Money matters – Sasha Says…

Key Reasons Why You Should Invest in Real Estate

June 1, 2023 No Comments

The benefits of investing in real estate are well and truly endless. Investors can take advantage of predictable cash flow, great returns and even tax advantages. Diversification is also possible, and it is a great way for you to build wealth. If you want to invest in real estate, then here are some of the top reasons why you should take the plunge today.

Building Equity
One of the main advantages of investing in any kind of real estate is the power of equity. If you buy a house or a piece of property, then it will appreciate over time. As you pay the mortgage down and as the house appreciates, you will then build equity. This is one of the most straightforward ways for you to build wealth. If you sell the house at the right time then you can expect to gain a large profit, or you can rent it out and generate a steady income over time. Either way, you can get huge returns from your investment if you take the next step today. If you need money to invest in real estate, then use FasterFunds Lending hard money lending guide.

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Long-Term Investments
Even though the real estate market does indeed fluctuate, it’s important to know that it is a stable investment. It is going to continually increase in value, and when you compare it to the stock market, it’s not volatile at all. It is not prone to market swings and properties do not change immediately based on contributions or even political volatility. It’s safe over the long term and this is great to say the least.

Inflation Protection
A lot of people fear inflation, but real estate investors don’t have to. Properties are rarely impacted by inflation, and this makes them one of the most valuable assets around. Real estate investments rise in value along with inflation and they are also very consistent. If you are a real estate investor then your expenses will be relative to your income and the increase in property value. If you are a landlord then you can increase your cash flow by changing how much you charge for rent. When the time comes for you to increase your price for rent, you can then increase your profit margin. Just make sure that you are aware of the rules and the laws regarding rent so you can make sure that you are not being unfair to your tenants and so you can make sure that you are always accounting for any future fluctuations.

So, as you can see, there are many things you can do to try and make the most out of your real estate investment and if you follow this guide, you will soon find that there are many benefits to investing in property as a whole. If you want to increase your investment potential, then make sure that you work with a financial advisor as they can give you all of the support you need with your income and your cash flow in general. They can also prewarn you of any negative market trends.

Brain Wave, Family and Home living, Money matters

Let’s Make Your Home Somewhere Incredible Without Breaking The Bank

May 30, 2023 No Comments

One of the things that a lot of people don’t believe that you can do is turn your home into somewhere incredible without having to spend a fortune. No matter how many times people say that it’s possible, nobody ever truly believes it until they make some changes themselves and see the results. This is completely fair, as we would be skeptical too if someone said that you could make some pretty incredible changes to your home without having to panic about the price tag. But, it is possible, you just need to know how to do this.

In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can do to make your home somewhere incredible without having to break the bank, so keep reading if you would like to find out more about this.

Set Your Budget First

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The first thing that we are going to say is that you should set your budget. You need to know how much you have to spend on these changes, and ensure that everything that you want to do at the moment will fit into this budget. In order to set this budget you need to look at your finances and work out how much you have available to spend on changes to your home. Some people find it easier to have a completely separate account that they put this money into so that they don’t get it confused with their other finances.

When thinking about your budget, you have to determine what you can comfortably spend without causing yourself financial problems. This means looking at the money that you have spare that does not already have a use in mind. Most people like to set themselves two budgets when they are looking at changing up their home. The first is the main budget, the amount that you can afford without really batting an eyelid at it, and the second is the higher budget that can be used if needed. Try to stick to the first budget, but use the second where necessary.

Know Your Expectations

If you want to make your home somewhere incredible without breaking the bank then you have got to know what your expectations are before you begin making changes. Expectations are one of the most important things when it comes to changing up your home, as they are what will drive you to make the choices you are making. This is why it’s important that you set your budget first, as you will then be able to manage your expectations accordingly, and you won’t be setting unrealistic goals for your home.

Writing down your plan is probably the best way to do this. Some people go in without a plan and they end up making decisions on the fly, but these tend to be the ones that you don’t like further down the line as they weren’t thought through. It’s more important that you have a plan in place that you are able to look at, refer to, and follow throughout this entire process. It’s true that there are going to be times where you want to deviate from the plan, and that’s okay as long as it fits in with the overall goal and the budget that you have set.

Find Cheaper Alternatives

There are going to be times where you want something in your home, but it’s massively expensive and just unaffordable. For example, some people like marble as a material for their home, but this is probably one of the most expensive materials that you could have chosen, and it doesn’t fit with smaller budgets. Having said that though, there are some pretty great dupes that you can look into that look pretty similar, but don’t have the massive price tag. If you look into these cheaper alternatives, while they are not exactly the same, there are some pretty impressive ones that you wouldn’t know at first glance.

Some people will choose to use things like peel and stick wood planks which are reasonably priced and you can install them yourself which is a massive bonus. It’s all about being willing to look around, do your research, and find the best option for your home that you can afford.

Brain Wave, Money matters

4 Common Cryptocurrency Scams And How To Avoid Them

May 20, 2023 No Comments

The rave about cryptocurrency is far from over! The numerous opportunities discovered since its inception in 2009 have got people worldwide hurrying to get a piece of the cryptocurrency action. This is further confirmed by findings from Stash, which found that there are over 420 million crypto investors worldwide. However, in addition to giving many the financial freedom and increase in wealth they seek, there is also the dark side. Several crypto investors have reported being scammed of their earnings, therefore, it is vital to stay alert.

Here are a few common cryptocurrency scams you should know and how to avoid them.

1. Pump and dump schemes

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One of the quickest yet most damaging crypto scams is the pump and dump schemes. This is usually how the story goes: Fraudsters create a lot of hype about a particular coin to get investors interested. They understand the concept of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) in the crypto world and take full advantage of it! Once they have acquired a significant number of investors, the price is then inflated. The scammers would then sell their holdings at an inflated price, usually a significant amount. This leads to a crash in the price and a sudden decline, rendering the client’s investments worthless! To avoid this scam, you must battle your fear of missing out. Don’t be led astray by hype; read more into the advertised coin to learn more about and make more informed decisions about investing.

2. Investment scams

A notable scam worth mentioning is the investment scam. These scams usually consist of a promise to provide “zero risk” investment to make an incredible amount of money. The scam works in several ways. Sometimes it is a so-called “investment manager” unexpectedly calling or texting you with promises of a rewarding investment opportunity. But there’s a catch— you must buy crypto and send it to their account. The website they present to you looks legit, but it’s not! And when you take out your earnings, you can’t! Another popular form of investment scam included the romance scam, where an online “love interest” needs some crypto, making big claims without evidence or explanations and promises of guaranteed increases in returns.

Fortunately, you can employ several safety tactics to safeguard yourself against such scams. For instance, when there are promises of great return, conduct your research to determine how true it is. For instance, if you’re interested in purchasing Polkadot (DOT), it is advisable to look up the price of a Polkadot coin on reliable platforms such as Binance. This would ensure you’re not being misled, and prevent you from being directed to a fraudulent site.

3. Rug pull scams

The rug pull scams are simpler than the pump and dump scheme as it also involves malicious actors attempting to influence the project’s value. In a rug pull scheme, the fraudsters announce a new project, such as a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) or coins investors should take advantage of. However, this is far from the truth. When the fraudulent project begins to gain the attention of buyers, the project will suddenly disappear. This is because the scammers have absconded with your money, leaving you high and dry!

4. Phishing scam

Phishing uses scam emails, texts, and voice calls to trick their targets. In crypto, this happens quite often. It has come to be the most effective method of scamming the perpetrators. The phishing scam aims to gain credentials to access your account, manipulate your sales, and steal from your account. The scammer sends a seemingly harmless website link via text and email. However, the link has been embedded with several harmful malware, viruses, remote access, and other techniques to steal your information. Over the phone, scammers play on your human instincts, such as compassion, FOMO, and other tactics that would get you to expose your credentials. The best way to avoid phishing scams is to be cautious of opening links that don’t look dodgy or from unfamiliar sources.

There are several wonderful advantages to investing in cryptocurrencies, such as fast settlement times, potential high returns, round-the-clock liquidity, and diversification, to name a few. Security is another reason why crypto is a better investment choice. However, the efforts of scammers can prevent you from enjoying this perk. The scams mentioned are not at all the only scams cryptocurrency investors are exposed to. There are several more out there and even more sophisticated crimes being carried out. Therefore be sure to employ effective security measures.

Brain Wave, Money matters

How Fintech Can Help Your eCommerce Business

May 17, 2023 No Comments

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New financial technology, or “Fintech,” can help your business achieve more as you redefine current systems and processes to meet expected consumer demands and future proofing. You don’t need to use Fintech systems, but you can offer better services and security if you do. Among these features are more accurate records that customers can access at any time.

Easier Banking Options
Fintech has many benefits. But of course, the main one is within banking. Yes, all banks offer some kind of online banking. Yet Fintech advancements mean you can provide your customers with all the services they expect. And this is valuable if you run an online eCommerce platform. Evolve Bank & Trust is just one of the financial institutions embracing all that Fintech has to offer. Meaning you get solid 24/7 banking infrastructure with no additional costs or unfair fees.

Improved Payments for Customers
As an eCommerce platform, your customers come first. And business never sleeps. So you must be able to offer your customers what they want when they want it. And this also means transactions and processing of digital payments. Digital payments are quick and convenient. And don’t in the same way as traditional banking transactions that work to a schedule. As a result, your cash flow is constant, as you don’t need to wait for any payments to come through.

Fintech Can Help with Transparency
Compliance, and trust are major factors. One of the key areas where Fintech solutions can help your business is with greater transparency. From moving homes to buying stock, there is a substantial distrust when it comes to online transactions, Fintech used between eCommerce and banking offers a greater look inside all processes. For example, your customers can see who they are doing business with, all payments received, and upcoming payments scheduled.

Efficiency and Automation
Automation, especially with AI, is a major issue right now. Automation makes things easier, and most systems can carry out functions much more efficiently than a human. This is why over 90% of major corporations use automation in at least one core service. For instance, half of these use Chatbots to improve customer service. Chatbots can help individualize communications among a customer, their bank, and eCommerce platform based on historical interaction data.

Access to a Wider Market
eCommerce as a whole relies on access to customers. And when you think about the global reach of the financial industry, there are only benefits for you. Fintech isn’t limited by the borders and boundaries of the land. And when it comes to online systems, there are no issues like supply chains that plague other industries such as logistics. Additionally, third-party apps and user software allow your customers to access powerful Fintech services easily from anywhere.

Summary
There are many ways in which emerging Fintech can help your online business. It makes banking and payments easier, offers a degree of transparency, and opens you up to a wider market. Combined, these help you give customers what they expect from a modern business.

Brain Wave, Money matters, Shopping and Merchandise

How To Make High-Quality Fashion More Affordable

May 10, 2023 No Comments

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It’s the oldest cliche in the book, but looking good really does make us feel good. Right now, the benefits of achieving this are greater than ever. However, nobody wants to spend a fortune on fashion choices, regardless of how great they make us feel.

Thankfully, cutting costs needn’t force you to compromise on quality. Here are some top tips to help make high-quality fashion more affordable and accessible with stunning results.

#1. Make Savings Elsewhere

Firstly, managing your finances is all about balance. So, if you wish to spend more money on fashion, spending less money on other expenses will allow you to do this. Saving money on your weekly food shopping bill, for example, could generate the savings to pay for a new outfit each month. Other options include negotiating better deals on your home insurance, energy rates, or cell phone package.

In short, it’ll enable you to increase your clothes budget without impacting your overall financial wellness.

#2. Save Money On Jewelry

Jewelry is often the most expensive part of an ensemble. So, it becomes a great starting point to generate savings while simultaneously achieving a premium style. Lab created diamonds are a particularly great choice as they deliver the same sparkle as mined diamonds. In addition to providing a more affordable solution, they are also a more ethical choice. Traditional mining is a dangerous industry.

Perhaps the best way to save on jewelry is to focus on quality rather than quantity. After all, you can only wear a certain amount of pieces.

#3. Don’t Be Afraid Of Used Goods

When thinking about used fashion, many people assume that all items are either poor quality items or items that have been worn out. In reality, charity stores and other outlets often stock premium goods that have been donated. Knowing how to get a bargain may allow you to get an item that’s been worn once or twice for just a fraction of the normal costs. You will notice that it provides great satisfaction too.

The fashion pieces you find here, or at online marketplaces, may be unwanted gifts or products that no longer fit the old owner.

#4. Hire Special Garments

If you have a wedding or major business event coming up, it’s natural that you will want to look the part. However, paying hundreds of dollars for an outfit you may only wear once seems futile. Opting to hire a dress or suit for the big occasion is a financially savvy decision. Not least because the money you save can be used to fund purchases of pieces that you wear more regularly.

Any items you already have that were worn for previous special events can be sold to ease the financial strain on future purchases too.

#5. Shop Smartly

Perhaps the most effective way to make fashion more affordable is to always seek value for money. Buying end-of-season items in preparation for next year can be a great long-term strategy. This is because retailers need to sell those outgoing items quickly to make space for the next line. You can also consider visiting outlets for high-end fashion labels. The options may be a little limited, but the chance to grab bargains is incredible.

Finally, if you find yourself purchasing fashion items on repayment plans, get a 0% interest deal. Otherwise, you’ll pay far more than necessary.

Brain Wave, Family and Home living, Money matters

Saving On Food Costs Throughout The Week

May 9, 2023 No Comments

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Running a household is expensive. Running a family is even more expensive. Even if you’ve become something of a hero in the kitchen as of late, costs can pile up.

For this reason, it’s good to consider how and where you can save expense without having to limit the quality, nutritional value, and general amount of food you eat. After all, a hungry family needs to be well fed, but cooking well doesn’t necessarily correspond to more expensive ingredients.

After all, even the simplest of recipes can turn out poorly if you overthink things. For this reason, trying to save on food costs throughout the week, and as such free up your household budget, can actually help free you as a home cook, too.

Luckily, this process is more than achievable if you know how to proceed correctly. In this post, we’re going to help you get there, with advice that should help you save money, eat well, and reduce wastage. Without further ado, please consider:

Meal Prep & Cook In Larger Quantities

Meal preparation can make a huge difference in how we plan and cook our foods, and how much money we save over time. For instance, you may make a large batch of chicken curry for dinner this week, replete with amazing spices and even citrus that can cut through the spice for a beautiful taste of freshness. Then, store this in containers, freeze it, and over the week you can reheat and eat a fresh meal again, perfectly portioned, be that at the office desk, after your mid-day workout, or in a quick pinch when you need to feed your kids. This saves money over time, and also helps you reduce wastage.

Go Off-Brand Where You Can

You may not be a fan of the off-brand or simple value products that supermarkets offer for everything you eat, after all, sometimes on-brand items can offer better quality. However, it’s also true to say that going off-brand where you can and purchasing the cheapest item can sometimes be more than okay, especially when you’re putting meals together. So for instance, the cheapest kidney beans you can find still work great in chili con carne, without anyone being able to discern the difference. Cutting costs in this way helps you grow your understanding in the kitchen, helping you spare the expense for items that really do matter.

Consider Buying In Bulk & Storing Your Ingredients

It’s also healthy to buy in bulk where you can, and cook that way. This also dovetails nicely into our previous advice to meal prep and store where you can, because buying in larger quantities and then cooking those ingredients will eliminate waste completely. If you invest in a freezer, or have a pantry that remains cool and dry throughout the year, large preserves, beans, rice, and even meats can be picked up from a wholesaler, and brought home where needed. This way, you always have what you need to hand, and can ensure you don’t have to mico-buy ingredients throughout the week, which always increases cost.

With this advice, you’re sure to save on food costs throughout the week, in the best possible way.

Brain Wave, Family and Home living, Money matters

Tips To Improve Your Home’s Efficiency And Save Money

April 11, 2023 No Comments

Living in 2023 means your expenses are likely through the roof. It’s not cheap to own a home, especially when it comes to your household expenditures. Utility bills can be costly and no property is immune to damage over time from wear and tear.

Improving your home’s efficiency is something that can not only help keep your property in good condition but it’ll also save you money in the process. Being able to save money is something you’ll appreciate, especially when it comes to spending that hard-earned cash on yourself instead!

With that in mind, here are some top tips to help improve your home’s efficiency and save money this year.

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Get your HVAC serviced

When it comes to HVAC, it has a habit of breaking down once the summer months roll around. Getting your HVAC serviced is a great way to ensure your home remains cool during the summer and toasty during those colder months.

Ensuring your HVAC is serviced regularly because that way, you avoid running into problems regularly. Instead, you can get on with your days without the fear of the HVAC breaking down every other day.

Use trusted HVAC experts to make sure your appliance is performing at the best it can do regardless of its age.

Maintain an ongoing maintenance checklist

To help keep your home in good condition all year round, make sure you’ve got an ongoing maintenance checklist. This will help greatly with keeping a watchful eye over the various must-dos in the home. From clearing out your gutters to making sure your windows and doors are sealed properly, it’s all useful to keep your home performing efficiently.

Having an ongoing maintenance checklist is important because otherwise, a lot of these tasks can be forgotten about. Once they’re forgotten about, they can end up causing problems.

Draught-proof any windows or doors

Draught-proofing your windows or doors is an essential when you’re trying to improve the efficiency around your home. Making sure the sealant around your windows and doors will help keep the hot air in and the cold out during those cooler months.

Equally, they help to keep those windows and doors, in good condition for the long run. Ideally, the average window or door should last at least fifteen years. Some last up to thirty years if maintained properly.

Minimize usage of your laundry machines

Laundry machines are an energy guzzler when it comes to your utility bills. You want to reduce the usage of these laundry machines as best as possible if you haven’t already. By minimizing the usage, you’re going to help keep your utility bills low. Not only that but you’re also going to help the environment by keeping those carbon emissions down too.

Be mindful of water usage

Finally, just like any other utility usage, make sure you’re being mindful of your water usage. It’s easy to use a lot of water as a household, even for those living alone or as a couple. Be mindful of how much you’re using.

With these tips, you’ll not only improve your home’s efficiency but your wallet too!

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