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You don’t need to be told how important it is to keep your money safe, but how do you know it truly is? There are lots of security measures in this day and age that help us keep our money safe, and while you might be using them, it’s up to you to make sure that your hard-earned cash stays where it should – in your possession. So, is your money safe? Let’s take a look at what you can do to ensure that it is.

Check your accounts regularly

It might seem like a bit of a pain, but checking your accounts regularly (weekly at least) can help you identify any transactions that don’t look right to you. You should also check all of your transactions and compare them with receipts to make sure you were charged exactly what you thought you were. Doing this regularly gives you the chance to rectify any issues you find, either with your bank or the merchant that has made a mistake.

Be careful of scams

There are so many scams out there these days. Unfortunately, as the world has wised up to scams, so have the scammers. They can make a scam look like a normal transaction, so it’s important to be aware when buying anything. Venmo scams are a great example – if you’ve paid for something via Venmo recently, you could receive contact from “customer service” claiming something went wrong. Lots of people fall for this and end up giving their Venmo details out, allowing these scammers access to their accounts. When using any external service for payments, be sure you’re actually speaking to the company. You can do this by checking the validity of the email it was sent from or calling their customer service directly.

Don’t make impulsive purchases

It’s now easier than ever to buy things thanks to online stores and services like PayPal. Making impulsive purchases can also lead to bad financial habits, so it’s important to try and put a halt on impulsive buying. If you want to make a large purchase, sleep on the decision and see how you feel the next day. You’ll find that you’re much less likely to buy something you don’t need and, therefore, are keeping your money safe.

Know what’s going out and when

Many people use direct debits for the convenience of not having to worry about physically paying bills, but it can lead you to think large amounts missing from your account is normal. Memorise which bills go out and when, and check them! If more has gone out than expected, call the company and find out why. Keeping on top of this prevents even trusted companies from charging you more than expected.

Online use online banking at home

Finally, when it comes to internet banking, it simply isn’t worth risking it when out and about. If you need to check your bank, make sure you only check at home, where you can trust the WiFi is secure. Make sure you put antiviruses in place on your devices, and opt for the extra security so that you can rest assured your finances are as safe as possible.

 To keep your money safe; here is more advice: Financial Advice That You Need To Keep Your Money In Order.

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You’re presented with numerous funding options for your business and loans are widely regarded as the best. They’re easier to obtain than other funding methods and the terms are fairly clear-cut. You’re not handing over any shares in your business; you simply request money and repay it. 

On the surface it seems so simple – but there are many ways to create catastrophes when applying for business loans. This post will walk you through some crucial ideas to avoid the most common causes of catastrophic business loan events. 

Only obtain business loans from credible financial institutions

It’s tempting, but don’t get a loan from a loan shark. If someone offers you a business loan – yet they don’t work for a credible financial institution, you should avoid it at all costs. This is the easiest way to get scammed or roped into a contract with absurd terms and conditions. 

For your safety, only go to banks or building societies to get a loan. They’re the safest institutions and you have one less thing to worry about as you know the loans are legit. 

Read through all terms and conditions

A business loan isn’t a traditional business negotiation as you’ve got zero bargaining power. You can’t read through the terms and try to haggle for a better deal. Lenders outline how much you’ll borrow, what it will cost and what fees you pay if you miss the monthly payments. 

Still, you should read all the terms to understand what you get from your loan. Pay close attention to interest rates – check that your rate doesn’t skyrocket massively after a few months or years. Also, double-check what type of business loan you’re getting. If you think you’ve got an unsecured loan but it’s a secured one, it can end in a catastrophe. 

Notarise the loan documents

Notarising loan documents means they are authenticated by a third-party individual. It helps you see that the agreement is valid and legal, meaning there’s less chance of disputes happening in the future. It basically provides you with a new layer of protection and you can find a local notary public to do this for you. 

For instance, if the lender tries to charge additional fees that weren’t outlined in the contract, the notary can provide evidence on your behalf. They’ll state that these fees were not included in what you signed, therefore you are not legally obliged to pay them. 

Improve your business credit score

Having a good credit score helps you avoid catastrophes by making you eligible for more affordable loans. Businesses with bad credit will either not get approved for loans (which is a catastrophe in itself) or be put on plans with crazy interest rates. It’ll mean you pay way more for the loan than you otherwise would with a better credit score. 

Business loans sound simple, but they’re highly complex and you can end up in terrible situations if you’re not careful. Approach any loan with caution and do your due diligence by comparing legitimate lenders and finding the best loan terms for your company. 

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Negotiation is an essential part of the business world and plays a key role in everything from closing deals to building partnerships. Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or a budding professional, improving your negotiation skills is essential to succeeding in a competitive business environment. In this article, we explore five tips for better negotiation in business, so you can navigate the complex web of deals with tact.

Preparation is Key 

The basis of any successful negotiation is thorough preparation. Before entering the hearing room, take the time to research and understand your and your opponent’s positions. Identify your goals, priorities, and areas for flexibility. Also understand the other person’s motivations, needs, and potential concerns.

Additionally, you should understand industry standards, market conditions, and current trends. This knowledge not only increases your credibility but also provides valuable insights that you can use during the negotiation process. A well-prepared negotiator is more likely to make informed decisions, anticipate challenges, and ultimately achieve a positive outcome.

Building and Maintaining Relationships 

Successful negotiations involve more than simply securing the best deal. It’s also important to build and maintain positive relationships. View negotiations as a collaborative effort rather than an adversarial battle. Building trust and good relationships with others fosters an environment that fosters open communication and creative problem-solving.

Actively listen to the concerns and perspectives of others, demonstrating empathy and understanding. By showing them that you value their contribution, you can lay the foundation for future collaborations and potential partnerships. Remember: A positive negotiation experience contributes to a positive business relationship that benefits you in the long run.

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Master the Art of Communication 

Effective communication is at the heart of successful negotiation. Express your thoughts, needs, and expectations clearly, paying attention to your body language and tone of voice. Strive for clarity and transparency, and avoid ambiguity that can lead to misunderstandings later.

Be Flexible and Creative 

Negotiations often require compromise, and stubborn positions can hinder progress. It’s important to have clear goals and priorities, but be open to alternative solutions and compromises that satisfy both parties. Creativity in problem-solving is a valuable asset in negotiations.

Consider different options and consider compromises that will benefit both parties. By showing flexibility, you show that you are keen to find solutions rather than forcing conditions. This collaborative approach can lead to innovative agreements that consider the interests of all parties involved. This will lead to using automated contract software confidently.

Knowing When to Walk Away 

It’s important to have a positive relationship and find compromises, but it’s equally important to know when to walk away from negotiations. Setting clear boundaries and understanding your bottom line will ensure you don’t agree to terms that are harmful to your business.

The Bottom Line 

Mastering the art of business negotiation is an ongoing process that requires a combination of preparation, communication skills, relationship building, flexibility, and strategic thinking. By incorporating these tips into your negotiation toolkit, you can improve your ability to navigate the complexities of the business world and achieve favorable outcomes that contribute to the long-term success of your efforts.

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Business environmental concerns and sustainability are the names of the game in modern corporate planning, and for obvious reasons. The more you can ensure your processes are sustainable and eco-conscious, the better off they are for your company, your local community, your environment, and yes, your marketing content too. It may sound cynical to say, but there are very real financial benefits to switching to eco-friendly practices and integrating that infrastructure more completely, not only because of a shifting conscious market that prefers to vote with their wallet.

It’s true that taking a purely cost-saving or opportunity-cost view to environmental practices is cynical, as mentioned above. As such, are there methods we could follow to prove we’re not solely in it for the money? If we can integrate better, foundational level sustainable practices, a business cannot possibly be accused of only doing so to chase the market, and it will also inspire a proactive, as opposed to reactive approach.

For this, a holistic view is needed. Let’s consider how that could work:

All Levels Of Waste Management

It’s easy to think of sustainability as potting many plants in your office, only ever using biodegradable materials in your packaging, or perhaps only using suppliers with good environmental ratings. But the truth is that your personal approach to measures like waste management will matter most of all, especially when going a little further to ensure e waste recycling is correctly handled and not just stored in a side room or even thrown out through conventional landfill means. Sustainability means smart consideration at all levels of your business life.

Outsourced Providers Are Key

Outsourced providers, from manufacturers to service partners all the way up to the cleaning company you utilize making use of non-toxic cleaning products, are integral components in the broader sustainability drive of your firm. These pivotal actors in the supply chain and their practices directly impact the sustainability efforts of your company, and some may even accept you stamping their seal of approval in your marketing to prove your systemic approach to sustainable and environmental implementation. After all, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel or do everything yourself at all times to have a sizeable impact, nor to be shrewd about which services to work with.

Sparse Marketing Is Better

It may sound as if you have to shout from the rooftops to make your audience and market aware of your sustainability effort, and yes, you can certainly do this. However, it’s also true that less frequent but more impactful updates about your eco-drive will be much better and seem more authentic. It shows you’re taking time to make changes before you “cash in” on the marketing aspect, and when you do that you’ll have much more substance to offer in your communications from that point on. A holistic view in sustainability means focusing on much more than the message, but the foundational shifts of how this renewed approach works in your brand. 

With this advice, you’re sure to take that sustainable and holistic view towards your new eco-drive.

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Wealth and asset management become more valuable as you age, yet you are never too young or too old to gain control of your life. Saving for retirement is, of course, a matter for all and a vital one. Investing adds sustainable value to your overall funds in the long term.

Understand the Value of What You Have

You can accumulate wealth over the course of your lifetime, and it can help to assess what you have at regular intervals. Your money, cars, property and other valuables contribute to your overall net worth, and it helps to always know this figure. Getting your home valued is an easy yet vital first step. But you should also have experts go over other intangible assets, such as any investments you have made, so they can be added to your overall personal asset value.

Don’t Neglect Your Retirement Plans

A healthy attitude to asset management throughout your life can help you at the best times. Knowing what you have helps you define personal limits and, therefore, avoid debt and overspending. Yet you must include personal valuables as contributions towards retirement plans. Putting away $200 per month from the age of 25 is highly recommended. Yet you should aim to start no later than 35 if you begin saving for your retirement later in your adult life.

Budget for Wealth and Asset Management

Realistic budgets are a massive help as you go through life. You can use budgets for grocery shopping, home renovations and vacations. Of course, any luxuries should only be budgeted for when you have subtracted retirement funds from your disposable income. Although budgets can help, it is also vital to remember that your personal mental health can be affected by a lower quality of life. So, it also helps to try to avoid depriving yourself of good things now and then.

Consider Investing if You Can

Investing is controversial because you can just as easily lose money as you can gain it. But there are some investments that are much lower in risk than others. One of the first you should make is yourself with personal retirement pensions. Pension plans use the money you pay in to make small investments that grow over the long term. Other very low-risk investments include real estate investment trusts, corporate bonds and the more popular high-yield saving accounts.

Don’t Try to Manage Too Much

There’s a lot to manage in life. And when it comes to wealth and assets, there are many complex aspects to portfolios and funds. You can manage some of the more immediate and pressing matters, such as personal budgets and maybe the odd portfolio. However, more complex parts of asset management are best handled by experts in the field. Finding reputable asset, financial and investment managers in your area is highly recommended for best results.

Summary

Understanding the value of what you have is a good first step towards better wealth and asset management. Various budgets can also help, and hire experts to handle more complex matters.

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It’s easy to think that it’s only the employees of a company or members of an organization that define the culture that develops. After all, they’re certainly a large part of it. But it’s also true that what an organization allows, encourages, and refuses to tolerate will also have a major effect. For this reason, workplace toxicity, discrimination, harassment, and unhealthy conflict can and should be stamped out, as should the cause of these issues be identified should they surface.

In many ways, the parameters of a healthier workplace culture and a healthier workforce will start from the top down. In some respects, that means being entirely responsible and fair about how you manage accessibility – for example opening your roles to everyone while also ensuring some safety-first jobs are properly vetted, like through railway medical checkups, is key. In line with this, you might remove implicit bias by removing personally identifying characteristics from every resume that is reviewed.

A Confidential Reporting System

Of course, a HR system should never be a weaponized tool, but it should be a clean and helpful measure for members to voice their concerns confidentially. This way, any bullying, harassment, discrimination or other similar issues can be immediately stamped out and properly processed. You can also indicate the exact measures of conduct you expect within your organization in the staff policy. It’s fair to say that those who have engaged in this behavior are unlikely to be valuable to your brand, and so immediate dismissal or similar disciplinary procedures, pending an appropriate investigation, can be an appropriate way to begin.

Sustaining A Health Conscious Workplace

While your company should never dictate exactly how people should manage their health outside of roles that require able-bodied interaction (such as safety roles where someone might be responsible for others), it’s good to implement healthy and optional schemes to keep your staff comfortable. You might offer fresh fruit and refreshments, coffee, and a bike-to-work scheme. 

You might include some health insurance in their package to attract top talent, make sure the air is filtered with HEPA filters in the office, or ensure great HVAC keeps the air fresh. You can also invest in ergonomic furniture to keep your staff in good posture and comfortable throughout the day. It all makes a difference.

Protecting Mental Health Without Intrusion

Your leadership should set the nurturing tone for the organization by recognizing that mental well-being is as important as physical health. To achieve this, you should actively encourage open discussions about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote resources for support. That might include resources for counseling and support, or a robust policy for helping staff if they deal with bereavement and other difficulties.

Mental health is also assisted by the little things, such as offering regular breaks, managing stress effectively, and maintaining work-life balance, especially with measures like remote work. This sends a powerful message to employees that their mental well-being matters to you.

With this advice, you’re sure to curate a healthier workforce from the top down.

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In one corner we find experienced estate agents eager to sell your home quickly; while in the other corner we see underdog private sellers eager to skip out on middlemen altogether and save themselves some extra cash by going it alone.

Round 1: Experience and Knowledge

Let’s first examine those with experience and knowledge – estate agents. These veterans of property transactions have seen it all; from market trends they likely set, to legal terminology. When it comes to negotiations they’re like Muhammad Ali of property transactions – with experience, knowledge, and networks needed for knockout punches against any challenger – be they buyers or private sellers. Though they might lack the experience of agents, these amateur sellers make up for what they lack in experience with grit, determination and access to resources online listings, DIY legal guides, virtual home staging apps. But will their efforts produce results? Stay tuned!

Round 2: Time and Effort

Ding Ding! Round two has begun, and all gloves are off! Time and effort will be the currency in this battleground market that’s constantly shifting; estate agents, our trusted pugilists, are prepared to multitask efficiently while managing multiple sales simultaneously. If time and money are short, these professionals are your solution. They’ll handle viewings, negotiations, paperwork and more while you sit back, sip coffee and watch as they do the heavy lifting – and let the magic unfold before your very eyes. But wait: the bell hasn’t rung yet! Private sellers have made waves in real estate sales with their unafraid approach and willingness to get their hands dirty. Although they may lack finesse, their persistence will pay off in saving commission money – no matter if it takes hours spent staging, listing, and negotiating their property! It may take hard work but for these private sellers the challenge and sweat are part of the thrill! Who will emerge victorious at the end? Keep your eye on this ring folks!

Round 3: Money Matters

Round 3 is all about green money – money, mooseah, cash and dough! On one side we have our experienced estate agents; while their services may come at a premium cost they know what they’re doing. Professional realtors have the training, connections, and negotiation savvy necessary to achieve higher selling prices for your home – often enough to cover their commission and more! They know the market inside out. But wait a second, ladies and gentlemen: beware the private seller! Here they come charging out from around the corner with fists full of determination but pockets containing… not so much. These individuals are hoping to save themselves the cost of commission by betting all on themselves alone. If they’re lucky, they could walk away with a healthy fortune; otherwise it could prove costly. With the bell soon to chime and the anticipation mounting, stay tuned to see who walks away victorious!

Round 4: Support and Security

And now it’s round four of this fight – Support and Security are up next. In one corner we have our estate agent armed with industry knowledge, legal experience, and a team to back their punches. Once again, they’ve navigated the paperwork dance with grace. Not to forget their skill in negotiating low-ball offers and offering counteroffers that make an impactful statement about business values and goals. Now let’s focus on that right corner. Private sellers tend to be inexperienced in selling properties. They must learn how to navigate legalities while dodging blows that come from managing viewings and negotiation sessions effectively. Though it can be tough going, private sellers can have surprises up their sleeve – keep your eyes peeled for any signs that their resilience and sweat may bring about an unexpected knockout!

So Who Wins in Estate Agents Vs. Private Sellers? 

In the epic clash of estate agents vs. private sellers, it can be hard to declare one as the undisputed victor. In reality, your decision ultimately boils down to personal circumstances, resources available and willingness to invest both time and energy. Whether opting for professional help with an estate sale agent or taking the DIY route directly yourself; remember selling property is no sprint race – it is a marathon journey

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Becoming a landlord is an exciting prospect for anyone who has the ability to own a second property. It’s a great investment opportunity to own property and often offers the most lucrative of methods when it comes to making your money work harder for you over time.

However, renting isn’t exactly easy when it comes to being a landlord. There are lots of obstacles to navigate in order for it to be successful. With that being said, if you’re looking to rent as a landlord, then it’s worth knowing some useful tips to make it work for you.

Buy a property that’s within a comfortable price range

When it comes to buying a property, you want to purchase one that’s within a comfortable price range. Buying a property above your price range is likely going to make your returns less significant if you’re only meeting the bare minimum of covering your mortgage costs.

If you own the property outright, then that’s a little different. You’ll be able to benefit from the rental that comes in without needing to worry about any mortgage repayments that need making.

However, when you’re buying a property to rent out, it’s always good to factor in all the costs you’ll need to consider. From landlord taxes, maintenance costs, and more. Renting is a lot more expensive than you think when it comes to being in the position of a landlord. 

Be selective with your tenants

When it comes to your tenants, make sure that you’re being selective about who you have. For some landlords, they may be flexible with having anyone on the property, including the more disruptive tenants like students for big families for example.

However, you might want to be more selective with your tenants. For example, having tenants who are professionals and perhaps only having so many tenants per property will be more beneficial.

You may have specific requests such as tenants being non-smokers or restricting any pets from moving into the property.

Offer long-term contracts over short-term lets

In order to benefit from renting out your property, it may be worth considering a long-term contract rather than opting for short-term lets. While short-term lets might be appropriate for some people, it’s important to consider long-term contracts too.

With long-term contracts, you have a guaranteed income for that period of time agreed. Not only that but it’s less of a fuss to have to sort out new tenants every six months to a year, in comparison to most long-term contracts which will usually be a two-year minimum.

Of course, there are lots of tenants out there, all needing something different when it comes to the rental they choose to live in. At the end of the day though, it’s important to find a tenant or tenants that will suit your needs as a landlord.

Stay on top of all relevant maintenance and testing checks

It’s useful to try and stay on top of all relevant maintenance and testing checks as a landlord, otherwise, you can often open yourself up to a lot of fallouts.

As a landlord, you have a duty and responsibility to ensure the living conditions of the property, are the best that they can be. That means getting landlord electrical testing and ensuring the boiler on the property has an up-to-date certificate, etc.

By staying on top of the testing and maintenance, it will improve the quality of the home, which might be important when you come to sell it further down the line.

Hand over management to a management company

If you’re not someone who wants to handle the management of your property as a landlord, then it’s definitely worth handing over these responsibilities to a company.

It’s a great way to free up your time and energy for a fee to have it all sorted for you. It might be beneficial to a number of landlords who aren’t always available nearby or simply don’t have the time to be a landlord.

Know when it’s time to throw in the towel

Finally, it’s good to be aware that you might not always want to rent out your property. In fact, you might find it’s the right time now to sell up your property, rather than continuing to rent it out any longer.

Knowing when to throw in the towel is important because renting your property out might only be financially beneficial to you for so long.

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As a homeowner or a property investor, looking to make money on a sale, there are so many different things that you should consider. Selling a home is no small issue and you shouldn’t become complacent. Lots of people in this world are house-hunting and will know about all of the things to look for in a high-quality place. You always have to think about the safety element of a house because it’s not always about how things look. If there are a few doubts in your mind, the value may be lowered or you may not even make a sale. 

The good thing is that there are plenty of things that can be done in order to safeguard a home and turn it into something more secure. Some are very simple and some might require professional help. Here are a few ideas if you are curious: 

Ensure The Lighting And Landscaping Are On Point 

If you want to create a safe environment, the lighting must be of the right kind of quality. And this isn’t just to avoid robberies and other criminals – everyday life will need adequate lighting, too. Landscaping is of great importance because nobody wants an awkward or rocky terrain. It could also have a huge impact on the lights of the foundation, too. When it comes to the exterior, people don’t ignore necessary parts. 

Make Sure Entry Points Are Reinforced

It goes without saying that your entry zones should be as secure as possible. People value security and will not just place blind faith in something they are investing in. Every single access point of the home should have a strict level of security. Whether it’s extra locks or coded doors, you’ll not want them to be malleable or easily broken down. 

Install Security Equipment And Systems 

In this day and age, most homes should have security cameras and alarm systems. Lots of homes that were built 50 years ago will still not have this kind of thing and it’s pretty negligent. It is the value of the home and turns people away from buying. If you want people to show interest, you’ll need high-quality CCTV at the very least. Alarm systems and extra lighting should also be in the offing. 

Protect From Fire And Carbon Monoxide 

Homes that are prone to disasters will obviously not be as desired as those that are protected against it all. Lots of homes around can be very susceptible to fires and gas poisoning. Equip your home with smoke detectors and devices that can detect carbon monoxide. Be sure to test them regularly in order to get the best results.

Regularly Maintain And Fix Certain Aspects 

When you own a home, it’s not just a case of leaving things until the last minute all of the time. You have to be proactive and stay on top of things all of the time. You have to maintain things before they get worse. From testing Radon in homes to sorting out little issues with the plumbing, it’s up to you to ensure things do not go from bad to worse. Being responsible can mean so much for the value and reputation of your entire home.

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