Pete - PASS (Portable Appliance Safety Services) Limited – 3 Reasons why you should have your Portable Electrical Appliances Tested

English: PAT Testing in the Workplace (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

While we may spend the majority of our waking hours either at work or at home, these seemingly innocuous places can be the source of both hardship and injury. This is especially true when you consider the rate of injuries at home or in the workplace, which cost individuals and public organisations thousands of pounds every single year. These statistics only serve to underline the importance of taking a proactive approach to safety, as you look to safeguard the interests of both yourself and those around you.

3 Reasons why you should have your Appliances PAT Tested

With this in mind, there are multiple reasons why you should ensure that your domestic electrical appliances have been thoroughly tested. Consider the following: - 

The Importance of Creating a Safe Home Environment

If you have a family, it is crucial that they are able to develop and live in a safe domestic environment. This means that every single aspect of the home must be given careful consideration, as otherwise you could fall foul of the hidden dangers that lurk in each room. Electrical appliances can be particularly dangerous, especially if you have owned them for a while or they operate from a busy mains socket. Having these appliances tested by a PASS certified engineer will help to ensure that they operating safely and according to strict safety guidelines.

The Burden Ownership

While it stands to reason that new appliances will have been thoroughly tested prior to being released onto the consumer market, all electrical goods that are known to experience wear and tear over time or a period of concerted use. Even accounting for the impact that technological advancement has had on improving the efficiency and longevity of electrical appliances, individual items can develop significant faults if left unchecked. To negate this risk, you should consider having appliances PAT tested regularly by a local service provider.

Obtain the Best Possible Value for Money

Whenever you purchase a high value appliance or white goods, you are making a significant investment. It is important that you respect this, initially by buying a product that is fully accredited, high in quality and capable of delivering value for money. PAT testing helps to guarantee that individual appliances are both safe and functional, while it also helps consumers to obtain the maximum value from the purchase price and any additional warranties. In an age where economic growth cannot be relied on, this is a benefit of PAT testing that few home-owners can ignore.

Structured Settlements and the Importance of Factoring

If you have ever been involved in a medical malpractice law suit, an accident or have been awarded a lump sum of money you are receiving a structured settlement. This form of payment, which can also be called an insurance annuity, is a way an insurance company guarantees you your monthly, quarterly, or yearly payment. You, the annuitant, or policy holder is guaranteed to receive the payout over a number of payments.

Structured Settlements are set up as an annuity contract with a single premium contract. They are held by the institution that is responsible to carry out the future payments. The Congress has approved the use of structured settlements as a way to guarantee that the injured parties have the continuing means to support themselves and to reduce the chance of misappropriation of funds that would be caused by a lump sum distribution. Under IRS tax law, structured settlements are encouraged. Each and every payment, including earnings under the annuity are excluded from taxable earnings in future tax returns, according to IRC section 104(a)(1) or (2).

• Finding Funds: All About Structured Settlements

Structured settlements are legal documents designed to protect you and give you specific legal rights concerning your financial dispersements. But like any legal framework you should be aware of the pros and cons of using such an instrument.

One of the most beneficial aspects is that any interest or capital appreciation that happens over the life of the instrument is totally free from paying any income taxes. This benefits you with more money during your contract. When you first begin your settlement you can state the terms that best suit your needs. If you need the payments to start right away or be postponing for a certain amount of time, this stipulation can be put in your contract. You can even set the number of years or payments to fit in with your age or life position. You don’t have to worry about market fluctuation because your payout is not tied to any investment market. Lastly, should the policy owner die, a beneficiary can be designated to receive the balance of the payments.

Naturally with all the good benefits there are a few disadvantages. One being that after all the details of the contract is set, they can’t be changed. If you want to shorten the term or increase the payment, you won’t be able to do it. Even if an emergency arises you will not be able to access your money or change any detail of your contract.

• Selling Your Structured Settlement for Maximum Cash - An Illusion or Reality

As with all legal contracts, you need to be aware of the benefits and the pitfalls. Handling the process alone is not a good idea. You should have legal counsel who specializes in the process. You need to have someone in your corner who can guide you through the pros and cons of structured settlements.

Structured settlements have been a great help to those injured and in need of a continuing stream of money for medical and living needs. It’s a life line that has given many a way to live their lives with dignity. But with all these great benefits there are people who don’t want their settlement and want to convert it to a lump sum payment. The one and most common reason is they have a pressing expense in need of cash fast. But remember any company that would buy your contract is not going to pay you full value of the remaining amount.

The companies that buy structured settlements at a discount are called factoring companies. The amount of discount can fluctuate in a range of between 7 to 15 percent. Your million dollar settlement can turn into $300,000 or less.

Why such a difference? A dollar today is worth more than a dollar 20 years from now. It seems an incredibly small amount but isn’t always a bad decision. But it is a decision that requires needs proper counsel from a qualified advisor.

For Those 50 and Older Starting a Business is the Only Way to Have a Successfull Retirement.

If you are in your pre-retirement years you have many things to worry about. The constant barrage of headlines telling us how bad things will be for those approaching retirement doesn't help much but it has made many reconsider their career choices.

Take your pick, healthcare, Social Security, or just not enough saved; this isn't your fathers retirement. It's true today's retirees are having a harder time making ends meet. We could only wish that those were the only problems. We are also facing taking care of older parents and college age children who can't find jobs. Retirement is being postponed. Never before has so much responsibility been placed on a generation.

The Need is Real

This perfect storm of problems has awoken something that has never been seen before. Today's elder generation has bloomed into a generation of entrepreneurs. This age group has risen to the challenge of not waiting for the government or anyone else to help them, they have stepped up and taken control of their financial lives. 

• Top 7 Mistakes Made by First-Time Business Owners

You won't find this generation playing shuffle board or canasta in the clubhouse. You will find them going to work. Many have realized from the start that a successful retirement means still earning an income. They have decided to not let the increased expense of living ruin retirement. This trend is something completely new for the United States. Sitting at home waiting to collect that Social Security check is not part of their futures.

The statistics are incredible. Americans, aged 65 and older, which number 8 million people, 40% of them own a small business. Less than 10% of these businesses are 4 years old. More than 10% have just started a new business. This is according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These figures apply to those who are still in the workforce not those who are not going to work again. 

Entrepreneurs with Experience

The current retirement generation are Baby Boomers who grew up in the 50's and 60's. They have experienced and lived with parents from the greatest generation. They were underestimated and criticized that they were living off the hard work of the previous generation. The proof is there that they are seeding the rising economy with there small business start ups.

What makes these people so able to be entrepreneurs. In comparison to their younger business start-up counterparts, older entrepreneurs have the advantage. They have more capital to invest in running a new business. They also have more knowledge of their particular industry. They also have one thing that the younger businessman doesn't have, motivation. Of course the younger man has a passion but the older entrepreneurs are highly motivated. They have been in the workforce for so many years they are in a comfortable position and their fear of failure is very low compared to a new entrepreneur.

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

It's not all rosy for the older business man. Over the years they may not have been in a management position. They may not have knowledge of advertising, product procurement, office operation, and even social marketing. I thought about how the older entrepreneurs could come up to speed. It's not like you need to reinvent the wheel. Running a small business is basically the same form and function independent of the product or service the business produces. 

Many business schools teach many ways to overcome the problems of starting a new business. One that I particularly like is taking on a partner. The real success of the company depends on the skills and hard work of the principles. If you think a partner will help why not get someone who has the skills and education to contribute but also has the energy and stamina to contribute. 

If you are nervous about starting a business, remember Ray Kroc started Mcdonalds at the age of 52. If he can be successful so can you. He started with one restaurant and the rest is history.

The Top 10 Most Expensive Colleges

College education is very important. It is the last step in formal education and it is in this step that a student’s future will depend. Though there are cheaper or free colleges, most of them are expensive but of course it will be fully compensated with the knowledge you will gain in return. The best colleges are actually expected to have higher tuition fees.

Here are the top 10 most expensive colleges:

The University of Chicago (tuition fee: $57,711)

The school was established by the American Education Society in 1890 -- four years after a school of the same name has been closed due to financial reasons. It is known for its first man-made self-sustaining nuclear reaction from its Physics Department. It also produced 87 Nobel awards.

The Johns Hopkins University (tuition fee: $57,820)Located in Baltimore, this university is actually a non-profit establishment. It has been rated as the best when it comes to the fields of science, engineering development as well as medical research for about 3 decades straight!







Parsons the New School for Design (tuition fee: $57,910)

If you are aiming to be the best designer someday, then this school is what you are looking for. It specializes in art and design. The school is based in New York and it was established by a great painter named William Merritt Chase in 1896. Being a graduate from this university, you will be labeled as a product of one of the most respected art schools in the world.

The Dartmouth College (tuition fee: $57,996)

This university is one of the 9 Colonial Colleges which was established before the American Revolution. This is the smallest of the nine colleges but it has produced 3 Nobel Prize champions. This school was opened by Eleazar Wheelock in 1769. 

The Claremont McKenna College (tuition fee: $58,065)
This is a private liberal arts University which was established and named as the Claremont Men’s College way back 1946. However, it started accepting women students in 1976. This school is known for its very strict admission procedure; thus, they always end up having the lowest number of students.

Wesleyan University (tuition fee: $58,502)

Like the Claremont McKenne College, this university is also a liberal arts college situated in Middletown, Connecticut. It ranks number 2 as the most productive liberal arts school in the whole country when it comes to the number of undergraduates who are continuing to acquire doctorate diplomas. 

The Columbia University (tuition fee: $58,742)

This university is actually named as Columbia University in the City of New York though it is commonly addressed as Columbia University. This is another member of the nine colonial colleges. It is the first school to grant medical degrees and it has produced a number of remarkable alumni.




The Harvey Mudd College (tuition fee: $58,913)

This is another liberal arts school that was established in 1955. They specialize and excel in the field of general sciences. In fact, anyone who graduated from this school have been considered to be one of the highest paid employees.




The New York University (tuition fee: $59,337)

This university is located in Greenwich Village in New York. It was acknowledged in 1831. This school has a huge population of foreign students because it is usually the number one to come up when a foreign student searches for a school on the internet. The school has produced 36 Nobel Prize and 16 Pulitzer Awards.



The Sarah Lawrence College (tuition fee: $61,236)
The Sarah Lawrence College is the most expensive college in the world. This university was founded in 1926 by William Van Duzer Lawrence. It is famous for its high standard of teaching. Students who are enrolled in the university are popular for their political interest and activism.


These are the top 10 most expensive colleges. Indeed, quality and reliable education demands higher fees. However, just because you can afford the cost doesn’t mean that you can become one of their students because they have a very strict way of screening their applicants. They do not just accept rich students, but those who are also academically capable.

CollegeRag.net is a website filled with nuggets of information that will help and guide you in your journey towards achieving a college education.

Vacations That Don’t Cost the Earth: Is the Eco-Lodge the Holiday of the Future?

English: Eco-Lodge Situated around Brompton Lakes. A side elevation of a lodge. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you’re a real super-saver, it’s likely that you already have many ways to save money when it comes to going on vacation. In fact, we’ve got a whole host of great money-saving travel tips right here on the site that you may be able to use. But it’s not just about a change in the way you take your holiday; there are in fact completely eco-friendly alternatives to a more traditional vacation. Looking at recent trends it looks like the next big thing in green vacationing may just be the ‘eco-lodge’. So let’s look at these in a bit more detail to help you decide if this may be the way you’d like to spend your next big vacation. 

What is an eco-lodge?

It only seems right to start at the beginning, so let’s first find out where the eco-lodge concept came from and how exactly we can define an eco-lodge. Well, the first good examples of eco-lodges came about in the early 2000s in Europe, when the European Union began to designate hotels with their ‘eco-label’. This is essentially a sign to travellers that this place is eco-friendly. Around this time was when the real boom in the popularity of green vacations really began, making its way to the USA soon thereafter. There are a number of characteristics that premises should have in order to be classified as an eco-lodge. Here are just a few examples:

• Sustainable energy used throughout (wind and solar power, for example)
• Sheets, towels and other fabrics made from recycled materials
• Air exchange system
• Re-usable dishes and cutlery
• Organic soaps and other household chemicals
• If vehicles are provided, they are generally ‘green’ (bicycles or hybrids, for example)

The benefits of a green vacation

For the keen money-saver, it can sometimes be a difficult change to go from a thrifty lifestyle back home to a more decadent one during a holiday break. By choosing a holiday at an eco-lodge or similar green vacation property, you can enjoy all of the traditional benefits that such a trip brings – relaxation, getting a break from the everyday, spending time with loved ones – without the burden of worrying about electricity use and other unsustainable expenditure. Even better, staying at an eco-lodge can in many cases be more affordable than staying in comparable accommodation without these green features. Of course, if you want to go all out in 5-star style and stay eco-friendly, the price tag may well increase – but there are other ways of getting access to a quality eco-property, as we’ll discover.

Investing in your own green property

You might think that owning an eco-lodge or similar of your very own is nothing but a pipe dream, but it’s actually becoming quite achievable via schemes such as time-share properties. These aren’t just for ski resorts and sunny beaches anymore! By exploring the many time-share properties that are available on the market, you can in fact find a number of them which are eco-conscious and have the features that would fall into the category of an eco-lodge. If you’re interested into locating a time-share property that you can either turn into a sustainable haven – or one that already has these features – be sure to check out the many online resources on time-share properties. Of course, the best part of all of this is that, because you’re sharing the cost with a number of other people, you can enjoy all of the benefits of a 5-star eco-lodge at a price that won’t break the bank – or cost the earth.

Examples of popular eco-lodges

If you’re not quite ready to own an eco-property of your own, there are plenty of green hotels out there for you to explore and test the waters of. And because the concept has become such a phenomenon, your choices are now literally global. Examples include the Pole Pole in Tanzania, the Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve in South Africa, and the unique Concordia Eco-Tents in the Virgin Islands. These are just a handful of examples that we’d recommend you look into in more detail – but there really is a world of eco-lodges that you can look into. Who knows – you might just discover a life-long passion for sustainable accommodation, and maybe even snag one of your own one day. Happy trails!

Ask Bert Griffin: Some Tips for New Stock Investors

English: Phillippine stock market board (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the wake of the financial recovery and the resurgence of the stock market, stocks have returned as one of the more popular investment vehicles for independent investors. And for good reason – if you have funds set aside that you’re looking to invest more aggressively, stocks can offer a great opportunity for strong returns. However, with that said, becoming active in the stock market offers far more risks and uncertainties than other investment avenues, especially for those who are new to stocks.

But, knowledge goes a long way, particularly in the investment world. Which is why I thought it would be worthwhile to share my thoughts in this ‘Ask Bert Griffin’ article on what I think needs to be known when someone first considers investing in the stock market. 

Background research and knowledge is critical

Here’s the thing – if you’re new to buying and selling stocks, then you’re probably also new to the workings of the stock market and to the full range of stocks available for you to purchase or trade. Which is fine. However, it does mean that performing background reading on not only the stock market in general, but also the different types of stocks traded in the market is imperative for any sort of success.

Now there are entire books and classes devoted to different stock purchasing and trading methodologies. If you do not have time to take these sort of classes, then try to do some sort of background reading on how the stock market works before making any sort of purchases. Furthermore, once you have an idea of what stocks you would like to buy, be sure to complete detailed research on both the history of the company you’re investing in, as well as its stock. 

Never be surprised at the volatility of these kinds of investments

One of the things you have to be mentally prepared for when becoming active in the stock market is that stocks can be very volatile vehicles for investment. Unlike mutual funds or other forms of investment, when you buy stocks, you’re directly investing in the daily performance of a company. That means there’s no cushion or anything else protecting you from the performance of that company. Thus, if the company you buy stock from begins performing poorly or if their stock becomes ill-favored on the market for some reason, this will be reflected in the stock price – and not several days or a month later, but immediately. Additionally, even if the financial market is doing well, the stock(s) that you choose to invest in may perform poorly (and of course, the opposite is true too).

In short, the value of stocks can fluctuate wildly and when beginning to make your first investments, you need to be prepared for potential volatility and remain confident in the intelligence behind your stock picks.

If interested in more conservative trading, then consider stocks from major corporations like McDonalds or Coca Cola

Now that doesn’t mean that every single stock traded on the market should be deemed high risk. Yes, stocks of start-ups and small companies doing business in unproven industries are certainly more risky investments. However, stocks of such global, big-name companies like McDonalds, Coca Cola, Pepsi, IBM, Intel and Google, to name just a few, can be seen as far more stable investments. 

 However, there’s some caveats to be had here – first, stocks of these kind of established companies are typically more expensive; second, because these big corporations have relatively stable value, you’ll most likely not see any sort of wilds gains when buying their stocks. Yes – in the investment world, ‘no risk, no gain’ is a phrase that proves true more often than not.

Never forget that buying and trading stocks is a high-risk form of investment

I always advise those clients of mine who purchase and trade in the stock market to never forget the risk that comes along with it. As much as I want my clients to succeed financially, there’s a potential danger that comes along with enjoying success in the stock market – namely, a person can become complaisant or they can forgot the risk they are taking. 

 And, in a worse case scenario, all the success they have enjoyed can come crashing down in a matter of hours or days, and a lot of assets can be potentially lost. That’s why I repeatedly remind my clients that knowledge, confidence and a continual awareness of the stock market and one’s activity in it is imperative for success.