Should you Invest in Property, Gold or Stocks this 2014

Once all the new year celebrations are done with, it is time to deal with the more intricate and complex things that are bound to shape the rest of your 2014, at least in financial terms. Investing has always been an important aspect for every salaried man as it increases their chances at a better life and a slightly higher income. However, these investments always tag along with their own set of risks, which also need to be addressed so as to not lose all your savings in the same. Therefore, before you even consider investing, you need to measure the pros and cons of the same. Ideally, there are three markets which seem intensely attractive to an investor and can help give you good returns depending on the situation. However, the question is, where should you invest? Given below is a detailed account of what you can possibly expect and where you are likely to achieve more positive results.

1.) Real estate:

Essentially, price and the corresponding affordability have a huge impact on the decisions that you make. In any ideal situation, the gap between price and affordability should be lower. However, with the year 2013 rounding up and even after the beginning of 2014, the real estate market has not shown any real improvement. The gap between these two fators continues to widen, with the property rates shooting up every passing day and the corresponding affordability staying constant or sinking down due to the inability of employers to raise income. Therefore, the negative growth in income and the continuous growth in property rates make it extremely volatile for you to invest in real estate. It is being predicted that this scenario is likely to change with the advent of General Elections; however, it is very unlikely that this will have any effect on the benefits that you may enjoy from investing in real estate this 2014.

2.) Stock market:

In Jan 2008, Sensex achieved a commendable feat of reaching 21000 level points. But instead of things improving from that point on, there has been a nearly 50% downfall. Therefore, many people are flustered as to whether or not this is the right area for invetsing in 2014.

Ideally, predicting how a stock market will do is not in the hands of people. Even the best investor or employee may be unable to answer that for you. The fact if the stock market will climb at least 24000 points and upwards remains a mystery. However, the sustainable bull market plays the deciding role for this and since the two factors that define this phenomenon– inflation and interest rates are not exactly in the country’s favour, it may be difficult to predict.

3.) Gold:

Gold has not just been the jewellery of choice but also a popular choice among investors. However, with the prices of gold falling to an all time low, with nearly 40% the past year, this trend continues to see the lower grounds even in 2014 and therefore, would not be very advisable. Not much progress in prices was made past 2013, and the situation is likely to remain the same or fall even further.

4.) So, where should you invest?

Ideally, it would be most rewarding to have your investments in products that are also known as debt products.This includes a vast range of fixed deposits and bonds. It is important that the places in which you invest will give you a redeemable offer and help save money at the very same time. As a rule of thumb, investing in Mutual funds, especially the short term bond funds will do your finances and savings a world of good this 2014.

Author’s bio:
Cher Keel is a finance analyst and works with a well known financial company. She enjoys learning nd reading extensively on investments. She is also a guest lecturer at a renowned finance institute and also writes a finance blog giving out investment advice.

Estate Planning: The Four Vital Steps To Take With Your Assets

A well maintained portfolio is vital to any investor's success in today's marketplace. You need to know how to figure out an asset allocation. The asset allocation needs to match your personal investment strategies and goals. Your portfolio needs to meet your future needs for funds. It needs to give you peace of mind as well. These portfolios can be set to your investment strategies and goals. You should take an organized approach.

Figuring Out The Appropriate Asset Allocation For You

The first chore in building a portfolio is to work out your individual financial situation as well as investment goals. There are significant items to consider that will ultimately help you decide which direction to take and the vehiclet that will get you there. You should consider the amount of time you have to develop your investments. By defining the time sensitivity of your goals will help you calculate the amount given and how many years it will take to get there. Once that is listed you will also need to determine the amount that you will need to be satisfied. Caclulate your age, living standards and who is dependent on you. This setting of goals will help you determine what strategies to take.

Investment Strategies

An older person close to retirement has different investment strategies than a younger person that is just starting out. Investment strategies can vary from person to person. You also need to factor in your risk tolerance and personality. If your investment takes a short term drop and you begin to stress out about it, then the high returns from those types of assets are not worth the stress. Another factor you should look at is the trusts that need to be made. If you have several people that are dependent or that you want to have your money when you are gone you need to decide what type of trusts should be made.

Asset Distribution

When you take care of your current situation and your future needs for money, this will determine how your investment should be distributed among various asset classes. Sometimes when you take risks, you get big returns. You do not want to eliminate risk all together. You want to optimize it for unique style and condition. For example, a young person can afford to take greater risks in the quest for high returns if they do not have to rely on his or her investments for income. Protecting assets would be the goal of an older person. They also need to draw income from these assets. This needs to be done in a tax effective manner. Handlilng your finances through a law firm like Donnell Law Group will help you focus on estates, wills, civil litigation and administrative law.

Achieving Your Portfolio

After you have made your decision on the correct asset distribution, you can separate your money between the proper asset classes. These are equities and bonds. You can break these asset classes down into subclasses as well. There are various ways that you can select your assets and securities.

Should you invest in real estate this 2014?

When it comes to the real estate market, it is a known fact that the year 2013 was an extremely disappointing one. The performance by this sector did nothing to build up spirits of people investing in real estate and only really dampened them. Be it any sector, residential or commercial and even properties for retail purposes, there was absolutely no silver lining whatsoever. 

However, a new year has begun and investors are hopeful that the situation may take a different route and this year would be favourable for investing in real estate and buy flats Andheri. Ideally, experts are of the opinion that the latter half of 2014 will be a more beneficial period when it comes to investing in real estate. 

This is mainly due to the fact that the general elections will have been conducted and the situation may get more under control, thus helping the real estate sector in the bargain. Given below are some pieces of information offered by professionals and experts belonging to real estate so as to guide you in terms of real estate investment.

1.) Investing in commercial property:

When it comes to the commercial real estate sector, it is a known fact that 2013 was the most unfortunate year for this sector as it suffered most among its residential and retail counterparts. The owners of this real estate had to essentially suspend the activities wherein they were to lease the property simply because the market was way too uncertain and there was an obvious hurdle of the sales suddenly slowing down to a halt. 

To put it simply, the earnings made by a person as an individual and that by the entire corporate sector are essentially the deciding factors this year. Besides, the numbers of banks that wish to begin offering their services also affect the rate of commercial properties.

In 2014, the experts predict a growth in the supply rate and therefore, the rate of vacancy that was quite low in the past year is likely to increase this 2014 and therefore, the future of commercial real estate in 2014 looks bright, considering the fact that there are tax breaks being permitted by the Government when it comes to real estate investment trusts. 

2.) Investing in residential real estate:

In the beginning of the year 2013, the major metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi NCR as also Pune suffered immensely when it came to real estate. The macroeconomy in 2013 was highly disappointing and the effect was visible on the residential real estate sector. 

The rupee continued to disappoint with a below average rate and there was no rise in the income level whatsoever, not to mention the fact that inflation was at an all time high. Therefore, individuals had to think twice before investing in real estate and they let the economic conditions take the better of them.

The general elections are likely to be the main reason why individuals would refrain from buying residential real estate or investing in the same in the first half of the New Year, 2014. While the prices of residential real estate are estimated to increase, the completion of the general election is likely to see a few individuals beginning to invest, following which a handful of other individuals are likely to follow suit. 

There are several residential real estate buildings that have merely been built but since the interest rates are quite high in first 6 months of 2014, they are likely to see the light of the day in the second half when the interest rates will dwindle. Therefore, if you wish to buy flats Andheri this 2014, you must consider waiting it out for the initial 6 months.

Author’s bio:

Margaret Clint is a real estate analyst and has been in this profession for over 12 years. She is known to offer advice when individuals wish to buy flats Andheri. She has a professional background in marketing management and worked as a real estate agent in the initial years of her career.

Using Your Retirement Fund to Invest

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

Real estate is a hot commodity at the moment. Millions of people around the world are doing whatever they can to buy properties with the intent of selling them or renting them out to save for retirement. If you are looking to retire in the next few years, how can you use your retirement fund to invest in real estate?

Invest In A Superannuation Property

A superannuation property is a property that you buy using funds that you have saved up for retirement. The government changed the rules in 2007 to allow people to buy property directly from their retirement account. The upside is that you can potentially reduce capital gains and other taxes to nothing if you hold the proper inside of your retirement account long enough. Typically, you would have to pay capital gains and other taxes if you sold a property that owned outside of your retirement account.

What Should You Watch Out For?

If you are going to invest in a super property, you should consider the cost of doing so. While you can borrow money to help you finance the purchase, it is common for lenders to require a down payment of as much as 35 percent. This means that you would have to put down $35,000 to purchase a home worth $100,000. Interest rates may also be higher if you decide to invest with your retirement money.

How Much Do You Need to Invest?

Experts advise you to have at least $200,000 or more in your retirement account before thinking about investing in a super property. However, you can make any investment that you have the means to pay for. If you are over the age of 50, you should strongly consider making such a move because it can provide you with a stable income that can be earned for the rest of your life. Those who are interested in passing on wealth to their families, passing down real estate can be a good way to do that. 

What Are the Costs to Buying These Types of Properties?

Setting up a retirement account can cost thousands of dollars. There may be as much as $3,500 worth of initial set up fees. Each bank is allowed to charged more or less than that amount depending on how it operates. In addition to the cost of setting up the account, you have to take into account the extra interest that you are going to have to pay on any mortgage that you take out. It isn't uncommon to see lenders charge as much as 2 percent extra in interest per year.

Make Sure the Loan Is Gone Before You Plan to Retire

It is critical that the loan is paid off or almost completely paid off before you retire. If it isn't you could be relying on the mercy of the housing market or your tenant making timely rent payments. In addition, you need to make sure that the loan is a non-recourse loan. Loans that don't comply with this rule could be subject to a 46.5 percent tax. As with any other investment, make sure that you seek out qualified advice from someone who understands what you are trying to accomplish.

There are many good reasons why you should invest in real estate using your retirement money. However, make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons and have a plan to pay down any loan that you take out. Otherwise, you could have a hard time trying to recoup your money once you stop working on a full-time basis.

Routes to Making Money Post-Retirement

There are a number of reasons why you might want to continue making money after retirement. Perhaps you need to top up your income in order to continue living the lifestyle you enjoy, want to keep adding to your savings account, or want to be able to fund trips away. Whatever your reason, this article looks at ways to make money post-retirement, from the practical to the innovative.

Invest Money

Sensible investments can be a great way to grow your savings after retirement. As you grow older you might want to move away from volatile investments and stick to those that yield a potentially lower but steadier return. Maintaining a diverse investment portfolio is also a good idea for long term safety. This should ideally include a number of asset classes across various industries and on all levels of equities. You might like to invest some money in countries with emerging markets, such as Egypt for example, to protect against potential economic downturns back home. Whether it’s loading up your savings account or buying a share in a foreign business, investing for the long term is also a good idea to allow funds to grow. Speak to your accountant or banking professional for sound advice on the best way to proceed.

Work Part Time

Just because you’ve retired it doesn’t mean that you want to stop working, or that you have enough money to cease work altogether. Many retirees in the US are employed in part time work and find it fits in well with their lifestyle. Work could be related to skills you have acquired over your working life, or you could branch out into something completely different. There is always the option of temp work related to your previous employment. Private tutoring for high school and college students is a great way to earn good money for retirees with knowledge of a particular subject area. For those who want to stay active gardening and handyman work can be good options, or working as a local tour guide. 

Start Your own Business

If you’ve always had ideas about a business you'd like to set up then retirement presents the perfect opportunity to do it. At this stage it is best to avoid business plans that have a potentially high risk, and you certainly shouldn’t invest a high proportion of your savings. Think busineeses that require minimal investment and can make use of other assets and skills that you already have. This could be dog walking, consulting, catering, pet sitting, or turning your property into a bed and breakfast. 

Make Money from Your Space

For those with large or multiple properties there are plenty of opportunities for making a bit of extra money post-retirement. The most lucrative option is to take on a lodger in one of your rooms or let an entire property to ensure a regular monthly income. If you are considering travelling during your retirement then renting out your property while you are away presents another money making opportunity. If you have an empty garage or outhouse there is also the possibility of converting this into office or storage space and renting it out.

Whatever you choose to do, there is plenty of opportunity to continue making money after retirement by making use of the skills and assets you have built up over your working life. Have you already retired and have money-making tips for others? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Frederick Hale writes on personal finance and investment for the web. Since retiring last year, he has been in the process of developing his own website on post-retirement advice.

Investment Ideas For Retired People Who Need Extra Cash

Credit for image

Regardless of what you did for a living during your working life and how much you managed to save, sometimes we find the money just won’t stretch far enough when we reach retirement, and this is where many unexpected problems can arise. You see; the basic state pension in most countries will only just about cover your food bills and living costs, which means you’re going to have to think about ways of earning more money if you want to raise your standard of living. That said; it’s not always easy for elderly people to achieve this, which is exactly the reason why I’ve taken some time out of my schedule to write this short article this afternoon.

Presuming you’ve still got lots of money saved up but you know it won’t last until your last days, deciding to look at the many investment opportunities available for people in your situation could be the best move you ever make. Most consider investments to be far too volatile to trust, but so long as you do some research and put in the ground work, they can actually provide an extra stable income without too much effort on your part. So, if this sounds interesting, read on, and I’ll try to explain how you can benefit. 

The Stock Market and Precious Metals

Gold prices around the world reached an all time high only a few months ago, and this means that millions of savvy people who saw the surge coming have managed to secure themselves some frankly astonishing profits. Likewise, people who manage to make similar predictions within stock market trading can do just as well, so this is something I think you should all try to understand. Alternatively, if you really can’t get your head around metals or stocks and shares, it might be wise to contact a reputable brokerage company to see how they can help. I’d personally check out the reviews on TheBrokerageReview website to get started. 

New Businesses In Your Local Area

If investing in the stock market sounds a little too complicated, then another good idea would be to look for new firms in your local area who need a helping hand. You see; many governments around the world are currently waiving business rates in an attempt to encourage innovation, and this means thousands of new companies are appearing on the market every month. All you need to do is find a local one with potential and offer to buy in as a silent partner. You won’t have to spend your days working, but you’ll be first to get paid when the profits start rolling in. 

Global Currencies

Admittedly, you’re going to need a good knowledge of currency fluctuations to make a success of this, but as all the information you need is available free online, those with the inclination should have no trouble making a profit. As you probably realise, exchange rates change constantly, which means anyone capable of buying large amounts of currency when rates are low stands to cash in when the rates increase and they resell. Simples!

Right, that’s enough about investments for today; I’m getting a bit of a headache, and the kids will be back from school anytime soon. Good luck with whatever you opt to do in the future

10 Low Risk Investments Reaping High Returns

With the rising cost of living, it’s very crucial that we put our money in something that will benefit us in the future. One way to do that is to invest our hard-earned cash in financial plans that will reap the highest returns possible. But a common misconception is that if you want to generate a higher return, you should invest in higher risk investment. But this isn’t true all the time. The following are some of the low risk investments, which have potential high return value. 

Certificates of Deposits

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings certificate entitling you, the payee, to receive interest. With the CD, you give your money to a financial institution for a specific length of time. In exchange for this, you get a fixed set of interest rate over a specific term period. If you choose to withdraw your funds before the term of CD terminates, you will be charged a penalty fee, which usually equals to three month’s worth of interest. 

Treasury Inflation Protected Securities

Also known as TIPS, these types of bond investments are designed to protect the investors against the negative impact of inflation. With TIPS, you’re guaranteed that you get your principal back, along with the interest rate. TIPS can be purchased directly from the government, or through banks and financial brokers. The minimum investment is $100, with $100 increments. 

US Savings Bonds

US savings bonds are one of the safest and low risk investments available, since they are backed up by the federal government. They offer a fixed rate of interest over a certain period of time, and are not subject to income taxes. There are two types of US savings bonds: the Series I and the Series EE bonds. The Series I bond works similarly with TIPS – the fixed rate is never changed, but the inflation return rate is adjusted every six months. The Series EE, on the other hand, has a fixed interest rate that is automatically added to the bond at the end of each month. 

Annuities

An annuity is a trade investment, wherein the insurance company pays you a guaranteed income at your retirement in exchange of your large sum of money. It works almost similar with CD. However in annuities, the interest rate is tax-deferred. There are many types of annuities, each of which has varying benefits and disadvantages. Talk to your financial advisor to know more about them. 

Money Market Accounts

Money market account is a type of savings account that offers competitive interest rate in exchange for a larger sum of deposits. This is a great investment option for those who want to gain higher returns. However, you may be required to maintain a certain balance to qualify for higher interest value, which is usually $1000. 

Cash Value Life Insurance

This is a type of life insurance that pays out the policy holder once a certain amount of premium has been paid to it. In addition, the amount contributed to the policy can also be used as a cash value that can be borrowed by the policy holder. In the event of death of the policy holder, the accrued value is transferred to his or her heirs, tax-free. Whole life, universal life, and variable life are all types of cash value life insurance. 

Municipal Bonds

Municipal bonds, also known as munis, are a debt security issued by a state or locality to finance its investment projects, such as schools, bridges, hospitals, and highways. The issuer of the bond receives cash from investors, like you, to fund its projects and gives it back on the agreed period of time. Municipal bonds carry interest, which is paid either in a fixed or variable rate, depending on the agreement. What makes this bond a better deal is aside from the higher interest rate, you also yield tax-free earnings. 

Preferred Stock

Preferred stock is a type of stock issued by corporations that has both equity (stock) and a debt (bond) instrument. Preferred stockholders have a larger distribution portion to company’s assets and earnings compared to common stockholders. If you want to own a share in a company, while getting dividends, then buy a preferred stock. 

Dividend Paying Stocks

Dividends are a distribution of portion of a company’s earnings to its stockholders. When you buy a share from a corporation, you are entitled to receive a dividend. If you’re looking for a way to increase your investment but worried where to put your money, then dividend paying stocks are a great choice. They are usually considered safe, especially if you choose to buy stocks from solid companies. 

Peer to Peer Lending

In P2P, instead of buying shares from a company or paying a financial institution, you lend your money to someone in the hope of gaining income. This type of investment can be a little risky, especially if don’t screen the person or company well. But with thorough screening, you can guarantee higher return value.

The truth is every type of investment is risky. But if you’re too worried that you might lose all your money in the end, then consider the medium to low risk investments mentioned above.

Michelle Mitch is a blogger who really likes to write about crocktock.com to get more information and updated.

Six Tips on Investing your Money without Risking Losing it All

Investing in the stocks can be very rewarding, but it is also full of risks. You could easily make a huge profit or lose everything. There are a variety of different strategies you can employ when investing in the stock market. Some people like to take bigger risks with the possibility of larger gains. However, a lot of people just want to steadily grow their investment without the risk of losing it all. There are many strategies that a conservative investor can use to safely invest in the stock market without taking a lot of risk.

Know the Stock Market

The first thing you will need to do is learn about the stock market. There are many types of stocks including technology, businesses, large cap, and small cap. You should also know if the stock market is in a recession or a depression. A great way to learn more about the stock market is by taking a class or by reading the wall street journal or another investment journal. The more you know, the easier it will be to evaluate each stock and decide what the best decision will be on buying or selling.

Research the Stocks You Are Interested In

Read up on the stocks that you are looking to invest in. For example, if you are looking to invest in Apple stocks, find out how the company is doing. See if the stocks have increased or decreased recently and if the stocks prices are expected to rise or fall. You don't want to throw your money in blindly. It's best to get as much information about each stock you plan to invest in so that you can make the most educated decision.

Know Your Risk

You should determine how much risk you are willing to take in order to turn a profit. If you are not a big risk-taker, you will need to determine how to invest in stocks safely. Invest only a small portion of your cash in the stock market. You can lose your money, including any future interest as well as the principal. You can decrease your risk by consulting with a professional and gaining as much knowledge as you can about market trends and what is expected to happen with the stock market.

Diversification

An important step in reducing the amount of risk you take on is diversification. Invest in many types of stocks including the technology sector, electricity, or international stocks as well as mutual funds and bonds. You should have at least ten different stocks in your portfolio. Invest only a small amount of your total into each stock. That way, if one you choose flops, at least you only lost a small percentage of your total investment.

Create an Emergency Fund

Since investing money in the stock market can be very risky, you should save up a large amount of cash that will last you six months in case of an emergency. You will know that you will have enough money in case you lose your investments. Investing is for your savings and your extra cash. You don't want to put all your eggs in one basket, so make sure you have back up savings in the meantime.

Rebalance Your Portfolio

You should always keep an eye on your portfolio. Re-balance the amount that you have invested in each stock so that one stock does not contain a large portion of the money you have invested. Experts recommend re-balancing your portfolio every six or twelve months.

Creating a well-balanced portfolio will help reduce your risk when investing in the stock market. Taking these steps should guarantee that you will not lose a large portion of your money. If you ever decide that you are taking on too much risk, then reevaluate what you are willing to invest and make changes to your portfolio.

Easy Tips For Simple Money Management

The process of managing money, including investments, budgeting, banking, and taxes. Also called investment management. So let's turn to the 21st century's primary source of information: Google. And that's when it gets a bit hairy. This is how a prominent website defines 'money management': Money doesn't buy happiness. 

It's not more important than your family, your friends or your health. But let's not kid ourselves - financial security gives you the freedom to make the choices that are right for you, and freedom can be the key to happiness. We'd all like to improve our money management skills, and the first step toward getting better at something is understanding it. 

Money management is a broad topic with a lot of different facets, so it's not surprising that Google pulls up some confusing results. But definitions of money management that get bogged down in the details miss an important point: the secret to good money management is simple. Price action just need commitment and organisation. But it isn't anywhere near as scary as it can sound. 

Analaura & Wilson Luna are Authors, Licensed Financial Planners and Founders of Your Family Your Money - a financial literacy resource hub designed to help families with Money Management. By being conscious of what you do with your money, you can use the principles of money management to build wealth and take control of your future. And hey - Google isn't always scary. After all, if you ask it to, it will bring you here. 

You're probably not feeling very inspired right now. In fact, if you're like most people, reading that has probably got you thinking that 'money management' is something best left to the professionals - people who know something about money. But what you may not have realized is that, when it comes to your money, the person who knows the most about it is you. 

Let's be clear: money management is a big topic, and there are lots of books, articles and advice that will help you deal with the specific issues you'll face as you work toward financial freedom. If you find out what they are and learn how to use them to make money management a part of your daily routine, you'll be able to make the best use of your resources and create a lifestyle for yourself that's a lot less stressful, with a lot more options for Money Management. 

This terminology can be a bit intimidating but the thing to remember is that these are just names for the tools that will help you sort out how much money you have, where it's going and how you can generate more of it. You know how much money you make and how much you spend - after all, you're the one spending it! Whether you're investing in the stock market or buying a sandwich, you make money management decisions every day of your life, and if you don't like the results you're getting all you need to do is change your habits. 

Like any subject, financial advice comes with its own language, so you've probably heard words like 'budget' and 'statement of net worth'. So what exactly do you do? Well, as we said, money management is a big topic and the learning process is going to be a lot easier if you take it one bit at a time. You can browse our list of articles for specific topics and you can check out our online store for comprehensive guides on how to create strong financial foundations for your family.

Australia, The New Frontier for Mature Business People

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For many retirees with investment funds and mature business people who want to start a fresh venture, Australia holds all the promise of a new frontier. The country welcomes foreign investors and commerce, but there are strict policies regulating money and businesses coming into Australia. The steps for investors and entrepreneurs are similar.

Planning for investors is crucial. They should research the market including threats and future opportunities in the area of their intended outlays. To get a physical presence in the country for assessment purposes, investors should obtain a business and innovation visa in one of two areas. The “Investor Stream” is for people who want to invest at least 1.5 million AUD (approximately $134 million) in an Australian territory or state and who intend to maintain business activity there. The other investment visa avenue is the “Significant Investor Stream” which targets people who are investing at least 5 million AUD in a complying business and who intend to maintain business activity in the country.

Some investments may require submitting a proposal to the government. Depending upon the kind of investment and the monetary value, the proposal may have to be reviewed and approved by the Australian Foreign Investment Board. In addition, investors must understand the current Australian regulatory environment and abide by it. Professional investment corporations who keep abreast of the changing economic climate can offer assistance.

Those wanting to start a business in Australia need to plan as well. First, entrepreneurs should get an accurate picture of their finances, strengths and weaknesses. This includes assets such as available personnel as well as money. There should be a well-defined and realistic business strategy which takes into account several things. A business plan should be in effect, including anticipated startup time and the market potential. In other words, people who want to start a business in Australia need to evaluate personal resources and the financial atmosphere surrounding the industry they are targeting, just as they would in beginning a venture in their own country.

What may be different for foreign business people is the system of regulations and requirements required by the Australian government. Businesses may be registered as foreign companies or as subsidiaries of existing businesses. Business people may buy franchises or even purchase companies already in existence. An understanding of the registrations and their applicable requisites is vital not only to set up the enterprise, but even to get into the country as a business person. Many of these things can be found online, but there are also professional corporations that can be a help in interpreting them.

Just as investors, those desiring to start businesses in Australia must obtain a business and innovation visa. The first step is expressing an interest in bringing the industry to Australia. This can be accomplished online through the portal “SkillSelect” on the Australian Government website. The business person must be nominated by two state or territory government officials. Then, the business person must be invited by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection to apply for the visa. Once procured, the Business Innovation and Investment Provisional Visa, which usually lasts six months, allows people with business skills to

• Establish a new business or develop an existing business
• Travel in and out of Australia for the life of the visa
• Bring family into the country
• Seek permanent residency.

The provisional visa can also lead to a permanent visa being issued.

Foreign businesses in Australia are covered by The Australian Fair Trade Law. This comprehensive standard includes unfair market practices, industry codes of practice, industry safety and consumer issues such as labeling. It applies to virtually every corporation or sole proprietor in the country. Penalties for violating the law can reach $1 million. There are other standards as well. Those wanting to begin an enterprise in Australia should be aware of the statutes and their obligations under them.

Australia is an inviting and beautiful “new frontier” with a vital and energetic business environment. Still, business standards and requisites vary by country so wise investors and entrepreneurs should do their research carefully.

Top 5 Best Investment Ideas and Tips for Beginners

New to investing? Learn about various investment tools here and find out how to start investing your money.

As a beginner investor, navigating through the many different investment options available out there can be very difficult and a scary experience. Different types of investments carry with them varying amounts of risk and reward. There are a large number of potential investment pitfalls that can befall the unwary, first-time investor. To make things easier for you, here is a list of the top 5 best investment ideas for beginners. 

Top 5 Best Investment Ideas and Tips for Beginners: 

Real Estate

Despite the recent falls in property prices, real estate remains a good investment. It’s actually one of the well-protected investment options that keep on thriving and flourishing, even in developing nations. Real estate lets you combine the huge benefits of leverage with property value appreciation over the long term. 

The value of property typically increases over time, resulting in increased equity and creation of wealth. Also, the growth in value your investment experiences is sheltered from tax until you liquidate the property. Additional tax benefits can be realized through value-added tax deductions such as ability to deduct operating costs and cost of financing. 

Gold

As a beginner investor, it’s wise to invest in gold. This is simply because it provides an excellent hedge against inflation. In times of economic crisis, the government typically prints more currency. This results in increased money supply, which in turn causes inflation and ultimately decreased value of currency. Investing in gold provides a great way to secure your investments, as when the true value of currency decreases, the value of gold invariably rises. 

Today’s interconnected world economy means the economies of major countries are intrinsically linked. When the economy of one major country suffers, there is a knock on effect and major stock markets suffer as well. When stocks and shares fall, majority of investors usually choose to buy gold, which causes its prices to rise.

Forex

Forex investing offers the best return on investment. But the risks are higher compared to other forms of investments. Conventional investments, such as stocks, mutual funds and bonds, provide a good way to earn money from one’s savings. However, forex trading is more profitable compared to these investments. It’s also much less complicated and demanding but as profitable, if not more. 

With forex trading, you don’t have to monitor hundreds of stocks or wait for months to realize profits. You can make money huge amounts of money from trading in just a few currency pairs within a very short period of time. This is because the Forex market trading hours are a 24-hour, commission-free market that has no short-selling restrictions. 

Insurance

Investing in insurance products is a great way to ensure that you’re well taken care of in times of emergency as well as during retirement. Insurance policies that come with an investment feature offer significant tax benefits, as the earnings on the plan are not usually taxed. These policies also provide a wide range of investment options, such as stocks, mutual funds, bonds and money market accounts. 

Additionally, they offer unmatched flexibility, where the plan may be increased with a lump-sum payment or borrowed in the event of a medical emergency or any other pressing financial need.

Your Employer’s 401k

Majority of employers offer a 401k plan through which employees can make their contributions toward their retirement savings. However, many employees don’t take full advantage of their 401k plan. Don’t be like them, as there are many benefits that you can accrue from investing in your company’s 401k. 

Contributing part of your salary to your employer’s 401k plan will allow you to enjoy a number of benefits, such as a tax break, tax-deferred growth, and a possibility of a matching contribution from your employer. To get maximum benefits, consider contributing approximately 20% of your income to your 401k, and avoid tapping into your 401k to meet your immediate cash-flow needs.

Conclusion
Lastly, it’s important to note that there is no guarantee that you’ll make money using any of these ideas. To succeed, you need to take the time to learn about the fundamental principles of each of these investment options as well as the right strategies that can help you make money. Also, remember you don’t have to invest in all of them to succeed. Just choose one or two options that you are most comfortable with and stick with it.

Invest in the Stock Market But First Learn the Basics

1903 stock certificate of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A stock is essentially a small share of a company. The percentage of ownership of a company that you get in exchange for the purchase of a stock is dependent upon many factors, including that company's industry, its stock share, and its history with business growth. Stocks are considered to be an equity investment, and whether you're looking to eventually build a significant savings out of stocks or simply have some fun, choosing to take some money and invest in the stock market can be a smart and exciting prospect. By claiming a share of a company's assets and profits, you're essentially hitching a ride along with their corporate big-time-earners, which means that the more they make, the more you make. This is one of the top five stock investment tips: buying more of a company's stock means playing more of a role in ownership, and thus earnings.

Common types of invested stocks provide shareholders -- those are the people who purchase stocks from the company -- with some voting rights, but no actual promise of profits from the company. A preferred stock, on the other hand, almost always guarantees you'll see a return from it, but you won't have voting rights within the company. If you don't mind not having a say in the direction a company goes, but you definitely want to earn a share of its profits, then a preferred stock is, without a doubt, the better choice.

Once upon a time stock shareholders had actual paper certificates verifying their ownership of stocks. These days, the purchase and trade of stocks are recorded digitally, and assuming you're using a brokerage firm to assist with the management of your stocks, they're the ones whose name will be on the stocks, even though you are the one who owns them.

Before purchasing a stock, it's important to know the basics. When ordering a stock, you can do so via a limit order, a market order, a stop order, a stop-limit order, or a trailing-stop order. Each of these types of stock ordering methods are different, but result in the same thing: obtaining one or more stocks for you. Remember, the more stocks you purchase from a company, the more ownership you have in that company. But sometimes it pays to purchase just one or two from each company, though in some instances owning multiple stocks can definitely be much more lucrative. An experienced brokerage firm can help you make the right choice in the number of stocks you buy from companies.

Investment Opportunities In Civil Engineering

Abu Dhabi by SPOT Satellite (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The world of finance takes investors to some intriguing areas of opportunity. Some of the most exciting opportunities for investing come in the form of civil engineering projects. The need to upgrade infrastructure or initiate new projects is ongoing in society, creating favorable circumstances for investments in those efforts. Five areas in particular currently present interesting ventures to finance. 

High Speed Rail 

Interest is growing in private investments in high speed rail. Routes that are expected to handle a lot of traffic will be lucrative, drawing the interesting of investors. New York and California, for instance, both offer potential investment opportunities. California in particular has a clear vision for private investment opportunities in high speed rail. The U.S. has fallen behind other countries in private investment in high speed rail, but recent successes and growing plans could change that. A planned rail between Dallas and Houston combines with the success of a new route between Boston and Washington to create a positive outlook. 

Alternative Energy 

Offshore wind offers an intriguing opportunity for investing. The U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Interior believe there is enough wind potential in close range of shore to equal the amount of energy in the country's electrical system as it is now. There are high initial costs to finance offshore wind, but the potential to harness even more energy from further offshore could mean significant returns on investments. Timing and a keen eye on prices can help an investor to make a choice at the opportune moment. 

Solar Energy 

Investments in solar power continue to represent a great deal of potential. These solar projects culminate in physical products as well as energy production, which make them an investment that finance professionals can envision bringing in high returns. Solar energy also offers any number of models for investment, creating versatility and choices in surveying opportunities. 

Solar projects are expected to continue growth, larger projects in particular presenting the best chances for returns, as they tend to be more viable economically. Additionally, municipalities, state and federal projects offer some incentives for investment in solar projects. The increasing diversity of choices and the growing interest in clean energy make solar energy attractive to investors. 

Inland Waterways 

Underinvestment from public funds has created opportunities for private investment in inland waterways. Global investments present a variety of options for those ready to finance a project that promises returns. Projects planned in India, for instance, are open to private investment. Projects in the U.S. also offer promise, given the successes seen in public-private joint funding. Partnerships between public interests and private investments are likely to be explored in the U.S. in the wake of public budget obstacles and a complicated political atmosphere. 

UAE Investing 

The United Arab Emirates is experiencing continued growth and urban development, Dubai in particular attracting a great deal of interest. Dubai tops many lists of the best places in which to invest, and the large number of opportunities give investors a number of options. Likewise, Abu Dhabi represents opportunities for investors to explore. The leadership in alternative energy in the region provides additional investment options to consider and makes the area even more enticing when contemplating choices. 

Choosing a project to finance as an investment can be a difficult undertaking. There are no certainties in the world of investing, and many factors must be weighed. The first thing to do is study the investment products under consideration. It is also crucial to understand the risks of options being considered. A careful review of the various options from which to choose can also help investors decide what suits them best. Only the investor planning to finance a project can determine what to do once all of the information is analyzed. 

Author Bio 

William Stevens is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to technology. In this article, he describes investment opportunities in civil engineering and aims to encourage further study with an online masters degree in civil engineering.

Playing Catch-Up on a Retirement Plan Over 50

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

People ask me all the time what is the best way to catch up on a retirement fund after a couple of decades of procrastination. Should start by paying off all debt, start putting all you can muster into a 401k, start heavily playing the lottery with crossed fingers? The answer is a combination of paying off debt and investing in low cost bond funds.

Paying off debt can be better than saving money.

Well, it can actually save you more money because of the obvious interest charges you are paying. You need at least 10 percent of your gross income saved, and a good way to do that is to pay down any debt with a high interest rate (that isn’t tax deductible). Paying off credit cards or car loans with annual percentage rate of 15 percent will give you a 15 percent return on every dollar you pay off. This is definitely the first thing you need to do when playing catch up.

It’s important to note that you MUST make it a point to live within your means, and perhaps a bit below them if you want to really save for the future. This calculator from NewRetirement is a good starting point that brings the future into the harsh light of day. It might be a good idea to downsize your living space; get a smaller house or a car that doesn’t require a monthly payment. Ask yourself if you really are okay with running out of money before you reach 75? 

Low cost bond funds

Once you have settled any high-interest, non-tax deductible debt (or if you miraculously didn’t have any) you need to catch up with a 401(k) plan. It would be ideal if your employer match at least some of your contributions, but even if they don’t this is a great way to save because of the tax-free savings aspect of the retirement fund.

Take a day or two out of your schedule and figure out which fund options your employer offers, and which are best for you to invest in. It’s best to choose the lowest cost bond funds and you can do so by comparing fund expense ratios, and choosing those with a ratio less than one percent. These investment firms will pass on the most return to investors by keeping costs down, and will make a difference in twenty years by the time you retire.

You may have lost sweet time for investments to compound and grow to their fullest potential in your procrastination, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late. An investment will take 15 years to double at a five percent rate, and 18 years at a four percent rate. If you get going now, with the goal of contributing to the 401(k) the maximum amount you are allowed to add, you can have a nice chunk of money waiting for you when you retire.

Figure out your social security plan.

Full retirement age for those born between 1943 and 1954 is considered 66, and will replace some of your salary, but you will most likely need more income. The rate for the average wage earner is 42 percent, but it adjusts based on your specific income and whether your spouse should be expected to contribute as well (estimate your social security benefits here). You can maximize your monthly benefit by waiting to retire until you reach 70, which gives you a 32 percent higher benefit than “normal”.

You might be over 50, and you might be behind on your retirement plan for whatever reason. Hey, it’s going to be okay - life happens. You can start now and really improve your position in the next 15 to 20 years. Retire the way you want to, not the way you have to.

Louis Mack is a seasoned financial planner in San Francisco who specializes in retirement planning. He is a writer for NewRetirement.com and lover of the great outdoors.

Guidelines to Make Profitable Investment in Trees

Trees are more than just financial assets and Need to be Conserved

Investors are always on the lookout for markets and assets that will help them make interesting and fairly profitable returns. With the global market undergoing continuous changes, the investment assets also keep upgrading. Investing in trees has become one of the most reliable and least risk-involving investment methods. This source of alternative investment still has unexplored areas and unknown incentives that need to be discovered for the highly beneficial returns.

Timber Prices:

Timber is traditionally considered an inflation hedge as it provides interesting returns even during the global recession or inflation status. According to researches and estimates, forestry investment can offer up to 20% returns as against 14.5% offered by equities (UK based survey). And on long term basis, a five-year term offers 17.7% returns as against 5.9% that equities have to offer.

However, timber is not an investment asset that is risk-free. Its price moves in a cyclical process and the ratio of demand /supply has undergone serious changes in the recent past. The bad news is that FSA does not regulate all the pooled investments, which is why you should be extra careful before making your investment decision. Avacade investments can help you make profitable forestry investment decisions.

Capitalizing on Global Depreciation:

The factors mentioned above will help you to justify your long term investment. The decreasing wood supply on a global basis is due to the fact that the land for growing trees is being utilized for other reasons without any replacement. Wood is also being consumed as biofuel with government pressurizing utility based companies to make use of biomass compulsory and popularize wood in schools and various public sector areas.

The returns that forestry investment offers are more or less predictable, and this feature makes it similar to bonds that offer both yield and capital gains. As an investor, you should look for rewards that are proper for your scale of requirement.

The Right Forest for Investment:

There are investors want immediate results and quick income. If you count among them, you should think of investing in mature forests instead of starting from the sapling stage of the trees. These mature trees can be harvested readily and offer you’re the fastest returns. However, a less mature tree will offer you with more benefits than a fully grown one but in stages instead of a single round.

You can think of purchasing a land piece directly for investing in trees or opt for pooled investment. While the former one is costly in approach, the latter does not allow investors to control the investment they make.

Making the Most of Tax Status:

The tax status associated with timber is its greatest attraction source. Commercial forest based investment will make you free from inheritance tax or IHT, two years post the ownership. However, an investment will qualify when the product gets marketed simultaneously. Although, forest has no qualification as investment, the timber which is sold, does not in any way, invite income tax or capital gains tax through the profitable sale of land. Furthermore, you may also be able to claim for grants for the maintenance of your forest.

Conclusion:
Such areas are pretty complicated and require expert opinion before any serious decision-making. Your correct decisions will positively affect your financial future.

Author’s Bio: Alisa Martin is a proficient writer who is an expert on the subject of finance and investment. She regularly contributes articles on topics like using avacade investments for beneficial returns and other such alternative investment schemes. 

Six Smart Ways to Grow your Savings Account with Investments

Growing your savings account is very important if you want to establish a significant amount of savings for a rainy day. Not only will that money come handy in emergency situations, but it can be the basis of your retirement fund. Here are six ways to grow your savings account through smart financial decisions and intelligent investments.

Invest in the Stock Market

If you have established a few thousand dollars in your savings account, it may be time to begin investing in the stock market. Research stocks that are doing well, and the types of stocks that may boom over the coming years. Begin by holding a demo account for a few months, where you track the progress of stocks you select. If that goes well, you can begin to use your savings to invest wisely and boost your returns.

Create a Contingency Fund

Set aside a certain amount of money for emergencies. Whether you want to keep this money in your regular savings account, or in a separate one, will depend on your personal preferences. This money should be added to each month, and should only be touched in an emergency situation, or if you find yourself without an income for a few months.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are perfect for long term investors who may not want to make every investment decision themselves. Mutual funds will provide you with different options, depending on how aggressive you want them to be with your money. Look at plans that have great returns over a five or ten year period, instead of funds that have a good year or two.

Repay Your Debt

Boosting your savings is not just about adding money to your savings account. If you take steps to eliminate your debt every month, your overall financial position will be a lot higher. Having $2000 in your savings account with $0 debt is better than having $10,000 in the account with $9,000 outstanding loans.

Buy Government Bonds

Government bonds are a great long term solution to boost your savings account. Bonds may not have the return of mutual funds or the stock exchange, but they are reliable, provide solid returns, and come in various terms. Bonds come in 3 or 6 month terms, in addition to 1, 3, 5 and 10 year terms.

Invest in your 401(k)

Investing towards your retirement income is vital, even if you are still in your mid 20s or early 30s. The earlier you start your retirement fund, the larger it will be when you are 60 or 65. Invest intelligently in your 401(k) by studying the money and markets, and you could end up with a significant savings boost every year.

Each of these options varies in the risk, return and steps involved with investment. However, each of the six suggestions will ensure that you are in better financial health, and that the money sitting around in your savings account multiplies over a period of time. Do you research to decide which method or combination of methods is best for you and you will be taking positive steps to a fuller savings account.

Hard Asset Investment – A Great Way to Make Money

Shipping Container Investments are quite Profitable 

Investors always try to make more money through their investments. The traditional investment options like stocks have shown poor performance in the past. This has inspired investors to look for alternative ways of investing. Hard asset investments have gained have popularity in the present times. These assets show good performance even under difficult economic conditions. They have lower risks associated with them and yield better returns.

Overview of Hard Assets:

A hard asset refers to something you own which is tangible. It can be a type of physical asset like land, machines, inventory or building. It can also be financial like cash, credit or a financial instrument like a bill of exchange, draft, share, bond or a check. Hard assets are considered as very valuable since they can be used for producing or purchasing other goods or services.

The physical properties of a hard asset determine its value. Sometimes, its value depends on the fact that whether the hard asset can be reproduces or has been reproduced earlier. This rule applies to assets like paintings. Certain machinery types and buildings can also be included in this category. 

Hard Asset Investment Examples:

Hard asset investments are of various types. Some choices can turn out to be good while others can be bad, on the basis of the economy. Some popular hard asset investments are energy, forest products, renewable energy and water, base metals, precious metals and agriculture. Another hard asset which has gained immense popularity is shipping container. Shipping container investments have proved to be very profitable. Asset management companies like Pacific Tycoon deal with shipping container investments and can guide you to proceed right when investing in shipping containers.

High Demand

Hard assets have a high demand in the world today. The demand is extremely high in case of hard assets like metals and precious gems, luxury goods, food and energy. Metals with a high demand from consumers are steel, iron ore, aluminum and copper. Owing to the high level of demand, investing in these hard assets can turn out to be a good idea. 

Investing in Hard and Tangible Assets:

You can find numerous good reasons to invest in hard and tangible assets. These assets offer benefits that are usually not offered by other investment options. If your investor portfolio is full of bonds and stocks, you can easily diversify your portfolio by adding some investments in hard assets. You can expect very competitive returns to be yielded by such investments. Investing in such assets is also a great way of evading inflation. These investments also have the ability to improve your portfolio’s risk/reward profile. These investments are very lowly correlated to traditional investment types.

There are many websites that provide information on how to invest in hard assets. You can find many companies that deal with investments in tangible assets like platinum, silver, gold, certified coins, gemstones and diamonds. Such hard assets are meant for enjoying, holding on and then selling. They can result in significant profits.

Conclusion:

Hard asset investments offer many benefits over investments in conventional assets like stocks. These investments are less risky and provide high returns. They can also diversify your investor portfolio.

Summary: Hard asset investments have turned out to be more profitable than other investments. Investors are increasingly investing in hard and tangible assets nowadays.