Is It Time To Go Back To School?

Harkness Tower, situated in the Memorial Quadrangle at Yale (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is a Chinese proverb that says, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now." This applies to most other endeavors that have been postponed for one reason or another as we made our way through life. Many of us wish that we could have finished that masters degree, completed that doctorate, or maybe even taken a different course altogether. Being 50 years old and above doesn't mean that these dreams are now out of reach. In fact, it may be the perfect time to go back to school and learn new things in preparation for retirement. 

The Rise of Online Courses 

A lot of older people would love to return to their university but several things get in the way. Their work schedules may not permit them to attend regular sessions unless night or weekend classes are available. Even then the load may prove too much for their health and well-being. Some may be fit enough to work and study at the same time but are not that comfortable with the thought of being the oldest person in class. It's a good thing that technology has evolved to the extent that courses may be offered online and taken at the student's leisure. 

Take a Dip in MOOCs 

Those who crave for knowledge but are not ready to commit to full degree can ease into it via Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCs. These have only been in existence for a few short years but they have already attracted millions of students across the globe. They are typically short courses that last from 4 to 12 weeks dealing with various subjects ranging from arts to engineering. The professors are some of the most brilliant minds at well-known institutions such as Stanford, Yale, Duke and Harvard. Hundreds are available to the public for free. 

Taking these subjects will not result in a formal degree though a few may be accepted for credits at select universities. A lot of them offer certificates of completion as an acknowledgement of the student's efforts. There are several sites to choose from and each has its own methods. Usually, short video lectures are uploaded on a weekly basis and people view or download them from the site. There may be weekly quizzes and assignments. A few only have a final exam at the end of the course. Professors set the weight of each requirement as well as standard for passing the course. Students can interactive on the class forum or on social media. 

Plunge Head On with Online Degrees 

Should the MOOC experience prove successful and the student feels ready to take on a greater challenge, a variety of online degrees can be acquired through universities that have embraced this mode of instruction. The subjects are generally harder and more comprehensive than those found in MOOCs. There is a higher level of expectations when it comes to involvement in discussions and the quality of the academic work. After all, these lead to the conferment of a proper bachelors or masters degree. The time commitment is also more intense but still flexible. Some may be conducted entirely online while others require face time with the professor every now and then. 

In many ways, the age of 50 is the perfect time to return to school. The career is already stable, the finance is in order, and the children are old enough to take care of themselves. Celebrate this milestone by embarking on an endeavor that could lead to fantastic opportunities down the road. It could be the start of an exciting new life. 

Author Bio 

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to education. In this article, he explains a few benefits of online degrees and aims to encourage further study with an online master of education degree.

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.

Common Restrictions On Over 50s Car Insurance Policies

For people over fifty, the cost of insurance is something commonly thought to increase as your continue to age. While this may be true with health and life insurance, the cost of car insurance frequently lowers as you get older. Although this is in part thanks to years of safe driving and the experience gained because of it, many companies place restrictions on the car insurance policies of drivers in their fifties and older. While these restrictions help result in lower premiums, they also provide limitations or require additional action in order to receive them.

Mileage Limitations

Frequently, auto insurance companies offer discounts to drivers in their fifties or older based on a reduced level of driving. These mileage limitations can save older drivers a significant amount of money each month, but restrict the total distance that can be driven throughout the life of the policy. After retirement, many people end up making shorter drives, and spending time in their vehicles less frequently. The less time your car is on the road, the less likely you are to get into an accident. With this approach, the lower risk of a claim is passed on to the insured driver through a reduction in premiums. When getting a new policy, ask your agent if there are any limits on the distance your are covered for and verify where your policy is in effect. Some policies only cover certain areas – traveling abroad may require additional insurance.

Defensive Driver Course Restrictions

Another way in which insurance companies reward drivers is through discounts association with the completion of defensive driver courses. Although drivers in their fifties have much more experience behind the wheel than their younger counterparts, the process of aging undoubtedly impairs aspects of driving such as reaction time. Discounts in car insurance for drivers who have completed defensive driver courses are a common way for companies to encourage safe driving and reward drivers who have been in the driver’s seat for decades.

Government Imposed Restrictions For Some Older Drivers

In addition to restrictions on car insurance policies that many companies have in place in order to provide discounts to older drivers, there are numerous other driving restrictions put in place by local governments. While these restrictions will vary based on where you live, it is important to check with your insurance agent regarding any laws that may apply to you.

Some of the more prevalent restrictions for older drivers include:

• Driving During The Daytime Only – Driving at dark can be dangerous for aging drivers because of a reduction in sight quality. Many municipalities require drivers over a certain age to stay off the road from dusk until dawn.
• No Driving On The Highway – The highway can be a dangerous place thanks to heavy amounts of traffic and high speeds. As a single mistake in judgment can have serious consequences not just for the driver, but also those nearby, some places restrict where older drivers can operate their vehicles.
• Mandatory Use Of Driving Aids – Perhaps the most widespread restriction on drivers over fifty is the mandatory use of driving aids. A number of locales require older drivers to complete regular testing to ensure they’re safe to drive and anything needed to drive safely, from glasses to hearing aids, is documented on drivers’ licenses.
• Being able to obtain more affordable car insurance is a benefit of getting older, but the lower costs are normally not without a trade-off. When obtaining a new policy, verifying any limitations placed by the insurance company, and ask about any other potential discounts you can receive due to your age. By understanding the requirements and restrictions the insurers have in place, you can ensure that you’re getting the coverage needed while saving as much money as possible.

Toni King has worked as an insurance agent for the past ten years and loves sharing his experience through various blogs. Toni often works with older drivers to make sure they’re getting the proper coverage at the best price.

Get Noticed in 2014 - 4 Marketing Techniques to Try in the Coming Year

Running a business is a rewarding venture, but it is also one that poses new challenges each day. Even companies with undeniably intelligent business plans, high-quality products and competitive prices can find it difficult to stay ahead. One of the biggest challenges for businesses is simply getting noticed. In a crowded marketplace — particularly one in which technological advances have lowered the barrier to entry — it can be quite difficult to produce a steady stream of interest. 

Get Social

If you're not already embracing multiple social media platforms, now is the time to do so. Different demographic groups use different platforms, so concentrating all of your efforts on just one site means you will risk missing out on a large chunk of potential consumers. Social media offers an attractive option because you can reach an audience whether they are at home or mobile, and it doesn't cost anything to send out messages. Additionally, it is easy for people to copy your messages and pass them on, allowing you to expand your audience effortlessly.

Promotional Products

Getting your name out is essential if you want to keep expanding your business. And, just as in movies and television, product placement can be a very effective strategy for doing so. Getting custom-made promotional products, such as promotional zipper pulls or custom carabiners by HALO will dramatically increase exposure to your brand, which is crucial if you want it to become a household name. These small, utilitarian products are items that customers can use every day, encouraging repeat exposure. Promotional products are inexpensive to make but can make a significant impression on your target audience, making them a great marketing investment. These promotional products can be imprinted with your company’s logo and contact details so every time they are used by current and potential customers, you gain marketing exposure.

Get Involved

Don't be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to marketing; you don't have to restrict yourself to traditional advertisements or commercials. You can also get exposure for your business by volunteering in the community or sponsoring an event related to your products or services. These strategies can help you gain vast new audiences and have your business be seen in a positive light.

Get Personal

People are more likely to interact with and support a brand with personality, so make sure your target audience knows that there are people behind the products. Starting a blog can help you show your human side and will also give people more insight into how your business operates and witness your passions. Getting on the same level as your audience will make your business more appealing so that consumers see you, not a faceless corporation.

Cutting through the barrage of marketing messages that consumers receive every day is no easy task, and it requires strategic planning. Luckily, altering your approach to marketing is much easier than changing a product's design or chain of distribution. If you want to get noticed in 2014, consider adopting some of these marketing techniques that will get you noticed in your chosen field.

3 Secrets to Creating an Unforgettable Customer Experience

In this contemporary era, many business owners are realizing that offering great customer service can help boost the growth and expansion of their companies. If you are a business owner in search of strategies that can help create an unforgettable customer experience that keeps your customers buying your goods and/or services throughout their lives, consider implementing the following three strategies.

1. Make Eye Contact.

As many sales experts know, one of the primary ways to build a relationship with a customer is to develop good rapport. Although broadly defined, rapport is basically a harmonious relationship between two individuals or a group. It is marked by people being able to understand one another's feelings and communicate with ease. While there are a wide variety of ways that an employee can build good rapport with a customer, making eye contact can be one of the most effective.

This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that doing so often generates belief in the notion that you are an honest individual who has no ulterior motives for starting the communication process. When a customer senses this type of genuineness, they are much more likely to open up and have a conversation that can translate into the building of a relationship. Once this happens, conversion is almost always imminent. 

1. Give Away Promotional Items.

Another great way to create an unforgettable customer experience is to offer your customers a great promotional product that is imprinted with your company’s logo and contact details. In addition to looking very professional and serving some kind of use to them, promotional products cause the name and company concept they represent to stick in the mind of the consumer. This doesn't have to be something that is expensive. However, it needs to be thoughtful, useful, and attractive in some way. For a truly unique and engaging promotional product, why not order your custom designed Magic 8-ball? With your company's logo and messages imprinted on this iconic toy, you'll leave a lasting impression on your customers while adding an element of fun and intrigue to your brand.

2. Make Eye Contact.

As many sales experts know, one of the primary ways to build a relationship with a customer is to develop good rapport. Although broadly defined, rapport is basically a harmonious relationship between two individuals or a group. It is marked by people being able to understand one another's feelings and communicate with ease. While there are a wide variety of ways that an employee can build good rapport with a customer, making eye contact can be one of the most effective.

This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that doing so often generates belief in the notion that you are an honest individual who has no ulterior motives for starting the communication process. When a customer senses this type of genuineness, they are much more likely to open up and have a conversation that can translate into the building of a relationship. Once this happens, conversion is almost always imminent. 

3. Develop Amazing Product Knowledge.

One often overlooked strategy that is very effective in creating an unforgettable customer experience is developing amazing product knowledge. When customers enter a restaurant or supermarket, they oftentimes need help identifying which product would be appropriate for them to purchase. If you train your staff to become experts in the goods and services you offer, you will wow your customers and help them find what they're looking for much faster.

Conclusion

If you are attempting to further your business by implementing strategies that help create an unforgettable customer experience, you should know that doing so is entirely possible. By implementing the techniques listed above, you will likely find your business growing at a more rapid rate than ever. Good luck!

Setting Your Business’s Marketing Budget

While marketing may not be the lifeblood of a running business, it certainly does keep an organization’s lifeblood flowing. From letting customers know about new products and services to gaining new revenue streams and continually refreshing interest, marketing and advertising have a very important role to play when it comes to staying in the black.

But how important is marketing — not in an ideological way, but in dollars and cents? How much should a business allocate to marketing, and how is a company supposed to arrive at that figure? If times are lean, and you’re more worried about how you’re supposed to afford to print postage, should you still pump money into advertising, or is it wiser to let your marketing dollars fall to the wayside? Here is a quick look at how to set and spend a marketing budget, as well as a pitch for why you need to do it even when you think you can’t afford it.

How to Set a Marketing Budget

A general rule of thumb for most businesses is that they should allocate and spend about 5 percent of their operating budget on marketing and advertising in order to maintain their current level of business. If you want to grow your market share or you have a new product to introduce, however, that figure should jump to at least 8 percent, because pushing past the inertia of what people already know about you can take some added effort.

Beyond those general rules, here are four other methods you can employ when devising your marketing financial plan:

• Utilize a fixed percentage of sales. Take last year’s gross sales or the average sales from the last few years, and allocate a percentage based on those numbers. Five percent is a good amount, but some businesses only spend around 2 percent. The advantages of this technique are that it’s stable and doesn’t try to predict the future, but focusing too much on the past can keep you from being aggressive, and sales are not always directly related to advertising alone, which means your figures may not totally line up.
• Keep up with the Joneses. This method employs doing what your competitors are doing. Whatever the industry marketing expenditures average is, adopt it. It’s easy and predictable, but looking at everyone around you can keep you from effectively increasing your market share.
• Take a task-based approach. Set specific marketing goals, and outline the tasks you’ll have to do to reach them. Then, determine your budget based on how much it will cost to perform those tasks. This method is accurate, but if it fails, it’s probably going to be costly.
• Go all in. If you have a strong stomach for risk, and you want your business to grow quickly, set aside a minimum amount of money with which to do business and put the rest in your marketing budget. Because it’s aggressive, this type of marketing can gain leaps and bounds over a more passive approach, but it’s risky. You’re liable to spend yourself out of business.

How to Spend a Marketing Budget

In order to properly spend the money you’ve set aside on marketing, you need to have a plan. From utilizing social media to television, direct mail and other campaigns, your money needs to be spent with wisdom and intention. Outline the avenues you’ll use, and then, get started. Once you know where your money is going, keep track of whether the expenditures are actually meeting your goals. If you need to adjust or change, do so. A marketing plan needn’t be fixed. Knowing whether or not your money is achieving your marketing goals is much more important than sticking to your plan or sticking to your budget. Compare quarters and campaigns. Analyze sales data and expenditures. Be patient, and be open to things that do and don’t work, and above all, make sure that your plan and its execution are in keeping with who you are and hope to be as a business.

Regardless of the type of business you run, you need people to know about the goods and services you provide so they’re able to purchase them. Even in lean times, you need to treat your marketing budget as a non-negotiable expense, because without awareness, you won’t have customers. Staying in business, remaining competitive, gaining market share — a good marketing plan with a solid and reliable budget will help you achieve these things and more, but you have to do it consistently.

About the Author: Jerry Jacobs is a contributing blogger and freelance marketer.

5 Innovative Tips That Will Drive Your Tourism Business to Success

Tourism as an industry has changed greatly over the years. Once upon a time, individuals interested in travel consulted agencies that would guide them in the best direction for their desires and budgets. The internet has turned many of these would-be customers into amateur travel agents. Now that the novelty of budget travel sites has declined, vacationers are once again looking for tourism businesses to guide their way. However, getting these customers to find you is a struggle faced by every tourism business.

1. Targeted Tourism

One of the best ways to stand out in the tourism industry is to become an expert in a specific field. Focus on a narrow region of the United States, an individual city, or even a specific theme park. Dozens of agencies have found massive success by centering their businesses on DisneyWorld. Another route to choose is helping U.S. citizens travel abroad. Whichever sector of the industry you choose, make sure you have the best tips and the most knowledge, and get as specific as possible within the of your specialization.

2. Promotional Products

Customers will not contact you if they don't know your name. Use local San Antonio bulk promotional products to advertise your tourism business. These promotional products can be imprinted with your company’s logo and contact details so every time they are used by current and potential customers, you gain marketing exposure. Something as simple as a logo pen will literally keep your name at your customers' fingertips. Promotional products like these act as walking billboards, ensuring that you gain repeated marketing exposure every time they are used by recipients. Other great promotional choices for tourism agencies include custom travel bags, personalized coffee mugs, and toiletry kits imprinted with your company logo. Giving your customers small items that they can carry with them could take your name around the world.

3. Court New Clientele

A new tourism business may have high-flying dreams of helping average families attain the vacation they have always wanted. If this is your goal, focus directly on it. However, there are many other groups that are willing and able to spend tourism dollars with you. Think about focusing on seniors, for example. Some have been saving for years in order to travel, but they need someone to help them find the locations that are comfortable, exciting, and safe all at the same time. Other groups to consider are spring-breakers, honeymooners, or business travelers, who arguably have the most disposable money for travel expenses. In fact, even trying to network with business leaders through your might open up a profitable relationship where you can plan business trips and outings.

4. Data Development

Regardless of your focus, offering a travel app to all customers is an excellent service that will keep them returning for all of their future needs. You can develop an app in-house or hire an expert to create it for you. All you need is an idea of what you would like to offer. Will you offer maps, local restaurant guides, packing lists, or all of the above? Look at some of the best travel apps for some ideas of what you should include.

5. Easy Access

Who would have thought that one of the most innovative ideas is also one of the easiest? Allow customers to reach out to you throughout their planning and their vacation. They will feel at ease knowing they can contact you with questions even when they are far from home. This will give you an edge on the competition, many of whom forget about their customers before their plane has left the ground.

A tourism business takes a great deal of care. However, with time, effort, and imagination, your tourism business may be the country's next success story.

Choosing the Right Payday Loans for Your Financial Needs

Loans (Photo credit: zingbot)

Getting Payday Loans, the Brilliant Solution for Solving Your Financial Problems

Having an urgent bill, credit payment, and urgent daily needs that should pay at the same time makes you very confused and suppressed. It can make you get dizzy and no appetite because it is the huge problem in your life. You will definitely find the brilliant way to solve your financial problems. What will you do when you have those financial problems? Coming to the nearest financial company or bank may be the first action that you do. It is used to get emergency quick cash loans in order to overcome your financial problems. Having the right payday loans get easiness for you.

Offering an Easy Process

It is the right action to do but you have to find the best bank or financial company to provide loans with an easy process. Getting a short-term loan is the best solution for your problem. It is often called payday loans that can be used to cover cost of borrower until you get the next salary. Most of banks give an easy process of loaning.

Giving Cash Loans Based On the Needs

Quick cash loans from payday loans are around 100 to 1000 dollars but it can be changing depending on your needs. It means that you can take a loan based on your needs at the time but it should be balanced for your salary and financial ability.

Offering a Quick Process

You can get the cash loans quickly. It only takes less than one hour to get the cash loans. Nevertheless, before you get the cash loans from the bank or financial company, you should meet the requirements including reaching 18 years old, having bank account, having salary or working, and giving address.

Steps to Get Payday Loans to Meet Your Needs

Sometimes, most of people get difficulties in taking payday loans from a bank because they do not know to process it. To get payday loans from a bank, you need to follow some following steps. You will get emergency quick cash loans to pay your bills from the bank easily. It is good to find a financial company which offers simple process. There are only three steps to follow.

Completing Your Personal Identity

The first action to do is entering zip code, identity and occupation information for getting a fast payday loan. You do not need to make a copy or document about your personal identity to take payday loans.

Filling Out Payday Loan Application

Before taking a cash loan, you should fill out payday loan application soon. You will be guided by staffs to give instructions about how much money that you take and other requirements to complete. 

Signing Contract

The last step is signing a payday loan contract from the financial company. The contract includes payment requirements and other important information. You can choose two payment processes through a bank account or online payment.

Those simple steps should be considered before taking loans from a financial company. One of good financial companies is Fast Cash that offers you those all simple and easy steps to take payday loans.

Selecting a Computer for a Senior Citizen

By: Norman Fong

Selecting a Computer for a Senior Citizen

If you have a parent, older relative or older friend who has expressed the desire to own a computer, you may have volunteered to help them out without thinking – and right now you may be wondering how, exactly, to select a computer for someone who will not need the machine for video gaming, business purposes or fancy programs.

It’s true: Senior citizens probably don’t need a computer for the same reasons you need one. But they too deserve satisfaction with the purchase. If you’ve volunteered to help pick one out, there are a few guidelines that will ensure the new computer owner ends up happy – and appropriately educated – with the selection.

Before Buying a Machine

Purchasing a computer can be a daunting task for someone who’s never done it. Arm yourself with a few ideas before hitting the store.

Laptop versus Desktop

The first question to ask is whether the senior wants a laptop or a desktop. There are certainly pros and cons to both choices, but consider the following reasons that a laptop may be the better bet for an older person:

Laptops are portable and lightweight, which means the senior can travel with it easily.
Laptops require less wiring and parts – the monitor, keyboard and mouse are all included in one machine, which may appeal to someone older and intimidated by technology.
Laptops are often less expensive. 

- 10 Windows Tablets for Under $500 -

Mac versus Windows

If you’re a warrior of the old Mac versus PC argument – and you’re devoted to one answer – you may be tempted to convert a senior citizen to your own preference. But don’t be. Instead, share the following benefits of each computer type and let them decide.

Mac Pros

• It’s often easier to learn a Mac’s software; they are known to be more user-friendly. 
• Macs are durable and long-lasting. 
• Macs are less susceptible to viruses – which could be a plus if your senior is just learning to navigate the Web. 

PC Pros

• PCs are less expensive. 
• PCs are also less expensive when it comes to repair and purchasing software. 
• The PC world offers more software options and a wider range of peripherals, from printers to speakers to joysticks. 

Helpful Features

Make sure the computer you’re buying has the proper features to help seniors navigate easily and in comfort. Here are some to consider. Most computers come with these features built in, but checking them out and learning how to use them is important.

• Screen resolution and contrast: Depending on the computer owner’s preferences, most screens can be adjusted for size of text and contrast. Typically, you can use keyboard shortcuts or menu options to achieve the desired effect. 
• Touch screen: Many computers now offer a touch screen option, which a senior citizen may find more comfortable – especially those who suffer from arthritis or who have trouble moving around easily. 
• Sound: Obviously, you can turn up the volume on the machine to the new owner’s liking. But voiceover – when the computer “talks” to the owner – can also be a helpful tool. 
• Software: How do you determine what software packages to install for the new machine? First of all, find out what the owner has in mind. Quiz him or her about interests. In most cases, the built-in software in the computer will be sufficient, but there also are programs that “simplify” software for seniors, including Internet access. 

After Buying a Machine

We can’t stress this enough: If the new owner is not tech-savvy, set up the new machine to make it easy for the user to carry out basic functions.

Accounts and Passwords

Don’t let the new owner get confused by the bevy of usernames and passwords he or she will need in order to sign into various accounts such as email, video chat and social media. Keep some of these tips in mind: Simple is best. Don’t make usernames and passwords too complex. On the other hand, don’t get lazy about passwords – the name of a pet, grandchild or another point of reference is better than something easy to hack such as sequential numbers. Urge the new computer owner to write down usernames and passwords and keep this information in a safe place.

Protection

Inexperienced Internet users may stumble upon websites that will compromise the computer. That said, setting up a simple virus protection program is a good idea. It’s also important to teach the new computer owner to protect private information such as physical address and Social Security identification – especially if he or she will be using the Internet for medical or other personal matters.

Web Access

Don’t depend on accessing the neighbor’s Internet – such a plan compromises security, and it’s far from dependable. Instead, suggest that your senior citizen friend invest in cable Internet and use a direct ethernet cable connection, which is simpler than going wireless.

Remember, helping a senior citizen purchase and set up his or her first computer is easier than you might think. With a little patience and humor, they’ll be up and running in no time.

This article, Selecting a Computer for a Senior Citizen, is syndicated fromModernLifeBlogs and is posted here with permission.

The Bigger They Are The Harder They Can Fall

There are entrepreneurs who win all their battles but still manage to lose the war. A new company that experiences an abnormal growth spurt may sound like a dream come true, but unless the owner/manager is prepared ahead of time for such sudden success it may become a very bumpy victory indeed! The Greeks called it a Pyrrhic victory; a victory that almost costs more than defeat. The kind of victory an entrepreneur can’t afford to have if he or she wants to nurture his or her business into a solid, stable enterprise.

Of course, there are those entrepreneurs who relish the high seas of uncertainty and the piratical gamble of unstructured and unsupervised growth, thinking such things are recognized world-wide as a sure sign of success; but this kind of operation almost inevitably succumbs to the workaday realities of the business world and then founders, leaving investors and employees high and dry.

What are the specific challenges a new, fast-growth company faces in today’s business climate? Gary Kunkle, a research partner at Evolution Capital Partners, has done extensive research on thousands of swift-growing companies. His data base is now enormous, and his conclusions are far-reaching and thought-provoking. Here, in a nutshell, are two of them:

· The staff can’t keep up with newer, more complex demands. When a company really takes off and its sales and services increase exponentially, the staff that could easily handle a hundred sales orders per day may not be the staff that can just as easily handle a thousand orders a day. Logistics can change in the blink of an eye, but people tend to go slowly into new territory, sticking to the tried and true methods that worked for them yesterday – not realizing that old methodologies can’t handle new challenges.

Some entrepreneurs are cold-blooded enough to simply let such staffing go, but the really smart operators are aware of the time, effort, and money it took to train their original staff in the first place, and do not want to let that talent leave – to possibly work for a competitor! So instead they train their staff from the get-go to prepare for “second-tier staffing”. This means that the current logistics manager is aware that at some future point an ‘executive’ logistics manager may be appointed, to take some of the more complex procedures off of his or her hands. The smart employee at a new company will understand this concept, and be grateful for it. According to Kunkle, it is one of the best ways to prevent high employee turnover in a new company that experiences fast growth.

· The cash flow conundrum. Let’s say your new startup strikes a bonanza when a major corporation or government agency contracts with your company to provide a huge amount of product and/or service. In order to meet this new and potentially lucrative commitment you immediately hire an additional 30 people. They go to work and soon your startup is producing the promised outcome – but you are not going to be paid for this excellent work until it is completed, finished. And that won’t be for six more months. In the meantime, where are you going to get the funds to pay those 30 new employees?

According to Kunkle, it is surprising how often a new business owner will become mesmerized by future profit potential without bothering about current fiscal needs. Such unwary entrepreneurs grow themselves into a financial bind that may end their entire company. Always anticipate the need for cash infusions, says Kunkle.

This means keeping your line of credit open and healthy, and flexible, with your bankers. Also be on the lookout for other investors who may be interested in investing in a sure thing when you can show them the big, fat contract you have just signed. And finally, there’s nothing wrong in asking your new client for a down payment for future product and services, especially if it is a government contract. Government agencies are notoriously dilatory in paying their final bills, because of the vast amount of paper work they must wade through, and, of course, the always imminent threat of another Sequester. 

What to Give This Season: Top Charities You Can Trust

While the holidays are usually focused on giving presents to our families and loved ones, it is important not to forget the people that don't have the luxury of being able to get presents or even basic living supplies. In fact, the only way a lot of these people can get anything is through charities and certain organizations. For those that want to spread the holiday cheer a little bit more this year, here is a list of the top charities that you can donate to. All of these charities are legitimate, and make a huge difference in bettering the lives of the less fortunate.

Doctors Without Borders

Doctor Without Borders is a great organization that provides medical care to citizens in countries that need it. Whether it is due to conflict, natural disasters, or just downright poverty, Doctors Without Borders will provide them with great medical care. This organization is also neutral and does not get involved in local political conflict. They will provide medical care to anyone that needs it. This charity is great when you want to immediately impact the lives of others no matter where they happen to be.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation

Nearly everyone has heard of this great charity, the Make-a-Wish foundation. This organization grants wishes to children that suffer from life-threatening diseases and conditions. These wishes can be as simple as meeting their favorite movie character, and can be as elaborate as turning the city of San Francisco into Gotham City for a day. Regardless, these kids benefit immensely from any and all donations. This can be an especially great way to impact the lives of the family who are losing a child. Get to know them through this act of giving.

Donors Choose

Donors Choose is a very cool charity because you get to see exactly where your money is going. The charity has been endorsed by the likes of Oprah Winfrey, and Stephen Colbert. Donors Choose allows teachers to post projects that they want to do with their students and they will ask for donations. A lot of schools don't have the money to do these projects and they rely on donations in order to help these children have a fun educational experience. The money goes to field trips, supplies and new school equipment. If you send over $50, you will receive a handwritten thank you card from the students.

All in all, there are plenty of different charities to choose from. Melaleuca is another example of an organization that gives to this less fortunate, and you check to see where all these charities put their resources. One moment of kindness can truly change the lives of a lot of people. It doesn't have to be pricey either. Feel free to buy your friend that brand new Blu Ray player, but just a couple dollars to any one of these fantastic charities will be enough to make a huge difference this holiday season.