Finance Archives - Page 6 of 17

Private money lending is a great way to get funding for your investment projects without going through a bank. Private lenders are individuals or companies willing to lend money to people for a specific purpose, usually investment-related.

Loan by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free.org

The benefits of private money lending are that it is usually a faster and easier process than going through a bank, and the requirements are often less strict. Private lenders like Bugis Credit are also typically more flexible regarding repayment terms.

If you’re considering applying for a loan through private money lending, you should consider a few things.

1. A Simplified Loan Process

A simplified loan process is a transaction with fewer requirements for both the borrower and the lender. It can mean a faster, more effortless transaction for all parties involved.

In the simplified loan process, borrowers need to furnish fewer requirements. The entire process is faster and more accessible for all parties involved. It is because there’s consent between two parties – the lender and the borrower. As long as the property is available to be used as collateral, nothing delays the issuance of the loan money. So borrowers can enjoy better facilities and conventional loan benefits with this type of transaction.

If you’re considering a private loan, be sure to:

Research different lenders
Compare interest rates
Consider the repayment terms
Read the fine print

When you’re ready to start the loan procedures, the simplified process offered by private lenders may be the best option for you.

2. Determine If You Qualify

It is essential to determine if you qualify. To qualify for a private loan, you’ll need to have:

A good credit score
A steady income
Equity in your property

If you have a history of bad credit, there is no need to be concerned – there are still options available to you. Some private lenders work with borrowers with less-than-perfect credit as long as they have equity in their property.

Keep in mind that lenders can have different requirements, so it’s essential to do your research and find one that’s a good fit for you.

Once you’ve found a trustworthy and reliable lender like Bugis Credit, the next step is to fill out an application. The application process is generally straightforward, and you can usually do it all online.

Once you’ve submitted the paperwork, the lender will review it and decide. If you’re approved for a loan, the money will be deposited into your account, and you can start using it right away.

3. Time Required To Have The Money Credited

Private lenders typically deposit the money into your account within a few days, so you can start using it right away.

The great thing about private money lending is that it’s a fast and easy process. There are fewer requirements, and the entire process is easier for all parties involved.

4. How You Use The Money

Now that you have the money, it’s time to put it to good use. Remember, private lenders are typically more flexible regarding repayment terms. So, if you need, you can usually negotiate a longer repayment period.

Things to consider:

What is your exit strategy?
How will you make payments?
What are the risks involved?

To repay your loan, you need to have a solid plan. It will help you avoid any complications down the road. Having a plan can also make financial planning in the long-term easier for you, as you don’t constantly have to be wondering how much money should be used for your loan and other requirements.

5. The Process Of Repaying Your Loan

Once you’ve used the cash from your loan, it’s time to repay it. Private lenders typically have more flexible repayment terms, so you can usually negotiate a more extended repayment period.

Remember to have a solid financial plan before you start making payments. It will help you avoid any complications down the road. Private lenders are typically more flexible when you’re ready to repay your loan. It means you can usually negotiate a longer repayment period. If you are facing issues paying back your loan, it is crucial to contact your private lender to let them know when you can pay.

If you’re thinking of borrowing money from a private money lender, research different options, compare interest rates, and consider the repayment terms. Once you’re ready, the simplified process offered by private lenders may be the best option for you.

You can get the capital you require in no time and easily, with fewer requirements and a shorter timeline. So, if you’re looking around for the ideal loan, be sure to consider a private lender like Bugis Credit. You may be shocked at how fast and straightforward the process can be.

Finance

How to Start Building Wealth as a Young Adult

ByCFI.co

Are you struggling with your finances?

A study shows that 6 out of 10 young people lack financial education. This leads many youths to make poor financial choices, credit, and investment decisions. This is why it’s crucial to learn basic financial knowledge early in your life.

Doing so allows you to make better financial decisions and apply effective management. Moreover, it can guarantee a stable, stress-free, and better future. Read on to discover some budgeting tips and start building wealth at a young age.

1. Set Your Financial Goals

Setting financial goals is essential when you plan to build wealth. It allows you to create a plan, track your progress, and stay motivated. Moreover, you make effective management that can boost financial health.

Keep note of your monthly income, expenditures, and other monetary activities. It must show that your finances can reach the target goal.

First, set a definite amount and time frame for reaching your goal. For example, you must save $15,000 by the end of the year. With this, you can determine the amount you to save from your monthly income until the year ends.

Next, assess the effectiveness of the saving system you follow. Then, adjust if you find it hard to stick with it. Consider categorizing your goals into short-term and long-term for easy tracking.

2. Budget Your Finances

Create a budget for your finances when building wealth. It ensures you earn more, spend less, and make wise investments. Budgeting allows you to track expenses and follow a plan that results in financial order.

Create a budget plan based on your income and expenditure. It determines the distribution of your finances in categories. You must identify and rank expenses depending on your priorities, too.

The budgeting techniques you can try are the cash system and the 50/30/20 rule. Each method offers ways to distribute and spend your money.

The cash system makes use of cash and disallows credit cards. It allows easy financial tracking. Moreover, the cash system makes you spend less.

Distribute your finances into 3 categories for the 50/30/20 rule. Allot 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.

3. Start Saving Now

Growing old does not mean you’ll eventually build wealth over time. You need to be proactive in saving to see substantial results.

First, identify the things that need funding. Ensure to categorize them into short-term and long-term goals. Then, estimate the amount of money you need and the time to reach your goal.

What are things you need to save for as a young adult?

Saving for retirement is vital to guarantee a comfortable life in the future. With this, open an Individual Savings Account or contribute to a retirement plan. You can ask your company if they offer company-sponsored plans.

Unforeseen events, such as unemployment, can exhaust your finances. Thus, consider opening an emergency fund to cover the expenses. Many experts recommend saving up at least 3 months or 6 months’ worth of living expenses.

4. Take Risks

A survey shows that only 23% of respondents consider investing in the stock market. Many hesitate to invest because of fluctuating stocks. With this, they lose opportunities that can boost financial worth.

Note that a declining market provides benefits, too. It’s the best time to invest and buy more shares because of their low value. You can expect a high return and portfolio growth once the market recovers.

Don’t be afraid to consider investing in the stock market. Keep note that you can earn more if you invest earlier. You can ask for financial advice from a Registered Investment Advisor, too.

5. Pay and Avoid Debts

Unpaid debt can build up and exhaust all your available funds. Most of them demand monthly instalment payments and carry high-interest rates. You must pay your debts to prevent using all your money as payment and save more.

Moreover, financial responsibilities increase as you grow older. It makes it hard to manage your finances. Borrowing small amounts when you need it is okay, but try not to fall into a pit of debt.

Stick to your budget, prioritize your needs, and only pay using cash. Being debt-free gives you financial freedom and security.

6. Keep Expenses Low

You can categorize expenses into fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs refer to predictable expenses incurred, such as rent, subscriptions, and insurance. In contrast, groceries and repair fees are variable expenses that can change.

Reduce costs to allot more into your savings and investments. First, categorize expenses and rank them based on their relevance. Then, decide on the items to remove.

For example, you pay a fixed rate for your internet connection and music subscription. The internet connection is a necessity while the latter is a want.

7. Note Your Expenses

Noting every expense is one practice that helps in building wealth. It reflects spending habits that you can use to develop effective financial management. Moreover, it can determine your progress.

You can create a system using a spreadsheet or use a logbook to note expenses. Ask and keep receipts for every transaction. Spare at least 10 minutes of your time at night to input everything.

Check your list every week to assess your spending habits. You must determine if there are changes in prices, too. Adjust your budget, if necessary, based on your notes.

8. Explore More

Never rely on one source of income if you plan to build wealth. Try exploring other streams to generate more finances. Turn your interest or hobby into another source of livelihood.

You can find freelancing jobs on the web that fit your skills. Try opening a small business in your local community, too. Venturing into another job protects you from losses and boosts your financial health.

Building Wealth at a Young Age

Building wealth can seem like a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. The number of expenses increases as you grow older. Create a plan to manage your finances early to enjoy a stress-free and better life in the future.

Be smart with your money and invest in your future. You can contact us here for queries on finance, wealth management, and investments.

Finance

Financial Tips : Are Banks Still Relevant in This Cryptocurrency Era?

ByCFI.co

Did you know that experts expect Bitcoin’s value could multiply to twenty-five times its current value within the next decade?

Cryptocurrencies are growing in popularity around the world every day. This is making many people want to know how valuable they will be in the future. When making investment decisions you shouldn’t act on impulse and should instead make decisions that are based on logic and strategy.

This is why it’s important to know whether banks are going to matter in the future. To make you make sense of the future of money, we’ve created a guide of the top financial tips about banking and cryptocurrencies.

Why Banks Are Important Today

Banks are able to store currencies and provide consumers with security. When you open a bank account and deposit money, you can rest assured that your money is safe. This is because banks are FDIC-insured.

They’re also able to keep records of your transactions. This oftentimes includes things like processing activity from credit and debit cards.

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll never have a problem taking money from your account in different currencies. All you need to do is withdraw cash from an ATM.

Those who want to buy a house usually need help from banks so that they can get mortgages. New business owners also need banks if they want to get lines of credit to get financing for making investments.

Where Traditional Banks Fall Short

The financial crisis of two thousand and eight showed consumers that the world’s banking system has weaknesses. This inspired many people to develop new ways to work with finances such as Satoshi Nakamoto, who invented Bitcoin.

One of the reasons Bitcoin has soared in popularity is that it didn’t need to incorporate traditional banking into its process. Here are other ways that banking falls short.

Lack of Accessibility

You’re out of luck if you want to visit your local bank teller during the weekend because they’re only open on weekdays. Banks also make it difficult for those who need to make big transactions. Instead of doing this online, you have to go in person to visit a branch.

Inclusion

Traditional banking systems are set up to reward those who certain groups and people. These people receive incentives such as soft loans, longer payment durations, and better interest rates. This unfair system is exclusive and ineffective.

Problems with Security

Skilled con artists can easily hack banking websites and mobile apps. This is why so many people get money stolen from their bank accounts. Traditional banking systems are also vulnerable to fraud and embezzlement.

Not only is this a problem for consumers but it’s also an issue for insurance companies that offer fraud protection.

Higher Feed and Slower Transaction Speeds

Traditional banks have many unnecessary fees and taxes on transactions. Most banks charge their customers for withdrawing cash from ATMs that are out of their networks. It’s also common for banks to charge high fees on international transactions and wire transfers.

Banking systems also run on ineffective digital systems. This means that they have slow protocols, which means it can take a long time to send and receive money.

How Cryptocurrencies Are Better Than Traditional Banking

There are many ways that cryptocurrencies function more effectively than traditional banking systems.

Many people choose to use cryptocurrencies to make transactions because they are more efficient and have lower transaction fees. Here are more top ways that cryptocurrencies can make traditional banking obsolete.

They Are Decentralized

There is no third party that controls cryptocurrencies. This means that there are fewer human interactions involved in making transactions, which means that they are less biased.

Since anonymous identification numbers are all that are used for making transactions, it’s safer and more reliable to do business with cryptocurrencies than with banking.

Fewer Concerns About Security

Those who understand the importance of financial planning are probably concerned by traditional banking’s lack of security. Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, operate on blockchain technology. This means that their systems are nearly impossible to hack.

The Ability to Make Smart Contracts

One of the greatest benefits of cryptocurrencies is that they let people create smart contracts. These smart contracts don’t need humans to create or process them because computers do all of the work. This means that they are reliable and easy to create.

Fast Transaction Speeds

It’s possible to process many more transactions by using cryptocurrencies than it is with traditional financial systems. This is because there are many protocols that traditional banks need to use to make transactions. By using cryptocurrencies, it’s possible to make transactions that are almost instantaneous.

Why the World Still Needs Banks

Even though the age of cryptocurrency is changing how people handle their money, there are still many reasons why to believe in the importance of banks.

People still need to use traditional banks to do certain kinds of investment banking. This is because it’s not possible to use cryptocurrencies to do things such as underwriting and overseeing acquisitions. This is a type of work that humans need to do.

It’s also not possible for cryptocurrencies to mimic the vital operations of central banks. This means that there is nobody to set interest rates or control inflation.

Make Use of Top Financial Tips in the Cryptocurrency Era

If you’re worried that banks will become obsolete because of the rise of cryptocurrencies, remember that there are many important things cryptocurrencies can’t do that banks can do. People still need banks to offer things like loans and mortgages. It’s also important to have a central bank to keep control of inflation and set interest rates.

CFI is a great resource for those who want to find out about finance and banking trends. If you have any questions feel free to contact us. And if you’d like to receive financial tips from CFI don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter.

Accounting

Why Should You Automate Invoice Processing?

ByCFI.co Blogger

Businesses and organizations process more than a billion invoices annually, and studies show that this number could increase four times by 2035. Fortunately, the growing adoption of procurement technology can help chief procurement officers, suppliers, and accounts payable teams handle this number. Currently, 89% of U.S businesses have adopted digital-first strategies, which include automated invoice processing.

Electronic invoicing is part of AP automation that has proved to be a viable solution to the many challenges associated with invoicing. Outlined below are a few reasons why businesses should take advantage of artificial intelligence in their invoicing processes.

1. Time-saving

Before the inception of accounts payable automation, the typical invoicing procedure was as follows:

The supplier starts by generating the invoice
The supplier then sends the invoice to the buyer
The buyer prints the invoice
Buyer enters and reviews invoice data
The buyer approves the supplier’s invoice and writes a check
The buyer mails the check to the supplier

Along this process, expect some back and forth between the supplier and buyer if the invoice has discrepancies. That said, the entire accounts payable process may take between 30 and 90 days, including room for errors in the cycle.

Contrastingly, with automated invoicing solutions, approval takes minutes without human intervention. Automated invoices eliminate the lengthy process, reduce errors, and thus eliminate the possibility of late payments. A study by Atradius shows that 87.6% of Western European businesses and 90% of U.S businesses report regular late payments due to past-due invoices.

2. Saves on cost

The Institute of Finance and Management estimates that businesses spend between $1 and $21 for invoice processing. These estimations were done by dividing the cost of maintaining accounts payable staff by the number of invoices processed within a given period.

Similarly, an Ardent Partner study estimated the average cost of automated invoice processing to be $11.57. This includes overheads, labor costs, and technology. Switching to automated processes reduces printing costs, labor expenditures, mailing overhead, and possibly late fees.

3. Improve efficiency

Human error in business processes cannot be avoided. Interestingly, more than 16% and 15% of late payments in the U.S and Western Europe respectively stem from inaccurate invoices. Fortunately, automating invoice processing can improve invoice accuracy, consistency, reporting, transparency, and general accountability.

Improving efficiencies of your finance department frees your accounts payable teams to focus on other important tasks. The business also grows safely, with surety that the digitized system can handle the increasing amount of invoices accurately.

4. Improved compliance

Invoice is among the key documents used as evidence of tax compliance. It also helps validate tax audits, which may be conducted years after a business transaction. Initially, businesses relied on paper documentation, which is most likely to be misplaced. Businesses also had to hire storage facilities and warehouse boxes to store their paid invoices.

On the other hand, copies of invoices are submitted online with automated AP. Original documents can also be submitted to tax authorities with ease. Purchase orders are quickly converted into an invoice, eliminating the risks of manual discrepancies.

Endnote

Invoice management is an important part of financial planning. Members of the AP team can attest that invoice management can take a toll on people, time, and financial resources. Most businesses don’t achieve invoice efficiency for these reasons, affecting business cash flow and bottom line. Shifting to automated invoice processing, saves on cost, and boosts data visibility.

Finance

Collateral Loans: Everything You Need to Know

ByCFI.co

Do you need cash for an urgent expense but you don’t want to max out your credit card? Collateral loans may offer you the money you urgently need but under some conditions.

Loans with collateral enable you to secure the borrowed amount at a low-interest rate. It’s, therefore, a lot easier to get a loan when you put up collateral like your car or home. However, you risk losing the valuable asset if you default on the loan.

You’d want the best possible rate when shopping for a collateral loan. Understanding how this type of funding works can help you negotiate an ideal repayment period. Read on to learn how loans with collateral work and how to find one.

What is a Collateral Loan?

It’s also referred to as a secured loan. This is a loan with collateral and is usually guaranteed by a valuable asset you own. The lender has every right to withhold the collateral if you default multiple repayments. In this case, the collateral can be your car, real estate, or piece of jewellery.

Collateral loans offer larger loan amounts and lower interest rates, unlike unsecured loans. They can be your best option if you have an unsteady or short credit history. If your income level doesn’t qualify you for an unsecured loan, you may also take one.

Common Types of Collateral Loans

The common types of loans with collateral include residential mortgages, home equity loans, and auto loans. Others include car title loans and personal loans.

The lender will use your house as collateral when taking a residential mortgage. You risk losing the property in foreclosure if you fail to repay the loan. Like a mortgage, a home equity loan is taken against a house and features a fixed interest rate.

Auto loans have the best interest rates and use the vehicle you intend to buy as collateral. On the other hand, car title loans have a repayment period of 30 days and are borrowed against a car title. If you’d like to use your personal savings account as collateral when you need a loan, taking a fixed personal loan may help.

How Do Collateral Loans Work?

Expect to find more attractive loan terms and conditions when taking a collateral loan. You’ll enjoy a lower interest rate, a longer repayment term, and a large borrowing amount.

The lender will take some time to determine your collateral’s worth. They’ll look at the asset’s fair market value or appraise it in the process.

The rates for this kind of loan depend on the kind of collateral you want to use. Residential mortgages have a typical rate of 3 per cent, while home equity loans vary from 3 to 10 per cent. Car title loans come with rates between 4 to 15 per cent depending on the lender.

Expect to pay an interest rate of up to 25 per cent per month on a car title loan. The rates for a personal loan are between 9 to 22 per cent.

Their Pros and Cons

Taking a loan with collateral is one of the effective ways to borrow money. However, this type of funding carries certain benefits and risks that you should consider.

On the positive side, the likelihood to qualify for the loan is high even with a short credit history. You may also be eligible for a large amount or even borrow more. Loans with collateral offer short-term liquidity on assets you can’t easily convert into cash.

One downside of a collateral loan is that you could lose your valuable asset for failing to repay the loan. The lender will also require you to have a valuable item to use as collateral.

Always review the prepayment penalties before taking any loan with collateral. Since the funding won’t offer a permanent solution to your cash flow problems, develop an exit strategy. Use the amount for a specified goal and pay it off when you can.

Where to Find a Collateral Loan

Though most financial institutions offer loans with collateral, their rates and terms may vary. Consider banks, credit unions, online lenders, and auto dealers in your search for one. You may also visit storefronts like pawn shops for the same, but with very high-interest rates.

A bank can give you this type of loan if you have an existing account with them. If you’d like a car loan, some banks may restrict you on the car’s model, make, year, and mileage.

Credit unions, which boast low rates, can offer you one only if you’re a member. Some online lenders offer collateral loans if you provide proof of ownership to the collateral. You may also get one from an auto dealership to buy a car of your choice, provided you have strong credit.

How to Apply For One

As you apply for a collateral loan, check your credit, choose the collateral and gather relevant documents. Shop around for favourable rates, choose a lender and apply

for the loan.

You may qualify for the loan with a short credit history, so always ensure your credit reflects the lender’s terms. With good credit, it’s easier to get low rates and favourable repayment terms. Choose an asset to use as collateral and avail your personal information to the lender.

When shopping around for the best rates, get multiple quotes and choose one that fits your needs. After applying, you may receive the money within a day or several weeks if it’s a mortgage.

Consequences for Defaulting on a Collateral Loan

Most lenders may consider the loan default after 30 days of missing a payment. They may allow a short grace period and an opportunity for you to adjust the payment plan.

If you fail to pay the loan with all the incentives, you’ll lose the asset. Carefully lead the contract to understand the payment obligations and review your local laws on the same.

Need More Insights on Collateral Loans?

Though they bear some risk, collateral loans can help you solve an urgent financial issue. They boast low-interest rates and are easy to obtain. Understand their terms before applying for them to avoid losing your most valuable assets.

Find more insightful content on finance, economics, and business from the CFI.co blog. We help readers understand the forces that influence and reshape the global economy. To receive a yearly subscription of 4 quarterly issues at your doorstep, subscribe to CFI print magazine.

Budgeting

How to Manage Your Money While Studying

ByCFI.co Blogger

When you’re a student, money can feel like it doesn’t go a long way and is incredibly hard to come by. Managing your money well while studying isn’t always easy, and many students struggle to keep on top of their finances. Whether you’re thinking about studying or you’re partway through your degree, there are several things that can help you to manage your money effectively.

Decide Whether a Student Loan is Right for You

Deciding whether a student loan is right for you can help you to prioritise what you spend your money on. Many students in the UK are eligible for a student loan, which can help to pay for tuition fees as well as accommodation and other student necessities. Some students may also be eligible for certain bursaries, which do not need to be repaid. Taking out student loans if you are eligible can take away some of the stress of studying and help you to cover some of the major costs associated with going to university. Furthermore, you can also ask your university whether it offers bursaries for low-income students, you can apply for government loans or you can look for the best private loans based on your income level.

Look Out For Student Discounts

Many activities, from transport to dining out and shopping, often come with student discounts. This can help you to save a substantial amount of money over the course of your studies, particularly if you regularly travel home or eat out with friends and other students.

You will often need to show a student ID card in order to be eligible for a student discount. Make sure you are able to collect a card from your university to enable you to prove your student status and make the most of offers and deals. If you’re studying online, contact the university to ask how you can obtain your student ID card.

Study From Home

Studying from home can save you a lot of money in a variety of ways. For example, you could save money on commuting to and from university every day, or reduce the amount of money you might spend on food and drinks outside of the home. You can consider studying online for a degree, which can reduce tuition fees while giving you the flexibility to study from home. Studying an online MBA programme at Aston University, for example, can enable you to attain the degree you want while enjoying the perks of studying from home. It is an increasingly popular choice with first-time students, as well as postgraduate students and mature students returning to education after several years.

Avoid Getting Into Debt

Debt will mean that you have to make monthly payments to pay it off, creating additional costs that can start to interfere with your studies and put you under financial stress. If you already have debt before you begin studying, try to pay off some of the debt beforehand. If this isn’t possible, consider contacting a debt helpline to find out how you might be able to put your debt on hold while studying. You may be able to reduce payments or commit to paying off the debt after you graduate.

Avoid getting into debt while studying, and if you need money for an emergency, ask trusted friends and family or look for credit cards that are offered specifically for students. Student credit cards will often have a lower credit limit, which means you can’t get into huge amounts of debt. Many banks also offer a lower interest rate for student credit cards, helping you to keep monthly costs lower.

Find a Housemate

Living on your own while studying can be financially impossible and cause stress and anxiety when trying to manage your finances. If you’re moving away to study or your income is being reduced while you’re studying, find a housemate who can split the rent and household bills with you. Many students choose this option as it enables them to save a huge amount of money each month. Finding another student can also reduce other household bills such as council tax.

Track Your Spending

Keeping track of your spending can help you to understand more about your spending habits and see where you can make savings. It can help you to monitor your spending if you’re making large purchases, or help you to see where smaller purchases really start to add up over a few weeks. You can keep track of your spending either by using an online platform or app, or by keeping a note of it using a pen and paper.

Sign Up For Student Deals

Some websites and companies offer deals especially for students. You can sign up to receive notifications and alerts when new deals become available, which can help you to stay up-to-date with all the latest savings on the market. You may be able to save money on subscription services and streaming services, shopping for books and clothes, and buying new electrical devices. Look online and ask friends for their top tips on how to save money and make the most of student deals.

Don’t Buy More Than You Need

When it comes to clothing, kitchenware, food and more, many people have a tendency to buy more than they need. This can create a surplus in your home, and it can also mean that you’re spending money on things you don’t necessarily need. Rather than buying a large quantity of food each week, assess how much you really need to buy. Don’t buy enough food to cook every day of the week if you plan to dine out for two or three days. By being honest and accurate about what you do need, you can help to manage your funds better while studying and save money in the process.

Being a student can take a lot of money away from you and make it feel impossible to ever save any money. But certain habits can help you to manage your money and keep on top of your finances in a better way.

Bonds

How to Invest in Bonds: A Beginner’s Guide

ByCFI.co

Investing in bonds provides low-risk cash flow for your portfolio. You can invest in various types of bonds.

Corporate bonds give you access to companies. These bonds come with higher risk but also higher interest rates.

Cities, states, and local governments issue municipal bonds. These bonds come with fewer risks and, therefore, lower rates.

The Federal Government also issues bonds. Their Treasury bonds come with the least risk.

This structure translates into the lowest interest rates.

Each of these bonds can bolster your portfolio. However, knowing the types of bonds only presents a starting point. Gaining additional insights will help you make smarter investing decisions.

Want to learn how to invest in bonds? This article will cover everything you need to know.

How to Invest in Bonds

You can either invest in bonds via a broker or ETF. Brokers let you buy individual bonds in increments of $1,000.

Brokers give you access to corporate, municipal, and treasury bonds. You can also purchase treasury bonds directly from the government’s website.

You cannot spend $100 or $1,400 on individual bonds. You must invest $1,000 at the minimum.

Not everyone likes the high entry point for bonds. Bond ETFs offer a reliable solution. Instead of buying bonds, you buy a basket of bonds.

You can purchase fractional shares of an ETF instead of entire shares. You can get started with an ETF of bonds for as little as $1.

Can the Issuer Pay off the Bond?

When you buy bonds, you must consider an issuer’s ability to make interest payments. Higher risk translates into higher interest rates. This phenomenon explains why treasury yields are so low.

You can make more money with non-defaulting corporate bonds. Review a company’s balance sheet to see if it can cover interest payments. A company’s obligations and growth potential impact its ability to cover the debt.

Establish Your Risk Tolerance

Not every bondholder invests in corporate bonds. Some investors believe these bonds carry significant risks not worth the risks. These investors will focus on Treasury and municipal bonds.

Other investors believe T-bills and municipal bonds carry insufficient potential. They don’t want to park their money for years in exchange for a low return. These investors will take on riskier assets such as corporate bonds.

Before investing in bonds, assess your risk tolerance. Your risk tolerance determines how much risk your portfolio can bear.

Risk tolerance is personal for each investor. Your personal budget plays a critical role in determining which assets you select.

Younger investors often invest in riskier assets. They have more income potential and time to weather downturns.

Older investors tend to pick low-risk assets that produce minor gains. Growth is better than no growth for these investors. Some of them have their eyes on retirement and don’t want to rock the boat.

Bond Maturities

Bond maturities indicate how long a company has to pay off the principal fully. Bonds with higher maturities take longer to pay in full.

Issuers reward long-term bondholders with higher interest rates. A 5-year bond will have a higher interest rate than a 2-year bond.

Higher rates will increase your cash flow. However, it takes longer to receive your principal.

Bond investors should also review inflation rates. A bond yielding 2% will lose money because inflation outpaces the yield.

This issue always concerns bondholders. However, today’s inflation growth makes it more glaring.

You can get higher returns with corporate bonds and stretched-out maturities. Some investors buy into a combination of short-term and long-term bonds.

This strategy gives them access to some of their initial principal each year.

Bondholders often reinvest their principal proceeds into other bonds. They will do the same with interest payments.

If interest payments do not provide enough cash flow to buy a bond, you can buy Bond ETFs.

Selling Bonds to Realize Your Gain or Loss

You do not have to wait for the maturity date to cash out on your bond. Some investors prefer to sell their bonds before the maturity date.

They realize the gains or losses upon selling. Profits will increase your taxes, while losses count as tax deductions.

Bonds are highly liquid assets. You can quickly sell a bond, realize the proceeds, and shift to another asset. Some bondholders switch up their holdings to capitalize on better opportunities.

Why Some Investors Pick up Bond ETFs

Some bondholders prefer to own individual bonds. They want to pick the best bonds and outperform the market.

Other investors opt for bond ETFs. They don’t want to try and beat the bond market.

These investors prefer to mirror the market and reap average cash flow. Nothing is wrong with achieving average returns.

Exchange-traded funds require less work than researching individual bonds. You review an ETF’s holdings and invest if you like their assets.

You don’t have to monitor your bonds. The ETF will do that for you.

Funds buy and sell bonds based on risk tolerance and the fund’s stated objectives.

ETFs provide a passive approach to bond investing. You can contribute any amount you desire and automatically reinvest the proceeds.

Stay up to Date With Finances

Learning how to invest in bonds only represents the beginning of your journey. Strong financial habits will give you more proceeds to invest in vital assets.

Mastering your finances early in life helps with retirement in the future. Your savings will compound as you earn and save more money.

Staying on top of the best news and tricks will help with your goals. Our magazine provides expert commentary and articles to help you master your money. Read through our issues today.

Budgeting

5 Essential Budgeting Tips for Young Adults

ByCFI.co

Did you know that the overall cost of goods and services has risen, on average, about 3.5% in recent times? In many cities, the percentage is far greater. This is putting young people at a supreme disadvantage. It’s crucial for young people to start managing finances early on if they want to set themselves up for financial stability in the future, but many don’t know how to start. We’re here to help. Read on for a few budgeting tips for young people.

1. Track Spending First

Before you start writing down your budget, you need to track your spending. You can do this week-by-week, but we recommend tracking for an entire month if you want an accurate look at your current spending. After you get a good idea of how much you spend, you can start making changes.

Track every purchase, no matter how small. Because you’re tracking all of your purchases, we recommend not tracking during the holiday season. After all, it’s likely that your spending will be more significant until after the holidays are over (and that’s okay).

Write down the costs of all of your bills, reoccurring subscriptions, and anything else that’s going to stay static (or almost static) every month. Track how much you spend at the grocery store and how much you spend on other necessities like clothing and toiletries.

Track all of your excess or “luxury” spending as well. It’s likely that this changes month-to-month, but it’s a good idea to have a baseline. Add up everything and see what number you land on.

2. Create a Written Budget

After you know how much you’re spending, it’s time to create a written budget.

First: how much money does your household make each month? Take note of your net income and write it down at the top of your document. Subtract the money that you’ve spent during the last month and see how they compare.

If you’re happy with the result, you may not have to move forward. If you know that you need to be saving more money, however, move on to the next step.

Separate your budget into categories. Most people recommend starting with the 50/20/30 rule, but you can make changes to this after you start getting the hang of maintaining a budget.

Under your “necessities” category, write out the amount that you have to spend on bills. This number isn’t going to change. Then, set a budget for food, clothing, and necessary items that is lower than your current spending.

Allocate 20% of your money to savings or paying off loans right away.

Keep your budget with you. At first, it’s helpful to continue tracking every purchase, so you’re more mindful about your spending. After a while, it will become second nature.

3. Spend Less on Food (Here’s How)

Many young people struggle to save money when it comes to food. Food costs are rising worldwide, but that doesn’t mean that you have to overspend.

Look for items that are “luxury” food items and remove them from your weekly spending. You can add them back later when you figure out how to budget. This includes things like name-brand foods and takeout.

Take advantage of loyalty programs at grocery stores. You can often get personalized coupons that allow you to save money on items that you need every week.

If they’re available, use bulk bins. You can often find simple necessities like pasta, rice, and dried beans for far cheaper than they would be if they were pre-packaged.

4. Cut Luxuries and “Extras”

Until you’ve gotten a handle on your finances, it will benefit you to cut out many of the extra things in your life that you don’t need. Your goal is to live within your means so you can reach financial security.

First: look at subscriptions. How many subscription services do you currently have? Between streaming services, game subscriptions, and subscription boxes, many people are spending far more money than they think because they aren’t tracking that money.

You don’t have to cut out all of them, but cut out the ones that you’re not using as often.

If you often go out for drinks or order takeout food, this is a good time to reevaluate that habit. There’s nothing wrong with having fun with friends, but don’t do it so often that you’re spending more than your 30% “extra” budget. Prioritize and consider spending that money on something that you want more in the future.

When it comes to clothing, don’t give in to the temptation to buy new clothing every season. Not only is this a bad financial decision, but it also contributes to the harm that comes from fast fashion.

5. Automatic Savings and Investment Deposits

You’re never too young to start saving and investing. Many young people struggle to save money because they don’t know how, or they aren’t good at remembering to set money aside. Set up automatic deposits so you can put that money away as soon as you get it.

You should have a basic savings account at a reliable bank so you can save money. A good bank can also help you with managing finances. That said, savings accounts don’t often offer great interest rates, so adding in some reliable investments is important as well.

Look for safe stock opportunities. Avoid volatile or “trendy” stocks. While they often have high yields in the short term, they’re “high risk, high reward,” and most young people aren’t able to risk that much money.

If you deposit this money automatically, you’ll start building wealth with no effort.

Start Using These Budgeting Tips Today

These budgeting tips can help you save money and hopefully reach financial security in the future. Saving money starts with creating a budget. Sticking with that budget is the hard part.

Are you always on the hunt for more information about business, banking, and finances? Subscribe to cfi.co today to get 4 issues of our print magazine sent right to your door every year.

Finance

Real Estate Investing For Beginners: Expert Tips and Tricks on How to Get Started

ByCFI.co

Are you looking to get into real estate investing? Investing in real estate can give you some of the best returns on the market. But can also be one of the most stressful ways to spend your capital. Whether you want to flip real estate or get a portfolio of rental incomes, there’s a lot to think about. And if you’re new to it, property investment can seem like a daunting challenge. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Keep reading for our guide to real estate investing for beginners for some top tips and tricks.

Have Patience

When you’re starting, you’re not going to become a millionaire in a week. You’re going to need patience for your first real estate investment. Of course, there are the lucky few who strike it rich fast, but that’s not the general experience.

The first property might not be successful, and you should expect to make mistakes along the way. What makes or breaks the success of a real estate investor is how you adapt and overcome the challenges and using the right tools to to help manage your property.

Do Your Research

One of the benefits of investing in real estate is that you can take your time to do your research. Get stuck in and spend a good chunk of time researching the market before you jump into your first deal.

A big mistake people can make is jumping into the deep end without doing any research at all. This can lead to massive financial heartache and ruin. There are many real estate niches to explore, so find the one that interests you and hone in on it in detail.

Carry Out Local Networking

Get involved with local real estate investing groups. This will put you in touch with people on a similar journey to you, or who have been where you are before when starting.

You can start with a Google search that should connect you with investors in your area, looking to help. They can help explain how to invest in real estate and why you should invest in real estate.

Whether you do your networking online or in person, make it a priority. The tips, insights, and experiences you’ll learn will be invaluable for your journey. You’ll also gain contacts that could help you out along the way.

Start Small

One of the best ways to invest in real estate early on is to start small. Most people want to jump into the biggest deal they can as it will make the biggest profit. But it can make the biggest loss too and could become overwhelming fast.

Starting smaller protects your assets and gets experience under your belt. It’s the more secure investment route to take. Everyone starts somewhere, and starting small is nothing to feel bad about. A small family home or partnered venture is a great place to begin.

Make Use of Investing Tools

There are some great investment tools now for new and seasoned investors. These tools vary from networking platforms to sites to buy property online. Don’t be shy, get stuck in and test some out for yourself.

Successful investors embrace new methods and tools. They use them to drive their investments forward. But it’s trial and error, you’ll need to test a few things out to find out what works best for you.

It’s All About Location

If you’ve been a renter or a buyer at some stage, you’ll know it’s all about the location. The same is true when it comes to finding properties as an investment rather than a home.

Where a property has as much of an impact on its investment value as the actual property features. If you spot a deal that seems like it’s too good to be true, step back a moment.

Take a look into the location and research the local area. The property might tick all the right boxes and that’s great. But if it’s not in a desirable location, you might struggle to resell or rent it out.

Location can make or break the success of your investment. It’s important when you’re researching the market you look at locations then. Find ones you’re interested in, in your budget, and focus your search there.

Never Buy a Property at Market Value

An age-old rule of any investment is to buy low and sell high, the same goes for property investment. For most investors, you’ll want to rely on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to find properties to buy.

Many new investors don’t know of this and end up treating it like buying their own home. They end up paying market value, which has a huge impact on squeezing the margin for profit.

Not only does it cut into the profits of a resale, but it could cost you in rental too. It will take longer for the rental income to recover the cost of the home and take you into pure passive income.

So jump in and make that offer well below market value. Being flexible with sellers’ needs can also help. Can you offer a quick sale if they accept your lower offer? You won’t get accepted every time, but you must know how buying and selling works.

Think With Your Head Not Your Heart

One of the biggest tips we could give is to keep your emotions out of the equation. Your first investment can feel emotional, it’s important to let your head rule, not your heart.

If you make a decision based on emotion, not logic, you set yourself up for costly mistakes. The biggest traps are getting too attached to a property or thinking that there is no way you can fail.

Know When It’s Time to Walk Away

Never start the buying process without first working out many ways you can get out of that deal. It’s an essential tactic, called exit strategies. Your contract should always have many allowances that let you walk away if you need to.

Without exit strategies, you could get trapped into buying a bad property. One that costs more than you’ll make on it, putting you at a loss which is never a comfortable position to end up in.

Real Estate Investing For Beginners: Know What You’re Signing Up For

So, there you have it! Now you’ve read our guide on real estate investing for beginners, you know what to expect.

Always do your research and thorough due diligence. It’s better to wait for the right property to get started with, than rush into a bad deal. Take your time, network, and always keep your logical business head-on. Don’t get swept up in the emotion of it all.

If you’re looking for more advice on real estate investing check out our blog. We’ve got expert tips and tricks to suit all your real estate needs.

Finance

Going Global – ThirdWay Partners is Born

ByCFI.co Blogger

Going Global – Sustainability on the World Stage; ThirdWay Africa becomes ThirdWay Partners

Following ThirdWay’s ever growing global presence, the firm has been renamed as ThirdWay Partners to reflect this transition and growth.

Today, ThirdWay Africa has officially been renamed to ThirdWay Partners, reflecting the Firm’s growing global footprint. This growth is a response to the ever increasing global need to focus on incorporating innovative, sustainable thinking into the forefront of every business decision.

In practice, this means that ThirdWay Partners will bring its insight and strategic thinking on some of the 21st century’s key impact themes to its clients throughout the world. Leveraging the firm’s learnings and track record throughout the African continent, where it has successfully blended public and private capital and efforts to ensure sustainable development and impact, ThirdWay Partners will utilise the innovative solutions it has implemented for clients and partners previously across its new geographies of operation. The Firm’s DNA of ‘thinking anew; acting anew’ is weaved into this notion of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the ecosystem to create sustainable, innovative initiatives that are critical to solving the most pressing issues facing the planet today; none more important than climate change.

Commenting on the transition, ThirdWay Partner’s Founding Partner and Chairman, Alejandro A. Tawil said, “Today is an exciting time for all of those who are involved and associated with the Firm. We are looking forward to leveraging our expertise and track-record of blending public and private capital to create sustainable development and impact solutions. Given the challenges our planet faces at this moment in time, capital needs to be effectively allocated to address these issues and, in our opinion, this is the ThirdWay challenge. At ThirdWay Partners we see our role as the architects to a new model of investment strategies required for inclusive sustainable development and impact.”

ThirdWay Partner’s CEO, Goncalo Neves-Correia underscored this by saying, “businesses should not understate the market opportunity and importance of being a sustainable enterprise. We are at a moment in time where everyone needs to reconsider how their activity and operations affect the climate impact the world today faces. We are looking forward to continuing to work with our partners on a global stage to ensure them and their organisations can create and finance innovative and long-standing sustainability-led solutions across their operations.”

About ThirdWay Partners

ThirdWay Partners operates as an impact investment and advisory firm focused on creating inclusive sustainable development and impact. The Firm combines advisory services and principal investments, with a focus on development finance and impact investing opportunities. ThirdWay Partners’ proven track-record includes extensive experience across a range of advisory mandates such as capital structuring & raising, business model development, market analyses, blended finance fund design and technical assistance implementation. These advisory services are complemented by the Firm’s investment arm, which currently manages three innovative vehicles which are at the forefront in supporting the sectors of sustainable food production, conservation and local content development. www.thirdway.earth

Contact: George Arnold

Head of Business Development

ThirdWay Partners

+44 (0) 7738019796