How Families Can Save Money on Winter Recreation Gear

There are so many ways for families to bond during the winter season. They can connect in front of their fireplaces while sipping delicious hot cocoa. They can connect to each other by going on getaways that involve winter recreational activities, too. Fortunately, buying gear for winter recreation doesn’t have to be costly for the members of your household.

Look for Used Winter Gear Products

Don’t assume that your winter recreation equipment has to be brand new. There are so many online and offline retailers that have expansive selections of preowned winter activity equipment pieces. 

If you want to buy skis without having to break the bank, you should browse used selections as soon as possible. Remember, used winter recreation gear often matches brand new options in sheer quality and reliability.

Make “Off-Season” Winter Gear Purchases

It’s no surprise that people tend to rush to make winter gear purchases during the fall right before the frigid season starts. If you want to reap the rewards of discounts and bargains, however, it can be practical to complete any of your purchases at different times of the year. 




Some companies, such as Bob’s Cycle & Snowmobile Supply, know that you should avoid trying to make any purchases right before the start of the winter. If you time your family’s purchases intelligently, you may be able to decrease your expenses.

Ask Family Members and Friends for Hand-Me-Downs

Purchasing a helmet that’s suitable for snowmobiling fun can often be a pretty costly effort. If you don’t want to have to fork over a significant sum of money for a helmet purchase, you can ask people around you if they can help. You may have a cousin who purchased a top-tier helmet a couple of years ago only to never use it even once.

Search for Gear Coupons on the Internet

Savvy families know how to shop like experts on the Internet. If you want to slash your winter recreation gear expenses substantially, then you can turn to the Internet. If you’re diligent, you may be able to come across coupon codes that you can use to acquire winter gear products of all kinds. 

Check social media pages and official websites for winter recreation gear brands, too. They may discuss sales opportunities that are coming up.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a snowboarding fan or a ski buff. You probably don’t want to have to set aside a lot of money for gear purchases. If you’re part of a family of winter recreation lovers, there are so many things that can help minimize your costs.

Make 2019 Your Best Year Yet For Investing

For many years, I've found that sensible investors display a prevalent characteristic: discipline. No matter how the current market moves or what all-new investing trend hits the headlines, those who remain centered on their objectives and tune out the noise are
set up for long-term success. 

Saving

The initial groundwork to investing is saving, and you do not usually become a saver without a strong dose of discipline. Savers decide to sock away part of their income, which means spending less and postponing gratification, despite how difficult that might be. 

Self Control

Of course, self-disciplined investing extends beyond diligent saving. The financial markets, basically, are uncertain. I have yet to meet the investor who can time them perfectly. It takes self-control to withstand the desire to go all-in when markets are frothy or to retreat when things look grim. Staying put with your investments is one strategy for handling volatility. 

Rebalance

Another is  rebalancing, it needs even more discipline since it means maneuvering your money away from stable performers and towards poorer performers. Additionally, persistence, a form of discipline is the friend of long-term investors. Much higher returns are the possible reward for weathering the market's turbulence and unpredictability.

We have been savoring one of the longest bull markets in history, but it will not continue eternally, as we have been seeing lately. So get yourself ready now for how you will respond when volatility returns. Do not panic. Don't go after returns or look for solutions outside the asset classes you trust. And be sure to rebalance routinely, even when there's turmoil. Even if you're a master of self-discipline, get a boost from technology, or collaborate with a professional adviser, know that discipline is necessary to get the most out of your investment portfolio. 

So make 2019 your best year yet with your investing. Stick with what works. Avoid the fads and stick with tried and true investing techniques. Good Luck.

What You Should Look for in Unsecured Business Loans

The unsecured business loan is a boon for the small business that cannot provide adequate collaterals or guarantee. While approaching banks or NBFCs for an unsecured business loan, the applicant has to look for overall value proposition he or she receives rather than the only interest rate.

Rate of Interest

The rate of interest is decided based on the internal policy of the bank or NBFCs. Apart from the policy, the financial profile of the individual also plays crucial role in deciding the rate of interest. If your CIBIL score is higher, you will be offered a lower rate of interest.

Moreover, you should ensure that loan is granted to you on reducing balance basis. It ensures that you will pay the interest only on the remaining principal amount. If you are charged a flat interest rate, you will end up paying the excessive amount of interest, even if the notional interest rate is lower.

Loan Processing Time

There are instances that banks take unusual time to process the unsecured loan application. For any business, time is money. The excessive paperwork and lengthy process eventually result in loss of business opportunity. The minute lower interest rate may prove costly if you cannot achieve the desired goal.

Processing Fees

While every bank and financial institute charges processing fees for a loan to cover administrative expenses, it should be reasonable. Some banks charges fixed amount as processing fees irrespective of the loan amount, while the others charges as a percentage of the loan amount. 




Many banks waive off the processing charges for a small loan amount. If you have an existing relationship with your bank, you can negotiate with the bank to waive off or reduce the processing fees.

Loan Amount

The unsecured business loan carries a higher risk of default. Higher the amount, higher the risk. After a certain threshold, the interest rate increase to cover higher probability of default. 

You can also opt for partial collaterals to get a better interest rate on your overall loan amount. Based on your business vintage and historical payment records, you can negotiate a higher amount loan with your bank.

Tenor Granted

The tenor is generally decided based on the purpose of the loan. For example, the tenor for a working capital loan is usually one year, while the same for machinery may extend up to five years. Higher the tenor, higher is the risk of capital repayment. You can review your overall financial cash flow to evaluate ideal tenure for your unsecured business loan.

Prepayment Charges

In case you want to prepay your loan earlier than original tenure, many banks apply prepayment penalties. It is advisable to check with your bank regarding prepayment charges in case you intend to repay earlier.

Flexibility

In real terms, it is not only interest rate that decides the cost of fund for applicants. Many reputed NBFCs like Bajaj Finserv provides flexible tenor and repayment options on business loan application. You can also opt for Flexi facility instead of standard EMI repayment. 

You can also get pre-approved offers that gives you instant loan approval. Under the Flexi facility, the interest is charged on the amount that you have used. Whenever you have an excess fund, you can repay your loan to reduce the interest cost. 

Moreover, you are obliged to pay the interest amount only on a monthly basis. You can repay the principal amount anytime within the overall tenor granted to you.

Pests: Investing In Getting Rid Of Pests

Throughout most of our adult life, we've worked very hard for everything we have. At times, we didn't really put much thought into our decisions. Now, we are getting to a point in our lives when every decision we make has to be carefully planned and thought through extensively.

Investment

In today's highly competitive real estate market, locating, acquiring and maintaining an investment property is essential to being successful in the industry. With technology today, advertising our properties is as easy as taking pictures and pushing buttons on our mobile phones. If you take a quick look online, many will find an endless number of property listings for rent or for sale. 

Many take a look at pictures of the property, then read the location and amenities a property offers. The first thing that comes to mind when looking for an investment property is location and the age of the property. We then take a look at any nearby popular destinations and attractions that can be of suitable distance to the property. Now, we have carefully decided to invest in a property. 

We take a look around the unit and find that there is some renovating and cleaning up to do. You're thinking, "The property is located in an up and coming neighborhood, but the unit in the building is showing its age. Specifically, pests are a nuisance in a seasoned building. So what do I do?" Pest control is imperative in any type of investment property. Who do you turn to? Services such as https://www.moxieservices.com/can help with pest control.

Pest Control

Pests come in all shapes, sizes, and types. When investing in an aged property, we won't always know who previously resided there and how well they took care of the property. To name a few, pests like ants, mice, roaches, and spiders are most commonly found anywhere inside homes. 

If left untreated or uncontrolled, pest infestation can quickly invade the entire property. For instance, ants can wreak havoc. They deliver painful annoying bites that can leave red itchy bumps all over the skin. Investing in a professional pest control service has many benefits. 




It can prevent the devaluing of an asset, as it will keep your property free and clean of ants, mice, roaches and other pests. When potential tenants come to view the property, we will want to make sure the property is pristine. 

By contracting a pest control service monthly, it will ensure that potential tenants will see and know that we take care of our property. It is an investment that will keep giving back.

How Often

Certain pests cannot be avoided. The reason can be the local weather, the local area, or perhaps because of a neighbor. Regardless of the reason and where the pests are coming from, it is best to subscribe to a monthly pest control service. 

Some pesticides may seem effective at first, but the chemicals will slowly fade and the pests will come back again. By subscribing and hiring a monthly professional pest control service, it will keep the pests away while keeping your property clean and safe. These professionals can also give recommendations in preventive measures against pests. 

An experienced pest control service will be able to reach every nook and cranny of the property making sure no area was left untreated. It is also best to let them know if there are pets living in the property. We would want to avoid any harmful chemicals reaching them, making the property unsafe for pets.

Value

So we've decided to invest in a monthly pest control service. Now it is time to reap the rewards from our investment. Month to month, our tenants comment that they are very pleased with having a monthly pest control company come and visit to get rid of pests. 

They tell us, "I have recommended my friends and family to move here as well. We can see that you maintain your property well and keep our living spaces pristinely clean." We smile back and a call comes in, "Hello. I am calling today to inquire about renting a unit from you. I was referred by Nancy and John. They said that they highly recommend living there."

How to Choose the Best Investment Scheme among PPF, FD, RD and Post Office Saving?

Investment schemes are potent ways of increasing your wealth with high investment returns for the future. There are various types of investment options available. Public Provident Fund, Fixed Deposit, Recurring Deposit and Post Office Savings scheme offer guaranteed returns at a relatively high rate of interest. These are the best saving options when it comes to low-risk but high yield investments.

Choosing any one investment scheme can become a difficult task, especially for first-time investors. All of the options mentioned above come with their unique perks. You should choose a scheme which will be advantageous as per your unique requirements. So, let’s take a look at how to select the best investment schemes among PPF, FD, RD, and Post Office Saving.

These funds are ideal to create a strong financial backup for future requirements. Individuals use these investment or saving schemes for a multitude of reasons, from funding their child’s future educational prospects to a world tour or even a new house post-retirement.

Considering Different Aspects of Each Investment Option

To choose an investment plan first, you have to consider the essential features of each scheme. Let’s take a look at some key features of these schemes for a better understanding.

1. Maturity Period

Maturity period is the time duration for which you invest. Your capital amount along with the total interest will be returned to you when the policy matures.

For a Public Provident Fund, the maturity period is of 15 years. Maturity period of FDs ranges from 7 days to 10 years. RD offers a minimum tenure period of 6 months to a maximum of 10 years. Various schemes in post offices offer different maturity periods. These generally range from 1 year to 15 years depending on the policy.

2. Interest Rates 

Interest rates are a key factor while choosing the best saving schemes. All of the plans mentioned above offer an attractive rate of interest.




The rate of interest of the PPF is reviewed every quarter. The current interest rate is 8.0% p.a. Fixed deposit interest rate varies between financial institutions. Currently, it ranges from 3.50% to 8.10% p.a.

3. Tax Deduction

Certain investment options offer tax exemptions under Section 80C of Income Tax Act. PPF and FD qualify for tax exemptions under this act. Certain post office schemes also offer tax exemptions. These include 5-Year Post Office Time Deposit, Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme, Senior Citizen Savings Scheme, National Savings Certificates, Post Office Savings Account, etc.

4. Security

Schemes like PPF, FD, various policies in the Post Office are considered secure investment options, putting them among the best saving options. All these policies guarantee returns because they are supported by the Government.

5. Premature Withdrawal

Premature withdrawal is possible in some policies like FD, RD, and a few schemes offered by the Post Office. PPF also offers withdrawals, but only after the 5th year of investment.

Premature withdrawals may be subjected to a fee in case of FD, RD, and Post Office schemes.

6. Investable Amount

Fixed deposit and recurring deposit schemes do not have a limitation on maximum investment amount. PPF has a maximum of Rs. 1.5 Lakh per annum, while various Post Office schemes offer different maximum investment limit.

Choosing the Right Savings Scheme

Considering the factors mentioned above, the best saving options for you will depend on your requirements and future financial plans. Their are numbers of long term as well as best short term investments that you can choose according to your financial need. For example, if you can invest a certain sum every month and want the flexibility to access your money, an RD will be suitable for you. FD is ideal for someone who can invest a certain sum for a fixed period.

PPF is a long term investment scheme, ideal for higher gains. You can also choose from various schemes offered by the Post Office. They have long-term and short-term savings options as well as policies for seniors, farmers, and girl child of the family.

Carefully consider the options and factors mentioned above, and you will find the suitable investment scheme for yourself.

Why a Mattress Full of Cash Is Worse Than Basic Investments

If you are thinking about keeping your hard-earned cash at home where you can keep an eye on it, you are in good company. While many people actively invest extra cash in the stock market or in other types of investments, you may be worried about your losing money through bad investments, market downturns and more. 

It may seem safer to keep your money at home, but this is not actually the case. These are a few reasons why you may want to consider safe investments, such as CDs or a high-yield savings account.

The Impact of Inflation

While some investments are risky and have the possibility of financial loss, CDs and high-yield savings accounts do not. When cash sits at home, the impact of inflation causes that money to lose earning power. 

On the other hand, CDs and high-yield savings accounts may keep pace with inflation so that your money continues to have the same earning power. In some cases, these investments may outpace inflation slightly.

The Risk of Fire or Theft

Unless you store your cash at home in a fireproof safe, there is always a risk of significant financial loss through a fire or another type of damaging event. Theft is also a serious concern, and some thieves may be strong enough or savvy enough to remove the entire safe from your home. 




While you may lose some cash through a bad stock market investment, you likely will not have a total loss situation as you would in the case of a fire, theft or other event at home.

When You Pass Away

Another reason to consider investing your cash outside the home is related to your death. Death is inevitable, so you need to plan ahead for how your assets will be divvied when you pass away. Preparing a will and working with wills and estates lawyers can help you to create a strategic plan for doing so. 

Funds are more easily and securely disbursed according to your wishes when they are in accounts at reputable financial institutions. On the other hand, cash stored in a safe at home may be inaccessible unless you tell your family what the combination is beforehand. Even then, there is a possibility that some loved ones may pull out cash that is not rightfully theirs.

As you can see, there are several reasons why it makes sense to keep your assets in safe investments rather than at home. Spend time learning about CDs, savings accounts and other safe investments so that you can make a smart decision about how to manage your cash going forward.