A guest Post from Tim Aldiss -
Financial regulations are always put in place with the intention of lending further transparency to decision making processes. However, the eventual results do not always mirror the initial vision. Although providing a new breed of qualified investment advice may help investors avoid financial pitfalls, many individuals are now distancing themselves from this prepaid and often times still confusing arena. The end result has been that markedly fewer people are seeking the services of a financial adviser; indeed, less than one-third of all adults will consult these professionals.

Although some analysts will state that a reduction in the number of professional advisers is one of the goals of many regulatory authorities, others will feel that the do-it-yourself tendency being witnessed may usher in dire consequences for those inexperienced in the financial industry. Is this a future financial debacle waiting to unfold?

Another effect that this shift has had is in the way financial companies now communicate with potential clients. Unsurprisingly, many professionals are now learning to embrace the internet as a means to drive business forward and to disseminate their services. It seems that online execution-only platforms may be the way forward. In fact, the investment giant Hargreaves Lansdown now boasts a website that attracts more visitors in the United Kingdom than The Times or the Post Office. They have also adopted an iPad version of their newsletter and cater to thousands of Twitter followers each month.

Additionally, it should come as no surprise that garnering investment advice from social media sites has also increased in popularity in recent times. Many of those who follow the do-it-yourself mentality will utilize the knowledge base of the larger, interactive populace to help shape their financial decisions. Although this methodology is still in its infancy, some feel that the purchase of equities and deciding upon the correct investment fund may be the next logical step forward in the social media arena.

It is obvious that financial companies and fund managers need to quickly adapt to a generation increasingly focused on mobile devices, business apps and real-time flexibility. No longer does this approach represent but a small portion of investors; rather this will be considered the norm in the relatively near future.

So, while the landscape of financial advice may be changing dramatically, the ability to acquire sound and secure advice is more important than ever before. While companies continue to modify their practices to accommodate this growing trend, individuals need to avoid the pitfalls often times associated with such a malleable environment.
Tim Aldiss writes on behalf of Broadgate Mainland, the financial services PR experts.

written by Joe \\ tags: Finance

Today, a Guest Post from Dona Collins -

You may not believe this, but not all debts are bad. If you never take on any debt, then how can you build hope to build a positive credit history? If you want to find a place to live or a buy a car, it helps tremendously if you have already established good credit. Debt, when managed properly, can help you get the things you need in life. For that reason, and many more, personal loans are a type of debt that can be beneficial as long as you spend the money wisely.

Finance Home Improvements

Investing in your home is rarely a bad idea. If you have a project in mind that will add value to your home, a personal loan can be a great way to finance it without tapping into your equity. Some websites like prosper.com or creditloan.com offer loan rates under 7%, if you qualify, so you can afford to borrow the money for your project without racking up high-interest credit card debt. The right home improvements can provide a great return on your investment.

Improve Your Credit

When the credit bureaus calculate your credit scores, they look for a mixture of revolving credit lines like credit cards and installment loans. Taking out a small personal loan and paying it off on time will help boost your scores. You have to establish a payment history though; you cannot just borrow the money and then pay it right back. Make monthly payments for at least six months to a year before you fully repay the loan.

Create an Emergency Fund

In some cases, it actually does make sense to borrow money just to have it for a rainy day. It is good to have a sizeable lump sum of cash you can access when you need to. Instead of waiting until an emergency expense smacks you in the face and you are desperate, considering getting a personal loan that you can pay back over time to establish your savings. You can get a better deal if you take time to shop around beforehand, rather than wait until you are pressed for time.

Pay Less Interest

Personal loans are unsecured, so they do come with a higher interest rate than a secured loan, but the rates are still lower than most credit cards. If you have high credit card balances, taking out a personal loan to pay them off will save you money. You may even want to consider getting a specific debt consolidation loan or lower interest personal loan. This does require that you have to stop using your credit cards if you want to keep your debts low.

Start a Side Hustle

While the term might remind you of playing pool, a side hustle is simply another term for starting a part-time business from home. Many people take their favorite hobbies and turn them into a side business that helps bring in some extra income. After you receive the loan funds, take the additional income from your new business and use it to pay off the loan faster so that you can enjoy 100% of your profits.

Buy a Used Car

Usually car loans are a better way to buy a vehicle. However, lenders tend to be more reluctant to loan money for used cars than they are for new cars. Additionally, if you already have an existing car loan then you might not be able to qualify for a second one. Whether you are purchasing a vehicle for yourself, or helping someone else buy one, a personal loan is an alternative worth contemplating if you cannot qualify for a good car loan.

Medical Expenses

Putting off medical procedures because you cannot afford them is never a good idea. There are many expenses that traditional health insurance does not cover like dental problems that can create major health complications if you do not get treatment. It does not matter if you apply for a loan online or go to a traditional bank like Wells Fargo, it is better to borrow the money you need than put your health at risk.

Start an Investment

If want to try buying stocks or start a Roth IRA for your retirement, a personal loan can be a good way to jump-start your plans. In order to get the best value for your loan dollars, you should pay your loan off before you start investing. Otherwise, the interest you will pay on the loan will offset your gains. If you are planning to use the money to start a retirement fund, keep in mind that you will not be able to access those funds early without paying penalties.

Purchase a Computer

These days, for many people, a computer is not a frivolous purchase. An increasing number of companies are increasing telecommuting opportunities for their employees. You also may be one of the many people who brings work home with you too. Investing in a faster computer will make your life easier and help you be more productive. A personal loan when you do not have the cash is a much less expensive way to buy a computer than in-store financing.

Buffer Your Checking Account

Unfortunately, many people cut their checking accounts too close and end up paying fees for not maintaining the minimum balance requirement, or even worse, get hit with overdraft fees. As long as you can work the loan payment into your budget, a personal loan can be a great way to add some extra money to your account so you avoid bank fees. However, this only works as long as you leave the money in the account.

It a good idea to avoid getting a personal loan for thing you do not really need like vacations or unnecessary purchases. That being said, there are times where getting a personal loan is a wise decision. Before you borrow money, consider your motivations and make certain that you will be able to repay your loan on time. If you can make your payments without fail, a personal loan can be a quick, efficient solution to some of your problems.

About the Author: Dona Collins is a personal finance specialist who loves to help others find creative ways to manage their finances, eliminate debt, and live healthy financial lives.

written by Joe \\ tags: Credit, Debt, loan

A Guest Post from Andrea Woroch -

Though every year consumers blow billions of dollars on Valentine’s Day, it doesn’t mean you have to follow suit and empty your bank account just to show that special someone you care. On the other hand, showing up empty-handed in the name of frugality isn’t a smart move, either. There are plenty of low-cost gifts and even free date ideas for celebrating the official day of love.

Consider these frugal yet totally romantic gift to woo your loved one for less.

Opt for Budget-friendly Bouquets
The majority of the estimated $1.9 billion to be spent on flowers this Valentine’s Day will be on roses, which are marked up heavily this time of year. Skip this pricey stem in favor of more affordable flowers that are just as pretty and romantic, such as, Gerbera Daisy and Tulips, as recommended by DexKnows. Pick up a bouquet at your local grocer and select a classic vase from the dollar store. Then, present it to that special someone yourself for an extra-special touch that will also save on delivery costs.

Prepare Homemade Goodies
If your loved one loves your culinary skills, whip up a batch of his or her favorite homemade treat and package them simply in cellophane and ribbon. If cooking isn’t your thing, you’ll score extra brownie points (pun intended) for going out of your comfort zone to make something special. Even if the end result isn’t perfect, your honey will appreciate the effort.

Give a Gift Card
Gift cards are the preferred gift for people who seem to have everything, and 15 percent of Valentine’s Day shoppers plan to give one this year. You can find gift cards to retailers, restaurants and movie theatres for less using Gift Card Granny, the “Google of gift cards” offering discounts of up to 30 percent. They even have a helpful guide of the best gift cards to give your wife, husband, mom or teenage daughter if you find yourself stumped.

Offer Breakfast in Bed
Breakfast in bed may require you to wake up earlier than usual, but it’s worth it for your Valentine. Since the gesture is more important than the menu, you can opt for simplicity with their favorite bowl of cereal and freshly-brewed coffee. If you’ve got the skills, kick it up a notch with fresh strawberries and heart-shaped pancakes drizzled in maple syrup. Regardless of your selection, breakfast in bed is a romantic way to start the day.

Leave a Love Note
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and yet there’s nothing more romantic than a thoughtful note from your sweetie. Make it unique by leaving it in a surprising spot — like the driver’s seat of her car — and include a single rose. If poetry or writing isn’t your thing, don’t sweat it; the note need only include a simple sentiment. When in doubt, jot down a special memory you both shared for extra smiles and butterflies.

Channel Your Inner Child
Going out to dinner or catching the latest chick flick are popular Valentine’s Day activities, but they can get tiresome and eat into your budget. Skip the grown-up happy hour for kid-like fun, including a friendly competition on the swing set, bike ride around your neighborhood or explore a scenic drive. Consult Mr Free Stuff’s list of 60 free date ideas for more inspiration, and remember the simplest activity can be the most memorable.

Create a Spa Sanctuary
Surprise your special someone with a relaxing spa at home. Prepare a bath with sweet-smelling bath salts and rose petals for an added touch. Light several candles, pour a glass of bubbly, have plush bath towels within reach and tune your iPod or radio to favorite love songs. Since you may not have these bath essentials on hand, pick them up for less than $10 at discount retailers like TJMaxx.

DIY Gift Basket
Gift baskets represent an easy way to give small, inexpensive gifts in a beautiful package. World Market sells gift basket sets complete with basket, cellophane and packing material for less than $5. Hold off until the day before Valentine’s Day to find seasonal chocolates on sale at the drugstore. Candles, hand lotion and a framed photo of a favorite memory are all thoughtful additions.

written by Joe \\ tags: Frugal, gift, romance, valentine

Today, a guest post from Jon Tucker -

Business deals offer excellent opportunities to increase revenue and reduce risks for both parties. Contracts start out as a list of basic requirements without the legal jargons that are written into the document later. Both parties come to the table with basic ideas about the final deal. As such, the side with a refined negotiation strategy receives better terms from each session. The one with great negotiating skills makes the other party to believe that the entire situation offers a win-win result for all the parties involved.

But if you feel that you need to have a sound arrangement in place that actually is a win-win proposition for parties involved, there is more than one strategy to choose from. The following list of 11 tactics may help in guiding the contract negotiation meetings to a beneficial close. Let’s discuss them in detail.

1.Create manageable segments
Each part of a contract should be discussed to prevent an “all or nothing” approach to the contract. Agreement should be reached on each segment to allow the parties to determine which terms make the most sense. Logical pieces of the contract are formed as the list of requests is reviewed and discussed. Difficult portions should be negotiated early to evaluate the probability that a deal can be created.

2. “Asking for what’s fair”
Certain requests may seem unreasonable when mentioned for the first time at the negotiating table. The requesting party should use a friendly tone and state something like; “I am only asking for what’s fair.” This line allows the other party to evaluate the request.

3. Resolve issues beforehand
Contract negotiations can lead to arguments about semantics if both sides are not focused on resolving each issue. Adopt a problem solving approach rather than rejecting each other’s ideas and suggestions. Problem solving will neutralize conflicts as each party will look at the possible alternatives with a logical perspective.

4. Take control
Advantages can be created when one party offers to host the meetings. Time, agenda and pace offer the framework necessary to move forward on one party’s terms. The party who takes this initiative will have more leverage. But the other party can also decide to take turns in hosting business meetings and progress accordingly.

5. Set priorities
Prior to each meeting, the parties should know what parts of the contract are mainly going to be discussed. This way, not so important parts of the contract will not consume time and energy meant to focus on really important issues.

6. Offer concessions
Both sides should know which contract terms can be offered in exchange for higher priorities. A contract detail that the other party wants can be used to leverage to win a higher priority at a later date. Such exchanges between parties about actual contract points will allow them to make progress during every meeting.

7. Ask questions
Effective negotiations are lively conversations where information is exchanged in an open discussion. Questions that spark more dialogue will create a positive tone. Both sides will learn more about the partner if questions are asked about facts surrounding the contract negotiations. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the parties to listen carefully to each other and assess various business options.

8. Acknowledge agreement
True statements from the other party should draw verbal agreement throughout the discussions. Positive comments prevent escalating emotions when one party does not feel involved in the conversation. Each meeting should end on a positive statement about the progress made.

9. Know the details
Prior to the next meeting, the parties should conduct substantial research to support the negotiations that are scheduled to take place. Information about the other party can be helpful in finding negotiating positions that will remove barriers to agreement.

10. Handle ultimatums
Deal ending statements should be anticipated. One tactic used in negotiations is to drop an ultimatum in the midst of a meeting to see how the other party responds. Immediate responses can cause the contract to fall apart or be signed. The party on the receiving end of the ultimatum must remain aware of this strategy and be prepared.

11. Avoid feelings
Business contracts can offer a lifeline to a struggling business at a crucial point in time. Honest negotiations should include open dialogue without playing on the other person’s situation. Emotions should be removed from the situation and every decision should be made objectively after taking into account facts.

To conclude, win-win business negotiation tactics build bridges that can strengthen a business operation. Bankers, attorneys, accountants and other professionals play important roles in finalizing deals that will stand up in court. Regular meetings with each professional will prevent problems from stalling the negotiations with another party. Where large contracts require more negotiating time, small agreements dictate the same steps taken in larger segments to save time.

Jon Tucker is Director of ENotaryClasses.com, the leading provider of notary classes required by the State of California to become a notary public.

written by Joe \\ tags: negotiating

Today, a guest post -

You can spend a lot of money in Vegas. Even if you’re not gambling, the amount of cash you can shell out on shows, dining, and night life can add up fast. What you might not realize, however, is that you can still go big in Vegas without having to take out a loan against your 401(k).
In fact, if you’re smart about it, you can go big in Vegas for a day or two for less than $100 per person.

Some rights reserved by Moyan_Brenn

Here are some tips for your Vegas vacation that will keep you from breaking the bank:

1. Limit the length of your stay. If you’re going to go big in Vegas for under $100, you’re going to have to do it fast. $100 or so can get you through a single day and night if you’re smart and get all of the best deals, but not much more than that. Of course, if you’ve got a bigger budget, you can stay a bit longer. Applying these tips will let you do Vegas for around $100 a day. In some cases, a longer stay can actually get you a bigger discount on your lodging, too.
2. Consider a timeshare presentation. Many of the hotels in Vegas – as well as other companies – have time share properties that they’re interested in getting you to purchase. In many cases, you can stay several nights free. The only requirement is that you listen to a timeshare pitch. Be careful here; some timeshare companies are known for their less-than-honest practices. For example, what’s supposed to be a one-hour pitch might take the majority of a day. In some cases, the timeshare company may limit the time you stay based on whether or not you make a purchase. Read all of the fine print if you’re going to go this route.
3. Take in free or inexpensive shows. Vegas is known for giving things away. There are many free lounge shows, for example, that will only cost you a small cover charge or the cost of a single drink. Carnival Court at Harrah’s offers you the opportunity to listen to live music all day long. The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian features “Living Statues,” which can be a fun time as well. Just be sure to tip the statue a buck or two.
4. Check into inexpensive buffets for meals. The Circus Buffet at Circus Circus is one of the best deals in town. Some of the casinos also feature budget buffets. The Garden Court Buffet, which you’ll find at Main Street Station, is also relatively inexpensive.
5. Take the kids to some free shows. Vegas is about families, and is offering more and more for families to do without breaking the bank. For example, Circus Circus features a Midway Circus Act that’s free and that the kids are sure to love. At Ceasars, you’ll find free fountain shows as well as an acquarium. There are a number of other free attractions that vary from season to season and from time to time, too.
6. Limit your time at the casinos, and choose your casino wisely. The casinos are the place in Vegas where the most cash is lost. If you’re going to spend some time at a casino, choose your budget ahead of time. Don’t go into the casino with more money than you’re willing to lose. Set a ceiling, as well; if you win a certain amount (two or three times what you started with is always good) cash out and go enjoy another cheap or free attraction.
7. Choose where you make your purchases wisely. Ordering room service is much more expensive than a coffee shop. Soft drinks at restaurants can cost $4 for a glass, so consider tap water. If you need gas, don’t get it on the strip or you’ll pay as much as 20% more than you will outside of the strip. Don’t make purchases in the hotel gift shop. If you need some aspirin, hit one of the pharmacies on the strip instead.

Your Vegas vacation doesn’t have to cost more than your car. You can have a blast in Vegas, and enjoy some of the most iconic experiences that the city has to offer, without breaking the bank. Follow these tips closely and you’ll find that you can go big on your trip without dropping more than $100 per person per day.

Dave Johnson is Social Media Coordinator at The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas. The Palms offers luxurious hotel rooms and suites and a multitude of casino gaming options.

written by Joe \\ tags: casino, vacation