Ten Ways to Stay Sane When You Lose Your Job

Losing your job can be very stressful. It puts a lot of strain on your finances and can lead to depression. It is important to find some ways to stay sane during this period, keeping in mind that you may be able to produce some income to keep you going. We will also look at auto title loans online and how they can help during this time.

1. Auto title loans online

Auto title loans online offer a loan amount based on the market value of your vehicle. This amount may be enough to get your through the period of unemployment with monthly repayments that can be managed through odd jobs.

2. Have a grief period

Grief is normal after you lose your job and this is an emotion you will need to be able to accept. Talk to a friend or advisor about your feelings to help you accept the reality of the situation and help you move forward.

Stay Sane When You Lose Your Job

3. Acknowledge the positives

While you are grieving, make sure to look for the positives and start to see a way forward.

4. Join a job club

If there are no existing job clubs you might like to consider starting one yourself. Other members of the club can be valuable resources of job leads and other information. They can also help you keep motivated at times when you feel down.

5. Network

Many jobs are found by word of mouth through networking, rather than from answering an ad. For this reason, keeping networked or improving your networking is very important when you are looking for a job. Networking can be challenging, but it is worth your time and effort.

6. Keep a routine

Keeping a routine can help keep you positive as well as help keep you on track. Set aside specific time for networking and job searches. This will help you fill your time and also avoid depression.

7. Look after yourself

Looking after yourself will help combat depression.

8. Search for job ads

Creating a job search plan can help you stay positive and help you avoid getting overwhelmed.

9. Find odd jobs

There are many odds jobs you may be able to find through community ads or the newspaper.

10. Reduce your expenses

Reducing your expenses briefly may help you prevent having to get auto title loans online.

3 Reasons You Need an Accountant in Calgary

There are a number of things that come with being the owner of a small business. Without the proper planning and knowledge, a business owner will be doomed to fail at their venture. Trying to do all of the jobs under the roof of your small business will usually lead to disaster. One of the most important and commonly neglected parts of any business is the finances. In order to get ahead in the world of small business, a person will have to make sure they have a handle on the finances of their Calgary Company. Here are a few reasons why you need Calgary accountants to help you with your small business finances. 

Why You Need an Accountant

They Have the Knowledge Needed

The first reason to hire an accountant to help with your small business is due to the experience they have. Most people fail to realize just how hard it is to manage small business finances until it is too late. By hiring a professional, you will be able to get the right results in regards to keeping up with this all important factor. An accountant will be able to research what you are doing and how they can improve upon it. 

Getting Budgets in Place

The next benefit you will be able to take advantage of when using an accountant is that they will be able to let you see where you are losing money. By taking note of where you can tighten up, you will be able to save money. The accountant will be able to get you on a budget and reduce the amount of money that you spend. By saving money, you will be able to invest it into your business and spur the expansion you are looking for.

Keeping Your Payroll Straight

Another benefit that comes along with having an accountant is that they will be able to help you keep your payroll straight. Once a company begins to grow, more employees will have to be hired in order to lighten the workload. Having more employees means that you will have to keep up with the additional taxes and more payroll. By having a professional helping you out, you will be able to avoid costly errors. The more you are able to find out about the accountants in your area, the easier you will find it to get the right results. 

At Quon and Associates, you will be able to get the right help with your small business finances. They have many years of experience and can give you the assistance you need Call them or go to their website for more information. 

How To Find The Best Mortgage Rates

If you’re like most people looking to buy a house, you’re probably going to need to get a mortgage.  The trouble is, how do you know what to look for?  It can be a challenge to find the perfect mortgage for your particular situation, but the great news is that there is a mortgage product out there that is perfectly suited to every situation.  The trick is to find the best mortgage rates you can.  When looking for the best mortgage rates Saskatoon residents should consider the following things.

Basically, there are two types of mortgages:  fixed rate mortgages and variable rate mortgages (also known as adjustable rate mortgages).

First, let’s look at fixed-rate mortgages.  A fixed-rate mortgage means that the rate does not change throughout the entire duration of the mortgage, either up or down.  That offers the borrower a consistent and predictable loan payment amount each month.  The benefit of that is that the borrower can easily budget for the payment every month.

Mortgage Rates

With a variable rate mortgage, the amount you have to pay each month will changed based on the current rate at the time the payment comes due.  This could mean that one month you pay less than the previous month, and the next month you will pay more.  Interest rates on a variable rate mortgage are typically lower than those on a fixed-rate mortgage.

Whether you choose a fixed-rate mortgage or a variable mortgage, you’ll have to do some homework to get the best rate possible.

It’s important to know that each lender will offer you a different mortgage product.  Just as you would shop around for the best price on a car, you should also look around for the best price on a mortgage, too.  And it goes beyond just the price.  You’ll have to weight all the factors, including the interest rate and other bonuses that might be included by certain lenders.  You can either do the comparison shopping yourself or enlist the help of a mortgage broker to help shop around for the best deal for you.

When you shop around for a mortgage it’s important to know your credit score.  If it’s less than stellar, you should probably take some steps to improve it before you start looking for a mortgage.  Why?  Because the better your credit, the lower risk you are to mortgage lenders and you will probably qualify for better rates. 

Always look for hidden fees.  When you find a mortgage product you are interested in, always assume that there will be hidden fees and ask about them.  Ask your lender to give you an itemized outline of exactly what you will have to pay each month, including any associated fees.  Those fees could make an affordable mortgage more expensive than you thought, so always get a clear picture before you sign on the dotted line.
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One final word of advice:  Remember that an offer from a mortgage lender is just that – an offer.  There may be room to negotiate a better deal for yourself.  It never hurts to ask!  

Captive Insurance Companies: A Good Idea For Large Businesses?

Ask anyone that runs a business and they’ll tell you how important insurance is to their organization! The reason any company takes out an insurance policy is to mitigate potential risks.

For example, clients suing over contract disputes. Employees suing over workplace injuries. And members of the public suing because of injuries they sustained at your premises. Those are just some of the many risks insurance can handle for you.

Captive Insurance Companies

So, what happens when you run a large corporation? Well, you will still need to take out appropriate insurance policies for your business. But, did you know that self-insuring offers many financial benefits over taking out policies with third parties?

Captive insurance companies: in a nutshell

As you manage a large company, you’ve doubtless heard of “captive insurance” in the past. But, what does it mean, and can it benefit your firm?

Captive insurance refers to the process of setting up a company that purely provides insurance services to subsidiaries in a large group of businesses. As I’ve mentioned earlier, it’s a form of self-insurance.

Now, you might be wondering what the point is of underwriting insurance policies to yourself? Surely it would make more sense to pay a “proper” insurance company to do that for you? Well, it turns out that captive insurance makes plenty of financial sense.

It offers your subsidiaries a large pot of money

We all know that the point of insurance is to mitigate risk. There isn’t one business on the planet that has never faced the threat of legal action from a third party. If a company had to pay out large sums to settle legal disputes, it would soon find itself out of business.

Think of captive insurance as a large pot of money. Each one of your subsidiaries contributes their share to the pot. In the event that one of them faces financial trouble, that money can bail them out.

It lowers your tax liability

Recently I saw an interesting video on captive insurance over on at www.bswllc.com/opportunity-3-captive-insurance-companies/. It said that out of the many benefits captive insurance offers; one is lowering tax liability!

As you can imagine, that’s a good thing by anyone’s book. As long as you seek advice on the best way to set yours up, your group of companies will pay less money to the IRS!

You can manage claims on your own terms

The thing about third-party insurance companies is that you have to agree to do things “their way.” In other words, you have little input over how any claims get handled. But, when you self-insure, you are in total control.

One of the downsides of using other insurance companies is how long it takes for claims to get dealt with and settled. With a captive insurance company, you can push for speedy resolutions. That means lower costs, and fewer people angry about the length of time a claim gets settled.

So, if you’ve got a large corporation, when will you be setting up a captive insurance company?

How The Internet Can Boost Your Career Earnings

Everyone wants to succeed in their job. While there are many contributing factors to what can be considered success, we can all agree that money is a very clear barometer of how well things are going.

Seeking better pay is nothing new. If you’re putting in the hard work, then it’s only fair that you are compensated accordingly. Everyone could do with making some extra money in their life, but increasing your earning power remains the most effective manner.

Thankfully, the internet has changed things for the better. Here’s how you can use the World Wide Web to start earning more.

Get Freelance Work

The internet is a fantastic networking resource for employers and employees alike. If you’re a skilled worker, then using the web to your advantage could help you land more work. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to earn a little extra cash, this could be the key to opening doors.

How The Internet Can Boost Your Career Earnings
Signing up to a freelancer database will allow employers to find you. This means you could earn extra money from the comfort of your own home while also building relationships that could lead to more permanent ventures.

Moreover, you’re constantly adding extra experience to your CV. There isn’t a better way for newbies or part-timers to give their career a boost in the right direction.

And if you’re not interested in work of that ilk, there’s always online job search tools to help you take the next step up the career ladder.

Become A Subcontractor

If you run a small business or are a self-employed tradesman, then it can be difficult to source a regular flow of jobs. However, it would be a lot easier if you carried out work for a bigger, more reputable company.

The internet is a wonderful resource for building those working relationships. For example, a property appraiser could apply to join a high-profiled appraisal company to get more work. Doing so carries huge benefits for both parties, but especially you as a worker. Sourcing new clients couldn’t get any easier.

Once again, business is often about who you know. Using the profile and contacts of a bigger company to help get extra work has got to be a smart move.

Add A New Stream Of Revenue

The internet is used for many reasons, and entertainment is one of them. If you’ve can express your knowledge of the industry in an enticing manner, then you could use the internet to make extra cash.

Running a YouTube channel with tutorials about the industry could quickly gain a cult following. If you find a way of producing viral content, then you’ll soon start seeing substantial amounts of money entering your bank.

Even if you don’t make huge sums from the videos, they are a great way of marketing yourself or your business. Forming partnerships with other YouTubers or professionals in your industry could really boost your career.

After all, it only takes the right person to find your videos to change your life forever.

How To Go From Investment Ruin To Investment Riches

Investments are very tricky. Part of being an investor is the risk. Sometimes people can take too big a risk and as a result they end up financially ruined for it. Some people can end up not totally ruined, but not in a good position. The good news is that you can turn those finances around with a few strict guidelines and smart ideas. To help you out we’ve compiled a few you might find useful.

Investment

Lower Your Investment Amount

One of the most common mistakes in unseasoned investors is that they reinvest significant amounts of profit back into new projects and schemes. Don’t do this. Don’t even invest half of what you have already made in profit. A thirty or forty percent margin is much more reasonable. There are some reasons for doing this. Primary of which is that it is safer. If you make a loss, you still have the other sixty to seventy percent of profit to work with.

Seek Advice

Even if you’ve been investing successfully for many years, some strong losses should urge you to talk to professionals. Some investors may just need another set of eyes on an investment to ensure it looks as secure to them as it does to you. Other investors might need more comprehensive help. Financial advice from Blueprint Wealth can help. Proper investment planning is required if you want to be successful in the long term. Short term profits can be made, but they can never last forever. That’s casino capitalism, and the thing about casinos is that someone always has to lose sometime. 

Keep Your Personal Finances Safe

One of the biggest threats to your investment future is your finances. If your own finances get in such a state you can no longer pay your bills, you’re going to be in some serious trouble. Some investors go down this road, borrowing more and more money just to try making it big on an investment. Before you even reach this dire a situation, you need to stop investing and focus on your own money. 

Save & Reduce Debt

This is related to both the last point and the first point. What should you do with that sixty or seventy percent left out of your profit? You should save it, or use it to pay down your personal debts. Having savings will give you a financial cushion if a series of investments goes very wrong. It should be enough to get you back on your feet and to reinvest again. If you can’t afford quite that much just enough to keep your household finances safe until you can find another career.

Don’t Get Excited

Getting excited about an investment opportunity can severely harm your ability to see the problems with it. You need to be unbiased, and you need to be clear with yourself about the risks. Don’t try to explain away the risks because you like the idea. Just an open mind but don’t be afraid to ask the questions that need to be asked.

Is Suburban Living Really More Affordable Than City Life?

The constant thrill of city life tends to come at a cost. In some cities—particularly the more expensive ones like New York and Los Angeles—you could easily pay $2,000 for a tiny studio apartment and well over $3,000 for a not-so-sizeable one-bedroom. It’s for this reason that so many city dwellers jump ship and move to the suburbs once they get older, married, or just plain sick of paying a premium to live in a box. The allure of extra living space is more than enough to compensate for trading in theater and fine dining for bowling alleys and chain restaurants. But while it’s true that housing is often cheaper outside of cities, suburban living often comes with enough hidden costs to render it practically as expensive as city life. Let’s explore.

Suburban Living

Housing

Housing itself is, by and large, unquestionably cheaper in the suburbs as far as rents go. Even the cost of a monthly mortgage payment plus real estate taxes can come in lower than the price tag of a city rental. But consider the maintenance factor. If you rent or buy a larger space out in the ‘burbs, you’ll need to invest either dollars or man hours into keeping it livable. Owning or renting a house, for example, often means being responsible for things like lawn care and snow removal—maintenance items that can really add up if you need to pay someone else to do them for you.

Transportation

Many people who live in cities tend to use public transportation in lieu of owning vehicles. Depending on where you live, commuting and transportation costs could come in well under $200 a month if you’re able to rely on buses and trains to get around. Suburban life, on the other hand, usually requires a vehicle. If you don’t own one already, that means adding a car payment to your expenses, often to the tune of $250-$500 a month. In addition, there’s auto insurance and maintenance which, if you’re lucky, will cost you another $2,000 a year, assuming nothing major goes wrong—and that doesn’t even include your monthly spend on gas and tolls. 

Entertainment 

You’d think living in the suburbs would save you money since, in theory, there’s less to do and entertainment is cheaper. Instead, you may find yourself spending even more money because rather than submit to an endless stream of Saturday night movie screenings in your living room, you’re paying good money to trek into the city and get a taste of the action. In fact, whereas you can often access your plans in a city on foot, in the suburbs, you usually need to drive everywhere, which means spending money before you’ve even reached your destination. Over time, this can add up. 

Final Tally

There’s a good chance you’ll cut your housing costs by moving out to the suburbs, but when you add in your increase in transportation, home maintenance, and entertainment costs, you may find those savings mostly wiped out. If suburban life appeals to you, by all means give it a try—but don’t expect to save a ton of money by doing so.

4 Great Ways For You To Make More Money

Are you struggling for cash, or maybe just want a little bit more pocket money? Then check out these four great ways you can make some more money:

1. Get A Weekend Job

If you’re working throughout the week, but still want to make more money, why not look for a weekend job. You can work part-time hours on Saturday and Sunday to earn yourself some extra cash. You don’t have to work long shifts either, just work for as little or as long as you want. It’s a brilliant way to gain that extra bit of cash if you’re looking to save money for something big. Plus, if you’re always bored on the weekends, then it’s a terrific way to kill your boredom while earning money!

Make More Money

2. Start Investing Your Money

We’ve all hear that famous old saying “you’ve got to spend money to make money” and yes, that’s partially true. There are ways for you to spend money in order make more money, and the best way to do this is through investing. You can trade shares on the stock market and make money that way. Or you could consider building wealth through property investment and start buying and selling houses. There are hundreds of ways you can invest your money, each one offers you a chance to make more money. Investing is great because it can easily be done alongside your day job, and it may not require hours of hard work.

3. Play Online Games

Yes, these days you can actually earn money from playing games online. Some sites online have loads of games where you can win money or prizes from playing them. These games can literally be anything, you can genuinely make money from playing solitaire online! Then you have your run of the mill gambling games, like poker and roulette. While these are high-risk games to play, they do offer you a great way to turn your money into even more money! Especially if you learn how to play it safe and go for small profits over a long period, rather than trying to quintuple your money in one go. 

4. Start Your Own Blog

It is possible for you to make money by writing a blog. If you create a blog, you can then have adverts on said blog that can earn you money. The only issue is, some of these are ‘click based’ ad’s, so you’ll only get paid if people click on them. This means you’ll have to have a large following if you want to make lots of cash from the blog. The key to a successful blog is to produce amazing content. Once you’ve got that, then you have to market the blog successfully, for example, write catchy titles, so people want to click on the posts

Money makes the world go round, and some people have more than others. Sometimes you need more money in your life, perhaps you’re struggling to pay your bills, or you want to buy a car but can’t afford it? Either way, if you do need extra cash, then try out some of the ideas mentioned above.