This form of trading has become an extremely popular way of investing as it represents an opportunity for almost anyone to access and benefit from the natural rise and fall of currencies.  However, it must also be appreciated that many first time traders actually fail to generate any profit; this is because this is a high risk investment strategy and without the proper understanding of the markets can be an exceptionally easy way to lose your capital.

The Basics

There is an array of names for this style of trading, it is generally referred to as binary as this relates to the fact there are only two possible outcomes.  Every option purchased requires an assessment of the market and for you to decide several key points:

All of these factors must be decided, preferably by being informed about the markets, before you place your trade.

The simplest version of trading in a binary option is to predict which way the price will move.  There is other, more technical trades including specifying an amount which the price will touch, or even one which it will not touch.  You can also choose to set upper and lower limits and the price must remain within these boundaries.

The biggest advantage is that the most you will lose on one trade is the amount you invest; you will always know what you could lose and what you could gain before you place your trade.

Place your trade

Having become familiar the possibilities when trading a binary option you will need to sign up to a broker, once you have created and funded an account you will be able to start trading.  Most brokers have very easy to understand and follow sites.  You will go through a process of choosing an asset, deciding the expiry time, the price direction and how much you wish to invest.  You will then be able to commit to the trade.  Once you have committed there is no way to cancel a trade and reclaim your funds.

Choosing Binary Options

This type of trading is very straightforward to understand and, with the proper planning and understanding, can provide good rates of return.  Providing you are prepared to accept the high levels of risk associated with this type of trading and are willing to educate yourself regarding the different trades you will be able to make a success out of trading in a binary option.  As you gain experience your trading abilities will improve.

Finally, it is essential to keep your emotions away from your trades; this is a certain way of losing money.

In order to succeed with binary options trading you may need take a look into our suggested binary options brokers list

The beginning steps of starting your own business are the most exciting and the most terrifying. You have so many factors to consider, and your brain feels like it is on fire. This is one of the reasons why having a business plan is a crucial first step; this time can really be overwhelming. All business owners have to think about and answer how much money they need to get their business off the ground. 

Messing up the step of properly planning your budget can end your dream before it even starts to take off. Owners easily forget to include factors into their seed money that land them into the negatives. You are going to have large, one-time costs, along with a multitude of monthly, ongoing costs. Your startup budget should include only the things that are deemed essential, not the optional features.

When you start your plan, you need to divide all of your expected expenses into two categories: fixed and variable. Using a worksheet is the best way to plan out these costs. The type of business you are beginning is also going to determine the costs. An online business will have different costs than a brick and mortar store. A bookstore has different factors than an ice cream shop. Let’s take a look at some of the costs you need to have on your plan, despite the type of business you run. 

1. License, Permit Fees, and Insurance

It is wise for all businesses to have a variety of insurances. If you have a brick and mortar business, you need property insurance. Business insurance can help protect you from liability as well as situations such as data theft. 

Most businesses need some sort of licenses and permits. You may need a permit that is industry specific. More than likely, your business needs to undergo health inspections and authorizations. These types of costs are standard for all businesses. 

2. Equipment and Supplies

These costs are going to depend on the type of equipment you need for your business. A restaurant is going to need multiple pieces of equipment for the kitchen, as well as dishes, silverware, cups, and a whole slew of items. 

All businesses need basic supplies; they just differ depending on the type of business. However, most need basic paper products, like toilet paper, and things such as paper, pens, printing ink, and other office supplies. 

3. Rent or Mortgage

Most startup companies don’t opt to purchase a space immediately. Looking for an office building for rent is generally one of the first steps. Leasing may cost more money monthly, but if you plan to grow, you may run out of space quicker than anticipated. Also, co-working spaces for rent typically includes the cost of daily maintenance. 

4. Marketing

Without marketing, no one is going to know your business even exists. A company doesn’t advertise itself. You don’t have to start off with elaborate marketing campaigns, but you should factor in paying an external company. Typically, you need the knowledge of a marketing company to attract customers to your business. It is money well spent. 

5. Employee Expenses

If you plan to hire employees, you must factor in wages, salaries, and benefits (if you plan to offer). While benefits do cost you more money, you are unlike to get qualified employees without them. You need to compensate your employees well to keep them happy and to stop them from searching out better opportunities. 

6. Technology

Hardly any businesses succeed in today’s market without technology. You need to include the cost of running a website, information systems and software (such as payroll), and more. You may also want to include the monthly cost to have the internet at your location and phone service. 

Make sure you don’t forget costs such as utilities into your budget as well. Success is in the details, so plan the best you can.

Personal loans can be of huge help to people when they want to spend a lot on certain activities without depleting all their funds. But they can also make you vulnerable to fraudulent attacks during such times. Lots of people have been victims of scams over the years. But in most cases, it was because the individual ignored his or her better judgement in pursuit of lower interest rates or other juicy benefits. But if you are equipped with enough knowledge, you can safeguard yourself from such scams.

Here is a look at the personal loan-related frauds prevalent and the steps you need to take to protect yourself:

1) Scam of the processing fee

Imagine a situation where you apply for a personal loan. You fill out the necessary forms and the lender sends over an agent to collect the required documents. You are all set to receive the loan amount in a day or two. But at the last minute, the agent asks you to pay a certain amount upfront as processing fee. There is nothing unusual in the request, right?

Wrong!

Authentic lenders do not charge processing fees upfront. The general practice is to deduct the fee from the total loan amount. Anyone asking otherwise is a fraudster looking to disappear with your money. 

2) The limited offer scam

Never buckle under pressure if the salesperson announces an ultimatum on the loan offer. This usually happens when the lender is not real. All they want is your personal details. You will generally hear something like this: “Hurry up or these attractive rates will expire by 5 ‘o’ clock in the evening. Now just give us your debit card details before we proceed.” 

After this, the only place to proceed is the police station. Once you get quotes on interest rates from a bank or Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), you can be assured that they will follow up. However, genuine lenders give you time to think about your options before you make your decision.

3) The invisible company

The arena of personal loans has changed dramatically over the years. Apart from banks, there are lots of Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) that offer loans and many say that NBFCs are actually better than Banks when it comes to offering home loans. But before taking the loan, check if the company is genuine. You will find numerous scammers out there with the sole purpose of stealing your money. 

It is in your best interest to research the company’s credentials. First of all, check if the company has a physical presence. Does it have a registered address? Call the telephone number and look for their website online. Also, search for borrowers’ reviews of their services. Better stay away if the company doesn’t even have an address or registered phone number. For more key details you should be aware of when checking if a company is legit, you can check out sites such as matterous.com.

4) Credit history? Who cares

As a borrower, it is your duty to find out as much as possible about the lending company. In turn, any genuine company will want to collect necessary information about prospective borrowers. They will want your credit score, your income slips, and other documents which prove that you have the capability to repay the loan. No company wants to give out money to someone who is prone to default. So, you need to be on alert if the lending company says that it is not interested in your credit score. This usually means that the lender has no intention of lending you money.

5) Trickery in the virtual world

Unlike their previous counterparts, fraudsters of this generation have it very easy. No more standing under the hot sun to rob an unsuspecting victim. They can do the same thing without stepping out of their house. Welcome to the world of phishing scams. Here, a fake website is created that perfectly resembles a popular banking site. When you log on to the site to take a personal loan, the fraudsters collect information such as your account number and passwords. And before you even realise, funds are withdrawn from your account. 

To protect yourself from such frauds, always be mindful of the URLs you click. You never know in which site you may end up. Also, make sure that the web address is preceded by “https”. Here, the “s” stands for “secured” and it is a proof that the website is authentic. 

Bottom line

These methods can help you identify scams when you come across them. However, scammers are always on the lookout for new ways to take your money. The onus is on you to protect your savings. If something happens, there is no point in saying: “I didn’t know.” When it comes to money matters, you need to always be alert at all times and keep the above points in mind.

It is a common debate: Should I take a personal loan or reach out for my credit card? Probably, you too may have indulged in water-cooler discussions on this topic with your colleagues. You will find that both these financial products have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s observe how they fare against some common metrics that determine the decision of borrowers. 

1) Processing time

Imagine you are working at your desk like usual, and you get a phone call. WHAM! Bad news: you need Rs 1 lakh at immediate notice. You don’t have that much money lying around. If you have a friend or relative offering help, that would be great. Problem solved. Good luck mixing business with pleasure- we’ve heard that never goes wrong!

Otherwise, it may be a good option to use your credit card. The processing time for a credit card loan is very little. Just dial the customer care number of your credit card and put in your request for a loan. Provided that the loan amount is within your credit limit, it will be credited to your account within 24-48 hours. If you need to pay immediately for medical expenses that are not covered by your insurance, this option can prove to be helpful.

Though you can avail a personal loan for such situations, the total time taken to process the loan is much greater. First, you need to submit the necessary documents like your payslips, Form 16, KYC documents, etc. You get the money only after the bank verifies all the documents and finds that you are eligible for the loan. The entire process can take a week. 

2) Loan amount

Credit cards come in handy if you are in need of short-term financing. It is best employed to cover small purchases like daily expenses or monthly bills. Of course, you can use cash or debit card for such transactions but when you use a credit card, you get benefits such as travel rewards. Further, using a credit card to purchase stuff is similar to cash purchases. The interest payment is zero as long as you cover your payments within thirty days of the purchase.

But if you require a larger amount, it is better to opt for a personal loan. You can utilize a personal loan to fulfil any of your financial goals. In fact, you can even start a new business venture with a personal loan. 

3) Rate of interest

The interest rate on a credit card is always going to be much greater than a personal loan. The interest rate for a personal loan peaks around 20%. But for credit cards, you will find that rates can even shoot up to 50%. Remember, in the case of credit cards or personal loans, your credibility and credit score can determine your interest rate. Borrowers who have a good credit history usually avail loans at a better rate. Sometimes, the lender may grant you a loan even if your credit score is poor. But the interest rate for the loan will be much higher.

4) Time period for repayment 

There are a lot of credit card debt-trap stories. But did you ever hear one that revolved around a personal loan debt? Personal loans are instalment loans. This means that the lender gives you a lump sum and you make regular payments over a specific time period until the debt is repaid. It is usually between two to five years. Credit card debt, on the other hand, is revolving. This means that you don’t have a specific date to close your debt. It all depends on how much you spend and repay every month. And if your spending habits are not in control, the payments can go on for a long time.

Bottom line:

In the end, which is better: credit card or personal loan? Unfortunately, there is no single solution to fit each and every situation. Both of these products were designed to serve specific purposes. However, it is best to opt for a credit card loan only in the most extreme circumstances thanks to high interest rates. If you are faced with a situation where you need fast cash and without the hassles of documentation, then go for a credit card loan. Otherwise, it is best to fulfil your goals through personal loans.

Recent volatile trading has resulted in a lot of unpredictability in the precious metals, and specifically gold, markets in the past 12 months or so. From the uncertainty that the Brexit vote threw up in the international markets, to an improved economy and many other factors, gold has recently risen in value. But is it set to last? If gold futures make up part of your trading strategy and portfolio, then it’s important to try and predict its next movements.   

Futures Fall

Gold futures fell for the first time since May at the end of August, closing at $1,316.50 an ounce. This was the lowest settlement for a most-active contract since June 23rd, the day of the UK’s EU referendum, which may be a coincidence or have played a part. Market analysts have pointed towards the trimming of positions by speculators, concerned that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates before the end of the year which would reduce the demand for precious metals. If this happens then expect gold futures to drop off even further.   

Potential Climb

Despite this recent fall, some market analysts are still predicting that gold futures will bounce back and may climb over the rest of the year, potentially breaking the $1,400 an ounce level. This will depend on the Federal Reserve’s policy, and whether it decides to raise interest rates or not. Muted trading is expected while such uncertainty remains, yet gold has since climbed a little bit with the building up of positions by traders. 

  

Currency Value Impact 

Currency value has a big impact on the price of gold, with a stronger US dollar generally signalling a weaker value of gold, and vice versa. However, in light of the Brexit result the US dollar has been making large gains while the price of gold has also increased in value. There are a few key events in the near future that will possibly lead to a weaker dollar, at least temporarily, such as the US election. This could see gold futures increase again. 

Further Unpredictability 

Many other aspects could make it harder to predict the future for those trading gold futures online. The eventual Brexit, US election, Federal Reserve action and other changes in the global financial markets will all work together to help gold futures either stabilise or remain unpredictable. If you’re looking to trade gold futures, then it is important you stay up to date with movements in the gold and precious metal markets.

Human Resources is very vital to any business and it delivers important functions to help the company in so many ways. While there are companies who prefer to have this department internally, some found HR outsourcing to be more beneficial. Here are some of the reasons why you should start outsourcing your company’s HR functions:

1.It helps minimize cost

A fully functioning Human Resources department will require you to hire well-trained people and you need to hire multiple workers to carry-out all the HR functions. Having many people would also mean bigger working space. Thus, if you will outsource it, you can avoid hiring too many people and you can also cut-off back-office expenses.  It could surely help you lessen overhead expenses.

2.It gives work efficiency

Efficiency and productivity is very crucial to any business and there is no doubt that HR outsourcing can give efficiency to your company. HR outsourcing companies are using advanced HR technologies for payroll and benefit administration. Thus, you have the assurance that everything will made on-time. Also, managers won’t spend more time on paperwork and they can focus instead on using their skills to contribute to the company’s growth and success.

3.It is significant for employee development

If you are adding new functions to your company, HR outsourcing firms can absolutely help you identifying potential employees to fill-in the new functions. HR outsourcing firms can provide an honest evaluation from time to time. Those companies who outsource their major HR functions handle employee development and performance more efficiently than those who are not. More importantly, HR outsourcing firms can effectively encourage employees to follow the company’s rules and regulations to achieve business goals.

4.It helps minimize risk

Most companies find themselves behind when it comes to labour laws and regulations. Thus, the risk of labour law violations is high. The best way to minimize the risk is to outsource this function to the firm who specializes in employment laws and employment regulations. It can keep your company away from danger. The HR outsourcing firm will also help you with the compliance procedure and eventually helps you avoid lawsuits. Lastly, they can check and audit your company policies and practices regularly to help protect the company’s best interests.

5.You can avoid turn-over troubles

One of the benefits of outsourcing HR functions is to save yourself and your company from turn-over troubles. Imagine if the payroll in-charge resigned in short notice and you still have to train the new replacement. What will happen if the payroll stops for a week? What will happen to your employees? You can prevent these horrible scenarios from happening by outsourcing crucial HR functions. By then, you don’t have to worry about anything.

Some large companies have all the means to have all HR functions in-house. However, smaller organizations prefer to outsource for some reasons. If you think that your business can benefit from HR outsourcing then, why don’t you give it a try and see the difference?

After five years of rallying, the beginning of 2016 was regarded as one of the worst performances of the stock market. Then recently, investors have begun to pull money from global stock funds at a faster rate since 2011. This raises the question: Is this a good time to invest in stocks? Unfortunately, there is no correct answer. This is because it is rather difficult to make an accurate prediction which direction the stock market will go in the future. Historically, stock market is always on the rise. This suggests that it will be useful to look at long-term investments.   

   

Generally, investors who are patient have been rewarded with positive long-term returns. Investors are likely to invest primarily in mutual funds, representing different types of assets such as international stocks, bonds, or large growth stocks. These diversified assets reduce the risks and effects of changes in the stock market in the long-term. Investing in bullion is another lucrative option an investor can take to reduce risks and diversify assets. Bullion represents quantities of precious metal, like gold, silver, platinum or palladium, which are typically measured by weight and cast as bars. Investing in bullion or shares has its own merits.  

Shares

Stocks are also known as equities or securities. Stocks are equities because they are an investment representing part ownership in a corporation. This entitles the owner of the stock to a share of that corporation's earnings and assets. How the company performs will dictate the value of the stock. If the company performs well, then the value of the stock will also increase. Thus, investing in stocks can be a tricky business; an investor must be able to accurately evaluate how a company will perform. A good choice can mean profit, just as a bad choice can lead to loss.

Bullion

Gold and other precious metals have been used as a store of value dating back to ancient times. The advantage of keeping bullion compared to paper or digital stock certificates is that gold is tangible and fungible. Gold is often considered as the ultimate hedge fund, worth holding on to because it is universally acceptable, a universal finite currency. Buying or investing in gold is a way to ensure that wealth can be passed from one generation to the next. The simple goal of acquiring bullion is to buy when prices are low and to sell when prices are high. 

However, the stock market is never simple or easy to predict. While the performance of the stock market greatly varies depending on market conditions, it is a good investment vehicle. The value of a stock depends on its growth from an anticipated increase in price plus dividends. Stocks often perform best in stable governments and thriving economies. Bullion, on the other hand, is also a good investment being generally considered as a store of value. While the price of precious metals is stable over time, it does not have a stock’s ability to appreciate in value in the long run.