Do Wine Ratings Influence the Wine Investment Industry?

Many skilled wine investors already know how to get high Parker ratings. However, what they don’t know is how to keep their ratings. 

After nearly 40 years, wine aficionados are still intrigued by the ratings. 

Some don’t see them as an arbiter of quality; regardless, they’re still heavily monitored and supervised. The question is – do wine ratings truly influence the wine investment industry?

Robert Parker was credited to commercialize wine ratings in the late 70s. He managed to change completely the fine wine industry. 

Bordeaux wine was made visible at a global scale thanks to the Parker rating system; before that, the whole investment industry was completely different. The first wine ratings were introduced in 1959; it only had a 20-point scale. 

However, it was Robert Parker’s 100-point scale that changed everything in 1975. When the 1982 vintage was introduced (which was rated superb on the Parker scale) Bordeaux wines became extremely sought-after. 

There are complaints, though. Some want to know why Parker is the best wine rating, and how it can make the difference between the taste of a Bordeaux from 93 and a Bordeaux from 94, for example. 

Technical details emphasize that the rating system has very few “*” symbols; this means that sometime in the future, a specific type of wine could have a higher score, begging the question “what does the 100* mean”? 

If a wine enters the market, and it is marked 100, what happens when a better type comes and steals the show? The scale stops at 100, so does this mean that the previously rated type of wine is no longer good enough? 

Improved wine production increases wine ratings

Many aspects concerning wine production have changed, thus compelling wine ratings to increase. 

Technology, training, and even general weather conditions have led to significant improvements for producers of Bordeaux wine. In time, are ratings stable? 

Experts agree that wines are increasing in quality. Grade inflation is the real deal, and that’s mostly because the quality of the wine has greatly improved.

Considering the criticism surrounding wine ratings, should future investors in fine wine trust that the Parker rating system is for real? 

It looks like wine ratings are thriving – the Wine Advocate, for example, completes with the Wine Spectator. Some consumers agree that it’s natural to trust the preferences of an expert. 

Avid consumers who know some things or two about wine have accidentally self-educated themselves, aligning their tastes with the preferences of the experts. 

Whether we like it or not, wine rating systems are the metric we have to set huge variety of wine apart, and classify them to assess their potential to yield sensible returns. 

The link between wine and ratings

Does a type of wine’s quality drive ratings, or do ratings influence a wine’s quality? 

Just like in any business that depends on a rating system, wine ratings craft a feedback loop that is directly linked to the product about to be rated. 

The Wine Advocate argues that the Robert Parker system gave Bordeaux a unique opportunity – to get back on its feet.

Wine experts agree that high ratings depend on a high demand – the higher the demand the better the chances for an increased return on investment. Wine is a product that depends on nature. 

Climate changes influence its quality. The years 1972 and 1974 were bad; 1975 was ok, and 1982 was magnificent. Even though there’s a crystal-clear link between wine prices and wine ratings, it’s not enough to let the data speak.

When ratings correlate with general price, a crystal-clear investment tactic is getting ratings as soon as possible. 

Enprimeur ratings clearly fill a specific need. Some predictions are made before the wine is released on the market; however nobody guarantees that the wine stored in a barrel will increase in value when the wine is bottled.

In 2015, Robert Parker declared that it will stop rating Bordeaux wines. Therefore, consensus will automatically replace authority, opening doors to brand new approaches and strategies. 

If you’re sure that investing in Margaux wine is a good idea, then feel free to take a chance; but do it carefully and keep a close eye on the ratings, too, not just on the wine type.

How to Manage Medical Bills When Dealing with a Malpractice Case

When a medical professional makes a mistake, it can lead to immense pain and suffering. It may also make your original condition worse if an infection or diseased body part is not removed. 

In addition to your physical pain and suffering, you may be unable to work or pay your bills. How can you deal with those bills while your medical malpractice case unfolds?

Ask to Defer Payment Until After the Case

In some cases, it may be possible to have your bills deferred until after your case is settled. If you win, the money from the settlement will be used to pay your doctors and other medical care providers. 

Professionals, like those at Otorowski Johnston Morrow & Golden P.L.L.C., know that these will be the first people to pay after the case is over. 

However, if you lose, you can start making payments on an installment basis or make other arrangements to pay your debts.

Creditors May Allow You to Settle Debts for Less

In the event that you paid medical debt with a credit card, it may be possible to settle that debt for less than you owe. 

If a creditor thinks that it won't get paid in a timely manner because you can't work or otherwise make money, it may be in its best interest to simply accept a settlement. 

However, it is important to remember that any forgiven debt could be viewed as taxable income by the IRS.

Government Benefits May Help Pay Other Bills

Government programs may be available to help you pay other bills such as your heat and light bill. 

Food stamps may help reduce the cost of meals for yourself and anyone else who lives with you. Benefits may also be available to help you pay rent or other housing costs to ensure that you don't become homeless while your case is ongoing.

Crowdfunding May Help You Pay Bills

If you don't want to rely on the government for help, you could ask others in your community to pitch in a few dollars each. 

In fact, you could offer to bake cookies, write music or perform other tasks in exchange for the money. Those who offer rewards should provide them after the case is over to ensure that they don't do anything to jeopardize their standing in court.

A mistake during surgery or a misdiagnosis of a physical condition could lead to large medical bills in the future. 

While you have the right to ask for compensation if an error is made, it could take months or years to settle your case. This means that you need to know where you can go right now to get help until your case is settled.

4 Major Life-Changing Ways a Divorce Impacts Your Family Finances

Getting a divorce changes the shape of your family forever. As much as it changes your daily life, it also changes your finances. 

If you're considering or preparing for divorce, make sure you understand the key ways it can impact your finances so that you'll be prepared to move forward with your new life.

1. You're no longer splitting expenses

Maintaining your standard of living after divorce can quickly become a real challenge, especially if you weren't the primary breadwinner in your family. 

It's estimated that you will need at least a 30% increase in your earnings in order to maintain the same standard of living you experienced prior to divorce. In some cases, this may mean little things: eating out less often or making impulse buys less frequently, for example. 

In other cases, it may mean a smaller home, a lower grocery budget, or the need to choose a less expensive car. 

2. Alimony and child support will become a key part of your financial future

Whether you're the one who needs to pay support or you expect support from your former spouse, you need a strong divorce attorney who will advocate for you and ensure that you get what you need out of the divorce, from fair alimony or child support to a reasonable distribution of your assets. 

Working with a firm like Thomas Associates Law Firm LLC is one of the best ways to protect yourself financially throughout the divorce process.

3. Capital gains taxes are an important consideration

When you're in the middle of a divorce, one of the easiest ways to divide your assets is to simply sell them for cash. 

Cars, houses, stocks and bonds, and investment portfolios are frequently easier to divide when they exist as straightforward cash numbers rather than as less tangible assets. Unfortunately, this can lead to heavy capital gains taxes at the end of the year. 

Make sure you understand what you're going to be expected to pay at the end of the year, rather than immediately using those funds for a different purchase. 

4. Your marital assets will be divided

This means that anything you own jointly is fair game: cars, boats, property, and even, potentially, your retirement account. 

It really comes down to whatever the judge decides at the end of the day. You can only hope that the decision is fair and that at best some things go in your favor. Unfortunately it doesn’t always turn out that way. 

This can have a substantial impact on your plans for the future! Everything, from the artwork hanging on your walls to the cars in the garage, needs to be fairly appraised before you and your spouse part ways. 

This will help ensure that you receive a fair percentage of your assets, paving the way for a better financial future.

Following divorce, it may take time to get back on your feet financially. There are a lot expenses before and after your divorce that you will have to pay for and that often take a significant amount of time for anyone to recover from. 

While it's a big change, with time, you can return to your previous lifestyle and learn how to manage your new, single state. You may even eventually remarry and hopefully be in a much better state financially and emotionally than where you were before. 

Either way, be prepared for some major life changes. Going in prepared for the financial changes that divorce will bring, however, will make it easier for you to take care of your financial needs throughout the process.

4 Serious Ways Poor Credit Will Make Life More Expensive

A credit history is a record of someone’s payment of debt over a period of years. The record may contain such details as how much credit card debt you have, whether or not you have paid your mortgage on time and details on loans you have paid off in the past. 

If you have had credit problems, this information will also be on your record, and the negative data can affect your financial prospects in a variety of different ways.

1. Higher Mortgage Rates

Your credit record is an important factor in getting a lower mortgage rate when you purchase a home. Home financing institutions generally offer their best rates to individuals with a credit rating of 740 or higher. 

You may still be able to get a loan if your credit score is 600, or even 540, but the interest rates are likely to be higher.

2. Less Access to Good Jobs

Many employers will check applicants’ credit scores with the assumption that a good credit score implies a reliable person that can be trusted to perform well in the work environment. 

Although this may seem unfair, the trend to associate credit history with a good risk for employment continues, and your bad credit record can cost you an opportunity to acquire a good job.

3. Higher Auto Loan Rates

Financial institutions may offer loans with higher interest rates to those seeking an auto loan, or they may not be willing to lend at all. 

Fortunately, there are alternative lenders, such as BlueSky Auto Finance, that specialize in acquiring auto financing for individuals with bad credit. 

These lenders can help you to find the financing you need so you can purchase the vehicle you need for work, school and other important activities.

4. Credit Card Rates

Negative data on your credit record can also cause you to pay a higher interest rate on your credit cards. 

Even if you start out with a low credit card rate, problems on your credit record can cause your credit card company to increase your rate significantly, so that the purchases you need to make cost much more, if you must carry a balance on your statement.

When you research your credit record and take care of any problems that exist, you can restore your ability to get better interest rates and better opportunities. 

Always check your credit record to make sure it is up-to-date and has no errors, and you will be rewarded with greater financial opportunities.

Cost of Living: How to Cut Back on Major Expenses

When the car breaks down, you have no choice but to fix or replace it. The same is true when it comes to your refrigerator or any other household appliance. 

While you may not want to shell out a lot of money to cover a major expense, there are ways in which you can keep the bill to a minimum.

Find a Roommate to Save on Housing

When you take on a roommate, you have someone to split your rent or mortgage payment with. However, you also have someone to split the cable bill, light bill and other associated expenses with. 

If you have kids or pets, your roommate may be able to help out with child or pet care, which could save hundreds of dollars more per month.

Buy Insurance to Cut Back on Medical Expenses

If you have need to have surgery or need dental work, you should buy an insurance or discount plan. 

With a good plan, you may pay little or nothing for your care. At a minimum, your deductible is likely to be less than what you would pay if you didn't have insurance. 

Local clinics may charge based on your income, and charitable groups may be willing to help pay for emergency expenses.

Go to the Junkyard to Find Used Car Parts

A junk or salvage yard, like U Pull & Pay, is a great place to find used car parts to fix your car with. Instead of paying $500 at an auto body shop, you could pay $50 or $100 for something that will work for months or years to come. 

In most cases, you can take a look at a location's inventory before you go there to ensure that it has what you need.

Garage Sales May Offer Great Discounts

Those who are looking for used appliances, car parts or other supplies needed for a major project may find them at garage sales. 

It may also be worthwhile to check out an estate sale or flea market to help you cut back on major expenses in your life. If you don't want to buy, it may be possible to rent an appliance or otherwise expensive item and pay on a weekly basis.

There is never a good idea to have to deal with a major expense. However, there are many ways to make paying for it easier if you know where to look. 

Buying insurance, perusing salvage yards and buying from garage sales may help you save money without sacrificing on too much, if any, quality.

6 Improvements You Must Do Before Selling Your House

 With the current housing market booming, now is the time to sell. Whether you are moving to a new home or apartment, getting the best price for your home is important. 

The easiest way to increase the value of your house is fixing the small issues that you have become used to over the years. With the small problems out of the way, sprucing the place up can increase its value to potential customers with a minimal outlay of time and money.

Upgrade Doors and Windows

Sticky windows or doors that jam from the house settling are minor issues to you. You have had years to get used to your home’s quirks, but for potential buyers these nuisances can lead to worry about how well the house has been maintained. 

As the seller, it is a clever idea to put your buyer’s minds at ease. One of the easiest ways to do that is to make sure that the doors and windows open easily and completely.

Get Rid of the Carpet

Carpet that is more than a few years old is already dated. Add to that the years of ground in dirt, it is easier to replace carpet than try to get it completely clean. 

Pulling the carpet yourself and replacing it with hardwood floorboards or a modern flooring can increase the amount you get for your house. The potential buyers don’t have to factor in the cost of carpet removal and replacement, leaving more money to spend on the house. 

If the cost of replacement is too high, of course, or the floors leave a bit to be desired make sure you get a thorough cleaning of all carpets in your house.

Update the Bathroom and Kitchen

Bathrooms and kitchens can be easily overlooked by sellers since they are used to seeing them daily. A new set of eyes, however, can see a completely different room than what you are used to. 

Lighting, appliances and fixtures can all be changed out relatively inexpensively and will improve the value of your home.

Clean the House Up

Although it should go without saying, potential buyers are going to poke through everything if they can. 

With good reason, of course, they are dropping a great deal of money on a house that they intend to live in for years. Neither the buyer or the seller want to find surprises during these inspections. 

Clean everything from carpets to drapes and furniture (even if the furniture is going to be removed) to closets and the insides of cabinets. Dirt and grime will devalue your home quicker than shabby carpet.

Spruce Up the Yard

A little landscaping goes a long way and shows that you cared for your home. Mow the grass, trim the hedges and update lighting along drives and walkways. Remove any junk from the yard and garage before potential buyers come to visit the house. 

Learn More - Dirtiest Places in Your Home and How to Kill Germs -

Look at the hedges and plants and replace the mulch or ground cover. Trim drooping limbs on trees and ensure that nothing blocks the view of your house or the view from the house.

Slap a Fresh Coat of Paint on Everything

A fresh coat of paint makes everything look better. Interior design has trends and paint that was trendy a few years ago may not be now. This is also an appropriate time to paint the interior with neutral colors. 

According to experts behind ASAP painters Sydney, “avoid white interior paint, but neutral colors can be a tremendous selling point as they add character to a room.”

You don’t want to ignore the outside of the house, either. Since the first look potential buyers have is the exterior, making sure it looks good is an easy and inexpensive way to add value and appeal to your home.

When it comes to selling your home, you should put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and take an honest look at the house you are selling. 

Anything that bothers you about it will most likely bother the buyer, fix those small issues and selling your home will not only be easier, but more lucrative as well.

Author bio: Steven Clarke is a business consultant and a DIY enthusiast. In his spare time he likes to write about his ideas and share them with the world. Steven is a regular contributor to several websites.