What Can Landlords Expect For The Next 3 Months?

by Magical Penny on August 22, 2022

There will be a few changes in 2022 that you should know about if you are a landlord or are planning to rent out your property to start the new year. It’s crucial to keep up with all the rules and laws that apply when you start this journey. Those who rented out their homes did pretty well because rents went up and the stamp duty holiday got longer. But that doesn’t mean that the next year will be the same.

The rental market is constantly changing, and people’s needs in terms of length of stay, space, type of property, and location are always changing. This is especially true now that more and more people are starting to work from home. Because there aren’t enough housing options and more people want to rent, rental prices are going up.

Since the supply shortage is likely to last through the summer, rental prices in the UK are likely to go up even more. This will probably make more landlords want to buy their own homes. And it will be intriguing to see what kinds of homes these property owners want to buy.

But if you plan and think ahead, you can make as much money as you can and keep your things running smoothly for a long time. This infographic shows you some of the most important and up-to-date facts about the private rental sector. The latest data from BVA BDRC shows the main problems landlords are having in Q2, how their finances are doing, and what they anticipate for the next three months.


Infographic designed by The Landlord Works

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Should You Switch To An Internet Bank?

by Magical Penny on August 20, 2022

video callInternet banks are an alternative to brick-and-mortar banks. These banks don’t have physical branches that you can visit and operate purely online. There are various pros and cons to using these banks. This post weighs up these pros and cons.

Better interest rates

Because internet banks do not have such high running costs, they are often able to offer better interest rates than traditional brick-and-mortar banks. This makes them a popular place for people to put their savings. This isn’t to say that you’ll always get better interest rates at an internet bank – it’s still always worth shopping around for the best interest rates when choosing somewhere to invest your savings. 

Strong online support

Internet banks are often ahead of the curve when it comes to introducing new online banking technologies. These banks were some of the first to introduce options such as cashing-in cheques online. Many of these banks also have very good online customer support compared to brick-and-mortar banks. This includes online chat features for discussing any concerns that you may have.

No in-person support

Some people prefer to talk to a bank representative in person. This is particularly the case for those who aren’t very internet-savvy. With an online bank, you can’t just walk into a branch when you need help with an issue. Of course, this may not be too much of a concern for some people – if you live somewhere fairly remote, you may already find it easier to talk to bank representatives on the phone or online, in which case using an internet bank isn’t going to be any different. Just bear in mind that there may be extra fees and security concerns for services such as depositing cash, as you’ll have to mail this instead of taking it into a bank.

Choice to invest in crypto

Cryptocurrencies have become very popular in recent years. These digital currencies can be a great investment asset, as well as providing a decentralised currency that you can use for foreign transactions without having to pay exchange fees. A crypto bank is an online bank that allows you to store and carry out transactions with cryptocurrency. There may even be options like crypto savings accounts and crypto loans. Even if you have no interest in investing in crypto, you have the option when you opt for an online bank. 

Not as well-established

Brick-and-mortar banks are typically well-established, making them more reliable and trusted. With internet banks, you need to be more careful as to which ones you choose. Some smaller and newer internet banks may run into teething issues, which could result in a poorer service. Read reviews of internet banks before signing up so that you can get a good idea of public perception. Such banks still need to meet certain regulations when it comes to security, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about this. 

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Buying and selling property is one of the oldest tricks in the book for investors. If you’re keen to try your hand at investing, and you’re on the hunt for your first property, this guide is packed with helpful tips. 

Choosing the right location

Location is critical for aspiring investors. For most buyers, the location of a property is the most important consideration when searching for a new home. As an investor, it’s essential to purchase in an area where there is a demand for the type of property you’re planning to buy and potential to make money. If you are buying to let, for example, look for areas where the rental market is strong and the demand is rising. If you’re hoping to sell within a relatively short period, research markets and see where the demand is increasing and prices are going up. 

If you can’t afford to buy in established neighbourhoods where prices are consistently high and properties get snapped up rapidly, focus on up-and-coming areas. Positive signs to look out for include regeneration projects, new infrastructure and transport links, new businesses, such as shops and restaurants, and housing developments. The location should be relevant to the target buyer or tenant you have in mind. 

Finding an investment property

The golden rule of successful investment is making money. Every house or flat has value but there is a risk of paying too much or buying real estate that won’t sell or appeal to buyers. When you’ve decided on a location, start browsing listings and carry out research to see what buyers or tenants want. Set a budget and analyse prices. Keep an eye on property news and financial newspapers and blogs and learn more about how the market works and what impacts prices. Focus your search on properties that will appeal to your ideal buyer or tenant. Contact estate agents and companies that specialise in property investment, organise viewings and get to grips with the figures. Research recent sales prices in the street, town or city and see how long houses are on the market. If you plan to rent the property out, get some quotes to calculate potential yields. Always concentrate on your finances. When you’re investing, you don’t need an emotional connection like you do when hunting for a home. 

It’s critical to make the right decision when investing in property. If you have a short list, arrange second viewings, compare data sets and consider the timing. When you buy and sell can influence house prices and time frames between going on the market and exchanging contracts. Ideally, you want to sell when prices are high and the demand is causing properties to sell within days rather than weeks or months. 

Buying and selling properties can be hugely lucrative but success is by no means guaranteed. To make money, you have to consider the location, the type of property and the market conditions. Research local markets, learn about what impacts prices and levels of demand and define an ideal buyer or tenant to narrow down your search. Take your time to compare properties and analyse data before you make a final decision. 

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Financial Considerations For Buying A House

by Magical Penny on August 19, 2022

On the surface, buying a house may seem like a relatively simple process. In reality, it can be a complex roller coaster ride. If you’re looking to get onto the ladder, here are some essential financial considerations to be aware of before you start browsing listings or setting up viewings.

Saving for a deposit

For most first-time buyers, saving for a deposit is the single greatest challenge when buying a house. It is increasingly difficult to save money when costs are rising, especially if you’re renting. If you have plans to buy in the future, it’s beneficial to try to save as much as possible, as this will reduce the amount of money you need to borrow. If you have a substantial deposit, you can also access preferential rates when you take out a mortgage. It’s worth exploring ideas such as utilising saving and financial assistance schemes to boost your deposit value. If you can’t afford to buy in more expensive areas, you could also consider looking in other locations where house prices are lower. In 2021, the average deposit for first-time joint buyers was around £60,000. However, values are much higher in London and the South than in the North. In the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber, for example, the average deposit was £30,000-£33,000. 

Applying for a mortgage

The vast majority of buyers borrow money to fund their purchase. Before you set a budget for your home search, research mortgages, seek expert advice and figure out how much you can afford to borrow. Analyse monthly costs and compare quotes based on your deposit and earnings. It’s wise to avoid overstretching yourself. Remember that you will need to factor in living costs on top of your mortgage repayment.

Remember that you will need to factor in living costs on top of your mortgage repayment. 

Applying for a quote for mortgage loan can make buying a house much easier. Firstly, it can help you to get your finances in order ahead of time so that you know exactly how much money you have to play around with. This will ensure that you do not live beyond your means, or struggle to make your repayments, while still being able to find a house that you truly love. Furthermore, it also means you can bypass unnecessary credit checks, which can help you speed up the sales process. This is particularly important if you’re looking to move into a new home as quickly as possible, whether you’re craving a fresh start or moving for work! As such, you’ll likely feel a lot more confident with your decisions moving forward!

Take the time to compare mortgage offers and figure out your finances before you make a decision and submit your application. 

Paying legal fees

If you find a house or flat that you want to buy, and you have an offer accepted, you’ll need to hire a solicitor with expertise in conveyancing. Conveyancing services cover the legal processes involved in buying and selling property. Research firms, read reviews and testimonials and compare quotes. It’s helpful to ask people you know for recommendations and to check the firm’s track record. You might also want to make calls or arrange consultations to see what different practices offer. Conveyancing fees usually range from £500 to £2,000. 

Additional costs

Buying a house or apartment can be expensive because there are extras on top of the purchase price. One fee that is important to include in your budget is the survey. A survey provides information about the condition of the property. It can flag issues that need immediate attention, as well as those that might need addressing further down the line. The cost of a survey varies according to the surveyor you choose and the type of report. It’s beneficial to opt for a more detailed survey for older properties. Other costs to consider include hiring a removals firm and paying stamp duty if the property is worth more than £300,000. 

Buying a house is the most significant investment most of us will ever make. When you enter into the process, it’s crucial to be aware of the costs involved, which cover legal and mortgage fees, stamp duty and moving fees. Include all costs when you are budgeting to prevent stress and financial headaches. 

 

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Three Things That You Need To Know About Investing Wisely

by Magical Penny on August 19, 2022

If you are considering getting into investing, then you need to do so wisely. Too many people plunge themselves into the deep end without much thought about how this is going to work out in the long run. Instead of just jumping in, you need to take the time to consider how you want to invest, where you want to invest, and everything you need to know about investing. In this article, we’re going to be talking about some of the things that you need to know about investing wisely, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Pick Your Area

One of the first things you need to do when thinking about investments is work out which area you want to invest in. There are quite a few to choose from and it all comes down to how much you know about the different areas. Some may require some research, others common sense, and the rest you may already know about. Think carefully before you decide to invest in anything. If your money is precious then you don’t want to make any crucial mistakes and ruin your chances of making a good amount. 

Do Your Research

If you have decided to work on your investments and start putting more money into things then you will need to do some research. The amount of research you do will all come down to how well you want your investments to go. If you want them to do well, which you do, then take some time to work out if they will make you money. You could take a look at breaking forex news to clue yourself up on what is happening in this department. 

Without the right level of research and commitment, you may find yourself losing more money than you make. This is never good when you have a whole host of investments resting on your shoulders. 

Hire Professional Help

The final thing that we are going to mention is that you should consider hiring professional help. There is a reason that there are professionals in this area, and that is because it can be a complex challenge to undertake. In the movies, trading and investing looks super easy, but this isn’t always true. Professionals have insider knowledge of the market and are able to analyze trends that you won’t be able to see. Your chances of successful investments dramatically increase when you have someone who knows what they are doing on your side.

Now, you should have a better understanding of three of the things that you need to know about investing wisely. It’s never a good idea to head into any investment blind or without the help of a professional. If you do this and you end up losing your money, the only person that you have to blame is going to be yourself. Take our advice, and learn as much about investments as you can before you begin to make the best possible choices.

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Four Ways to Save Money on Equipment Repairs

by Magical Penny on August 19, 2022

One of the biggest costs for many businesses is repair and maintenance of equipment. Whether it’s your computer system, a fleet of vehicles, or warehouse machinery, you need to ensure it is in good working condition at all times. This means performing regular maintenance while also fixing your equipment promptly if it breaks down. 

If you neglect your business apparatus, it could disrupt your operations and cost you a great deal of time and money to get back to normal. You may lose profits in the meantime and if your service deteriorates as a result, your customers might leave you to look elsewhere.

But repair and maintenance can be very expensive, especially if you have to hire a contractor to perform the job. Services like electricians or emergency lift repairs come at a price, so how can you reduce your business expenses? To help you protect your bottom line, here are a few ways to save money on equipment repairs.

Monitor your spending

The first step to reducing your equipment repair costs is to perform an audit on your spending. Are you buying apparatus that is unnecessary or overly costly? Or perhaps the opposite. Maybe you are trying to save money by purchasing lower quality equipment which is more likely to malfunction and require costly repairs. By scrutinizing your costs, you will be able to identify areas in which you can save money.

Inspect your equipment regularly

Make it a priority to perform regular inspection and maintenance on all business equipment. A trained professional in your team should give each piece of apparatus a thorough once-over, looking for any damage or flaws. They should also perform whatever maintenance is needed, from oiling moving parts to updating antivirus software on computers. This will ensure consistent good function and reduce the likelihood of technical problems.

Train your staff

When equipment breaks down, some of the time it can be attributed to human error. Perhaps a member of your team handled a device roughly, or inadvertently downloaded a virus onto your shared network. This issue can be avoided if you provide thorough training to your employees. Whenever you onboard a new staff member or purchase a new piece of kit, training needs to be provided in order to ensure everyone knows how to use and care for all business apparatus. This way, repairs will be needed less frequently, and your team might be able to resolve issues themselves without calling in a maintenance firm.

Perform predictive maintenance

Predictive maintenance refers to the act of foreseeing any problems before they occur, and fixing the issue in advance. This may involve the use of sophisticated technology that analyses each aspect of your machine, or it might simply be a case of inspecting your devices regularly. 

By following these four tips, you will be able to ensure the optimal performance of your business equipment, while minimizing the need for expensive repairs. As long as you are careful with your tools and provide training to your team, problems are much less likely to arise.

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Six Ways To Get Your Foot In The Transportation Industry

by Magical Penny on August 15, 2022

Long and winding road of lifeThere are many ways to get your foot in the door of the transportation industry. You can start your own business, work for an established company, or even become a driver yourself.

Start your own business:

One way to get started in the transportation industry is to start your own business. This can be a great option if you have some entrepreneurial experience and are looking for a new challenge. There are many different types of businesses you can start in this field, from freight companies to taxi services. However, before you get started, it’s important to do your research, especially when it comes to cnc machining in staffordshire, and make sure you understand all the legalities involved. To get started, you can search online for resources or contact your local chamber of commerce.

Work for an established company:

If you’re not interested in starting your own business, you can always work for an established company in the transportation industry. This is a great option if you’re looking for a more stable career path. There are many different types of companies that operate in this field, from trucking companies to airlines. To find a job with an established company, you can search online job boards or contact companies directly.

Become a driver yourself:

If you’re interested in working in the transportation industry but don’t want to start your own business or work for an established company, you can become a driver yourself. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a flexible job that allows you to be your own boss. However, before you become a driver, it’s important to make sure you have the proper training and license.

Get a degree in transportation:

If you’re interested in working in the transportation industry but don’t have any experience, you can always get a degree in transportation. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a long-term career in this field. There are many different types of degrees you can get in this field, from logistics to aviation. To find a program that fits your needs, you can search online or contact your local community college.

Look into franchising:

If you’re interested in starting your own business but don’t want to go it alone, you should look into franchising. Franchises are a great way to get started in the transportation industry because they come with built-in name recognition and marketing. However, before you invest in a franchise, it’s important to do your research and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. To find a franchise that fits your needs, you can search online or contact your local chamber of commerce.

Get experience:

If you’re new to the transportation industry, one of the best ways to get started is to get some experience under your belt. You can do this by interning with a company or working part-time in this field. This can be a great way to learn about the industry and make some important contacts. You can search online or contact your local chamber of commerce to find an internship or part-time job.

In Closing

No matter which option you choose, getting started in the transportation industry can be a great way to launch your career. Just be sure to do your research and plan ahead before you get started.

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Stop Burying Your Head When It Comes To Your Finances

by Magical Penny on August 5, 2022

Your finances are probably one of the things that you stress about on a regular basis. The good news is that you are not alone, and this is actually something extremely common. The bad news is that this doesn’t mean that it’s okay to bury your head and pretend like nothing is wrong. We know how tough it can be to manage your finances, but we’re here to help with some advice on getting yourself back on track. In this article, that’s exactly what we’re going to be looking at, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

Take Control

The first thing that you are going to need to do is take control of your finances. This means that you need to have all of the information that you think is relevant to sorting out your finances at your disposal. Sort out your budget so that you no longer have to stress about whether you’re going to have enough money to do this and that, as you will already have the answer. Your budget will help you stay within your means, as you will know what you have to spend, and what you are going to have to wait for. 

You should always try to remain within your means as much as possible. We know that sometimes this is tough, but debt is not the way to go. Always try to avoid debt at all costs, because in the end it’s just not worth it.

Accept Some Help

It might be time to accept some help from professionals who know what they are talking about. If you look at a site like financialadvisers.co.uk, you will see a list of professionals who are able to talk to you about your finances, and work with you to get you into a place that you are comfortable with. We’re not saying that this is going to happen overnight so you shouldn’t be expecting miracles here, but it’s far better than sitting there and struggling. These professionals are not there to judge the situation that you have found yourself in, just help you get back to where you want to be. Accepting help is likely the best thing that you can do right now, so the sooner you find some help, the better.

The last thing we want to mention is that you should start saving. Saving is one of those things that’s tough to do, but well worth it when it comes down to it. You never know when you’re going to need that little bit of extra cash, so it’s always handy to have. 

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do in order to stop burying your head when it comes to your finances. The longer you do this, the worse of a position that you are putting yourself in for the future, so you’re not really dealing with the stress so much as moving it to a different time. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to find a way to manage your finances properly. 

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Need Help With Your Finances? These Tips Will Help

by Magical Penny on August 4, 2022

When you want to save money, every little bit helps. By using promo codes, people who shop online can save money. If you look for discount codes, you will find them. If you start saving money when you are young, it will help you a lot to reach your financial goals.

That’s because you decide how your money is spent. People who don’t feel like saving money may find it hard to get started. Once you get past this first hurdle, you’ll feel better about your financial situation.

When you have the money to support your aspirations or goals, they become easier to reach. Here are eight ideas to help you save money:

Make A Rough Plan Of How You Will Handle Your Money

A budget helps you set and work toward your financial goals. It lets you plan ahead for how much money you’ll make and how much you’ll spend each month. To stay within your budget, you have to give up some things.

Start Your Own Savings Account And Put Money Into Yourself

You might not spend your hard-earned money as much if you have a savings account. In addition to making it hard to get to your savings, the bank will also pay you interest on the money you have saved up. Also, you should learn the basics of crypto lending.

Discounts And Special Offers Can Help You Save Money

You can save money on useful things by using coupon codes. The money you save could be used to pay for an emergency or a big purchase that you didn’t plan for. Trust a third-party provider to show you tempting and profitable offers.

Look At Your Recurring Costs To Find Ways To Save Money

Repayments, utility bills, and insurance payments are just a few of the regular costs that can eat away at your savings. Look at your financial statements and try to find ways to cut back on your necessary costs. 

Only Use Credit Cards When You Really Have To

If you have a lot of credit cards in your wallet, you can buy things on a whim without feeling too bad about it. Using plastic money all the time will add to your overall debt. Large cash withdrawals can make it harder to save money because they put too much pressure on the resources you have.

Write Down Your Financial Goals Separately

Having a plan for how to reach a goal gives you the drive to work hard. You should start saving for your wedding, your child’s education, or your retirement right now. One of the most familiar short-term goals is to save money for a trip. One long-term goal is to make money so that you can invest in real estate.

When you reach small goals, it gives you a mental boost that helps you keep saving. If the reward comes quickly and makes the person feel good, it is more likely to be repeated. Think about how much money and time each goal will require.

Investing And Saving On Autopilot

You can also give standing instructions that use the automated transfer options that are already in place.   For long-term financial success, you need to manage your money well and save money regularly. You should also consider taking some time to read this Vantage FX Review, by Trader Protection to understand more about safe investing. 

Pay Your Bills On Time To Keep Your Financial Discipline

If you pay all of your bills on time every time, some service providers may give you a discount. Once the due date has passed, you will almost always have to pay a late fee on top of the amount you owe.

Paying your monthly bills, including your credit card bills, on time can save you money and help you feel less stressed about money. Payments can also come right out of your bank account. This rule protects you no matter what caused you to miss a payment.

All of these ideas will help you save more often in the future. It might seem hard to start with a few and add more as time allows. Do you think there’s anything else we should know? If you want to add to the list, please do so in the comments section below.

 

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You May Have Much More Money Than You Think

by Magical Penny on August 4, 2022

Many people (maybe even you!) are actually considerably wealthier than they think. Yes, they might drive an old car and, yes, they might not have been on holiday for a couple of years. But their personal finances are likely in pretty good shape, particularly when you consider all their assets. 

Why People Seem Poor (And Why They’re Not)

The reason many people seem poor is that they separate their cash flow from their wealth. They might have a house and stock portfolio, but they don’t consider any of that part of their purchasing power. Instead, all they focus on is the money coming in every month. And because that’s quite limited, they automatically feel like they have less. 

Of course, if you really think about it, most people have a tremendous stash of money. Consider the average American with a house and 401(k). Many people have more than $200,000 of equity in their properties, and a further $100,000 in stock, bonds, and crypto. If you add in all their physical assets, their net worth is easily $350,000, possibly more. That’s enough to generate a $25,000-a-year passive income, not quite enough to live on, but enough to stop worrying so much about the bills. 

Of course, most people don’t appreciate this kind of approach to wealth analysis. If you own a house, you’re thinking about the maintenance and mortgage payments. You’re not thinking about your balance sheet: the amount of equity that you have in the home. 

The Value Of Calculating Your Net Worth

But, in reality, that is precisely where you should be directing your attention. As assets such as real estate rise in value and you pay off your mortgage, you increase your net worth. This, in turn, leads to greater and greater wealth generation in the long term. Eventually, you can escape the need to pay interest at all, living month to month without any obligatory housing costs at all. 

The Liquidity Of Modern Capital Markets

Of course, the story doesn’t end there. Thanks to equity release products, people have much more liquid wealth than they imagine. For instance, most people believe that if they want to release the money stored in their homes, they have to sell them and live off the proceeds.

But that’s not how things work in reality. Today, there are plenty of products that let you sell a part of your home back to the lender and receive cash in return. You then simply extend your mortgage or give the equity release firm permission to sell your home at a date in the future. 

Stocks and bonds are also highly liquid, and transaction fees are considerably lower than they were in the past. Apps let you sell in seconds, and most brokers will only ask you to wait a couple of days before releasing funds to you. 

Overall, this paints an interesting picture. While some people are genuinely struggling to make ends meet, others may be investing (often without realising it) in assets that are going to make them wealthier in the future. 

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