CFI.co, Author at CFI.co Blog

Investing in real estate is a great way to make a lot of money in passive income. Have you been considering going this route? Once you get started you’ll get the hang of it in no time, but first, you need to learn how to make money in real estate in the first place so you don’t end up wasting your investment.

We want to help with a few tips and tricks that have helped us (and helped plenty of other investors) in the past. Don’t go in blind. Keep reading to learn how to make money investing in real estate so you can start growing your income and making your way towards financial stability.

1. Always Diversify

As with any kind of investment, you’ll get the most out of investing when you diversify your portfolio.

When you’re just starting out, you may be limited to one or two properties within your general geographic location. Sometimes it’s as small as a single neighbourhood or a city.

It’s not a bad idea to look at real estate in other locations. We’ll talk more later about knowing the ins and outs of where you’re buying, but even if you aren’t a local you can do research into other cities where the market is booming.

Even if your local market falls into a rut, you’ll have homes in other areas that can still thrive and make up the difference.

2. Network for Success

Many people view the other real estate investors in their area as competition. They’re not.

While you’re all looking to get the tenants in your local area, different investors have different types of properties that will attract different renters. It’s a great idea to network with each other.

Networking will open you up to advice from experienced investors, insight into property management and renovation, and cost management.

3. Stay on Top of Maintenance

Maintenance is everything if you want to keep making money on your properties. Poorly-maintained properties get bad reputations and if you let a building go for long enough, maintenance becomes more expensive.

If you let a small leak go on for long enough, for example, it turns into water damage.

Once you have renters, it’s a good idea to keep up with them so they can share any of their maintenance concerns early on. Not only will this save you time and money, but you’ll also gain the reputation of being a caring landlord who attends to the needs of their tenants.

4. Know the Neighborhood

As we mentioned, diversification is important, but you need to be an expert on all of the places in which you plan on buying properties.

The first thing to know is the market. Is the housing market booming at the moment?

If it is, you might be too late if you don’t have the money to buy an expensive property. While booming markets are attractive, look into areas that seem to be up-and-coming.

You’ll pay less for your property and your income will increase sharply once the neighbourhood starts thriving.

Also, pay attention to aspects of the neighbourhood that will attract or repel potential renters.

What does the crime rate look like? While many people looking for affordable rentals will look past a medium to high crime rate, families with young children aren’t as likely to rent that property.

Also, look at local schools and amenities. You’ll get more younger renters in areas that are walkable where there’s access to entertainment and more families in areas with good schools and plenty of parks.

5. Set a Budget

We want to preface this with the fact that you will go over your budget at some point or another. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t set one.

You can’t devote your entire budget towards the actual purchase of the property. You need to factor in any hidden fees, any maintenance work, renovations, and the cost of advertising (including professional staging and photography).

Decide how much you’re willing to spend on a property before you go searching, and when you find one within your range, make sure that renovations won’t put you over-budget.

6. Prepare for Vacancies

Even in booming markets, there will be times where you’re unable to find a renter. If you’re only renting single-family homes, this means that you’ll experience a lapse in your income.

You need to prepare for this. Set aside a healthy amount of savings. You’ll also need to use some of this money to amp up your advertising efforts.

7. Don’t Avoid Single-Family Homes

While single-family homes are a greater risk when it comes to vacancies, they also provide more income with less work and maintenance costs.

You can also try eXp Realty’s new property search facility.

When you have multi-family properties, each tenant will have their own maintenance issues. There are several sets of appliances to keep tabs on. You’ll also need to do renovations on each unit.

Single-family homes attract families. They tend to stay for a longer period of time, making them reliable tenants. You’ll also only service one set of appliances and you’ll only renovate one space.

Both single-family and multi-family properties are valuable, but single-family homes should get your attention.

8. Pick the Right Renovations

It’s easy to get caught up with renovations when you want to make your property as attractive as possible, but over-renovating leads to going over your budget and not getting the best returns on investment.

So what should you focus on?

Aside from necessary renovations like fixing walls and floors, consider things that many people look for when they’re looking into rentals. Kitchens and bathrooms are popular places to start.

Now That You Know How to Make Money In Real Estate, Get Started

Knowing how to make money in real estate is the first step towards your success as an investor. There’s a huge market for real estate right now as the housing and rental markets continue to grow. The best time to invest is five years ago, but the second-best time is right now.

Are you looking for more helpful articles on investing and managing your wealth? Check out our articles on wealth management, as long as a plethora of content that can help you with your business and investment goals. We want to be your online resource for financial success.

Banking

Investing in Stocks vs Bonds: A Comparative Guide

ByCFI.co

Are you interested in investing your money into stocks and bonds? You often hear those two items paired together in a sentence, but what do they actually mean? They are both a form of investment, but the similarities stop there. Both of them have a different level of risks, levels of returns, and daily behaviours that you need to be prepared for. Before you invest, it’s important to know these differences to pick which ones are the best course of action for you. See below for an in-depth guide on stocks vs bonds and how they fit into your investment plans.

What Are Stocks?

Imagine, if you would, that someone brings you a pie they made and sets it down in front of you and 2 of your friends. Let’s say the pie is cut into 8 different slices.

The maker of the pie tells you that each slice is £1 each. So you choose to buy 3 slices, one of your friends buys 3 slices, and the other buys only 2. This is essentially the concept of a stock.

When you buy a stock, you purchase a small piece of ownership in that company. The more shares that you have in the company, the more ownership that you have over it.

The goal is to buy shares, wait for them to rise, then sell your investment to turn a profit.

For example, let’s say you decide to buy £100 worth of shares in Callaway Golf Company (ELY). For the sake of simple math, let’s say that Callaway shares are going for £20, so you end up with 5 shares.

As Callaway grows, so too will the value of your shares. Let’s say that over time, they end up experiencing a 50-per cent. So now, each share is worth £30 apiece. You decide to sell all of your shares for £150.

By buying your stocks low and selling high, you’ve turned a profit of £50. You bought them for £100 and sold them for £150. You can scan the stock market however you so choose, buying any stocks that you envision a legitimate return for!

What Are Bonds?

Instead of purchasing a piece of the company as you would with a stock, a bond is when you loan out your money to a business. This can help them grow and expand their business, getting their hands on the money they’d need (from you) to do so.

In return, the company you lent the bond to will pay you back the full amount with interest. Unlike stocks, bonds are more of a long-term play. They’ll help you make a bit more money over time. The more bonds you invest in, the more you’ll gain in return.

So let’s say that you buy a bond for £1,000 (just for the sake of simple math). Let’s say it pays you back 1% annual interest over the next 10 years. With that bond, you would make £10 in interest over the next decade.

When the 10 years has concluded on that bond, you will have made £100 in interest payments that you wouldn’t otherwise have made.

There are many variables to bonds. You can purchase ones with a duration of only a few days or ones with a duration of several decades. The interest rate varies as well, so be sure to find a balance that you’re comfortable with.

What Are the Risks Involved?

As you’ve already seen in this article, both stocks and bonds can have tremendous payouts for those that invest in them. However, there’s always a potential that either one does not do well, and you lose money on the whole deal. Here’s a bit more insight on that:

The Risks of Stocks

Earlier, we highlighted a scenario in which you would make money investing in shares from Callaway Golf. However, every stock that you purchase has risk involved, some more so than others.

All it takes is one setback from the company you’ve invested in to incur a loss. Back in April 2010, BP was flying high. They were seemingly doing everything right and their stocks climbed up to $60 in US Dollars (approximately 44 British pounds).

Then, almost out of nowhere, the deepwater horizon spill occurred. Over 3.19 million barrels of oil were spread throughout the Gulf Coast. As a result, their stocks fell 55%, meaning that investors lost over half of what they paid to buy BP stock in April.

Granted, most losses are not that significant. By educating yourself and reading investor books, you can limit your losses when you invest.

The Risk of Bonds

The ideology of bonds is sound. You lend a certain amount of money to a growing company, then they pay you back over time with interest. All is fair in the world.

But what if that company goes under before they’ve paid you back? What if they go bankrupt during the term of your bond? You may never get back your full investment entirely.

As you can see with both stocks and bonds, there are risks. However, you can minimize the risks of both by performing thorough research.

In the case of bonds, do your due diligence on any company you lend money to. If they’re shooting for the stars too quickly, they might overextend themselves and leave you to suffer a loss as a result.

Stocks Vs Bonds: Invest Your Money in Both

Now that you’ve seen a comparison of both stocks vs bonds, as well as the differences between the two, it’s time to use that information effectively.

For more financial advice, make sure to read this article on the 5 things that you need to do with your money once you’ve turned 20.

Be sure to circle back on our blog often to receive more information and guidance on economics, finance, banking, and so much more.

Business

How Long Does It Take to Start a Business?

ByCFI.co

Are you thinking of starting a business?

Every year, many people dream of quitting their full-time jobs and starting their own successful enterprises. Often, these people have big visions for their businesses, and they hope that they’re able to channel their dreams into something profitable and impactful.

But sometimes, these people worry about how long it will take them to get their new company up and running. After all, quitting your full-time job is a risk, and you don’t want to go too long without making a paycheck.

So, how long does it take to start a business?

We love supporting people who are establishing their own businesses, and below, we’ll go into how long it takes to start a company.

Keep reading to learn more!

How to Start a Business

So, have you wanted to begin creating a business?

If you’ve wanted to venture out and build a brand and name of your own, you probably want to know the fundamentals of getting started. Let’s go into the steps of starting a business below.

Define What You Do

Before you set out to create a business, you should know the basics of what you want to do.

Of course, organisations always change and evolve, but successful business owners begin with a vision. They know which central service they wish to provide, the client needs they plan to meet, and who they believe their target audience is.

To get this part of it right, you need to do a lot of research. Make sure you’ve thoroughly ensured there is a demand for your products or services and that you know which demographics are looking for the solutions you provide.

This can take up to a few months, depending on how much research you do.

Get Your Domain

What is your domain?

It is the name by which your company is known on a public level. It will go on all of your official materials, your advertising, and your website, so make sure you choose wisely.

When selecting your domain name, make sure it remains memorable, fits with the tone and personality of your brand, and communicates what you do. Run it by a friend, loved one, or colleague to see if other people think it’s a good name.

How long this takes depends on you and how much time you dedicate to finding a domain that works.

Hosting Foundry can help you with your website’s web hosting and start a business.

Find a Business Location

Where do you plan to work? Every business needs a specific location.

These locations range from an office in a high-rise to a desk in your home. Think about what you can afford and what type of building would best suit your needs.

Make sure you take into account any renovations you would need to make on your potential office and ensure it fits within your budget.

Finding a business location can take anywhere from a few weeks to 2-3 months.

Get the Proper Licenses and Permits

When you start a business, you often need proper licensing and permits.

Check with your local government to see what kinds of additional documentation you need. The requirements vary from location to location. Obtaining these documents often takes you from a few weeks to up to a month.

Your business also needs a seller’s permit if you plan to sell products.

Local Registration

You also need to register your company with the local government.

To do this, you will need to select the type of business you want to have, so make sure that you know which type of company you’d most like to create.

Completing this process takes about a month, including the time you take to decide which kind of company you would like to create.

Determine Your Funding Needs

Now, you need to determine how much funding you need and how you will get the funding.

This often takes a long time; in fact, it can last up to many months. To get started, do your research on what your overhead costs will be, including any shipping charges, product costs, utility and rent bills, and employee salaries.

All of this information should then go into your business plan. Your business plan consists of an overview of your entire company, including a detailed explanation of what you do, your organisational structure, your expenses, and your marketing plan. This usually takes quite a bit of time.

The exact amount of time depends on how much time you can devote to putting the plan together.

Getting Funding

After you’ve created your business plan, you should use it to try to get investors or a bank loan.

This gives you the funds you need to start your company. Often, this also takes a while, as banks and others who invest in your business will want to know how they will make their money back. While many wonderful new businesses launch all the time, newer companies are also unproven, so you will need to convince them you’ll be able to repay them.

How Long Does It Take to Start a Business?

So, how long does it take to start a business?

We recommend giving yourself a large amount of time to start your business. After all, this is the foundation of what you’ll do, so getting it right is important. Starting your company will probably take you at least a year or two.

It often takes even longer for a company to become profitable. After you launch your company, you need to work on raising business awareness and gaining your clientele. It takes 2-3 years for most small businesses to turn a consistent profit.

Ready to Start Your Business?

So, have you asked yourself, “How long does it take to start a business?”

If so, we hope the article above answered your question! It usually takes a while for businesses to get up and running and turn a profit. Still, if you have a dream and believe you can make it, the handful of years of work are worth it!

Have questions? Want more advice? Contact us today!

Banking

5 Things You NEED To Do With Your Money Once You Turn 20

ByCFI.co

When you’re young and carefree, it’s easy to neglect your finances. A lot of young people don’t know how to manage their money and end up getting into debt.

But as a young adult, you’re actually in a great position to set good financial habits for life. Making savvy decisions from when you turn 20 can build solid foundations for a financially healthy future.

Let’s dig a little deeper. Here’s our list of top money management tips to consider when you’re 20 years old.

1. Get Into Good Habits With Your Money

You’re only going to be able to start saving once you’re spending less than you earn. So the first step towards financial security is setting up a watertight method to track and manage your expenses.

You need to have a clear view of your fixed expenses such as rent and council tax, and also a firm grip on your variable expenses such as fuel, food shopping, and utility bills. Then you can set a budget for discretionary expenses like nights out with friends and clothes purchases.

After you have a system set up, you can manage your cash flow and track your spending, to ensure you’re staying within your budget. A popular method to manage this is by setting up a zero-based budget, where you allocate every penny of your income to a specific expense or savings goal.

By adopting this method, you should prevent yourself from getting into debt. But if it’s too late for that, you should focus on clearing your debts. Limit your credit card spending; you should only use your credit card enough to establish a decent credit score. Once your short-term debt is clear, you can make a start on clearing your student debt.

A final good habit to set up is to automate all your payments. It’s good to set up your direct debit payments to go out near the beginning of the month, so you have a clear view of what you have leftover for discretionary spending, once all the bills are paid.

2. Start Saving Now!

You’re never too young to start thinking about savings. You should start out by building an emergency fund, then work towards having 3-6 months of expenses set aside. Having a reasonable liquid cash reserve will prevent you from getting into debt in emergency situations.

You might want to set up separate savings goals for big purchases, such as your first car, so you have the money upfront rather than having to take out a loan. Longer-term savings goals are also worth considering, such as a deposit on a house, paying for postgraduate education or saving for your children’s future.

In terms of saving for retirement, the earlier you start, the more benefits you will reap. You should aim to be putting at least 10% of your income into a pension fund.

3. Protect Yourself

You should make sure that you have all the insurance you need to protect yourself from future problems. Car insurance of course is a necessity if you have a car, but you should also consider pet insurance if relevant, as vets’ bills can be very high.

You may want to invest in health insurance and also income protection insurance. If you have children, you’ll also want to look at life insurance. It’s not the most exciting topic to be thinking about, but there are benefits to setting up insurance policies while you’re young and insurers see you as less risky.

4. Invest in Yourself

When you get your first job, it’s easy to just feel grateful to have found employment, especially in today’s challenging economic circumstances. But you should still negotiate your salary to make sure you’re being paid what you’re worth.

You might also want to plan for further education and training. Lifelong learning has many benefits, not just for your career but for your own happiness and sense of fulfilment.

You could also look into setting up a side hustle to earn some extra money to put against those savings targets. Perhaps you have a hobby that you could make some money out of? Maximizing your income is a great way to grow your savings.

5. Think Long-Term

There’s never a better time than what you turn 20, to be thinking long term. Establishing your wealth goals and prioritising them when you’re young is critical to long-term financial security.

Once you’ve paid off your debts and you have enough liquid cash saved up to pay for any emergencies and planned future purchases, now’s the time to think about investing. It’s a good idea to start investing as early as possible, by putting money into something other than your retirement plan.

But perhaps you don’t really know what to do with your money? It might be wise to hire a financial advisor to help you choose the right kind of fund to invest your money in. It’s sensible to get some advice about the best investment bank options before you decide where to put your hard-earned cash.

You need to make sure that your money is working for you, wherever you choose to keep it. You could see which providers have won banking awards, to help you choose the best banking services.

The longer your money is in an investment fund, the higher the returns are likely to be. So choosing the best bank while you’re young is a good long-term strategy to build wealth.

Seize The Moment!

The sooner you take control of your finances, the better. Your 20s are the perfect time to establish good habits and routines around money to set you up for long-term financial security.

Building wealth takes time, so starting young will reap long-term benefits. It’s never too early to educate yourself. Check out our informative articles on wealth management to expand your knowledge and help you to make the best decisions about how to manage your money.

Finance

Top 5 Things You Can Do To Earn Money At Home Right Now

ByCFI.co

Are you suffering from quarantine boredom? Are you wondering if there’s a way to earn money at home?

Since COVID-19 entered the world, remote work has become more important than ever. And it’s a great way to use your time productively when there aren’t many places to go.

Here’s how you can earn extra money without getting out of your pajamas.

1. Sell Your Unwanted Items

You might be surprised at all the ways you can sell old items online, especially if they’re still in good condition. Sites like eBay, Gumtree, and Craigslist are great places to turn trash into treasure.

Laptops and tablets are always a hot commodity if they’re in good working order. CDs and vintage games are also in demand, especially during the holidays.

You may also be able to sell your old clothes this way. If you’ve got a few items that you rarely wear, they could be priceless to someone else. Just make sure they’re washed, ironed, and neatly folded.

Consignment shops are another great way to get a few dollars for gently used clothing and accessories. They might offer you upfront payments or the potential for profit sharing. If your store profit shares, your clothes will be tagged with an account number and you’ll get a portion of the profits after your items get purchased.

Look around for a specialty consignment shop that sells the types of items you tend to purchase. After a while, you’ll get a feel for the types of items that sell and start to make more profitable decisions.

2. Start Your Own Website

These days, you can start your own website with nothing more than a domain name, website hosting service, and website platform such as WordPress.

A good topic for your website could be a subject you have expertise in that you could inform your readers about. You can also provide services such as fashion advice, counseling, or self-help.

Affiliate marketing is a popular way to monetize your site. In these cases, you’ll have links to affiliate businesses on your site. And you’ll get a revenue share every time someone clicks on the link to set up an account.

You can also make money by selling a product or service that people want, such as an e-course. Other website entrepreneurs have paid members or sponsors who pay to post ads or product reviews.

Make sure you do your research before launching your site. Make sure that you choose a topic you have expertise and knowledge in. And you’ll want to be certain your ready to keep learning about the topic as your site becomes more popular.

3. Become an Online Tutor

Online tutors can make ten to nineteen pounds per hour. All you need is a working computer with a camera and expertise in a particular area.

Of course, a degree in a field you’ll be tutoring in will be particularly helpful. Yet many of today’s students need extra help with their schoolwork due to less time spent in the classroom.

Offer to tutor the children of some people you know for a low rate if you’re looking for a way to start. As you begin to develop a good reputation, you can start to charge more and organise your schedule to suit your needs and comfort. Social media is also a great way to advertise your services to local neighborhoods.

4. Get Paid to Write Reviews

There are lots of websites out there that will pay you to write reviews of restaurants, movies, or products. You’ll also be earning a little free entertainment.

Make sure that all of the reviews you turn out are of high quality. Check your grammar and spelling so you’ll continue to get work as a paid reviewer.

The best part about reviewing products and services is that there’s some flexibility with your schedule. You can visit local establishments or test various products after work or before your children wake up in the morning.

5. Work As a Customer Service Agent

Believe it or not, there are plenty of companies out there that will pay a decent hourly wage for individuals to work at home in customer service, especially around Christmas.

Unlike other remote options, work-from-home customer service agents earn a steady hourly wage. If you’re a good listener with important interpersonal skills, such as patience and empathy, remote customer service could be a great way to keep your bank account happy.

The Best Way to Earn Money at Home

Quarantining has required many of us to rethink the way we pay the bills. Working remotely is a wonderful way to turn your extra time into a profitable opportunity.

Side hustles are also an excellent opportunity for you to require new skills and experiences that can be valuable in the future. You can also begin developing a new network of contacts that may be important for your future professional development.

During a time when many are suffering from anxiety and depression, a profitable side business can give you a productive escape from negative thoughts and feelings. You’ll develop confidence and peace of mind, as well as the freedom to create a work-life balance that is optimal for your personal well-being.

Get to Work!

When you’re ready to earn money at home, there is a myriad of opportunities you can take advantage of. With a little research and a willingness to keep trying, you’ll discover an enterprise that suits your personality in no time.

Don’t stop getting smart about your financial opportunities now. For more information on personal finance, read our blog today.

Finance

What Is Day Trading and How You Can Become an Expert?

ByCFI.co

Day trading is often billed as a lucrative way to make fast and easy money from the comfort of your home. The average day trader makes about $80,000 a year. The best part about day trading is that you don’t necessarily have to be a financial wizard to be successful. Becoming a day trader is easy. Becoming a successful day trader is a much harder process.

But what is day trading and how can you stand to benefit from it? This useful guide has all the information you need to decide if day trading is right for you and your lifestyle.

Day Trading

Day trading is a type of investment strategy. It can be used when trading stocks, cryptocurrency, securities, bonds, and commodities. It can also be applied to any other form of speculative marketplace.

Day trading involves purchasing an asset and selling the asset on the same day before the markets close. Day trading is a short term investment strategy. It also limits the amount of risk an investor has in the long term.

It does this by preventing discrepancies that can occur between an asset’s closing price at the end of a trading day, and its opening price at the start of the next day. There are many different strategies and styles of day trading.

What Makes a Successful Day Trader?

Many potential investors are lured into the day trading world with the promise of easy money. These investors find out the hard way that day trading is no cakewalk. As a result, they sometimes lose everything.

To be a successful day trader you need to be willing to invest enormous amounts of time and capital. You also need to be able to read the marketplace and have some background financial knowledge.

If you start your journey as a day trader you can expect long hours, little leave time from work, and a gruelling self-learning process that many can’t stomach. You need to have good risk management strategies and marketplace awareness as well.

While day trading, your success or failure rides solely on you and your trading strategies. If you fail, there is no one else to blame. If you are successful, however, you alone get all the glory.

Cash Is King

Having sufficient investment capital is one of the most important things for day trading. When you first start you can expect to sustain heavy losses as you figure out the nuances of navigating the marketplace.

The old saying “it takes money to make money” applies here. To be successful, it is crucial that you have a buffer of cash to withstand any initial losses. Many veteran traders will tell you that the day trading world is extremely volatile.

Sometimes you can expect to lose money on multiple trades in a row before turning a profit on a big one and recovering all of your losses. If you don’t have sufficient capital to act as a cushion, you could lose everything.

Heading into the world of day trading without a sufficient bankroll is like heading into a marathon with no shoes. You might somehow pull it off and win against all odds, but chances are you will end up bloodied and broken on the side of the road.

Knowledge Is Power

A successful day trader needs to be familiar with all of the aspects of how the marketplace functions. This includes understanding all the mundane basics such as trading hours and holidays.

It also includes being able to grasp the bigger picture such as how massive geopolitical events can influence market behaviour and how small innovations or new technologies can send ripples throughout the financial world.

As a day trader, you need to be at the forefront of the economic knowledge-base. This means keeping up with any emerging trends or cutting edge technology before everyone else is aware of them.

Staying ahead of the curve is not easy, but it is well rewarded. You also need to have a broad understanding of multiple different types of marketplaces. Understanding investment banking, securities, conventional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are all examples of things a day trader should be well versed in.

Develop and Implement a Strategy

Without a plan, you are simply flying by the seat of your pants. At this point, you might as well just take your money down to the closest casino, spin the wheel, and see what happens.

You need to develop a successful entry and exit strategy. This includes setting indicators and benchmarks for success or failure. You also need to be able to assess how well your plan is working and recalibrate it if necessary.

A successful investment strategy is what separates the wealthy from the penniless in the world of day trading. Many traders spend decades developing a good strategy. Some never get it right and end up washing-out as a result.

Warren Buffet is often credited with being one of the top financial investors in history. His strategy was simple and centred around investing in index funds. While this strategy is not applicable to day-trading, his thought process is.

The simplest solution is usually the best. The more complicated your strategy, the more can go wrong.

Start Small

Just because you have access to a large pool of capital, or have sufficient background knowledge of investment and the marketplace doesn’t mean you should be reckless. When implementing a new strategy, tread lightly.

If it works, you can always repeat it with a bigger chunk of change on the line after you have already secured some returns as a buffer. By not going “all in” you save yourself the financial ruin that comes with making too aggressive of an initial investment.

Attain Your Financial Destiny

Day trading is not for everyone, but those that are successful will tell you that there are few better ways to earn a living. Being your own boss and taking your financial destiny into your own hands is an empowering experience!

Just make sure to have adequate capital and financial knowledge before trying your hand at day trading to avoid crashing and burning as a total failure.

If you want to become a day trader you first need a wide financial knowledge base. Start informing yourself today with the host of financial information available on our blog to better prepare yourself for the long economic road ahead!

Banking

Why You Should Join A Private Bank

ByCFI.co

The number of mobile wealth management accounts rose from 22% in 2018 to 40% in 2019. They allow users to manage their wealth remotely and effectively. A private bank helps with wealth management but provides a range of other services and benefits as well. They offer personalized service at all hours and let you enjoy exclusive perks.

There are several private bank options, and choosing one can be difficult. There are certain factors to look for before putting your money in their hands. It can also be difficult to begin a career in this field, but the more knowledge you have, the easier it will be.

Read our private banking guide to learn the benefits it provides and how to enter it as a client or account manager.

Private Bank Benefits

A private bank’s primary purpose is wealth management. It helps keep money in the right place and makes investment easier.

These are not the only benefits that private banking provides or the only reason you may choose to join one. There is a range of other benefits offered as well.

When you join a private bank, you’ll get connected to a skilled account manager. They can handle all your financial assets while providing personalized service.

The account manager can also easily connect with other professionals such as wealth management specialists, investment analysts, and tax attorneys.

A private bank also allows you to diversify your investments. Your account manager can put your wealth into ESG or Environmental, Social, and Governance investments. They can also manage your non-financial assets like real estate and natural resources, negotiate leases and contracts, facilitate inspections, and communicate with tax, accounting, and/or legal professionals.

A private bank gives you access to your banker at any time and place using apps and chat services. They also keep your assets private.

A private bank may also include concierge and premier travel services. They can educate you and your heirs and make business travel less of a hassle.

Private banks offer price reductions that can save you a great deal of money. These discounts include free checks and savings of up to $300 per year on a safe-deposit box.

Most private banks offer a range of other perks such as:

Loans with low annual percentage rates
Savings accounts with higher annual percentage yields
More commercial financing options
Senior underwriting support
Priority loan processing

These benefits and more explain the rise in private banking.

Starting a Career in Private Banking

Working at a private bank offers several benefits over other financial careers such as stockbrokers and investment bankers. These include high income potential, shorter hours, reduced stress, and stronger professional relationships.

Remember that most clients who join a private bank have a great deal of wealth. They are typically classified as either high net worth or ultra-high-net-worth.

You’ll also have to have a range of skills to begin a career in private banking. You should be familiar with wealth management, estate planning, taxes, portfolio management, and any other tasks your client requests.

There are also several steps you must complete to begin your career. They include education, experience, networking, certifications and licenses, and getting a job.

Education

The first thing you’ll need is an undergraduate degree, preferably with a focus on finance. Options include business administration, economics, and other related degrees.

Experience

Follow up your education with experience. Look for internships in a private bank and get all the experience you can in banking, investments, and related fields.

Networking

Networking is another important task. Meet up with potential clients, bankers, professors, and anyone else who can help you advance your career.

Certifications and Licenses

Certifications will make you a more attractive candidate, and there are several options to choose from. T

The Wealth Management Institute or WMI offers a 10-week Wealth Management Private Banking Programme and an associated certificate. The Globecom Institute offers a 9-month course and certificate in Private Banking and Wealth Management and a 3-4 month certification in Operations Investment Banking and Securities Markets.

You’ll need to get licensed before you can begin a career in private banking. You can obtain a Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, or Series 65 license by passing an exam. They differ in the services they allow you to perform and how much you can charge for them.

Finding a Job

Find a job by sending out as many resumes as possible and networking with professionals in the field. You can also start your own firm if you already have a large client base.

These steps are the basics of beginning your career, but you may be able to break tradition. Try moving from another financial field into the private banking industry.

Finding The Best Banking Services

There is a range of private bank options to choose from. They differ in the services they offer and the fees they charge, which can make choosing the best bank difficult.

When deciding where to invest your money, you should look at a variety of different factors. Look for proof of quality, past experiences, and the services offered.

The experiences of past clients can help you choose the best private bank. Look for testimonials that suggest clients have had positive experiences with qualified account managers in the past.

There are also ways to find proof of whether or not you’ve found a high-quality option. Look for things like bank awards and stay away from banks with blemishes like lawsuits.

The best investment bank offers the full range of services you require at the best possible price. Compare all the options and see where you can get everything you need at the most affordable price.

How Can I Join a Private Bank?

Everyone wants to keep their money safe, especially those with plenty of wealth and investments. This is where a private bank comes in.

Joining a private bank gives you access to a qualified account manager at any time of day. They’ll manage your assets, keep them secure and private, and offer several other perks.

If you’re a high-income earner with a large portfolio of investments, a private bank can provide an account manager to look after them for you. If you’re a qualified financial expert, you can begin a career in private banking to help others manage their money.

The more you know about the private banking industry, the better you’ll be able to enter it or use it to manage your wealth. Contact us for more information today.

Banking

Are New Checking Account Offers Really Worth The Switch?

ByCFI.co

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has created a financial crunch for just about everyone. As you look for ways to make your money stretch further, you might have started looking at various bonus offers and considering switching some of your service providers.

Nowadays, almost every bank is advertising new checking account offers, and that “free” money sounds pretty good. But, is switching bank accounts really worth it?

That’s a good question! Stick with us as we explore the pros and cons of taking advantage of new checking account bonus offers.

3 Ways to Get a New Checking Account Bonus

Before diving into the things to ask before switching banks, it’s important to note that there’s more than one way to take advantage of new checking account offers. Most offers don’t actually say that you have to close your old account.

Typically, they’ll require you to make a minimum deposit and perform specific tasks, like completing a certain number of transactions, setting up direct deposit, or using their app. It’s important to read the fine print carefully and understand exactly what you need to do to get your bonus. Once you understand the requirements, you’ll likely have three options:

Keep your current checking account exactly as it is and open an additional account with the new bank
Make a partial switch, moving certain payments and deposits over to the new account
Close your old accounts and move everything over to the new bank

Most people choose the third option because they don’t want to deal with the hassle of managing multiple accounts. However, there are pros and cons to each approach. It’s a good idea to consider the following questions before you decide.

Questions to Ask Before Making the Switch

Sometimes, it’s clear that you need to switch to a new bank. If you’re having problems with your current bank – like ridiculously high fees or poor customer service – then it makes sense to take advantage of a new checking account bonus.

However, if you’re thinking about making a change purely for the extra money, there are some important things to consider.

1. Is the Bonus Really Worth It?

How much money do you need to make it worth your effort? Do you have to jump through a bunch of hoops to get it?

If you’re really cash-strapped then even a small bonus might sound appealing. If the bank is offering something else, like rewards points or a charity donation, you’ll have to consider whether you’ll receive a sufficient benefit to make the change a smart move.

2. Are There Any Drawbacks?

Be careful not to let the bonus offer distract you from the potential drawbacks of working with the new bank. If there are monthly fees or high minimum balance requirements, then it’s likely you’re going to be unhappy in the long run.

You’ll want to look at the new bank’s maintenance fees, ATM fees, and overdraft fees. Also, consider the new bank’s opening hours and whether the website and app are user-friendly. Do they offer other services you need like mobile deposit, easy transfers, and plenty of ATM machines?

Compare all of these things to your current bank and make sure that making the change won’t end up being a downgrade.

3. How Much of a Hassle Will it Be?

To make the switch, you’ll need to open a new account, initiate a transfer, and make sure you meet all of the bonus requirements. Transferring all of your auto-debit bills is usually the biggest hassle.

It’s easy to make a mistake and you could end up missing payments or bouncing checks. This can lead to late fees, damage to your credit rating, and more.

If you’re going to make a full switch it’s in your best interest to make sure the bank you choose is one you’ll want to stick with for the long term. Bouncing from one checking account to the next is rarely worth the trouble, even if you do get a bonus each time.

4. How Much Do You Really Like Your Bank?

Are you at your current bank because you really like the services they offer? Or is it just a matter of habit? If there’s nothing special about your bank and you’re comfortable with the answers to the other questions above, then now might be the perfect time for you to make a switch.

Tips for Finding the Best New Checking Account Offers

Doing a bit of research online will help you find out which banking institutions are offering checking account bonuses and exactly what they’re offering. However, it’s important to consider which offers are most valuable to you.

For example, if you overdraft your account frequently, then switching to a bank that’s offering fee-free overdrafts might be a great move for you. However, if an offer requires a large minimum balance that you don’t think you’ll be able to maintain, then moving to this bank will likely end up being a waste of your time.

Remember, in most cases, looking for a long-term partner instead of just a quick cash bonus will bring you the greatest benefit.

Making Smart Financial Moves in a COVID-19 World

Taking a close look at new checking account offers and other bonuses is one way to give your finances a boost, but that’s certainly not your only option. If you want to keep your finances on track, knowledge is power. We suggest taking some time to browse through more of our financial articles.

We’ll help you stay up to date with all of the latest financial developments and provide you with tips you can start implementing right away.

Banking

6 Helpful Tricks To Avoid Paying ATM Fees

ByCFI.co

Are you tired of getting hijacked by ATM machines with big charges when you want some cash? Do you find yourself paying 25 percent or more of the amount you want to get out? Want to know how to avoid those fees?

There are many tips and hacks you can use to stop being hit with big fees just to get at your money. We’ve given this some careful thought because we’re also tired of the insane charges ATM operators put on using their machines.

So, read on to learn about six of the best ways to avoid ATM fees. From research and planning to choosing the right account, we’ve got your back so that you don’t pay for your own cash anymore.

1. Use ATMs for Your Bank

Using ATMs that are part of your bank’s network is the best and easiest way to avoid ATM fees. Big, chain banks have a lot of fee free ATMs to use, especially in larger urban areas. These ATMs won’t cost you anything when you withdraw cash from them.

You can search your bank’s website or mobile app for no fee ATM near me to find ATMs run by your bank. However, if you do use an ATM that isn’t run by your bank you could incur a fee from your bank as well as the company that runs that particular ATM.

So, always try to search for an ATM that is part of your bank’s network if you can.

2. Open an Account at Banks with no ATM Fees

If you are considering opening a new bank account, do some research to find banks with no ATM fees.accounts. Or, if you find yourself always having to pay for cash from an ATM, it might be time to think about switching banks. In that case, look for a bank where you can get an account that doesn’t charge you ATM fees.

Many online banks have agreements with ATM networks that mean you don’t have to pay the network’s ATM charges. These online banks will usually have an ATM finder service as part of their website and app. Use this service to locate the nearest no fee ATM when you need cash quickly.

3. Get Cash Back at the Grocery Store

Another great way to get cash for free is to ask for cash back when you make a purchase at a grocery store or other shop. This works best if you pick up cash as part of your regular shopping trip. Then keep that cash handy in your wallet.

However, if you need cash quickly, you can still use a store as your ATM. Simply make a small purchase at the store. Because ATM fees are usually three pounds or more, buying a chocolate bar or bottle of water, for example, will cost you far less than the ATM fee.

4. Keep More Cash on Hand

Although you can’t always plan ahead to know how much cash you’ll need and when, a little forethought can go a long way to reducing the chances of unwanted ATM fees. When you do get cash out, try to get more than you need right then. Having some extra cash at home or in your wallet or purse will reduce your ATM fees.

Taking larger sums out of the ATM when you do visit also means that if you do have to pay a fee, you’re getting more cash for the charge. So, you’re cash costs you less if you have to pay for it.

Putting together a home budget for each month will give you a sense of how much cash you generally need. With your budget in mind you can go once a month to the ATM and withdraw what you need all in one go. Then, just keep your wallet or purse topped up with the cash you’ll likely need that week.

5. Find Out Which Other Banks Your Bank Has an ATM Fees Agreement With

Many banks have agreements with other banks or ATM operators. These agreements let you withdraw cash from those ATMs without a fee. Check with your bank or search online to find out what other ATMs you can use.

The ATMs that are part of your bank’s network agreement might also include non-bank ATMs. These ATMs are the ones you find in shops, bars, or petrol stations. Those ATMs are often the most expensive to use for cash withdrawals.

6. Go Cashless

A really easy way to avoid ATM fees is to try not to use cash. Fortunately, this is becoming much easier. Mobile apps, debit and credit cards, iPay and equivalents, Venmo, Paypal, and so on, all offer the opportunity for cashless transactions.

With the exception of some entertainment options and small shops in out of the way locations you can often choose not to spend cash if you really don’t want to. Some shops and services still have a minimum transaction amount to use your card. But those minimums are often still less than an ATM fee.

Reducing the amount of times you need cash means you won’t need to hit the ATM very often. The fewer times you have to go to an ATM the less you will spend on those pesky fees.

Stop Wasting Money on ATM Fees

ATM fees can quickly add up. If every time you use an ATM you pay three or more pounds for the privilege of taking your own money out, your monthly costs will soon make getting cash out not worth it.

As you can see from our list of tricks to avoid paying ATM fees, though, there are plenty of ways you can reduce the chance you’ll get stuck with those charges.

Plan ahead and have ecash on hand. Get a bank account with a large network of ATMs to use for free. Use your bank’s app to find free ATMs near to you when you need one or try to use less cash in the first place!

For more money-saving tips, insights on the economy and your finances, or business news and more, check out our blog. We’ve got you covered with insider hacks and business news and ideas.

Banking

Is A Fixed Rate Personal Loan The Best Option For Financing A Big Purchase?

ByCFI.co

People take out loans for many reasons. Some people take out loans for a house remodel, a new computer for work, or a wedding. Whatever the reason for taking out a loan, it’s always a big decision.

When making a big purchase, you want to consider every option so you get the best rate possible. Many vendors provide their financing solutions. However, it is in your best interest to consider other options.

One of the best options for purchasing is a fixed rate personal loan. But what is a fixed-rate loan, and why are they better?

What Is a Fixed Rate Personal Loan?

Many people prefer fixed-rate loans because the interest rate and monthly payment of the loan are consistent throughout the loan’s life. That’s ideal for people on a tight budget who need to plan for a specific amount each month.

One common example of a fixed-rate loan is a thirty-year mortgage. With these kinds of loans, purchasers keep the same fixed payment amount for the entirety of the loan until it is completely paid off. The loan doesn’t have to be for a house, though. You can take out a loan on just about anything.

Most banks will require a statement of what the loan is for before they give you the money. As long as it’s for nothing illegal, and you have the income that shows you can make the payments, you should be good to go for whatever it is.

Interest rates depend on the loan amount and your credit score. As a rule, the larger your monthly payment, the lower your interest rate. In other words, the quicker you pay off the fixed-rate loan, the less interest you’ll pay in total.

Fixed-Rate Loan vs. Seller Financing

Many vendors will offer in-house financing for their items. This is tempting because you don’t have to wait for loan approval and experience that instant gratification.

However, before you commit to seller financing, it is in your best interest to explore other loan options. With a personal loan, you will get a better interest rate. That results in a lower overall purchase cost.

With a personal loan, you can decide how much money you need to make the purchase. Instead of financing the entire purchase, you can finance only part of the purchase.

Seller financing typically has much higher interest rates. So, if you do not plan on paying off the loan within a short amount of time, you will end up paying more in the end.

With a fixed-rate loan, you know exactly how much you’ll spend overall on the purchase before you sign the contract, no matter how long it takes you to pay the loan.

What to Consider Before Getting a Personal Loan

Before getting a personal loan from a bank, it’s a good idea to determine a few things. First, figure out how much money you need to borrow. Most lenders have a minimum requirement for personal loans. Some minimums are as low as $500. However, others are twice that.

You don’t want to take out a loan that’s bigger than you need. If your loan is under $500, consider other options.

Before you qualify for a loan, consider how long it will take to pay off. Some loans can be paid off in a matter of months, others years. Depending on your monthly payments and the loan amount, you have to decide how long you’re willing to take.

Finally, the most important factor to consider is whether or not you can afford the monthly payments. No matter how big or small the payment is, you have to pay it every month on time to avoid extra fees.

Credit Scores and Loans

Your credit score determines the kind of rate you get on the loan. It could also determine what kind of loans you have access to. If your credit score is too low for the kind of loan you want, you have two options. You can wait to make the purchase and build up your credit in the meantime. Or, you could have a co-signer on the loan.

Another thing to think about is how the loan will affect your credit. If you don’t have much credit, having a loan and paying it off may improve your credit.

As long as you pay the monthly payments every month on time (or if you pay the loan off early), your credit score shouldn’t be negatively affected.

Paying Off Credit Card Debt With a Personal Loan

If you have several maxed-out credit cards, you can use a fixed rate personal loan to consolidate the debt into one payment. Since fixed-rate loans have better interest rates and lower fees than credit cards, this can save you some money as well.

Some loan companies will pay the loan money directly to the credit card company. That way, you only have to worry about paying the one fixed-rate payment a month.

Other people choose to refinance their student loans into fixed-rate personal loans. This is an option for people who cannot afford their previous monthly rates. However, this keeps you from taking advantage of any government assistance with your student loan. So, whether that is helpful to you or not depends on the amount of student debt left on the loan.

Find More Finance Advice

If you’re thinking about making a purchase, consider all your options. Before you go through with seller financing, look into your fixed-rate personal loan options. That could save you money and hassle in the future.

Before settling on a loan, make sure you can afford the monthly payments, check your credit score, and ensure you have a regular, reliable income. If you do those things, a fixed rate personal loan is a good option for you.

If you found this article helpful, visit our blog for more financial advice.