How you Protect your Financial Assets During a Divorce

A divorce can be an emotionally draining time and often in more ways than just one. If you are not careful, it could be financially draining as well. It is easy to let your personal finances fall through the cracks during the events of your divorce as it is very emotionally distracting. 

There is also the possibility that you are having to split your assets to your ex-spouse or lose them altogether. 

However, there are steps that you can take to protect your assets from being taken or divided with your spouse as part of the divorce settlement. What can you do to protect yourself?

Establish Your Own Bank, Credit and Investment Accounts

If money from your own paycheck goes into your own bank account, it is easier to claim that it is a separate asset. Putting a credit card in your own name means that your spouse cannot use it to rack up debt that you may need to liquidate assets to repay. 

Having your own investment accounts enables you to claim that at least some of your portfolio is a separate asset that shouldn't be taken from you. 

Ask for a Prenuptial Agreement or Postnuptial Agreement

As long as it is done properly, a prenuptial agreement can state what happens to property before you even contemplate a divorce. 

If you own a business or have other valuables, you know ahead of time how they will be handled in the event of a divorce. A postnuptial agreement is much like a prenuptial agreement, but it is put into place after the marriage is official.

Learn the Art of Negotiation

Depending on where you live, marital property may be divided in an equitable fashion or divided 50/50. If it is divided in an equitable fashion, you may be able to get your former spouse to agree to forego a claim to a license or patent in exchange for a lump sum payment today. 

Your spouse may also agree to give up a claim in exchange for also being held harmless if you lose a judgment in the future related to misuse of that license or patent.

There is also a lot more when it comes to negotiating the aspects of your divorce that can impact your personal finances and assets. For example, are you a parent? Were you the money maker in your marriage. 

These aspects of your divorce will affect your financial situation. If children come into play, there is a possibility you may have to pay for child support. There is also the possibility that you may have to split money with your ex-spouse in order to help your child go through school or other activities they may be involved in. 

There is also a possibility that you may have to pay alimony to your ex-spouse. This can cost you a lot of money over time and it many cases it usually lasts until they re-marry. 

Therefore you want to be careful in how you negotiate these terms in order to protect your assets. This is where your lawyer will come in handy.

Hire an Attorney

Hiring someone such as Thomas A Corletta may increase your odds of protecting your assets. 

Legal counsel may be able to use state law to your advantage when it comes to dividing property in a divorce. If informal negotiations don't work, a formal trial may enable you to keep what is yours.

After a divorce, you will need your money more than ever to pay rent, pay off past debt or to provide for your child. 

Therefore, make sure that you take every step possible to protect your assets before, during and after a divorce. 

Hints on Improving Asset Management for Your Rental

A rental property is by all means an asset, no doubt about it. And, just like it is the case with the majority of different assets, its value can be increased with the help of a couple of right actions. 

In case of rentals, the more valuable an asset is the better management it requires in order to increase its overall value and the income it brings. Having this in mind, it needs continual attention and dedication. These hints will help you nurture your property and improve its management, increasing your profit along the way.

A change in mindset

The first requirement that needs to be fulfilled is the mindset change. You need to think about your rental and approach it as an asset, not a property. Rental property is basically a static thing, and its management is too, with a fixed rate that rarely changes, routine maintenance and constant value which changes beyond our influence. 

On the other hand, asset management is all about ensuring that the value of the rental becomes more valuable with time, instead of leaving it to statistics and chance.

Be on top of things

In order to properly manage an asset, you need to know everything about it at any time of day and night. Every property is unique in a way and will require personal attendance to a certain extent and that will be time consuming. 

On the other hand, data such as location, rental rates, maintenance schedule and investment plans, to name a few, can be dealt with more easily using suitable software, Combining these methods will help you save time and stay on top of things continually and efficiently.

Multiple asset management

As you are probably well aware, managing multiple assets is an activity that demands even more attention and time. What makes it such is the fact mentioned above, that is, every asset is unique in a way and the individual tenants’ expectations are always at least somewhat different. 

If you feel you are losing control over both individual expectations and general management details, it is high time you turned to an asset advisory service. The increased income will surely justify the investment.

Availability, prompt reactions and rent raise

Individual contact with your tenants and prompt addressing of their needs is the key to establishing an atmosphere where your work is highly appreciated. In return, exceptional customer service will separate you from the competition and provide a foundation for raising a rent and the overall asset value. 

Making regular visits is expected, but the best way to make this happen is to set up an online platform where the tenants can interact with you when needed. Be available, react promptly and everyone will profit.

Intensify and improve maintenance schedule

It is important to understand that the shape your property is in has a strong impact on its overall value. A well organized, scheduled and regularly performed maintenance is essential in keeping things under control and of great importance in keeping both your tenants and yourself pleased. 

Living in a perfectly functional home is what every tenant expects and it is the owner’s responsibility to provide it. Also, keep in mind that regular maintenance prevents small problems from escalating into large issues.

Managing a rental is managing an asset. If you are ever in doubt about that, just think of how many people in this world dream of owning a real estate, let alone rent one. Having this in mind at all times, give your best in making the most of what you have, any effort invested will be

Six Items That Hold Their Value Well, And When You Should Consider Selling Them

The stock market isn't the only place you can invest your money. With the volatile nature of the global economy, more people than ever are on the search for non-traditional investments that will allow them to continue building wealth. Read ahead for a look at six unique items that tend to hold their value in practically any economic climate.

Domain Names

Over the years, entrepreneurs and investors have made an incredible amount of money buying up generic domain names and then reselling them down the road. Also known as domain flipping and cybersquatting, this practice is incredibly lucrative for those who can find domain names with popular keywords and phrases.

Wine

Anyone who is interested in this type of investment should keep in mind that certain wines will hit a maximum value after just a few years. Investors must take some time to research the market and get an idea about which wines are profitable and how long they can be stored.

Rare Coins

Rare coins have been a popular investment option and hobby for many years. Unlike bullion coins which hold their value due to the metal they are made of, rare coins have a higher value because of their scarcity. Just as with wine, it is important to research the market and gain a better understanding of coins before making any purchases. Consider Rocky Mountain Coin Inc if you want to buy or sell rare coins.

Classic Cars

The vast majority of cars will lose their value over the years, but classic cars are an exception to that rule. A classic car can be any vehicle that is old enough to hold historical interest and continue increasing in value as long as it is maintained. In some cases, a single classic car restoration can result in a five-figure return on investment.

Sports Memorabilia

We have all heard stories of signed shoes and old baseball cards being sold for millions of dollars. While most sports memorabilia will never reach those prices, they can still hold their value almost indefinitely. With most memorabilia, the key to a good investment is verifying that it is an authentic item. 

Old Toys

The difference between investing in old toys and collecting old toys is the emotional attachment you have to the items. Those who have a strong connection to a certain brand or style will either need to detach themselves emotionally when it comes time to sell or consider another item to invest in.

Hopefully, these six ideas will give you a fresh take on some ways you can invest without dumping more money into the stock market.

5 Financial Programs to Investigate after Receiving an Injury

Sometimes life can take unexpected turns. If you are injured in an accident, you feel like your life has been turned upside down with no end in sight. Bills just keep piling up, and you do not know where to turn. Fortunately, there are financial options to pursue if you need help after receiving an injury.

Disability Insurance

Private insurance companies offer this type of insurance if you cannot work because of an injury. After you have been injured, you file a claim. If approved, the insurance company will pay what you would have received at your workplace. You must be able to prove that you can no longer work.

Social Security Benefits

If you are injured at work and cannot work because of your injury, social security disability insurance is available. You will be required to take a physical exam and fill out numerous forms of paperwork to be accepted, but you could be able to obtain social security benefits.

Find a Lawyer

If you have been seriously injured, you need to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. Attorneys can help relieve your anxiety and file any claims that need to be filed. 

They will look at your situation and tell you the best course of action. Professionals, like those at Tarkowsky & Piper Co., L.P.A., use many resources for each case. Utilizing any available resources in such a situation is paramount to success. 

Most personal injury attorneys do not ask for a fee unless your case is won. They will give you advice on how to proceed and whether or not they can help you with your case.

Workers Compensation

If you have been injured at work, you should qualify for worker’s compensation. This can help you pay for medical bills, and it can provide you with income if you cannot work because of your injury. It will give you financial relief while you are recovering.

Obtain a Loan

If pills are just adding up, you might look into the option of obtaining a home equity loan. You can use the equity in your home to take money out. This is a last option if you still need money after pursuing the other options. 

However, this can be risky because if you cannot pay, your home is collateral. Therefore, make sure you can make the payments. This is only a temporary solution.

Suffering an injury can be a very stressful time in your life. However, there are things you can do to help you keep your head above water financially. This will then give you time to heal and get back on track.

Do You Have Optimal Water Conservation in Your Rental Property?

A green mindset is growing in popularity nowadays, and with fair right. The issues of climate change, global warming, depletion of nature’s resources, overwhelming pollution and carbon footprint are some of the key problems shaking up the international scene. 

The eco-conscious activists are busier than ever with one unified goal: saving our planet.

One of these pressing matters, is the problem of a lack of drinking and utility water. United Nations officials report that 20% of the total population is troubled by water scarcity and the available levels are dropping at a galloping speed everywhere on Earth.

With all this in mind, we have gathered some useful ideas on water conservation. Cut the waste of water and lower the costs for your rented home with some novel, highly efficient water technologies.

Double flush converters

Dual flush toilet converters are rather handy water-conserving toilet apertures. They are easy to install on almost any type of toilet and the complete replacement of a tank or bowl is not required. Owing to their smart design and adaptable flush characteristics, the converters enable us to limit the water amount that’s being used per tenant.

Another plus for these converters is their wallet-friendly price, so the saving is doubled: It saves money as a quick fix and lowers the utility expenditure in the long run. This convenience is perfect for the landlords who handle the bill, but it can also attract the tenants who take care of it themselves.

The superiority of faucet aerators

The aerators are basically a kind of an inexpensive extension for the faucet and the installation is quickly completed by screwing in the device that adapts to any house faucet type. 

It effectively deals with dispersing effect, softens the stream sound and maximises the pressure of water output. Also, the aerators moulds the released flow and helps conserve this precious liquid and heating up energy.

Drainage

You may be wondering what drains have to do with the whole water saving agenda, but only the proper maintenance of the whole water system yields comprehensive results, advise us Sydney-based specialists for blocked drains. 

Make sure the pipes are not clogged with the excess material and thus prompting leaks in unreachable joints. The waste water can also find its way back and make an unwanted damage. Search for foul smells and difficulty when emptying the sink, bath or toilet bowl.

Shower heads with lower flow

The majority of shower heads draw excessive amounts of water and the waste is considerable. To have improved management of water, go for smart shower heads with stream control traits.

Eco models of shower apparatus allow us to revel in the wonderful, warm shower while minimising the use of water involved. The market offers quite a few varieties, so pick the one that matches your funds and aesthetic preferences.

Tank bags for toilets

The inserts used for toilet tanks pose as a rapid solution for rented property with significant water waste problems. Cost-effective and uncomplicated for installation, these tank bags help cut down on water used for flushing and leave your regular habits as they were.

It depends on the water capacity of the tank and personal flushing needs whether you’re a good fit for brim-full inserts for top saving or demi-full setting that provides a more powerful flush.

Valves for flow control

Flow control valves are constructed to temporarily minimise or utterly block the water current when it’s in use. They display formidable performance in sink apertures with no dishwasher by stream reduction during soaping step, and in baths with similar minimising effect during body soaping. Apart from saving water, these intelligent mechanisms also aid in saving on electricity expenditure as the water heating process is doubly efficient.

The experts say a combination of a few saving devices produces even better results. For instance, tank bags can cohabitate with intelligent shower add-ons. Add a control valve into the equation and the energy efficiency rises by half.

Water is definitely the amenity we shouldn’t take for granted. Spend it economically, and to make that happen, employ one of these simple solutions.

4 Useful Forex Systems You Must Know to Become a Better Trader

Is it wise for me to trade Forex all the time? A question that is pretty common among traders. Neither seasoned traders nor rookies have any knowledge on this matter,as there is no right answer to this question. Even if no one knows the answer, you should think of some factors that can help you learn about some common Forex systems.

There are many possible answers to be considered. Depending on the skill of the trader and also their own preferences, the result may vary. 

There are many alternatives that a trader can use in order to work, so there is no 100% right answer,yet some options are better than others. Now let us mention the most efficient ideas that traders use in Forex.

Following Trends

The basic rule of this technique is to simply follow the trends as stated by the name. Some consider it to be the easiest way of trading Forex because the traders just have to go with the flow.

To use this method the trader would be buying low, which would guarantee getting a good price for their benefits, as well as selling high, which would give the trader an excellent outcome in terms of investments. 

As the trader becomes more experienced, they are will be more likely to get better results.So for people who feel comfortable following trends this way of trading is highly recommendable.

Scalping

Scalping may be the most demanding method as it requires a trader to be extremely disciplined. To make this method work, one must trade every single day with no exception in order to get good results.

One of the main requisites of this technique is that the trader must have a high success ratio, over 70% in fact, if this condition is not met the results will be detrimental to the trader’s account. Another important factor in trading with Forex 1 minute scalping strategy is to be very strict with Stop Loss if one is to make a decent profit by covering their losing positions with their winning ones.

Event Trading

If a trader is aware of news of world economics and main events,it is possible to use this knowledge to their advantage and ensure their success in Forex trading. But remember that one should only take into account the news that may have a direct effect on the market so you can make the most of it.

An important factor to keep in mind when using this strategy is that there are higher chances of losing, so the success ratio is not as high as with the other options. This happens because of the high co-dependence on events and their impact and how difficult they can be to predict. 

Therefore, this system requires using techniques like high volume and average trading. This system also demands trading almost every single day or at least during days when news become more relevant.

Last But Not Least: Long Term Positions

As the name clearly states, this system involves making long term investments. The key to his method is patience as traders often set goals as far as six months to a year. During this time positions may experience irregularities reaching both tops and bottoms so it is imperative to use techniques like averaging.

Following trends, being disciplined, awareness, and patience are all parts of what make a good trader. There is no right answer as to which aspect is more important as each of them work better for different kinds of people. 

A good trader always knows their strengths and weaknesses. It does not matter which of these methods you chose as long as you make a plan and stick to it and if it does not work at first you can always come back to this list and pick another.

How to Create the Ultimate Home Theater Room

Many of us dream about having the ultimate home theater room in our homes, and it’s actually much more achievable than you might think. Here is the ultimate guide to creating the perfect space for watching movies in your home.

Choose a TV or projector.

Usually the first question homeowners ask as they are planning to create a home theater in their home is this: “Should I get a TV or a projector?” Here are the pros and cons of each.

TV

Some of the biggest advantages that TVs have are their ease of installation, ease of use, and ability to be used even in a lit room. 

Just about anyone can install a TV in their home, and once installed, using it is pretty much as simple as hitting the power button. You don’t need to wait for a TV to warm up before using it, and you don’t need to black out any windows before settling down to watch a movie, either. 

LED HDTVs are especially energy efficient, and this makes them relatively affordable to own. And since smaller TV screens are becoming a thing of the past, owning, say, a 70-inch TV is now more affordable than ever.

Projector

Still, projectors still hold the advantage of being more affordable per square inch when it comes to larger screen sizes. And before you assume that TVs still offer better image quality than projectors, take note that projector technology has made tremendous strides in recent years. 

Projectors are getting brighter and brighter, and they are providing extremely good blacks as well—even when there is ambient light. The images produced by projectors also tend to be easier on the eyes that those produced by TVs. 

If you end up opting for a projector, just make sure that you also invest in a high quality screen that will maximize the quality of your image.

Don’t skimp on sound.

If there’s one thing that will truly transform a room with a TV into a full fledged home theater, surround sound is probably it. 

A comprehensive home theater sound system will typically include at five satellite speakers (two front, two rear, and one center-channel) and a subwoofer. 

Many people who are creating their own home theaters will purchase a home theater speaker system that includes all of these components as stand-alone speakers; however, if you really want to step things up, you might consider making some of your speakers (such as the two front and two rear satellite speakers) in-wall speakers like this one.

Use reliable wiring.

In addition to high end visual and audio setups, you’ll also want to ensure that the wiring you use is high quality and reliable. If you’re unsure as to which wires and cables you’ll need for your home theater, this article is a great place to start. 

And if you want your home theater to maintain a clean and professional look, you should consider installing this wiring behind your walls as well.

Invest in prime seating.

This is where you’ll definitely want to invest in oversized, comfortable seating. Many people opt for oversized recliners (many of which even feature cupholders), but you might also consider giant bean bags, chaise lounges, or an oversized sectional sofa. 

If you plan on having more than one row of seating in your home theater, then you’ll definitely want to consider stadium style seating featuring multiple levels so that everyone in the theater can see the screen.

Add end tables.

On the subject of furniture, you shouldn’t forget end tables, either—at least to serve as a place for keeping your drinks, the remote, etc.

Include a place for refreshments.

It’s also a good idea to include space in your home theater for keeping refreshments on hand. You might include a mini refrigerator for drinks, as well as a cabinet or two for snacks—equipped with handles that you can easily find in the dark (a topic you can read more about here).

Control light.

The lighting in your theater will also have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere. First, be sure that you install blackout window treatments that will allow you to block out as much light as possible, so that you can enjoy watching movies in a truly dark room (this is especially important if your home theater has a projector). 

It’s also a good idea to add dimmable lighting to your theater to give it that movie theater ambiance. Many people opt for lighting that they can control with a remote for added convenience.

Add small details.

Finally, there are several small details that you can add to your theater room to truly set it apart and make it fit for movie viewing. Here are a few ideas:

• Large, comfortable blankets
• Large ottoman
• Shelving for movies
• Popcorn machine
• Framed movie posters
• Coasters for the end tables

There you have it. Building the ultimate home theater room is a dream that can be achieved and it will be the most favorite place in the house for the entire family.

Family-Run Bookstore: An Investment in the Future

If you love to lose yourself into the magic of reading, spend countless hours imagining the world and reliving the lives of the characters from your favorite books, and in addition to all of that you would love to one day retire and have something to leave to your family, then opening a bookstore is a perfect thing for you. 

It is a great opportunity to turn your passion into something real. Not only will it bring you great revenue, but you will also enrich your community and boost cultural growth of your neighborhood. Every beginning is challenging, and by following the below listed steps, you can succeed in turning your dreams into reality.

Do a proper research

Since there are already plenty bookstores out there, you need to make sure that opening yet another one will actually bring you income. Talk to small business owners, and use the information they provide for your own benefit. 

Explore many different niches, and see which one needs to be focused on and which ones are unexplored. Determine whether the market will support another bookstore or not. Ask your friends for their opinion, create polls and surveys online about what people would love to read and see in the bookstores. Once you have all these information, you are ready for the next step.

Come up with a business plan

Creating a business plan is very important part of starting a new business. It is basically a document which describes your proposed venture, states your goals and the ways of achieving them. Your business plan will develop you a solid income, if the developers and investors find it interesting and worth investing for. 

Therefore, conducting a proper research and putting all the pieces together is crucial for creating a proper business plan, one that will actually bring you investors. Make sure you do not neglect the financial part, for that is what the investors read first. If they see that their investments could return in no time, you are ready to go.

Find a decent location

Another very important part of opening a success business is its location. It is not the same if you open a bookstore next to another one and if you open one in the area where there is none. 

There are many factors that will affect your business, and getting a good location is essential. It has to be located in the area rich with pedestrians and traffic, and once you have this part settled, all that is left is to open a store and make it legal.

Becoming a legal store owner

Once all of the above stated steps are complete, all that is left is to apply for a business license, assemble the store and fill the shelves with books. Make sure the shelves are not filled with different niches, for that will totally look frivolous. 

It is true to say that getting custom shelving solutions will cost a bit more money, but it is more than likely to attract more attention and more potential clients. 

Once everything is in place, all that is left is to contact local retailers and order your books. Stack the books by niche, and do not by any means mix the niches. This will make it easier for customers to find books they are looking for. 

Advertise your business

Last step is all about spreading the word. Use social media, Youtube, create an event or send emails, all in order to let the people know that there is a new bookstore in town. 

If you manage to get special deals, offer them as an opening courtesy for the first buyers only. Before you know it, your bookstore will be in business and you will have something to leave for your younger ones once you are ready to retire.

By the time you reach the right age for an early retirement, your generated income should be enough to keep you covered for the rest of your days, and your family members will be able to take over the business for you. 

There is no bigger happiness than doing what you love and passing the same passion on to your children.

Home Plumbing: How to Save Money on your Monthly Utility bills

Utility bills are a necessary evil. One of the most annoying utility bills is most likely your water. In fact, your water bill is probably higher if you have multiple people living in your household. 

So how do you save money on your water bill each month? If you are looking for ways to save money on your home's water bill, you may be searching for methods that will not impact your use of water. 

After all, you may not want to rush through bathing to take a two minute shower or skimp on hygiene functions like washing your hands. The reality is that you need water in the home, but you may not want to pay a fortune for it. These tips will help you to curb your usage of water without impacting how you use it. 

Install Low-Flow Shower Heads

Low-flow shower heads and faucets are aerated. This means that they are designed to deliver a powerful stream of water to you without using so much water. Rather than relying solely on water pressure, they also rely on air pressure to create a forceful stream. 

This means that your experience using the water features is not impaired in any way, but you will use less water. Companies like HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric can help you to install new shower heads and faucets.

Update Your Toilets

Energy efficient toilets are still relatively a new thing over the last 10-15 years. If you live in a relatively old home, it would probably be smart to update your toilet. Today's toilets are designed to use significantly less water with each flush. 

Some have advanced technology that lets you decide if you need more or less water based on the type of waste that is in the toilet bowl. If you can’t update your toilet yet, you can at the very least adjust your water levels on your toilet to help you save on your water bill each month.

Invest in a Sprinkler System

A sprinkler system can help you to save money on your water bill as well. This is because these systems can be installed so that water is only distributed on the vegetation rather than falling on the driveway, street and other paved surfaces. 

It can also be placed evenly so that there is minimal water waste, and you can program the settings so water usage is fully controlled.

Invest in a Tankless Hot Water Heater

Tankless water heaters are becoming a thing now, especially if you are the kind of person that is looking for energy efficiency and looking to save on your water bills each month. 

You can also invest in a new hot water heater to save money on water consumption. Think about how much water you waste when you turn on the faucet to wash your hands with warm water or to take a shower. 

You may wait a minute or longer each time to draw hot water from the system. A tankless hot water heater heats water on demand immediately, and there are benefits associated with this.

As you can see, it is possible to save money on your water usage without changing how you use hot water and cold water. If you are interested in exploring new ways to save money on your water usage, consider working with a plumber to make some improvements to your home. 

You will also want to take a look at how you can decrease your water usage in order to save money on a month to month basis.