finance

The Five Simple Steps You Need To Follow To Use Any Remittance Service

Angela Manning Finance , , ,
The Five Simple Steps You Need To Follow To Use Any Remittance Service

Remittance services are some of the most viable options for transferring money to someone overseas.

The reason why is because they are quick, efficient, and cheap, especially more so than other options such a wire transfer at your bank.

In addition, most remittance services operate the same way as well, meaning that the process you need to undergo

Here are the five simple steps that you will need to follow to use any remittance service:

Step #1 – Create An Account

The very first step you will need to take is simple: you’ll need to create an account. You can easily use a money transfer service either online or on their website; you won’t need to walk into a physical establishment at all. Creating an account is just like how you would anywhere else; you’ll just need your email and to create a password, and then later you’ll need your financial information.

Step #2 – Have Your Information Ready To Go

You’ll need two types of information in order to send money internationally: your banking or debit/credit card information so you can send the money yourself, and the information about your recipient, including their name, financial account, address, and country.

Step #3 – Get A Quote

This isn’t something that you should overlook when transferring money overseas. Getting a quote from your remittance service of choice is important for two main reasons: it tells you what your fee is (it usually should be between 1-3%, but you’ll want to make sure it’s good for you) as well as your foreign exchange rate, which you’ll need to pay a small margin of.

It is important to get a guaranteed exchange rate in your quote from the remittance service, as the exchange rate can vary significantly from one another in the course of just a few hours.

Step #4 – Send The Funds

Once you are satisfied with the fees and exchange rate in your quote, the only next thing you’ll need to do is send the funds. Type in how much money you would like to spend and then have it converted into the foreign currency.

At that point, there’s nothing to stop you from sending the money to your designated recipient. Just make sure that you’re fine with everything in your order before proceeding.

Step #5 – Get Confirmation

After you’ve sent the money, you’ll want confirmation from your remittance service that the money has been sent and then that it has been delivered (it should be sent and delivered in a matter of minutes in most cases).

You’ll also want to get confirmation from your recipient him or herself as well that they have received the funds.

Using A Remittance Service

For using most of the remittance and money transfer services that are out there, the above steps are the ones you will need to take in order to complete a transfer.

Mack Prioleau on Considerations Businesses Make when Choosing a Financial Analyst

Angela Manning Business, Finance , , ,
Mack Prioleau on Considerations Businesses Make when Choosing a Financial Analyst

The role of the financial analyst is incredibly important and these professionals must take their responsibility seriously. Financial analysts like Mack Prioleau I have identified a number of Key things businesses tend to look for in there analysts. He feels that it is important that businesses look for these qualities because of the high levels of responsibility does an analyst holds. It is particularly important that businesses investigate the potential skills and credentials of the analysts if they are not a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst).  Having CFA designation almost instantly proves skill.

Mack Prioleau Advises Businesses on Key Strengths of a Financial Analyst

A good financial analyst should have extensive planning credentials. The CFA designation previously mentioned is a good one but so is the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) and the PFS (Personal Financial Specialist) Having any kind of credentials means that the individual is committed to being the best it can be.

Financial analysts should also be experts in their subject matter. Often, they choose a specific area of finance to focus on and obtain credentials in those areas. For instance, they could be focused on accounting, taxes, budgeting, investments, and so on. It is important to understand that anyone who sells securities or focuses on investments and anyone who files reports with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) must be certified.

Furthermore, a good financial analyst should be able to specialize in certain types of clients. It is quite common that the best ones pick a very specific profile. For instance, they may focus on a certain stage of life, those who hold certain professions, those who have a certain amount of net worth, and so on. While some people think that taking on this type of specialization is limiting, the reality is that it proves that they are highly knowledgeable in relevant areas.

If a financial analyst is brought in for a certain project rather than a permanent member of staff, the business should also look for a transparent fee structure. Some financial analysts charge fees for their advice, offering a flat fee either for the project or per hour. Others will also add other financial incentives such as referral fees and commissions. Generally speaking, financial analysts who only charge a flat fee to be the most unbiased because it means that they cannot earn more by working in a different manner.

Finally, the financial analyst should be available. It is quite common for organizations to require the skills of these types of professionals quite immediately, so there is no point finding the best analyst around if they are incapable of coming into the business straight away. On the other hand, availability should not override quality of work. At the end of the day, finances are the bread and butter of any business and it is not possible to cut corners in this. Thankfully, many good financial analysts also have high availability and can come into a business as and when required.

The 3 ingredients of a private equity investment decision

Angela Manning Finance , , ,
The 3 ingredients of a private equity investment decision

It’s a form of investment that is constantly grabbing the headlines and over recent times, really seems to have picked up the pace. However, if you were to question the Average Joe about the bread and butter of private equity investments, there’s every chance that you would be met with a blank look.

In short, this can be a complex type of financing and one that is difficult to get your head around. One element that is quite simple is the way in which investors approach it though. Whether it’s Marc Leder from Sun Capital, or a completely different investor from the other side of the world, most have very similar principles when it comes to private equity investments.

This is what we are going to be looking into today; as we scour through three of the key ingredients that form the typical private equity investment.

A good management team

One of the big misconceptions about private equity is that all groups are looking for an immediate change in management, as soon as their investment is finalized. Generally, this isn’t the case.

An investment team would much prefer to take control of a company which has an impressive management team. This is because the existing team already has inside-knowledge of the company; they know what is working well, and what is necessary for improvement.

If a company is forced to completely change the management, there are all sorts of issues to combat. They will firstly have to pay to replace the team, before then waiting for the new management to learn the internal processes of the company before they can implement any sort of change.

The potential for growth

This is related to both the market, and the company in question. One of the main requirements for a private equity company is the potential for high growth. Without this potential, their investment just isn’t going to work. Most approach companies with an exit strategy, which obviously will depend on a high rate of growth.

As such, they need to analyze firstly if the market has any potential for growth. From this point, they need to see if there is any space for this company to grow. In particularly small markets, this might not be possible, so a great deal of research will be placed into this area before the investment is made.

A good reputation

This is perhaps one of the more surprising elements of private equity, but one of the big things that investors look out for is a good reputation.

This is something that can only be harvested through time, which is one of the reasons why it’s regarded as being so important. A company can’t suddenly decide to buy an enhanced reputation; it’s something that can take years to build up.

As such, if there have been reputational problems in the past, this might mean that a private equity firm isn’t as interested in your company as you initially might have thought.

Important Considerations Before You Buy Your Next Home

Angela Manning Finance , , , , , , ,
Important Considerations Before You Buy Your Next Home

Buying a new home is a very exciting milestone in your life. It’s a huge decision that requires a lot of your time and energy. You have to do your homework to find the right property for you and your family, and hope that what you’re moving forward with is the right choice for everyone involved. Before you uproot your entire life, though, you need to first ask yourself a series of important questions. Not only can this fill you with confidence, but can also bring excitement to a new chapter in your life.

Can You Envision Your Style?

Before you purchase any furniture, you need to determine your new home’s overall theme. If you like everything vintage, then see if your house matches that style. However, if you prefer a more timeless and classical approach that matches any house’s interior or exterior, then looking for a seller that deals in contemporary furniture is ideal. Start with each room and picture what furniture you’d like to include. If you want a modern bedroom, then stylish modern beds from Lumens can be the centerpiece of your bedroom. If you want a contemporary living room, then hang statement lights that act as art but are also functional.

How Much Work Will You Need to Put in?

Take a look around and understand the condition your potential property is in as it stands. Read through the inspection papers and make sure you’re clear on what needs fixing and what can wait. Talk with your spouse and agree on what projects you’re willing to do yourself and which ones will require you to hire a contractor. Remember that it’s not only money, but also your time and energy that’s going to be spent in redecorating or renovating this house.

Do you like the Neighborhood?

Although you like the house, consider if the neighborhood is a good fit for you and your family. Walk around, go to the stores and drive through the areas outside of your specific neighborhood. Talk to people you see on the street and do research into how the schools are rated. You have to immerse yourself in the scene to get a true feeling for what you’re getting yourselves into. Don’t let your love for the house sway your decision one way or another. You have to evaluate the neighborhood on its own and decide if it’s a good fit.

Is there Space to Grow?

You might love the way the house you want to buy looks and feels. However, determine if it’s going to meet your needs as your family grows and matures over the years. Think about whether you want to have any more kids and how much stuff you’ll need to store as the kids grow older. It may not be a smart move to purchase a place that barely fits you and your family if you’re looking to expand.

Conclusion

When it comes to buying a house, whether it’s your first or fourth, you need to think clearly and carefully about the property in question. Rather than rush into such a move, consider the questions listed above and make a logical decision with your whole family in mind.

How To Do Your Own Taxes

Angela Manning Finance , , ,
How To Do Your Own Taxes

Doing your own taxes is easy with e-filing. Next year, don’t waste money hiring someone else do the math, make sure you keep your pay slips and records of your expenses and familiarize yourself with the process. Here’s how to do your own taxes and save.

Approximately 43% of Americans take care of their taxes themselves.

Tax season can bring headaches to many U.S. taxpayers, especially for those who don’t want the hassle of handling tax filing on their own.

However, it is possible to do your own taxes and achieve the largest refund possible. You don’t have to be numbers-savvy to do so, either.

In this post, we discuss how to do your own taxes to your financial advantage.

1. Gather Documentation

The secret to successful navigation of your tax filing lies in the documentation. You’ll need to collect all relevant paperwork concerning income, employment, and expenses.

If you are a regular employee at an institution, you will likely receive a W-2 tax document from your employer several months before the April filing deadline. This form details your gross and net income (as well as taxes paid) for the prior year.

Independent contractors, business owners, and self-employed individuals will have different documents. These may include 1099-MISC, receipts of cash payments, personal revenue documents, and beyond.

Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service recommends that taxpayers gather documents related to investment, rental property, and unemployment income. If you receive social security benefits or acquired cash through lottery or gambling winnings, these should also end up in your stack of tax papers.

Lastly, collect all paperwork that accounts for relevant expenses. This includes business and work-related expenses and costs associated with childcare, education, loan interest, and health insurance.

For a full tax document checklist, click here.

2. Understand Eligible Deductions

When you do your own taxes, the easiest way to a fat deduction is financial knowledge.

Understand which credits and tax deductions you are eligible for. If you are a college student, for example, you are likely eligible to deduct student loan interest and education costs.

Self-employed individuals can deduct costs for home office and work-related expenses. If you have dependents or are a first-time homebuyer, you may qualify for certain credits.

Check out the IRS’s full list of qualifying deductions before you do your own taxes.

3. Use E-Filing Software

The easiest way to do taxes involves using e-filing software. We recommend programs like TurboTax because they enable taxpayers to file from the comfort of their own homes.

What’s more, e-filing software walks taxpayers through the entire filing process, checking for all viable deductions and minimizing errors. In fact, e-filed taxes have a 0.5% error rate, in comparison to a 20% error rate for paper filed returns.

E-filing enables taxpayers to file full returns electronically. You don’t even have to go to the mailbox or worry about buying printer ink!

Taxpayers who e-file are also likely to receive a faster return right into their checking or savings accounts.

Programs like TurboTax also offer specialized filing services for independent contractors, business owners, and families. They also have a close alliance with Quickbooks, a personal finance management system that can generate invoices, create a paystub, and keep track of expenses.

How to Do Your Own Taxes

Tax season does not have to be daunting. If you’re curious about how to do your own taxes successfully, invest in e-filing software.

When you electronically file your taxes, you can feel confident that you are doing so accurately. This is particularly the case if you have gathered appropriate income and expense documentation and understand your eligible deductions.

At Nonsociety, we believe in your great power to take charge of your own life. Learn about how we operate here!

5 Tips To Help You Ask For A Raise

Angela Manning Finance , , , , ,
5 Tips To Help You Ask For A Raise

Do you believe that you’re entitled to more money for the work you do? Here are 5 tips to ask for a raise from your boss and get the money you deserve.

In 2017, only 48% of U.S. workers received their expected annual pay raise. This is disconcerting, as wages are stagnating while the cost of living is skyrocketing around the globe.

As an employee, no one will fight for you, but yourself, so sometimes you have to work extra hard to receive your raise. Sometimes that means being assertive. If you want to ask for a raise check out these 5 tips.

1. Take On More Responsibility First

It’s a common refrain among job interview experts to “dress for the job you want.” When it comes to asking for a raise, you need to make work for the job, or pay increase, you want.

This means taking on more responsibility, becoming more invaluable to the company. If your bosses see that you’re carrying a heavy load for them, they’ll be more likely to give you a raise because they don’t want to risk having you leave for greener pastures.

2. Share Your Successes

As always, you’re your own best hype man. And unfortunately, though we like to think the positives we bring to our workplaces are self-evident, this is not always the case.

If you’re toiling away in silence, and your bosses aren’t noticing your achievements, they’re not going to feel compelled to give you a raise. So when you accomplish something great, tell your boss or bring it to his attention in a more covert way.

You have to brand yourself as a successful employee. If they know what you bring to the company, it’ll be more likely that you see a pay bump on your boss’ free paycheck stub template.

3. Do Your Research

Before you request a meeting with your boss, make sure that your pay isn’t already well above the average for your position. Do some Googling and find the median income for your position and at your level experience.

If the average for your position is $40,000 and you’re making $60,000, you’ll come off as ungrateful if you ask for a pay increase. Of course, if you’re making under the average, bring that to your boss’ attention when you request a raise.

4. Don’t Complain

Complaining never really gets you anywhere, especially not at work. When asking for a pay raise, make sure to keep it as positive as possible.

Don’t speak negatively about the company for not paying you enough, don’t attack your bosses character, and don’t talk about how unappreciated you feel. Instead, focus on what the company can get from giving you a raise and express your gratitude for what they’ve given you thus far.

You attract more flies with honey than with vinegar.

5. Talk About the Future

When asking for a raise, it’s important to connect yourself to the future of the company. Your boss won’t want to give a raise to someone who’s just going to cut and run, so express your loyalty to the company and talk about how excited you are to be growing with them.

If the company sees that you’re invested in them, they’ll invest in you.

Ready to Ask for a Raise?

With these tips, you’ll be able to ask for a raise with a clear purpose and assertiveness.

If you need any more help with your workplace issues, check out the business section of our site. We’ve got tons of helpful workplace tips and tricks.

6 Tips for Boosting Your Financial Literacy

Angela Manning Education, Finance , , ,
6 Tips for Boosting Your Financial Literacy

Source

Making more money than you spend is not enough to guarantee a healthy financial life in today’s increasingly complex and interconnected world. Nor is making a sizeable income. It’s more important that consumers gain a solid understanding of what to do with their money—which can be daunting when there are so many options available.

How much should you be saving? Should you invest? Where is your disposable income going? Is your debt under control? Which debts should you focus on paying off first? These are just a sampling of the questions that can keep people up at night wondering how to best approach their finances.

Financial literacy is basically the knowledge that is necessary to make responsible financial decisions. As Investopedia writes, “Financial literacy includes understanding how a checking account works, what using a credit card really means, and how to avoid debt.” It includes understanding everything from day-to-day expenditures to investing and debt management.

Are you interested in boosting your financial literacy? Consider these six tips for doing so.

Find Media That Works for You

Some people are visual learners. Others prefer the written word. The key here is to find a form of media that captures your attention, whether it’s a video series on YouTube or a book from the library. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to study up on the concepts that make up overall financial literacy. If one method isn’t engaging you, switch it up until you find a learning style that clicks.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

One of the most daunting hurdles to financial literacy is a fear of asking questions. But nobody is born knowing everything there is to know about finances. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there for consumers willing to ask questions. For example, customer service representatives at financial institutions like investment firms and banks can often offer digestible and helpful explanations regarding their services. 

Take Advice from Industry Leaders

Thought leaders have earned their status for good reason. Keeping an eye on industry leaders within the financial world is a great way to glean tips, tricks and all-around applicable advice. For example, Andrew Housser, the co-CEO of Freedom Debt Relief, provided eight simple tips for saving last holiday season—a challenging period of time for many consumers hoping to save and buy gifts or travel.

Long story short: There’s savvy, free financial advice all around. Keeping tabs on industry leaders is the best way to make sure you don’t miss a thing. 

Practice Tracking Your Own Spending

Sometimes the best way to get good at something is simply by jumping in and doing it. So, use your own budget as a practice ground for improving your financial literacy. Chances are, some expenditures or habits have been slipping through the cracks. By taking note of your patterns, you can work to bring them more in line with your overarching savings goals. 

Pay Attention to Fine Print

Failure to read the fine print, especially on credit card applications, can result in serious consequences. For example, 0 percent APR credit cards rarely stay that way; at some point, the interest rate will jump, likely above 15 percent. Before agreeing to any terms or signing on the dotted line, take ample time to actually read the fine print. This will help improve your financial literacy by letting you know what to expect and save you from unexpected complications. 

Read At Least One Article Per Day

We’re all busy. Financial literacy won’t happen overnight. It’s much better—and less stressful—to set a realistic goal like reading one article per day. Carve out 15 minutes in your day to sit down and learn about a single financial topic. Committing to this ritual will help in the long-term without derailing your day-to-day plans.

These six tips aim to help you boost your overall financial literacy.

15 Tips for Winning at Doing Your Own Taxes

Angela Manning Finance , , , ,
15 Tips for Winning at Doing Your Own Taxes

Doing your own taxes can seem overwhelming but it’s a good opportunity to maximise your refund. Here are some top tips for preparing your tax return like a pro.

Did you know that 65% of American taxpayers receive a federal refund?

A federal refund can mean a fat check in the mail once you file your taxes, especially if you file them correctly.

For many taxpayers, refunds can take care of lingering bills or lead to a much-deserved vacation.

A lot of people dread doing their taxes, but preparing your tax return in a smart way can actually mean a larger federal refund than you’ve been expecting.

In this post, we’ll look closely at tips you can keep in mind when doing your own taxes. These strategies can be your secret to making the most of your next tax return!

1. Avoid Paper Tax Returns

A lot of people choose to file their taxes manually.

Paper tax returns can often mean saving money on tax software. But it can also mean more headaches for you, especially if you find tax language to be daunting.

What’s more, it can be incredibly easy to make a mistake on a paper tax return. In fact, paper returns have as much as a 20% error rate in comparison to electronically filed returns!

Errors in your tax return can mean that they are ultimately rejected by the IRS. Errors can also mean a lower total refund and higher taxes paid.

The best way to do taxes yourself often involves e-filing. A lot of companies like TurboTax make filing your taxes yourself easy and affordable. Check out https://www.ultimatetax.com/ to learn more about tax preparation software.

E-filing also means that you will always have electronic copies of your tax returns for consecutive years. This can be helpful if your filing requires numbers from prior tax returns.

2. Gather All Documents Before Filing

Doing your own taxes often means weeding through thick stacks of paper. Before you start puzzling through those documents for filing purposes, get the right ones in order.

The most important documents you need for doing taxes yourself are ones that indicate the past year’s income.

These include W-2s, 1099s, evidence of cash transactions, investment income information, state tax refunds, and any other income you may have received through unemployment, rental properties, or business operations.

Most employers and contractors will send out your tax documents by February so that you can have them in order for filing season.

3. Decide Whether to Itemize Or Not

A standard deduction is what the IRS offers to individuals or families who won’t benefit from itemizing — i.e., writing out–other deductions.

The best way to file taxes may be to simply claim the standard deduction. However, when doing your own taxes, make sure you can totally rule out itemizing before you claim the standard.

How do you know if you need to itemize or not? Itemizing basically means gathering up all of your receipts from the previous year that could earn you a deduction.

These include non-reimbursed business or work expenses, job search expenses, charitable contributions, and even medical bills.

Itemizing does require having a solid grasp of the prior year’s deductible expenses. For this reason, we recommend itemizing if you have proof of these deductions (i.e., paper or digital receipts) and if itemizing can grant you a higher return than a standard deduction.

4. Stay Organized for Next Year

It’s possible to file your own taxes like a boss if you prioritize organization. Having your receipts, proof of income and other essential documents in order can make your life so much easier once tax season rolls around.

If you’ve already filed your taxes for this year, get a headstart on next year’s filing by establishing an organization system.

This may mean investing in finance tracking software, for example, to keep a digital record of your expenses and income.

It may mean creating digital or literal files for storing receipts and tax documents. Whatever the case, make sure you have an easy and effective system in place for keeping all of your documents together for next year’s tax return.

5. Seek Assistance

Doing taxes yourself can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to it. It is possible to seek out assistance when filing your own taxes so that you can maximize your refunds.

A lot of people resort to a personal accountant when it comes to filing taxes themselves. This may be especially smart if you are a business owner. Many accountants do not charge an egregious amount for their filing services.

Others may be able to qualify for free tax filing assistance if finances are an issue. In fact, a hefty portion of standard taxpayers may qualify for free filing assistance.

Visit the IRS’s website to learn more about assistance and filing counseling for low-income or elderly taxpayers.

6. Educate Yourself

Doing your own taxes doesn’t have to feel like signing up for a foreign language class. The best way to maximize your refunds this tax season is to educate yourself.

This may mean a lot of things to different taxpayers. If you are a self-employed individual, for example, your tax filing will likely be a lot different from an employed individual.

The same goes for business owners, those receiving social security, homeowners, and families.

It’s possible to learn about how the tax system works in the U.S. simply by researching online. You can also learn about deductions you may qualify for via the IRS’s website itself.

A lot of e-filing companies such as TurboTax enable users to consult certified accountants while filing taxes. Others have community forums that often answer a lot of taxpayer questions.

7. Understand What “Dependent” Means

If you are doing your own taxes, you may be tempted to instantly gloss over the component that asks about dependents. This is particularly the case if you are a single individual without children.

However, if you do support a friend or family member for various reasons, you could qualify for a tax deduction.

Let’s say that you have enabled a friend to live with you for a year to help her get back on her feet. Or perhaps you’re caring for your aunt who is navigating a difficult illness.

These situations may enable you to deduct a little over $4,000 when filing your taxes.

8. Explore Above-Line Deductions

Above-the-line deductions are adjustments to your income that enable you to pay fewer taxes for the prior year.

The good news about these deductions is the fact that you don’t have to worry about itemizing in order to claim them. Some examples of above-line deductions include expenses for moving or paid self-employment tax.

These deductions are called “above-the-line” because they physically reside above the line on your tax forms where you have to report your gross income.

9. File On Time

One of the biggest secrets to filing your taxes yourself is knowing the filing deadline. Filing deadlines are typically in mid-April in the U.S.

What’s more, make sure you do file your taxes on time. Missing this deadline can mean paying interest on your tax balance. You may even be liable for certain fees if you don’t file for a legal extension and miss the deadline.

10. Seek Out Refundable Tax Credits

Refundable tax credits are exactly what they sound like: a matched reduction in the taxes you owe to the IRS.

An example of a refundable tax credit is the earned income tax credit, one that benefits working individuals with low to middle income. Refundable credits essentially give taxpayers a refund, as they are credits that surpass an individual’s total tax liability.

Other refundable tax credits include the American Opportunity Credit, Premium Assistance Tax Credit, and Additional Child Tax Credit.

11. Consider an IRA

If you set aside money for retirement in the previous tax year, you may be eligible for a deduction.

What’s more, if you contribute significantly to an IRA this coming year, you could claim up to $6500 in deductions, depending on your age. If you are already looking ahead to next tax season, consider contributing to an IRA now for tax and retirement benefits.

12. Deduct Your Home Office

If you are self-employed, you may be eligible for a home office deduction. This is particularly the case if you work from home or rent out an office solely for business purposes.

A home office in this sense is technically a business expense. However, there are some exceptions. Learn more about the home office deduction here before you go about filing your own taxes.

13. Don’t Neglect State Taxes

It’s easy to get caught up in federal tax stipulations alone. But don’t forget about your state obligations when doing your own taxes.

Depending on the state you live in, you may be obligated to a state income tax. Learn more about state taxes here via the IRS’s list of government websites.

Don’t let this aspect of doing your own taxes alarm you. In most cases, taxpayers are eligible for state tax refunds.

14. Keep Your Tax Documents for the Future

Once you start filing your own taxes, it’s important to hold on to every year’s tax documents for future reference. This is important if you choose to re-file taxes for a certain year, in case of an error.

You may also need to refer to past years’ refunds when filing future taxes. Most e-filing companies keep all of your tax return data on file for this reason.

Store income documents electronically as well in case they come in handy down the road.

15. Use Tax Refunds Wisely

Doing your own taxes doesn’t have to be stressful! Often it results in a hefty refund.

When your refunds do arrive, use them wisely. Many people use their refunds for investment purposes, while others set them aside for future tax payments.

We recommend having a plan for your refund before you file, particularly one that fits well within the scope of your financial future.

How to Win At Doing Your Own Taxes

Handling your own taxes this tax season does not have to be difficult. Stay organized, educate yourself, and seek out assistance if need be.

Avoid filing a paper tax return to minimize errors. Explore all applicable deductions and decide whether or not itemizing is right for you. Always file on time to avoid any penalties.

NonSociety is your ultimate resource for navigating all of life’s challenges on your own terms. Learn more about what we do here!

Bodybuilding On a Budget: The Best Affordable Supplements

Angela Manning Finance , , , , ,
Bodybuilding On a Budget: The Best Affordable Supplements

If you’re a body builder on a budget, then we’re here to help! Check out this awesome list of the best affordable supplements out there.

What are your fitness goals?

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle or improve your performance, supplements can help you along the way.

Nutritional supplements have several health benefits. Unfortunately, they can also be very expensive. You don’t have to shell out on endless amounts of pills and powders to get results.

In this post, we’ll tell you how to supplement the right way. Read on to find out which affordable supplements you should be taking.

5 Affordable Supplements You Need to Try

Don’t waste money on useless, ineffective supplements. These 5 products are all you need.

1. Whey Protein

For many fitness enthusiasts, whey protein is a staple of their nutrition and training program.

The amount of protein you need will depend on your bodyweight as well as how often you exercise. No matter what the figure is, it can be difficult to achieve through your standard three meals a day. This is especially the case for those with busy lifestyles.

If you struggle to consume enough protein through your usual food intake, whey protein is perfect for filling the deficit. It’s a fast, convenient and effective protein source, which you can carry with you to the gym and take immediately after your workout.

It’s also a great way to get the right amount of protein without any added calories or fat. Most protein powders have around 20 grams of protein per serving, with very few added ingredients.

If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy the benefits of protein powder. There are plenty of plant-based versions available, including pea protein, soy protein, quinoa protein, and more.

Lots of powders contain extra amino acids, too. There are thousands of different products on the market for you to try. Read more about the different types of whey protein available and find the best one for you.

2. Creatine

If there’s one supplement you can’t do without, it should be creatine.

Unlike many other affordable supplements elsewhere, it’s backed by solid science. Creatine is scientifically proven to increase muscle mass and improve performance.

It helps your body to produce more ATP so that you can workout at a higher intensity. If you use it correctly, you may find that you’re able to sprint faster, jump higher, or complete more reps in the long run.

Creatine is also one of the most affordable supplements because you don’t need to take the same amount every day.

When you first begin supplementing with it, you start with a loading phase. This usually involves taking up to 25 grams of creatine a day for five days in order to saturate your muscle cells.

After those five days, you can reduce your intake. From there, you only need to take 3-5 grams a day in order to maintain your creatine levels.

You don’t need to consume scoop after scoop of creatine to feel the benefits. Just a small amount every day is enough to keep you going and produce results.

3. Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

You need more than just protein in order to build muscle.

Your body needs other ingredients, too. That’s where branched chain amino acids come in.

BCAAs are the building blocks of protein. They stimulate muscle synthesis, which helps your body make the gains you’re working for.

They also help with your recovery, too. If you take BCAAs during your workout, you’ll have less muscle soreness than usual. You’ll also become less fatigued, as your body won’t use up so much glycogen.

Taking BCAAs is easy. Simply mix one or two scoops of powder into your water, then drink it while you’re working out.

You don’t have to worry about the taste. Most supplement manufacturers add flavorings to make their BCAAs taste great. There are hundreds of different products available, with different fruity and refreshing tastes.

The recommended dose is 5-10 grams per day. For most products, this amounts to no more than $1 per serving.

4. Glutamine

You can’t build muscle without glutamine.

It’s one of the most important products for athletes and bodybuilders. It’s also one of the most affordable supplements out there.

This valuable amino acid draws water and glycogen into the muscle cells, making it more readily available to use.

As well as providing energy for muscles, it also does the same for the immune system. Frequent, rigorous training can take a toll on your body, and if you don’t take the right supplements, you could leave yourself more susceptible to illness.

Glutamine keeps your body in tip-top condition, so you can feel your best for every workout.

This essential supplement doesn’t break the bank at all. A bottle of glutamine capsules should only cost you around $10. If used correctly, that will last for a whole month.

5. Fish Oil

Fish oil isn’t just for old people. Every athlete and fitness enthusiast should be taking it, too.

This is because the Omega-3 fatty acids it contains are vital to the body. The body can’t make these fatty acids on its own, and it’s difficult to get enough in your diet.

Even if you eat a lot of fish, nuts, and avocados, you still may not get all of the Omega-3 fatty acids you need.

These acids decrease muscle breakdown and increase protein synthesis, making it easier to build muscle mass. They also improve your heart health, so you can be a better athlete overall.

Be Healthier and Happier

Exercising regularly is a great way to live a healthy and balanced life.

As well as working out, you need to keep your diet in check, too. This doesn’t just mean cutting treats out of your diet and counting calories. It also means eating the right foods in the right amounts at the right times.

Supplements can help you do that.

As well as these affordable supplements, there are other products you can use to help you get in shape. Find out more about how natural weight loss supplements can help you.

What to Look for in an Investment Property: A Beginner’s Guide

Angela Manning Finance , , , ,
What to Look for in an Investment Property: A Beginner’s Guide

Investing in real estate isn’t just about finding the best deal, there’s many other factors to consider. Read on to learn what to look for in an investment property so you don’t waste your money.

If you’re considering buying an investment property, it can be incredibly confusing to figure out where you should start.

From setting a budget to finding a real estate agent and trying to figure out how to finance remodeling projects, it’s easy to get overwhelmed before you even begin!

However, it’s no secret that investing in real estate can become lucrative fairly quickly. Especially if you’re interested in mastering the fine art of passive income, buying a rental property is an incredible opportunity.

Of course, if you don’t make smart, measured choices, buying investment property is also an excellent way to lose a large portion of your savings seemingly overnight.

In this post, we’ll tell you what to look for in an investment property.

Read on to feel confident about the decision you’re making when it comes to your first ever real estate investment.

1. Take a Hard Look at your Finances

Before you figure out what to look for in an investment property, the first thing you need to do is examine your personal finances.

In today’s world, the average American household is over $137,000 in debt.

If this describes you, then you need to think long and hard about whether or not now is truly the right time for you to buy a rental or investment property.

Take a look at your financial future, as well. Even if your debt levels are under control, what sort of upcoming expenses do you have coming up?

Are you nearing retirement? Do you have children you’ll soon need to put through college? Are you in over your head when it comes to your student loans? What about your medical expenses?

Make sure all of these things are manageable to avoid a financial disaster.

Further, you need to understand that the cost of a down payment on your investment property will likely be a bit more expensive than a traditional home buying experience.

In most cases, buying a rental property will require you to pay about a 20% down payment up front. Ensure this is a sum you’re comfortable with before you make any final decisions.

2. Don’t Forget your Expenses

When you’re buying an investment property, it’s also essential that you take the time to figure out what your operating expenses will be.

This can help you to have a more accurate understanding of how large your profit margin will really be — and help you to determine a good rental price.

You’ll need to consider:

  • Property taxes
  • Heating/electric bills
  • Water bill
  • Unexpected repairs
  • Garbage collection
  • Insurance
  • Maid/cleaning service
  • Any property management fees

Another important thing to think about when you’re calculating your operating expenses?

How much interest you’ll need to pay each month on any money you borrowed in order to finance the purchase of your investment property.

This is why it’s always a smart idea to shop around with several different lenders before you make a final decision.

Remember, it’s always better to go for the option with the lower interest rate. Yes, even if those with high interest rates off you more money.

3. Resist the Fixer-Upper

We know that, when you’re trying to understand what to look for in an investment property, it can be tempting to go for the fixer-upper.

After all, you’re getting the home at a great price, you’re able to start work on it sooner, and it has an easier closing process than most. Not to mention, you’ll also have a fun and exciting project to work on over the next few months.

Here’s the reality check that you need: home renovation costs are skyrocketing.

In fact, they can quickly run to over $50,000 depending on the size of your home and the kind of renovations you need done.

Don’t be fooled by the seemingly “cheap” cost of run-down fixer-uppers. Especially if you’re new to the world of real estate investing, it’s simply not the place you want to start.

Plus, keep in mind that the overall timeline of the renovation projects will make it difficult for you to turn a profit quickly. You won’t be able to start renting out your property until all of your renovations are complete.

And even if you’re able to set a firm deadline with contractors, things like poor weather, a lack of the required materials, and even worker injuries can slow down the process — and end up costing you even more money.

4. Consider the Neighborhood

When you’re buying a rental property, one of the most important things to take into consideration is the neighborhood that the apartment or home is situated within!

After all, no one wants to live in an area where they feel unsafe, or where they can’t get the things that they need.

Look for a space that’s located somewhere near the center of town. Walkability and access to central transportation hubs is especially crucial if you’re more in the market for short-term or vacation renters that don’t really know the area.

Of course, you should also make sure that there are plenty of things for your renters to actually do in the area where your property is located.

Be aware that your neighborhood will also be a huge influencing factor on the type of people that are most likely to rent out your property.

So, if you’re concerned about a bunch of college kids renting out your property and causing thousands of dollars in damage Then you might not want to buy a property that’s close to a university.

You should also look into the rules surrounding rental properties in the areas that you’re interested in. Remember that you may need to pay additional fees in order to rent out your space, or meet with community board members to ensure that you’re on the same page.

5. Consider the Long-Term Investment

When you’re trying to learn how to buy investment property that will appreciate over time, it’s important to consider how you think the area will develop in the future.

You don’t want to end up in a neighborhood that’s trendy right now, but might become too overcrowded in the future.

Take a look at your city’s development plans and try to determine how they might impact the overall value of your property in the future.

For example, if a large factory is slated to go up in the area you’re considering buying within? You can expect to lose some money when you try to sell it.

Also take a look at things like parks, nearby school, malls, and other kinds of amenities. These are all things that could certainly have a positive impact on the overall value of your rental property in the future.

6. Work with a Professional

In some cases, buying an investment property just isn’t something you can — or even should — attempt to do on your own.

From finding the perfect location to managing your property when you’re away or preparing it for a future sale, getting help is always a smart idea.

High Return Real Estate’s process is explained on this website.

Essentially, this company and others like it work to help you find the perfect property for the best possible price. Then, they take care of the renovations in order to ensure you can start renting or selling your home as soon as possible.

They even offer property management options, so that it’s easier than ever for you and your family to collect a passive income — without having to worry about the hassle of maintenance.

Then, they mail a check to you every month. Talk about taking the guesswork out of real estate investment properties in your area!

You Know What to Look for in an Investment Property

We hope that this post has done an excellent job of laying the foundation of what to look for in an investment property.

Remember to first make sure that now is truly the best time for you to invest in real estate. Pay down your debt, consider your operating expenses and interest rates, and make sure you can actually afford the down payment on your property.

Also, when buying a rental property, consider the neighborhood, the long-term growth potential, and whether or not you could benefit from professional help.

Looking for advice on how to upgrade your property? Need design and maintenance help? Want to pay down your debt so you can buy?

Check out our website and blog for tips on how to make all of this — and more — happen for you.