Allowance Trusts

Annuity trusts are programs that help defer both high capital gains and depreciation recapture costs. These trusts typically are used for a range of options in estate planning. An annuity trust is a useful instrument for owners of a commercial or residential property who do not have an immediate need for the proceeds from the sale of the property. An annuity trust offers the opportunity to save money for individuals facing high taxes resulting from the capital gains on appreciation of the sold property.

Why Do I Need an Annuity?

One of the primary reasons you should get an annuity is to secure a stream of regular income. However, this is not the reason a lot of people choose to get annuities. Many individuals choose to purchase annuities as tax shelters for capital gains taxes. Through the purchase of an annuity, you can defer the capital gains taxes resulting from the sale of an asset that has appreciated in value. You also can use an annuity to build up an asset: The proceeds from the sale of that asset are placed in an annuity that will pay a stream of income over the life of the annuitant.

Process Involved in an Annuity

If the annuity trust is private and is not issued by a commercial insurance company, the owner of the property sells the property to a trust controlled by family members. You must transfer ownership of the property to the trust prior to the sale of the property. The trust sells the asset to a third party for an identical amount, and the annuity payment is funded by the proceeds of the sale.

Conditions

The seller and trustee cannot be the same person. However, the designated trustee can be a relative, such as an adult child, as long as the adult child is not a dependent. The owner pays tax on the payments from the annuity when received, not on the sum of the property sale. The payment doesn't have to begin after the sale, making this type of annuity suitable for retirement. The payments must begin by age 70 1/2 for the owner to benefit from the tax savings.

The Benefits of an Annuity

If you do not immediately need the proceeds from the sale of an asset, an annuity trust is an investment tool you might consider. You can use either a commercial or residential asset, and it does not matter whether the asset is a primary residence or an investment property. You must, however, own the property outright, free and clear of all debts. A trust annuity not only provides tax savings, but also assists your long-term retirement planning.

Make Flyers For Housekeeping

Create flyers to promote your housecleaning business.

Whether your business is just getting off the ground, or you are trying to acquire new customers, a flyer is a one of several ways to advertise or market your housecleaning services. Flyers are relatively easy to create and generally lower in cost than other advertising methods. They can be used to advertise the services you provide, offer a discount, or announce that you are expanding your housecleaning services to new areas. A flyer is an effective means of getting your message to potential customers.

Instructions

1. Make a list of the key points you wish to convey in your flyer. Important things to include are the name of your business and a contact number as well as the general message of the flyer.

2. Open your word processing program to a new, blank document. Begin by creating a heading. The heading gives an overview of the flyer's message. For instance, "TLC Housecleaning celebrates ten years of giving happy customers clean homes" or "TLC Housecleaning now available in your area!"

3. Make the heading stand out by choosing an eye-catching font and using bold or italicize features. The heading should have a larger font size than the rest of the flyer.

4. Enter the details for the body of the flyer. The body expresses the general message. For example, "White Glove Housecleaning offers a 10% discount for the month of May" or "Spic-N-Span Housecleaning offers whole-house cleaning services with affordable rates, friendly staff and environmentally safe products." Keep it simple and easy to read. Put in only the necessary details, do not overcrowd the flyer with unnecessary information.

5. Format the body of the flyer text by selecting a font, a font size and using bold or italicize features to set certain sections of the flyer apart from the rest. For instance, call attention to certain details like "quick scheduling", "affordable rates" or "fully insured" by using a bold format on the text.

6. List your business name, telephone number and website or email address on the flyer. This information can be located at the bottom, using a font size smaller than the rest of the flyer. Though it is necessary information, it does not need to be the central focus.

7. Search through your graphics or clip art collection for images that complement the flyer. Add graphics by selecting them from the collection and inserting them in the desired location(s). If your business has its own logo, be sure to use it.

8. Print a sample on blank paper. Verify that the printed information and text layouts are correct. Make any needed corrections to the margins, text or layout.

9. Print your flyers on colored paper. Bright colored paper attracts attention to your flyer. However, paper that is too dark may not show your printed text.

10. Save your flyer once it's completed so you can use it as a template for future flyers.

About Kinds Of Offset Printing Plates

Offset printing is a printing technique where you have a plate covered in ink that transfers, or offsets, the image to a rubber blanket, and from the blanket to the medium. Although in 2011 you can have other forms of printing that are more advanced, many industries still use offset printing. Because of its varied applications, you use a number of different plates in offset printing.

Offset Printing

Offset printing is a process that involves a number of steps. The technique applies ink to a plate, the plate presses against the rubber mat and the mat presses against the medium to transfer the image that was originally on the plate. Because of their central role in the printing process, the plates have evolved into a variety of types, each with specific uses and materials.

Aluminum Plates

Aluminum is the most common metal for offset printing plates, although you can also use ceramic plates or older-style copper plates. Lightweight and immune to oxidation, you can anodize aluminum with special treatments and or use special coatings to ensure that it lasts as a plate material and that it will react favorably to inks and other printing chemicals.

Lithographic Plates

The theory behind offset lithographic plates is that oil repels water. You treat all of the non-printing areas of a lithographic plate with a substance that will attract a water-based film. All of the areas that you don't treat will attract ink, ensuring that the ink won't bleed into the non-printing areas because the water-based film repulses the oil in it.

Wipe-Off Plates

Offset printing plates that you use to recreate images in great detail have anodized coatings, special inks, film treatments and other chemical enhancements to make sure the images you transfer are as crisp and clean as possible. You can also use plain, untreated plates. These plates have raised letters, and you use these plates most often in letterpress and newspaper printing. Often referred to as wipe-off plates, they are the most simple and straightforward to use. You coat the plate with ink, use the plate and wipe off the ink after use.

Ways Accustomed To Advertise Items Online

Companies that successfully advertise products online have made friends with Google.

Since the inception of the Internet, it's been said that "content is king," and still to this day no truer words have been spoken. With so many online marketing channels available to advertisers, it's now possible to produce and distribute synergistic, high-impact multimedia content entirely online for the low-cost of an independent contractor's salary and some Web space. Alternatively, you can DIY for nearly nothing.

Organic SEO Is the Foundation of a Productive Internet Presence

A website isn't mandatory, but an SEO-compliant home on the Web provides another effective medium to advertise products online.

Although search engine optimization (SEO) is not the fast-track to elevating a product's profile online, it's a necessity that each page is properly optimized to be ranked by search engines. Furthermore, the "white hat" techniques employed here must comprise descriptive, well-written texts that clearly define the product, along with high quality images and video, properly tagged for search engines to index and rank.

Affiliate Marketing Is the Web's Great Force Multiplier

A single affiliate duplicating a marketing plan across the Web can multiply sales revenue by 100% or more.

When advertising products to the masses, online promotion is the most cost-effective way to get the word out. Imagine for a moment, a proven and profitable marketing campaign multiplied 100 times, 1,000 times, or even 100,000 times over. Consider for another moment, an affiliate network 100,000 strong with the training and tools to generate high-volume sales. Finally, a quick game of "what-if" to quantify what is possible. Imagine the possibilities. Just 100 trained affiliates duplicating a marketing plan across the Web will in theory multiply sales revenue by 10,000% or more.

Article Marketing Is Another Effective Method to Advertise Products Online

Article marketing empowers business to widely circulate product information online in a very credible way.

White-hat tactics also add value to article marketing campaigns. Example: authoring an article and submitting it to article directories is a widely used method to disseminate product information. However, rather than embedding a redirect or direct affiliate link into the article (which is usually frowned upon) and hoping for conversions, a little extra effort will go a long way. Try linking from the article to a hosted landing page, and take advantage of another opportunity to engage the prospect with more fact-filled information, further enhancing the credibility of the offer and resulting in even higher conversions.

Video Marketing Holds a Special Place in Google's Virtual Heart

Embedded video is the most powerful way to advertise products online.

Today, online video offers advertisers the best of both worlds: the high-impact of television combined with the low cost of the Internet. Moreover, utilizing the numerous video hosting sites available, advertisers have no restriction on the length of their videos, the frequency of viewing, or market segments reached. A standard digital camera coupled with any number of free software programs empowers advertisers to produce spots for a song, and leverage the Web's most powerful marketing medium to reach a target market.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Life Insurance Coverage

Advantages & Disadvantages of Life Insurance

Life insurance, to many, is a necessary evil. Many policyholders swear by it to protect their families from loss of income and hefty debt obligations in the event of their untimely death. With several types of life insurance on the market, generally speaking, two varieties still remain the most popular: term and whole life, or "cash value" life insurance. Both varieties have pros and cons.

Types

Cash value life insurance are policies in which premiums are used to pay for the cost of insurance, while a portion is placed into attached investment vehicles that grow over time. Some popular cash value life insurance products include variable life, whole life, universal life and paid-up insurance. Despite minor differences, these insurance plans are essentially the same. All cash value life insurance policies contain a death benefit and a cash account that's added to when a client makes a premium payment.

Term life insurance is significantly different than its cash value counterpart. Term life insurance does not contain a cash value account. Premiums are used solely to pay for the cost of coverage. These premiums maintain the level of coverage for a specific "term." At the end of a policy's term, a new policy must be purchased.

Benefits

Both cash value life and term life insurance have their benefits. The most significant benefit of cash value life insurance is its ability to offer coverage for the entire life of the policyholder. Many people take advantage of buying this type of insurance when they are young when they need it most. Cash value accounts may also be borrowed against or drawn from during the life of the policy. Policyholders are also not required to pay taxes on any interest or earnings attached to cash value accounts.

Individuals and corporations also benefit from term life insurance. The biggest advantage of term life is the often very cheap premiums, especially when a person is young and healthy. It is possible, in many situations, to purchase significantly large face value amounts for monthly costs of $20 to $30. Term life is good for covering financial obligations that will eventually end, such as mortgages, automobile loans and education costs.

Warning

With the benefits of both cash value and term life insurance come a few disadvantages. The most significant disadvantage of cash value life insurance is the inconsistency in premiums. Most cash value policies contain required premiums that can increase over time. This can make the policy quite expensive for people on a budget who wish to purchase enough coverage to benefit their family in the event of their death.

Although many policies contain riders in which dividends from cash accounts can be used to pay premiums, such an instance almost always results in taking funds away from the cash value or investment account. There is also never a guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to cover missed premiums in the event a policyholder falls short.

There are also several disadvantages of term insurance, the first being that it is not permanent. Although a policyholder may enjoy extremely cheap premiums when he or she is young, term products expire after a certain number of years, or when the insured reaches a certain age. When a policy expires, a new one must be purchased. This means that a person must qualify for a new program based on his or her current age and health in order for coverage to continue. Many times, this results in much higher premiums or uninsurability. Some term insurance does, however, contain "re-up" or "renewal" options that may not require proof that the customer is insurable to continue coverage.

Misconceptions

When you think of life insurance, you think of a death benefit being paid to a beneficiary upon the death of a policyholder. Although this is true, it is important to know that with some insurance, especially many cash value policies, it's often not that simple.

With many cash value life policies, only a single payout is made upon a policyholder's death, regardless of what the cash value account is worth when he dies. For example, if an individual owns a whole life policy with a death benefit of $100,000 and a cash value account worth $25,000, it is common for beneficiaries to expect a payout of $125,000. This is commonly not the case. In this example, a beneficiary would commonly only receive a total of $100,000. Because the cash value account is worth $25,000, the insurance company would only pay $75,000 as a death benefit, with the other $25,000 coming from the cash value account. With some products, however, beneficiaries are, in fact, entitled to receive death benefits in addition to cash value accounts when their loved one dies. However, usually an amount equal to the policy's face value is paid upon death. It is important to know this information before purchasing cash value life insurance.

Considerations

It is recommended that you consult with an experienced insurance agent before buying life insurance. It is important to find a life product that is tailored to the specific needs of the individual policyholder and his or her family. For example, an individual may only need to protect his or her family from large mortgage obligations for 10 or 15 years. If an individual wishes to be covered by a policy for the remainder of his or her life, then a cash value policy may be in order.

Consider whether using life insurance policies as investment vehicles is a wise move for you. Long term, it may be more profitable to buy term insurance and take advantage of low premiums, then invest in mutual funds or stocks that are not attached to insurance policies.

Take Advantage From The Bbb

Everyone will have at least one bad experience in life when dealing with a business. Whether it is a service or a product, you will run into a problem that will be handled inappropriately. Try to talk with a manager or owner of the business before taking matters further; but if this doesn't work, take your problem to the Better Business Bureau. Learn make use of the Better Business Bureau.

Instructions

1. Take any disputes you may have with a business to the Better Business Bureau. They will take your information and the information of the business. They will then contact the business and try to come up with a resolution.

2. Choose a legitimate charity to which you can donate goods, services or money by looking them up with the Better Business Bureau. Many charities are listed with the Better Business Bureau so their credibility can be verified.

3. Search the Better Business Bureau website for businesses in your area before dealing with them. Businesses who are members of the Better Business Bureau will be more likely to cooperate and come to an agreement that you are satisfied with than businesses who aren't associated with the Bureau.

4. Look at the Better Business Bureau's website for helpful information on many types of businesses and organizations. There is also information on scams and special services.

A Brief History Around The Globe Bank

The History of the World Bank

Depending on who you ask, the World Bank is either a humanitarian organization focused on development of Third World countries or an exploitative institution of U.S. imperialism. Arguably, it has acted as both during its more than 50-year history. While it's true that many World Bank loans finance the construction of critical infrastructure and provide social services in the Third World, the primary beneficiary of the loans are the American corporations that receive the contracts to build the infrastructure. Ultimately, corporations then use the infrastructure to extract natural resources for private gain, while the local population is stuck with the debt for the initial loan. At the same time, the World Bank has instituted reforms in response to intense criticism. The World Bank has evolved considerably since its origins at the end of World War II.

History

In 1944, in the wake of World War II, an international economic conference was held at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Although many countries participated, the winners of the war, primarily Britain and the United States, controlled the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to establish a new financial order based on the outcome of the war. The U.S. dollar, because of the country's massive gold reserves, was made the official reserve currency of the world. The World Bank was established at this conference as an institution charged with lending money to war-ravaged nations for rebuilding.

Early Years

The first loan from the World Bank was to war-torn France, which received approval for a loan after complying with a U.S. State Department request to expel communists from its national government. The $987-million loan came with the conditions that the French government operate on a balanced budget, that World Bank staff supervise use of the loan funds and that the World Bank be treated as a priority creditor above any other foreign governments. In 1948, a similar loan to Chile, the first Latin American country to receive World Bank aid, was eventually approved.

Development and Private Loans

The loan to Chile was a landmark that illustrated the future course the World Bank would take. Rather than a loan for postwar reconstruction, the loan to Chile was for general development of a Third World nation. A year later, a private company in Mexico received a World Bank loan to develop the country's electrical power infrastructure. The first loan to an Asian country went to India the same year for building a $34-million railway. For the first 20 or so years of the World Bank's existence, loans went out for similar projects that had ultimately produced a clear revenue stream for repaying the loan.

Social Services

Under the presidency of former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara (appointed World Bank president by President Johnson), the World Bank increased the frequency and amount of its loan offerings. The bank's portfolio now included loans for such social services as schools, hospitals, literacy and agriculture. Unfortunately for the Third World countries receiving these loans, they did not produce a means of repayment. As a result, these countries found themselves under unmanageable debt burdens, and in the period from 1980 to 1989, a large percentage of the World Bank's loans were to these same nations so they could service their prior debt obligations.

Millennium Development Goals

Today, in the 21st century, the World Bank is a diverse organization of economists, public policy specialists, engineers, financial analysts and social scientists. Its stated goal is the reduction of poverty as a social and health concern, as well as a financial reality. Due to sharp criticism on many fronts, from environmental organizations and health care activists to indigenous populations, it has increased the number of grants it offers, lowered the interest rate on many of its new loans and embraced a "green" technology focus. The World Bank continues to offer development loans for infrastructure construction and investment loans for social services.

Economic Hitmen

John Perkin's best-selling autobiography "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" is one of the most shocking accounts of the World Bank and its activities from the late 1960s through the turn of the 21st century. According to Perkins, the use of World Bank loans as a means of political leverage (hearkening back to its very first loan to France) has been repeatedly used to aid the exploitation of natural resources by American and international corporations. Perkins describes his own experience consulting on and negotiating World Bank loans that resulted in default, private exploitation of resources through infrastructure financed by loans charged to the indigenous population and political coercion.

Open An Offshore Bank Account

Open an offshore checking account.

Offshore checking accounts offer wonderful advantages over regular bank accounts. Offshore accounts often have better interest rates, are free of many taxes, are untraceable and are not bound by American laws. Offshore accounts are most commomly opened in Switzerland and the Channel or Cayman Islands. However, it is possible to open offshore checking accounts all over the world. Newest restrictions on offshore checking accounts include anti-terrorist laws and new tax regulations.

Instructions

1. Choose a country where you want to open an offshore checking account. Check the International Monetary Fund for warnings of bank failures and scams to help you choose.

2. Compare the offers and services of different banks. Call different banks or visit them online and find out more information, such as what fees you will have to pay and what the interest rates are. Ask them if there are any requirements for the depositors. Find out what bank policies they have and how much is their required minimum deposit. Most banks will require an initial deposit of between $10,000 and $100,000.

3. Pick the bank that has all the services you need, such as one with online banking or wire transfers.

4. Visit the bank or a local branch of the bank. Alternatively, visit the bank online. Ask for any documents that you need to apply for your offshore checking account. Fill out and submit all of the bank's mandatory forms.

5. Deposit the necessary amount of money into your new checking account once the account has been approved. You can now enjoy the services and privileges of your offshore checking account.

Get The Product On Qvc Or Hsn

Got a new product? Make money with Home Shopping -- Get your Product on QVC or HSN today!

Do you have a new innovative product that you'd like to sell on HSN or QVC home shopping channels? Follow these easy steps to get it reviewed and start making money today.

Instructions

1. 1. Choose your Product. Make sure it's something new and innovative that solves an issue for the masses, ie weight loss, time-saving, space-saving, etc. Remember your audience is primarily female and you are speaking to middle America. Make it something that's demonstrable and it must have a unique ingredient, hook or story.

2. 2. Testing and Patents. If you can patent your product, that's the best thing to do, but not always necessary. The next step is getting to market quickly if it's not something that can be patented. Marketing is key to differentiate your product. You'll want to do your due diligence on any testing that will be required before you get to the shopping channels' quality assurance department.

3. 3. Find a spokesperson. Get your pitch on video. Make sure the spokesperson is relevant and energetic on camera. He or she should be the inventor or from the region of the key ingredient or have something compelling that drives home your product story. Get your pitch on camera; the shopping channel will ask for a test tape.

4. 4. Find the Right Buyer or a Broker. You can call or research online to find the right buyer for your product, or you can seek out a broker. Brokers typically charge 10% of wholesale price of your product to the channel and negotiate all terms and quality assurance, shipping, etc. for you. So if you really want the help, this may be a good way to go. Three brokers I suggest are Volition USA (ami@volitionusa.com),Livelink.tv, and OmniReliant.com. If you've found the right buyer yourself, then send a brief email with a deck attachment. Your main goal of the email and follow up phone call is to get a face to face meeting with your buyer.

5. 5. Get a face to face meeting with your buyer. Once you have the meeting, be prepared to pitch your product live as if on air. Bring props and demonstrate it live on a model or however best illustrated. For instance, if your product contains coconut oil and freesia, be sure to have actual freesia flowers and coconuts on hand. If it's a skincream, show it being put on a model and the instant effects on the skin. Have a deck (powerpoint) to walk through all the unique elements of your "pitch" and your on-air "story." Make sure you know your price and remember points for for shopping channels are typically at about 55%, so you'll need to get your manufacturing price extremely low to be competitive. They will want the lowest price possible and a configuration that's not available somewhere else.

6. 6. Once on air, monitor your sales per minute, pitch and audience response -- adjust your presentation accordingly. Get ready for some sleepless nights of around the clock presentations and be creative. Shopping channel retail is unlike no other; it's exhilarating, challenging and in real time. Happy Selling!

Get The Dunn & Bradstreet Score Greater

D&B Credit Scores

Dunn & Bradstreet rates companies for their likelihood of repaying credit in a timely manner. Their credit scoring system is designed to predict if a company will become severely delinquent on loans. Severely delinquent is defined as paying at least 25 percent of a company's bills late and over 10 percent of loans more than 90 days past due. The D&B credit score is reviewed by many lending institutions prior to extending credit. Maintaining a high D&B score is important for your business success.

Instructions

1. Review your D&B credit report and ensure that all of your business information is current and correct. D&B provides a service called eUpdate which is included with your D&B account and allows you to access and update your account information online. Inaccurate information in your report can have a detrimental effect on your score.

2. Pay your bills on time. One of the most important factors in your D&B credit score is your record of timely loan repayment. Late payments have a significant negative impact on your score.

3. Add lines of credit to your D&B report. The more credit lines you have that have been re-payed in a timely manner, the better your score will be. Contact D&B and ask to have any lines of credit you have that are not reflected in your D&B report added to your account.

4. Resolve any legal matters in a timely manner. Open lawsuits or liens against your business will detract from your credit rating.

5. Improve your financial statements. Increase your cash flow and your cash on hand, collect debts owed to you on time and increase your net worth and your operating capital.

Earn Money From Photography

You can make money many ways with digital photography. You'll need a computer, Photoshop or some other imaging software, a high-quality SLR camera body and an assortment of lenses. A website can help advertise your digital photography business and let customers preview and order images. A photographer also must start a relationship with a professional photo lab where the finished images will be made. Though daunting, you can make money with digital photography with hard work and desire.

Instructions

1. Shoot local youth sports teams. Contact local leagues or teams to find those that need a photographer. Most of these shots will be for "trading card"-type pictures, individual portraits and team photographs. Also consider shooting action shots; some photographers have printed pictures on the spot with printers the have brought with them.

2. Take senior portraits. Get your foot in the door by photographing your child or the high school-age child of a friend who will pose for you. Get those sample prints into the hands of other high school students--word-of-mouth advertising works well because teens will shares and show their pictures with all of their friends.

3. Submit your best photographs to a stock photo agency. Once accepted, the photo is available to be licensed for use by clients of that agency. Stock agencies such as Shutterstock (see Additional Resources below) license photographs for a small fee so you'll make only a small amount when you sell a photo. However, once a photo is accepted, it may be licensed many times a year, earning you a regular income.

4. Start a fine-art photography business, selling prints from a website and from attending art shows. Fine-art photography can be a lucrative market; large framed prints can sell for a premium. This type of photography is all on the artist--only the highest quality work will bring profitable prices. Concentrate on subjects such as landscapes, cityscapes, manipulated images--the areas are limitless.

5. Target the magazine cover market. This is highly competitive, but a phenomenal photo taken by a novice can make a cover. Purchase a Writer's Market guide book to get listings for magazines that cover a multitude of subjects. Pick a subject, say saltwater fishing, and when you've shot a great image, submit it to one of the many fishing magazines you find in the Writer's Market.

Exchange The Retail Off Exchange Forex Market

Forex trading involves a significant degree of risk.

Foreign exchange market, also known as Forex or FX market, is an over-the-counter (OTC) interbank market that allows big banks and brokers to exchange currencies. The 'retail' Forex market is a foreign exchange market that individuals can access through a large number of online brokers. It differs from the interbank market in that its prices are not as good as those offered for banks and other large market participants.

'Off-exchange' suggests that Forex trading is not done on any centralized exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), but instead is conducted over secure computer networks.

Trading foreign exchange with an online broker demands high discipline and a good knowledge of currency markets.

Instructions

1. Open an account with an online broker. There are a number of well-established foreign exchange brokers, including Oanda.com or Saxo Bank. Make sure your broker has low spreads--differences between the market buy (ask) price and sell (bid) price. Also inquire about whether the broker has any commissions or charges, for example, when you withdraw funds from your account.

2. Research how foreign exchange-trading works. Read books on the subject, preferably written by star Forex traders and investors. For up-to-date information, acces business news agencies such as Bloomberg or Thomson-Reuters.

3. Devise your own trading strategy. Your strategy can be based on a a number of factors: technical analysis (analyzing charts), analysis of interest rates and central banks' policies, expectations about speculative capital flows, and other factors. Be disciplined and don't diverge from your strategy.

Efficiency Hotels In Colorado Co

The 16th Street Mall is an attraction in Denver.

Home to the NFL Broncos and NBA Nuggets, Denver is nestled within the South Platte River Valley, which is east of the Rocky Mountains. Founded in 1858, Denver is made up of 79 neighborhoods. Many annual festivals such as the Great American Beer Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Dia De Los Muertos take place here. For travelers seeking efficiency accommodations, Denver has several.

Homestead Studio Suites - Denver - Tech Center - North

The Homestead Studio Suites Denver is close to Coors Field, Mile High Stadium (Invesco Field) and the Pepsi Center. Ten restaurants are also nearby including Outback Steakhouse, PF Chang's and Morton's Steakhouse. This property is also within walking distance of the Light Rail stop. The studio suite accommodations come complete with refrigerator, microwave, stovetop and utensils needed for cooking and dining. Units also have full-sized ironing boards with iron and workspaces with computer data port. Homestead Studio Suites provides guests with housekeeping every seven days.

Homestead Studio Suites - Denver - Tech Center - North

4885 S. Quebec St.

Denver, CO 80237

303-689-944

extendedstayhotels.com

Staybridge Suites at Denver International Airport

For business and leisure travelers who require the convenience of efficiency accommodations, Staybridge Suites at Denver International Airport is just seven miles from the airfield. The stone exterior carries into the interior d cor of the lounge area that is complete with a stone fireplace set amid cozy furnishings and wood paneling. Accommodations include studios and one- and two-bedroom suites. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen and living room. Amenities include free wireless Internet, guest laundry facilities and 24-hour on-site convenience store. Guests are also treated to a swimming pool, outdoor picnic area and complimentary breakfast.

Staybridge Suites at Denver International Airport

6951 Tower Road

Denver, CO 80249

303-574-0888

staydia.com

TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown

For extended stay lodging for instances such as corporate relocation, TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown is in the historic A.B. Hirschfeld Press Building. This centrally located destination is within walking distance of Denver Health and Wellpoint. The TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown is smoke-free, and pet-friendly. Guestrooms include your choice from three spacious floor plans, free high-speed Internet and flexible housekeeping options. Amenities include valet dry cleaning. Twenty restaurants are within a mile of TownePlace Suites Denver.

TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown

685 Speer Blvd.

Denver, CO 80204

303-722-2322

marriott.com

Generate A Repayment Plan Having A Collector

Set Up a Payment Plan With a Debt Collector

A debt collector knows you wouldn't be speaking to them if you could simply pay off your debt. They're usually willing to set up a payment plan to lower your monthly payments or forgive part of your debt because they know they could risk getting even less if you file bankruptcy. If you offer enough, the collector might be willing to wipe your slate clean and withdraw negative information they've put on your credit report. Though settling a debt through negotiation appears on your credit report, it's still better than paying late or not paying at all.

Instructions

1. Determine what you can afford to pay. Before you speak with your debt collector, prioritize your bills, review your budget and determine what you can realistically pay. This is important because it prevents you from promising more than you can actually handle, and gives you a reference point when bargaining. Don't forget that some expenses, like rent and food, simply can't be avoided.

2. Get in touch with your collector. Answer the phone when the debt collector calls, or call the number provided in a written statement. Debt collectors can call you at home between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., can call you at work if they don't have your home number and can even contact your relatives. It's tempting to just let the phone ring, but sometimes the hardest step is to pick it up and initiate the conversation.

3. Make a lump sum offer. Even if your collector makes an offer first, make an offer of your own to pay off the debt in full at a lower level. Give yourself room to negotiate by offering less than what you can actually pay, and as little as 40 to 60 percent of the total debt. The collector is more likely to agree to a lump sum payment than other collections, but might not accept your initial offer.

4. Request a lower monthly payment. If a lump sum offer cannot be negotiated, request a plan that lowers your monthly payment. This will probably extend the life of the debt, but can be worthwhile if the creditor agrees not to add additional interest. Another option is to request a temporary grace period where you don't have to make payments, which can be helpful if interest is not added to the debt during this period.

5. Get it in writing. If you do reach an agreement, inform the collector that you will not make a payment until you get the terms in writing. This protects both of you, and makes the agreement easier to enforce. If possible, record the phone conversation and take notes.

Suggestions For Personal Contact Cards

Personal contact cards, the non-business version of business cards, are a great way to promote yourself and leave a lasting impression. For people unemployed, or employed non-traditionally, they can be a fine way to get your name across, exchange contact information with other people, enter sweepstakes and join mailing lists. They also provide an opportunity to be creative and present yourself in a memorable way.

Photograph

For a truly memorable contact card, consider adding a photograph. Whether you are promoting a photography business, pet sitting (add a photo of a family pet), childcare (image of smiling babies) or hair salon (image of a cool style), photos catch the eye when you are handing out your card. Many online card-printing websites will allow you to upload a personal image, and then print it on the card.

Inspirational Phrase

Along with your contact details, consider adding an inspirational phrase. The sentiment does not have to be religious. It can relate to your business (such as "An apple a day" for dentists) or hobbies ("I collect old PEZ dispensers"). Choose a bold, bright and attractive font for the phrase to catch attention when you exchange cards.

Portfolio

Add a way for card recipients to view your online portfolio, where applicable. If you have spent time building up an online repository of written articles, drawings, songs, photos of professional cakes or anything else, include the website address on your personal contact card. Even if you're not necessarily recruiting new business, the portfolio serves as a way to show off your accomplishments.

Meaning Of Social Performance Evaluation

People are the focus of organizations of excellence.

Social performance is a major trend in the corporate world. Companies have realized that people are looking at them to have a positive impact in areas other than profitability. They are being scrutinized for the effect they have on the communities in which they operate, as well as on society at large.

Function

Social performance evaluations are audits of a company's current vision, systems and message to determine how effective their programs are in creating a positive societal impact. These evaluations can be used to fine-tune the programs and how they are implemented.

Significance

Quality awards, such as the Malcolm Baldrige Award for Organizational Excellence, measure social performance effectiveness along with customer service and operational excellence when selecting winners.

Prevention/Solution

Social performance evaluations show areas of weakness in a company's actions that can damage that company's interactions with its community and its stakeholders.

Types

Many evaluation companies use different measurement systems. One such system is the internationally recognized GIRAFE system. The GIRAFE system looks at governance and decision making processes, information tools, risk analysis and control, activity and loan portfolios, funding and efficiency.

Considerations

These evaluations work best with companies that have the ability to be sustainable so that they can commit to long-term social impact.

Meaning Of An Ach Account

Banks, corporations, the Federal Reserve and the U.S. government use Automated Clearing House (ACH) accounts to wirelessly transfer sums of money between accounts. These groups register their accounts with the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), a private organization that sets operating rules and business practices for ACH accounts and transfers.

History

Many large institutions took full of advantage of computer technology starting in the 1970s to transfer money between each other. Regional ACH systems were set up, but they did not have a standard set of guidelines that regulated the entire industry. These regional ACH associations came together in 1974 to form NACHA. Originally, ACH account payments were transferred via magnetic tapes and disks, as the Internet had not been developed yet. In 1994, the Federal Reserve passed a mandate requiring banks to record ACH payments electronically.

Process

An ACH account transaction takes place between many parties. The receiver of the transfer notice authorizes the originator to initiate the transfer of funds. The originator then provides the routing and account number provided by the receiver to the bank. The bank then presents this information to the ACH operator. The ACH operator then processes this transaction, taking the money from the receiver's bank account where it is deposited in the originator's account. Much of this process is now done using computer software.

Benefits

ACH accounts allow customers to use direct debit and check cards. With direct debit, customers can pay bills without having sent in a check. Check cards allow individuals to pay for items without having to carry around cash. Many large businesses use an ACH account to provide their employees with direct deposit. Direct deposit sends an employee's paycheck directly to their bank account. The U.S. Treasury uses direct deposit to pay income tax refunds.

Considerations

The most common form of ACH transfer is between financial institutions. Banks frequently make inter- and intrabank loans when either giving loans or taking them. These include transfers or payments to the Federal Reserve. When a customer from Wachovia makes a payment to a customer at Bank of America, for example, Bank of America will use an ACH account to transfer money to Wachovia. Millions of these transactions occur per day. At the end of the business day, banks will figure out how much they owe each other, and they will balance their accounts by transferring money between each other.

Fees

With the growth of ecommerce, more and more institutions are using ACH accounts to process payments electronically. Companies that receive credit card payments over the Internet pay about 2.5 percent of the transaction amount plus an estimated 25 cents per transaction. With an ACH account transfer, the entire fee is between 2.5 and 25 cents, which is a considerable savings.

Membership

To obtain an ACH account, registrants need to apply directly to NACHA. Registrants may also choose to join one of NACHA's membership programs, which set ACH regulations for particular fields of business. Seven programs are available, including the Affiliate Program, Council for Electronic Billing and Payment, Electronic Check Council, Global Payments Forum, Internet Council and the National Council for Uniform Interest Compensation.

1987 Yamaha Riva Specs

Scooters can be an affordable transportation option for a single rider.

The 1987 Yamaha Riva XC200 represented an upgrade over the full-size Yamaha Riva 180 model that was introduced in the U.S. in 1983. Like other scooters, this bike is designed to offer a fuel efficient and affordable local transportation option. The Riva 200 was produced until the 1991 model year.

Engine

The air-cooled, two-valve 200 cc engine of the 1987 Riva produces a maximum speed of 75 mph. It is a single cylinder four stroke engine with a 10:1 compression ratio. The vehicle produces maximum torque of 10.8 lbs-ft at 6,500 rpm.

Weight and Fuel

The 1987 Riva has a curb weight of 253 pounds, providing a reasonable power to weight ratio for relatively speedy acceleration. The fuel tank is capable of carrying a maximum of 1.8 gallons of unleaded fuel.

Brakes and Suspension

The 1987 Riva has drum brakes in both the front and rear, making for relatively inexpensive brake replacements when necessary. The Riva has a bottom-link fork suspension in the front and a unit swing suspension in the rear. The 1987 model year had a recall for the front brake compression bar, so make sure this repair has been performed prior to purchasing this model.

Meaning Of Buying Oil Futures

Oil futures are contracts for the future delivery of oil.

Futures contracts are contracts between two parties for the future delivery of a set amount of a commodity. Oil producers can use futures contracts to lock in a price for the future delivery of their product. Speculators can use oil futures to make a bet on whether the price of oil will go up or down in the future.

Identification

Oil futures are standardized contracts for the future delivery of a set amount of oil. The contracts trade on organized commodity exchanges. Futures contracts are available with settlement dates one month to two years in the future. Oil futures call for the delivery of 1,000 barrels of oil on the settlement date of the contract. The value of oil futures will rise and fall based on traders' expectations of the direction of the price of oil.

Types

Oil futures contracts trade on the value of several types of crude oil. The best known is the price of West Texas light sweet crude. Oil futures also trade on the price of Brent Sea crude oil, Russian export crude oil, Dubai crude oil, Gulf Coast sour crude and the Argus Sour Crude Index. The e-mini futures contract on light sweet crude is popular with individual traders. An e-mini oil futures contract is for the future delivery of 500 barrels of oil.

Function

Oil futures contracts are purchased and traded through commodity brokers registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Opening trades can be to purchase contracts for future delivery or to sell contracts. When a futures position is opened, the trader is required to put up a margin deposit to secure the contract. Margin deposits are approximately $5,000 per contract for light sweet crude and half that amount for the e-mini contract.

Potential

A trader can take an opening position in oil futures contracts in either direction. A buy to open will profit if the price of oil increases. A sell to open will increase in value for the trader if the price of oil declines. The standard oil futures contracts has a minimum price change of one cent per barrel. This penny price change equates to a $10 change in the value of an oil futures contract. If the price of oil changes by $1.00, the futures trader will gain or lose $1,000 on each contract held.

Warning

The amount of leverage used in futures trading exposes the owner of oil futures to large gains or losses as the price of oil changes. It is possible to lose an entire margin deposit in a very short time and it is possible to lose more than is initially invested. Oil futures contracts are also for the physical delivery of crude oil. Traders who do not actually want to sell or buy oil must ensure they have closed out their futures positions before the contract settles.

What Determines The Effectiveness Of The Dollar

Since most global currencies are allowed to float against each other, which allows their exchange rates to fluctuate, the dollar's strength is determined by supply and demand. Factors such as relative economic strength, political perception and inflation affect the worldwide supply and demand for dollars.

Perception of U.S.

Historically, the demand for the dollar has been kept high because the U.S. has been viewed internationally as economically strong and politically stable.

Inflation

When more U.S. dollars are printed and their supply increases, the dollar's strength is reduced.

Purchasing Power Parity

One way to compare the relative strength of the dollar to other currencies is by using purchasing power parity. This metric compares the amount of actual goods that can be bought with a specified quantity of a currency.

Dollar Index

You can track the strength of the U.S. dollar by watching the U.S. Dollar Index, which compares the U.S. dollar with a basket of foreign currencies.

Trade Effects

When the dollar is weak, it makes imported goods more expensive for Americans and exported goods less expensive for foreigners to buy.

Earn Money Selling Handbags

Whether you have handmade purses right off your sewing machine or you've found a good wholesale source for brand-name purses, you are going to need a plan if you actually want to make money selling purses. While there is no quick path to instant success for selling anything, you can do your best to make your purses accessible and advertised. Taking time now to design an action plan for the real and virtual sales worlds can give you a leg up on the competition and bring in some green.

Instructions

1. Keep good records of expenses and income. The only way you will know if you are making money, or profiting from the sales of your purses, is to keep good records. Use a notebook and a pencil or a computer program such as Excel. Be sure to include the costs of producing or buying the purses so you can compare the costs with how much the purses are selling for.

2. Create a Web presence. While selling your purses online may or may not be your main goal, it is one of the most economical ways to get started. Many websites, such as eBay.com or Etsy.com, charge only a small fee for each item sold. You may also want to create a site to drive traffic to your eBay page by using free services set up by Weebly.com or WordPress.com. Use Twitter and other social sites to make announcements and lead people to your site. While setting yourself up on these sites is a bit of work, once your Web presence is established, these sites can literally help you make money in your sleep.

3. Build up your clientele. Start by selling to friends, family, church members, people you see at PTA meetings---anyone, anywhere. Most business is started by word of mouth. While you don't want to give your purses away, consider offering a discount to people you know can spread the word for you.

4. Advertise as much as you can. Find out how much a billboard in your area costs. Is that in your budget? If not, put up flyers at the mall, on college campuses or even at the local library. Get the word out that you are selling and start having customers come to you instead of you having to seek them out. This may be the perfect time to step up your Web skills and create a personalized website that supports your sales aspects as well. SusiesBags.com certainly sounds more enticing than "find Susie's Bags on eBay."

5. Rent a vendor's booth at the mall. If things are going well online and by selling out of your garage, take your business to the next level. Contact the management of your local mall and find out what it takes to rent and maintain a booth there. If you can handle the policies and have the consistent income coming in to afford the booth, then you are ready to start branching out.

Deescalate A Person Over The Telephone

Dealing with an angry customer over the phone will test your patience.

In any customer service situation, someone may become angry in a matter of seconds if something "triggers" him. However, when someone is already angry when he calls, the chances of the situation escalating are higher. When dealing with a customer, the last thing a customer service representative wants is for the argument to escalate. Using various tactics to calm a customer down is an effective way to prevent the anger from going any further.

Instructions

1. Remain calm. Whether you're getting cussed out or taking personal verbal attacks from a customer, you must avoid, at all costs, getting upset or angry with the customer. This includes being sarcastic. If you feel as though you are unable to keep your cool, it's best to hand the phone over to someone else or to transfer the call to someone more likely to be able to help.

2. Let the customer rant. It is likely that there is a lot that the customer wants to get off her chest. Let her speak, cuss, yell or whatever is necessary. Be patient with her. After she has finished, acknowledge her anger by saying something along the lines of, "We understand that you're angry. You're absolutely right, this shouldn't have happened." When she realizes that her concerns are being addressed, she will be more likely to calm down in order to get the situation sorted out.

3. Give him something free. If the company messed up or the product was ineffective, provide the customer with a freebie. Strike first by offering something to show the customer that you care and you are truly sorry for what has happened. Whether it's a discount, free shipping on his next purchase or a free item, most of the time, a customer will be pleased and calm down enough to figure out a solution for the problem.

4. Apologize. Tell the customer that you're sorry for the problems she is having with the company or product. Explain that you vow to resolve this issue as soon as possible and that you will begin working on it as soon as you get off of the phone.

5. Provide him with options. Do not end the phone call by saying you will get back to him. Instead, provide him with solutions, ask him which sounds best to him, and after agreeing, provide him with a specific time frame when you will get back to him. Two or three days max is an acceptable time-frame, but the earlier the better.

6. Stay true to your word. Do not hang up the phone forgetting about the customer. Start working to resolve the issue immediately, or hand the issue over to someone who can start working it out. Any delay will create even more frustration.

7. Give the customer what she wants. If the customer was misinformed and is ranting because of her own mistake, don't spend time arguing with her. Instead, think about how much time you're wasting trying to get through to an angry person. It's better to just let the customer have what she wants, and then politely guide her to the proper web page where your policy is. This will help to avoid problems in the future. Be as humble and courteous as possible. Try not to come off as though you are blatantly telling her that she's mistaken.

Define Mla Writing Format

Define MLA Writing Format

The Modern Language Association's writing format is a series of regulations and guidelines for writers. The association has published its MLA Style Manual since 1985, and has issued two and updated editions that reflect recent changes in publishing and copyright laws. The manual is recognized as the standard for academic writing that scholars in English-speaking countries use.

History

The first edition of the MLA Style Manual was authored by Walter S. Achtert and Joseph Gibaldi, and titled "MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing." The manual was intended to supplement and augment "The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers," which was widely used in undergraduate academic programs.

Uses

MLA style emphasizes consistency in written style and documentation format. By using the same format for citations, for example, readers can quickly access the sources cited by authors. The MLA format also enables writers to cite sources fairly and accurately to avoid false charges of plagiarism.

In addition, scholarly journals and magazines often require contributors to use MLA documentation style. This not only creates a uniform appearance across all published works, but also makes it easier to reference specific sources and to compare them.

The MLA writing style is intended primarily for use in the humanities. It lacks accommodations for scientific and technical publications, and is therefore generally used by writers whose subjects include the arts, social sciences, literature, media studies and criticism.

Content Notes

The MLA Style Manual contains provisions for many aspects of writing, but the lion's share of its content is devoted to documentation and content notes. Content notes, such as footnotes and endnotes, allow writers to include information that is not central to the body of their work but still bears inclusion. By regulating content notes, the MLA format makes it easy for readers to follow the in-text references to the designated place at the bottom of a page or the end of a document. In addition, the manual provides guidelines for when to use content notes, suggests the use of parenthetical phrases when minor information should be added, and discourages the inclusion of extraneous information.

Documentation Style

MLA style has become the ubiquitous standard for citing sources in the academic community, on the Internet and in everyday writing as well. Although the MLA allows for variations, generally a citation is made by noting an author's name in the body of the document. The "Works Cited" page that follows the body lists the authors (in alphabetical order of their last names), along with their published works. The standard MLA documentation style for a book author includes the year of publication, as well as the name of the publisher and its city.

Updates and Modifications

The MLA Style Manual was updated in 1998 and 2008. Changes were minor, and much of what comprises MLA style is the same today as it was when introduced in 1985. Changes in the updates included guidelines for documenting electronic and multimedia sources, such as websites and other digital publishing venues. The 2008 edition of the MLA Style Manual also included revised information about copyright practices.

Eliminate Old Copy machines

Get Rid of Old Copiers

Inevitably copiers get old and need to be replaced as technology continues to quickly improve and make old copiers obsolete. Getting rid of the old machines can be time-consuming and sometimes difficult. It's illegal in most places to simply dump them, so it's important to find a safe and legal disposal location that will take the copiers off your hands.

Instructions

1. Contact a local large electronics recycling company and see whether it would be willing to pick up the copiers. Many cities have electronic waste companies or facilities that can help you dispose of old copiers properly. You may have to pay a fee for pickup depending on location.

2. Call the recycling company and set up a time for it to stop by and pick up the copiers. If it doesn't do pickups, rent a van to transport the old copiers to the recycling center.

3. Donate the copiers to a business that can use them. Buying copiers can be expensive for small and less financially successful companies. Ask around and see if your friends or co-workers know of any companies that can use an old copier. Consider posting a listing on Freecycle or Craigslist offering the copiers to anyone who will pick them up.

4. Contact a local dump if none of the other options are available to you. The dump may be able to take electronic waste if no other alternatives are available. Ask for a price quote on the copier and either arrange for someone from the dump to pick up the copier or deliver it to the dump with a rented van.

Re-finance Vehicle Versus Purchase Vehicle

Refinancing, or transferring your loan to a new bank, may benefit you financially more so than purchasing a different car. The amount of benefit depends on your current interest rate, amount you owe and any loan transfer benefits. Before deciding which avenue to pursue, you should compare several long-term cost variables.

Pricing

Call your bank to get your vehicle's loan payoff amount. Once you have it, decide if you want to spend more on a car or get one of equal value. If you don't want to pay more than you already owe, you might have to purchase a vehicle with equal or higher miles than the car you own. If you plan to downsize your current vehicle, such as from a minivan or sport utility vehicle to a compact, you might be able to get a newer vehicle with less miles.

Interest Rate and Term

One of the reasons people refinance a car loan is because of lower interest rates. If you can obtain a better interest rate for the same or a longer term than you have, you can save a substantial amount per month or over the term of your loan. New vehicles have better rates than used, so look at your overall payback costs before deciding.

Warranty

A vehicle warranty, whether provided from the factory or extended warranty purchase, can save you money during your term of ownership. Since no car is guaranteed reliable, you can face unexpected and expensive repairs at any time. Compare the warranty of a car you might purchase to the one you have now. Basic warranties start about $1,000, worth consideration if your car already has a warranty.

Vehicle History

If you've maintained your car well, you probably already know its service history and what work you need to do in the future. If you're considering a used car, take it to a mechanic for a proper inspection. However, if you know your car does need repairs, purchasing a different car may prove a good decision if a mechanic ensures its maintenance history. Repair and maintenance items can add up quickly, so compare service costs of your current car to a potential purchase before deciding which to pursue.

What Exactly Are Corporate Social Investment Positions

If you are considering a career in corporate social investment, the most important qualification is a genuine interest and desire to help people in need. Someone who is looking into a corporate social investment position must also have good communication skills and be ready to travel.

Identification

Corporate social investment (also called CSI) is an effort by companies to invest in the social development of a country in need. It is similar to a community-service initiative, only more targeted. Corporate social investment positions and initiatives are very prevalent in New Zealand and South Africa.

What is the Purpose of Corporate Social Investment?

Corporate social investment initiatives usually involve promoting education, social activism and entrepreneurship in an area that is severely in need. Employees who work in corporate social investment positions will be required to organize these programs and work with local governments to assure that positive things are actually being done with the money that is being invested in the area.

Education is of utmost concern in developing countries. Children and young people are a country's most valuable resource; with the proper education and skills, they can grow up to take on important positions that will help build their country's infrastructure and economy. Social initiatives support efforts related to health and social development in these countries. Finally, small businesses are considered to be a cornerstone of any strong, viable country, so CSI programs look to encourage entrepreneurship by giving business owners funding, ideas and support.

Who is Most Qualified for These Positions?

Because many CSI jobs will require the employee to travel abroad, the ideal candidate for a corporate social investment position will enjoy exploration and be prepared to go outside of her comfort zone. In some cases, the employee will need to relocate.

Someone with a background in community service--perhaps a former non-profit employee or social worker--would do best in this type of position. The candidate should have concrete ideas and methods for effecting change in developing countries, great communications skills, and the ability to manage money well. This type of position is a liberal arts major's dream.

Most of all, the ideal candidate for a corporate social investment position must genuinely care about helping people. A good heart and clear mind are needed when you are thinking about embarking on this type of career.

Companies With Corporate Social Investment Programs

There are several well-known companies who have corporate social investment programs in effect. Ernst & Young, a large professional-services company and one of the Big Four auditors worldwide, has an aggressive CSI program in South Africa. It even encourages its employees to contribute from their paychecks to non-profit organizations. Virgin Mobile of the UK also has a corporate social investment program to help starving children and kids who are victims of abuse. Visa helps people in developing countries who are new to banking by helping them manage their finances.

Considerations

If you are looking into a career in corporate social investment, a background in community service is very helpful. This type of job can be a rewarding experience for someone who loves to help others and understands the needs of people in developing countries. Be prepared for travel and the need to work closely with governments and people in need.

Exactly What Is A Private Investments Transaction

All jobs have their perks: Starbucks baristas get free coffee, movie critics get advanced screenings, rockstars get groupies. The securities brokers of a NASD-licensed trading firm, however, get one of the most exclusive (and potentially lucrative) perks around: access to financial products that the SEC allows only accredited individual investors and other FINRA members to trade.

Each NASD brokerage firm has its own trading strategies and expects its brokers to sell the products that reflect these strategies. Yet, outside of work, brokers are allowed to buy and sell other FINRA-restricted products, so long as they adhere to the prescribed NASD & NYSE guidelines for such "Private Securities Transactions."

Definition

A "Private Securities Transaction", as defined by the NASD, is the sale of a security by a broker working for a NASD-licensed firm wherein a) the security is not recognized by the employer or typically sold by the broker, b) the broker receives outside compensation for the transaction, or c) both.

The SEC, the NASD and FINRA

On October 24, 1929, the world's largest stock exchange---the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)---began the devastating month-long downturn known as "The Great Crash of 1929." This violent implosion of market capitalization increased the economy's existing downward momentum and triggered other events that ultimately resulted in the Great Depression.

To prevent against future market crashes, federal lawmakers passed The Securities Acts of 1933 & 1934. These acts required that, in order for a security to by sold in public exchanges, potential investors must be provided with extensive information regarding its finances and operation. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was created to enforce these regulations and pass new ones if need be.

However, the SEC was primarily created to secure the integrity of public markets (that is, stock exchanges). With private securities (known collectively as the "Over-The-Counter" (OTC) market), the products were often one-of-a-kind and transactions were too de-centralized to fit into any single reporting template. Therefore, the Maloney Act of 1938 allowed private securities dealers to self-govern, leading to the formation of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) in 1939. The NASD, through the authority of the SEC, wrote its own regulations of OTC transactions and acted as arbitrator between clients and NASD-licensed firms. Meanwhile, in the public markets, the SEC transferred many of its day-to-day regulation enforcement responsibilities to the NYSE.

Finally, in 2007, NYSE's enforcement department and the NASD were combined into a single entity: the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

NASD Rule 3040

FINRA (formerly NASD) is pretty strict about who is allowed to trade private securities on the OTC market because it helps keep the confidence men and other criminal enterprises out of the industry. However, brokers employed by NASD-licensed firms aren't subjected to the same rigorous vetting process, and are thus merely "associates" (as opposed to licensees). Because of this distinction, brokers can only promote, sell and trade a particular security if their firm allows them to.

So, if a broker finds a new security offer that is still unregistered with FINRA (such as, private limited partnerships, preferred stock, promissory notes (basically IOUs that list principal, interest and a repayment promise) and real estate) and wants to sell it to one of his clients, NASD Rule 3040 says he has to first submit a written proposal to his boss, detailing what's being sold, who it's being sold to, what his involvement is with the seller and what, if any, compensation he'll be getting for brokering the transaction. The broker's boss must then not only agree to the transaction, but oversee it as well, before it can go through.

In fact, if a broker is offered outside compensation for selling any security (whether it's registered or unregistered), it automatically qualifies as a "Private Securities Transaction" and he must submit a written proposal to his boss before executing it.

Selling Away

If the transaction doesn't follow Rule 3040, it stops being a "Private Securities Transaction" and becomes a crime called "Selling Away." And then you get fired and go to prison.

Selling Away is a slippery slope. For most people, it's just a way to save paper work. For others, however, it opens the door to multi-million dollar confidence scheme, using the legitimate, NASD-licensed company as a front.

Just as a hypothetical example, assume you are a charming securities broker who's early successes won you lots of wealthy referrals. The year is 1997 and the dot-com bubble is booming; people with throw money at anything with a URL. Without Rule 3040, you could, using the credibility of your firm, offer clients the chance to get in on the "ground floor" of an undiscovered (and non-existent) software start-up, calling it the next "Microsoft," but only if they promise to keep quiet (that is, don't mention it to your boss). If they agree, their money gets wired to a dummy bank account, you give them a worthless piece of paper and either live it up until you get caught or disappear to some remote island paradise. Yet, back in America, your clients could sue your former employers (despite their innocence) for tens of millions.

Legitimate Uses of Private Securities Transactions

If you're a small business owner trying to expand operations or an entrepreneur trying to start a business, selling debt or an LLC membership through a Private Securities Transaction lets you raise the capital you need without having to spend the time and money involved in registering with the SEC and preparing an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Do You Know The Needs For Any Handicap Sign

Federal law requires that all businesses provide specific accommodations to handicapped patrons, including requiring that a certain percentage of all parking spaces be designated as handicapped parking. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets out guidelines for the signs that must be displayed at all parking stalls for handicapped people.

Symbol

International symbol

Handicapped parking signs must display the international handicapped symbol, which is a figure sitting in a wheelchair.

Colors

The international handicapped symbol must be white against a blue background.

Visibility

The handicapped parking sign must be placed in an easily visible position; as a rule of thumb, you must be able to see the sign even if a car is parked in that space.

Orientation

All handicapped parking signs must be mounted vertically.

Verbiage

The first handicapped parking space in any lot, and every eighth handicapped spot thereafter, must be designated as van-accessible (which means it needs a wider adjacent aisle than a normal handicapped space). Signs mounted at van-accessible spots must specifically state that they are van-accessible.

Get Compensated To Examine Government Grant Plans

Government agencies at the federal, state and local levels administer thousands of grant programs a year, with hundreds of thousands of applicants. Agencies are always looking for competent reviewers to help select grant recipients. Grant reviewer positions at the federal level are almost always paid, while positions at the state and local level are sometimes unpaid. Getting hired as a grant reviewer is often highly competitive, and it can be difficult for your credentials to stand out in a sea of applications. Apply for opportunities where your topical experience is in line with the subject matter of the grant for the best results.

Instructions

1. Search for government agencies that provide grants in your areas of expertise. Use the Internet to review the websites of government agencies which administer grant programs that relate to your education and job experience. Review the online versions of the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, the Federal Register and your state and local government publications to familiarize yourself with upcoming grant proposal solicitations.

2. Update your resume. Prepare versions of your resume that highlight the specific experience that targeted grant reviewer positions want. Some grant reviewer positions look for people with subject-matter expertise, while others look for people who have the functional skills to conduct an appropriate review according to guidelines. Do not use a generic resume for all positions, as this will be very unlikely to make your credentials stand out from the pool of applicants.

3. Register with the government agencies that are most likely to need reviewers with your credentials. Many government grant programs have an electronic registration process for potential reviewers through the agency website. Upload your resume or credentials to the system and indicate the type of proposals you are willing to review. The system will typically notify you of opportunities that meet your criteria.

4. Monitor the agency websites for opportunities. Create a system that allows you to keep track of updates and announcements by your targeted agencies and programs. Sign up for their electronic alerts, use news feeds and visit the websites regularly so you can be one of the first to apply when opportunities become available.

5. Submit your credentials for consideration when opportunities arise. Contact the grant adminstrator directly using the information provided with the grant announcement for any program that doesn't seem to have a published process for selecting grant reviewers. Ask the grant administrator to accept your application directly for a paid reviewer position. Be persistent and do not get discouraged if you do not hear back from an agency or do not meet with immediate success.

Write Articles Of Organization

Write Articles of Organization

Articles of organization are the legal document used to create a limited liability company, or LLC. The laws in each state dictate write articles of organization. Although there are minor differences in the laws from one jurisdiction to the next, the general legal requirements of articles of organization are fairly uniform across the United States. One of the fundamental objectives of the laws surrounding limited liability companies is to make the requirements for creating articles of organization as simple as possible.

Instructions

1. Obtain a standard form or template from the secretary of state's office to write or develop your own articles of organization. These forms are available from the secretary of state's office in the brick-and-mortar world or from the agency's website.

2. Choose a name for the LLC. Make certain that the name is not substantially similar to that of another LLC, corporation or other business operating the state. You can perform a name search to verify compliance with this requirement through the secretary of state's office.

3. Insert the purpose of the limited liability company. You can list a specific operational objective, or you can use a more generalized statement, such as: "ABC, LLC is organized to engage in any activities legally permitted by the laws of the state of XYZ."

4. Add the name of the individual (or individuals) creating the LLC.

5. Designate a person to serve as the manager of the LLC. The manager is the principal officer of the enterprise.

6. Include a street address (not a P.O. box) for the LLC in the state in which it is organized.

7. Identify the resident agent for the LLC in the state organized. A resident agent is the individual designated to accept what is known as service of process, commonly known as "court papers." This individual accepts court papers on behalf of the LLC if the business is sued.

8. Sign the LLC document. In most states, a notarized signature is not required.

9. File the completed LLC paperwork with the secretary of state. The filing fee will vary from state to state.

What Goes On To Stocks That Fall To Zero

It usually takes a bankruptcy to force a company's stock to zero.

Stocks that ultimately fall to zero generally follow a fairly predictable path. Usually, a stock will begin trading down in value as the underlying company experiences financial difficulty and may be on the verge of bankruptcy. If and when bankruptcy is declared, the company's stock will leave the major exchanges and trade between speculators. Ultimately, the stock will be rendered worthless and will become merely a souvenir. Even in this event, the stock can still usually be sold for tax loss purposes.

Causes

Stocks rise and fall based on the financial performance of the underlying company and other market factors. While many stocks may trade into the single digits, it is fairly rare for a stock to fall to zero. Usually, a stock will only reach zero due to the bankruptcy or other dissolution of the parent company. Even when a company declares bankruptcy, the stock will not immediately fall to zero. Usually, speculators keep trading the stock in the hope that somehow the company may survive. However, stock in bankrupt companies is almost always ultimately rendered worthless.

Delisting

Once a company drops enough in price, its total market value may not be sufficient to meet the listing requirements of major exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange. The exchanges have explicit rules about the size of companies that are allowed to be listed on the exchange, and bankrupt companies usually make a quick exit. Once they no longer meet listing requirements, the company loses the rights to the stock symbol, which may be recycled to a new company.

Over-the-Counter Market

Once stocks are delisted from the major markets, they trade in the over-the-counter market, also known as the "pink sheets." Over-the-counter trading is not regulated like exchange trading is, and stock prices can be volatile as speculators try to make quick money trading on rumors and optimistic hopes. For a company in bankruptcy proceedings, its old shares will trade with a new five-character stock symbol that ends with the letter "V," which indicates that they are the old shares.

Reorganization of Bankrupt Companies

Most companies that file for bankruptcy do not liquidate but rather reorganize. Unfortunately for shareholders, no matter what type of bankruptcy a company files, the original shares are generally canceled and rendered worthless, either after the distribution of assets or once the company reorganizes. Under reorganization, the company will issue new shares, and existing shareholders generally receive nothing, unless they purchase shares of the new stock.

Tax Loss Sales

Eventually, even the over-the-counter market stops trading the shares of a bankrupt company, leaving investors who did not sell with no market for their stock. This could pose a dilemma, because you can only claim a tax loss on a stock if you make an actual sale. However, most financial services firms will agree to buy your stock from you for one cent if you sign a letter acknowledging that you cannot find any market for your stock and that you relinquish any rights to the stock position. This way, you can claim the loss on your taxes and use it to offset any gains you may have.

Immigration Towards The Uk Through Marriage

UK immigration rules for married couples now include a language test.

UK rules regarding immigration through marriage apply to partners of British citizens and foreigners already settled in the country. The rules cover husbands/wives, civil partners, fianc (e)s, proposed and unmarried/same-sex partners. Citizens of the European Economic Area and Switzerland are exempt.

Other Requirements

Applicants must be at least 21 and must demonstrate that they know each other. Also, they must have sufficient funds and accommodation for themselves and their children, if they have them, so they do not need public funds.

Applicants Outside the UK

Applications for immigration have to be made at a British diplomatic post in the applicant's country. The applicant's partner must be either already living in, or returning to, the UK.

Applicants Already in the UK

Those who entered the UK under different immigration rules; for example, under a work or student visa, can change their status if they have lived in the country for more than 6 months.

Probationary Period

Successful applicants will be given permission to live and work in the UK for up to 27 months before they can apply for permission to settle permanently.

Language Requirement

As of November 29, 2010, people who wish to live in the UK as partners will have to pass an English language test. Citizens of "majority English-speaking countries" such as Canada, the US or Australia are exempt.

Stock Brokers And Business Structure

If you want to become a stockbroker, you have several different options for how and where to work. Some companies pay for your training, so once you secure a position with them, they pay for your licensing. Other companies require that you secure a Series 7 NASD license and an insurance license before they'll hire you. Each type of company structure has a different makeup and is perfect for a specific type of personality.

Brokerage House

When you work at a brokerage house, you work under a sales manager or team leader. There's normally a two-tiered layer of management--your direct supervisor or sales manager and his boss, who oversees several managers. These managers have a district manager who covers a large area, and there's sometimes a regional manager who oversees them and reports to the head of the company. Your job in a brick-and-mortar brokerage firm is to deal directly with clients and build a large client base with high amounts of assets.

Financial Institutions

Stockbrokers for banks and other financial institutions have a double set of managers and rules to follow. They work under the bank's auspices and ruling body, and also the brokerage firm and SEC rules. The structure is similar to that of the brokerage house, but the brokerage considers the bank its biggest and only client. Your job is to make the branches money through sales of financial products. The commission level is lower than at a traditional brokerage firm, but you have access to the bank's client base. While the bank's management doesn't have direct control over you, their input is highly important and can make or break a broker.

Wealth Management

Normally, stockbrokers who provide wealth-management services work either under the auspices of a bank or large firm. Unlike traditional brokers who simply recommend products but must follow the client's requests, these individuals often make the decisions for the clients and execute the trades. Depending on where the wealth manager works, the structure is customarily varied. If they work for the wealth-management or trust department of a bank, they answer directly to supervisors for that department, and ultimately to the upper management of the bank.

Independent

If you don't like a lot of management and want the highest possible commissions, open your own stock-brokerage house. You can use the services of several broker dealers simply by applying to have them hold your license and use their services. If you fit their requirements, most of the time, the only thing they ask is a minimum amount of production, competency and adherence to the law. You'll receive the highest compensation at these places, but you must pay all your own expenses.

Financial Planner

Financial planners charge for the service of helping clients lay out a plan for their future and accomplish it. Some accept a fee and don't do any of the trades recommended; others don't charge for the plan, but earn their money on the trades; and the third type makes recommendations for a fee and are also paid when they trade. There are two types of financial planners: those who work for a firm (often opened by a single person or partners) and those who work for themselves. The organizational structure normally entails one supervisor or is similar to an independent.

Online

Stockbrokers work for online companies. They often have little contact with people, except for those who work in the customer service area, and then the contact is simply by phone. These types of companies are often very large, and there are several layers of management in the hierarchy.

Stockbrokers as Principals

This type of broker doesn't deal with the public, but purchases stocks for a company's benefit. He purchases stock for resale to clients, in hopes that the price increases when the clients buy it. These brokers make multimillion-dollar decisions for their companies. As with any large company, there's normally a supervisor who answers to another. Another name for such a broker is a stock trader.

What Exactly Are Compensation Health Plans

Health expenses comprise a huge majority of people’s yearly spending. Health plans, however, do not cover each and every health care expense that a person incurs. But there are a variety of ways in which employers can assist their employees in paying for their health-related expenses, one of which is the use of reimbursement health plans.

Definition

Reimbursement health plans, also known as health reimbursement arrangements (HRA), or personal care accounts, are a type of health insurance plan that gives employees reimbursements for qualified medical expenses. It’s a fairly new benefit that companies are now implementing and because of this, the Department of Treasury has issued a few guidelines about it even though HRAs are still evolving.

How Reimbursement Health Plans Work

Health reimbursement accounts are very similar to an insurance plan. Employers set aside funds that can be used to reimburse employees for any qualified medical expenses that they incur. The word "qualified" means that there are also specific guidelines about which expenses can or cannot be reimbursed. HRAs can be implemented by companies of any size. The company provides the funds, and unused amounts will be carried over to the following year. HRAs also help employers with preferential tax treatment, much like the tax treatment they get if they fund an insurance plan for their employees.

Guidelines From the Government

The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service have issued various guidelines for health reimbursement arrangements. Plans must be solely funded by the employer and should not correspond to any salary deductions. Also, plans may only provide benefits for substantiated medical expenses. HRAs are group health plans, according to the guidelines, and as such are subject to the COBRA continuation requirements.

Advantages

Aside from the fact that health reimbursements aid employees with their health care expenses, another good thing about them is that they are flexible. Employers can design and adjust plans to meet the specific needs of their employees. Reimbursements are also funded entirely by the employer, and will not be deducted in any way from the salary of the employee.

Limitations

As great as health reimbursements may be, they are also bound by various limitations. Since it is the employers who pay for everything, they can impose their own limitations on what expenses are or are not eligible for reimbursements. They can also decide on whether or not to adjust the plan according to the employee’s age and length of service, among other factors. HRA balances are also non-convertible to cash, but will continue if an employee joins a new employer.

What's The Need For Obtaining A Degree To Become Pharmacy Specialist

Obtaining a college degree can give pharmacy tech cnadidates a leg up on the competition.

Pharmacy technicians work under the direction of licensed pharmacists and perform many of the duties normally associated with a pharmacist. Pharmacy techs may work in drug store pharmacies, grocery store pharmacies, hospitals or other health care environments. Once properly trained, pharmacy techs interpret and fill prescriptions and interact with physicians' offices to verify prescription information, ensuring that proper medications are being provided. They also may deal with insurance carriers to check on patients' medical coverage. Pharmacy techs may compound drugs, input data into a database and perform administrative duties. Though a degree is not required to become a pharmacy tech, having one can lead to better pay and opportunities.

Diploma/Certificate

Some pharmacy techs have no formal training other than on-the-job experience acquired through hands-on work. Older pharmacy technicians are more likely to fall into this category, but hospitals and physician offices more and more require some type of formal training for pharmacy techs. Certificate and diploma programs are available at many community colleges, vocational schools and professional institutes. These programs provide basic pharmacy tech skills, including classroom and hands-on training. Most programs last a year or less and result in a diploma or certificate. Such training programs serve two purposes: they prepare pharmacy tech hopefuls for any credentialing tests they may take, and they provide potential employers with solid evidence of a candidate's dedication and preparedness for a pharmacy technician position. Many employers will hire people who possess a certificate or diploma with the caveat that the person take and pass a certification exam.

Associate's Degree

Associate's degree programs are becoming increasingly popular among aspiring pharmacy technicians. Programs can be specific to pharmacy or may consist of more generic medical technologist curricula. The growing need for pharmacy technicians has made the field highly competitive, and an associate's degree gives candidates a leg up on the competition. Aside from a general liberal arts curriculum, pharmacy tech course work includes classes in general science, biology, chemistry, anatomy, medical terminology, computer literacy and applicable software use, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy operations, pharmacy inventory management, human relations and social skills, psychology, and medical law and ethics. Clinical skills also are taught, including pharmacy procedure techniques and pharmacy equipment skills. Having an associate's degree makes a candidate more attractive to potential employers, better prepares students for certification exams, and positions applicants for higher salaries, especially entry-level pay rates.

Certification

No matter what type of training a pharmacy tech receives, certification is almost a must. Most employers insist on candidates being certified or at least being trained to the point where they're ready to complete a certification exam. Two national organizations offer certification exams for pharmacy technicians, each resulting in the title of certified pharmacy technician (CPhT). The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers a 90-question exam. You must schedule a date for the test and pay a fee. The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) also offers a certification exam. Some states don't require certification at all. Others require certification by one or the other certification boards, while a few states require certification by both organizations.

Outlook/Salary

Projections for job growth for pharmacy technicians are excellent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A 31 percent rate of growth is expected for pharmacy techs through 2018 -- well above the national average (7 to 13 percent) for all occupations. The Labor Bureau also predicts that pharmacy techs with certifications and college degrees can expect even better job-search prospects. Pharmacy techs had a median wage of $13.32 per hour in 2008. The middle 50 percent earned $10.95 to $15.88 an hour, and the bottom 10th percentile made less than $9.27. The upper 10 percent earned nearly $19 per hour.