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  • 17 Passive Income Ideas for Seniors to Boost Retirement Income

    17 Passive Income Ideas for Seniors to Boost Retirement Income

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    Retirement can be a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor, but for many seniors, the reality is that their fixed income is not enough to sustain their desired lifestyle. That’s where passive income comes in. It requires little to no effort to maintain and can provide a consistent revenue stream for retirees. In this article, we’ll explore several passive income ideas that seniors can use to boost their retirement income and live more comfortably and securely.


    Due – Due

    Passive Income Ideas for Seniors to Boost Retirement Income

    1. Sell Your Product on Etsy or Amazon.

    If you have a knack for developing unique products, consider selling them on Etsy or Amazon. This can provide a passive income stream as people purchase your products.

    One of the benefits of selling products on Etsy or Amazon as a senior is that it can be done from your home with an internet connection.

    To get started, you’ll need to create an account on Etsy or Amazon and set up your online store. You’ll also need to decide what products you want to sell and source them from suppliers. Once your store is set up, and you have products to sell, you’ll need to start marketing and promoting your store to drive traffic and sales. 

    2. Create a Youtube Channel.

    If you have a talent or hobby that you enjoy sharing with others, you can create a YouTube channel and monetize your videos with ads. For example, you can create a YouTube channel if you know lost and rare recipes. You can share those recipes on your channel and make a good amount of money over time.

    3. Invest in a Franchise

    Investing in a franchise can provide a passive income stream through the profits earned by the business. While it requires an upfront investment, a franchise can provide a proven business model and support system, making it easier to generate passive income.

    4. Rent out Your Equipment or Car

    Put your imagination to use. You may own a boat, bicycle, stroller, surfboard, ladder, camera gear, and a wide range of power tools.

    You can locate people who occasionally require such products but don’t want to own them by using peer-to-peer renting websites like the ones listed below:

    • RVshare (recreational vehicles)
    • ShareGrid (camera equipment)
    • Turo (cars)
    • Boatsetter (boats)

    Whatever you rent, keep in mind that standard insurance might not cover the use of your property for commercial purposes. Consult your insurance agent if you need a separate policy because an insurance rider may cover some things.

    5. Create and Sell an E-book

    If you enjoy writing and have expertise on a particular topic, you can create and sell an e-book as a source of passive income. E-books are digital books that can be read on electronic devices like tablets and smartphones, and they have become a popular way for people to share their knowledge and experiences with others. To create and sell an e-book, you’ll need to create the course once, and it can be sold to multiple students over time.

     6. Invest in Peer-to-peer Lending

    Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending allows people to lend money to borrowers without needing a traditional financial institution. P2P lending platforms like Lending Club and Prosper allow investors to browse through loan listings and select the loans they want to fund. 

    As a lender, you’ll earn interest on the loans you fund, and this interest can provide a passive income stream for retirees. P2P lending carries some risk, as there is the potential for default. 

    However, by diversifying your investments across multiple loans, you can minimize this risk and still generate a decent return on your investment.

    7. Open a Dropshipping Store.

    A dropshipping store can be a good way for seniors to generate passive income. Here’s how it works: a dropshipping store is an online store that allows you to sell products without stocking inventory. Instead, when a customer orders a product, you purchase it from a third-party supplier and have it shipped directly to the customer. 

    This means you don’t have to worry about the overhead costs of maintaining a physical inventory or the hassle of fulfilling orders yourself. You can focus on marketing and customer service while the supplier handles the rest.

    One of the benefits of starting a dropshipping store as a senior is that it can be done from the farthest corner of the world with an internet connection, so it’s a flexible option for those who may not be able to work a traditional job. It can also be a low-risk way to start a business, as you don’t have to invest a lot of money upfront to get started.

    8. Earn Points for Using Your Credit Card.

    In the last decade, credit cards have become synonymous with debt. Whenever you type credit card, the search engines give you results on how Americans are past due on their payments and enrolling in debt settlement programs to get back on the right financial track. But that doesn’t have to be the way. Retirees can use credit cards to generate passive income. But how to do it?

    If you use credit cards for shopping, please ensure you earn financial rewards. You decide how the award will appear. Some folks have a thing for air miles. Some people get incentives in cash or as a credit on their monthly account.

    The variety of rewards credit cards and their benefits and drawbacks may be overwhelming. Read how reward programs work and take advantage of them judiciously.

    9. Wrap Advertisements around Your Car.

    With the help of businesses like Carvertise, you can turn your car into a moving billboard. They’ll pay you for the right to display repositionable business advertising stickers on your car.

    You can make between $100 and $400 monthly, depending on how often and where you drive. A clean driving record and a car with its original paint job are prerequisites.

    Pro tip: Scams involving auto advertising are common. Here’s how you can stay safe and protected:

    • A legitimate business won’t ask for an application fee and will offer a phone line for customer support where you can speak with a live person.
    • The company should pay for the cost of wrapping the car.
    • Any organization that doesn’t inquire about your driving history, auto insurance, travel patterns, or vehicle type should be avoided at all costs.

    10. Make an App

    One of those minds thinks, “There should be a better way to accomplish (something) — and I think I know what it is!”. If so, developing an app might result in additional revenue.

    It might also generate nothing at all. But as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

    For instance, personal finance author Jackie Beck, who paid off $147,000 in debt, utilized her knowledge to develop the “Pay Off Debt” app.

    Unable to code? There are app builder services. You can get help from them.

    It’s likely that you already regularly utilize a variety of apps. You can establish a resource that will support you financially for the rest of your life if you can develop a novel idea into a usable app.

    This kind of technological asset has paid off handsomely for many diligent inventors, whether you’re into games or are looking for a workable solution to an issue that has motivated you to take action.

    11. Become a Package ‘receiver.’

    Okay, this theory hasn’t been tested yet. But the moment for this solution has come. The rise of internet shopping has benefited burglars, who find it simple to steal items placed outside the front doors before the intended recipients arrive home from work.

    By positioning yourself as a “professional package receiver,” you might be able to contribute to stopping those petty crooks. 

    Do this: Spread the word about your availability to take deliveries among your friends, on social media, and in your place of worship. You might keep an eye on the delivery company’s tracking information and plan to be at the recipient’s house to receive the item if it is for someone in your neighborhood. Alternatively, you could request that packages be sent to you, the Professional Package Receiver, the Original-Recipient, c/o.

    Before requesting a price of, say, $1 per package, find out how much the service is worth to the person who wishes to hire you. You might be taken aback if someone replies, “I’ll give you $5.” Decide if you’ll charge per order or per package and whether you’ll impose a weight restriction, such as no parcels weighing more than 30 pounds.

    12. Selling Your Pictures

    Almost everyone can now take good photos, thanks to smartphones. The next time you snap a picture of an amazing sunset or a cute kid and dog scene, share it with others. You may sell it with the aid of apps like Foap, which is accessible for Apple and Android devices.

    You can perform much better if you have a nice digital SLR camera, a tripod, and other tools. Selling photos on virtually any topic is possible through stock photo agencies like Shutterstock and iStockphoto, emphasizing high-definition, high-quality images.

    13. Create a Course Online

    Why not make money off of your knowledge if it is useful? You can create a course that might alter someone’s life, either professionally or personally, with the aid of websites like Teachable and Thinkific.

    Be aware that online courses cover more than just computer-related subjects. A brief search reveals courses on:

    • Cake-making
    • Watercolors
    • Drone-based filmmaking
    • Free-diving
    • Blacksmithing
    • Yoga
    • Parenting
    • Fiction writing

    This is only the beginning. A course will require some labor to create, just like an e-book. However, once it is up, the work is finished.

     14. Sell Goods through Vending Machines

    A profitable chance to sell anything, from food and drinks to t-shirts passively, is provided by vending machines. While there is frequently an upfront cost, a good placement will quickly pay for the machine. Even lower initial costs can be provided by refurbished equipment.

    Certain suppliers would give you a machine for free if you just sold their goods. One business that will provide a free machine to suppliers interested in this kind of business arrangement is Pepsi.

    15. Promote Your Services as a House or Pet Sitter

    Boomers who love animals and don’t mind occasionally staying the night away from home can make some quick cash by just keeping an eye on their neighbors’ pets while they are away. Pet sitting and house sitting go hand in hand and are frequently done together. This kind of low-stress income source presents a reliable and stable possibility if staying a few nights at a pleasant home and spending time with their pets appeals to you.

    This kind of business can expand swiftly, thanks to referrals. If your clients like you, there will be a sufficient income each month

    16. Tap into the Equity in Your Home

    During a recession, homeowners who don’t want to use their retirement money may discover that their house can provide them with cash. Retirees must get inventive, though, as some banks have suspended home equity lines of credit.

    One choice for retirees who are 62 years old or above is a reverse mortgage. With a reverse mortgage, a lender pays an older person based on the worth of their property regularly. The loan has to be repaid if the homeowner vacates the property or passes away. Typically, selling the property is necessary to achieve this.

    17. Pay Off Your Debt

    Huh? You might wonder how settling credit card debt can help you generate passive income.

    Although it’s true that you aren’t generating an income stream, you are removing a fixed expense, which improves your cash flow over the long term, so the effect is the same as higher income.

    What if you could spend the cash you use each month to settle a debt? The same is true of repaying your mortgage; this is a tremendous chance to spend extra money each month and will make you feel completely independent financially.

    Wrapping Up

    Remember that while these passive income ideas have the potential to provide a stream of income, they also come with risks and uncertainties. It’s always a good idea to do thorough research and seek advice from a financial advisor before making any decisions.

    The post 17 Passive Income Ideas for Seniors to Boost Retirement Income appeared first on Due.

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    Lyle Solomon

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  • 3 Key Points to Watch in Today’s Market

    3 Key Points to Watch in Today’s Market

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    Every Friday, Steve Reitmeister (Reity) and I sit down to chat about the week and how we’re feeling about the stock market (SPY). Normally, the two of us are pretty in sync — we’ve both been pretty bearish for months. However last week, it looked like that was starting to change. “Are you bullish now?”, he asked. I think my answer to his question surprised him. Read on for what I said — and why…I think the results may surprise you too….


    shutterstock.com – StockNews

    (Please enjoy this updated version of my weekly commentary originally published January 20th, 2023 in the POWR Stocks Under $10 newsletter).

    Market Commentary

    Now, for those of you who also read my POWR Growth newsletter, this is a bit of a retread, but I thought it nicely summed up my latest thoughts on where the stock market (SPY) currently is, and what we need to see next for things to change.

    So, back to Reity’s question: Am I bullish now?

    The answer is… it’s complicated.

    I’ve been pretty bearish for the past six or seven months.

    Fed Chair Jerome Powell made it pretty clear that inflation was Enemy No. 1 and the central bank was going to do anything in its power to get prices under control. I mean, come on; his top buzzword was “pain.” It was not a good time to be long anything.

    And as we saw in 2022, Powell meant what he said and he said what he meant. Stocks paid the price, falling nearly 20%.

    We finished the year commiserating about our “no show” Santa Claus rally and sighing over the number of analyst predictions for poor earnings and a coming recession.

    And then, we flipped over our calendar year and things started looking up. The S&P 500 (SPY) has gained nearly 4% in just a few weeks. And price can’t lie. Clearly someone is buying.

    So, what’s the deal? Did someone just forget to send out the memo that we had switched from bear to bull?

    Things certainly seem better than we were collectively expecting at the end of December.

    So, am actually I bullish now? Not particularly. But I’m not particularly bearish either.

    If you ask me, I think we’re somewhere in between. Things aren’t roses and lollipops… but they’re also not on the verge of collapse.

    Yes, we still have inflation and a Fed threatening to raise the terminal rate further… but we also have three consecutive months of reports showing that inflation is in a downtrend.

    We have an inverted yield curve… but we also have economist Campbell Harvey saying the famed (and highly accurate) recession indicator could be wrong this time. That’s a really big deal; Harvey is the guy who linked inverted yield curves to recessions in the first place.

    We have huge earnings misses like this week’s report from Goldman Sachs… and then major earnings beats like this week’s reports from United Airlines and Netflix.

    And don’t forget about those bullish green shoots I highlighted in last week’s issue

    Things are complicated, y’all!

    But I see three potential turning/pivot points that could make things a whole lot less complicated, one way or the other.

    1) Things (economic data/earnings/current events) turn negative.

    One reason I think people may be buying right now? We set the bar really, really low. Going into the year, we were expecting disaster. But so far, things have been pretty neutral, which means they’ve been great!

    But if this is just a bear market rally, I think the first sign of negativity could spoil the party and scare off investors. And then we’re back to everything just being the worst.

    But if we get some bad news and investors just shrug it off? Or if we continue to see more of these economic “green shoots” in subsequent reports? Then yeah, I think we could be looking at a new bull.

    2) The job market finally snaps.

    The “consumer” will keep consuming as long as the jobs picture remains rosy. That’s certainly another factor buoying stock prices right now. A lot of people are arguing that we “can’t” have a recession because the job market is too strong.

    Of course, this is a bad “bull market” indicator to rely on, since employment lags behind most other indicators. Sure, if employment stays tight, people will keep spending and the Fed will probably get the “soft landing” they’ve been aiming for.

    But we could be well on our way down the next leg lower before we see any weakness in job numbers because employment is a lagging indicator.

    That’s why it’s difficult to hang your hat on the jobs data.

    (Oh, and we have seen some weakness in job numbers. Just ask anyone you know who works — worked? — in the tech industry, where a number of major companies have laid off several thousand employees. Just this week, Alphabet announced it was laying off 12,000 jobs this quarter.)

    3) The S&P 500 breaks above 4,000… and stays there.

    This is a major psychological resistance level in the market right now. In the past week, the S&P 500 has managed to get THIS CLOSE to closing above 4,000… only to fall pennies short.

    Why does that number matter? It doesn’t, theoretically. What does matter is that we’ve failed to break above it now — multiple times. So now, when stocks start approaching 4,000, buyers ask themselves if they’re buying too high… and then all the buying interest dries up.

    If investors had a strong conviction that the S&P 500 would keep climbing above 4,000, they would absolutely buy. The fact that we can’t break that level means there’s not enough bullish conviction. For the market to pick up again, we’ll need to bust that line.

    Until we do… or until we see the results from one of these two other potential turning points, things will likely remain complicated.

    Even in the best-case scenario — no recession, mixed earnings, a pause in rate hikes — I’m not seeing anything pointing toward a market boom. Prices are still elevated. Supply chain issues are still very real.

    Companies are still warning investors that they’re not expecting much growth for the year. It’s probably not going to be a 30%-gain kind of year…

    Conclusion

    The long and short of it is that we’re in market purgatory. The potential of a recession is hanging over our heads… and over the market. Earlier this week, I even heard an analyst say it would be better to have a recession and just get it over with.

    Until we see the market turn one way or the other, we’ll probably still keep about 40% of our capital in cash and the rest in high-quality stocks under $10. That means that in addition to adding a few new picks, I’ll be looking to sell a portion of our positions when they hit big profits.

    That way we can continue riding their strength upward, but we’re protected from any major changes in direction.

    What To Do Next?

    If you’d like to see more top stocks under $10, then you should check out our free special report:

    3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year

    What gives these stocks the right stuff to become big winners, even in this brutal stock market?

    First, because they are all low priced companies with the most upside potential in today’s volatile markets.

    But even more important, is that they are all top Buy rated stocks according to our coveted POWR Ratings system and they excel in key areas of growth, sentiment and momentum.

    Click below now to see these 3 exciting stocks which could double or more in the year ahead.

    3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year

    All the Best!

     

     

    Meredith Margrave
    Chief Growth Strategist, StockNews
    Editor, POWR Stocks Under $10 Newsletter

     


    SPY shares closed at $395.88 on Friday, up $7.24 (+1.86%). Year-to-date, SPY has gained 3.52%, versus a % rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.


    About the Author: Meredith Margrave

    Meredith Margrave has been a noted financial expert and market commentator for the past two decades. She is currently the Editor of the POWR Growth and POWR Stocks Under $10 newsletters. Learn more about Meredith’s background, along with links to her most recent articles.

    More…

    The post 3 Key Points to Watch in Today’s Market appeared first on StockNews.com

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    Meredith Margrave

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  • Stock Trading Plan for 2023

    Stock Trading Plan for 2023

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    40 year investment veteran Steve Reitmeister shares his most complete and up to the minute analysis of what lies ahead in 2023. First a return of the bear market with the S&P 500 (SPY) making news lows. Yet just at the darkest hour the new bull market will emerge ushering in tremendous gains to investors who time it right. Steve shares his trading plan along with top 9 picks to profit on the way to bear market bottom. Next he shares a plan to buy the market bottom with 2 top picks set to rally 100%+. Get the full story below.


    shutterstock.com – StockNews

    The new year has gotten off to a bullish start. That is very typical behavior as the act of flipping the calendar over often comes with a fresh round of optimism.

    But is being bullish the wisest approach given the ever darkening recessionary storm clouds?

    It is for this reason you should watch my brand new presentation:

    Stock Trading Plan for 2023 >

    Not convinced?

    Consider that there are 3 rock solid indicators that are right now SCREAMING recession.

    And then realize that the average bear market decline is 34% which equates to 3,180 for the S&P 500…yes, a good deal below where we stand now.

    And then consider that I have lined up 9 perfect trades to profit on the way down.

    And finally, just for good measure, I tell you how I plan to bottom fish for the next bull market. This includes 2 trades with 100% upside potential as the new bull market emerges.

    If these ideas appeal to you, then please click below to access this vital presentation now:

    Stock Trading Plan for 2023 >

    Wishing you a world of investment success!


    Steve Reitmeister…but everyone calls me Reity (pronounced “Righty”)
    CEO, Stock News Network and Editor, Reitmeister Total Return


    SPY shares were trading at $391.92 per share on Friday afternoon, up $3.28 (+0.84%). Year-to-date, SPY has gained 2.48%, versus a % rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.


    About the Author: Steve Reitmeister

    Steve is better known to the StockNews audience as “Reity”. Not only is he the CEO of the firm, but he also shares his 40 years of investment experience in the Reitmeister Total Return portfolio. Learn more about Reity’s background, along with links to his most recent articles and stock picks.

    More…

    The post Stock Trading Plan for 2023 appeared first on StockNews.com

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    Steve Reitmeister

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  • Is Dow Inc. (DOW) a Top Value Stock in 2023?

    Is Dow Inc. (DOW) a Top Value Stock in 2023?

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    PE of 6.6 + 5% dividend yield is a pretty good equation for an attractive stock. And that is the equation for Dow Incorporated (DOW) at this time. Find out why it is one of our favorite value stocks in 2023 in the article below.


    shutterstock.com – StockNews

    The answer to the headline is YES!…Dow Inc (DOW) is one of the most attractive value stocks for the year ahead.

    Why?

    Let me spell it out for you now…

    As you know, DOW is a diversified chemical manufacturing company combining science and technology to develop innovative solutions that are essential to human progress. It’s well diversified portfolio includes Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, and Performance Materials & Coatings.

    This selection is in many ways the antithesis of the previous top value pick, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) which was quite conservative. Here we are selecting a leading materials company to enjoy tremendous growth as the economy gets back on track later in 2023. Likely those good times continue for another 5-10 years just like the previous bullish cycle pushing EPS and share price higher.

    An interesting part of the DOW story is their surprisingly low-cost structure that has allowed the company to withstand inflationary pressures better than most companies. It’s also in a position to pass on price increases given that its products are essential for so many industries. This combination points to healthy profit margins ahead.

    The company has a Value Grade of A, which certainly makes sense with a P/E of only 6.6. It also has a Quality Grade of B which points to superior operational efficiency.

    If that was not attractive enough, the company also provides tremendous income thanks to a 5% dividend yield. As rates start to come down later in 2023 it will make income stocks like DOW all the more attractive boosting its already impressive upside potential.

    Want to Discover More Value Stocks?

    DOW is just 1 of 7 attractive value stocks found in a new special report we just put together. Click the link below to claim your free copy now:

    7 SEVERELY Undervalued Stocks

    What To Do Next?

    Watch my brand new presentation: “2023 Stock Market Outlook” covering:

    • Why 2023 is a “Jekyll & Hyde” year for stocks
    • 5 Warnings Signs the Bear Returns in Early 2023
    • 8 Trades to Profit on the Way Down
    • Plan to Bottom Fish @ Market Bottom
    • 2 Trades with 100%+ Upside Potential as New Bull Emerges
    • And Much More!

    Watch Now: “2023 Stock Market Outlook” > 

    Wishing you a world of investment success!


    Steve Reitmeister…but everyone calls me Reity (pronounced “Righty”)
    CEO, Stock News Network and Editor, Reitmeister Total Return


    DOW shares were trading at $56.01 per share on Thursday morning, down $0.83 (-1.46%). Year-to-date, DOW has gained 11.15%, versus a 1.53% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.


    About the Author: Steve Reitmeister

    Steve is better known to the StockNews audience as “Reity”. Not only is he the CEO of the firm, but he also shares his 40 years of investment experience in the Reitmeister Total Return portfolio. Learn more about Reity’s background, along with links to his most recent articles and stock picks.

    More…

    The post Is Dow Inc. (DOW) a Top Value Stock in 2023? appeared first on StockNews.com

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    Steve Reitmeister

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  • Become a Better Investor in the Stock Market with This Training

    Become a Better Investor in the Stock Market with This Training

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Entrepreneurs often have a lot of money tied up in their businesses, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be on the lookout for good investments. After a volatile 2022, there’s a mixed outlook on the 2023 stock market, which makes now a great time to invest in your financial education. If you want to be a smarter trader in 2023, check out The Complete 2023 Stock Trading & Investing Bundle while it’s on sale.


    StackCommerce

    This bundle includes 12 courses geared toward investors of all experience levels. If you’re new to investing, you’ll learn the tools you need for fundamental stock analysis so you can analyze a stock in a few minutes to know if a company is worth investing in. You’ll learn the art of value investing, understand how to make better investment choices, and develop a stream of passive income with your stocks. In addition, you’ll be able to evaluate a company’s Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio and other key ratios, develop a repeatable investment process, and learn how successful investors like Warren Buffett operate.

    Beyond the basics, there are courses covering technical analysis using candlestick patterns, options and futures trading, Forex trading, swing trading, and more. You’ll learn how to day trade successfully to maximize your profit, manage your trading risk and protect against losses, and learn to formulate robust trading strategies no matter what your investment appetite. By the end of the courses, you’ll have a more comprehensive understanding of how the stock market works and how you can manage your portfolio to maximize your returns and mitigate your risk.

    Right now, you can get The Complete 2023 Stock Trading & Investing Bundle on sale for just $39 for a limited time.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • Why the FTX Scandal Will Be Good for Crypto and NFTs

    Why the FTX Scandal Will Be Good for Crypto and NFTs

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    While navigating a tragedy, few people welcome a comment like, “It was all for the best.” Too often we hear this pep talk from compassionate friends or family, as we quietly think to ourselves, They just don’t understand what I’m going through.

    But do they? A recent investment scandal might offer some insights into why that cliché can be spot-on after all.

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    Jonny Caplan

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  • EVs Are More Than a Tax Break

    EVs Are More Than a Tax Break

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    Electric vehicles (EVs) are more popular than ever. In just a few years, they’ve gone from a relative rarity to something you may see daily on your commute. With more charging stations and a wider selection of models available, you may wonder if it’s time to join the trend and buy one.


    Due – Due

    The most significant talking point in EV economics is electric cars are more expensive upfront, but tax breaks help make up for it. That’s an important thing to consider, but it just scratches the surface of EVs’ benefits, financial or otherwise. Here’s a closer look at all these cars have to offer to help you make the best buying decision.

    Financial Benefits of Owning an EV

    Cars are expensive, so the first thing you should keep in mind when looking at EVs is their financial advantages. Here are some of the most significant.

    Tax Incentives

    As you’ve probably heard, you can get tax credits for buying an EV. But how much can you expect to get? That depends on a few factors, but it can be substantial.

    If you buy a new EV between 2023 and 2032, you can get up to $7,500 in tax credits. There are some stipulations to consider. The vehicle must undergo final assembly in the U.S., come from a qualified manufacturer, have a suggested retail price of $55,000 or less and meet a few other qualifications. Similarly, you need an income less than $300,000 for married couples filing jointly or $225,000 for heads of household to qualify.

    Used EVs and vehicles you bought before 2023 can also get tax breaks. These are generally lower and have different requirements, but they can still help offset the upfront cost.

    Reduced Maintenance Costs

    A financial benefit of EVs you may be less familiar with is that they carry lower maintenance costs. That may seem odd initially, as most new, expensive things you find today have similar repair costs. That’s technically true with EVs, too, but they need less maintenance overall.

    Electric motors have fewer moving parts than gas or diesel engines. As a result, there’s less wear and tear over time and you don’t need oil because there are no pistons to lubricate. Oil changes, belt replacements, spark plug changes and engine tune-ups all become a thing of the past.

    EVs still need some maintenance — like tire rotations and brake pad changes — but overall, there’s much less to do. That saves you quite a bit of money. An electric Hyundai Kona costs just $0.079 per mile to maintain, compared to $0.098 for a gas-powered Kona.

    Lower Fuel Spending

    Driving an EV will also save you money through lower fuel costs. It’s a bit misleading to say EVs eliminate refueling expenses because electricity still costs money, even if you aren’t spending anything at the pump. However, electricity is cheaper than gas or diesel, so you still save in the long run.

    While most electricity today comes from fossil fuels like gas, you pay less for it because of the massive scale of energy grids. One study found recharging an EV costs between $3,000 to $10,500 less than refueling a gas car over 15 years. In some states, those savings can reach as high as $14,500.

    You also have more control over “refueling” prices with an EV. If you have a home charger, you can charge your car at night when electricity is cheaper, saving you more money. Predicting savings opportunities like that with volatile gas prices is a lot harder.

    Savings Opportunities With Other Sustainable Technologies

    If you pair an EV with other green technology investments, you could push that electrical spending even lower. Charging your car from the grid is cheaper than refueling, but it can still be costly. However, you can produce your own electricity if you install solar panels in your home, so you don’t have to buy it from the grid.

    Like EVs, solar panels have high price tags but come with tax benefits to help pay them off sooner. They also let you generate free electricity. Even if you can’t power your whole home with these panels, you could produce enough energy to charge your car, eliminating recharging costs.

    Factoring in solar panels’ ongoing costs, charging a Tesla Model 3 is 51% cheaper on home solar than using the grid. Combine that with the already lower costs of charging over refueling and you’ll find some considerable savings.

    Better Values for Buying Used Models

    Another way you can save with an EV is to buy a used one. Now that electric cars have been around for a while, you’ll have a better chance of finding one used, which helps avoid new EVs’ high price tags. Old models may not have as impressive of tax breaks, but you can often get a better deal than a used gas car because they depreciate faster.

    Old EVs’ lower tax benefits and newer ones’ rapidly growing ranges make used models lose their market value quickly. That may not be great news if you’re selling an EV, but it puts you at an advantage if you’re buying one. Because they depreciate so rapidly, you can get a relatively new EV at a steep discount if you buy it used.

    This option can make it easier to fit an EV into your budget. It’s important to leave room for fun and unexpected expenses in your annual budget and getting a deal on a used EV gives you more flexibility to allow that.

    State-Specific Benefits

    Depending on where you live, you can get some extra economic benefits, too. Some states offer additional tax credits for EVs and Connecticut offers a $38 reduction in registration fees if you drive an EV. Several areas also reduce grid electricity prices during non-peak hours to enable more affordable at-home EV charging.

    Some states also offer rebate programs, providing more significant economic breaks apart from tax credits. Others incentivize EV ownership through convenience, like letting you drive in the carpool lane even if you don’t have a passenger if you have an EV. That can save you time, which can save you money on recharging and parking.

    Other Benefits of EV Ownership

    These economic benefits are just the start of the advantages you can experience from driving an EV. Here’s a look at some of the non-financial upsides to EV ownership.

    Sustainability

    The most straightforward reason to get an EV apart from economic incentives is their eco-friendliness. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 27% of all emissions in the U.S. By driving an EV instead of a gas or diesel car, you can reduce your part in that trend.

    EVs aren’t totally emissions-free because most electricity still comes from fossil fuels. However, they still represent an improvement over gas-powered vehicles and if you use solar or other renewables to charge them, they can get close to zero emissions. Even when you consider production-related emissions, EVs are still more eco-friendly.

    If more people drove EVs, the world would substantially reduce its harmful emissions. That’s not the only step the world needs to fight climate change, but it is an important one.

    Health Benefits

    Similarly, driving an EV can improve public health, too. The same carbon emissions that are bad for the environment are hazardous to your health. Being around gas-powered cars exposes you to things like carbon monoxide, CO2 and other toxins, but EVs don’t have that problem.

    According to the American Lung Association, switching to electric transportation would prevent 2.7 million asthma attacks and save 110,000 lives by 2050. That’s all because there would be less air pollution endangering people’s lungs.

    Trading your gas car for an electric one would contribute to this improvement in public health. Because you likely spend more time around your car than any other vehicle, it’d also protect your lung health. 

    Comfort and Performance

    You may also find EVs provide a better driving experience. Many electric models today come with features like collision warning, blind spot detection and lane assist. Because EVs as a general category are more tech-centric and future-thinking, they often feature technologies like this that make driving safer and more comfortable.

    Electric motors are also far quieter than even the most efficient combustion engines. As a result, you won’t make much noise starting your car in the morning. You’ll also have less ambient noise while driving, making for a more comfortable experience.

    Some drivers are surprised to find EVs often perform better than gas-powered cars, too. Because electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts, there’s less power loss, leading to immediate torque delivery and faster acceleration. That’s how some Teslas can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in just two to three seconds — something you’d need a high-end sports car to do with a gas engine.

    EVs Have Many Benefits Outside of Tax Savings

    The electric vehicle federal tax credit is an enticing benefit, but it’s far from EV’s only one. If you consider your purchasing options and savings opportunities carefully enough, you can experience some massive savings by going electric.

    Driving an EV will also help you lower your carbon footprint, improve lung health and have a better driving experience. The next time you’re looking for a new car, consider all these possible benefits to see if an electric one is right for you.

    The post EVs Are More Than a Tax Break appeared first on Due.

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    Devin Partida

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  • Learn Business Accounting for Less Than $50

    Learn Business Accounting for Less Than $50

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Every business must keep good accounting to ensure they aren’t spending money where they don’t have to. That goes double for entrepreneurs, whose bookkeeping has to keep a sharp line between personal and business expenses. So whether you need some help keeping the books for your small business or you’re scaling and need to get better at business accounting, The Complete 2023 Business Accounting Mastery Bundle will help you out.


    StackCommerce

    This bundle includes 11 courses from SkillSuccess, one of the largest online learning providers on the web. No matter your accounting experience, you’ll get a crash course in bookkeeping, accounting, and financial analysis.

    If you’re a novice, you’ll learn how to analyze business transactions, how to prepare the trial balance, explore accounts receivable, and develop a basic understanding of accounting. In addition, you’ll get introductions to payroll accounting and cloud accounting, learn how to navigate financial reports and statements, understand bookkeeping records, and more.

    As you progress, you’ll learn to analyze financial statements more closely, explore throughput accounting and lean accounting, get familiar with programs like QuickBooks Pro and Excel, and much more. A few courses are dedicated solely to specific accounting problems businesses might face as they grow and a deep dive into advanced accounting. You’ll learn how to apply different accounting methods based on levels of control, work comprehensive acquisition problems in Excel, work consolidations in a wide range of scenarios, account for acquisitions and investments, and more as you grow your skills to be able to account for a rapidly growing business.

    Every entrepreneur should know how to do a balance sheet, but The Complete 2023 Business Accounting Mastery Bundle will take you far beyond the basics. For a limited time, you can sign up for just $49.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • Investors: Please OPEN Your Eyes

    Investors: Please OPEN Your Eyes

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    The S&P 500 (SPY) seems to be on the verge of an important breakout above the key level of 4,000. That’s because some are applauding the lowering of inflationary pressures. However, the flip side of that coin is that this is happening because of a recession looming on the horizon that provides ample reason to remain bearish in 2023. This is why 40 year investment veteran, Steve Reitmeister, begs investors to open their eyes to appreciate what is happening now. And how to trade this still bearish market environment. Read on below for the full story.


    shutterstock.com – StockNews

    The early 2023 rally was always too good to be true. That’s because the myopic focus on moderating inflation needs to give way to a broader view of the looming recession which should have investors hitting the sell button in earnest once again. Not just a temporary pause like we saw Wednesday and Thursday.

    We need to take a deeper dive on this conflict between investors focused on inflation data versus those looking at the overall economic picture. You know that I stand with the latter group which is why the bearish drum beat is only growing louder in my ears.

    The standoff between bulls and bears will be the focus of this week’s discussion.

    Market Commentary

    The inflation vs. recession battle took center stage on Wednesday when 2 key economic reports were released simultaneously at 8:30am ET: Producer Price Index (PPI) and Retail Sales.

    The much lower than expected PPI report got everyone’s attention out of the gate leading to a surge in stock prices over the key resistance level at 4,000 for the S&P 500 (SPY) The next thing you know the downward momentum starts and kept chiseling away all day long. This is how stocks sold off 2% from peak to valley ending the session at 3,928.

    Those investors myopically focused on inflation were left scratching their heads.

    Those who were focused on the red flags in the Retail Sales report knew darn well why stocks were heading lower. That being another nail in the recessionary coffin for the US economy.

    To be clear, inflation is absolutely coming down at a quicker pace than most expected. This does mean that hawkish Fed policies are working. And they may pivot to dovish earlier than expected…but not for quite a while. That message was echoed once again on Friday by Fed Governor Waller when he said:

    “…we still have a considerable way to go toward our 2 percent inflation goal, and I expect to support continued tightening of monetary policy”

    HOWEVER, the real reason inflation is moderating is because we are now teetering on the edge of a recession. This came through loud and clear from recessionary signals from a myriad of January economic reports like:

    • 48.4 ISM Manufacturing on 1/4 with 45.2 New Orders (reads recession)
    • 49.6 ISM Services on 1/6 with 45.2 New Orders (reads recession)
    • 89.8 NFIB Business Optimism Index on 1/10 (lower reading than during Covid…reads recession)
    • -32.9 NY Empire State Manufacturing Index (lowest reading since May 2020 when the economy was in downright collapse).

    And yes, the Retail Sales report that arrived side by side with the PPI report Wednesday morning bodes ill for the state of the consumer. The -1.1% month over month decline is all the more shocking when you realize we are talking about December retail sales…yes, the normally buoyant Christmas shopping season was underwater.

    This is a very typical pattern for a recession induced by high inflation. Think about it this way…when you are afraid of rampant inflation, that means if you don’t buy now the price will be far too high in the future.

    At first this creates impressive economic growth as demand is pulled forward (buy now). And then a cliff is created as buyers are tapped out with less to spend in the future. That contraction = recession. That cliff is likely what we saw in those week holiday shopping results as well as other early 2023 economic data.

    Indeed, moderating inflation is good news in isolation. And it does likely say the Fed will not have to go as high with rates or keep them aloft as long.

    On the other hand, please appreciate that this is all happening because we are in month 10 of this hawkish regime that is likely producing a recession that begets lower demand that begets lower prices.

    So if it took 10 months to create this outcome, and we are sinking into recession, and the Fed has already said they would keep rates high for “a long time”. then we have to appreciate how long it will take for any pivot to dovish Fed policies to resurrect the economy.

    Like end of the year…or 2024. And when you fully appreciate that picture of recession coming before recovery…it makes it all the harder to get truly 100% gung ho bullish at this time.

    So does that mean now is the time to be ferociously bearish? Yes and no.

    YES…this is the logical outcome from what I said above. Especially given the lessons of history where recessions are the leading cause of bear markets.

    NO… is that the market can often have a mind of its own and take a different path. Especially true when computers do more of the heavy lifting than actual human investors. So fear and greed are not quite the same as historical patterns.

    Long story short, I expect things to roll further bearish as more investors broaden their focus from just the inflation picture to the overall health of the economy. The more they read recession, and with it lower corporate earnings, the more likely stocks head lower from here.

    That’s because the leading cause of bear markets is the state of the economy…where recession = bear market.

    So keep your eyes firmly fixed on that economic picture to guide your investing decisions from here. The current clues point to more downside ahead. However, that may not fully take place until after the February 1st Fed announcement where Powell will once again remind bulls that he did not stutter when he said that rates will be high for a long time. And that long time is far from over.

    What To Do Next?

    Discover my special portfolio with 9 simple trades to help you generate gains as the market descends further into bear market territory.

    This plan has been working wonders since it went into place mid August generating a robust gain for investors as the market tumbled.

    And now is great time to load back as we deal with yet another bear market rally before stocks hit even lower lows in the weeks and months ahead.

    If you have been successful navigating the investment waters this past year, then please feel free to ignore.

    However, if the bearish argument shared above does make you curious as to what happens next…then do consider getting my updated “Bear Market Game Plan” that includes specifics on the 9 unique positions in my timely and profitable portfolio.

    Click Here to Learn More >

    Wishing you a world of investment success!


    Steve Reitmeister…but everyone calls me Reity (pronounced “Righty”)
    CEO, StockNews.com and Editor, Reitmeister Total Return


    SPY shares fell $0.13 (-0.03%) in after-hours trading Friday. Year-to-date, SPY has gained 3.52%, versus a % rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.


    About the Author: Steve Reitmeister

    Steve is better known to the StockNews audience as “Reity”. Not only is he the CEO of the firm, but he also shares his 40 years of investment experience in the Reitmeister Total Return portfolio. Learn more about Reity’s background, along with links to his most recent articles and stock picks.

    More…

    The post Investors: Please OPEN Your Eyes appeared first on StockNews.com

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    Steve Reitmeister

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  • 4 Reasons Your Business Needs Cash Flow Forecasting

    4 Reasons Your Business Needs Cash Flow Forecasting

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    You might have heard that the biggest cause of business failures is cash flow issues, but to what extent is the severity of this widespread problem? To put things into perspective, more than 80% of business failures are due to a lack of cash, 20% of small businesses fail within a year, and half fail within five years.

    But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, many businesses can avoid cash flow problems with proper cash flow forecasting. Cashflow forecasting helps businesses predict when issues may arise and allows them to take action proactively to avoid cash flow gaps.

    That said, many businesses already operate at max bandwidth, and cash flow forecasting isn’t on business owners’ minds. It’s usually already too late when business owners are hit with a financial setback and realize they don’t have enough cash to cover it.

    Many business owners don’t realize that the scope of benefits that derives from good cash flow forecasting goes light years beyond helping the business plan its operation. If you are still thinking about why you should bother with it, here are a few reasons why you should do cash flow forecasting:

    Related: Often-Overlooked Ways Entrepreneurs Can Improve Cash Flow

    1. It helps businesses avoid cash flow gaps

    This is the most straightforward and important reason why cash flow forecasting is crucial.

    Here’s a scenario for you: John’s client promised the payment would be deposited by today, but there has been a mix-up, and the bank said John wouldn’t get the money until next week. John is expected to pay his vendors tomorrow, but without receiving the payment from his client, he doesn’t have enough money to pay. The cycle continues.

    This is the reason many businesses fail.

    A cash flow forecast helps businesses avoid this very situation. They can use a forecast to project best-case scenarios, worst-case scenarios and everything in between. They can then use that to make prudent decisions about how much money to spend, where to put it, and when to spend it.

    If they think there’s a chance cash may not come in the door, the business could decide to put off a big purchase. Or they could talk to vendors and get an extension on payables. Or they could offer customers a discount to pay their bills early. The forecast gives the business the knowledge they need to take action and avoid difficult cash flow situations.

    Related: 4 Tips for Managing Cash Flow in a Seasonal Business

    2. It helps secure loans

    Loans are an important part of running any business. Financing can help a business expand, improve its products and workflows, or cover operational costs in a crunch.

    However, obtaining financing is easier said than done, especially for businesses with little assets or no credit history. In this case, lenders look at profitability, expenses and cash flow.

    A strong cash flow forecast helps a business prove its creditworthiness to lenders. A business can use its cash flow forecast to show that it deserves a loan and is a good credit risk. Or, if your cash flow forecasting shows otherwise, maybe it’s a good time for you to assess internally and improve your cash flow position before going to a lender for a loan.

    3. It helps businesses make better decisions

    A cash flow forecast gives a business a glimpse into the future. It helps them view when cash is coming in and going out, so they can better plan for the future and make strategic decisions that align with their budgets.

    Let’s say a business is considering hiring additional staff or purchasing new equipment. A business might look into how much money they have right now, thinking they could cover the extra expense. But what if the business lost a major client a week from now? Or what if sales suddenly plummeted due to competition?

    These are the kind of things that your account balance can’t tell you and are the exact reasons businesses need cash flow forecasting. By understanding their future cash availability, businesses can make informed decisions about when and how to invest in their growth.

    Related: How to Inflation-Proof Your Small Business

    4. It helps businesses set measurable goals

    Leveraging cash flow forecasts can help businesses set measurable goals to improve cash flow tangibly and determine the path to better business outcomes.

    If a best-case scenario forecast says you can potentially grow your business revenue by 50% by improving your operation with a new equipment purchase, you now have a benchmark number.

    Or, if you plan on reducing expenses by 20% by cutting out parts of your business operation, cash flow forecasts can help you see the business and revenue impact of cutting out a project and if the financial cost reduction is in line with your decision. You can now set data-driven business goals, know what outcome to expect, and measure success.

    That’s two drastically different examples, but no matter what situation your business is in, cash flow forecasting can help a company set measurable goals.

    Forecasting for your business is easier than you think

    Here’s the thing about cash flow forecasting: It’s not new, but it used to be a challenging, labor-intensive, and time-consuming job that business owners would task their accountants with. The good news is that innovating technology makes cash flow forecasting easier than ever before. New tools now directly integrate with many cloud-accounting platforms that businesses use, making cash flow forecasting faster, more accurate, and sometimes even for free. Start looking for a solution that works with your accounting platform today, and see the wonders it can do for your business.

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    Nick Chandi

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  • 8 Easy Side Hustles in 2023

    8 Easy Side Hustles in 2023

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    It turns out that when the going gets tough, the tough take on side hustles. According to an Insuranks survey from 2022, 93% of Americans have a side job. And their most common reasons for getting into the gig economy aren’t surprising: earning cash and paying bills. Inflation is high, after all, and every little bit counts.


    Due – Due

    Of course, most side gigs aren’t going to bring in millions. But even a modest one can free you up financially. Maybe you’ll be able to get a degree, take a vacation, or save for retirement. Or perhaps you can substitute a flexible hustle for your current part-time work to be home with your kids. That way, you won’t have to lose money to parent your way.

    Regardless of why you’re considering joining the hustle, you may want a few tips to get started. Below are several of the hottest types of gigs happening in 2023. Some have very low barriers to entry, making them ideal for just about anyone.

    1. Transporting People

    One of the biggest side hustler trends is driving for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft. All you need is a vehicle and insurance to get started. Then, you can work the hours you like and meet interesting people. Salary.com estimates that the median annual income earned from Uber or Lyft is around $37,400. But, of course, this number depends on many variables, including the city you’re driving in and how many hours you’re willing to drive per week.

    Since rideshare drivers don’t make much money per trip, you may want to be available during high-traffic events. For instance, if you live near a sporting event stadium, find out when the next game or concert will happen. Then, be sure you’re ready to provide transportation during the hours before and after the event.

    Over time, you’ll learn more customer service secrets to increase your reviews and get more rides. Case in point: You could increase your tips if you offer special, unexpected items. These could include access to phone chargers, small bottles of water, or even facial tissues. The more thought you put into making your rideshare experience stand out, the better.

    2. Transporting People’s Treasured Belongings

    Let’s say that you like the idea of a ridesharing side hustle. The problem is that you would rather not ferry people around. Are you open instead to transporting people’s belongings or pets? Then you’ll want to check out a site like CitizenShipper.

    What makes CitizenShipper’s model a little different is that drivers don’t give people rides. Instead, they give pets, and precious items rides. In fact, CitizenShipper has become known as a premier pet transport platform among breeders and pet parents alike.

    Be aware, though, that you’ll have to go the extra mile (pun intended) to become a pet driver. All pet drivers must pass a background check, verify their ID and obtain a USDA registration. CitizenShipper makes this all quick and easy on their platform, and there is no cost to the driver.

    Rather just haul packages, motorcycles, and the occasional piece of heavy equipment? Choose to be a regular driver instead. You’ll still get money to hit the open road. CitizenShipper drivers can make anywhere from $6000 to $10,000 per month, depending on the number of trips they make.

    3. Making a Hobby Pay Off

    During the pandemic, one report suggests that nearly six out of 10 people picked up a hobby. That’s not surprising, given the fact that plenty of folks had more time on their hands. So what better time to learn to crochet or pick up a crafty pastime?

    Why not make your hobby pay off by turning it into a side hustle? It doesn’t take much to open your own Etsy store and start selling merchandise. It’s hard to estimate how much money you’ll make since it depends on the specific products you’re selling and the demand for them. Some can quit their jobs and make it a full-time gig, while others make a few hundred bucks per month.

    Before you decide to just put pictures of your items online, do a little nudging around. See what other Etsy dealers and shops are selling. Is there something similar to what you’re planning to offer? What are the price ranges? How is shipping set up? You want to remain competitive and not be too far under or above the “going rate” of whatever you offer.

    4. Selling Your Unwanted Stuff

    Clutter, clutter everywhere. It’s such a common problem. Forty-seven percent of people in one survey admitted they had a junky room that they kept off-limits to special guests. Consequently, if you’re among them, you probably have a similar love-hate relationship with stuff. On the one hand, it’s nice to have things. But, on the other hand, those things can drive you crazy if you don’t use them.

    Instead of letting your unwanted stuff collect dust, trade it in on eBay, Poshmark, or a similar site. To help you learn what’s hot among buyers, eBay has a trending page. Spending a little time on it can help you determine what you want to get rid of—and for how much. Don’t expect to fetch high prices on everything you own. However, be open to selling things currently in high demand. (Tech consistently does well and can bring in surprisingly high bids.)

    If your closets are choked with apparel, you’re never going to wear, head to Poshmark. The company has set itself up as having nicer things. So make sure you’re very open if something is a little worn or has a hidden flaw. Then, with the money you take in, you can buy snazzy new duds to enjoy 2023 in style.

    5. Starting a Blog

    Does it seem as if your friends always come to you for advice? Would you consider yourself an expert on a niche topic, like tree identification or mid-century modern lamps? Starting a WordPress blog could be a smart move. According to Indeed, bloggers make an average of $39,186 per year.

    Full disclosure: successful blogs take time to develop and drive followings. But if you can build a community, you can start getting advertisers. Each time one of your visitors clicks on an advertisement, you’ll get paid. It won’t be a ton per click. Nevertheless, clicks do add up.

    Not sure you’re the writing type? A podcast or YouTube video channel could be an excellent way to showcase your mad skills. Just make sure that you have a plan to share valuable insider tips. No one will stick around to read your blog or listen to your podcast if you’re not unique. On the other hand, if you serve a narrow market, you could position yourself as one of the market’s most influential voices.

    6. Live Streaming Your Gaming Experiences

    Whether or not you’re a Twitch fan, you can’t deny that the platform has made live streaming huge. So if you’re into live streaming, you could set up a subscriber base and get paid regularly.

    Unsure if people will really pay to hear your game or shop (which is significant outside of North America)? You might be surprised. Twitch has impressively high traffic counts. According to Statista, more than 5.6 billion hours were watched on Twitch in 2022 alone. That’s more than YouTube gaming numbers from the same period.

    As with blogging, you can get money for live streaming from advertisers and not just followers. You still need a “hook” or a niche. You should also use social media to your advantage. Be sure to set up a social media page with your live-streaming link. It’ll give you another organic way to connect with people and grow your viewership.

    7. Becoming a Tutor

    A great way to master any skill is to teach it to others. Even some of the greatest minds in the world, like Michangelo and Mozart, shared their knowledge with others. As a side hustle, you can also become a tutor, training others in what you already understand.

    Not long ago, tutoring had to be done in person. Now, though, Zoom has opened the door to allow just about anyone to tutor from anywhere. So, for instance, you could tutor someone worldwide as long as you both have a working Internet. The only limits are the ones you put on yourself as far as time goes.

    What should you tutor? Music, wealth management, academic studies, sports, performance techniques, writing… whatever you excel at. You might want to work with an existing tutoring company to get started.

    Tutors are especially needed for children from other countries who are trying to learn English. You’ll expand their know-how by helping them communicate better with people like you. And you’ll get paid in the process. Payscale estimates the average hourly wage for a tutor is $19.27, although this depends on how specialized your expertise is.

    8. Renting Storage Space in Your Home

    Storage units can cost a pretty penny. Move estimates that the average per-unit cost is around $180 monthly. That’s more than $2,000 a year. It’s also why you might want to ask yourself if you could store other people’s stuff in your house.

    To be sure, this isn’t a side hustle for everyone. You need to have enough room in a safe, clean area to take this plunge. Still, you could be monetizing that space if you have a lot of useless space. Store at My House is a portal that makes it easy for you to connect with people.

    Unfortunately, it’s only for users in the Los Angeles area for now. However, don’t let that deter you from looking for other avenues to offer your storage services, such as Craigslist. Even word-of-mouth advertising could be a good fit.

    The key to making this work is ensuring you can protect someone else’s things. You may want to invest in gadgets like a self-installed security system or portable dehumidifier. That way, you can assure anyone needing temporary storage that you take your role seriously.

    Money doesn’t grow on trees, it’s true. Yet it’s not as hard to put more dollars in your pocket as you might assume. With a little creativity and effort, you can set up a side hustle that lets you get closer to your financial goals.

    The post 8 Easy Side Hustles in 2023 appeared first on Due.

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    Peter Daisyme

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  • How to Plan for Saving Money Each Month

    How to Plan for Saving Money Each Month

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    What are your plans for your retirement years? According to the 2022 Transamerica Retirement Survey, the top two retirement goals are “traveling” and “spending more time with family and friends.” But to reach those goals, you’ll need to know how to plan for saving money.


    Due – Due

    Unfortunately, over half (55%) of Americans admit they’re behind in their retirement savings. According to a survey from Bankrate, more than a third (35%) claim to be “significantly behind.” If this sounds familiar, don’t panic.

    The following tips can help you learn how to plan for saving money every month.

    1. Figure Out How Much Money You Need to Live Each Month

    Start by calculating your personal cost of living. To do so, you’ll need to add up your fixed, variable, and discretionary expenses.

    Fixed Expenses

    Fixed expenses are necessary costs that don’t change from month to month. Common examples of fixed expenses are:

    • Rent or mortgage
    • Car payments
    • Phone/cable bills
    • Insurance premiums
    • Property taxes
    • Student loans or other debt payments

    Don’t factor in your savings just yet. Right now, you’re seeking to determine the amount of money you absolutely need each month, and that starts with these fixed costs.

    Variable Expenses

    Variable expenses are also necessary, but their amounts can vary from month to month. These include such expenses as:

    • Groceries
    • Utility bills
    • Gas
    • Clothing
    • Credit card bills

    Remember that these are running averages and can peak during certain times of the year. You might consider adding up your utility bills from the last year and then dividing the total by 12 to calculate your monthly average.

    Discretionary Expenses

    Finally, you’ll need to account for discretionary expenses. These are the purchases you choose to make, such as:

    • Meals/coffee out
    • Entertainment
    • Streaming subscriptions
    • Hobbies and sports
    • Gym memberships

    If you’re unsure where to start, look at your bank statements from the past three months (or more). This will give you an idea of where your money is going, and you can use the information as a foundation when learning how to plan for saving money.

    2. Create a Budget that Allocates Money for Necessary Expenses, Savings, and Discretionary Spending

    Once you determine the amount of money you need each month, you can create a budget that meets these needs while leaving room for savings.

    Start by allocating money toward your fixed costs. Since these expenses remain constant, they make it easier to plan your overall budget. Next, divert money toward your variable and discretionary expenses.

    Remember that you’re not trying to allocate your total monthly income but only enough to cover what you’ll need from each category. This will ensure you have enough left over to put toward your savings.

    If you’ve adequately budgeted, you should have enough remaining money to build your savings. Start by ensuring that you have a short-term savings account. Having enough money on hand to cover three to six months of expenses can prevent you from tapping into your long-term savings if an emergency arises.

    Once your short-term savings are built, you can start working on your long-term savings account. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough to put in savings at present. Even small amounts can accumulate over time. Remember that you may have more to set aside once you pay off your car loan, student debt, and other time-limited bills.

    3. Make Adjustments as Needed to Ensure You’re on Track to Meet Your Goals

    To learn how to plan for saving money, you’ll need to prepare yourself for something of a reality check. First, compare the budget you’ve created to how much you’ve actually been spending each month. It could be that your current spending habits are not in line with your financial goals.

    If that’s the case, don’t panic. Now is the time to align your personal spending habits with your long-term goals. You probably won’t be able to eliminate needed expenses, but the following suggestions can help you trim your variable and discretionary expenses:

    • Cut back on gourmet coffee or dining out
    • Eliminate one or more streaming services
    • Cancel unused subscription services
    • Buy store-brand products
    • Use coupons to purchase groceries
    • Adjust your thermostat to lower utility bills

    Admittedly, these changes can take some time to get used to. So make a game of it. Challenge yourself to eliminate one takeout meal or gourmet coffee next week. Then, the week after, challenge yourself to eliminate another discretionary purchase.

    Before you know it, you’ll meet your desired budget, and you’ll have plenty of room to save for the future.

    4. Automate Your Finances, So You’re Not Tempted to Spend More Than You Have Allocated

    Knowing how to plan for saving money is the easy part. The hard part is sticking to your budget. But you can make it easier by automating your finances.

    Many consumers already rely on automated bill payments to cover recurring expenses. But some banks let you take this a step further by automatically transferring money between your checking and savings accounts.

    For example, you could set up an automated transfer that ensures you set aside money for monthly savings. This means you won’t be tempted to spend before you have a chance to save.

    Just be careful with automated payments. It’s easy to lose track of which companies can access your payment details. It’s too easy to sign up for automated services only to have the company raise the price later. This can derail your budget and even cause an overdraft if you’re not careful.

    Otherwise, keeping tabs on your automated payments can be a convenient way to stay on track and even build your credit by making consistent on-time bill payments.

    5. Make a Plan to Pay Off Any High-Interest Debt

    While most of the adjustments you make to your budget will focus on variable costs and discretionary purchases, you can also cut back on certain fixed expenses.

    Many of these costs come from high-interest debt such as credit card bills, student loans, or car payments. You can free up some room in your budget by eliminating these expenses as soon as possible. Here are two common strategies for doing so.

    The Snowball Method

    Start by paying off your smallest debt first. Then, once you eliminate this debt, apply the amount you were paying to your next-highest debt. The goal is to allow your payments to “snowball” until you’ve eliminated all smaller debt and you can now afford to make more significant progress on your larger debt elimination.

    The Avalanche Method

    The avalanche method works in reverse. Start by paying off your largest bills (or loans with the highest interest rates), then work your way down to your smaller bills. This will help you cut out your largest bills as quickly as possible. Just be aware that since some debts can be pretty high (student loans, for example), eliminating these expenses may take a while.

    Caution: Watch Out for Prepayment Fees

    While eliminating credit card debt is a wise choice, not all of your debts can be paid off so easily. For example, some mortgages and car loans have prepayment penalties that will charge you money if you attempt to pay off your debt too early. So check to ensure that paying off your debts won’t result in added charges. Discipline your spending, buy only what you need, and avoid impulse buys.

    Keep a tight rein on your wallet. It’s easy to get carried away and buy more than what you need. So instead, stick to the essentials, and avoid impulse purchases that can derail your budget.

    Easier said than done? When learning how to plan to save money, you’ll need to develop some discipline in your purchases. Here are some workable strategies.

    Stick to a Grocery List

    Before you go grocery shopping, make a list of your essentials. This prevents you from making snap decisions or being influenced by store displays once you’re there. Eat before you go to the grocery store so that you aren’t hungry — hunger can overcome your good senses.

    Give Yourself  Time to Think About It

    Impulse decisions happen quickly. Discipline yourself to think about your spending before making the purchase. When shopping, put the item down and return to it before you leave. Or leave the item in your online shopping cart until you can determine how it fits your budget.

    If, after this pause, you decide you genuinely need the item, then you can complete the transaction.

    Pay for Discretionary Purchases in Cash

    Pay for your significant bills using automated bill pay, but complete your discretionary purchases with cash. That way, you will always have a limited amount of money to draw from and can make buying decisions accordingly.

    7. Celebrate Small Victories Along the Way as You Work Toward Your Financial Goals

    Your retirement years are basically a lifetime away. That’s why it helps to set solid benchmarks to track your progress.

    For example, you might make it a goal to set aside 15% of your monthly income toward your retirement goal. Or you could make it a goal to set aside a year’s salary for your retirement by your 30th birthday.

    Setting a series of short-term goals can help you track your progress toward retirement and give you a sense of accomplishment along the way.

    Knowing how to plan for saving money can also be your whole family’s responsibility. If the family shares progress updates, you can celebrate the accomplishments together. Depending on their ages, your children might not be enthused about your retirement progress, but sharing these victories can help them learn the importance of long-term planning.

    8. Review Your Budget Regularly to Make Sure it Still Meets Your Needs

    Your financial circumstances change all the time. Your budget should do the same. Make a plan to review your budget at least once per year. This can help you make adjustments as you pay off debts or have more revenue to draw from.

    Reviewing your budget is especially important during periods of inflation. For example, higher prices at the grocery store and the gas pump may prompt you to adjust your variable expenses. In addition, you may need to reevaluate your regular expenses to ensure you’re still able to allocate money to your savings.

    You may find more income as you advance in your career. Raises at work will allow you to devote even more to your retirement savings or give you a bit more breathing room when it comes to dining out or entertainment.

    Changing Your Approach to Retirement

    Now that you know how to plan for saving money each month, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. Due can help. At Due, we believe in helping our customers strategize and reach their retirement goals. We also offer an annuity that can provide a stable income during retirement.

    So no matter where you are in your financial journey, Due can help you. To learn more, contact Due today.

     

    The post How to Plan for Saving Money Each Month appeared first on Due.

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    John Boitnott

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  • Bullish Vs. Bearish Stock Market…

    Bullish Vs. Bearish Stock Market…

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    “Are you actually bullish now?”. That was the question I got from StockNews CEO Steve Reitmeister late last week after I published my commentary for my POWR Stocks Under $10 newsletter. Even though he and I differ about our respective stock market (SPY) outlooks from time to time, I think my answer still surprised him. Let me tell you how it all went down.


    shutterstock.com – StockNews

    (Please enjoy this updated version of my weekly commentary published January 17th, 2023 from the POWR Growth newsletter).

    For those of you who missed my Stocks Under $10 issue, I highlighted some bullish “green shoots” I saw in Thursday’s CPI report. Here’s the recap. (And for those of you who have already read this, apologies for repeating myself.)

    Here are the two most interesting data points I saw:

    1) Home prices increased just 0.8% compared to last month. Shelter accounts for about a third of CPI. Gains in this line have levelled off and are no longer driving large jumps in inflation.

    2) Used car prices were down 2.5% last month and down 8.8% over the past year. While used car prices account for a much smaller portion of CPI — just 3.6% — Fed officials blamed the spike in used car prices for inflation when it began rising in 2020. I’d bet Fed economists are still watching the data and are pleased with this drop.

    This month’s report also marked the third consecutive downtrend in consumer inflation.

    I’m not going to come out and declare that we’ve won the war — if you’ve been reading these issues for the past few months, you know I think there is still more room for downside than upside — but I will go on record saying things are trending in the right direction.

    The fact that we now have three consecutive months of reports all pointing in the same direction is very positive.

    Additionally, the fact that the labor market has somehow remained healthy gives me a spark of hope that the elusive “soft landing” may actually come to pass.

    I found the details to be encouraging. And based on the rally that took place afterward, it looked like other traders agreed.

    So, back to Reity’s big question. Am I bullish now?

    The answer is… it’s complicated.

    I’ve been pretty bearish for the past six or seven months. Fed Chair Jerome Powell made it pretty clear that inflation was Enemy No. 1 and the central bank was going to do anything in its power to get prices under control. I mean, come on; his top buzzword was “pain.” It was not a good time to be long anything.

    And as we saw in 2022, Powell meant what he said and he said what he meant. Stocks paid the price, falling nearly 20%. We finished the year commiserating about our “no show” Santa Claus rally and sighing over the number of analyst predictions for poor earnings and a coming recession.

    And then, we flipped over our calendar year and things started looking up. Stocks have gained nearly 4% in just a few weeks. And price can’t lie. Clearly someone is buying.

    So, what’s the deal? Did someone just forget to send out the memo that we had switched from bear to bull?

    Things certainly seem better than we were collectively expecting at the end of December.

    So, am actually I bullish now? Not particularly. But I’m not particularly bearish either.

    If you ask me, I think we’re somewhere in between. Things aren’t roses and teddy bears… but they’re also not on the verge of collapse.

    Yes, we still have inflation and a Fed threatening to raise the terminal rate further… but we also have three consecutive months of reports showing that inflation is in a downtrend.

    We have an inverted yield curve… but we also have economist Campbell Harvey saying the famed (and highly accurate) recession indicator could be wrong this time. That’s a really big deal; Harvey is the guy who linked inverted yield curves to recessions in the first place.

    We have huge earnings misses like today’s Goldman Sachs report… and then major earnings beats like today’s United Airlines report.

    Things are complicated, y’all!

    But I see three potential turning points that could make things a whole lot less complicated, one way or the other.

    1) Things (economic data/earnings/current events) turn negative.

    One reason I think people may be buying right now? We set the bar really, really low. Going into the year, we were expecting disaster. But so far, things have been pretty neutral, which means they’ve been great!

    But if this is just a bear market rally, I think the first sign of negativity could spoil the party and scare off investors. And then we’re back to everything just being the worst.

    But if we get some bad news and investors just shrug it off? Or if we continue to see more of these economic “green shoots” in subsequent reports? Then yeah, I think we could be looking at a new bull.

    2) The job market finally snaps.

    The “consumer” will keep consuming as long as the jobs picture remains rosy. That’s certainly another factor buoying stock prices right now. A lot of people are arguing that we “can’t” have a recession because the job market is too strong.

    Of course, this is a bad “bull market” indicator to rely on, since employment lags behind most other indicators.

    Sure, if employment stays tight, people will keep spending and the Fed will probably get the “soft landing” they’ve been aiming for. But we could be well on our way down the next leg lower before we see any weakness in job numbers because employment is a lagging indicator.

    That’s why it’s difficult to hang your hat on the jobs data.

    (Oh, and we have seen some weakness in job numbers. Just ask anyone you know who works — worked? — in the tech industry, where a number of major companies have laid off several thousand employees.)

    3) The S&P 500 breaks above 4,000… and stays there.

    This is a major psychological resistance level in the market right now. In the past week, the S&P 500 (SPY) has managed to get THIS CLOSE to closing above 4,000… only to fall pennies short.

    Why does that number matter? It doesn’t, theoretically. What does matter is that we’ve failed to break above it now — multiple times. So now, when stocks start approaching 4,000, buyers ask themselves if they’re buying too high… and then all the buying interest dries up.

    If investors had a strong conviction that the S&P 500 would keep climbing above 4,000, they would absolutely buy. The fact that we can’t break that level means there’s not enough bullish conviction. For the market to pick up again, we’ll need to bust that line.

    Until we do… or until we see the results from one of these two other potential turning points, things will likely remain complicated.

    Conclusion

    Look. The long and short of it is that we’re in market purgatory. The potential of a recession is hanging over our heads… and over the market. I’ve even heard an analyst say it would be better to have a recession and just get it over with.

    Even in the best-case scenario — no recession, mixed earnings, a pause in rate hikes — I’m not seeing anything pointing toward a market boom. Prices are still elevated. Supply chain issues are still very real. Companies are still warning investors that they’re not expecting much growth for the year. It’s probably not going to be a 30%-gain kind of year.

    However, as we’ve seen in our portfolio, we can still have picks that run up 16% in a month… or 92% in the middle of a bear market!

    Until we see the market turn one way or the other, we’ll probably still keep about half of our capital in cash and half in high-quality growth stocks. That way, we’re in a strong position regardless of which way the wind is blowing.

    What To Do Next?

    See my top stocks for today’s market inside the POWR Growth portfolio.

    This exclusive portfolio gets most of its fresh picks from our proven “Top 10 Growth Stocks” strategy which has produced stellar average annual returns of +46.85%.

    And yes, it continues to outperform by a wide margin even during this rough and tumble bear market cycle.

    If you would like to see the current portfolio of growth stocks, and be alerted to our next timely trades, then consider starting a 30 day trial by clicking the link below.

    About POWR Growth newsletter & 30 Day Trial

    All the Best!

    Meredith Margrave
    Chief Growth Strategist, StockNews
    Editor, POWR Growth Newsletter


    SPY shares . Year-to-date, SPY has gained 2.37%, versus a % rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.


    About the Author: Meredith Margrave

    Meredith Margrave has been a noted financial expert and market commentator for the past two decades. She is currently the Editor of the POWR Growth and POWR Stocks Under $10 newsletters. Learn more about Meredith’s background, along with links to her most recent articles.

    More…

    The post Bullish Vs. Bearish Stock Market… appeared first on StockNews.com

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    Meredith Margrave

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  • 3 Reasons Now is the Best Time to Start Investing

    3 Reasons Now is the Best Time to Start Investing

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Thanks to record-high inflation, geopolitical instability and the first interest rate increases in years, the current market is, simply put, incredibly volatile. Existing investors are making strategic changes to their portfolios, and new investors are unsure if they want in at all. But for those fortunate enough to have disposable funds, is now the right time to get started?

    Here are three reasons to wade in — slowly.

    1. Time in the market is better than timing the market

    Generally, when one starts investing isn’t as impactful as how long one invests. With a long enough time horizon, a well-diversified portfolio, and the power of compounding, portfolio volatility usually smooths out. This has been historically proven repeatedly as it pertains to the stock market.

    By contrast, “timing the market” or waiting for stocks to hit a new low or drop from recent highs so that an investor can snag a bargain is risky. Short-term market behavior tends to be unpredictable, with current trends reversing on a dime. Waiting for the “perfect” moment to invest may mean passing up potential gains.

    In other words, for many traders in waiting, now is as good a time as any to invest because markets are down. But exceptions may arise for those who need their money soon, as a short-term downturn can wipe out a portfolio overnight. If you are a new investor looking for a long-term “buy and hold” strategy, this is one of the best times to enter the markets and begin investing.

    Related: Create More Wealth by Playing the Stock Market

    2. Downturns leave more room for growth

    Many investors view short-term volatility as a risk that negatively impacts their portfolio. In the short term, this is true: volatility often drags down the total value of one’s investments.

    That said, one of the primary ways that the stock market generates returns is when investors buy low and sell high. And what better way to profit off large price differences than buying in when the market swings downward? Forget timing the market — a good strategy for long-term growth is to buy when the market is down.

    It may help to view market volatility as a form of bargain hunting. By buying high-quality investments when they go “on sale,” investors can increase their future profit margins when the market recovers. The trick is sorting the junk from the gems.

    Related: How To Start Investing

    3. The market will perform sooner or later

    There’s no guarantee that any individual security will turn a profit. But historically, given enough time and increased economic activity, the stock market always performs — eventually.

    That said, the time between a crash and recovery varies widely, and it certainly cannot be forecasted when that will happen. As such, pinpointing how long investors have to wait to realize gains is nearly impossible.

    For instance, most stocks took 12 years to recover following the Great Depression. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, many stocks recovered within just four months. This a sobering reminder that there is no way to time bull or bear market cycles and that a market recovery can even mount in some of the worst economic conditions.

    Related: Why You Should Invest in Mutual Funds vs. Individual Stocks

    Start slowly to establish good habits and “feel out” the market

    So, is now the right time to invest? For investors who aren’t on the cusp of retirement, the answer may be yes. Every investor should consider their risk tolerance and time horizon before deciding when and where to invest. Starting slowly can ease new investors into the market without introducing excessive risk.

    Novices may also start simply with a dollar-cost averaging method, which involves investing small sums at regular intervals to even out the market’s ups and downs. While it’s not as exciting as day trading, dollar-cost averaging reduces the temptation to time the market and can even lead to more significant gains for investors.

    As scary as the current market may seem, competent investing is less about day-to-day developments and more about the future. Be strategic, stay focused, and only risk what you can afford not to touch over the future.

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    Kyle Leighton

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  • How to Reach Financial Success as a Solopreneur

    How to Reach Financial Success as a Solopreneur

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    Looking for practical ways to reach financial success when pursuing a non-conventional career path as a solopreneur?


    Due – Due

    Being a successful solopreneur isn’t simply about having a marketable business idea that can withstand competitors. It is about having a thorough plan and processes in place to see financial growth and stability in the initial year and beyond.

    It is possible for non-conventional career seekers to reach their business goals and financial success in the modern age. However, it takes a significant amount of discipline, dedication, patience, organization, and due diligence.

    To begin your successful financial journey as a solopreneur, check out these ten practical ways to effectively approach and manage your business.

    1. Brainstorm your SMART goals and objectives.

    To be a successful entrepreneur, you need to have strong business, marketing, and financial plans. These must include your mission, SMART goals, and key business objectives that will guide your work.

    You should segment your strategy for success into four quarterly goals. These goals must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. At the end of every quarter, you want to review the previous three months to decide if you should make changes to your annual plan and objectives.

    Taking these initial steps will ensure you are clear about what you want to accomplish as an individual entrepreneur as you begin your business journey and every step along the way. As a result, you will gradually see improved business processes, customer satisfaction, and steady revenue growth.

    2. Have an organizational system in place.

    The last thing you want is for your business to grind to a halt because you weren’t well-organized. Having an organizational strategy for your small business in place will ensure that your busy work days go smoothly. No information is lost or forgotten, so your customers remain satisfied.

    According to Neil Patel, you want to focus on a few critical organizational strategies to see tremendous success. These strategies include keeping your work environment and storage areas clean and organized, having the right tools in place to track customer communications and business expenses, creating annual social media marketing plans, managing your passwords, and keeping digital records, resources, and notes.

    3. Find community business connections.

    Creating your professional brand to market yourself and networking with like-minded business leaders is essential to business success.

    Networking allows you to connect with other entrepreneurs, freelancers, and contractors in your local community. As a result, this leads to more robust business connections and word-of-mouth marketing with prospective customers, even without a large marketing budget.

    To start investing some time and effort into meeting with other local business leaders, consider joining local business networking groups and attending local events, such as Chamber of Commerce meetings.

    Also, don’t forget the importance of setting up a business page on a professional networking platform. Along with the ever-popular LinkedIn, you can generate business opportunities and build your network with platforms like Hivebrite, Meetup, Opportunity, Run the World, and Slack.

    4. Consider co-working spaces.

    Remote and at-home work has become increasingly popular since the pandemic. However, only some feel motivated to work at their home office daily. Likewise, most solopreneurs simply can not afford the overhead expenses of leasing office space to maintain a professional appearance.

    A great alternative to investing in a long-term office lease is to find an area for co-working or shared office space. Coworker is an excellent website for searching, finding, and reserving coworking desks, private offices, meeting rooms, virtual offices, and other shared workspaces in your location—anywhere around the world.

    If a shared workspace still does not fit your budget or business goals, you can also work outside of your home at a local library or coffee shop to change your scenery and stay motivated. If you are concerned about where to meet clients, consider meeting them for lunch or coffee. Use relaxing public spaces to discuss a project or introduce them to your services.

    5. Invest in automated software and tools.

    As a solopreneur, you wear many hats in the business world. You need to be able to keep track of client information, projects, product or service sales, financial records, and everything in between. To reduce the stress associated with keeping track of everything, investing in the right tools and software is essential to streamline your processes.

    Take Harlow, for example. The company’s all-in-one freelance platform helps small business owners get and stay organized, save time, and look professional with automated invoicing, proposal templates, client and task management, and more. Their flexible invoicing feature helps freelancers manage their finances so they can send, track and collect payments on time.

    Beyond financial and operational management, every solopreneur can benefit in their daily work with tools focused on communications, business accounting, customer relationship management, and beyond.

    If you run a business that reimburses your employees for vehicle business mileage or simply need to track your vehicle use for business use when it comes to annual taxes, MileIQ is an excellent option. Users can integrate it with QuickBooks, Concur, FreshBooks, and other expense-tracking programs.

    Meanwhile, every business leader can use Grammarly to improve professional writing and communication skills or educational tools like LinkedIn Learning or Class Central.

    6. Use a business credit card.

    One of the best ways to see exponential business growth is having the ability to invest in your business. Along with using a bank account that is separate from your personal finances, consider applying for a business credit card.

    Using a business credit card will allow you to keep a single record of your expenditures. This saves you from using all your investment funds at once. When you can repay expenses throughout the year—rather than directly out of your pocket—do so. That way, you can reduce cash outflow, improve record-keeping and continue to grow your credit.

    The type of business credit card you can receive varies among market lenders, so be sure to research a credit lender that supports your small business needs.

    7. Plan for your retirement.

    While your focus may be on your career path and goals most days, you don’t want to overlook the need to plan for your retirement. Retirement is an often set aside objective for solopreneurs. However, you should consider the same initial steps toward opening a 401(K) or another retirement account as you would in a traditional job setting.

    Before deciding what type of retirement account to open, you will want to consider your long-term goals. Whether at the beginning or middle of your solopreneur career, thinking about the end result is crucial in developing a detailed plan for your career path and ultimate retirement.

    Think about how much you want to save by the time you retire. Do you plan to move to a dream location? Do you want to travel occasionally — or frequently travel — during your retirement years? How much will you need to budget for each expected year of retirement?

    From there, you can look at retirement account options that fit your ultimate financial goals and will help you reduce your taxable income as you contribute throughout the year. Solopreneurs should also build a successful retirement savings plan. For example, consider a self-employed 401(K), a traditional ROTH, or a straightforward IRA plan.

    8. Remember, money isn’t everything.

    While it is important to remember your worth and have your product or service prices demonstrate such, you want to also keep your fundamental values and mission at the forefront of your mind on your business journey. A successful business isn’t simply about financial success. According to the founders of GoDaddy and JetBlue Airways, it is about perseverance and providing every customer with exceptional experiences.

    There may be times when you come across a potential client who requires your services but can’t afford your regular prices. As your own boss, you have the power to consider how you can help. Can you provide a discount on your product or services? Do you have a referral program where you can offer a free service if they refer additional customers? Can you advise them on how to achieve what they need? Do you have a blog or other digital content that may be useful to them?

    It may seem that you are losing out on potential revenue. However, considering your customers’ needs alongside your core business values and company mission can make a significant difference too. Understanding their needs can help you find alternative ways to be an asset to them and deliver customer leads through word-of-mouth marketing and customer reviews.

    9. Don’t forget to reward yourself.

    It doesn’t matter whether you run a small or large business. As an entrepreneur, you work hard to keep your company afloat and your customers happy. It can be all too easy to get lost in meetings, projects, marketing, business networking, and every other responsibility—regularly leading to burnout or simply poor motivation for many leaders.

    Remember to reward yourself in small ways throughout the workday to ensure this doesn’t happen to you. Using Pomodoro, you can give yourself small rewards after 25 minutes or an hour of work, such as walking the dog or having a midday cup of coffee.

    But don’t just think about day-to-day rewards; remember to give yourself adequate vacation time throughout the year. As a self-sufficient business leader, you can provide yourself with benefits and opportunities that not every company offers. Taking care of yourself might include taking a week’s vacation mid-summer. Use that time to clear your mind or at least give yourself mental health days to reset and recharge.

    10. Open a savings account for tax season.

    One of the biggest mistakes that new business leaders and freelancers make is not planning for the upcoming tax season. Your planning should include staying well-organized by keeping print and digital receipts, invoices, utility bills, and other necessary financial documentation.

    You also want to keep a business account. Use it to save money for the upcoming tax year and unexpected expenses. And don’t forget to use TurboTax and other relevant tax tools to help manage expenses throughout the year.

    The post How to Reach Financial Success as a Solopreneur appeared first on Due.

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    Deanna Ritchie

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  • KISS Investing in 2023

    KISS Investing in 2023

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    The S&P 500 (SPY) seems to be on the verge of an important breakout. Some even think the new bull market has already arrived. 40 year investment veteran, Steve Reitmeister, says “rubbish”. His latest market commentary below explains why including a game plan to generate gains even as the market heads lower. Read on below for the full story.


    shutterstock.com – StockNews

    It been roughly 40 years since investors have been faced with high inflation as the cause of a recession and bear market. And yet we have been dealt 5 bear market since that time.

    The point being that the majority of today’s investors have either never seen inflation cause a recession…or it is so far back in the memory banks that they don’t know how to properly react to the information in hand. This begs us to get back to KISS investing.

    Instead of what it usually means: Keep It Simple Stupid

    In 2023 we will go with: Keep Inflation Separate Stupid

    The reason for this pearl of investing wisdom will be fully illuminated in this week’s Reitmeister Total Return commentary.

    Market Commentary

    There have been quite a few joyous bear market rallies this past year based on the notion that inflation was cooling…which would mean the Fed would pivot to more dovish policies soon…which eventually fell apart when the Fed dumped cold water on the situation.

    I sense the same set up is taking place now coming into their February 1st rate hike decision and announcement. And that is why I continue to be bearish even as the S&P 500 (SPY) is flirting with a breakout above the long term trend like (aka 200 day moving average) @ 3,978.

    Yes, one could say that we have closed above for 2 straight sessions. Yet hard to call it a breakout when the psychologically important 4,000 level looms large overhead. Until we break above that key hurdle, then the bears are still in control.

    Back to the KISS theme: Keep Inflation Separate Stupid

    Bulls continue to not appreciate the seriousness of the Feds higher rate mantra about “a long time”. I sense that message will be shouted again from the rooftops at their next meeting on February 1st leading to another stock sell off.

    To be clear, there is a softening of inflation. No two ways about it. However, sticky inflation in wages and housing will have the Fed maintaining their restrictive policies a while longer only increasing the odds we descend into recession in the first half of the year.

    And over the past couple weeks several Fed officials were quoted repeating this higher rates for “a long time” mantra. That includes Chairman Powell. So the idea that only a couple weeks later on February 1st they would say the long time is now over is borderline insane.

    Thus, when that message does come through loud and clear in a couple weeks, we will likely see a retreat from recent highs just like we did in mid August and early December. This is why I remain quite bearish.

    However, that is truly missing the main point of today’s commentary which we will pivot to now. That being a focus on inflation is completing missing the much more important signals coming from the economy.

    That indeed we have an economy teetering on recession. And that should hold MUCH GREATER sway in investor decision making than the state of inflation.

    You have heard me write enough on the worsening economic outlook to induce carpel tunnel syndrome. So today I am going to lean one of the industry’s heavyweights to help explain why the market outlook is not just about inflation. And why it should be separated from the bigger recession question that is usually at the forefront of the bull/bear debate…and in time will likely return to the center when investors realize their focus on inflation was misguided.

    I have often quoted from John Mauldin in the past because he does such a great job of breaking down “wonky” economic concepts to make it understandable. He was at his level best once again this week with his article: The Punchbowl is Gone.

    The title is mean to say that the good times afforded the economy by easy money policies are now gone. And thus the road is tougher from here for the Fed, corporations and yes, investors.

    In this article he shares a lot of thoughts he rounded up from other leading investment thinkers. So now I am going to share the best of that article to help round out our understanding of the road ahead of us (spoiler alert: still quite bearish).

    “…bond market wizard Jeff Gundlach placing this year’s recession odds at 75%. That seemed low to me…”

    Samuel Rines of CORBU adds; “No one wants to say, ‘a recession is fine.’ But the FOMC is highly implying it.” 

    “Could worse conditions still be coming? Sure. Fed policy changes have lagging effects. But from the FOMC’s perspective, the current strategy seems to be producing the desired benefit (lower inflation) without undesirable consequences (unacceptably high unemployment or credit markets crashing). This gives them room to continue.”

    David Rosenberg sees a 100% chance of recession this year for the following reasons: “The seeds for the 2023 recession were sown a while ago by the relentless decline in the Conference Board’s leading economic indicator, which has now fallen for nine consecutive months. The data go back to 1959 and I can tell you that at no time in the past have we seen a string of weakness like this, with a 5.6% annualized contraction over such a timeframe, that failed to presage a recession within a quarter or two. Call it nine for nine back to fifty-nine. The recession is staring us in the face (and if it is so ‘priced-in,’ why is the consensus calling for positive EPS growth for next year?).”

    Tuesday provides yet more proof of the deteriorating economy with The NY Empire State Manufacturing report plummeting to -32.9. The lowest level since May 2020 when Covid was ravaging the economy. This and Chicago PMI are considered the most influential of the regional manufacturing reports and both are showing ill health.

    So yes, bulls started 2023 in charge thanks to a combination of new year optimism plus signs of moderating inflation. And yes, they may keep the reigns a little longer with FOMO creeping higher.

    Let’s sum it up.

    To join the bull party now as recessionary odds are on the rise seems quite unwise. And the same could be said for getting bullish on the hopes of a Fed pivot on February 1st. This seems downright fanciful given the facts in hand.

    This is why I remain bearish at this time. I even added a 3X inverse ETF to my portfolio the end of last week as stocks were bumping up against resistance.

    Down makes more sense than up. Trade accordingly.

    What To Do Next?

    Discover my special portfolio with 10 simple trades to help you generate gains as the market descends further into bear market territory.

    This plan has been working wonders since it went into place mid August generating a robust gain for investors as the market tumbled.

    And now is great time to load back as we deal with yet another bear market rally before stocks hit even lower lows in the weeks and months ahead.

    If you have been successful navigating the investment waters this past year, then please feel free to ignore.

    However, if the bearish argument shared above does make you curious as to what happens next…then do consider getting my updated “Bear Market Game Plan” that includes specifics on the 10 unique positions in my timely and profitable portfolio.

    Click Here to Learn More >

    Wishing you a world of investment success!


    Steve Reitmeister…but everyone calls me Reity (pronounced “Righty”)
    CEO, Stock News Network and Editor, Reitmeister Total Return


    SPY shares . Year-to-date, SPY has gained 4.01%, versus a % rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.


    About the Author: Steve Reitmeister

    Steve is better known to the StockNews audience as “Reity”. Not only is he the CEO of the firm, but he also shares his 40 years of investment experience in the Reitmeister Total Return portfolio. Learn more about Reity’s background, along with links to his most recent articles and stock picks.

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    The post KISS Investing in 2023 appeared first on StockNews.com

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  • George Santos assigned to 2 House committees: CBS News Flash Jan. 18, 2023

    George Santos assigned to 2 House committees: CBS News Flash Jan. 18, 2023

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    George Santos assigned to 2 House committees: CBS News Flash Jan. 18, 2023 – CBS News


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    Embattled Republican Congressman George Santos has been assigned to two House despite growing calls for his resignation amid questions about his finances and background. The University of Texas at Dallas has joined a growing list of post-secondary schools in that state blocking access to TikTok on campus WiFi. And the world’s oldest known person has died at 118. French nun Sister André– passed away peacefully at her retirement home.

    Be the first to know

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  • Is Visa a Stock to Buy in 2023?

    Is Visa a Stock to Buy in 2023?

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    Visa’s (V) top and bottom line witnessed more than 20% year-over-year growth in the last fiscal year despite the macro uncertainties. The stock has delivered steady returns over the past months. Moreover, Wall Street analysts see a more than 12% upside potential in the stock. So, let’s find out whether you should invest in the stock now….


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    Finance giant Visa Inc. (V) gained 20.4% over the past three months despite a downward trending market. Over the past six months, the stock has gained 6.2% to close the last trading session at $223.00.

    Despite the macro uncertainties and geopolitical turmoil, the company delivered steady revenue growth in the fiscal year 2022, supported by strength in consumer payments, resilience in e-commerce, and ongoing recovery in cross-border travel.

    Moreover, the company has a large market share as it connects consumers, businesses, banks, and governments in more than 200 countries and territories.

    “As we look ahead, while some short-term uncertainty exists, we remain confident in Visa’s long-term growth trajectory across consumer payments, new flows and value added services,” Alfred F. Kelly, Jr., Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Visa Inc., said.

    In addition, the growth of the digital economy and digital payments is boosting V’s growth trajectory. The global digital payment market is expected to reach $228.37 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 14.3%.

    Here is what could shape V’s performance in the near term:

    Solid Financials

    V’s net revenues came in at $29.31 billion for the year ended September 30, 2022, up 21.6% year-over-year. Its non-GAAP net income increased 24% year-over-year to $16.03 billion, while its non-GAAP EPS came in at $7.50, up 26.9% year-over-year.

    Favorable Analyst Expectations

    Analysts expect V’s revenue to increase 8.7% year-over-year to $31.86 billion in 2023 and 11.8% year-over-year to $35.61 billion in 2024. Its EPS is expected to increase 10.3% year-over-year to $8.27 and 15.8% year-over-year to $9.58 in 2024.

    Moreover, its EPS is expected to rise 14.9% per annum for the next five years. The stock surpassed EPS estimates in all four trailing quarters.

    Robust Profitability

    V’s trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 97.47% is 96.8% higher than the industry average of 49.53%. Its trailing-12-month EBITDA margin of 70.35% is 502.9% higher than the industry average of 11.67%. Moreover, its 51.03% trailing-12-month net income margin is substantially higher than the industry average of 3.22%.

    Furthermore, its trailing-12-month ROCE, ROTC, and ROTA of 43.18%, 20.93%, and 17.49% compared with the industry averages of 4.75%, 3.21%, and 1.52%, respectively.

    POWR Ratings Reflect Promising Outlook

    V has an overall rating of B, which equates to a Buy in our proprietary POWR Ratings system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.

    V has an A grade for Quality, consistent with its higher-than-industry profitability margins.

    It has a B grade for Stability, in sync with its beta of 0.94.

    In the 48-stock Consumer Financial Services industry, V is ranked #6.

    Click here for the additional POWR Ratings for V (Growth, Value, Momentum, and Sentiment).

    View all the top stocks in the Consumer Financial Services industry here.

    Bottom Line

    V witnessed stable growth despite the macro headwinds. Moreover, Wall Street analysts expect the stock to hit $250.58 soon, indicating a potential upside of 12.3%. Given the stock’s robust profitability and favorable outlook, I think V might be an ideal buy in 2023.

    How Does Visa Inc. (V) Stack Up Against its Peers?   

    While V has an overall POWR Rating of B, one might consider looking at its industry peers, MainStreet Bancshares, Inc. (MNSB), EZCORP, Inc. (EZPW), and AssetMark Financial Holdings, Inc. (AMK), which have an overall B (Buy) rating.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     


    V shares . Year-to-date, V has gained 7.34%, versus a 4.01% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.


    About the Author: Riddhima Chakraborty

    Riddhima is a financial journalist with a passion for analyzing financial instruments. With a master’s degree in economics, she helps investors make informed investment decisions through her insightful commentaries.

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    The post Is Visa a Stock to Buy in 2023? appeared first on StockNews.com

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  • ACH Payments: What Are They and How Do They Work?

    ACH Payments: What Are They and How Do They Work?

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    If you’ve been looking into new ways to make electronic payments, you’ve likely encountered ACH payments.

    There are several different methods for electronic money transfers, but not all methods are created equally in terms of security, fees and convenience.

    For more information on ACH payments and how they work, keep reading for everything you need.

    Related: There is a New “Conventional Wisdom” Needed in Personal Finance

    What are ACH payments?

    ACH is the acronym for Automated Clearing House. An ACH payment is a store-and-forward system that electronically moves funds. ACH is a type of authorization that permits the lender to retrieve money from your credit card account, bank or credit union through an electronic process.

    For a payment to be authorized by the ACH, it must be a part of the Automated Clearing House Network. A financial institution member of the ACH holds credibility because it has been vetted thoroughly.

    ACH is a cost-effective way to move funds because it eliminates the middleman process of writing paper checks or completing a wire transfer.

    Millions of people use ACH payments every year, including:

    • Businesses
    • Individuals
    • Federal government
    • State government
    • Local government

    If you’ve ever received a direct depositpaycheck, made an online bill payment, or signed up for autopay, you’ve participated in an ACH transaction. Although you might not have heard the name before, ACH payments are one of U.S. citizens’ most common payment methods.

    Last year 29.1 billion payments adding up to $72.6 trillion, were reported by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA). Those numbers are an 8.7%increase from 2020, and this year’s projections are higher than ever.

    Related: 25 Payment Tools for Small Businesses, Freelancers and Startups

    How ACH payments work: a step-by-step guide

    The ACH process is a system of electronic fund transfers from one entity to another. There are several involved parties, even though most work behind the scenes to complete the seamless transfer.

    1. Originator/client

    This entity, such as a consumer or business, has agreed to participate in transactions through the payment system. Originators must consent to the transaction before it can occur.

    2. Originating depository financial institution (ODFI)

    Once an originator consents to the transaction, their financial institution will receive their payment instructions and send that information to the ACH Operator. This includes payment type, amount and payment schedule.

    3. ACH operator

    The ACH operator is a central clearing facility that receives payment information and instructions from the ODFI.

    The Federal Reserve Bank and the Automated Clearing House are both ACH Operators. The ACH Operator performs the necessary settlement functions before the transaction can proceed.

    4. Receiving depository financial institution (RDFI)

    Once the ACH Operator has cleared the transaction, it is forwarded to the RDFI, the receiving financial institution. The RDFI’s job is to post the transaction into the receiver’s account.

    5. Receiver

    The receiver is the entity, such as a corporation or entity, which has authorized the originator to complete the ACH deposit into the receiver’s account.

    Third-party service provider

    While not always a part of the process, a Third Party Service Provider is an entity that carries out ACH Network duties for originators, ODFIs or RDFIs.

    Third-Party Service providers perform functions like:

    • Creating ACH files for an originator or ODFI
    • Acting as sending or receiving point for an ODFI or RDFI

    Third-party sender

    As a subsection of a third-party service provider, this entity transmits ACH deposits for originators with no ODFI contractual agreement.

    Types of ACH payments

    ACH credits

    ACH credits happen when the originator passes funds into the receiver’s account, the receiver’s account is then credited and the originator’s account is debited.

    This type of entry is considered an offset or settlement. The most common type of ACH credit is a payroll direct deposit.

    ACH debits

    ACH debits occur when the funds are pulled from the receiver’s account with the RDFI, the receiver’s account is debited, and the originator’s account is credited.

    This type of entry is also considered an offset or settlement. Common types of ACH debit are insurance premium payments and utility bills.

    ACH entries

    Depending on the receiver’s account type, an ACH entry is a consumer or non-consumer payment. It is up to the originator to determine the type of account, consumer or business, that they have secured for authorization.

    Account validation

    Before any entity can participate in ACH transactions, they must complete account authorization.

    Standard account authorization methods are:

    • Prenotifications with routing number and account number (a non-monetary entry that comes to the checking account or savings account before the first actual entry)
    • Social security
    • Proof of ownership
    • Proof of address

    Related: How to Maximize Your Social Security

    Types of ACH transactions

    When it comes to ACH transactions, there are both corporate, and consumer transaction types:

    • Corporate transactions happen between non-consumer entities, like businesses and corporations.
    • Consumer transitionsare between originators and individual consumers. Take a look below for more information on each.

    Corporate credit or debit (CCD)

    A CCD entry is either a single-entry, recurring ACH credit, or recurring ACH debit from a corporate account. It can hold one single addenda record.

    CCDs have many different uses for originators, which include:

    • Paying vendors
    • Concentrating funds from outlying accounts (cash concentration)
    • Funding payroll
    • Funding petty cash
    • Funding other disbursement accounts

    Related: How to Instantly Improve Your Small Business Payroll Management

    Corporate trade exchange (CTX)

    A CTX entry is a single-entry, recurring ACH credit or ACH debit. However, a CTX coming from a corporate account can support up to 9,999 addenda records. Corporate Trade Exchanges are generally used in partner trading correspondence.

    Prearranged payment and deposit (PPD)

    A PPD is a single-entry, recurring ACH credit or recurring ACH debit. These transactions happen between an originator and a consumer to make or collect an authorized payment.

    Internet-initiated/mobile entries (WEB)

    A WEB is a single-entry or recurring ACH debit. These transactions are digital, occurring when the consumer authorizes a transfer of funds with their online account or mobile device.

    Telephone-initiated transactions (TEL)

    A TEL is a single-entry or recurring ACH debit. These transactions are based on telephone authorization given by the consumer.

    Pros and cons of ACH payments

    Before you implement ACH payments into your business or opt-in for them in your personal life, make sure you have a complete picture of what they entail with their pros and cons.

    Pros of ACH payments:

    Benefits of ACH payments may include:

    • Convenience:ACH debit allows automatic recurring payments, which cuts paperwork and manual payments each pay period.
    • Accuracy: Using electronic automation reduces the margin for human error.
    • Cost: ACH processing fees are lower than credit card, debit card and wire transfer fees.
    • Security: The nature of ACH regulations and ACH payment confidentiality makes ACH transfers between accounts more secure than credit card payments and wire transfers.

    Related: Credit Card Industry Terms Defined

    Cons of ACH payments

    Drawbacks of ACH payments may include:

    • U.S. exclusive: In this regard, wire transfers have the upper hand, as ACH payments cannot be made to or from international bank accounts.
    • Payment processing times: Because ACH payments occur in batches and go through a clearinghouse, ACH credit transactions can take up to three business days to process. However, debit transactions must be processed the next day, and other transactions are eligible for same-day processing.
    • Transaction limits: Different banks have different guidelines for transaction amounts, but many have limits — per transaction, daily, weekly or monthly.
    • Potential for payroll fraud: While automation saves time and reduces human error, it does mean that a physical person is not checking payroll amount each month. This allows room for employees to wrongfully inflate their hours or create fraudulent accounts while going unnoticed.

    Related: I Know How To Easily Steal Money From Your Company’s Bank Account

    Should you implement ACH payments?

    Automated Clearing House payments are secure electronic payments authorized by the National Automated Clearing House Association. The ACH is a payment processor that can approve, vet, push, and pull transactions from business to business and business to individual.

    Implementing an ACH system can be a prudent payment method option to cut the hassle and boost the use of automated bank transfers, as long as you are not looking for a same-day processing option.

    Are you interested in additional research? Visit Entrepreneur.com for information on financial planning, business tips and more.

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    Entrepreneur Staff

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  • Tim Cook Takes 40% Pay Cut

    Tim Cook Takes 40% Pay Cut

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    Apple CEO Tim Cook will take a more than 40% pay cut this year after criticism from shareholders, a decision that will reduce his annual pay package from last year’s $99.4 million to $49 million. What do you think?

    “Hopefully, some of those savings get passed down to the company’s slaves.”

    Ben Robins • Unemployed

    “Was 90% not available?”

    Nydia Gurbush • Admissions Scout

    “Just $49 million? That’s less than I make in 600 years!”

    Orville Woods • Tandem Surgeon

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