Paying It Forward: How to Invest in a Charity

Many people, teachers, and organizations have invested in your life. Now may be the right time to begin investing in someone else’s. Giving money to a charity is often a great option because it is simple enough for you to write out a check or input your credit card number. 

Plus, charities know just how to use your money for the greatest good. Not only will your end-of-the-year taxes thank you, but also you will love the great feeling you have when you pay it forward.

Start with a Plan

Rather than giving impulsively, consider what your plan for giving is at the beginning of each year. Some prefer to wait until after tax season so that they can see what their gross adjusted income was the previous year. 

Whether you like to give a solid percentage of your income or a set amount of money each year, you should set up your plan before writing out your first check.

Spread Out Your Giving

Instead of giving all of your money to one organization, consider spreading it out a bit. Some professionals recommend the 50/30/20 principle in which you give 50 percent of your charitable contributions to one or two major causes, 30 percent to local organizations and 20 percent to unexpected needs.

Give a Large Enough Amount

On the other hand, keep in mind that any charity prefers a large enough amount to offset any transaction costs. Rather than giving 5 or 10 dollars to dozens of organizations, try to narrow down your focus to a dozen or fewer organizations over the course of the year. 





Some charities may even give you the option of covering transaction expenses yourself, which can be a smart move.

Ask a Professional for Help

Because charitable giving can often be written off as a deduction on your taxes, you will want to give wisely and keep receipts. 

This is especially important if you are giving charitably from your IRAs or retirement accounts. A professional, such as one from RMR Wealth Builders Inc., can help you know what will be best for you.

Choose the Right Charities

Your friends, family, or financial planners in NJ may be able to direct you to which charities are legitimate and worthy causes. However, you may still want to do your own research to feel good about your choice. 

Check out online sites that show you how much of any charitable donation actually goes to helping the less fortunate for numerous popular charities.

Giving to a charitable cause or to a specific charity should be a long-term commitment for you. While most experts say that it is fine to give a small percentage of your charitable investment amount to spur-of-the-moment needs, it is best to have a plan each year for who and what you would most like to support. 

Consider what charities speak to you personally, and then enjoy giving back to others who are less fortunate than you are.

Staying out of the Red: How to Keep Your Business out of Bankruptcy

Just like a person, a business must find a way to pay its bills and keep a sufficient amount of money in the bank. Furthermore, companies also have their own credit scores that go up and down based on its ability to manage money. Good money management can keep a business thriving for years while also keeping it far away from a bankruptcy court.

Don’t Borrow Funds Unnecessarily  

Prior to borrowing money from a bank, friend or other ABL lender, it is important to know how that money will be used. It is also important to know how that money will be repaid and when. An accountant or other financial adviser can help a business owner determine if a loan is an appropriate way to help the company grow.

Don’t Overspend

One of the many problems that most businesses have, especially if they are still in their startup phase is they tend to overspend. The problem with overspending should be obvious, but by doing so, you may not be able to pay for the necessities for your business to survive. 

You have to be able to pay the bills and pay your employees properly. But overspending can be very easy to do. There are going to be times where you have unexpected expenses that come up. 



However, if you budget your money properly, not only should you be able to take care of those unexpected problems, you should be able to take care of all the necessities in your business and still turn over a profit. It is tricky, but if you are able to pull this off in your business, you will be successful in the long run.

Keep Labor Costs in Check

A company’s employees are among its most important asset. While you can attract quality talent by offering higher salaries and other perks, it could have negative consequences for your bottom line. 

Make sure that you pay what your company can afford to spend on human resources even if that means paying your people less than the competition. In some cases, you can make up for a lower salary with more robust health benefits or extra vacation throughout the year.

Don’t Expand Too Fast

Expanding too fast can cause you to overspend money in your business. When you try to expand, you have to be able to anticipate all of the unexpected expenses that may arise. Although opening a second or third location could mean additional revenue, it will also mean additional costs. 

It could also mean that you need to hire managers and other personnel to properly oversee these locations. By growing at a controlled pace, you can increase revenues in a consistent manner and ensure that each location is making enough money to justify its existence.

Make Use of Credit Monitoring Tools

Using tools like CreditRiskMonitor can make it easier for a company to determine where it stands compared to the competition. This may help a business take action to cut costs, pay down its debt faster or otherwise become a leaner organization. 

By taking these steps, it could be easier to secure an investment or otherwise increase its revenue and gross profit.

As a business owner, you want to make sure that your company is as financially healthy as possible. This makes it more likely that the business will be around for the long-term, which may instill greater confidence in employees, suppliers and investors. 

Ultimately, it makes it easier to grow your business from a small business into a regional or national power.

How Buying Used Car Parts Can Save You a Pile of Cash

Buying new car parts and having them installed at the dealership where the vehicle was purchased may seem like the most logical approach to car maintenance and repairs. However, that approach can be quite costly. 

Another option is to buy used car parts and pay a mechanic friend to install them or do it yourself if you have the knowledge and equipment to do so safely. Here is how used car parts can save you money.

Lower Price

It almost goes without saying that buying used parts instead of new ones is cheaper. But the price difference can be substantial. For example, buying one new tire could cost almost $100 for certain brands, whereas a used one with a fair amount of tread remaining could cost $50 or less, especially during a sales or overstock event. 

The same is true for many types of vehicle parts, so it is a good idea to find out where quality and reliable used parts are sold and check out their inventory and costs.

Convenient Purchasing

Used car parts can be bought from many car repair shops, wreckage or salvage lots, and online. You can quickly browse auto parts for cars to see for yourself. You could also comparison shop to get the best deal. 




Some places offer a frequent buyer discount or special sale savings reduction. Buying a used part is generally as fast and easy as buying a new part, if not even more convenient, especially if you have one or two favorite used cars places in mind.

Cheaper Installation

Many dealerships and auto repair shops charge prohibitive pricing to install new parts and allegedly remove or dispose of old ones. 

Sometimes the installation costs more than the new product. A used part is often cheaper to put into the vehicle, especially if done by a local mechanic or trustworthy friend. Taxes will be less on a lower-priced used part, too.

Less Waiting Time

While waiting times can vary, there are typically many used car part shops or places to buy the part you need instead of waiting to have one ordered at the repair shop. 

Online purchases may apply for either new or used parts, and shipping time is about the same. Know where to get the used part you want by comparing shops in advance.

Buying used parts can save time and money. Plan ahead and shop around to find the best deals instead of paying more.

How Depression Is a Physical and Mental Challenge

Depression has become the most common form of disease on the planet, with an estimated 350 million people around the globe suffering from clinical depression. 

Within the United States, alone, about 16 million American adults suffer from a major depressive episode, every year. Risk of depression also increases greatly into the senior years.

Depression is a mental illness that goes beyond just mental aspects, especially as we age. It is a condition that is far from just “in your head.” 

The effects that we see of depression often qualify as physical. For many of us after the age of 50, medical bills qualify as a major expense, and a leading cause of bankruptcy. 

Learning how to effectively counter and treat depression can help you manage health bills in a much better way. 

Here are some of the ways that depression is a physical challenge, as much as a mental one...

The mental effects feed the physical

The reason that there are intense physical effects of depression is because the mental effects of depression tend to have a physical impact. 

When a person engages in troubling behavior because of their depression, it is liable to impact their health in a negative way, which makes the mental effects of depression even worse. 

In this way, depression functions as a cycle that perpetuates itself.

Triggers problematic behavior

The mental aspects of depression are factors that can impact behavior, often in a troubling way. This means that people who are depressed will often engage in problematic or damaging behavior that they might otherwise not partake in. 

One of the most common ways this happens is in drug use, which is commonly triggered by depression. It is far too common that people who struggle from substance abuse began on that path by attempting to self medicate with drugs or alcohol when they were in the midst of a depressive episode. 

Aside from substance abuse, depressed individuals also tend to engage in other destructive behavior, such as sex addiction.

Connection to psoriatic arthritis

In 2017, a study found that there was a close connection between clinical depression (as well as generalized anxiety disorder) and psoriatic arthritis, which is a type of arthritis that people who also suffer from psoriasis, which is a skin-disorder that causes rashes and blotchy skin. 






This study, published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology, found that there was a mind-body connection between individuals who suffered from psoriasis.

In the past, people believed that cases of psoriasis led to people developing depression, but it turns out that it can happen the other way as well, where people develop depression and then psoriasis, due to their depression. 

A major reason for this is that depression can impact inflammation, which leads to psoriasis. For this reason, people with depression have a higher risk of developing arthritis.

Tie to weight gain

When a person is feeling depressed, it can feel pointless to do anything productive. For this reason, people’s activity levels decrease when they are experiencing depression. 

This causes a cycle where people with depression produce less dopamine, which makes them feel even worse. 

During this mental cycle, it is common for people to struggle with weight gain, as they are burning less calories and probably have unhealthy eating habits (such as binge eating).

Decreased sex drive

As stated above, some people who suffer from depression will engage in risky sexual behaviors as a means to cope with their mental state. 

However, it is also common for people in relationships who are depressed to experience a major decrease in sex drive. This decrease in sex drive can also be matched with avoiding hygienic behaviors. 

When this happens, it can make an individual even more depressed, which makes it a continuous cycle that they must struggle to get out of.

Link to insomnia

Sleeping habits are also affected by depression, and it is liable that a person who suffers from depression will also struggle with cases of insomnia, which means that they will feel even more tired and fatigued throughout the day. 

Even if they do get enough sleep throughout the day, people who suffer from depression often have a hard time getting into a deep sleep, even when they are oversleeping, which means that their sleep isn’t actually recharging their body.

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying General Insurance

The term general insurance refers to the different insurance contracts that do not fall under life insurance. They include; motor insurance, two-wheeler insurance, and fire insurance just to mention a few. It covers the tangible assets that are prone to damages and should be insured to protect their economic value.

Therefore, general insurance products are designed to offer protection against unprecedented contingencies like loss or damage of assets. However, just like life insurance covers, general insurance covers attract premium charges that are paid monthly or as agreed with your insurance provider.

Ways to Calculate Premium for a General Insurance

In order to determine the premium amount you are required to pay, your insurance provider must determine your insurance policy’s value. Hence, the lower the policy’s value and risk, the lower the premium rates. 

Insurance premium rates differ from one insurance company to another. That is why experts recommend shopping around before choosing to work with one general insurance provider.

The amount of insurance premium charged by insurance companies is determined by the industry statistics and mathematical calculations done by insurance underwriters. Therefore, the premium quotes you get from sites like Coverfox.com may differ slightly from the actual premiums to be charged. 

A customer’s statistical data like age, health, and life history all determine the amount of premium to be charged. This is because all prospective insurance customers go through the insurance underwriting process to determine their risk level.




The insurance underwriting process entails investigating genetic family diseases, and analysis of motor vehicle and medical information records. Once all the statistics are gathered, the information is analysed by an actuary, who predicts the likelihood that you will make a claim on the general insurance policy you buy. The higher the probability that you will make a claim, the higher the premium to be charged.

Other factors that are used to determine the premium amount to be charged include; the general insurance cover you choose, additional policy benefits, previous incident or claim history, eligible discounts, how you prefer to pay your premiums (annually, monthly, or quarterly), applicable government taxes and levies, and how much cover you require.

Note that calculating the correct insurance premium is complex because insurance companies must balance between the capability of the customer to make regular payments, likelihood that the insured risk may arise, and their ability to cover the costs of the claim.

Find the Best Offers on General Insurance Online

The best general insurance offer is one that covers all your insurance needs and charges a reasonable premium amount that you can afford without straining. The cheapest insurance offer is not always the best. So, how do you find the best general insurance offers online?

1. Online insurance comparison sites

Online insurance comparison sites like Coverfox.com offer detailed explanations about different insurance providers in the market. They explain the different general policies, their features, and pros and cons. 

Additionally, they offer reliable general insurance quotes for different companies as per your requirements to compare and pick the most suitable insurance coverage

With such information, you are able to access and determine the insurance provider who offers an all-inclusive cover that caters to your needs at a reasonable price.

2. Go through insurance company websites

Almost all general insurance providers have active online presence. Therefore, a search through their websites will not only give you information about their different policies, but you will also find previous customer reviews. 





Customer reviews state whether the insurance provider pays claims on time as per the agreed terms. They also define how inclusive the insurance policies are, whether they have additional benefits, and at what cost.

Last Thoughts

General insurance is broad. Hence, there is a lot to learn about it and its premium calculation methods. The best way to understand if a general insurance cover works in your favour or not is by conducting a specific research. 

For instance, if you want a motor insurance cover, research about the best motor insurance providers, their average premium charges, and claims payment procedures.

Apart from getting premium quotes online, narrow down to three insurance providers and request for actual premium quotes. Though online resources are reliable, it is always advisable to seek clarification from insurance providers before making your decision.

4 Financial Steps to Protect Yourself from Bankruptcy

Dealing with overwhelming debt can be a serious burden. Dealing with bankruptcy, however, can often be just as frustrating. Bankruptcy can do a number on your credit, after all. If you want to safeguard yourself from all of the stresses of bankruptcy, these financial tips can be highly effective and useful.

Work on a Budget

Assess the amount of money you use on a monthly basis. Set up a budget that can keep you accountable and focused. Tell yourself that you won’t go over your designated budget no matter what, too. 

If you want to take charge of your monthly spending patterns, maintaining a budget can make a strong foundation. You can handle your spending by using cash for anything you get. You can do so by throwing all of your credit cards away as well.

Say Goodbye to Frivolous Purchases

Viewing your purchases in a totally new light can help you steer clear of bankruptcy. Refrain from buying anything you absolutely do not need. If it’s not rent money or food, then there’s a strong chance that you can cut it out. 

Say goodbye to eating out at restaurants. Say goodbye to cigarettes, costly cable television packages, movie theater trips, spa pampering days and more as well. 

You can even save money by cancelling your fitness center membership. Jogging at the park can be just as effective.

Reach out to a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Attorneys who have bankruptcy expertise can supply you with comprehensive insight that can potentially help you keep filing at bay. 

If you want advice from a legal professional who knows all of the pitfalls that get people on track to bankruptcy, a lawyer consultation can be a superb idea. Book a consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer who possesses a blue-chip track record.

Put Your Property up for Sale

Putting property up for sale can often help people who want to stay far away from bankruptcy. If you have a vacation home that no one occupies, you can think about selling it. 

If you have a vehicle that you rarely use, you can consider putting it up for sale, too. Contemplate any and all items you may have with high value. Selling rare antiques may help you dodge bankruptcy filing.

The thought of bankruptcy shouldn’t make you lose your cool. If you’re calm, you may be able to think your way out of a scary debt situation. The answer is to think things through rationally.