Category: Business

Got A Big Payment On Your Hands? Here’s How You Can Easily Afford It

bills to payThere always comes a time when all of us could do with a little extra cash. The unexpected payout can sometimes be launched on us as a result of something beyond our control – a sudden illness or a car crash, for example. Or, it could be the case that you have something to pay off (like a vacation) and it has just dawned on you that you may not have the money together in time. Whichever situation is relevant to you, there’s no denying that having a large bill weighing on your shoulders can be extremely stressful. Your focus should, therefore, be on being as thrifty as possible to get the money together in time – but what do you do when time itself is against you? Here are a few ways you can save and make money quickly so you can afford that big payout with no questions asked.

Cut out everything you don’t need

The impending payment you need to make may be necessary to your life, or something that you can’t possible wriggle your way out of. However, if you sit back and take a good look at your finances, you may find that you notice certain things that maybe aren’t quite as necessary to your life. For example, could you still be paying a subscription fee for a magazine you don’t even read anymore? Or, perhaps you are wasting lots of money each month by overusing the heating in your home – don’t simply turn it on every morning just due to a force of habit! Cancel everything that isn’t integral to your everyday life, and isn’t something your family relies on too much. These little savings might not seem like a lot initially, but they can certainly go a long way.

See what you might be owed

You might not realize it, but you could have money hidden away in places you weren’t aware of. Read this Fairfield Funding structured settlement review for more information on structured settlements. You may be receiving your settlement in monthly payments at present, but if you urgently need money for something specific, you can apply to have the cash presented to you in a lump sum instead. Equally, if you have been particularly frugal with your household bills lately, you could be in credit with your energy companies, in which case they will owe you money.

Sell, sell, sell

Most of us have a whole hoard of clothes and items taking up space in our homes. Back in the day, we relied on garage sales and car boots to get rid of the things we no longer needed. But thanks to the internet, it has now never been easier to quickly sell your unwanted possessions online for a decent price. Teach yourself the basics of websites like eBay, Gumtree, and Shpock. Providing you can take a few good pictures of your items, and you have the time to post them quickly to your buyers, you can make a lot of easy money just by using websites like these.

A Typical Investment Portfolio

financial investmentsA typical investment portfolio consists of stocks, bonds, real estate holdings, and other types of assets that provide varying degrees of financial security. However, both novice and experienced investors are also routinely advised to buy into mutual funds when they want to build portfolios that allow for better degrees of confidence. You can confidently add mutual funds to your own portfolio by learning some of the primary advantages that they offer to investors today.

Diversification

Mutual funds provide you with the diversification that you need to get the highest degree of security from your investment portfolio. They offset the risk that can come with investing in stocks in the retail, industrial, and other sectors. They also counter bonds that have varying degrees of maturity.

Further, mutual funds are typically low in cost and more affordable than buying individual stocks and bonds. You can buy mutual funds for as low as a $200 to $300 depending on the robo-advisor or financial planning services you use. A certified management accountant like James Dondero can tell you what mutual funds offer the lowest initial investment and offer the highest degree of ROI.

Best Value

As noted, mutual funds tend to be low in cost and easier to purchase than individual stocks and bonds. They also provide you with the best value for your money.

By allowing a certified financial analyst like James Dondero to guide you in buying mutual funds, you essentially get a discounted rate per stock because you are buying in bulk. Mutual funds also help you avoid costly individual transaction fees. You can make more transactions without having to spend a lot of money.

Professional Management

Mutual funds are managed by a professional money manager. This money manager uses your money to buy stocks for you that he or she has carefully researched.

This research ensures that your investment is secure and that you reap the largest ROIs possible with each mutual fund. Professional money managers also take the guesswork out of deciding what stocks to invest in and how much money to put into each fund.

Liquidity

Finally, mutual funds are easier to liquidate than other types of investments like stocks, bonds, and real estate. When you sell your mutual funds, you stand a greater chance of getting back what you initially invested if not more if the fund appreciated in value.

However, you can only sell mutual funds once per day. You must wait until the fund’s NAV (net asset value) is calculated. The time of day that you sell could impact its value. You can get the highest ROI for your mutual funds by following the advice of a certified financial adviser like James Dondero.

About James Dondero

James Dondero began his career in the financial industry in 1984. Since then, he has become an industry leader, having worked for top companies like American Express and the GIC subsidiary of Protective Life.

He now serves as the CEO of Highland Capital Management, L.P. in Dallas. He is also the chairman of the board for companies like NexBank and HCM Acquisition Company.

Dondero volunteers extensively for academic and charitable organizations throughout the Dallas area. Some of his charities include Snowball Express, Education is Freedom, and SMU’s Tower Scholar Program. He also supports the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

Thumb Rules of Investing in Stocks

investment in stockMaking profits in the equity market is not based on your luck. With a disciplined and research-based investment approach, you may be able to earn high returns. In addition, using some basic thumb rules based on the experience of other successful investors will help you earn profits.

Here are five thumb rules for investing in stocks

1. Do not try to time the market

Predicting the tops and bottoms in the equity market consistently over several cycles is almost impossible for seasoned investors. In reality, most people who try to time the market lose money.

2. Take a disciplined investment approach

Historically, great bull runs have also had their moments of panic. The volatility in the equity market has resulted in people losing money even during bull runs. However, if you follow a disciplined investment approach with long-term goals, it is most likely that you may avoid losses.

3. Invest in a broader portfolio

It is recommended you invest in different stocks across various sectors. Furthermore, you must include several asset classes to reduce your risk exposure. The different types of instruments that may be included in your investment portfolio primarily depends on your risk appetite and financial goals.

4. Monitor your portfolio regularly

The stock market is not only affected by domestic happenings. International occurrences also affect the equity market today. Therefore, it is very important that you monitor the performance of your portfolio regularly and make modifications as required. In case you are unable to track your portfolio at periodic intervals due to lack of knowledge or time, taking the help of an experienced financial advisor is recommended.

5. Avoid leverage

To ensure you do not face financial difficulties, you must invest the money that you can afford to lose. It is vital that you do not take on debt for stock market investing. In case the stocks do not perform as expected, there is a huge risk of losing the borrowed money and repaying the same may have adverse results.

Stock market investing may be highly profitable. However, you must do your research and make informed decisions. Furthermore, you must never let your emotions control your decisions and be realistic in your expectations.

Different Cash Management Services, Fees Charged by Banks in India

cash management servicesCash management primarily means the proper collection and disbursement of funds. This is an important task because it is beneficial in maintaining the cash flows for any company. Conventionally, it was a paper-based system and entailed several risks like higher processing costs and security.

The cash management services have undergone significant changes. Banks think from the point of view of their customers and offer doorstep facilities for their customers’ benefits. Efficient services ensure effective collection and payment as well as accurate disbursals of cash.

An efficient cash management system has the following four benefits.

1. Reduces transaction time
2. Helps companies to increase their net profits
3. Decreases losses for businesses
4. Saves idle time for banking customers

Meaning of cash management system

An efficient cash management service is a process where the bank makes collections and payments on behalf of the customers. The entire procedure is quick and streamlined because of the banks’ wide network. Furthermore, the robust clearing infrastructure, specialised technology to provide timely and efficient management, and tie-ups with other banks are beneficial for customers.

Basic cash management services

• Receivables and collections management
• Advanced information technology (IT) solutions for providing customization
• Post-dated cheque management services
• Collection of cheques in bulk
• Multiple electronic funds transfer mechanisms
• Cheque purchasing facility

Management of payables

Under the cash management system, banks also offer the following payment management services.

• Refunds of investments made in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
• Interest and dividend warrants
• Issuance of bulk demand drafts for the bank as well as network banks
• Remote printing of various instruments like pay order or demand draft
• Writing cheques for network banks as well as home bank

Escrow services

Banks also offer escrow services for their customers. Some of these are as follows:

• Availability of escrow depository accounts facility
• Structuring transactions and deals with investment banks, clients, and lawyers
• Customised reporting and management information system (MIS) as per client requirements
• Dedicated team for completing complicated transactions, which includes legal officers and product managers

Modes of delivery

Banks provide cash management services to customers through the following two modes.

• Own personnel
The banks recruit personnel for providing these services to their customers

• Agents
Under this mode, banks outsource the services to external agents

Electronic fund transfers

• National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT)

Such transactions occur between the destination and transferring banks. These transfers may be done on all days except Sundays. The transactions are completed in twelve batches (between 8am and 7pm) on weekdays and six batches (between 8am and 1pm) on Saturdays.

Fees payable per transaction are as follows:

o Up to Rs. 10,000: Rs. 2.50
o Above Rs. 10,000up to Rs.1lakh: RS. 5
o Above Rs. 1 lakh up to Rs. 2 lakh
o Above Rs. 2 lakh: Rs. 25

• Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)

Such fund transfers are executed in real time without any waiting period. There is no limit on the amount that may be transferred through RTGS. However, users need to transfer at least INR 2 lakh (with no maximum limit) through this mode.

Fees payable per transaction are as follows:

o Above Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh: Rs. 25
o Over Rs. 5 lakh: Rs. 50

• Immediate Payment Services (IMPS)

Most electronic fund transfers occur through NEFT or RTGS services. However, these occur in batches, which may result in delays. To overcome this, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced the Immediate Payment Services (IMPS). This service is available to Indians and allows users to transfer funds through their mobile handsets. This inter-bank transfer service is available on all days for 24 hours.

Fees payable per transaction are as follows:

o Up to Rs. 1 lakh: Rs. 5
o From Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh: Rs. 15

Banks are focusing on providing better services to their customers. Cash management system helps customers reduce their risks and manage cash flows more accurately.

4 Ways to Prepare for Bear Market Investing

money market statusBear markets happen. You can’t avoid them, so you might as well prepare for them before they hit.

First things first: What exactly is a bear market? It’s when the stock market as a whole is off by 20 percent or more from its high point. If you look at stock market trends, you’ll see that this shows up about once three years.

Preparing for the Bear’s Rampage

When the bear starts his rampage, your initial reaction may be unsettling. It will probably look like tough times are on the horizon, and you start envisioning yourself losing all the gains you’ve made financially. But don’t let the bear fool you. There are ways to not only prepare, but also to succeed with bear market investing.

If you keep your wits about you and a cool head, the market’s troubling timespan be used to your advantage. Knowing that a bear market is inevitable, there are a few things you can do to prepare for it.

Accept that the Bear Is Going to Come Along

Downturns are going to happen, and there is nothing we can do to prevent it. Just like everything else in life, the stock market has ebbs and flows. If you want to get biblical about it, look at it this way: the market giveth and the market taketh away. These swings are just a normal part of the investing game. Take advantage of the downturns when they occur and you’ll come out ahead when the bear goes back to hibernating.

Cut the Leverage

In financial circles, the term “leverage” refers to money borrowed at any level. It could be money you borrowed from a bank to buy your home, or from a credit union to buy a car. You may even have borrowed money to get into some investments.

The problem is that leverage is just a fancy way of saying debt. And debt can rapidly grow into a massive burden during challenging economic days. When you get a hint that a bear market is rearing its ugly head, you’ll want to get rid of as much leverage as you can, from both your invested portfolios and your everyday life. Doing this shields you from some major financial problems that can arise when hard times hit.

Spread It Out

This simply means to make certain all your investments aren’t sitting in one stock or fund. Diversification should be the strategy that rules your portfolio. This will give you flexibility during a bear market. To keep your assets performing at an acceptable level while the market is down, spread your money out into cash, bonds, favorite commodities, varied real estate and stocks.

Keep It Fluid

If something in your portfolio is doing well, sell some of it. Purchase some of what is not doing so well. This is the basic tenet of the “buy low, sell high” strategy that is time tested. Even when the popular trend may be going in the opposite direction, don’t jump on the “buy it while it’s hot” train. This process of rebalancing your portfolio shields you from the bear market while allowing you to sell stocks at a profit and buy bonds while they’re low.