Are You Retired? Here are some great Investment Opportunities for you!

"A great person, Mike Philips, once said- Money will come to you when you are doing the right thing."

If you are retired or are retiring shortly, you can make use of many of the investment opportunities given below which are available to you at your disposal and which will ensure that you get just the right amount of financial security blanket after retiring. If you invest in any of these regularly, you can have your guardian angel protecting you financially when you are retired and facing the world without a job for the rest of your life.

The EPF or the Employee Provident Fund:

For employees working in establishments having employees more than twenty in number, it is compulsory for employees to deposit 12 per cent of the value of their Income (Basic wage, dearness allowance and the cash value of all food allowances given) in an EPF account. In addition to this contribution, even the employer contributes the same amount. The interest rates of such an account are decided from time to time by the Central Government. Furthermore, the balance of such an account is liable to be transferred in case you decide to switch jobs. You will not lose any of your investment. 

The VPF or the Voluntary Provident Fund:

Normally, the contribution of an employee is 12 per cent but he can increase this if he wants by opting for a voluntary provident fund scheme. The excess amount paid by him will be given interest at the same rate as the 12 per cent. The amount contributed to the Provident Fund is also exempted from tax.

The PPF or the Public Provident Fund:

This is another investing opportunity for those who are interested. This can be opened with any nationalized bank or a post office. One advantage that the previous scheme (VPF) has over this one (PPF) is that in the case for VPF, you do not need to wait in long lines at banks to fill out forms and to complete other formalities. All you have to do is inform your employer and the work is done. 

The NPS or the National Pension Scheme:

This is a relatively new pension based scheme which has been introduced by the Government. In this scheme, the investor can invest in three different schemes which will offer him a high return once he attains the age of seventy.

Using Fixed Deposits:

Another way to ensure a financially secure retired life is to start investing in fixed deposits. It is a safe and easy option. Just start by investing a small portion of your monthly income in fixed deposits which are preferably long term. Redeem them after retirement along with the high rate of interest that it gets you.

Try your hand at Equities:

A riskier, yet highly rewarding option, is to start investing in equities. These can provide you with the long term capital gains so needed in your old age. Creation of a diversified portfolio will help you get high returns and a security about your financial future.

Binary Options:

These are a relatively newer form of investment and involve investing your money in financial instruments called binary options. These offer high and quick rates of returns. You can also trade in them on a daily basis online and enjoy retirement while continuously surprising your spouse with the extra income from binary options earnings.

Role Of A Car Insurance And How To Minimize The Payments

Everyone knows that you are an expert driver. You drive cars smoothly without any trouble. You have driven on every street of the town and never had any trouble. You have managed to survive even on close encounters, so it’s proven that you are an experienced driver. As you are a role model to others when it comes to driving cars safely, you might think that you don't need any car insurance. Saved money can be utilized towards a useful cause. Isn't it?

Why you need insurance?

The fact is no one wants to get in an accident but disasters happen every day. Each year millions of accidents take place throughout the globe. So it is a wise idea to have vehicle insurance. If unfortunately any accident happens then your insurance will cover your vehicle damages and medical expense. Everyone inside the car will be covered. You will save lots of money. 

Benefits of car insurance:

There are many benefits of car insurance. Car insurance can protect your vehicle from natural calamities like, earthquake, hurricane, cyclone and from any man-made disaster. Sometime car cover can be so confusing to understand. Buyers should choose policy under the guidelines of the place they reside.

If your car is an investment then insurance protects the investment from lots of hazard factors. Auto covers are not just about your car, they are much more. Insurance can save you from paying large medical bills. Many car insurances are designed to give you full cover you need. During accident emergencies, car insurance can provide you cash that you need safeguarding your valuable belongings such as home and retirement funds and others.

When an accident happens, many tend to take quick loans from private companies at high interest rate to cover up the losses. If you have insurance then you don’t have to worry about anything as your insurance company will take care of everything you required after the accident to return into same status as you were before. 

Car insurance hunting:

There are endless insurance companies offering vehicle coverage. You can contact any one and have your car covered. Before you shop insurance for your car, you need to keep some points in your mind to minimize the cost. Only buy the insurance that is needed. For instance if you already have medical coverage then taking car insurance that covers medical bill is useless. 

Reduce your payments:

If you want to reduce car cover payments further then don’t go for car insurance that covers towing. Towing can be made easier at cheaper rate. Keep the deductible high to reduce payments. You can also avoid minor claims to reduce the payments.

Finally your driving record can reduce the payments further. People who have clean driving record or drive occasionally get rebates from the insurance company on their payments. You can negotiate with the company to minimize the insurance payments.

If you are searching for car insurance then you can delve into the online recourses. There are many online companies offering reliable vehicle insurances. Make sure that you understand each and everything before signing up with an insurance company to minimize your insurance payments.

Author Bio:Austin Richard Is an I.T professional from pass certification. He is 9L0-412 certified. He is now getting prepared for 9L0-518 exam. He likes to write about Business, and Technology.

The World of Foreign Exchange

There is no language for money. Its associate is clearly and most prestigiously known as power. Imagine having a career where you get to predict the flow of money in the industrial market and the brownie points that you earn if your predictions fall out to be absolutely accurate. That is the world of foreign exchange. It is very simply the balance and value of the various world currencies in the business market and the determination as to which currency exudes the most sellers and thus takes away the prize.

The forex trade is not determined by any particular standards. The value of the currency involved is not set forth by any bank, or any group of industrialists or any country. It is solely determined by the buyers and the sellers thereby upholding the simple logistics of demand and supply. Therefore a career in forex trade is one of a multitude of opportunities and vistas. It is also of considerable risk since any form of business involves its own set of risks and losses. Here a few forex trading basics that can be helpful to any entrepreneur in the field to proceed smoothly and avoid any major pitfalls on the way.

• One of the most basic points to be concerned with the forex trade is that you must treat it like your business and not like a hobby or a mode of gambling. You cannot treat this profession as a casino player banks on his cards and luck. The field requires research and know-how of the policies and factors that govern it. And therefore, it becomes central to be aware of all its aspects as you would consider before starting any other business venture.
• Also the key principles into becoming a master of this game is not cater to a herd mentality. This field is about taking calculated risks and at the same time evolving and making the most of the profits. You cannot be a philanthropist if you want to venture into forex. You have to be a visionary with the end point of gathering and making the maximum of money which the trade is all about.
• The next aspect to take into consideration to have a well-devised plan to make the right predicaments in the field. Every trader should be aware of the risks of loss involved but his plan should insure at least a double amount of profit or revenue if he succeeds in making a sound judgment. The emphasis of a well planned move is necessary as it helps the trader focus on the best trade setups on offer which can prove to be banking sites of investments which will only lead to an overall growth in business.
• The role of size positioning and risks in the reward scenario is also a key part in determining a good trader from an over-dealer. Size positioning offers investments to be done according to the standings of the firm in relation to the current market scenario and it makes the trader absolutely aware of both the losses and profits that could be gained. It also provides the trader with a clear visual of where he stands in relation to the growth of his business and therefore, offers him room for further advancement.

Thus a career in forex is something that offers a smart way to gain money but it requires the trader to hone his skills to make the best of judgments that will prove extremely fruitful for the present and future of his business.

Bio: Ken is a foreign exchange analyst and has been dealing with the business in the field for nearly a decade now at http://www.smartforexeducation.com/. He is one of the best in the biz and tries to capture the essence of good forex trading through his various tips and tricks on this matter. Also Ken is master in providing best Ava Fx reviews.

How to Get the Most Money When Selling Your Home

It's still a buyer's market out there. If you're putting your house on the market, you'll be up against some serious competition. To get your property sold at the price you want, you'll have to go the extra mile to help it stand out from the crowd.

Fortunately, doing so need not cut too deeply into your profits. When prepping your home for sale, the smallest touches often bring the biggest return. 

Improve Your Home's Stage Presence

It's doubtful that you would arrive for a Fortune 500 job interview dressed in a T-shirt and jeans. It's the same when selling your house. Over 1,000 experienced real estate agents agree that taking the time to clean and de-clutter a house can pay big dividends, resulting in a gain of between $1,500 and $2,000 in its selling price.

Think Beige

Although the thought of ripping the grape-patterned paper from the walls of your Tuscan kitchen might bring a tear to your eye, one thing is certain. When it comes to your decorating flights of fancy, potential buyers may not be feeling the love.

The solution is simple: Go neutral. Regardless of your love for color, you might be surprised to see how the use of soft whites, tans and other neutrals can open up your space. These shades will also blend as well with your own furnishings as they will with those of your prospects, relieving them of having to paint over your more creative hues after they've moved in. 

Depersonalize

An interested party is far more likely to sign on the dotted line if he can envision himself actually living in your house. Those beloved pictures of your kids on the piano and grandma hanging on the fireplace wall may spell "home" to you, but they will make it very hard for a stranger to see himself living in your space. It's best to pack those family treasures safely in cotton batting, promising them star billing once you've arrived at your new digs.

Dress It up a Bit

Some of the most valuable decorative touches will cost the least to accomplish. Fresh flowers in the living room will make an immediate impact. A roaring fire on a cold winter's day will do the same, particularly if you accompany the visual effect with the scent of apple cinnamon potpourri boiling on the stove.

Make Some Reasonable Renovations

In a weak economy, the often-prohibitive expense of updating a kitchen or installing a new attic bedroom can cut too deeply into any hoped-for ROI. Fortunately, other fix-me-ups can make an impression in a way that's considerably more cost-effective. These include:

• A new front door. 
• Vinyl or fiber-cement siding.
• Double- or triple-pane windows.
• A modern water heater.
• Upgraded HVAC.
• New or steam-cleaned carpets.
• A back-yard patio or deck.

Smile for the Camera

According to Julie Reynolds of Realtor.com, web appeal could soon trump curb appeal when it comes to attracting buyers. Many modern house hunters spend days scouring the web before ever setting foot inside a Realtor's office. She also recommends using an agent that has gone through a qualified real estate school.

If your home is to compete well on the online front, it must be ready for its close-up, and still pictures alone may not be enough. Statistics show that potential buyers are 150 percent more likely to click on a Realtor's listing if it features a video walk-through. Such extras work wonders in encouraging buyers to leave the comfort of their own homes to have a closer look at yours.

Have Your Own Inspection

Do-it-yourself projects, so popular in stringent economic times; often suffer from shoddy workmanship that leads to dangerous conditions. The hazards may not announce themselves at first glance, but if they show up during a buyer's inspection, they can seriously stymie any sale.

The savvy seller will beat buyers to the punch with a pre-inspection. The fact that a home has already had and passed one with flying colors will be of enormous comfort to any house hunter and could mean the difference between a walk-away and an actual sale.

In good times and bad, carrying out these cost-effective home improvements can enable you to reap the greatest profits on the day you turn over the keys.

How to Live Comfortably on a Fixed Retirement Income

When you're working, it's relatively easy to put in some extra overtime to boost your earnings. After you retire, however, you have to adjust to living on a fixed income; that means freeing up room in your budget so that you have cash in the bank for when something unexpected happens. You don't have to suffer through your retirement, but practicing a little frugality will help you build a financial cushion for unexpected expenses.  

Dine In

On average, Americans spend nearly half their budget on food. One of the best ways to cut your expenses is to cook more at home. Take advantage of having more time in your schedule and spend some time exploring new recipes, you may even find that you enjoy cooking more than you thought. You don't have to live on Ramen noodles, but be reasonable about your food budget and mix-up "treat" nights where you may have something more expensive like steak with other nights where you have less expensive meals like pasta. Try to plan your weekly meals in advance so that you don't overspend when you go to the grocery store. 

Give Up Your Landline

Many retirees like the security of having traditional telephone at home and a cell phone for when they are on the road. While that is a nice luxury, it also means you have two phone bills to pay every month. Since long distance doesn't cost extra and the majority of cell phone plans offer adequate minutes for a reasonable price, many people are opting to have their cell phone as their only phone. Another nice safety feature of cell phones is that even if you are out of minutes on your prepaid plan or over minutes on your contract, you can still always make 911 calls in case of an emergency. Many cell phone plans include free directory assistance as well. 

Don't Use Credit Cards

Even though you've worked all your life to build an excellent credit score, you really should avoid taking on new consumer debt during your post-retirement years. Switching to a cash or debit card only policy for purchases will help reduce your monthly bills so that you can stretch your income further. Keep your credit cards for legitimate uses only. If you do like to use credit cards in order to take advantage of reward programs, then pay off your balances every month so that they don't accrue interest. Treat credit card spending just as if you are spending cash, if you don't have the money in the bank to cover the bill, don't buy things on credit.

Share Vacation Expenses

It is natural to want to travel during your golden years and you've earned that privilege. However, expensive cruises and long overseas trips can decimate your savings quickly. Travel with friends or family members who can help you cover some of the expenses such as lodging. If you like to spend time at the beach, see if you can rent a vacation home with another couple instead of staying at a pricey hotel. Split your trips up so that you have plenty of time to save up enough money so you can have a good time without feeling guilty about spending too much money. It is also a good idea to book vacations as early as possible.

Use Senior Discounts

If you go to a store, a diner, or any other place that offers discounts to senior citizens, then take advantage of them. Some people pass up on these discounts because they make them feel "old" or they don't like revealing their true age. This is like throwing money away. Even if it is, only a small percentage off, senior citizen discounts save you money. If someone were going to sell you something for $5, would you pay $10 for it? No, of course you wouldn't. Not asking about senior discounts or turning them down is the same as paying for more for things than you really have to. Some places only offer discounts on certain days, so plan your schedule around discount times.

Review Your Monthly Bills

Every bit of money you can take off your monthly bills is more money in your pocket. For example, look at your cable bill carefully. Do you really watch all those channels? You can most likely switch to a basic plan that is less expensive. Be sure to turn off lights when you leave a room and unplug appliances that you don't use very often. It is also a good idea not to overindulge in heating and air condition. That doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable, but don't keep your home ridiculously cold in the summer and sweltering during the winter. Utility costs are typically a large chunk of household expenses, so try to be conservative. 

Cut Clothing Expenses

Yes, you do want to have nice clothes when you go out, but you don't need to keep a wardrobe full of professional attire as you had when you were working. Mix up your wardrobe so that you have nice clothes for special occasions and some inexpensive clothes for just running around doing errands or doing chores around the house. Locate some second hand shops in good neighborhoods and you can save a lot of money on clothes, especially everyday wear. That doesn't mean you shouldn't buy new clothes at all, but allot money in your budget for clothing and stick to that fixed amount.


There really is no such thing as having too much money saved up for retirement. Retirement is just another phase of your life, not the end of it. Don't make the mistake of spending money as if you are going to die quickly. Many people live 20 years or more past their retirement age. Be a little frugal about spending money and it will help you stretch your retirement income a lot further. Sure, you can splurge occasionally, but makes sure it is a planned expense.


About the Author: Tony Standin is a personal finance expert with a passion for frugal living. His goal is to help others learn to plan, budget, and save for the future so they can experience the most comfortable retirement possible!

Reach Your Retirement Goals Faster Playing The Budget Game!

Throughout our entire lives, we dream of financial freedom. We think of what it will be like to retire and finally be able to do the things that we enjoy full time! So, we work and work and save and save hoping to reach a retirement goal that we set years back. But, wouldn't it be great to reach those goals faster than you thought simply by getting competitive with yourself? Well, you can!

Recently, I got bored with budgeting. I mean, really bored! So much so that I stopped keeping track all together. Oh boy, was that a great idea or what? A couple of months flew by as they always do and, I started to realize, I wasn't saving any money or making much of a dent in the debt I was working so hard to pay off! It should come as no surprise that I quickly updated my budget and took a look at my bank statement to see where all the money was going. Small purchases were killing my retirement plan because they weren't being made in moderation with the help of a budget.

Now, there is no one on this planet that doesn't like budgeting as much as me so, if it is one of your least favorite things to do, join the club! What came as a shock to me is, there are overwhelming amounts of people out there that feel the same way I do about budgeting. I found that out as I sifted through several different personal finance websites around the web. 

After reading up on ways to make the process fun, I came to the conclusion that none of the approaches I'd found would work for me. Why? Well, they were all great but, I'm a competitive person! I like to play games, keep score and of course, WIN! So, I figured, why not try and turn my budget into a game. In the game, every dollar would signify a point and there would be set barriers to break. 

I started by cleaning up my budget spreadsheet. Once I did, I totaled up my debt goals and savings goals. I had to do at least this much to get a positive score. For every dollar I spent that went over my goals for that month, I would give myself a point. Month by month, I started to track my progress. 

In the first month, I ended up with a negative score which, well, frustrated me. But, I didn't reach my goals and now, I was being told I didn't by a score board! So, I did some tweaking. I looked at where my money was going and made some changes to how it was being spent. The next month, I scored 11 points! Which was not much considering I had a 219 point dent to cover from the month before.

So, I worked and worked, tweaking little spending habits and eventually, I got the high score of 376 points! I'm still working to beat it but, what that means is $376 more than my goals made it to pay off my debts or pad my savings a bit in one month! That's great considering I have pretty aggressive goals! That being said, I'm going to challenge you to start playing the budget game. All the instructions for how to set up your score board and play the budget game are available in my recent article, How To Make Budgeting More Fun. 

About The Author – Joshua Rodriguez
This article was written by Joshua Rodriguez, proud owner and founder of CNA Finance and avid personal finance journalist. Join the conversation with Joshua on Google+!