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4/15/2014

Saving N Spending


Saving N Spending


Posted: 11 Apr 2014 07:58 PM PDT
wine1a A wine bottle that is valued at $4,000 can reach $40,000 if the wine is exquisite. Some people have trouble believing that returns on wine investments can be that significant. In all honesty, everything’s possible in this domain. Top-tier earners that lost quite a lot of money back in 2008 are currently recovering, and if they haven’t given up investing in wine, why should you? Although the financial crisis is far from being over, there are aficionados who believe in the power of fine wine. People have turned their attention on this incredible liquid asset because they want to invest in something they can trust.
While some are looking at traditional investments such as diamonds, art and gold, others are seriously looking to invest in wine. In spite of the high-risk and volatility, connoisseurs are confident that the market is stabilizing. And they’re right.

Investing in wine – it’s all about knowing when you buy

The start of recession in 2008 was good for the wine business because a lot of Wall Street brokers were collectors. They lost their jobs and their only way out was to sell off their wines. It was an excellent period for investors to buy. Another great period was between 2010 and 2012 when the Chinese started to hunt after the world’s most valuable French wines. Prices skyrocketed for a split of a second, only to drop because they left the market in 2013.
Investing in wine is a long-term, gradual venture. Just like some other types of commodities (gold for example), it shouldn’t be more than 5% from the portfolio of an investor. Specialists agree that one must not buy wine as a leading part of their portfolio. Collectables like bonds and stocks generate insane amounts of cash only when they’re being sold.
wine1b

A top-shelf investment

Investing in fine wine can be exciting, fun, and intriguing. Some people are in love with wine and they want to foster that fascination by making an investment. However, novices should get to know the market really well first. Buy wine for your own pleasure, don’t buy it as an investment because there are chances you’ll be disappointed. If it turns out that the value is good, then you can acquire more and start selling. Making sensible decisions and starting small is the key in the wine investment field. Having a solid wine portfolio could someday be extremely valuable, but to get there you have to be patient.
It’s not easy to get into the wine market, and as a potential investor you have to know that buying wine is just like buying some other kinds of high-end purchases. The market can be unpredictable at times; it’s vital that you seize the moment. Connoisseurs know a good deal when they see it.

Protecting your wine investment

If you want your investment to be priceless someday, you have to protect it. Top-quality wine must be stored properly. Some investors are willing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for climate-controlled, custom-designed wine rooms. But if you can’t afford to have your own cellar, you can always buy your place in someone else’s. There are many wine storage providers out there, so it’s best to do a market search first. Only go for reputable names if you want your product to last for up to 5 years in excellent conditions.
wine1c
The number one enemy for wine is heat. Temperatures that are higher than 70° F can age a type of wine extremely fast. Even worse, your wine can be compromised if the temperature reaches 80° F and above. Apparently, 55° F is the perfect temperature, but that’s not an exact rule. There are other conditions that keep your wine aging properly such as light, humidity levels, and coolness.
There’s no exact way to predict how much time a type of wine needs to reach maturation and become a valuable investment. Scientists have tried for years to uncover the great mystery behind wine foretelling. Acidity and tannins are two of the most important factors thus far. In terms of wine investing, there’s no doubt that starting such a business is tricky. You have to believe in the wine first, like it for its taste and buy it with the initial purpose of drinking it. If it turns out that the value of your cases increases, then you can easily call it an investment.
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Posted: 11 Apr 2014 07:38 PM PDT
Ways Saving Money On A Home It Is PossibleWhen it comes to buying a new home, saving every penny counts. After all, having surprise costs come up can affect your bottom line and the total amount of money that you are spending on your new place. While it may seem difficult, keep in mind that there are a variety of different ways that you can save money with your new home. It is possible to save money on your new home.

Get Help

Although it may seem like more money due to fees and commissions, getting help during your home purchase process can save you a lot of money and equally as many headaches. After all, it's unlikely that you'll have the time to do the research and put in the time to find the perfect home that you are looking for. A real estate agent or broker can use the information that they have in the market to help you find your dream home. They can also help you when it comes to getting that home for a price that may be even lower than market value. While getting help buying a home may cost a bit of money, it'll likely save you more money on the purchase itself, and you're also more likely to get a home that you completely love.

Know What Your Priorities Are

One of the first conversations you should have with your real estate agent or broker, or with yourself if you choose to go at it alone, is what you can and can't live with when it comes to your new home. Do you need a huge backyard and pool for the kids to play around? Do you want a small home that makes it easier to clean? There are a variety of considerations to take into account before you buy a home. Having this list drawn out will help you save money when you start looking at properties. If you fail to do this, you may end up paying for extras that you don't need, or missing out on things that mean a lot to you.

Plan Ahead

As soon as you know that it may be time to move or find a new home, it doesn't hurt to start looking and planning. That's not to say that you have to move immediately, but the more time you have typically means that you'll save more money in the long run. By having plenty of time to prepare, you can keep your eye out for great properties that offer everything you want. If you wait until the last minute, you may end up with limited options and having to buy a home that is too expensive, without offering everything you desire. It also helps to start saving money once you know you'll be in the market for a home. Mortgage Bankers Acceptance Company, a company that specializes in Sacramento Mortgage Loans suggest that the more you can put towards a down payment, the better off you'll be when it comes to needing to borrow money for your home purchase.

Consider Extra Costs

Keep in mind that with your move, there is also likely to be other fees associated with buying a new home. You'll have to pay taxes, buy new furniture, pay towards an HOA and more. A real estate professional can help you better prepare for these fees, but in order to save money you should know what to expect before you start looking.

Don't Skip The Inspection

Once people find the home of their dreams, some choose to skip getting a home inspection because they are happy with their purchase. However, a home inspection can reveal potential concerns that could cost home buyers more money in the future. A home purchase isn't just about the initial cost, but additional fees that could come up later down the road. In order to make sure these are limited, pay to have a home inspection.
You can save money when purchasing your next home. In order to do so, be sure you follow the tips mentioned here.
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About Today: Prepping for Passover



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Tonight marks the start of Passover! The Jewish holiday is observed for seven or eight days (depending on where you live) and includes many unique traditions and a lot of tasty food. Let's learn more about Passover's significance and symbolism — before digging into those seder plates tonight.
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A Passover Primer: The Basics
Also called Pesach in Hebrew, Passover is a celebration of freedom. It commemorates the story of the Exodus, when Moses freed the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. With a burning bush, 10 plagues, and a parting of the Red Sea among other excitement, it's no wonder Jews love to retell this biblical story each Passover.
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The Forbidden Foods of Passover
For many people, Passover means one thing: no bread. But the restrictions for Passover food actually go much deeper and vary among certain groups. Take a look at what Jews can (and can't) eat during Passover.
Search Related Topics:  passover  passover customs  passover preparation

What Do the Foods of the Passover Seder Really Mean?
When it comes to foods Jews can eat during Passover, they'll all be served at tonight's seder service. But do you know what the traditional foods on the seder plate really mean?
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Last-Minute Passover Recipe Ideas
From matzo ball soup to noodle kugel, every family seems to have their own favorite Passover treat. If you're still looking for new, fast, and easy additions to your Passover table, we've got you covered.


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Saving N Spending


Saving N Spending


Posted: 14 Apr 2014 08:44 PM PDT
Five Reasons You Should Stop Renting and Buy a Home
Real estate investing can take many different forms. You can buy foreclosure properties, abandoned properties, or move-in ready homes. If you are thinking about buying a home as an investment, though, you should not buy anything without considering investing in a rental property.
A rental property is different because it can actually generate money while you own it. Rent prices are higher than mortgage prices in most areas, especially for buildings that have multiple units. For example, you may be able to buy a building that requires you to pay $1,500 a month for the 30 year mortgage, but you know that you can get anywhere from $750 to $900 per unit in your area. With four units, that means you can bring in between $3,000 and $3,600 each month, paying the mortgage and giving you an income.
One strategy, for example, could be putting all of the income that you make back into the house. You can get through the whole mortgage in far less than 30 years. You can then sell the house, and you get to keep 100 percent of the profit for yourself. You do have to forgo your monthly income to do this, but it saves you thousands in interest on the property since you pay it off so quickly, and you get a bigger payday in the end. You could also keep it longer, making more each month since your mortgage is paid off and you only owe for the property taxes. Whatever strategy you choose, a rental properly may be the perfect investment for you if you are interested in real estate.
Starting off in real estate investing can create many new questions you had never considered. One area that changes the game is financing rental property. Banks and mortgage companies deal with rental property differently than home owner occupied property. You will need to meet a different set of criteria for being approved for the loan for your rental properties.
One difference you will immediately discover is in the amount of your down payment. The low down payment loans are not commonly available for purchasing rental property. Expect to pay 15% down, and sometimes even more.
When you start exploring options for financing your rental property investment, you have several options to consider. The first most people consider is a mortgage broker. A good second option is your local banks or savings and loan companies. Along with checking with the banks and mortgage companies, check to see if FHA loans are available for financing. The last option commonly considered is private lenders.
Since you are moving out of buying for yourself, and into buying as a business investment, all lenders will want to know the details of your proposal. They will want to evaluate your potential monthly income in comparison to the mortgage payments, and other expenses of maintaining the rental property. Expect to provide them with insurance estimates, taxes you would expect to pay, utility costs, and routine maintenance cost estimates.
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Posted: 14 Apr 2014 08:34 PM PDT
Money $100Let's say you're given three wishes. What are the first things, besides of course one hundred more wishes and world peace, you would wish for? If you're like most everyone else, it's a large wad of lots of cash. The good news is you don't need a genie for that wish to come true. Between tax returns, 401Ks, pensions, inheritance, or even winning the lottery, chances are you’ll at some point in your life end up with a large sum of money and left wondering what do to with all of it.

Pay Off Debt

The most responsible thing to do is to get yourself out of debt. Be it credit card, loans, or even car and house payments, clearing away debt should be the first thing to consider. Living in debt is one of the most stressful factors in a person's life, and having that wiped away can greatly improve your overall quality of life. Sure, you won't have that 70-inch flat screen TV and new Ferrari in the driveway, but you’ll have the security and relief of knowing that you won't pass your debt onto your family.

Monthly Spending Money

Have you been dying to eat out at that new restaurant down the street? Or are your clothes worn down to holes? There are many day-to-day wants that most people have a hard time working into a monthly budget. If you find yourself coming into a large lump of cash, considering setting some aside for those occasions when an extracurricular comes your way. That way you have the money for those little things in life, without having to dip into your monthly budget.

Retirement Fund

Depending on how close you’re to retirement, this is a great option. If you’re reaching retirement knowing that you don't have much money saved, put away a large portion of that money. It may be hard to set it aside, but it’ll be worth it when you're able to enjoy your golden years complaining about kids these days and napping on the porch in between day time television.

Short and Long Term Investments

It's always wise to consider investing money into different forms of investments. Short-term investments like money markets and other liquid investment vehicles will offer somewhat lower returns, but with low fees and penalties for early withdrawal. If you're looking for long-term investments, things like mutual funds or other portfolios will yield better results over a longer period of time, but they’ll need to be invested for longer periods of time.

College Funds

If you have kids, then setting up a college fund for them is another great way to invest your money. Though it definitely won't be an investment that’ll yield much monetary results, it’ll give your kids the head start they need to succeed. And some day when you're in your golden years, they'll be able to repay the favor.

Have Fun

There's nothing wrong with wanting to have a little fun with your money, as long as you don't get carried away. Why not plan that vacation that you've been dying to take but just never got around to? Or try your luck with some online gambling? Whatever it is that tickles your fancy, it's ok to indulge yourself now and then.

Charities

Giving back is one of the best things a person can do with their fortunes. What better feeling is there than knowing that your money is going to someone who truly has nothing? There are hundreds of charities found online, and no matter which one choose, you'll sleep better at night knowing that you gave back to your fellow man.
There are hundreds of ways to spend your money, and ultimately it comes down to your situation in life and how you want to spend it.  There are definitely right and wrong ways to handle your money, but no one but you can decide what those right and wrongs ways are for you.
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Posted: 14 Apr 2014 08:22 PM PDT
Hiring a Licensed Financial AdvisorGot an idea for a business? Great! You're on the road to achieving the dream of self-independence, personal wealth, and business fulfilment… but it takes a lot of hard work to reach that point, and your passion will only take you so far. Sooner or later you'll need money to fund your project. Depending on your circumstances, there's a number of ways you can find support to get your dreams off the ground.

Selling shares

If it works for the entrepreneurs on Dragon's Den, it could work for you too! If you have friends or family who have faith in your business and spare cash, consider asking them to provide funding in exchange for a share of your company and its profits. Another source of funding is angel investors – just like on Dragon's Den, there are individuals always looking out for the next big idea with the cash to back you up.
Remember that you'll have to give up part of your control in the company, which might come as a shock if you're used to total control. Any investors will have a say in how the company is run, and this can conflict with your own ideas. It's important to take legal advice before selling shares in your business to help prevent any unexpected complications in the future.

Crowdfunding

In recent years, the concept of 'crowdfunding' has become particularly popular – check out websites like Kickstarter for ideas. If your idea has widespread appeal, ordinary people might well come together to provide support. The great thing about crowdfunding is that you needn't necessarily give up control of your company – rewards for your backers can come in other forms, ranging from advance prototypes to discounted services. If you're looking for serious cash, you can offer backers a deluxe reward like a personal meeting or direct input in your company's operations.

Loans and overdrafts

If you've got an idea that will bring in guaranteed income, a loan can be a safe bet to fund your business without jeopardising control of your company. The repayments will take a cut out of your profits, but with careful planning you can balance this to leave you with enough to save and re-invest in your business in the future. If you're struggling to find finance because of a poor credit rating, a personal loan from a provider like 1st Stop might be a good idea – it's secured against your home so you're more likely to be approved.
If you're not sure how much money you'll need, you can arrange a business overdraft with your bank. This gives you the flexibility to borrow money at short notice and pay it back without penalties.

Grants and other schemes

Another way to fund your business without giving up control is to find out if there are any grants available from the government. These grants come in many different forms. For example, some grants might be set up to boost business growth in your local area. Others are geared towards young business entrepreneurs. Some grants will cover specific costs, like funding to pay the wages of your employees. It's particularly worth looking for a grant if you're working in a niche field.
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