. Just make sure to stay disciplined with putting this money aside each month as you work towards your goal. 

By reducing your expenses, you can also free up money to save for a down payment. This can be done a number of ways. First, take a good look at what you are spending your money on. Is there anything that really isn’t necessary that you could give up, at least for a while? Be mindful and track your expenses. This simple awareness can shed new light on your spending habits. Additionally, take a look at the bills you pay each month. Are there ways to get these down? For example, adjusting the temperature on your air conditioner when you are at work each day could decrease your energy bill by up to 15 percent.

Speaking of bills, how much are you paying on credit cards each month? If you are simply making minimum payments, it could take a long time to pay them off. The money you are paying on these balances each month could be going towards your future home instead. And this is where the Freedom Debt Relief program could help. With this program, you could become free of credit card debt, leaving more money available to put aside for a downpayment on your home.

What is Freedom Debt Relief?

Freedom Debt Relief is a program designed to help you resolve your debt quickly and for less than you owe. The program is customized specifically to your needs by one of their Certified Debt Consultants. So, you could receive significant savings compared to making your minimum payments each month. Plus, you could pay your debt off much quicker. 

Because our debt consultants are highly skilled in settlement negotiation, they will create the best negotiation strategy for your settlements, work through the timing and details of each one, and could also leverage your accounts against each other to negotiate even bigger savings. Once a settlement is reached with one of your creditors, they will contact you for approval. And you pay no fee until they have successfully settled the account for you. 

Want to learn more about how Freedom Debt Relief could help you get one step closer to home ownership? Give them a call today for your free, no-obligation consultation.