5 Signs Your Financial Advisor May Cheat You

Finance (Photo credit: Tax Credits)

The revelations of Allen Stanford and Bernie Madoff made us to carefully think about our financial advisors. It is quite unimaginable that your financial advisor will cheat on you; in reality, he or she is really capable of doing such. Nevertheless, it is not safe to generalize that all financial advisors are cheaters because there are a bunch of them who are honest and hard working people too. As a financial investor, you would not want to learn your lessons the hard way. If you have hired a financial advisor, you have to understand that you are still responsible for your financial stability in the future. Before hiring the services of a financial advisor, you should be wary of the possible signs that your financial advisor may cheat on you and ruin your economic future. 

· The Big Spender - You may want to do a little background check regarding the lifestyle of the financial advisor that you wish to hire. It was revealed that financial advisor Bernie Madoff lives an extravagant lifestyle. He owns several properties all over the world and he does not mind spending thousands of money for private jets. This is the first sign that you should look out for.

· The Philanthropist – Aside from luxurious lifestyle, your financial advisor could be hiding behind the mask of a good-hearted philanthropist.  Again, Bernie Madoff gave huge amounts of money in several foundations and even gave a donation to the Democratic Party. On the other hand, Allen Stanford donated money to various universities. It is okay to help other people if your financial advisor is using his/her own money, but it is totally a different story if he/she is using your money to make him look like a generous person.

· The Excuser – If your financial advisor never seems to run out of excuses for not fulfilling your requests, this is not a good sign. If you requested for a simple fund statement and it took him/her a long time to provide it to you, this is surely a red flag. You are in big trouble if there is a delay in giving you money. Your financial advisor must be doing something behind your back and you will not be happy about it.· The Magician – You have to remember that your financial advisor can do some magic to make your books look better. Your financial advisor can make the losses disappear and make your books appear as if everything is okay with your investments. It is better to do your own investigations and verify your returns. Looking at the percentage of the returns is not enough, you should be able to see how much money you have made with your financial investments. You should not get fooled with the returns shown in your books because a little magic can be done.

· The Business Person – There is nothing wrong if you financial advisor is a business person, but if it involves cloudy business practices then it is not a good sign too. Find out if immediate family members are the ones in-charge of bookkeeping because they can easily conceal the truth. Both Madoff and Stanford got their partners involved in the business as their respective bookkeepers and they also helped in the recruitment of new investors.

Sometimes it helps to be a little paranoid especially when it comes to financial investments. Some people may think that investors are stupid for not seeing the signs that their financial advisors are cheating on them. It is not a case of stupidity, these investors were too trusting and did not get themselves involved with their investments. They have left the responsibility of monitoring the investments in the hands of their financial advisors. Unfortunately, some financial advisors would take full advantage of the trust given to them and would use the money of their clients. Caution and involvement are the some of the things that you have to keep in mind when hiring financial advisors.

Irina Carter contributes towards Short Term Loans website. She loves covering business and finance news. She likes doing web development and web design.

Four Solid Reasons to Go Back to School in Your 50's

There was once a time when society expected a certain order in life. People reserved specific ages in life for milestones. You were supposed to get an education, start a career, raise a family, and then plan for retirement. Unfortunately, life does not always work out in the form of a checklist. This does not mean you should give up on your dreams once you reach a certain age. Your 50’s could be an ideal time to continue your education. Here are four excellent reasons to go back to school after 50. 

Gain a Competitive Edge

The workplace can have an intensely competitive atmosphere. Every ambitious employee is vying for the same promotions and recognition. This can be more than a bit threatening, so a NJIT masters in database management will give you the edge you need. Regardless of your level of experience, there are younger, more aggressive co-workers with the same exact goals. Earning a degree after 50 puts you in a special category. Not only do you possess the skills, but you also have the knowledge to back them up. Employers will consider this extra effort when they are making decisions. 

Fewer Responsibilities

Children require a lot of attention. There are school assignments, ball games, and music recitals. Although these are wonderful experiences to share with your child, they often force parents to put their own goals on hold. Once you reach your 50’s the children are usually grown and out of the house. Even if you do not have children, most people are more established by this age. This can be the perfect time to advance your education and earn a degree. You will be able to focus on your work without as many distractions.

Networking Opportunities

Depending on your career, networking can be very important. It is a popular method to increase interest and stimulate company growth. However, as we become more settled, it can be difficult to meet new people. There are not as many opportunities. Going back to school can be a wonderful networking tool. It allows you to introduce yourself to a wide range of people that you would not ordinarily meet. 

Staying Sharp

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, people have fewer and fewer opportunities to use their brains. Our society has become so dependent on their devices that many struggle without them. Computers and cell phones provide an endless amount of information with a simple touch. Earning a degree allows older students the opportunity to test how well they are able to retain information. This may also give you an edge when dealing with younger counterparts because they were raised with this dependence, while you were not.

Today, many older adults have made the choice to return to school. College courses are much more flexible than in the past. There are accelerated programs, night classes, and online universities. More people have come to realize that a college education is a valuable asset at any age. In fact, there are several grants and scholarships available for non-traditional students. If a degree is part of your dream, age should not be a limitation.

Author Bio

Hannah Whittingly is a freelance writer from Arizona, and loves to write about business and economics. For those looking for more information on completely their education and getting an online masters in computer science, visit arealonlinedegree.com today.

Financial Planning for the over 50s

Whether a school leaver or a septuagenarian, financial planning is a vital part of life. However, as you grow older, the factors you need to consider evolve and change as your needs mature.

When you are younger, financial planning is all about the long-term future and putting ideas together to ensure you start edging your way to getting what you want sooner rather than later.

Once you are over 50, although you may have many things you still want to see and do, you also need to start thinking about how your loved ones would pay for a funeral if the worst happened.

We take a look at financial planning for the over 50s and run through some of the considerations which should be taken into account.

Preparing for the worst

No one likes to think about their own death but making sure that all the necessary financial preparations are in place means that your loved ones will have much less to deal with while they are grieving.

"Look after your money, and it will look after you in retirement."

If you are willing to go that one step further, you could even make the preparations for your own resting place. An increasing number of people are opting to have their memorial stone constructed by a stone mason and pick their own cemetery – and even paying for it in advance – to save their family and friends from making difficult choices at a traumatic time.

You might prefer to leave the actual wording on your headstone, but there's no reason why you can't decide on everything else. Granite or marble? Polished or pitched? The choices over your headstone can be made in advance. You can even opt for a curbed memorial if your chosen cemetery permits these.

Pension arrangements

Hopefully, you will have been able to contribute to a personal pension. If this is the case, now is the time to view what arrangements you have in place and consider whether they would be sufficient to fund a comfortable retirement.

There are many types of pension funds that can be arranged

Although the exact value of your pension fund may well fluctuate in line with the market, it can be helpful to get an annuity quote so you know exactly how much extra income you can expect to receive once you stop working. 

This will help you plan for your future and decide whether you need to keep a small part-time job or whether you can afford that around-the-world cruise you have always promised yourself!

The other factor to consider is whether your pension fund needs to be moved to a low-risk, more secure investment.

Pensions are considered a long term investment, so investing in a fund deemed either cautious or aggressive carries little real risk as there will be time to make up any losses. 

The stock market, by its very nature, undulates, but any dips will even out over time, so there's usually no need to get worried by fluctuations in your fund value.

However, once you are nearing retirement, it's worth considering whether it would be more appropriate to move your fund to a less-risky investment. 

If the worst did happen and the market crashed, you may not have sufficient time for your pension fund to bounce back before you need to cash it in. Experts recommend moving your fund to a low-risk location the closer you take your retirement.

Conclusion

Just because you are over 50 doesn't mean you don't still have a long and fulfilling life ahead of you, and free of the shackles of work, you can finally spend your time doing exactly what you want.

However, financial planning is just as important as ever. Whether making sure your loved ones don't have too much to do if you were suddenly to depart this mortal coil or bolstering your pension fund so that you can have a whale of a time during your retirement, it's vital to make the necessary arrangements.

Easy Ways to Save Money on International Phone Calls

Whether you're a frequent traveler or have friends and family living abroad, you probably already know the toll that international calls can take on your finances. Major international carriers like Verizon, Virgin Mobile, and AT&T offer discounted per-minute rates if you plan ahead, but these can still cost a bundle even for a short phone call. Texting rates aren't much better, costing as much as 50 cents per text to numbers located abroad. These fees have risen in recent years as more consumers carry smartphones, because these mobiles cost more to roam internationally. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get started with making cheap international calls and lowering your bills. 

Contact your carrier before travelling.

If you're planning on travelling to a foreign country, you'll want to notify your carrier ahead of time and find out if they offer lower rates. At the very least, find out the rates to call home from abroad and what local calls and texts will cost. This will prevent any surprises once you get back home. It may be advantageous to simply turn off your phone if these fees seem too high, and look at the other alternatives mentioned below. 

Use Wi-Fi services to avoid roaming charges.

For those who opt to carry their smartphone abroad, roaming charges can take a huge hit on your phone bill. There are usually settings you can choose from to manage roaming and data usage. This includes turning off international roaming, and turning on the Wi-Fi connection. This will reduce your charges for using data, because you will be using a local network rather than your usual carrier.

Purchase pre-paid phone cards.

Whether you're travelling or need to call loved ones who live overseas, you'll get lower per-minute rates if you purchase pre-paid phone cards. There are old-fashioned calling cards which are designed either for general international use or offer low rates for specific countries. You can also purchase a pre-paid phone or SIM card to call Pakistan or any other international destination. Be sure to compare rates and any associated fees carefully, as these can vary widely. 

Use Smartphone apps to reduce costs.

Another way to benefit from lower rates on international calls is to use online calling services like Skype and Rebtel. These rely on Wi-Fi connections rather than regular international call networks, which is why they're able to provide far lower rates on calls. Many of these can be downloaded as free apps for your phone, so you can still use your mobile. Encourage your contacts to download the same services and you can save even more, because calls placed over the computer or between members of the same network are usually free of charge.

By following these basic steps, you can significantly reduce your international phone bills and avoid getting taken for a ride by your mobile service provider. Terms and conditions will vary, so it's best to weigh all options to find the best deal for your most-called destinations

Practical Tips for Cutting Expenses

When looking for ways to cut expenses, there are some rules you should follow. The first rule of thumb is to limit the number of credit cards you have. Spending now to pay later should only be for emergencies. Secondly, pay off a bill as soon as possible to prevent accruing interests that may leave you in debt. Do not go to buy food when you are hungry as you will spend more at the store than you intended to. Do not take your children on a shopping expedition when you are on a limited budget, their wondering eyes and hands always means more money spent than your budget can handle. Some other methods that can help you cut down on expenses include;

Pack Your Lunch

You can pack a healthy lunch to take to work. This saves on the amount you spend; since you made it at home you are sure of the ingredients included. Most offices have a microwave oven for their staff to enjoy a hot meal. This is not only good for your budget, but also excellent for your health. 

Learn to accessorize

You do not need a large variety of clothing to look good when you go out in public. A gorgeous belt can make your simple black dress look elegant when you attend an after office party. Invest in a good pair of black high heeled shoes. A man will require at least one black jacket in a good cut. A good quality pair of black shoes is a must. A white shirt in good condition is necessary for either gender. Launder your clothes as indicated on the label to ensure they remain in good condition for longer. 

Bargain hunting

The online platform allows you to compare prices easily. The same item you see in your local store can be bought at a discounted rate online if you do your research. Ask for discounts when you make your purchases locally. Most people pay the asking price without asking if a discount is offered. Bring your coupons when you go to shop and save a few coins.

Switch off lights when you leave a room

Most people forget to switch off lights in the kitchen when they sit in the dining room to have a meal. Always switch off lights when you leave a room. Unplug your electronics from the power supply when they are not in use. Do not forget to switch off the water heater power supply when you leave home.

Full loads

You save power when you wash dishes by waiting until you can put in a full load. The same applies to the washing machine in your home.

Can you trade in?

Some localities can allow you to trade what you have for something you need. Find out if it is possible in your area. You may get what you need without spending much to obtain it. Sell what you do not need in your home to make extra spending money. The online platform has simplified the way we live. It is free to place an ad to sell an item on most websites. You can take a photo of what you want to sell and attach it on your social media page as you chat with your friends. It will be bought in due time.

By cutting your expenses, you will find you are able to live more comfortably. In the long run, it will pay off with less stress and more money in your savings.

Measures to minimize cyber security threats

For all companies, there are several potential cyber security threats. As a matter of fact, a lot of businesses are unaware of security measures they can take to help them in protecting their technology. Some of the things that a business may do to minimize the threats include;

Raising awareness

Ensure that all the staffs comprehend the importance of being curious with emails. Not to automatically supply information, check who they send emails to prior to clicking "send". This should be a continuous process because problems are bound to change.

Use defensive technology

Ensure that all the protections are up-to-date. Ensuring that defensive software is properly installed and functioning and programs are updated. This can prevent hackers from gaining access or finding weaknesses to the company's systems.

Secure the physical assets of the company

Make sure the office computers are guarded from theft. The main server should be locked away securely and they should be alarmed and adequately secured. It will be catastrophic if a person gets into your system and destroy your data. Make sure there is an effective back-up system tested routinely, stored correctly and taken regularly.

Safeguard remote and mobile access

Ensure all the data are correctly transferred especially the ones which are sensitive. Data can easily be protected on the move by the use of encryption. This means additional programs scramble data and that only a key (Password or a PIN) can typically unlock it.

Review personal devices

It is worthwhile to have an idea of the personal devices used by staffs especially if they are using them to connect to the business network. If the staffs are utilizing their own devices, the devices should be protected and properly secured.

Assess redundant equipment

Photocopiers, printers and computers all store data even after everything is deleted. It is vital to find a reputable firm to dispose all equipment to make sure all the data in them is destroyed. 

By enhancing vigilance and implementing all these measures, you will greatly minimize cyber security threats to the company and safeguard the assets.