Make An Additional Earnings Online

Advantages of earning an extra income online include the ability to work from home, on your own time, as much or as little as you like. There are no overhead expenses such as renting an office or retail space. Your bedroom can be an office; a basement can be your warehouse. All you really need is a computer with an Internet connection, a marketable idea and the steps below.

Instructions

1. Decide what sort of product or service you can sell online. Unless you have experience with perishable items, it's a good idea to stay away from selling food, plants and living things online.

2. Start with manageable goals. If you sell handmade crafts, don't take more orders than you can comfortably fill within the promised time. If you sell merchandise on auction sites, don't list more items than you can track and keep up with. Quality customer service is key to the survival of any business, including an online home-based enterprise to produce extra income.

3. Advertise your products or services. There are many online classified advertising sites such as Craigslist that will allow you to place an ad at little or no cost in a clearly defined circulation area such as your home state or city. As you grow your business, you can expand your advertising reach.

4. Create and post a website to promote yourself. Personal computers and laptops are typically bundled with software packages that enable even a novice PC user to create simple websites with text and graphics. Hundreds of web hosting services charge as little as $3 per month to put your website on the Internet.

5. Keep records of the time you spend working on an extra income online. Also track your expenses, which include postage and shipping if you deliver products, or office supplies for your services. No business can last long unless it turns a profit. In this case, that means producing enough income to justify the time you devote. Only you can determine the time-to-income ratio that is acceptable to you.

Find Screen Mounts

If you have a projector of any type, you will need a projector screen. Most screens you can buy will come with a mount. Once you decide what kind of mount you want, your next step is finding it.

Instructions

1. Call your screen's manufacturer. If you already have a screen, the manufacturer will have the best suggestions for mounts that are compatible. The manufacturer can also direct you to a local store where you can buy it.

2. Check your local office supply store. Remember that an office supply store will carry only a few different types of projector screen mounts. You will have the best luck if you go to the same store that sold you the projector screen.

3. Try an online search. There are hundreds of specialty online stores that carry only audio-visual equipment. Find a store that specializes in audio-visual equipment. This store will give you the opportunity find and compare several projector screen mounts at once.

4. Search through local listings. You might be able to buy a used screen mount from a local business. Check listings in your local paper or craigslist site. These are good places to find second-hand items, and they may have the mount you're looking for!

Purchase Stocks & Reinvest The Returns

Reinvesting your dividends helps you build a bigger nest egg.

Dividends can represent a significant portion of the return on the stocks you buy. Reinvesting those dividends into additional shares of the same stock helps you build a portfolio and increase your income. As an investor, you have a number of ways to invest in dividend-paying stocks and reinvest your dividends, including individual stocks and stock mutual funds.

Instructions

1. Contact the companies whose stocks you want to buy if you plan to invest in individual stocks. Many companies have dividend reinvestment plans that allow you to buy stocks directly from the company with no brokerage fess. You can acquire information about these plans by visiting the website for the investor relations department.

2. Establish a dividend reinvestment plan with the companies you plan to use. Submit your dividend reinvestment application and your initial deposit to the address listed on the form. Set up an automatic monthly transfer into the plan if you wish.

3. Contact several low-cost mutual funds if you prefer to use mutual funds instead. Mutual funds can give you wider diversification than you can get with individual stocks. You can concentrate on dividend stock funds if you want to maximize your dividend income. As an alternative, you can choose general stock funds and reinvest the dividends.

4. Compare the performance of each fund as well as the costs associated with each fund. Complete the application for the fund you want to buy. Mark the reinvest dividend option on the application to have the dividends reinvested automatically and used to buy additional shares of the fund.

5. Retain a copy of each mutual fund statement to determine how much you received in dividends and how many additional shares of the fund those dividends bought. The amount of the reinvested dividends should be added to your cost basis to avoid double taxation. You may want to keep a spreadsheet for each mutual fund you own and add the reinvested dividends to your cost basis each time you receive a new statement.

The Result Of Warning Labels On Customers

Skull and Crossbones

Many consumer and electrical products have warning labels that are on the package or attached to part of the product such as the electric cord. Warning labels can come in different sizes, colors and contain several sentences and warningnsymbols. The Association for Consumer Research in Alberta, Canada is one organization that has actually studied how warning labels affect consumers

Significance

If people fail to read warning labels, they can potentially risk overexposure or ingestion of a harmful substance. This inherent danger is particular notable among families with small children or pets.

Identification

People go through various stages in recognizing and acknowledging information on consumer labels, according to the Association for Consumer Research. A label must first gain the attention of the consumer and get them to read it. Consumers, in turn, must comprehend the label contents, be able to recall the information and comprehend it before using the product and actually comply with the warning in their actions.

Function

People will react differently depending on the size, color, wording and even the font that is used for the warning label. The degree of details and any symbols that are used will determine the effectiveness of a label and whether people comply with it.

Effects

Consumers tend to respond more to warning labels that contain symbols or color. For example, the skull and crossbones universally represents a poisonous substance. Color tends to be effective in drawing attention and getting people to read the label. A wordy label that is printed with a small font is more likely to be ignored.

Considerations

Consumers must be familiar with a product or use it to actually care about any warning label. However, people who are familiar with a product also tend to ignore the warning labels as if it insults their intelligence. For the most part, consumer warning labels do not tend to have that much impact on consumer behavior.

Influence From The Internet On Business

The internet has given birth to many new forms of communication technology, such as email and social networking websites. The internet has also equipped businesses with new marketing tools, like online advertising and company websites. Used correctly, the internet can be very beneficial for business communication.

E-Commerce

E-commerce refers to business transactions which take place over the internet. Some businesses strictly operate on the e-commerce model.

Benefits

Company websites and online advertising can be a great way for a business to expand its marketplace and reach new potential customers. For managers, internet-based communication technology, like email, helps to keep employees informed on company matters.

Consequences

Personal use of the internet at work creates lost time for companies. Drafting a policy on internet usage in the workplace helps to reduce lost time.

Warning

Internet communication technology, used incorrectly, can blur the line between business communication and personal communication. For example, say your manager friend requests you on a social networking website--do you have the right to reject the friend request or are you obligated to accept the request?

Considerations

The internet has helped to make working from home more popular by giving workers access to business information while in the comfort of their homes.

Become A Web-based Tour Operator Free Of Charge

Become an online travel agent for free.

For people who love to travel but also enjoy working from home, a job as an online travel agent can be a full-time career or a great way to make extra income as a second career. Agents sell vacation packages through their own websites, which you can set up for free through an online travel agent training program such as those offered by Home Based Travel Agents. Travel agents often have access to vacation deals and other perks as well.

Instructions

1. Fill out an online application/registration form for a free online travel agent course. Home Based Travel Agents and the UK-based Online Travel Training are two free training resources for aspiring online/home-based travel agents.

2. Complete as many training programs as your selected travel agent training website will allow, or as many as you need to feel comfortable with your level of expertise. Training programs can include find clients, book airlines, hotels, tours, cars and vacation packages, raise funds for charity groups, get repeat sales, and marketing ideas and techniques.

3. Obtain your Errors & Omissions Insurance. This is necessary to work as an online travel agent, because you will be handling thousands of dollars' worth of customer cash and credit charges, according to Home Based Travel Agents. Insurance costs $50 a month or $550 a year.

4. Get licensed if your state requires it. While travel agents generally are not required to have a license to work in an agency or from home, some states require a Travel Sellers License for selling travel, according to the AAA Travel Agent Training Center. These states are California, Florida, Hawaii, Delaware, New York, Maine, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Virginia, Rhode Island, Ohio and Illinois.

Home Based Travel Agents pays for membership costs and industry certifications for companies like the International Airlines Travel Agent Network, a supplier that pays agents commissions on bookings through its customer airlines.

Calculate Markup On Price Of Goods

There are two main philosophies on calculate the sales price of your product or service: market and markup. Market pricing bases your price on what your competitors are charging which also equates to what the market will bear. For example, if most of your competitors are charging customers $1.25 per lightbulb, it will be difficult for you to charge $3.00. The "going rate" would therefore be $1.25. Markup pricing takes the cost of producing the product or service (the "cost of goods") and adds a fixed percentage on to come up with the sales price. This method gives you a fixed profit percentage and is commonly used in retail pricing. Calculating markup on the cost of goods is fairly straightforward.

Instructions

Calculating Markup on Cost of Goods

1. Gather together information on your costs of producing your product or service. If you purchase your product wholesale to resell, this is simply your purchase cost of the item. If you manufacture a product, your direct costs will include materials, labor, supplies, and the overhead costs of the manufacturing facility. If you provide a service, your direct costs will include labor and supplies.

2. Choose an acceptable profit level that you wish to achieve. For example, you may decide that a gross profit percentage of 45 percent allows you enough profit to pay the other operating expenses of the company and provide you with an acceptable return on your investment as the owner of the company.

3. Apply your selected gross profit percentage to your cost of goods. This is your markup. For example, if you purchase women's blouses at fifteen dollars each to resell and you want a 45 percent profit, you would sell the blouses at a 45 percent markup or 15.00 multiplied by 1.45 equals $21.75. The difference between the sales price (21.75) and the cost (15.00) is $6.75 which is the profit. This gives you a 45 percent markup.

So How Exactly Does Vinyl Siding Rival Aluminum Siding

Vinyl siding is more durable

Vinyl siding is made from about 5 hundredths of an inch of PVC plastic. The fact that it is nearly twice as thick as its aluminum counterpart (2 hundredths of an inch) makes vinyl siding stronger and less susceptible to scratches or nicks. Aluminum siding often dents or scratches without much effort. However, the plastic material can shrink or expand in extreme hot or cold temperatures allowing for cracks and splitting.

Vinyl siding holds color better

Vinyl siding also holds its color better than aluminum. The color is added to the plastic during manufacturing, so it permeates the entire siding sheet. In contrast, aluminum siding has just a very thin layer of enamel coating it. Its natural silver color will show through if the siding is scratched. However, fixing that scratch is much easier with aluminum siding: simply repaint it. Vinyl, in contrast, does not hold paint well--at least not to the point that it looks natural.

Aluminum siding is less toxic and fireproof

One of the main downfalls of vinyl siding is that it's made with potentially toxic materials, such as petroleum by-products. These components will let off harmful fumes if it ever catches fire. This is true when it's on the house and even after it's removed and disposed of. Alternately, aluminum is resistant to fire, and it's much more earth friendly.

Aluminum siding is more flexible

Even if a home has vinyl siding, you will often notice it has aluminum siding on the trim, such as around doorways, windows and vents. This is because the vinyl doesn't "give" enough to easily apply around corners and in tight spots. A contractor can readily bend the aluminum to fit where needed.

Vinyl siding is cheaper

In the end, though, it is the relative inexpense of vinyl that is ultimately leading to aluminum siding's demise. A siding project can run from $4,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the size of the home. Any bit of cost savings will make a difference to those that comparison shop.

Details About Type D Personas

Type D personalities have a tendency to worry.

During the 1970s the concept of personality types began taking shape within the medical psychology community. The original function of developing personality types was to determine a person's risk for developing heart disease. Initially, there was only a Type A personality. It was believed that Type A personalities were at an increased risk for heart disease. Over the decades further research has revealed more personality types including the Type D personality, which was developed in the 2000s. Type D stands for chronic distress, which means theoretically at an increased risk for heart disease.

Stressed/Worried

Type D personalities have a tendency to worry excessively. They may be prone to anxiety and anxiety disorders. Stress tends to be a problem for Type D personalities. The increased level of stress can make Type D personalities more prone to heart problems because it causes increased levels of stress related hormones. Stress hormones can cause the heart to beat faster, the blood pressure to rise, the blood vessels to clench and extra blood sugar to be released. Type D personalities also tend to have more active immune systems, thus a predisposition towards inflammatory conditions and related complications.

Irritable

Type D personalities tend to be irritable and often have an inability to process anger in a healthy way. Rather than being explosive when they are angry Type D personalities tend to suppress there emotions. This can lead to moodiness and a host of mental health issues. It can also contribute to stress levels, thus indirectly affecting stress hormones that cause heart complications.

Depressed

People with Type D personalities tend to suffer from depression in varying degrees of severity. Type D personalities also tend to be gloomy and pessimistic. They also have a tendency toward despair in trying situations. This can directly affect a person's ability to recover after a cardiac episode. This makes them more likely to have complications and it may also decrease the likelihood of recovery after a cardiac episode.

Introverted

Type D personality types tend to be socially awkward and many suffer with social anxiety. They are not typically outgoing, most have issues with low self-esteem, which causes social inhibition and shyness. Many Type D personalities become isolated, which can also cause loneliness.

Franchise Companies Versus Other Business Types

People who have the capital or money for starting a retail business can either start from scratch or buy a franchise. There are advantages and disadvantages to both scenarios. However, franchise owners enjoy certain benefits that can increase their chances of success.

Significance

People who own franchises share the benefits of a common brand name with which potential customers can identify. Those who start traditional businesses must work at gaining brand awareness and acceptance.

Function

Existing franchises usually come with their own unique operating systems for running the registers as well as tracking inventory and costs.

Benefits

Franchise businesses almost always provide training for new franchise owners. The new owners also have the continued support of the company as they build their business.

Effects

Franchise owners can benefit from national advertising exposure and marketing support for their business, unlike traditional businesses.

Considerations

Some franchise businesses, such as restaurants, can be very expensive. Those who operate their business on a smaller scale can often start with less capital and build their business at their own pace.

Housing Grants or loans For Nonprofits

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and private foundations provide funding for nonprofit agencies to help low-income families with their housing needs. Nonprofit organizations must submit a proposal detailing their project goals and budget to apply for a grant. The organization must be able to demonstrate it has experience and ability to develop affordable housing. If the agency is awarded a housing grant, it must comply with the conditions that the housing will be affordable for low- to moderate-income families.

Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program

HUD's Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program provides funding to nonprofit agencies committed to affordable housing development. This program specifically allows nonprofits to offer assistance in purchasing a home through the family's sweat equity. The household must put in 100 hours of work toward constructing its home to qualify for the purchase. To participate in the program, the family's income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area median income. The family must meet income and citizenship requirements. Habitat for Humanity is an example of a SHOP grant recipient.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program provides funding to local governments and nonprofit agencies to purchase or rehabilitate abandoned and foreclosed homes. Once the homes are renovated, the agency can put the property up for sale or establish rental housing for low-income families. NSP funds must be used to serve families with low to moderate income. Some nonprofit agencies demolish an abandoned home site and construct new housing in its place. NSP funding is allocated on a competitive and noncompetitive basis.

AHP

Federal Home Loan Banks across the country provide funding to nonprofit organizations to develop assisted housing in their communities. On an annual basis, each Federal Home Loan Bank sets aside 10 percent of its net income to fund the Affordable Housing Program. Nonprofit agencies can apply to receive funding for their projects. Funding may be used to acquire, construct or rehabilitate rental housing. The nonprofit also can use the funding for a down payment program for families ready to purchase a home.

Wells Fargo Homeownership Grant Program

The Wells Fargo Homeownership Grant Program provides $7,000 to nonprofit agencies. The grant is used to help low- to moderate-income families achieve homeownership. You can find out apply for the grant at Wells Fargo's Housing Foundation website (see References). Land acquisition projects are not eligible for this grant, however, the funding can be used for construction and rehab of owner-occupied homes, homebuyer education, down payment assistance and home repairs. Only 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations or government agencies are eligible to apply for a Homeownership Grant with Wells Fargo.

What's Meant By Stock Buying and selling

Investors own stocks for the long term and traders are looking for short term profits.

The act of buying or selling shares of stock through a broker is referred to as a trade. An investor buying stocks using his online brokerage account will use the trade screen to place the order. There is another definition of trading and this refers to how and when stocks are bought and sold.

Trading vs. Investing

Participants in the stock market can be broadly divided into traders and investors. Someone who is new to the stock market should understand the differences between investing and trading. The goals of the two approaches can be significantly different. A dedicated investor, not trader, may want to learn some trading techniques and use those skills to improve the timing of her stock purchases.

Time Frame

Traders have very different expectations on how long to hold a stock position compared to investors. Traders will buy shares and own the shares in a brokerage account for a few minutes to a few weeks. A trader has a price or time period in mind when the shares are purchased and the position is closed when the price or time limit is reached. Investors will own stock for months to years. An investor does not have a time limit in mind when shares are purchased. A stock position will be held for years if the stock keeps making money. A reason to sell for an investor is to buy another stock that has better prospects.

Fundamentals vs. Technicals

Investors evaluate and buy a stock based on the business potential of the company. Evaluating factors such as revenue and profit growth, dividend payouts and potential new products is called fundamental analysis. In contrast, traders use technical analysis to pick stocks to trade as well as entry and exit prices. Technical analysis uses the price action of the stock to find repeatable patterns or potential for a breakout. Traders do not care about the long term prospects of a company, they focus on the price movement of the stock and price charts.

Types of Trading

Traders can be again dividend into categories. Swing traders look for price trends and move into a stock holding for a few days or weeks. A swing trader may see a pattern that allows him to make several dollars or more per share if the pattern repeats. Day traders hold their stock positions for less than one trading day and a position may be open for only a few seconds. Day traders look at order flow and pick up quick moves in a stock price, making a few cents on every share, trading many shares a day. Traders use margin brokerage accounts that allow the leveraging of trading capital by borrowing a portion of the trading money from the broker.

About Documentation

Keeping track of important files and documents has been a long-standing tradition in human societies. Though it may sound like a boring topic, record keeping is actually an important part of our history and of our culture today.

History

The earliest forms of written languages that we know of--even stone tablets and papyrus scrolls--seem to have been driven by our need to record our society's laws, governing entities, births and deaths, medical records and other important information. As our cultures became more sophisticated, so did our records of those societies: from the scrolls and clerks of Rome to the centers of learning in monasteries in the Middle Ages, we have always tried to keep track of our ever-changing communities and regions. In the 21st century, our record keeping has evolved to include mechanically typed and electronic data filing systems, made simpler by advances in the computer industry allowing for data storage and electronic documents.

Function

A record keeping system allows a person or organization to file, track and manage documents and records. These can include financial information, legal documents, records of payments and credits, and other important business or personal records. Most systems follow a set of rules for input and output of documents and provide specific requirements for anyone using, transmitting, copying, or moving data.

Types

Most record keeping systems can be classified in one of two ways: personal or professional. Everyone's personal record-keeping system is a little different, and there's no standard method to follow when creating your own. Most people use a filing system for bills, legal documents and other important records, and many also have a system for incoming and outgoing mail. Some people create household budgets, to-do lists and other tasks to keep their records in order and provide stability to their everyday activities. However, you can create a system with only the elements that feel comfortable to you; it's important to have a system that you will actually use rather than one you dread working in. Outside the home and at the professional level, you'll find that many organizations have specific filing requirements that are used across a discipline or specialty. Accountants, auditors and tax advisers all have a set system of rules to follow in their record-keeping; many grant and loan agencies require recipients to keep their records in a particular system.Governments are required to keep certain formats of records for a specific number of years to comply with open records laws.

Benefits

The benefits of staying organized extend beyond simply being able to find something when needed. Studies have shown that people who feel organized often also feel more in control of their lives and are often healthier than those who feel overwhelmed or chaotic. Additionally, having a working system of record keeping--and sticking to it--can open more opportunities for you in your career and home life, by allowing you the access to records and background that you need for nearly any business transaction, large purchase, or life change. At the business or government level, successful record keeping can mean the difference between running a business efficiently and losing valuable time and resources in trying to sort through the hundreds of documents created each month.

Considerations

If you're considering creating your own filing system for personal or home use, experiment with a few different ways before settling on one that's most comfortable for you. If you're in a small business, check with your financial adviser or tax specialist before setting up your system to see what their requirements are; if you have an auditor, make sure to also contact their office to see what their priorities will be at the end of each fiscal year. This can save you time and money during the end-of-year accounting. If you're working for an organization and learning about its filing systems, you can check the associations that govern that industry's records (for example, check with your industry's leading association or the state and federal governments in your area to see what their requirements are).

German Corporate Culture

German Corporate Culture

Germany is one of the major export nations of the world and a business powerhouse. German companies like Volkswagen and Bosch enjoy international reputations. With the ongoing development of the European Union and the increase in global trade, the possibility for foreign workers to land jobs in Germany is high. To acclimate to German corporate culture, foreign workers will be better prepared if they study both the culture and the language.

Types

Clothing expectations vary widely not only from office to office, but by social rank as well, according to a Young Germany article. For example, in some German office cultures, the receptionist may dress casually, but the people holding higher positions in the company will adopt a more formal attire. The article advises people new to German work culture to dress more formally at first and to change their attire as the work culture may dictate.

Potential

Foreigners hoping to make acquaintances with whom they can meet in their off work hours may be disappointed by German work culture. Work and home life are separate. Additionally, in some work environments, it is unlikely that a German will invite his foreign guest out for drinks after work. He will assume that his foreign colleagues will have plans with their families just as he does.

Features

According to an article in Young Germany, German companies tend to offer more flexibility to their workers. Some foreigners working in Germany report that they didn’t feel as if people rushed to get to work at a certain time. Additionally, taking frequent work breaks isn’t discouraged. However, the time offered by many German companies exists because there is a counter expectation-that workers will get their jobs done in the hours allotted to them to do the job. Additionally, it is expected that once a worker does return from break, he will be focused and work diligently at their jobs.

Considerations

When in doubt, people who are trying to acclimate to working in Germany should revert to basic German cultural etiquette. A certain formality exists in Germany-so much so that the language itself has a formal and an informal version of words like "you. In traditional German culture, it was proper to address someone with formality by saying "Sie, which is the formal version of the word "you. This is equivalent to addressing strangers as Mr. or Ms. A good rule of thumb for foreign workers in Germany is to use formality until they are invited to be more informal. Additionally, differences in standards exist. According to the German Way, what is expected of a German by a German may be different than what is expected of a foreigner by a German.

Misconceptions

German stereotypes like punctuality and efficiency certainly exist within the German work environment. However, as the German Way points out, often these differences are just as varied in Germany as they are in other countries. A foreigner who is unfamiliar with how that particular German corporate culture is structured may want to have a meeting with a knowledgeable staff member. However, she shouldn’t just expect to drop in, but rather should make an appointment with the person in question. Although some companies have open door policies, it’s not the norm in Germany.

Good Reputation For Commercial Airline Travel

History of Commercial Air Travel

Commercial air travel began in 1909 with the founding of the German Airship Company, a partially government-funded air service that used Zeppelin dirigibles. Commercial aviation companies using fixed-winged aircraft began to appear in 1920, with the creation of KLM in the Netherlands and Qantas of Australia. The industry has since evolved into a global enterprise which served 2 billion air passengers in 2008 alone.

Acquisitions

The U.S.-based Aviation Corporation acquired 82 small airline companies in 1928-29, and formed American Airlines to serve as an umbrella company to manage operations.

Pacific Service

Pan American World Airways launched its China Clipper "flying boat" service in 1935, with routes from San Francisco to Asian destinations on its Martin M-130 aircraft.

Hindenburg

The 1937 Hindenburg fire disaster that killed 35 people led to the end of the dirigible for commercial air travel.

Truly International

By the end of World War II, Pan American's Chairman Juan Trippe had established the first multiple global routes to become a true international airline.

Deregulation

Deregulation of the industry in the 1990s created airfare wars, increased competition for routes and created the concept of "budget" airlines.

Slower Growth

Annual growth of the airline industry dropped from a peak of 15 percent in the 1960s to about 6 percent in the late 1990s, with many airlines today merging or developing partnerships and alliances.

Buying and selling Technical Analysis

Technical analysis helps understand stock charts.

Technical analysis is the field of analyzing the price charts of any financial market. Both short-term traders, day traders, and long-term investors may utilize technical analysis to inform their strategies. The field is large, with many different concepts and tools. Basic technical analysis can be accomplished on any standard price chart, including free charts from financial services' websites. More complex analysis requires specialized tools found in trading software.

Purpose

Technical analysis is primarily the study of price action. This contrasts with fundamental analysis, which studies a company's balance sheet and business model for investment decisions. Traders who rely on technical analysis may know little to nothing about an actual company and instead find opportunities based solely from reading charts. The end goal is the same in both forms of analysis, however. The purpose is to identify stocks with good odds for price prediction.

Chart Patterns

Basic technical analysis requires no tools other than a standard price chart. By studying the chart and looking for common patterns, a trader can learn a lot about past, current and potential future market behavior. Typical patterns that anyone can see include "double tops" and "double bottoms" where prices put in two consecutive highs or lows that are at nearly the same level. Other patterns can be more challenging to spot, such as the "cup and handle" which is based on a curved decline and rise with no clear "V"-shaped low, followed by a sharp drop that may precede a price rally. Dozens of these patterns exist and technicians learn to recognize them quickly.

Support and Resistance

The chart patterns of "support" and "resistance" are also easy to identify, and these mechanisms are at work in a lot of technical analysis. "Support" is a price point below which prices are unable to penetrate while "resistance" is a level that continuously acts as a ceiling that halt price rallies. If you can draw a horizontal line across the edges of price action over a period of time, then support or resistance is at play. These patterns occur due to the auction process. If many participants in a market buy into a stock and it immediately declines, these traders will seek to sell the stock and break-even if it returns to their purchase price. This wave of selling overwhelms buyers and causes resistance to appear.

Moving Averages

While studying raw price action is an integral part of trading, most traders employ the use of technical indicators to help further understand price action. There are thousands of technical analysis indicators and each is based on a formula that evaluates past price action for the purpose of predicting future activity. Moving averages are among the most popular and easy to understand. These indicators simply average a certain number of price bars in the past and plot a point over the current bar. These points are connected to create a moving average line. A rising line means that an up trend may be in play.

Oscillators

Technical oscillators are complex formulas that display results in a sub-graph below the price chart. They are widely followed and many different oscillators exist. The "MACD" oscillator is a popular indicator that charts the difference between two moving averages as a single line below the price chart. This indicator can quickly display changes in price momentum as the two moving averages get further apart due to sudden movements in price action.

Do You Want Permission To Become An Arbitrator

Arbitration is a form of private dispute resolution. Arbitrators are chosen by two contesting parties to settle legal disputes outside courtroom settings or judicial interaction. Arbitration can be a cost-effective alternative to litigation. Licensure is not required to be an arbitrator, but arbitrators are appointed across different dispute resolution specializations and concentrations by the American Arbitration Association.

Educational Background

The majority of arbitrators possess some formal training in law, public policy, business management or a related field. While a bachelor's degree is the customary minimum requirement, many arbitrators have completed master's degree level training in the field of their expertise. Professional experience at the entry or internship level with a practicing arbitrator is also pivotal for aspiring dispute resolution professionals in order to become familiar with the standard procedures and contemporary developments in the field.

Arbitrator Training

Basic arbitrator training is offered by several industry regulatory authorities nationwide. Many states offer continuing legal education (CLE) credit for arbitration courses. Basic arbitration courses cover standard rules and procedures as well as practical guidance, strategies and methods for resolving issues that are commonplace in the dispute resolution processes. Many arbitration regulatory authorities offer on-line training in conjunction with coursework.

Commercial and Consumer Arbitration

Arbitrators who specialize in commercial and consumer dispute resolutions settle disputes between customers, vendors and business partners. Arbitrators settle disputes across a myriad of industries including intellectual property, sports, commercial finance, investment banking and wireless communications. Entities such as individuals and corporate bodies commonly choose arbitration over litigation due to its promptness and fairness. Arbitrators who specialize in commercial and consumer cases often have professional backgrounds in related fields.

Employment and Labor Arbitration

Arbitrators who specialize in employment and labor resolutions settle conflicts that arise in workplaces, including wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination and violations of fair hiring practices. Labor and employment arbitrators also handle cases between corporate leaders and union groups, including collective bargaining disputes, pension plan disagreements as well as disputes involving employee benefits. Arbitrators who are certified in this realm of dispute resolution customarily have backgrounds in executive management, public policy and similar fields.

Be A Licensed Pool Operator (Cpo)

From its beginning in 1972, the Certified Pool Operator program has produced more than 282,000 qualified professionals across 64 countries as of 2011. This training program instills pool operators -- including health care employees, property owners, retailers and service professionals -- with an encompassing knowledge of pool and spa maintenance, operation, legalities and safety. If you work closely with pools at your job, you may be required to have CPO certification.

Instructions

1. Check the National Swimming Pool Foundation's website for upcoming CPO courses in your area. Though some third-party organizations also offer CPO courses, all courses are taught by NSPF-certified instructors.

2. Schedule an appointment to take your CPO courses. You can take the standard route, which is a 14- to 16-hour classroom course over two nonconsecutive days. Alternatively, you can choose the "Fusion" course, which combines the online Pool Operator Primer course with a one-day classroom course.

3. Pay the necessary instructor fees. The two-day course costs between $300 and $350 as of 2011. The "Fusion" course has a slightly higher price tag, with the one-day course coming in at about $200 and the online primer at around $150. Both options include the cost of a handbook.

4. Await your confirmation documents. If you receive them via email, print out a hard copy.

5. Complete the online primer if you choose this route. The primer educates you in pool and spa management, including topics of contamination, disinfection, chemistry and filtration.

6. Attend the one or two-day CPO course at the scheduled time. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID, paper, a writing utensil, a calculator and your confirmation documents each day. The instructor will lecture on issues as diverse as chemistry and filtration, automatic feeding equipment, risk and liability and government requirements.

7. Study the Certified Pool-Spa Operator Handbook, issued either when you enrolled or on the first day of class. Take notes in class and study them at home. To further your studies, you can also purchase pool math handbooks and supplementary CPO handbooks from pool supply stores, but this is optional.

8. Take and pass the three-hour written exam at the end of the course. This comprehensive test will quiz you on the topics covered during the lecture, all of which are covered in the handbook. You need to score a 75 percent or higher to pass.

9. Receive your certification from the NSPF by mail. This certification is good for five years.

Answer Meeting Questions Appropriately

It's the interview that can make or break a new job offer. Don't let your answers to interview questions prevent you from getting the job you want.

Instructions

1. Keep the answers positive. Even when you have to answer for a gap in your employment, try to include something that you gained from it.

2. Answer multi part questions fully. It can be hard to remember all of the questions, but try your best. It will seem more professional if you can remember all of the questions as opposed to the interviewer having to repeat them.

3. Provide examples as often as possible. Don't just give an answer, but show the interviewer by mentioning a quick anecdote. If she asks you what you believe your best quality is, tell them and bring up a time when it helped you in an employment setting.

4. Be cautious when providing answers. Don't let yourself get caught up in the emotions you're feeling while going through the interview. It's not an excuse for saying something offensive.

5. Don't get trapped in closed questions. Sure, you can answer yes or no, but the interviewer wants more.

6. Remain honest. Lies will catch up with you in the end. It's a good idea to just tell the truth, even if it might not be so impressive. Interviewers are used to people embellishing and trying to make themselves look good.

7. Be yourself. Employers want to get a sense of who you are and if you'll fit into their company. You've already provided your qualifications when you submitted your resume.

8. Use appropriate language. Remember that this is a professional work environment.

The Main Difference Between Stock Symbols & Ticker Symbols

Most stock has a three- or four- letter symbol.

Countless numbers of securities are traded around the world each day, based on a series of numbers and letters known as ticker symbols. These symbols vary based on the type of security being traded and the exchange on which it trades. A stock symbol is one ticker symbol sub-type used to identify stock.

Ticker

A ticker symbol is an arrangement of characters, typically letters -- although numbers do appear in certain types of security symbols -- that represent a specific company, the type of security and its exchange listing. For example, Apple Inc.'s stock symbol is "APPL." Symbols are chosen from a list of available options when a company first issues a security. Investors rely on this coding to find information about a particular security's performance throughout the trading day. Likewise, this information is also used by traders when placing trades.

Stock

Because each ticker symbol is composed of a combination of information that's unique to a specific security, no two are alike. Until 2007, stocks that traded on the NYSE could be identified by their three-letter stock symbol, with those on NASDAQ marked by four-letter symbols. According to USA Today, however, about 92 stocks currently trade on the NYSE with four or more symbols. Preferred stock can be even more confusing, as symbols can vary dramatically from one brokerage or exchange to another.

Unique Securities

Stocks valued below $5 a share are denoted by a ticket and stock symbol ending in ".PK," such as Blockbuster, which trades as BLOAQ.PK. Options -- company stock sold in 100-share bundles -- have their own unique ticker symbols. These symbols represent the underlying stock, the option expiration date, and whether the option is a call (buy) or put (sell). Mutual funds, which can be searched by name or fund family, have ticker symbols that consist of a combination of numbers and symbols, ending with the letter "x" to differentiate them from stocks.

The Future

Certain types of ticker symbols can be confusing, especially for traders with a limited amount of time to process multiple transactions. As more companies issue stock for trading, and the symbolatry of securities becomes more complex, some investors believe that a push toward a more uniform ticker symbol system may become inevitable. Until then, investors must rely on the current system of numbers and letters that make trading possible on a day-to-day basis.

The Main Difference Between Pr Plans & Methods

By planning for the unexpected, PR professionals can avoid panic at negative news.

A public relations plan outlines all of the components and tools that will make up a company's approach to public relations. A PR strategy is a more specific look at how each particular PR tool will become part of two common PR strategies, which are proactive and reactive PR.

Marketing Plan

A public relations plan is a major section in a company's broader marketing plan. Marketing plans lay out specific goals and strategies by a which a company will achieve success in delivering products or services to the marketplace. It includes recognition of needs in key market segments, an analysis of the current situation of the company, objectives, strategies, timelines, tactics and financial statements addressing anticipated performance.

PR Plan

The PR plan portion of a marketing plan identifies the objectives, strategies and tactics specifically related to public relations. Public relations is the use of unpaid media space and time to deliver brand or product messages. Companies attempt to use various PR tools such as press releases, feature articles, news coverage, press conferences and others to deliver messages without having to pay for advertising. The challenge is planning control the messages when the medium is not paid for.

Proactive PR Strategy

A proactive PR strategy addresses the positive messages about a company and its brands that it intends to communicate. During the PR plan development, companies do an internal audit to identify cores strengths as well as vulnerabilities. The proactive strategy identifies the strengths and messages companies want to consistently deliver through PR to support advertising and other marketing communications.

Reactive PR Strategy

A reactive strategy is a planned response to negative news and events. Companies identify and plan for potentially vulnerable components of their business. Planning for every potential negative event is impossible, but companies can also plan responses for unexpected events. This includes strategizing how and when to respond when a damaging event occurs. Wendy's patience in reacting to news that a customer found a finger in her chili at a Wendy's restaurant in early 2005 was rewarded. By not rushing to judgment, the company was able to overcome the PR nightmare when the event was proven a hoax and the woman involved was arrested in April 2005.

So How Exactly Does The Federal Government Offer Small Company Grants or loans

The Myth of Government Grants

Starting a small business can take enormous amounts of time, resources and patience to succeed. Thankfully, there are programs and institutions in place that can help the aspiring entrepreneur get his feet underneath him and start out strong without having a reserve of immense capital. Unfortunately, those looking to start a small business with grant money from the U.S. or state government will be sorely disappointed. The myth of government grants for small businesses has been around for many years, owing much of its popularity to infomercials starring wacky guys that look like extras from the old Batman television series. These infomercials promise to tell you about the millions of dollars in free money out there for small businesses, if only you know go about getting it. It's all untrue. There is no free money. Not from the government. The small business grant simply does not exist. Unfortunately, the allure of free money is one that has the power to trap countless numbers of hopeful Americans. For this reason, the myth retains its power, as con artists the country over continue to use this misunderstanding to exploit hard working Americans to give up cash for the "secret to free government money."

All hope is not lost, however. One small extract of the myth holds true: There is money out there, and there is assistance. The government is not willing to support small businesses out of the goodness of the taxpayers's hearts, but it will give you some support, both financially and otherwise.

The Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, could be the aspiring small business owner's best friend when it comes to getting their company off the ground. The SBA does not hand out grants, nor does it give out loans. However, it will put a fledgling entrepreneur in contact with private lending institutions, based on the owner's needs. This service is invaluable for anyone who isn't sure where to turn for their start-up capital. With the backing of the government, these lending institutions are often much more willing to help out the aspiring owner than they would be if they tried to seek out the loan on their own. This is because, for instances in which lenders find the applications less than worthy, the SBA will guarantee the loans, ensuring the lenders that they will not lose any money if the borrower fails to pay back the loan. To apply for one of these loans, you should contact your local bank.

USDA Rural Development Loans

If you're looking to start up a small business in a rural area, you have another fine option. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a program set up similarly to the SBA. It guarantees loans through their business and Industry program, purely for businesses located in rural communities. These loans can be used in a variety of ways by the small business capitalist, including for capital, inventory, real estate and even debt refinancing in some cases.

Clothing Scholarship grants

College students have a selection of clothing scholarships.

Like apparel, clothing scholarships come in different shapes and sizes to suit a variety of higher education needs. A wide range of students benefit from clothing scholarships, whatever their stage of life, ethnicity or financial situation. Whether they are potential fashion students, students in need of aid to supplement their clothing budgets, or just beneficiaries of the clothing industry, they have an array of scholarship sponsors to thank, including education service organizations, scholarship funds, retail companies and universities.

Chickasaw Nation Division of Education Services

The Chickasaw Nation Division of Education Services offers scholarships and grants to Chickasaw students with Chickasaw Nation citizenship cards. The awards cover tuition, fees and books and apply to all fields of study at accredited institutions in Oklahoma or other states. The clothing grant program is for full- or part-time undergraduate, graduate or doctoral students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and enrolled for at least six college credit hours. Applicants must submit official high school or college transcripts or GED scores and a schedule of classes. As of 2011, these awards took the form of gift cards. Full-time students received a $300 annual clothing scholarship. Part-time students received a $150 clothing scholarship for every 14 hours they completed as undergraduates, or every 15 hours they logged as graduate or doctoral students.

Talbots Scholarship Foundation

Established in Massachusetts, The Talbots, Inc., is a multi-channel retailer and direct marketer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. The Talbots Scholarship Foundation provides annual scholarships specifically for older women from their 20s to their 60s to attend college to pursue a degree later in life. As of 2011, the foundation awarded 10 scholarships valued at $15,000 each and one scholarship of $30,000 designated the Nancy Talbot Scholarship Award in memory of the founder of the company. Scholarship recipients also receive gift cards for Talbots clothing and Office Depot supplies and special gifts.

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas

Low-priced clothing is a source of revenue at the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas. In a single parent family, the children are under 18 years of age and the parent is widowed, divorced or never married. Applicants for a Northwest Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship must be legal U.S. residents and living in Carroll, Madison or Washington counties, high school or GED graduates, pursuing full- or part-time studies, Pell Grant applicants with a cumulative 2.0 GPA and living at or near the poverty level.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech's Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management offers a selection of apparel scholarships. The Sutherland-Purdy Endowed Scholarship is for junior or senior students selected for their scholastic excellence and financial need. The Belk Endowed Scholarship recipient must be majoring in fashion merchandising, have a minimum 3.4 GPA and demonstrate leadership achievement. The Oris Glisson Scholarship is for either an undergraduate or graduate student in the apparel program. Applications must include the reasons why apparel is the candidate's choice, goals for the next five years, academic honors and awards, college activities, community activities and leadership roles as well as any work experience in the apparel and textiles industry.

Shut Up & Sweat Athletic Gear

Shut Up & Sweat Athletic Gear is a San Jose, California-based company that provides college scholarships for high school student athletes, and sells workout clothing for everyone. The Shut Up & Sweat Athletic Gear Student Athlete Annual Scholarship Program is exclusively for graduating high school seniors. Applications must include transcripts showing an overall 3.0 GPA, sports and school involvement history together with coach or athletic director contact information, special awards, community service and contact information for verification of such service and a letter from the nominating person. As of 2010, a scholarship winner received a $2,000 award.

Import Tax Responsibilities

Import fees, called duty, are assessed when crossing the border with purchased goods.

According to export.gov, a duty is "a tax levied by governments on the value of imported products. Sales and state taxes, and in some instances customs fees, will often be levied as well." The terms "duty" and "tariff" are interchangeable.

The duty is assessed when the goods are imported, along with any other fees or taxes that may apply.

Assessing Duty

When bringing items through customs into the United States, your duty will be calculated at that time. You will have a personal exemption that will result in some of your purchases being duty and tax free. The exact amount of this exemption will vary depending on what country your are bringing the items from and the total declared value of the items. The exemption can only be used once every 30 days.

After your exemptions are subtracted, a flat rate will be charged on the next $1,000 of merchandise being imported. If the dutiable items total more than $1,000, then the remaining amounts will be assessed at the current duty rates.

Special rates will apply to items that are made and purchased in Canada or Mexico.

Tobacco

It is possible to import tobacco products. However, you may only import them in quantities that are within your exemption limits. Any tobacco products that are presented without a valid exemption will be seized and destroyed at customs. An example provided by CBP.gov explains that when returning the the United States, you may have an $800 exemption that includes not more than 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars. If you declare 400 cigarettes, then you would be allowed to bring 200 cigarettes, tax-free, under the exemption. The remaining 200 would be destroyed.

The tobacco exemption applies to all adults. However, no traveler may import Cuban-made goods. This includes Cuban cigars.

Alcohol

You may import up to one liter (33.8 fluid ounces) under your exemption if the following apply: You are 21 years of age or older, you will be using it for your own benefit or as a gift and it does not violate the laws of the state that you arrive in.

You may bring more than one liter if it is strictly for personal use, but you would be required to pay duty fees and taxes on the additional amount.

While there is no limit on the amount you may acquire for personal use, if you attempt to import an unusually high quantity, this could incur suspicions that you intend to resell it. According to CBP.gov, "CBP officers are authorized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to make on-the-spot determinations that an importation is for commercial purposes, and may require you to obtain a permit to import the alcohol before releasing it to you. If you intend to bring back a substantial quantity of alcohol for your personal use, you should contact the port through which you will be re-entering the country, and make prior arrangements for entering the alcohol into the United States."

Top Schools Within The U S To Have An British Degree

Top Ten Colleges in the U.S. for an English Degree

U.S. News & World Report is the leading publisher of lists ranking the best colleges and universities for specific majors. In 2010, U.S. News & World Report released its rankings of the top colleges for English major. These universities offer the best academic programs that focus on different areas of language, literature and composition.

University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley's English program, specifically its English Ph.D. program, was ranked the top graduate English program in the country by U.S. News & World Report in 2010. Berkeley was founded in 1868 and its department of English offers courses in writing, language and literature. The university also has an undergraduate honors in English program.

UC Berkeley English Department

322 Wheeler Hall

Berkeley, CA 94720

510-642-3467

english.berkeley.edu

Stanford University

Stanford University, founded in 1891 in Stanford, California, is the 2nd best college to pursue an English degree at, according to the 2010 report by U.S. News & World Report. Stanford University's department of English teaches students to focus on interpretive thinking by examining dynamic literary and cultural histories, such as researching British and Anglophone literary texts.

Stanford University

Department of English

450 Serra Mall

Building 460, Room 201

Stanford, CA 94305

650-723-2635

english.stanford.edu

Yale University

Yale University, founded in 1701 in New Haven, Connecticut, is ranked No.3 among the best English schools by the U.S. News & World Report. Its department of English offers a Ph.D. in English, and teaches expository writing, film writing and more, making it one of the best creative writing programs in the country.

Yale University

Department of English

63 High Street

New Haven, CT 06520

203-432-2224

yale.edu/English

Columbia University

Columbia University's Department of English and Comparative Literature in New York is ranked No.4 among the best colleges for English degrees, according to the 2010 U.S. News & World Report. Columbia was founded in 1754. Its English program has special focuses on teaching students to appreciate the power of language and global literature.

Columbia University

Department of English

602 Philosophy Hall

1150 Amsterdam Avenue

New York, NY 10027

212-854-3215

columbia.edu/cu/english/

Harvard University

Harvard University, established in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is tied with Columbia University in 4th place on this list of best colleges for English degrees, according to the 2010 report from U.S. News & World Report. Harvard University's department of English program takes 4 to 7 years to complete because it prepares students for the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam and allows them to gain experience in the field.

Harvard University

Department of English

Barker Center

12 Quincy Street

Cambridge, MA 02138

617-495-2533

english.fas.harvard.edu

University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania is also tied in 4th place with Columbia and Harvard University on the list of the best colleges for English degrees. Its English department teaches students, among other specialties, literature, literary history and specific literary cultures.

University of Pennsylvania

Department of English

3340 Walnut St.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

215-898-7341

english.upenn.edu

Cornell University

Cornell University, founded in 1865, is the 7th best college for an English degree, according to the 2010 report by U.S. News & World Report. Cornell University's Department of English teaches expository writing, film analysis, works by Shakespeare, and much more.

Cornell University

Department of English

250 Goldwin Smith Hall

Ithaca, NY 14853-3201

607-255-6800

arts.cornell.edu/english

Princeton University

Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey is next on the list of the best colleges for an English degree. Princeton's English department focuses on different areas of literature and it also offers certificate programs in medieval studies, creative writing and more.

Princeton University

Department of English

22 McCosh Hall

Princeton, New Jersey 08544

609-258-4061

english.princeton.edu

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago, established in 1890, is No. 9 on the list of best colleges for English degrees, according to the 2010 U.S. News & World Report. Its department of English language and literature supports interdisciplinary work in race and gender studies, cultural literature and more. The university has a number of English research institutions on campus.

University of Chicago

Department of English

1115 E. 58th Street

Chicago, IL 60637

773-702-8512

english.uchicago.edu

Duke University

Duke University, which was founded in 1838, has a mission to train students in pedagogy, which is the ability of graduates to become scholars of whatever they learn at Duke. Its English department offers a host of literary courses, including cultural literature from India, Africa and more.

Duke University

English Department

314 Allen Building

Durham, NC 27708

919-684-2741

english.duke.edu

The Main Difference From A Business Memo & A Company Letter

The primary difference between a business memo and a business letter is the intended reader. Business memos are usually internal; that is between employees within a business, company or organization. On the other hand, business letters are usually between two businesses or a business and its clients. Because of this, business letters tend to be longer and use more formal language, while memos are shorter and more informal.

Business Memos

Memos use short sentences, less formal language, and bullet points to convey important information. Memos always contain a header that tells who it is from, who it is to, the date, and the subject.

Memo header

Example:

From: Managing Director

To: All staff

Date: Friday 15 May

RE: New clients visiting from Japan

Bullet points

Example:

Tuesday the 19th we will have three Japanese executives visiting our premises. Pleased note the following:

~ Morning coffee reception (Board Room) 9-10am (mandatory for key staff)

~ Visitors will be touring office and production areas

~ Lunch breaks should be arranged to insure coverage in all departments

~ Jason will host lunch (let him know if you are available)

Letter example

In contrast, the same information in a letter:

Regarding your visit to our company facilities on May 19th, we are pleased that you will be spending the whole day with us. A welcome reception has been organized from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. in our Board Room, which will give you an opportunity to meet key staff members. Following the reception, representatives from each department will be available to answer your questions as you tour the offices and facilities. Your sales representative, Jason Dodge, will be hosting lunch.

Warning

Some businesses have very strict rules about the format of a memo. Always be sure to check the company manual or style handbook to learn the management's preferences.

What's The Concept Of Buying and selling Account

What Is the Meaning of Trading Account?

Financial investors often open several accounts at various financial institutions to help manage their assets. They use different accounts in order to perform various strategies with differing risk levels. A trading account is used primarily for day trading and short-term investments. There are many different brokerage firms and financial institutions that offer trading accounts. As a result, it is important for investors to choose the one that best fits their needs.

The Facts

Similar to a traditional bank account, investors deposit money into a trading account that is held by a financial institution. Investors use trading accounts in order to make financial investments in various securities. As a result, trading accounts are usually comprised of cash, stocks, foreign currency and other types of fairly liquid investments.

Function

Opening a trading account allows investors to take short-term positions on their securities. Most investors hold their assets in several accounts depending on their risk level. For example, some investors have brokerage accounts holding long-term conservative positions in the bond and stock markets. However, investors may choose to open up a trading account to try to take advantage of high-risk, high-return strategies.

Time Frame

Trading accounts provide investors with the ability to make short-term investments to try to earn a quick profit. Investors often use trading accounts as a way to do day trading. A day trader enters and closes out a position during trading hours on the same day. Although trading accounts are not solely designed for day trading, they are usually used for short-term positions.

Institutions

Trading accounts are held at brokerage firms and administered by an investment dealer. There are several brokerage firms that allow investors to open trading accounts. However, many of them have various requirements and fees. As a result, investors do research and pick the brokerage firm with the service and fees that meet their needs. Commission fees, minimum deposits and interest paid on cash held are all important features that must be agreed upon prior to opening up an account.

Warning

Open trading accounts with deep-discount brokers. Although they do not provide any additional service, such as trading advice, they also charge the least commission. In addition to being extremely risky and difficult, short-term trading requires many transactions. As a result, commission fees can eat up a significant portion of any return that you may gain from the trade.

Tax Breaks For Nonprofits

Non-profit companies operate with a defined purpose and use surplus revenues to carry out that purpose as opposed to distributing it to shareholders. Civic organizations, churches and arts institutions such as theaters and dance companies, are examples of non-profit organizations. By applying for a tax-exempt status as 501(C)(3) organization, many non-profit organizations do not have have to pay taxes on net revenues. However, those organizations not exempt from federal and state income taxes may still benefit from a few deductions during tax time.

Advertising and Promotional Costs

Non-profit organizations are businesses and are entitled to itemized business deductions under the IRS tax code. According to H&R Block, non-profit businesses can claim deductions for advertising and promotional costs on the IRS Schedule C form. Advertising and promotional costs may include the cost for website construction, the creation of brochures and media advertisement. Since tax-exempt non-profit organizations do not file income taxes, they are not eligible for these deductions.

Business Liability Insurance and Other Insurance

With legal claims against non-profit companies on the rise, according to a March 2002 edition of the International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law, many non-profit organizations face the reality of securing business liability insurance. Business liability insurance provides businesses with financial protection in the event of damages to another individual or entity. Publication 529 of the IRS lists business liability insurance premiums as potentially tax-deductible (generally if it is deemed as a necessary business expense). Other forms of insurance that may be tax deductible are the following: insurance that covers property damage and theft, workers compensation insurance and group health insurance.

Legal and Professional Fees

Churches, private foundations and theaters may hire the services of attorneys for important legal matters related to the business. However, the IRS states that legal fees paid for the purpose of acquiring business assets are not tax deductible. As such, the fees for these services are considered tax deductible. Other professional services may include hiring a certified public accountant for tax purposes or grantwriters to write grant proposals, since most non-profits depend on grants to operate.

Correct Time For Reaction To A Requirement Letter

Proper Time for Response to a Demand Letter

Demand letters are an integral part of the legal process. These letters are used as a first step, before litigation, to compel a person or business entity to honor an agreed-upon legal or contractual obligation. These documents establish a paper trail that justifies the validity of some debt or claim. In order to be most useful if the matter does go to court, however, proper response times are essential.

Performance of Duty

When demanding that a person perform an agreed-upon task, it is essential to provide a time line that is reasonable. For example, expecting a person to complete the sale of a house within 72 hours is not reasonable, because the title process alone can run at least a week. In the demand letter, set a reasonable amount of time for the duty to be accomplished. If time is not an immediate concern, grant a window of 30 days.

Payment

If a person owes money for goods or services rendered, providing a demand letter can escalate the collection process. In general, providing 10 business days for payment is reasonable. If a person is contractually obligated to pay interest or penalties, factor these into the amount requested.

Conveyence of Goods

If a person or company owes you some item, such as purchased goods, add that expectation into the letter that the item will be conveyed to you within 10 business days. Allow for the vendor to receive an extension if the delay is a result of external factors like damaged shipments. Providing a clause granting an extension to the demand in exchange for a reasonable and documented cause will help maintain the relationship and be viewed favorably if the matter is ever litigated.

Tips

Always send demand letters by certified mail with return receipt to ensure that it was received. Do not make unreasonable threats--a demand letter is a business letter, not a forum for venting. In all things, it is better to grant more time than not enough time, in case the matter must be brought to court .

Call Paypal

PayPal is an online payment facilitator with more than 150 million accounts in 190 markets worldwide. The service allows people to arrange payments by credit card and bank account transfers without sharing financial information. PayPal was founded in 1998 and was bought by eBay in 2002. If you have a question or problem that can't be resolved with the company's online resources, you'll need to know call PayPal.

Instructions

1. Click on the "Help" link on the PayPal website to check online resources first. You can search for answers to common questions. The website offers information that may solve your problem more quickly than calling.

2. Click on the "Contact Us" link if the online Help area didn't answer your question. The Contact Us area has a number of ways you can contact PayPal in addition to calling. You may prefer to ask a question by email. You can get immediate help from an automated customer service representative that PayPal calls "Sarah." This isn't a real person, just a system programmed to answer many common questions. There is also access to a developers' technical area for help integrating PayPal into your website.

3. Click on the "Call Us" link if you haven't found a solution in the earlier steps, or you just prefer to work by phone.

4. Create a customer service PIN. This ID number will help PayPal verify you as the account holder.

5. Have information ready when you call. For fastest customer service via phone, you should have the primary telephone number associated with the account and the secure web PIN displayed on the web page. This PIN is generated by the website and is different from your customer service PIN and your primary email (the email address you use to log in to your account).

6. Call (888) 221-1161. Monday through Friday, you can call from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST (7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST). On Saturday and Sunday, you can call from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST (9 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST).

Promote Worldwide Education

Many students pursue an international education.

International education can have many benefits. International education can include study abroad programs that allows students to experience other cultures first hand, or it can come from a college major or a series of classes that provide foreign language and intercultural instruction. Whatever the mode of learning, the opportunity to enhance the traditional learning environment from your home country with another perspective can be enriching for all participating parties. If you are involved in an international education program or initiative and want to promote its benefits, there are several resources that might prove useful.

Instructions

1. Participate in International Education Week. Host an event that supports international education; for example set up a panel discussion of students who have participated in study abroad programs to discuss their experiences. Invite a guest speaker from a foreign exchange program to explain the pros and cons to international education. Take videos and photos of your event and upload them to the US department of State International Education Week website for international online exposure.

2. Establish an international education center. Recruit academic partners to establish an organization that supports your international education missions. Establish by-laws, officers, a mission and a plan for your organization. Present your aims to university officials for support. For example, ask the university information technology department about establishing a dedicated website for your organization's interests. Solicit the support of local businesspeople that might prove mutually beneficial. For example, speak to area travel agents about discount group fare for educational endeavors if their agency is used exclusively.

3. Partner with existing international education organizations. Several agencies welcome members who share their interests in international education. These organizations sponsor conferences that provide networking opportunities, industry and academic standards, scholarship opportunities and training resources. You will not only make the interests of your international education endeavor known, but you can also benefit from their well-established resources.

The Phrase Energy Assets

Energy resources are generally defined as anything that can be used as a source of energy. Some important energy resources are oil, natural gas and coal. Access to energy resources is vital to economic development and prosperity. The world's available energy resources threatened to be strained by population growth and rapid economic growth in large countries such as China. At the same time, it's vital that the world develop new energy resources that do not contribute to global warming and other environmental problems.

Oil Price Volatility

Oil is currently the world's most vital energy resource. The market price and availability of oil is highly volatile. It has swung wildly over the years with cycles of economic growth, political instability in oil-producing regions such as the Middle East, the time it takes to find new oil deposits and develop new wells, and with the cycles of investment in the development of new oil wells.

Oil Price Spike

Oil prices rose to the highest levels in years in 2008, largely because of demand from China and other fast-growing, developing-world economies. High oil prices caused high gasoline prices in the United States. That cut into the disposable income of American families and the capital that American businesses had available to invest and contributed to that year's economic recession.

Peak Oil

Oil prices have since declined but many policy makers and market analysts believe that they could easily rise to high levels again when the economy recovers. Some market analysts subscribe to a theory known as "peak oil," which holds that the efficiency with which oil can be produced has peaked. Peak-oil theorists believe that all of the oil that was easiest to find and extract has already been found and that in the future, producing more oil will be more expensive.

Global Warming

Generating energy from oil produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Other major energy resources, including coal, also emit greenhouse gases. That's why governments around the world, including the United States, are enacting policies to encourage the development of alternative energy sources such as ethanol and other bio-fuels and cars that run on electricity rather than gasoline.

Alternative Energy

Alternative energy sources include ethanol, wind power and solar power. All of these produce fewer greenhouse gases than oil or coal and, when more developed, could help the United States to be less dependent on other countries that produce more oil.

For the most part, however, alternative energy sources have not been developed to the point where they could produce energy as cheaply or efficiently as can be done with oil, natural gas or coal.

Alternative Energy Drawbacks

Many alternative energy sources also produce their own environmental impacts. Ethanol, produced from agricultural crops such as corn, requires heavy use of water. Diverting food crops and farmland for alternative-energy development has also been blamed for contributing to higher food prices and hunger in developing-world countries.

Details About Beginning Ltc Insurance

Long-term care insurance, sometimes referred to as nursing home insurance, is a confusing product for most people. The misnomer, nursing home insurance, came from the original product that only paid for a stay in a nursing home. Normally, it only covered skilled care that took place in a nursing home. Today, the policies cover so much more and have the potential benefit of at-home care. You need to understand all the possibilities and pitfalls before you begin a long-term care insurance policy.

Types

Check the policy for the type of coverage you want. Most policies offer both at-home coverage and nursing-home coverage. If you select just one type of coverage, you often limit your options. Look for a policy that covers both. Often, policies cover at-home care at half the payment of nursing home policies. Some policies offer the ability to increase that coverage to a dollar for dollar amount.

Function

The function of long-term care policies is to provide coverage whether you need custodial, intermediate or skilled care. Skilled care involves medical care, whereas custodial care is care required for activities of daily living. These include eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring and maintaining continence. Different companies define each of them somewhat differently. For instance, some companies consider the inability to create a meal without help or an inability to eat or provide for household services. Other companies consider the inability to lift a spoon to the mouth or the need for intravenous feeding as the requirement. Look for the most liberal definition.

Time Frame

When you select a long-term-care policy, you have the option of choosing how long you want coverage. Some offer lifetime coverage. Other policies are partnership policies with the state where you live. If you select one of these, you have to have specific coverage stated in your policy. If your stay extends beyond the policy coverage, the state pays for the nursing home without touching any of your assets.

Amount

The cost of a nursing home or at-home care varies from area to area. Large cities tend to have higher costs, as do the coastal areas. Check for the cost in your area. Long-term-care policies pay a specific amount per day. If you don't need that amount, often it extends the length of time for coverage.

COLA

Look for a cost of living increase in your policy. They normally increase in specific percentages--either compounded or simple. A simple increase might be 5 percent of the original amount each year added to the daily amount. A compounded amount multiplies the new amount each year by a percentage and adds it.

Considerations

Some policies offer the ability for you to select your caregiver and, as long as they have adequately training, it may even be a family member. There are also benefits in policies that include adult day care if you stay with a working family member. Other benefits include respite care when you live with a member of the family.

Warning

The need for the insurance often is years away from the onset of the policy. Some companies find that in an effort to secure business, they priced the policy too low for the demands at service time. These companies, if not strong, can't pay the bills or have to dramatically increase the premium. Purchase your long-term care insurance from a financially sound company with experience in the product. Getting the policy with the cheapest price is not always a savings.

Activities On Renewable & Nonrenewable Assets

Nonrenewable fuels like oil can be harmful to the environment.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 92 percent of country's energy comes from nonrenewable sources, like coal and oil (as of 2010). As the supply of these sources comes closer to running out, the need grows for cleaner, renewable sources of energy. Consequently, teaching students of all ages to become more aware of energy sources helps them understand the challenges humanity faces. Such activities can be easily adapted for an existing science and social studies curriculum

Energy Match-Up

This warm-up activity introduces students to the concept of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. Start by producing two sets of index cards. One set will contain a list of nonrenewable energy sources, like oil and gas, and the other will contain a list of renewable sources, like solar power and wind. As a class, mix up the cards and ask students to separate into nonrenewable and renewable energy sources.

Renewable or Nonrenewable

This activity from the Union of Concerned Scientists helps students to trace their personal energy supply to its source. Start by asking students to make a list of all the ways they use energy in their everyday lives -- for example, to power their televisions. Next, group the examples by the energy source used, such as electricity and gas. Students will notice that the majority of their energy comes from nonrenewable sources. Set a homework research activity asking students to investigate how they could redress this imbalance and use cleaner, renewable sources of energy in their daily lives. Answers should include suggestions like installing solar panels at home or getting energy from a local wind farm.

Working With Energy

In this group research activity, students will gain insight into the occupations within the energy industry. Divide the class into four groups -- wind, solar, hydroelectric and fossil fuels. Each group will now research the occupations involved in obtaining their particular type of energy. They will explain the type of work involved and list any educational or training requirements needed to work in that profession. For example, wind energy requires qualified metalworkers to make wind turbines and salespeople to sell the energy to consumers. Ensure access to the Internet and other resources to gain the necessary information. When completed, each group will present their findings to the class.

Energy Conservation

This activity teaches students the numerous ways to conserve energy at home and at school. Introduce the idea that conserving energy saves resources and money. Next, brainstorm a list of ways that they can conserve energy, such as using energy-saving light bulbs, turning off appliances when they are not using them and recycling. Students will then produce posters detailing some of these ways to save energy at home and school. Display these posters around school and, if possible, get students to present their ideas to the rest of the school in an assembly. Challenge students to complete five energy-saving activities every day and record them in a log.

The How To Raise Money For Nonprofits

Raising money for your nonprofit organization forces you to compete with other good causes for donations. This can be tough, especially if the economy is down and prior donors are facing financial hardships. However, if you attract the attention of current and prospective donors and give them a reason to support your cause, you may be able to raise enough money to keep the organization operating at its full potential and helping those who benefit from it the most.

Targeted Campaigns

Always have a special project for which you are raising funds. Call your list of current and prospective donors and explain the importance of the campaign and your goal for the amount that you are raising. In addition, hire a company that specializes in letters to donors asking for money for the campaign. For example, if you target high school youth at risk for dropping out, your campaign can request funds for a particular high school that you have identified as needing the most help at this time. The donations collected must go to the cause that is specified. This will help build your reputation within the community and will give you a list of active donors who you can call for a future campaign.

Gala

Organize a gala and sell tickets for admission. The ticket sales will act as a fundraiser, but the money that is donated through activities at the gala will be the main reason for the event. Have a fancy dinner at an elegant venue with speakers that include those who have been helped by your nonprofit. Organize a silent or live auction for donated items and activities. Or hold a raffle for theme baskets or other desirable items. Find a musician who will donate time at the gala to help attendees immerse themselves in the mood of giving for the evening.

Small Groups

Have the head of your organization, or the person used as the face of your nonprofit, meet with small groups of current donors and their friends in a donor's home. The development director should be present to meet the attendees and know who to call to follow up with a pitch for donations. This is an intimate affair that gives major donors and others an opportunity to mingle, ask questions and to become closely acquainted with your nonprofit and those who represent it.

Electronic Giving

Your nonprofit organization should take advantage of the electronic media available to elicit donations. Your website should have donation capabilities and accept all debit and major credit cards. Create social networking accounts to reach more donors and update them at least once a day. Start small campaigns on these sites and ask your electronic followers to each donate $1 for a specific cause that your charity supports. Update how much you have collected in real time to encourage others to join. Place a deadline on the giving and rally those on your website and social media pages to help you reach your goal.

Write A Strategic Business Plan For A Catering Service

Write a Business Plan for a Catering Company

Successful catering businesses start off with a clear and concise business plan. Beginning a company without writing a business plan would be like a pilot flying a plane without a flight schedule. Don't crash and burn before your catering company even gets off the ground.

Instructions

1. Determine the goals that you want to reach with your catering business. Finances are not the only consideration. Keep in mind that when you are starting a catering business, you will have personal goals that you want to reach, too.

2. Analyze the demographic that you want to reach with your catering company. Different segments of the population will require different menus and types of food. Weddings will require a more extensive variety of food than if you are going to be catering Sunday brunches for the older country club set.

3. Decide on the marketing strategies that will work best for your catering company. Without an endless amount of advertising dollars, you will need to be creative. Flyers on cars in a retail parking lot is one inexpensive way to get the word out about your new company.

4. Be honest with yourself regarding the risk involved in starting your new catering company. List the potential issues that could come up that would make or break a small catering business and go forward with these issues in mind. Are there are a lot of other catering businesses in your area? Do you have a lot of experience in this type of work? These types of things could help or hurt the risks of your business.

5. Take into account the eventuality of expanding your catering company. If you have a clear idea of how you might grow your business, it is more likely that your business will grow. Do some research on franchise a business in the event that you become an entrepreneur in the catering world.

Separate Legal Entity & Financial Problems

Operating a business as a separate legal entity reduces personal financial liability.

Most businesses operate as entities that are sole and separate from their owners, The business entities --- such as limited liability companies or corporations --- personally protect entrepreneurs in the event a company experiences financial problems.

Types

Businesses experience many types of financial problems. A company with limited working capital may find it difficult to pay bills, or business owners may use credit cards and loans to pay for expenses such as product inventory or employer salaries. Overextending business credit is a major contributor to business financial problems.

Benefits

Operating a business as a separate legal entity benefits the business owner by protecting his personal assets. If a company is experiencing financial trouble, a business owner is not personally liable for the debt obligations of the company. The personal assets of the entrepreneur do not pay for judgments or other legal claims against the company.

Prevention/Solution

Keep personal and business finances separate. Create a working spending plan, and organize all business financial and spending records. Establish credit solely in the name of the business and open accounts that do not require a personal financial pledge from the business owner to secure the credit.