4/05/2014

Posted: 04 Apr 2014 08:36 PM PDT

Most boilers have an average lifespan of twenty years. It's a good return on your initial investment.
You have to maintain your boiler to maximize its lifespan, though. A boiler not serviced at all can expect to last less than 10 years.
Unfortunately, it's common practice across America to not get regular servicing. Most companies make you pay for an annual maintenance service. It's a wise investment.
In this article, we hope to show you why this is the case.

Minor Repairs

Annual servicing increases the chances of spotting problems before they turn into catastrophic issues. Boilers rarely work one day and break down the next. Their condition gradually decreases until the owner finally notices.
A boiler repair costs far more than an annual servicing option. If you want to stave off the cost of a repair, do so by catching problems before they happen.
Contractors inform you where there's potential for a problem. The vast majority of issues can be addressed before they happen, but only if someone regularly checks out your boiler.

Reduce Heating Costs

It's not just about preventing problems with your boiler. Most boilers will suffer from efficiency decreases before they start to have any real problems. You should see inefficiency in the same light as a broken boiler.
When we talk of inefficiency we talk about a boiler using more fuel than it needs to produce the same amount of heat. Older boilers tend to be more inefficient.
Engineers who service your boiler are also looking for areas where efficiency can be improved. Take their advice on-board because inefficiencies cost hundreds of dollars every year.
Your fuel bills will decrease if you make your boiler more efficient. In some cases, an engineer could recommend replacing the boiler completely.

Carbon Monoxide Threat

The biggest threat from a broken boiler is carbon monoxide poisoning. Some of the main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

Improper installation.
Not enough ventilation.
Leakage.

So how does an annual servicing control the threat of carbon monoxide?
The reason carbon monoxide is such a danger to householders is it's difficult to spot. It doesn't have any odor or color. The symptoms come on slowly and can be mistaken for other illnesses. The main symptoms are headaches, nausea, and stomach pains.
Annual servicing helps to spot the warning signs. It's called 'the silent killer' for a reason. It makes no sense to take a risk by not ordering an annual boiler inspection.

Landlords and the Law

Depending on where you are in the country, you will have to look at laws regarding boilers and your obligations. Most states have laws regarding what a landlord must do to ensure their properties are safe.
It doesn't always extend to demanding yearly servicing, but you will have to have various certifications. The cost of a boiler malfunctioning and causing harm could number in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
As a landlord, the best option is to have your boilers serviced annually. Even if it isn't the law and the worst does happen you can show a court of law you take safety seriously.
Overall, no matter who you are you have to pay attention to safety. Your boiler can turn into one of the biggest money drains in your property. By having it inspected on a regular basis, you're making sure your house is safe and efficient.
Plus, you avoid the huge cost of purchasing a new boiler and installing it from the ground up.
See if your boiler provider has any special offers on annual servicing. Some companies offer them free of charge, or at a reduced rate if you're subscribed to a certain energy package.

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How To Get Affordable Life Insurance While Diagnosed With Hepatitis C

Posted: 04 Apr 2014 07:32 PM PDT

Finding life insurance when you have hepatitis C can be quite a challenge for most people. Usually, inexperienced agents don’t know which companies or what processes to take to properly get a quote for their clients, so then their clients think it’s impossible to get a good policy just to the fact that they have hepatitis C. Well, the truth is, you can still qualify for life insurance. By using experienced agents who contact the right companies, you will have a much better chance at getting an affordable policy. There are tips to help you qualify, which we will be covering over the next few sections.

2 Main Aspects Of Getting Life Insurance With Hepatitis C

There are two major parts to what insurance companies will look at when making their decision to provide you with life insurance. The first aspect is all about how much damage your liver has taken so far. For obvious reasons, the less damage, the better chance you will have at obtaining the policy you want. The second aspect they are going to look at is whether or not your hepatitis C is in remission or not. You can obtain standard rates if you have provided proof that you are in remission and also have very little to no damage. If you already have taken liver damage, don’t worry because you can still qualify, but the rates are going to be substandard.

Things To Know When Trying To Get Life Insurance

Before you go off and start talking to agents, it’s important that you have all of the information that might help your case. So to help you out, we will cover each thing in a separate paragraph.
The first thing you will need is the date you were diagnosed with hepatitis C. It is important to them to know because they can determine what steps you have taken while you were diagnosed. It also gives the insurance companies a better idea of how well you have adjusted. You will also need to provide what type of hepatitis C you have. Acute viral, chronic active, or chronic persistent.
Next thing you should find out is your liver enzymes. This information will help determine how healthy your liver is and whether or not the enzymes are under control. It is quite easy to get that information from your doctor, so next time you have some time, get it done. The more recent the results are, the better.
A list of all of your medication is going to be required. What types of meds they were, how much you were taking, and how long you have been or were taking them for. This is information that is extremely important, so make sure to have it readily available. This also include self medication, such as alcohol. You will be required to give all of the details regarding your drinking.
You will need all of the details about how you were diagnosed and/ or treated. Liver biopsy, CT scans, MRIs, and anything else should be included. You will also need to provide the findings of these tests so that the agent is fully aware of exactly what is happening. One thing you should try to provide proof for is how many times do you go and see your physician. The more you stay on top of your hepatitis C, the better chance you will have with the insurance companies.
The last thing is of course, any other health issues you might have. Basically, the more details you can provide regarding your hepatitis C and any other health related issues, the better. This may not be necessary if you can get no exam life insurance.

Where Should You Go To Find The Best Rates?

Root Financial has proven to be a great company to use when looking for insurance policies. They completely understand what it takes to provide their clients with affordable life insurance and which insurance companies to apply with. They also pride themselves by going above and beyond for their clients like no other agency would. In the end, you may be able to find another agent who knows how to properly handle clients with hepatitis C, but you might as well check out at RootFin.com to see if they can just make the whole process much easier.

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Getting to Grips with Gold – Gold in Your IRA

Posted: 04 Apr 2014 07:23 PM PDT

The self directed IRA offers an almost unlimited amount of investment freedom. With this freedom, it's easy to get carried away. In this article, when we talk about the real estate IRA or the gold IRA, we're referring to the same investment vehicle. It's just people often prefer to dedicate their investments to one type of commodity.
Let's take a look at how you should go about getting gold into your IRA and why this is a good decision.

Why Should You Invest in Gold?

Gold is one of those assets that's safe, relatively speaking. It's similar to paper currency in that it will rarely fluctuate wildly, and a complete crash is something you'll only see every few generations. They're similar, but they also exist at opposite ends of the investing spectrum.
The fact is currency and gold can't have a high price at the same time. Gold will only ever reach its peak when paper currency is weak. And, recently, this has been the case. In the wake of the recession, gold prices soared and hit record highs. As the markets have recovered, gold has decreased in price again.
We're reaching a point where the economic recovery is in full swing around the world. Gold will most likely continue to decline. Paper currency is bound to get stronger again.
While you're unlikely to make a huge amount of money at this point, you will be able to find gold available at bargain prices. You don't need huge amounts of money to get started.

Is Gold Different from Precious Metals?

The precious metal IRA involves investing in non-traditional metals like platinum and palladium. Gold could technically fall under the definition of a precious metal, but investors tend to see them as separate.
Other precious metals tend to have real uses. Gold is usually used as a way to protect assets when paper currency collapses. It's what has happened in every great economic recession previously.

What Limitations Do You Have?

Investors are under the same limitations with a self directed IRA as they are with any other form of IRA. You can't invest in things like insurance and fine art. You're also limited by the amount you can put into your IRA every year.
There are no limitations on the amount of money your IRA can make within the investment vehicle, however.

How to Buy Gold and Invest

The problem with the IRA is it's difficult to understand the concept. The IRA is like a company. It isn't in your name, and you're prohibited from any actions that could 'benefit yourself'.
Of course, it sounds like nonsense because that's why you're investing in the first place.
You have to think over every move. You can't buy gold by signing a check and handing it over. Most gold transactions are performed through trustee to trustee transfers.
Before you can make these transfers, the gold will need to be inspected and understood for purity and held in a secure facility. Most custodians won't facilitate a transfer if it isn't held in a secure facility.
Furthermore, you couldn't store the gold in your own home. This is another limitation. By storing anything at home, you're implying the gold is yours. It isn't yours. It's the property of the IRA. You own the IRA, though. It's an important distinction to make.
If you fall foul of any of the rules put in place by the Federal Government, you could potentially find any profits wiped out by fines and taxes. In extreme cases, your account could be closed completely. This is why having a financial advisor who specializes in the gold IRA is essential.
Author Bio
Ashley has a financial background and has been analyzing various investment options for retired individuals. Here she shares her knowledge on Self Directed IRA with the elderly.

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Tips for Saving Money on Household Utilities

Posted: 04 Apr 2014 07:09 PM PDT

Saving money on everything is becoming more and more of a necessity. With an uncertain economy and household budgets that are tighter and tighter every month, finding ways to save a few dollars becomes more imperative. Household utilities make up a large portion of most household budgets, and finding ways to save money on utilities is one method for saving money.

Create a Budget

The first place you’ll want to start when you want to cut your utility bills is by forming a budget. Record all the utilities you pay on a monthly basis. Your budget should include everything from your city electric bill to the cost of Cincinnati trash removal. You’ll need to take averages of your past monthly bills to decide how much to allot to each area. After you get your average expenses, you’ll be able to start finding ways to cut back.

Electricity

To save on utilities like electricity or gas, turn the thermostat temperature down or up, depending upon the season. Learn to wear layers to keep warm or dress in light, cotton clothing to keep cool. While adjusting the thermostat, remember to check the temperature on your water heater. If it is turned up higher than 120 degrees, you are using — and paying for — unnecessary electricity.
Get into the habit of turning off electronic items when not in use. Shut down computers, televisions, lights, and other items. Plug electronic items into power strip surge protectors to make it easy to shut everything off with one flip of the switch.
Wash your clothing and dishes in cold water instead of hot to save on the heating cost of the water. Hang your clothing to dry either on hangers or on a clothesline if the weather permits.

Water

When using water, there are a few easy ways to cut back consumption and ultimately result in a cheaper bill. Set timers for showers to keep family members from indulging in unlimited showers that run up your bill.
Reuse your clothing as much as possible to save laundry cycles. Wearing a pair of jeans once for a couple of hours does not require laundering again. Establish a rule that “if it’s not got dirt and doesn’t smell, it’s still clean.” This will save a few loads of laundry and might force your family to be more careful with their clothing. Of course, this doesn’t work for children or athletic clothing, but dress clothes and things worn over other clothing like sweaters can generally go without being washed.
Hang bath towels after use then use them again. If every person hangs their towel to dry, it will save water as well as electricity.
If you wash dishes by hand, get into the habit of running one sink for washing, then the other sink for rinsing. This cuts back on running the faucet excessively to rinse dishes.

Small Changes Make a Difference

Even a few small changes can save you a little. Making minor changes and establishing new habits will help you cut back on utilities, even just a little. Remember, every penny counts when you are on a tight budget.
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4/03/2014

Five Useful Strategies to Consider When Trading Options

Saving N Spending

Five Useful Strategies to Consider When Trading Options

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 08:29 PM PDT

There are so many ways to invest your personal money when you’re looking around at your choices. One of the more interesting options are… well, options! Options are marvelously flexible, powerful instruments that can be combined in numerous complex ways. The simplest, most straightforward option strategy is buying a call (or put) intending that the underlying shall rise (or fall) before expiration. Usually, however, a strategy will involve combining a short or long option with one or more different options and/or an underlying position. The different strategies are usually classified as bullish, bearish or neutral — referring to the direction of the underlying’s movement. Other strategies rely on options’ time decay or implied volatility properties. The universe of option strategies is vast; it is often hard to know which strategies are worth pursuing.

Covered Call Write

This arrangement (also called a buy-write) is created by purchasing the underlying and writing a call at a higher strike price. This neutral to slightly-bullish strategy has limited profit — if the underlying jumps in price, it may be called away from the trader. Owning the underlying introduces substantial downside risk, which is slightly offset by the premium collected from the short call.

Bull Call Spread

In choosing this strategy, the trader intends that the underlying will moderately appreciate before expiration. The combination is created by purchasing a call near the current price and writing a call at a higher strike, taking a net debit. The short call helps finance the trader’s bullish bet but limits the upside profit. Maximum possible profit is the difference between the call strikes, minus the initial debit, minus commissions. Maximum loss is limited to the initial debit.

Reverse Call Ratio Spread

This bullish strategy (also known as a call backspread) is entered into by writing one call at the current price and buying two calls at a higher strike. Maximum profit is theoretically unlimited and occurs when the underlying jumps dramatically. Maximum loss equals the difference between the call strikes, plus or minus the initial credit or debit, minus commissions.

Long Straddle

This is a simple, popular binary options strategy with limited risk. This direction-neutral trade is created by purchasing a call and a put at the same strike. The trader’s intent is for the underlying to move dramatically either up or down and/or for implied volatility to increase. Maximum profit is theoretically unlimited (though issues can fall only to zero). Maximum loss equals the initial premium paid plus commissions. There are two possible end points at which the long straddle breaks even.

Condor

The condor is a direction-neutral, limited-risk strategy with limited profit potential. The trader believes the underlying will essentially remain flat. The trade is entered by selling one near-money call, buying one call below that, selling one out-of-the-money call, and buying one call above that. Maximum profit occurs when, at expiration, the underlying is between the two middle strikes; this profit equals the difference between the lower two strikes, minus the initial debit, minus commissions. Maximum loss equals the initial debit. There are two points at which breakeven can occur.
Options trading can be a difficult thing to take on, but there are a myriad of resources that can help you to understand the possibilities for trading them or other investment avenues. Professionals like binary options brokers can guide you in your investment decisions, or you could look for answers on your own with the broad range of finance websites on the Internet. Options might not be the best first step for those that are new to investment, but when you’ve gained some experience they can be a valuable avenue to have available to you. Either way, do your homework and make sure the resources you rely on are actually fairly respected and trustworthy sources.

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Ways to Get Cash Fast and Save Money

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 08:07 PM PDT

Yes, we have all been there…
That carefully planned monthly budget that is blown apart by an unexpected expense that can't be avoided or delayed. That's when we might all benefit from having access to a fast cash loan for a very short period of time.
This is where companies like wonga.com might come in extremely handy if you're feeling the pinch (although I recommend you be well aware of the risks before commiting to anything but if you are looking to consider alternative options and to concentrate on the most cost-effective solutions, the following tips might also be useful:

It's always better to avoid borrowing money where humanly possible. Try to think outside-of-the-box to find ways that you can juggle your finances around so as to defer something else thereby meaning you can avoid using a loan;
Family and friends can be a good source of essentially free money in terms of interest rate borrowing. Of course, involving people in your financial affairs that are well-known to you isn't always desirable but it might be worth considering;
Think about selling something that you have no particular need for on ebay or gumtree for example. It's amazing how much money we all have lying around in cellars and attics though this might not be the fastest route to getting some cash;
Talk to your bank manager. Some may be able to offer you a short-term overdraft facility providing that you have a relatively good and lengthy history with them. It might conceivably also be one of the more cost-effective solutions open to you. On the downside, this route might not be as easy to follow as it was before the various financial crises of recent years but it is still worth considering;
Ask for a salary advance. Some employers may be willing to do so and if they do, it is a very cost-effective way to borrow money. True, not everyone likes sharing their financial problems with their employer and you may need to be very careful that you will be able to cope in the month ahead when your pay packet is reduced by the amount you have borrowed;
If you do use some form of professional credit organization, it only makes sense to compare the products, facilities and charges between one option and others. In other words, shopping around is always a good idea.

The most important thing to do should you find yourself in such a situation is to stay calm and avoid panicking. You are far from alone and in a complicated world with many financial stresses your position is nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of.
It is though important to avoid becoming involved in what is sometimes called a "debt spiral". Needing to occasionally borrow modest sums of money to deal with an unanticipated bill might not be an issue but if you find yourself needing to borrow money every month simply because you are unable to cope with your regular living expenses, then it might be sensible to seek specialist advice.

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Three Unconventional Methods of Funding your Business

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 08:01 PM PDT

The natural fluctuations in the economy mean there are times when conventional credit markets become tight. In these instances, rather than giving up on the idea of credit and letting an opportunity pass you by, there are alternative, less conventional sources of finance you should turn to. The recent credit crisis that devastated traditional credit sources made businesses more innovative in the way they access credit, spawning new opportunities that your business can take advantage of today.
One of the main obstacles to accessing credit from traditional sources is your business' credit profile. There are There are several free company checking websites in existence (link points to Rmonline as an example) which allow you to keep abreast of your business' credit rating, and, if it's poor, find ways to improve it. By checking your profile once or twice a year, you can ensure your credit profile is moving in the right direction on the back of positive actions such as meeting agreed payment deadlines. However, there are also methods of borrowing which are less reliant on a positive credit profile. Let's take a look at some of these less conventional sources of business credit.

Factoring

Far from being innovative, factoring is actually one of the oldest methods of financing a business from within. "Factoring is a financial transaction in which a business sells its accounts receivable to a third party at a discount" (Source: Wikipedia). So, in practice, if you were owed £50,000 for some work your business had completed, but the invoice wasn't due for another six months, you could effectively sell the invoice to a factoring company for 80 percent of its value, i.e. £40,000, and receive the money upfront, rather than having to wait the full six months. This is a great way of releasing the capital tied up in unpaid invoices to help businesses regulate their cash flow and take advantage of opportunities as and when they arise.

Hedge-fund lenders

Hedge-fund lenders are traditionally less risk averse than more conventional sources of finance such as banks. Whilst high street lenders might shy away from an investment in high risk businesses such as start-ups in the technology sector, hedge-funds are more prepared to back these businesses with the hope of higher returns. The benefits of hedge-fund borrowing are the large amounts of money available, often very quickly. However, this can also be to the business' detriment, as such a high level of gearing often attracts high borrowing costs and penalties if the business begins to falter on its payments.

Peer-to-peer lenders

A peer-to-peer lending agreement is one made between a business owner and their friends, family or strangers who believe the business will be a success. The pros and cons of such an agreement are plain for all to see. Obviously this type of agreement may allow a greater degree of flexibility in regard to repayments than a conventional agreement with a bank, and the money can be accessed quickly. However, there are few situations when the maxim "never mix business with pleasure" rang so true. Personal issues can all too easily become intertwined in the lending agreement. Friends or family members may expect non-financial kickbacks such as employment if the business does well, or a stake in the business further down the line. So, although the relative informality of such an agreement can seem like a boon, this can all too quickly come back to bite you.
Are there any other unconventional methods you have used to fund your business? Perhaps you're considering one of these three approaches but would like to share your concerns? Either way, we'd love to hear from you, so please leave your thoughts in the comments sections below.

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Tips for Repaying a Personal Loan

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 07:54 PM PDT

Five Ways To Save Money and Reduce Your Living Expenses

Getting a personal loan can be a daunting experience. Read our handy guide to repaying personal loans for some great, useful tips on repaying a personal loan and ensuring that the loan is something which you can manage from the very start to the very end of the loan repayment process.
Only apply for the amount you absolutely need and consider alternatives to the loan from the start
When applying for the loan try to keep the original loan request as small as possible. The higher the amount requested, the longer it takes to pay back and the more interest will accrue in the period the loan is being repaid. It also helps if you consider alternatives to the loan, for example could you postpone anything like your Masters, or your purchase of a car until you have at least half of what you need saved?

Focus on the long-term

Far too many of us focus on the immediate needs that a personal loan will meet, without paying much attention to the long term implications of getting a loan that needs to be repaid every month for a set period of time. The longterm implications of the loan should be assessed well in advance of the loan application, but way too often this vital consideration is ignored. If you focus on the whole picture instead of the exciting one that involves spending cash on something you need, then you will master the art of repaying personal loans wisely from the start.

A process of continuous evaluation

When you have a loan to pay back you need to have a repayment plan. Don't just rely on being able to consolidate the debt at the end of the loan term or hope that it will all work out in the end. Make a commitment to continuously evaluate your financial circumstances and tie this into some form of plan to repay the loan. Check out the 'personal loan' brand Wonga – they offer transparent no nonsense advice, tools and information on all their short term loans so use the tools available to help you understand the full cost of a short term loan.
If you are struggling financially you may consider getting a part-time job to help repay the loan, or you may consider looking for a salary increase. Whatever your way of adjusting to any cash shortage, the most vital thing is that you know your finances inside out and that you keep tabs on them as they fluctuate, planning for any changes.

Keep loan documents

It is very important that you keep all loan documentation in a safe and secure place. This will help you if you ever have to contact your lender to discuss your personal or financial circumstances, or if you are reviewing your long term repayment plans. It is amazing how easily we can forget the ins and outs of personal finance liabilities just because our documents go missing! Stay on top of this by planning to keep all documents in regards to the loan secure from day one.

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Everline Future 50: Britain’s Most Revolutionary New Businesses Revealed

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 07:16 PM PDT

Now in its third year, the Future 50 project, set up by Real Business in 2011, shines a spotlight on the UK's 50 most disruptive early-stage businesses who find innovative ways to drive the UK economy.

The Future 50 Awards (that is annually sponsored by business loan website Everline) were held on 25th February in conjunction with Real Business at a party in Old Street – the hub of London's start-up scene – where the results of the final 50 were announced by comedian Seann Walsh.
Over 200 guests, including MPs, journalists and former winners, attended the event at LSO St Luke's, London, to hear about which of Britain's organisations made it to the final 50.
Amy Carroll, Group Editor, Real Business, remarked: "This year, our mission to identify the UK's 50 most disruptive early-stage businesses has resulted in uncovering a host of companies that we're confident will feature strongly in the UK business landscape for years to come. Congratulations to all those who were shortlisted as well as those who made the final 50."
It's clear the UK is a hub of innovation, with a multitude of high-calibre entries, ranging from recruitment, to holidays, to funeral planning and more, all of whom show that small business are continuing to find inventive ways to drive the economy.
So, without further ado, here's a list of Britain's most cutting-edge, exciting new businesses, all of whom are set to challenge the norms and traditional thinking in their field.
appearhere - a marketplace for connecting landlords to tenants for commercial property.
Asset Match – arranges share transactions between interested buyers and sellers of established, private companies.
Boticca.com – a London-based retail website for jewellery and fashion accessories from a selection of up-and-coming fashion designers.
BuyMyWardrobe – provides a dependable online marketplace where individuals and businesses can trade pre-owned designer fashion.
Calls in Confidence – provides an independent, cost-effective, confidential and anonymous whistle blowing service.
Cambridge Intelligence / KeyLines - create innovative visualisation software which enables organisations to see the networks in their data.
CoinDesk - the de facto digital currency index and knowledge hub, providing digital currency news, prices, charts, guides and analysis.
CompareTheCoffin.com - supplies the best-value, best quality coffins and caskets direct to the public, together with a free funeral comparison service and Funeral Planning tool.
Contego Fraud Solutions - performs immediate due diligence and risk analysis on individuals and companies.
ECO Plastics - UK's leading and highest quality reprocessor of recyclable materials.
EVRYTHNG - provide the dynamic, intelligent web identities for individual physical objects.
Funding Options - helps firms up and down the country to access business loans and to manage their cash flow.
Gousto - provides customers with all the ingredients in the right proportions to cook delicious meals at home.
Grabble - revolutionising the way people shop online.
Hiring-Hub.com - a ground-breaking online recruitment marketplace.
IO Technologies - a big data analytics technology company addressing the need for learning-based intelligent capabilities in the real time online display media market.
Jukedeck – enables users to create free, unique soundtracks for their videos
Kabbee - an app that ensures Londoners save money getting a cab.
Kykloud - delivering integrated asset management solutions for the mobile workforce.
LawBite - solution for businesses seeking affordable, accessible, straightforward legal services.
liftshare.com - the largest car-share network in the UK.
LOVESPACE - help customers live a bigger life, one box at a time.
Loyalzoo - offers independent retailers a loyalty app to replace loyalty cards.
Mainstage Travel - the leading clubbing and festival holiday operator in the UK.
Moni – the new way to send money home from your mobile.
Motoriety UK - manage all aspects of admin, ownership, and maintenance in one secure online space.
Movebubble – a pioneering peer-to-peer community marketplace for long-term residential property lettings.
Paddle - the quickest way to securely pay online and on mobile web.
Parkopedia - allows drivers to find the closest parking to their destination, tells them how much it will cost and whether the space is available right now.
Paythru - the market leading mobile payment specialist.
PrivateFly - the fastest growing aviation booking service for private jet charter and private aircraft hire.
proversity.org - aims to develop the next generation of "Massive Open Online Courses" (MOOCs) that are reshaping the education sector.
Quill - meets the world's almost voracious demand for digital content.
Rainbird - an innovative AI engine platform that allows anyone to capture their knowledge and publish it.
Realeyes – allows brands, publishers and agencies to make profitable marketing decisions by measuring human emotions via webcam in real-time.
Reevoo – help clients harness the Voice of the Customer and put it to work across the purchase journey and the entire business.
Revector - global provider of mobile anti-fraud and revenue protection services.
Screenburn - a Facebook video-on-demand platform enabling the sale of film and television from a Facebook page.
ServiceTick - enables clients to learn how their customers feel about them in real-time and is now used to drive board-level service strategy.
Sign Solutions – Britain's leading provider of communication services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.
Skimlinks - gives online publishers myriad ways to effortlessly and automatically earn.
Tabl - a peer-to-peer social dining platform that turns private houses, apartments and other spaces into informal, pop-up eating establishments.
The Chapar - a luxury personal shopping service for 19-60 year-old men who can't get to the shops.
The Mobile Vet - helps the elderly/infirmed access veterinary care for their pets and, by removing the need for surgery trips, significantly reduces pets' stress levels.
The Social Ad group - making social advertising pay.
TyresOnTheDrive - a regional mobile tyre fitting service, bringing the expertise of the garage to a customer's place of work or residence.
Versarien - employs innovative technology and patented manufacturing processes to develop advanced engineering solutions.
Virtual Huddle - allows customers to quickly and easily collaborate visually to communicate with your fellow collaborators effectively in a virtual environment as if you were in the same room together.
Wazoku – enables customers to capture good ideas via easy-to-use idea software and innovation management tools.
Yecco - provides a free-to-use tool for families with a member in need of care, whether that's a child with autism, elderly person with dementia or an adult suffering from depression.

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6 Things Everyone Should Know About Credit Cards

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 05:21 AM PDT

Credit cards undoubtedly have their good points and their bad points so the best thing anyone can do if they are thinking about signing up for one is to educate themselves on exactly how they work and the best ways to use one safely. The following outlines several important and useful tips which you should be aware of beforehand.

They should be used sparingly: The most important thing to remember about a credit card is that it is not a substitute for cash. Everything charged onto a card must be paid for eventually and so a card should only be used when you know you can afford to pay the bill by the end of the month. Setting up a direct debit to pay off the full amount on your credit card bill every month will ensure you won’t miss the payments.

They aren't a debt solution: You should never use a credit card to try and pay off debt from another source as this money will still have to be paid back, meaning the cycle begins all over again and you simply fall further and further into financial trouble. Every time you use a card you are essentially taking out a small loan and borrowing money is never a safe solution to debt problems.

There are several kinds of card: There is no one credit card that is right for everyone. They come with all sorts of different interest rates, perks and repayment schedules. There are also business ones and personal ones but regardless of whether you opt for apply online credit cards or you head into your local bank and have them talk you through your options in person, you should still always research what is out there on the market to make sure you get the best deal and that it is a card that works for you and your individual needs.

You can pay more than the minimum repayment: When you take out a card, you will be given a minimum monthly repayment that must be met if you want to avoid hefty penalty charges but that doesn't mean you have to stick exclusively to that figure. If you have cash available to pay back a larger chunk of your debt then it is wise to do so as the quicker you can pay back everything you owe, the better your credit rating will be and this makes it much easier to take out loans and secure mortgages, etc. in the future.

Banks are businesses: A bank needs to be able to make money and so they wouldn't offer people credit cards if there weren't ways for them to exploit money from their customers through them. This is why you must always read the small print of any deals before you agree to make sure there aren't any unwanted catches or excessive extra charges. There are also often loopholes that mean they don't have to offer people the deals they advertise, so always be certain you know exactly what you are agreeing to.

You have rights: As a consumer, you are protected in several ways. If you believe you have been unfairly treated by your credit card provider through the likes of false or disproportionate charges then you have the right to complain and request a refund. In many cases, people are successful if only they have the courage to ask, so ensure you exercise your rights as a consumer.

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Measures Energy Companies Adopt to Help their Consumers Save Money

Saving N Spending

Measures Energy Companies Adopt to Help their Consumers Save Money

Posted: 01 Apr 2014 08:18 PM PDT

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After the recession, consumers are more aware of energy costs and the need to reduce them. Energy companies have a responsibility to provide energy saving solutions to customers, and the government has introduced the "energy companies obligation" scheme.

Energy Companies Obligation

The energy companies obligation (ECO)scheme is set up to support households in becoming more energy efficient. Your energy supplier can evaluate whether you are eligible basedon income and what measures are required to upgrade your home. npower provides more useful information about the scheme, and how you can find out if you are eligible for it.
Some of those that would be considered for this type of program are:

Those receiving pension credit
Those in income support or receiving jobseeker's allowance
Those receiving disable child premium
Those with disabilities

This scheme ensures that low-income households receive adequate insulation in their home to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer, whilst reducing energy costs throughout.

The Green Deal

The green deal works in a similar way to the ECO scheme, however it operates as a loan. Instead of receiving free care from the government, the green deal allows consumers to receive home insulation, which is then repaid through the savings they make on their energy bill as a result. As such it is open to a wider range of consumers.
Like the ECO scheme, consumers can check their eligibility online. Once that assessment is complete, the energy company can go in to provide insulation. Customers may receive either cavity or solid wall insulation, depending on the style of house. To learn more about the difference between the two, take a look at this helpful blog post.

Energy Saving Tips

Additionally, energy companiesprovide tips for saving energy in the home.Providing information about how much energy different appliances in the home use can help customers understand where they can save money by cutting down usage. Some suggest products customers can buy that reduce energy usage, such as energy saving light bulbs that use up to 75% less energy than regular bulbs.

Promoting Renewable Energy

With focus very much shifting towards renewable energy sources, energy companies have a responsibility to promote these to customers, encouraging them to adopt these and generate their own renewable energy. There is currently a scheme called feed in tariff (FIT), which encourages customers to install solar panels in their homes to generate their own renewable electricity. The scheme pays them for the electricity they generate, as well as the energy they feed back into the grid. This is a great practical way to get consumers thinking about renewable energy and is a move towards fulfilling the goal of making 15% of all energy produced in the UK renewable.

The post Measures Energy Companies Adopt to Help their Consumers Save Money appeared first on .

Can You Use a Logbook Loan to Fund Your Start-Up?

Saving N Spending

Can You Use a Logbook Loan to Fund Your Start-Up?

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 08:56 PM PDT

That's an interesting question for start-up founders and it's also interesting to note just how many start-ups have been founded through unorthodox means.

Here are three to derive inspiration from … or not. It might be safer that you don't!

BloomNation

Farbod Shoraka and two friends, David Daneshgar and Gregg Weisstein, used Daneshgar's winnings at the 2011 World Series of Poker, $27,000, to fund their start-up.

CityRewardsNetwork

David Moore presold his service to sixty customers for $1,000 each, but he also did something you're advised against; he applied for eight credit cards simultaneously. "I had to be quicker than the reporting system so the inquiries didn't show on my credit report."

PracticeFusion

"I was broadsided by a car while riding my Ducati through an intersection in San Francisco," says CEO Ryan Howard. The money from the settlement money was used to keep what was proving to be an unsustainable start-up going, one that's now immensely profitable.
Whilst these are inspiring stories, bear in mind there are many ways to fund a start-up business, many of which don't require collateral at all, and for that reason, not to mention the fact that there's always the chance that an unsuccessful start-up endeavour could see its founders sleeping in their cars, it's best to explore the options available to you before you apply for a logbook loan.
Don't quit your day job … yet
One of the best ways to fund your start-up, and incidentally one of the best ways to help you raise start-up capital by applying for loans like logbook loans and personal loans, is to keep working, i.e. don't quit your day job.
As long as you're working you'll still have an income and although you won't have as much time to focus upon your start-up venture, you will, however, find that your chances of funding your start-up venture by applying for loans and finance is much better than when you're unemployed, which is generally what start-up founders are until things start going well.
Enter a contest
Sure, it sounds laughable but the prize money offered by organisations and philanthropists to encourage start-up innovation is anything but a joke, take the Amazon Web Services Start-Up Challenge for example. This contest boasts an annual reward of $50,000 plus another $50,000 in AWS credits each year to businesses.
Many major universities also offer outstanding reward money for start-up innovation with world-renowned MIT offering prize money in excess of $350,000 annually for accelerate, launch and pitch contests.
That's something worth competing for.
Crowdfunding
As a start-up founder you'll most certainly be aware of crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, the big names in crowdfunding at the present point in time.
Like the contests discussed above, competition is rife and it suffices to say that the vast majority of start-ups trying to appeal to conscientious consumers go unfunded. However, business is all about competing and getting your name and ideas out there so you won't be wasting your time at all provided that you learn something in the process.
Loans – Secured and unsecured
At last, a more conventional approach! Loans might be a more conventional approach but it suffices to say that you stand a better chance of securing the start-up capital you require by applying for a logbook loan at carcashpoint.com, where you use your car as collateral, or an unsecured loan, where you needn't provide any collateral at all.
If you're going to apply for a logbook or personal loan to fund your start-up, consider the advice given earlier – don't quit your day job – it makes all the difference.
About the Author:
Discover a quick and easy way to get logbook loans at Carcashpoint.com, a lending company that provides hassle-free solutions to people’s financial needs.

The post Can You Use a Logbook Loan to Fund Your Start-Up? appeared first on .

7 Rights that you Have while Being Targeted by the IRS

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 08:49 PM PDT

Being audited is one of the most painstaking experiences for taxpayers even for people like Mitt Romney, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and many other business owners. In the event of an IRS audit, your best advantage is to know your rights. Be aware of the following seven rights that you have while being targeted by the IRS and you will potentially have a better time when you go through your IRS audit or other related issues.

1. Act Accordingly

You have the right to know the IRS rules and act accordingly. Keep your company out of trouble during an IRS audit by following directions listed on your audit letter. Organize records accordingly, and immediately replace missing records with duplicates. When it’s time for your audit, only bring what is asked for. Extra records that were not requested could inadvertently get your company into trouble. Do not try to go above and beyond or try to impress the agent. Remain professional, courteous and punctual. Your agent is a trained professional, and you should reflect that attitude to keep your business in good standing. If you can act and remain professional during your IRS audit, you are likely to either get in less or in no trouble at all. As a result, it will keep your business out of scrutiny of he federal government.

2. Representation

If your company is being audited, you have the right to represent yourself or hire professional representation. An attorney, CPA (certified public accountant) or enrolled agent can help guide you through the audit process and field questions during the actual audit. They can help you remain professional and organized for your audit as well as keep you informed of your rights throughout the audit process. They can also advise you how or how not to answer questions asked by the IRS auditor.

3. Confidentiality

Your audit will stay between you and the IRS, without being disclosed to anyone else. Throughout your audit, you have the right to inquire about the purpose and importance of information being requested. You also have the right to ask what the consequences will be if you decline to furnish requested information.

4. Quality Service

During an audit, you have the right to receive quality, professional service. IRS agents are specifically trained in customer service, and they should courteously address your concerns. If your service is below par or if the IRS agent makes you feel uncomfortable in anyway or somehow oversteps their bounds, you have the right to file a complaint with your region’s IRS Director.

5. Responsibility for Tax Payments

If the IRS is targeting you, know that you will not owe more than the accurate tax payment due. This means that you are responsible for the amount of taxes you owe, but you cannot be “charged” more tax payments than are due by law. Also, you have the right to set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the entire amount of taxes due at your audit.

6. Appeals

In the event your audit produces a result that you believe is unfair or incorrect, you can appeal to the IRS. Either the IRS Appeals Office or a court can review your tax case and determine whether your tax liability or collections status is appropriate. Having some form of legal representation also comes in handy in this scenario as well, as they can help you review your case and truly make sure that you have been treated unfairly. They can also help you do battle in the IRS Appeals Office or in court.

7. Waived Penalties and Interest

During your audit, if you acted in good faith of an IRS employee and incurred penalties or interest due to incorrect advice, you have the right to have these costs waived. A request to have these penalties and interest waived can be requested in writing.
When the IRS is auditing you, remember the seven rights above as they will help keep you and any other party involved out of trouble. These will help you move through the process smoothly and successfully. If you have questions regarding an audit, please contact a lawyer, CPA or enrolled agent

The post 7 Rights that you Have while Being Targeted by the IRS appeared first on .

Save, Don’t Spend: Seven Things We Pay Too Much Money For And Why

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 04:37 PM PDT

7 Things We Pay Too Much Money For And Why

Like most people, you probably worry that you are paying too much for the things you purchase. Although the old axiom about getting what you pay for is true in some circumstances, there are a number of goods and services that people routinely pay too much for. Here are seven examples to help you cut the unwanted fat from your budget.

ATM Fees

If you routinely use a conveniently located ATM from another bank, you pay for the privilege. Consider switching to the bank that supports the ATM, or plan ahead and get free withdrawals from your bank, a cooperating branch of a competitor or in the form of cash-back withdrawals from a grocery store. Use credit cards instead if you need to buy something last minute and don’t have any cash.

Auto Maintenance

Regardless of what your dealer may imply, any qualified mechanic can do routine maintenance on your car. Check with local garages, high school, technical college programs or even the local auto parts store to see how much you can save on maintenance. The best way to save is to do simple repairs like oil changes yourself. Keeping up with maintenance on your vehicle will prevent you from having to pay too much for repairs. If you car does need extensive repair with the help of a professional, consider buying used parts online to save more money.

Brand Name Food Items

If only one cola really hits the spot, the extra you pay for the signature taste may be worth it. However, for many products you use, there are private-label versions that will do just as well. Start slowly by trying a few off-brand products here and there. You may be surprised by both the quality and the savings you receive.

Family Photos

It’s impossible to put a price on precious family photos, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay too much for them. Look for special sales and discount coupons for your favorite studio, or call local photographers to compare prices. Many local studios will offer family portrait discounts throughout the year to help you save on your pictures. Picking a quality photographer or studio upfront might seem a little pricey at first, but you will save you bundle with clear and nice pictures the first time. Rather than paying someone else to get them done again throughout the year, spend the money only once a year and get quality photos.

Fast Food

Takeout really isn’t any faster or more convenient than making a cold cut sandwich for your lunch or grabbing a muffin on your way out the door in the morning. Take the time to learn a few simple one-pot dinner recipes and you can eliminate most fast-food at dinner time, as well.

Weddings

While weddings are supposed to be a once in a lifetime event where family and friends can celebrate, that doesn’t mean it has to come with a hefty price tag. Save money by bundling flowers, the cake and decorations from one place. Often times, the search for the perfect item can cause headaches and more money, when it can often be done at one location. Hiring a wedding planner is also a great investment, because they can get you the best deals that aren’t offered to anyone else.

Utilities

While paying utilities is something you can never avoid, you can save by taking a few steps starting in your home. Seal windows and doors, or invest in better windows, to save you a load of money during the winter. Getting LED light bulbs will also save you in electricity, as well as the need to replace them as often. Turning off lights and lowering the heat settings a night is also a simple way to spend less on utilities.
Saving money can be painful, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Try these tips to reduce your bottom line without cramping your style.

The post Save, Don’t Spend: Seven Things We Pay Too Much Money For And Why appeared first on .

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