Thursday, December 26, 2013

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. 



Looking For A Car Insurance? Get Usage Based Insurance!

For a car owner, it’s really a difficult task to find the right insurance for their vehicle. There are so many insurance companies out there in the market who can offer you with different options. Moreover, there are some companies which also offer discount on the coverage.

Looking at all the insurance covers is a time-consuming task, but it’s very essential if you want to find the best deal. There is a very popular car insurance coverage which you may also consider if you are someone who doesn't drive a car/vehicle for a significant distance often.

More popularly, it’s known as “Usage based insurance”. To put it simply, it means “pay as you go insurance”. It’s a kind of insurance coverage which calculates the cost of the insurance based on the miles driven by a vehicle.

Learn The Features Of Usage Based Insurance Cover


When it comes to usage based insurance coverage, it can be mainly classified into three kind of coverage. The first kind of coverage is mainly based on the odometer reading of your vehicle; it is based on the miles driven by your vehicle.

If you decide to choose the second coverage, you should first understand that this is a coverage which mainly calculates the cost of coverage on the basis of time traveled by you in the car. To calculate the time, there is a specific module which is used to calculate the time.

The third coverage calculates both the distance and length of time driven by the car. It also includes the speed and other information. Your insurance premium amount is calculated on the basis of all these factors, and so you should understand the features of the coverage before choosing any deal.

Can Your Usage Based Insurance Cause Privacy Issues?


Unfortunately, most of the people think that usage based insurance can cause privacy issues. Because of the module which collects all the data quickly, most of the people think that it may cause security issues. However, it’s not that so.

Obviously, if your car is giving all the essential details to the insurance company,you may sometimes freak out. Isn’t it? It can also become a concern for you, if it’s your teenage child who is driving the car. However, it’s the insurance company who will take care of all such safety issues. Therefore, you simply don’t need to worry if you have invested in usage based insurance cover.

Why You Should Choose Usage Based Insurance? Can You Enjoy Any Special Benefits?


Usage based insurance is the best insurance coverage for people who don’t want to pay any unnecessary amount for their coverage. This is a kind of coverage which gives you the option to pay the amount which you have traveled. When you choose this coverage, you can easily calculate the insurance premiums.

The best thing about this coverage is that you can easily track how much distance you have travelled and pay the amount. This is one of the major reasons of the popularity of usage based insurance coverage among the consumers. So, you should get it now.


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Is It Easy To Escape The Loopholes Of Short Term Financing?

Loans
Loans (Photo credit: zingbot)
Short term financing today has emerged as one of the major means by which borrowers can turn to their immediate cash needs. In spite of the high rates of interests borrowers are found turning to it to meet urgent needs like paying off a car repair fee or else a medical bill. The fact that they are provided without lengthy credit checks has acted in their favor. For instance, if a borrower finds himself in a cash strapped situation while he has to pay off a huge hospital bill he would definitely look for availing alternate resources that would provide him with fast cash. 

Traditional loans would take a certain degree of time to be arranged whereas there is no assurance that friends and relatives will always turn helpful in these cases. Short term loans turn out to be very helpful and perhaps the only recourse during these times. Listed below are some of the advantages of payday loans alternately known as the cash advance, or fast cash or same day loans:

They can be secured very fast and involves very simple documentation process- once approved, he can get the money credited to his account within 24-48 hours.

It is very easy to qualify for these loans. The borrower just needs to fulfill the following requirements in order to qualify:

  • He should at least be 18 years of age 
  • He should have a savings or checking account in his bank 
  • He should be able to prove that he has a good source of income so that he can pay off the debt on time.
The borrower gets a chance to rollover the debt in case he defaults

Most of the lenders conduct business online, so it gets easier for borrowers to browse through multiple lenders and zero in on a choice accordingly.

Being Careful Matters


The high rate of interest might discourage you to secure these loans, but a few measures on your end can ensure that you're avoiding all possible loopholes like debt trap and bogus lenders.

Educating yourself duly about short term loans remains crucial. There might be a number of changes brought about in payday legislation that you should be aware of. Know for a fact that there are a number of bogus lenders in the market who have perfectly authentic-looking websites. Providing sensitive details like your bank account number, monthly earning etc would be dangerous. As a result, take care of the fact that you're checking out the reviews of the site you are consulting properly. Additionally, weigh your needs and ability to repay properly before you're trying to get fast cash loans. There is simply no need to apply for them if you think that the need, for which you're considering the loan, is not that urgent. Make sure that you're duly aware of the repayment terms and conditions. Its not really advisable to opt for a rollover as that would lead to further escalation of rates of interest. Please think carefully whether you would be able to pay such high interest or not. 



5 Ways You Can Lower Your Risk of Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. With the interconnectedness of countries, people, and information systems, it has become easier for identity thieves to hack into your accounts and steal your personal information, allowing them to assume your identity and wreak havoc on your life. Fortunately, there are ways you can protect yourself against these criminals. While there is never a guarantee that you won't fall victim to an identity theft, by taking some simple, preventative security measures you can help ensure your safety online and restore your peace of mind.

Guard Your Information


Many people have their social security cards with them in their wallets, along with their driver's license and credit cards. Imagine what would happen if your wallet or purse was stolen. The person who stole it would have access not only to your credit card numbers and basic information, but your social security number, as well. Always make sure your social security card, passwords, ATM PIN numbers, and other sensitive information is not stored anywhere that someone could easily find if they stole your wallet or purse.

Be Observant


It is very common to receive your bank statement in the mail or a statement notification online and ignore it. Identity thieves rely on this behavior in order to get away with their scams. Many identity thieves would be caught earlier on if the person whose identity they stole had looked at their credit card and bank statements. Always make sure you scan for any suspicious activity, and report anything that is out of place to your bank immediately.

Make Sure You're Secure


When you shop online or bank, always ensure the website has a security certification so your information is secure. You can tell whether or not a website has this certification and security by checking in the browser box right before the "http". If there's a green icon with a padlock or similar image, the site is protected. But if the icon is not there and the box or icon (or sometimes the text) is not green, you are not on a secure site. Never shop or bank on a website without the green icon indicating that it is secure.

Take Care What You Share


Shared computers can be an open door to identity theft if you're not careful. Any website you visit will result in your web browser leaving a cookie, or tracking device, that shows where you've been online. But if you go to your bank website, shop online, or enter personal information anywhere, the next person might be able to go through your history and find your information. Always clear all cookies before you leave the computer, and completely log out of all account-based sites.

Post Office Only


There are remote mailbox locations all over your city, and they make it extremely convenient for you to deposit mail. But they also make it convenient for thieves to steal your outgoing mail before the mail carrier gets to it. Never deposit bills or anything with personal information in a remote location; take it straight to the post office.

By following these tips and applying them to your daily life, you can help prevent identity theft from happening to you. Always keep your information secure, and never share your passwords with anyone. Don't carry valuable information like your social security number with you, and never print it on your checks. By keeping your information as safe as possible, you can help avoid becoming the victim of an identity thief.

Lewis Brooks researches technology and safety. He often blogs about everyday concerns of virtual safety in the modern world.



Saturday, December 21, 2013

7 Surprising Ways to Save Money on Medical Bills

There are many unexpected expenses that that can wreak havoc on your budget. Medical bills are certainly at the top of that list. And they always seem to appear when you least likely expect them, or want them for that matter. Fortunately, not all hope is loss. There is light at the end of the financial tunnel. Here are seven ways to save money on medical bills and begin reclaiming your financial freedom!

Call The Medical Billing Company


Before you pay your bill, you should call the medical billing company listed on the bill for information. The company should be able to give you information on your bill and ways to save money on your medical bills.


Check for Errors On The Bill


A surprising amount of medical bills contain errors. In some cases, patients are billed for items that they did not use, or they are billed twice for the same item. Although it may take some time, it is wise to go over each and every bill to check for errors before paying your bill.

Make Sure That Your Insurance Was Billed


Medical billing companies send out bills around the start of each month. However, your insurance check may not have cleared before the bill was sent out. This means that the amount that you owe on the bill is inaccurate. 

Pay The Insurance Rate


One of the leading medical billing companies in Utah advises that If you don't have insurance, ask if you can pay the same amount that the medical insurance companies pay. Hospitals and other medical providers bill self-paying patients differently than they do patients with health insurance. Because of this, it is wise to ask if you might be able to pay this amount instead of the amount that you owe.

Set Up a Payment Plan With Automatic Deductions


If you owe a bit on your medical bill and cannot pay the amount, you should ask to set up a payment arrangement. In some cases, you can save money if you agree to have the fee deducted automatically from your checking account.


Ask About Any Charity Funds That Might Be Available


If you have a modest income, you may qualify for a charity fund that some medical organizations have created. If you do qualify, a portion or your entire bill may be forgiven if you do qualify. It is definitely worth checking into!

Make Sure That The Doctor or Other Health Provider Accepts Your Insurance!


Before making an appointment, make sure to double check. If you go to a doctor outside of you network, your fees may be higher or you may have to pay the entire bill out of pocket.

There is no way to avoid the inevitability of medical bills. We all have to face them at one point or another. While no one is immune to medical bills, following the advice listed above will go a long ways to minimizing medical bill expenses and putting money back in your wallet.


Making a Move after Retirement

Now a day’s most of the retired people move to warm or low taxes areas like California and Belize. There are many people who ask the same questions repeatedly to themselves, should we move or not. Sometimes decision to move makes sense; however, it’s important to prepare for your retirement beforehand and move to somewhere else.

Here I have shared some tips to consider while moving to some other states or country.


Reasons:


If someone has decided to move after their retirement, there will be several reasons to move. The reason can be low taxes on houses, lower cost of living, small houses, less maintenance and more retirement benefits. There are many areas with a lot of benefits for retired people like Belize. They offer a wide range of benefits to people who have moved or are living in Belize after their retirement.

Some of the benefits are:

  • Free from all receipts and income taxes
  • Free from import duties
  • Free from import duties on vehicles such as motor vehicles and boats
  • Can start their own business within the Belize or outside the country


Who is eligible?


  • You must be a citizen of US, UK , Canada or Belize
  • People 45 or above are considered as retired
  • Your monthly income should be at least $2000

Other reasons may include moving to an area with a better climate or to be closer to family, and to move to a smaller house -- perhaps a one-level home or one where others maintain the house.

There can be other reasons as well for moving such as being closer to friends and family. The climate can also be an important reason to move. Crime rate is another reason, which attracts many retirees due to the safety of their families.


Save Money:


After moving you can save money by avoiding expenses like yard care, snow removal and moving up and down stairs. Your own self can handle small problems or you can get some help from the internet where you can find everything within few minutes without paying a single penny.

Whenever you decide to move, make sure to get all the required information beforehand. If there are lower taxes, you can save that money as well and increase your deposited income.

If you move to small house then you’ll have less expenses and this will help you increase your income. By saving money, you will be able to start your own venture or invest in some business.


Important Note:


Naturally, taxes should be a consideration. Some states tax only a portion of retirement benefits, and others fully exclude retirement income from tax. Certain states include a portion of Social Security benefits in the calculation of taxable income. Therefore, although the state tax rate may be lower, if a larger amount of income is taxed, then the overall tax liability may be greater in one state than another.

Every state or country has their own policies regarding the taxes. Some states had many taxes which mean you can save too much money their but some states offer no taxes for retiree. If you are earning good then you can pay those taxes without any problem but It cause if you are not earning a good amount. Therefore, you have to be careful when moving to any state or country after your retirement.

As previously mentioned, a state with a lower cost of living will be more attractive to retirees, as long as it is not offset by reduced services, such as health care and safety.

Author Bio:

Stella Fin is a professional writer; currently she is writing for Serenity Paradise Retirement in Belize which is offering Land and Lots for sale in Belize near Corozal. Find Stella Fin on Twitter, Facebook and on Google+.


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