Magical Penny

Property investments can be highly profitable and present a stellar way of growing your finances. The underlying benefit of property investments is that houses rarely decrease in value. If you looked at a chart over the last couple of decades, you’d notice that house prices generally go upwards. There are dips – like during the financial crisis – but in the past they have tended to end up levelling out and going up. This makes property a rare investment as you’ve almost certain to see long-term gains. Compare it to investing in stocks/shares; businesses can easily close down or be embroiled in a major scandal. As a result, your shares can plummet in value and leave you with nothing. This will never be the case with a property investment!

It sounds so appealing, but getting involved in real estate investments is harder than you expect. Again, going back to stocks & shares, you can create trading accounts online and invest in minutes. It’s very straightforward, but there are more drawbacks in the property world. If you’re thinking about making your first investment, it helps to see some of the factors that might hold you back…

Credit score

Your credit score doesn’t come into account with other investments out there. When you look at the intricacies of property investment, you soon see why this is the case. If you wanted to buy a home, you’d need to get a mortgage. It’s not 100% essential, but it is the most accessible way for the general public to invest in housing. A mortgage provides you with a hefty loan that covers the cost of the house. From here, you repay the loan based on the terms of your agreement with the lender. Therefore, you need a good credit score to have your mortgage application accepted. 

With other investments, there’s no risk to other people’s money. Think about it, when you invest in stocks, it’s your money that goes into the company. If you fall on difficult times, you sell the shares and get your money back. Nobody else suffers if your financial situation gets worse. With property investments, if you have a bad credit score, you might fail to repay the mortgage. This means that lenders lose out on money thanks to your poor financial situation. So, work on improving your credit score if you need a mortgage to invest in a house. 

Your employment status

Similarly, your employment status plays a significant role in determining if you can invest in property or not. Even if you’re unemployed, you’ll be able to invest in loads of other assets. However, unemployed people would struggle to invest in property. Part of this comes from a lack of income, making real estate unattainable. Again, another part refers back to a mortgage; a lack of employment is usually a red flag for lenders, so they won’t let you borrow any money. 

Furthermore, self-employed people also struggle to get mortgages and invest in real estate. Why? Well, it’s because you don’t technically have a steady source of income. If you were in full-time employment, a lender could look at your monthly salary and determine if you can afford their terms or not. Self-employed individuals will usually have to seek out a specialist broker to help them find a suitable mortgage. It’s not impossible to invest in property when you’re self-employed, but it can be harder. Just be aware that your employment status can be a barrier that holds you back!

A lack of options

While property investments carry many advantages, one of the disadvantages is that you don’t have a lot of options. Sure, there are different ways of investing in real estate, but you may be limited by the options around you. For instance, if you can’t see many properties for sale, how can you choose an investment? This happens during times of economic uncertainty, where homeowners decide to avoid selling their properties. Therefore, the market dries up, so you have hardly any options to choose from. 

It’s never wise to buy a property when times are like this. You can easily invest in something that’s not that great, purely because you’re impatient. If the options aren’t diverse, you will have two options. Firstly, wait until more properties are for sale. Secondly, expand your search to different areas and consider property investment in other countries. This can open up more options and let you find something that’s profitable. 

High prices

Now, we’ve kind of skirted around the edges of this point in a couple of the previous points. Houses – and all properties – are considerable investments. If you’re very well off, you can buy one without a mortgage. Most people will need one, even if you earn an impressive annual salary. This makes it a tough investment for lots of people to get in to. 

Once more, let’s look at stocks & shares to compare the two. We’ve mentioned this investment many times, largely because it’s the most common way to start investing. You don’t need a lot of money to buy stocks at all. In fact, many trading companies let you buy a percentage of shares, meaning you can invest with pennies. Property investment is a serious financial challenge that requires years of saving before you take the plunge. It’s not something you can try on a whim, or attempt if you’re bored. You have to spend a lot of time, saving money, to either buy the property outright or apply for a mortgage deposit.

To round-off this post, you can say that property investments can be highly beneficial, but difficult for everyone to obtain. You may be held back by any of the forces mentioned above. Thankfully, all of these factors are changeable. This means that they can be influenced and changed in a variety of ways. Take the first point, for example, you can easily improve your credit score to get a mortgage and buy your first property. Also, once you’re on the property ladder, it’s a lot easier to make more investments and grow your portfolio.

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You’ve decided to invest your money in real estate, which is potentially a wise move. Even if the market value drops, there are options other than selling and trying to break even. Many property owners keep hold of their investments for years, renting them out to cover the mortgage, until the sector recovers.

However, the problem with British property is the price. It’s expensive. If you already have a loan for your home, you may not want to double down and handle two mortgages at once. It only takes a small mistake or a sliver of bad luck to end up in a sticky financial situation. Still, that doesn’t mean your dream is over since foreign valuations are much cheaper and accessible. 

Whether it’s a holiday house or a business proposition, it’s better to look farther from home. Thailand is and has been popular with British citizens and expats for years, but what makes it an ideal investment opportunity?

Outside Money

There’s no doubt that the rules and regulations for foreigners in Thailand are complicated, yet they haven’t stopped thousands of Brits from securing a piece of the action. This is down to two reasons: the property prices and the loan system.

Firstly, it’s not hard to find a house under 1M Baht anywhere in the country. Like all capital cities, Bangkok is more expensive, yet it’s not extortionate like London or Tokyo. Secondly, you don’t need a loan from a Thai bank to finalise the deal. Under the law, the money has to come from a company outside of Thailand if the property is going to be under a foreign name.

Considering the lenders in Britain have access to your credit score and can check your suitability, it shouldn’t be too hard to obtain the necessary funding. This is particularly true when the loan amount is smaller than a typical real estate mortgage in Britain.

Tax Loopholes

Tax is always an issue for real estate owners and developers; however, this isn’t true in Thailand. As long as you choose correctly, you can avoid paying any taxes on your property as certain types are exempt from land and house contributions. Essentially, this means a condo or condominium.

Unlike other buildings and land, condos aren’t taxed at the same rate, making them an ideal purchase for investors looking to spread their resources. Even if you don’t plan on living in it, the fact that your overheads are lower will result in a bigger yearly profit. Please note that the law only applies to condos and apartments. Anything else is taxable.

You should also expect fees if you ever sell the property, such as transfer, document, and tax expenses. Of course, if you plan on leaving it to family, this isn’t an issue!

Legal Loopholes

For those who are unaware, foreigners can’t legally own land in Thailand without a Thai partner. The only exception is Americans as the US has a special agreement. Although this sounds like a huge hurdle, it isn’t because the legislation is written in such a way that it offers a variety of options.

For example, condos are popular not only for tax purposes but because a foreigner can own 100% of a condominium as long as the building is Thai-owned. Alternatively, if you want to purchase land or a house, you can create a Thai limited business and have a local you trust transfer the deeds over once the deal is complete. Lastly, if your partner is Thai, you can put everything in their name.

It’s not a simple process by any means. But, the fact that there is a grey area means that investors find the market very agreeable.

The Lifestyle

Owning real estate in Thailand, however you do it, means you can live in the country. Alternatively, you can visit as and when you choose since accommodation isn’t an issue. For Brits, this is incredibly appealing as the Southeast Asia region is stunning.

The fact that the cost of living is low, the weather is pleasant, and the lifestyle is better than at home makes it a perfect spot for expats and retired investors. Combine the relatively low upfront fees and the tax and legal loopholes, and you get a dream investment that’s worth more than money.

Sure, the cash is nice, and it plays a huge part in your decision, but the balance between life and work is also why the property is popular with foreigners in Thailand.

Will you follow suit or spend your money elsewhere?

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A career (or even a side-hustle) in photography can be exciting. Read on for some helpful beginner’s information.

There are a whole host of specialised styles of photography that often individuals are unaware of, and so this article will depict those styles to give you a helping hand. 

Wildlife photography: 

This is an extremely challenging form of photography, whilst it may be exciting and intriguing this can often be overtaken by the element danger of terrible conditions. You need to fully understand the animals or the life forms you are taking pictures of in order to aptly portray their habitats and their way of life. It can in fact take many days before you get the perfect shot so you need patience. 

Landscape photography:

The most important aspect of landscape photography is finding the perfect spot to take your image, this form also requires patience as weather and alike can often disturb proceedings. 

Sports events:

In order to take pictures of sporting events you need to have a knowledge of the sport you are shooting in order to be aware of when to take images and what shots will be most appreciated by viewers. 

Photo journalism:

This is completely different to other forms as it requires the photographs to tell a story through visuals, which can be extremely difficult. The person viewing needs to fully understand a story via the view of one mere image. 

Fashion pictures:

Fashion photographers need to have a creative and innovative eye, they need to think outside of the box. This form of art absolutely has to be original in order to be considered good. 

Black and white treatment:

This can add a unique edge to images and can be extremely rewarding yet it requires an intricate process which must be mastered. 

Shooting celebrities:

This can be an exciting job as you get to see famous individuals, yet it is very difficult and high pressured because you need to get a photograph of people who are quite often trying to avoid you. You have to plan ahead for all possible outcomes when attempting to shoot famous people. 

What do you need to start your business?

Photography is a fantastic and intriguing form of art and so it is no surprise that so many people seek to participate in it. However, many individuals have trouble when it comes to branching out on their own and starting their own photography business. 

As is the case with any business; research is absolutely essential. Before you even consider setting up a photography business you must partake in an extensive amount of research in order to make sure you are fully prepared and know what to expect from the industry you are diving into. 

You will also need to decipher which location you will reside your business in. When a photography business is first starting out it must have an assured and settled location in order to proceed and move forward in the future. 

If you want to be successful in your photography business then you absolutely must have a credible and impressive portfolio. No one is going to book you if you do not have a wide range of examples of your photography work. An impressive portfolio will instantly gain you the desired amount of customers you require. Try and make sure you have a wide range of various shots; thus displaying your skills, don’t keep every single photo you have ever taken as this will bore the viewer. 

An attractive and striking business card is a must; make sure all your details are included yet do not overload individuals with irrelevant information. Your email must be easy to remember and easy to read, so keep it sweet and simple. There are so many business cards that have the company name and the picture extremely large whereas the actual contact information is tiny. Don’t do this – make sure your telephone number is the largest thing on the card.

Finally, an effective marketing strategy is an absolute must. Especially in this current economic climate where competition is rife. Make sure you advertise your skills to the best of your ability and take advantage of the exposure the internet has to offer. 

How much should you charge?

Deciding how much to price your photographs at can be a difficult decision as there is no ‘fixed’ valuation or even loose guidelines to give you a rough idea of what you should be charging. In reality the ideal price is the monetary sum the consumer is willing to pay matched with the price you are willing to sell at; yet reaching this point can be easier said than done. To give you a helping hand here are a few things to consider whilst pricing your photographs;

LOOKING FOR PRICING INFORMATION

Photographer’s Market:

This is a book published on an annual basis which includes an array of listings stating types of photos used and approximate price range paid. It is advisable to take a look at the Photographer’s Market merely to get a good idea of what others are charging. 

Free Online Pricing:

Free online pricing websites are highly utilised but my advice is to be careful because the figures you get from various websites fluctuate massively. 

FACTORS WHICH CAN ALTER YOUR PRICE

Licensing:

The rights the purchaser requires is one of the most influential pricing factors. The level of rights you sell can highly increase the money you receive. Do your research on the variation of licensing terms available before you offer your photograph to someone, as you could be missing out on something substantial. 

Your equipment;

This depends on the style of photo you take and whether you shoot in a studio or on location. Also, individual factors, such as whether you need to wear glasses matter, as they add to your budget. This website can assist with the latter.

The Buyer:

As is to be expected; each and every buyer has a different way of negotiating and a different belief of how much they should pay for your photograph. Remember to behave in a professional manner at all times and adjust your negotiation technique in relation to the individual or group you are dealing with.

You;

The final factor is of course; you. Only you can determine how much you are willing to sell your work for; can you afford to knock back an offer in the hope of a better one? Is photography your way of earning a living or merely a hobby? 

Being on the other side of the camera

If you have been wanting to make a name in the modelling industry, you really need to have great headshots that you can send out, to tell you the truth, making a full portfolio is very advisable. 

A model has to find a photographer and a location where they’ll be able to take good headshots or even a complete portfolio. When, for instance, you want your headshot or portfolio to be taken with a natural background, you can hire a photographer and try finding a location ideal for the concept you want. As another option, you can try doing the shoot in a studio where restrictions on time are lower and you can adjust the lighting without too much difficulty. 

Also, one of the best things you will experience when you hire a photo studio is being able to consult their resident photographer. A photographer knows his or her expertise very well and also the ways on how you can make the most of the studio rental. 

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The investment world tends to go through various fads, perhaps most recently seen with the rise and fall of cryptocurrencies. 

The rise and fall in popularity of different investments reflects human nature as investors are always on the look out for new places to earn returns for their money .

Over the long term global equities can be very attractive for returns above inflation but investors also look at other asset classes, with some that are never really out of fashion. Let’s explore them here. 

Real Estate / Property

Fans of this asset class argue that people are always going to have to live in houses.

Real estate benefits from the fact that it is fundamental to the economic system. Banks rely on mortgages to fuel their businesses. Central banks keep interest rates lows so people can continue to buy them while propping up asset prices. This pattern of activity increases lending throughout the economy, pushing the price of existing houses up. While the government public says that it is doing all it can to keep property prices low for first-time buyers, it actually likes rising real estate costs. When property prices are rising, homeowners feel wealthier and assume that their finances are doing better. 

Bullion / Gold

Bullion has been around as long as the property market, and possibly longer. What’s more, proponents of gold argue it’s one of the safest investments you can make.

As Gold Bullion Australia points out, gold and silver are hedges against currency risk. Governments are liable to create new money and flood the system with it at any point, thereby diluting the value of money in your savings account by diluting the total supply. 

The supply of gold and silver, however, is almost fixed. Mines add new supply to the market every year, but it is only a tiny amount – usually about one or two percent. Thus, gold is probably the only form of currency you can store under your mattress forever, and its likely to not have lost value. 

Remember however that gold is not a productive asset. It won’t earn returns like stocks or bonds. Instead, it’ll provide the cash portion of your portfolio with inflation protection. If prices go up across the economy, you can simply sell off your gold to release cash, pocketing the difference. 

Art

Finally, art is another investment that will probably never go out of fashion. Owners of original pieces know that buyers are willing to pay a fortune to hang them in their homes. What’s more, as the number of wealthy people in the world rises, the competition for such objects will also increase. That said, it will only be worth what others are willing to pay, so there is the potential for losses too.

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Once the kids have flown the nest, and you and your partner are happily retired (or at least approaching retirement), it’s time to start thinking about downsizing. Doing so can be a fantastic way to feel cosier at home, and not make it seem like you’re taking up far more space than you need. However, downsizing means you’ll need to prepare for a smaller space, so here are four tips to make that much easier. 

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need 

Decluttering can be one of the most tedious parts of moving house, and you might come across a lot of items that you can’t bear to part with. Sometimes, this is okay. You want to keep them for a reason, but most of the time, you don’t need them, so get rid of them. 

There are plenty of ways to do this. You can donate them to friends and family, or you can sell them online if you want to fund other purchases. You can check out these tips to get the perfect product shot and make your items more appealing, which will save you worrying that you can’t shift your office chair before the big day. 

Do Not Get a Storage Unit 

It’s tempting to get a storage unit, especially if you struggle to sell or donate some of your furniture and ornaments. However, there’s a chance you’ll fall into a storage unit rental trap, and this can be hard to get out of. 

If the worst comes to worst, you can donate items in decent condition to local charity shops. You might also have family and friends who can look after these items for the time being. Otherwise, you’re still stuck switching cumbersome pieces that will take up space in your new home, making it more challenging to enjoy. 

Be Aware of Hidden Costs

While brand new furniture is tempting, it isn’t always the best avenue to take. If possible, take existing chairs and sofas with you, but only if they will fit into the new home. 

If not, you can think about looking at used items, especially on social media marketplaces. These are cheaper, and many will be in suitable condition if you keep an eye out for the right bargains. 

Inform The Right People

Whether it’s the bank or your best friend, you should tell the right people where you are going, and you should do this as early as possible. Preferably, you can start letting others know as soon as you have a move-in date, especially for the bank, as they will be able to make a note on your account to direct mail elsewhere. 

This will save you travelling back and forth to pick up mail, and will also save any confusion. At the very least, you’ll only want to travel to your old home once, so make sure you inform people as soon as you can. 

Downsizing 

Even though you are moving to a smaller property, taking the right steps for downsizing can ensure you can do so comfortably. Moving anywhere can be stressful, so as long as you’re sensible about what to buy as well as what not to buy, you should be able to make the move as straightforward as possible. 

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Are you thinking about investing in a new home? You might have heard that purchasing a new build on the market is always the best option. However, we’re not entirely convinced that this is always the best case. By the end of this article perhaps you’ll agree as we look at some of the other options that may be more beneficial. 

Buying A Fixer-Upper

One option that you might want to consider is purchasing a fixer-upper. Yes, there is a considerable level of risk with this possibility, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the wrong decision. It could be beneficial because it will be cheaper and thus there will be less financial pressure on you in terms of the mortgage. Furthermore, if you invest in the right fixer-upper they can be a fantastic investment opportunity. You’ll be able to sell it for far more than it’s worth with the right renovations. 

Build A Home From Scratch

Alternatively, you might want to consider building a home that’s brand new for you. This is a little different from purchasing a new build because when you work with the right architects, you’ll be able to get exactly what you want. This could include highly specific details that you wouldn’t have a hope of finding in a home for sale on the market right now. You are probably concerned about the cost of an option like this. In the past, custom builds used to only be accessible for the uber-rich. However, times have moved on and these days there are builders and contractors that can work with your budget. You will have to consider this choice carefully and take into account that it will take longer before you can move into your new home. But when you do finally get the keys you’ll be able to say that you have your dream home. It’s very difficult to say this when you buy a property that is already built. 

Keep Renting

Finally, you have probably heard that renting is dead money. While this may be the case, it can be the best option for certain individuals including those who do not have high levels of job stability. For instance, freelancers will always find it difficult to gain a mortgage. They also often see their income fluctuate through the year making it difficult to pay off a mortgage on time. Renting can provide more flexibility if you can’t predict what your circumstances are likely to be like in the next few months or the next few years of your life. 

As you can see then, it’s fair to say that buying a brand new home or a new build on the market may not always be the best decision. There could be better possibilities available to you and this is true regardless of whether you are looking for a new home to live in or a fresh investment opportunity. It’s important to consider your options carefully before settling on the right choice for you and your family. 

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Binary options robots are one of the most popular choices for those new to trading. These robots can give binary options traders a way into the market without having to know too much about it. This can be incredibly useful for those wanting to get started but not knowing where or how to start. 

A lot of people are turning toward trading as a way of making money, especially those looking to get out of debt. If this applies to you, be mindful before diving right in. On your quest for financial freedom, the Debt to Success System is a good place to start before looking into different funding options like this.

If you’re a novice trader looking to utilise a binary options robot, there are some questions you’ll need to ask before you choose a robot provider. First of all, beware of any big promises. It may seem attractive to go for big figures straight away, but unless the provider can back up the big claims regarding its robot, be very wary. There are rarely any magical fixes to ensure you make plenty of money straight away, and those companies that promise that are either being slightly dishonest or telling plain untruths to you. Either way, you don’t want to work with a robot provider who treats their clients in such a way. Incidentally, this counts whether you’re looking at options trading robots or at acting on binary options signals delivered to you personally by SMS, email, or Skype chat. 

As a beginner, you need to be cautious about how you find your robot. There are plenty of sites on the internet that will flag up suspect robots and if you need to deposit money into your account before you’re allowed to see the features of the automated trading robot, this should also be a red flag for you. Be cautious and you will make some money from binary options trading. 

How To Spot Scams

Binary options robots are increasingly popular in the modern trade marketplace. However, because of this, there are many scam websites eager to get in on the act. Being able to spot a scammer can enable you to reap the benefits of binary trading robots without being caught up in something that will lose you money.  

Some of the signs that show you you’re dealing with a potential scammer are relatively easy to spot. For instance, if the website is poorly designed it’s generally a good sign that you’re dealing with someone who isn’t interested in forging long-lasting relationships with binary trading option clients. So, if you’re searching for a binary options signal provider who will deliver real results, don’t choose one with a poor website. Equally, when you’re searching for a binary options robot, you should expect to see plenty of information about the robot and its features. Reputable binary option signal services are eager to boast about the superior functions of their signals and auto robots. If you don’t see any of this, don’t sign up for the binary options service or use their robot. It could mean that the robot’s only feature is that it will be completely inept and lose your investment. 

Previous trading signals and robot history is also important for any company, and you should ensure that the trade history of your particular signal service and software is very good. Similarly, reputable companies will make realistic predictions about your success. Don’t place your trust in anything that promises the earth but fails to back it up with facts. Trust binary signal and robot providers with a history who are willing to engage. 

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