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When the Debt Collector Comes Knocking: What to do Next

Sam Allcock
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When the Debt Collector Comes Knocking: What to do Next

If you are expecting a visit from a debt collector, then you’ll no doubt be wondering what your next steps should be. To find out more, read on…

If you are struggling with debt, your creditors will likely use a number of different methods to make sure you pay your bills. One such method could be to send a debt collector to visit you in person.

The prospect of receiving a visit from a debt collector is understandably daunting. After all, it may evoke thoughts of worst-case scenarios, where your possessions are taken away from you without your permission.

A debt collector’s job is to recover debts and assets, but they do not have special legal powers to do so. That being said, if you are in debt, it’s best to make appropriate arrangements with them before further action is taken. To learn more about what will happen when you’re visited by a debt collector and what you should do, keep reading…

Why Might You Receive a Visit from a Debt Collector?

If you are in debt, your creditor will employ a number of different tactics to make sure that you repay what you owe. This will most likely start with formal letters or phone calls but, if these are ignored or there is no sign that the debts are being repaid, they may decide to send a debt collector to your home.

Debt collectors may directly work for your creditor or they may work for a third-party debt collection agency. It’s important to note that debt collectors are separate from bailiffs, who work for the court and have the power to repossess your home or belongings.

What Will a Debt Collector Do?

A debt collector’s job will be to visit you in person so that they can discuss your debt and make payment arrangements to ensure that it’s paid off. They can also arrange for the debt to be paid directly to them.

The majority of debt collectors are members of trade bodies such as the Credit Services Association, which means they are held to certain standards. This means, whether they are working for the creditor or an agency, they do not have any special legal powers to claim the debt.

So, they cannot force their way into your home to claim any of your possessions. They also won’t be able to visit you at work, cause any sort of disturbance, or speak to neighbours about your debt.

While debt collectors cannot pursue your debt beyond verbal and written requests, they will be able to take legal action against you if you aren’t seen to be making an effort to repay it. This could involve applying for a County Court Judgement (CCJ).

Failure to pay a CCJ could then lead to bailiff action – something that you should always look to avoid at every opportunity.

What Should You Do When a Debt Collector Visits Your Home?

If a debt collector visits you at your home, don’t panic! Here’s a quick list of tips to keep in mind.

1.   Check for Identification

Before you speak to someone who claims to be a debt collector, you’re within your rights to ask to see some identification. All debt collectors should carry some form of ID with them and, if they cannot provide any, you would be well advised not to disclose any sort of sensitive information.

Make sure to also make a note of the debt collector’s name so you can refer back to it in the future. What’s more, if you do make payments on the doorstep, request a receipt for proof of payment.

2.   Be as Forthcoming and Cooperative as Possible

If you’re speaking to a debt collector, it’s best to act as cooperatively as possible to ensure that you can come to a positive resolution. Listen to what their suggestions are and see if you can come to a compromise that suits both of you.

Even if you don’t make immediate payments, if you’re seen to be making considered and genuine efforts to repay the debt, it’s much less likely that the debt collector is going to pursue legal action.

3.   Don’t Feel Pressured

That being said, you should never feel as though you’re being pressured into doing anything that you don’t feel comfortable with.

You aren’t obliged to deal with a debt collector in person and, if you feel more comfortable doing so, you can speak to them over the phone or in writing.

What Happens Next?

Once you have been visited by a debt collector, you may be wondering what happens next. Well, as you might expect, this will depend on your individual circumstances, level of debt that is owed and the actions you take during the initial visit.

In some rare cases, you may have the means to pay off your debt in full to the debt collector. Of course, this will mean that you won’t need to have any further correspondence with them.

More realistically, you will be able to work with the debt collector to arrange a future payment schedule. If this payment schedule is honoured, then there will be no need for them to visit you again, or even apply for a CCJ.

Are You Worried About Facing a Visit from a Debt Collector?

Facing a visit from a debt collector might seem like a daunting prospect, but you need to remember that, with some thoughtful cooperation, there’s no need for the situation to escalate. Remember, you are not obliged to take any immediate action if you think you are being forced into making payments against your will.

Have you had any dealings with debt collectors in the past? Or are you facing a visit from one? If you’ve got any further pieces of advice that you think people should be aware of, then feel free to leave a comment below.

7 Tips on How to Protect Your Bitcoins Should You Choose to Invest

Sam Allcock
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7 Tips on How to Protect Your Bitcoins Should You Choose to Invest

Investments in the 20th century have seen humanity experiment with things that would even surprise Isaac Newton if he were to wake up today. The emergence of bitcoin on the world scene has taken the global market by storm to unimaginable heights in trade. If you want to invest in cryptocurrency, including bitcoin, learn what might be the best for you at Instant Loan.

However, you will realize that many things can go amiss on the digital market if one does not proceed with caution. Worse of it all, losing the assets you have invested. This article reviews seven tips to help you avoid mishaps with your bitcoins on the crypto trade platform.

  • Keep your bitcoins in more than one wallet.

An easy example to help you understand this idea is the traditional adage of not carrying all your eggs in one basket.

The risk that comes with carrying all your eggs in one place is fundamentally similar to storing bitcoins in one digital wallet.

Cybercrimes are a plague of the entire globe, and they occur daily. Choosing the right cryptocurrency wallet to store your bitcoins should be taken seriously.

The wallets come in different forms, below are just a sample;

  • Ledger
  • Hot wallets, e.g., blockchain.info, electrum, mycelium, et cetera
  • Cold wallets, e.g., paper wallets and hardware wallets
  • Trezor

The Trezor and Ledger wallets are easy to use as beginners since they have clear and straightforward layouts that you can smoothly sail through without much difficulty.

One good thing is that you can opt for the kind of wallets that best suit your situational demands.

Whether you will prefer keeping your bitcoins offline or online, in hardware or paper format, as long as you achieve the assets’ security, it is up to you.

  • Use a strong password for your digital wallet.

Cybercrimes flourish whenever people use weak passwords for their bitcoins wallets. Thieves hack millions of dollars worth of bitcoins almost every year.

If you are working with multiple accounts, you do well not to use the same passwords for your digital treasury chests.

For instance, using one password for your Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp, bank, etc. -accounts make you the most vulnerable target for hackers.

If your information leaks in the public domain, hackers will access your crypto wallets and sweep out your investments.

How should you deal with such crimes? Use a strong password with unique characters for each of the accounts you hold.

  • Clear all the bitcoins from the exchange platform

Once you are through with the platform’s transactions, it is advisable to move your money to a safer place. When you leave bitcoins on an exchange, they are open for all to see and admire.

If hackers are spying by and realize the coins have stayed for long, they might try to reach them. Moreover, third-party involvement with them on an exchange gives more room for hackers to access your coins.

To increase the coins’ security, you would want to keep them away from online crypto wallets altogether.

 Free bitcoin wallets add to the risk of losing your assets to cybercrime.

  • Use Two Factor Authentication (2FA) to secure your account(s)

When it comes to securing your money and critical assets, there is nothing ever wrong with adding another layer of security to the existing one.

The 2FA is an additional wall that offers security to your crypto wallet. Ensure to activate the authentication factor across all your exchange accounts.

2FA works in two verification steps. First, enter your password and input the OTP (One Time Passcode) as a confirmatory.

Any hacker who beats you on this strategy is a super-criminal. Fortunately, you might never come across one in your bitcoin investment sojourn.

  • Resort to a hardware wallet for savings

Offline hardware, like Ledger Nano, etc., is the best security-tight wallet to hold. You can be sure that the hardware will always be safe and the password unreachable by hackers unless you lose your memory.

Online wallets are full of theft stories. Millions of dollars have gone missing from crypto-accounts. On the contrary, no report has come to the crypto trade’s attention on theft from hardware wallets.

Not unless you are buying a second-hand hardware wallet, you can trust that no outsider can access your bitcoin savings.

  • Enhance your security by use of a Bitcoin Mixer

Since all transactions you make on the crypto trade platform are recorded and available for all to see, hackers might be doing their follow-up on your transactions.

To beat them on their game, you should confuse them regularly to get them lost on the tracking pattern. That is what the bitcoin mixer is here to achieve.

The coin mixer breaks the connection between an address that sends and that which receives the cryptocurrency. As such, even the smartest cyber thief will have it hard trying to trace your transactions based on the transactions you make.

  • Secure your internet sources and computer

It is vital that the source that ferries you to the digital platform be secure.

Your smartphone or computer that access your trading activities should have maximum security to avoid hackers hacking into your system.

How should you proceed in this respect? Ensure the following;

  • Your computer or phone should have an authentic antivirus to protect it from malware and virus attacks. Additionally, ensure that you regularly update your antivirus application.
  • Avoid accessing your wallets from public Wi-Fi networks and computers.
  • Shun the urge of clicking on links you are not sure of their security.
  • Whenever you visit any web from your computer or phone, make sure it is secure by verifying its authenticity address- https://…,-. It is then that you can proceed.
  • Do not download suspicious files and programs, for they might be a product of cybercrime.

Conclusion

Securing your valuable bitcoins from hackers is essential to protect your investment. Cybercriminals have extorted bitcoins from non-cautious account holders before, and they are still working out new tricks. To be at par with security measures currently in an application, you will need to continue updating your security codes and systems. If you are new in the trade, you must be knowledgeable of critical steps in bitcoin trading before you click on any transaction. A single click might mean the loss of your investment or its security.

Buy to Let Mortgages for First Time Buyers

Sam Allcock
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Buy to Let Mortgages for First Time Buyers

Mixed feelings?  The idea of purchasing property for rental raising your dopamine level but the worries of finance weighing you down?  Relax and win the battle with guidance from a professional broker.  Among the best are mortgage brokers in London, who can assist with the most profitable deals suitable to your requirements.  There are many options to choose from, and a bespoke deal can be set up.

Stamp duty tax holiday:   For first time buyers during the “stamp duty holiday”, valid till end of March 2021, tax is payable only on properties valued at over GBP 500,000.   This will be a benefit to such buyers. It may also act as an incentive for you to consider the higher than average “buy to let” properties as they will obviously be in more popular areas and thus will earn more rent, too.   However, if the property cost exceeds GBP 500,000,  the stamp duty tax will jump straight to 5%.   Hence, it is essential to look at the various locations and prices that suit your budget.

Buy to let mortgages:  When a property is bought as an investment, a residential mortgage will not apply.  A specific buy to let mortgage will be required. Some lenders consider first time buyers as a risk and may require additional information. They will need to know that the property will be rented.  A higher deposit may be required or proof that the rental income will exceed the mortgage payment.  A trained broker will do his best to make this process less stressful.  

Deposit:  This amount is usually higher than usual, especially for first time buyers.  However, the bigger the deposit, the less risk to the lender and so a more favourable deal with the best interest rate can be worked out.  Deposits are usually 25% of the property’s value, though they can rise above 50%.

Mortgage rate:  This will have to be carefully considered before a decision is taken.  There are two options – Fixed Rate or Variable (Tracker) Rate.  A fixed rate will be agreed upon for a certain period of years. This allows you to plan your payments, with a fixed rate every month.  However, if the rates fall, then you are liable to lose out.  A tracker rate is also agreed for a set period.  It is usually a small percentage above the standard rate and, if this fluctuates, your mortgage payments will again rise or fall.  So you will not be able to predict your monthly payments but will get the benefit of the rate drops. Generally, the interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages will be higher than the tracker ones because, in the former, you are aware of your monthly repayment. Similarly, a short term fixed rate mortgage will probably cost less than a long-term one.   

Remortgaging:  This allows you to change the mortgage deal and pay the existing mortgage by taking a new one, either with the same lender or a different one.  The benefits of remortgaging are better interest rates, in some cases where the property value rises or there is a change in the LTV (loan-to-value).   Remortgaging can offer flexibility in repayments according to your need.  If your mortgage is to expire and your property has not been fully repaid, it will be less expensive to remortgage rather than have the lender move to their default SVR (Standard Variable Rate).  With the pros come the cons – not getting a better deal, additional costs, fees and proof of creditworthiness. A professional remortgage broker will be able to assess and get you one of the best remortgage deals in 2021.

Interest payment:   Interest rates are calculated as a percentage of the balance of the mortgage. Most Buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). Many are at an interest rate only.  This means that you pay the interest each month but not the capital amount.  This results in lower payments, but the capital amount will still have to be repaid at the end of the mortgage.  If it is a repayment mortgage, then a set amount of the mortgage balance will be paid monthly with interest on that amount.  This will be higher, but the repayment of your capital amount will also decrease.  

Conclusion: For first time buyers, these mortgages are attainable though they may be more challenging to obtain.  The pros and cons will have to be weighed – the security of a long-term investment, rental income and perhaps tax relief.  However, the possibility of having the property sometimes stand empty, not-so-good tenants, repairs, maintenance, and taxes will also need to be considered.  Most importantly, the property can be repossessed for failure to meet the repayments.  Hence, for buy to let mortgages UK, the invaluable advice and guidance from an experienced broker in mortgages is a must.

14 Ibex Companies Still Fail To Comply With Gender Quota

ABC Staff
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14 Ibex Companies Still Fail To Comply With Gender Quota

Although the covid-19 has made 2020 a fateful year, the year has also left issues to celebrate, such as the presence of women on the boards of directors of the largest companies listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange, which act as a showcase for the rest.

The female weight in the decision-making bodies of the Ibex 35 companies, finally, exceeds the 30% barrier established in the Good Governance Code of the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV).

There are a total of 138 women who occupy 31% of the 445 seats distributed by all the firms of the selective stock market, 12 more than in 2019 after a year-on-year rise of 2.4 points after a last-minute race for getting to the finish line.

After the entry of 25 new female directors in total (the departure of 9 and the loss of two more as a result of the change in the companies that make up the stock market indicator), 21 companies have done their homework and put the gender quota of their boards at that 30% or above.

But still they are below 14, breach the recommendations of the CNMV that precisely have hardened in 2020, imposing a percentage of 40% of face 2022 and pointing more high directives listed.

The calculation includes changes to the composition of the board proposed at shareholders meetings already called, but not yet held. Thus, new directors of Acerinox, Aena, Amadeus, Indra and Merlin are pending to be appointed to the board.

Among those that suspend, a company, Telefónica, touches 30%; another five (Acciona, Colonial, Meliá, Viscofán and Banco Sabadell) are three points away. Enagás, Naturgy, Amadeus and Bankia, between 25% and 23%; while Cie Automotive, ACS, Ferrovial and Solaria appear as the worst in the class, with percentages that vary from 21% to 17%.

On the contrary, Red Eléctrica, after the appointment of Beatriz Corredor as non-executive president of the entity, is positioned as the only completely equal company on the Ibex, with the same number of women and men. Caixabank follows, ahead of Banco Santander.

They are the three companies that would comply with the new recommendations of the stock market supervisor today of the entire selective.

The entity that José Ignacio Goirigolzarri will preside over after the merger with Bankia will go from having six advisers to just five , from 43% female presence to 33%. Indra, Bankinter, Cellnex, Inditex, PharmaMar, Iberdrola and Merlin Properties are among those that are closer to 40% where equity is established.

There are companies that make sufficient efforts to recruit female talent for their advice and others that do not, says Krista Walochik, a partner at the high-ranking recruitment firm Talengo, which has tackled more processes in 2020 “in the race to reach 30% ”.

This expert believes that these two speeds will also be transferred to the renewed recommendations of the CNMV, which has given time for the mandates of the current administrators to expire.

Eugènia Bieto, Endesa director appointed in the year that has just ended, nevertheless thinks that the Ibex photo of 2023 will be totally different because listed companies have made it one of their objectives to achieve equality. Another different thing will be the progress in the direction, which is where the real problem lies, he adds.

Naturgy, the company that in recent years had the worst portrayed in terms of equality, has appointed two women to its governing body in 2020, leaving the climax of the class. Isabel Estapé is one of them .

This notary public, who is also part of the board of Criteria, acknowledges that “I am very sorry to join boards of directors like Naturgy because of the fees, when my whole life has been otherwise”. The Sunday administrator contrary to positive discrimination by law indicates that in a few months a fourth advisor will join the energy company board.

The energy company chaired by Francisco Reynés, Endesa and Almirall are the three organizations that have incorporated two administrators to their decision-making bodies in 2020.

Just the opposite of what happened at Iberdrola, which loses one of its six female directors, being the only one from the Ibex which falls back part of the path walked in parity, although it meets the recommended levels by far, it goes from leading the classification with a percentage close to 43% to standing at 36%.

The weight of women in the large listed companies is increasing, says Tobías Martínez, CEO of Cellnex, because companies have taken their equality policies seriously. Martínez does not hide that the CNMV’s recommendations have been an incentive for this.

In fact, 14 of the 35 Ibex companies have increased the seats occupied by administrators during the year that has just ended. “We have been very slow due to the internal resistance of the councils, which are looking for candidates among their close people, and until the regulation has pressed no more women have been incorporated,” supports a counselor who requests anonymity.

Banco Sabadell is one of the entities that has recruited female talent and Mireia Giné , independent director of the entity, has been launched in 2020 as administrator.

Aware that the priorities in the governing bodies of listed companies have changed due to the emergence of covid-19 to focus more on systematizing risk analysis, the sustainability of the business model and new opportunities, Giné believes that they are also focusing in avoiding the loss of human capital.

Analyzing the effectiveness of teleworking and paying special attention to ensuring that women remain in the front line, since they are the ones who have suffered the most from the pandemic by having to take care of their children.

“Many of the strategic plans have been ruined by the pandemic. For all large companies it is being a challenge and, as their results are worse, the boards have to dedicate more time to the new priorities, which go through redoing the strategy ”, explains Estapé.

An Introduction to The Different Types of Teas in The World by Ido Fishman

Sam Allcock
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An Introduction to The Different Types of Teas in The World by Ido Fishman

Who doesn’t enjoy winding down after a long day with a nice warm cup of tea? The aromatic and soothing beverage is the top pick for many who want to end their day feeling warm and fuzzy. Many varieties of tea are available in the world today. Unlike coffee, which can be extracted from various seeds and plants, tea is made directly from crushed tea leaves. Of course, not all tea is authentic tea. This means that as many manufacturers of tea are present worldwide, the extracted tea undergoes many processes to add unique flavors.

The first traces of tea are found to be in China where several varieties of it were used for different purposes. From medicinal uses to caffeine boost, tea served all. Perhaps it is due to its roots that tea is a staple food for every household in all of Asia.

Since then, many different kinds of tea can be found in the market. Let’s explore the different types of tea with Ido Fishman, an expert in all fields of culinary.

Basic Varieties of Tea

Black tea

Extracted from the Camellia Sinensis plant, also called the tree plant, the black tree is one of the most popular tea types. It has the highest caffeine ratio amongst all tea types, however, it is not as high as in coffee. Black tea is known for providing many health benefits such as reducing inflammation from the body. This is because this tea type is highly oxidized and contains plenty of antioxidants.

In addition to the health benefits of this tea, it also has a pleasant flavor. Ido Fishman explains that the extract collected from the Camellia Sinensis plant is mixed with other herbs and plants to create a variety of flavors.

Green tea

This is yet another kind of tea that is extracted from the tree plant, Camellia Sinensis. While the plant source for black and green teas are the same, they do not have any other similarities. One of the main differences lies in the fact that green tea is a non-oxidized tea. It has a milder flavor and a lower caffeine ratio than black tea.

The leaves for green tea are heated soon after the harvest which majorly reduces the level of antioxidants present in the leaves. Due to its almost-zero calorie count, it is a popular beverage for weight-reducing diets. Green tea is also very popular among tea sommeliers. Many tea manufacturers produce different kinds of green tea. The trademark of green tea is its pale yellowish-green shade and light and grassy taste.  

White tea

While tea originated from China, tea plantations have spread to many other parts of the world. The authentic taste of white tea, however, can only be experienced from the tea plantations in China. The tea leaves are treated with extreme care because they have to be harvested at a specific time. Instead of crushed leaves, white tea is made from baby leaves and immature buds of the plant. This tea undergoes the least number of processes to reach its final form.

White tea is regarded as a delicate tea because of its light taste, texture, and oxidizing properties. Contrary to what the name suggests, this tea has a light yellow color when brewed. It is a naturally aromatic and flavored tea that holds a mixed tang of flowers, honey, vanilla, citrus fruits, and some herbs. Taking into account all the properties of this tea, it is one of the most expensive teas in the world.

Oolong tea

Oolong tea, also sometimes spelled as Wulong, is a semi-oxidized tea. So, the tea leaves are left to settle for a few hours before being heated for treatment. Oolong tea has the most varieties available in the market. You can find many different flavors at relatively cheaper prices. However, the authentic Oolong tea may leave a small dent in your wallet.

This tea is also called the black dragon tea which can be attributed to the appearance of the tea leaves after they have been processed. From the rigorous process, the final appearance of the tea leaves is of rolled up darkened leaves from the center. This tea lies between the states of being fermented and unfermented because it is neither of those.   

Pu’erh tea

Now, unlike other teas, Pu’erh tea can only be obtained from Yunnan in China. No other tea plantations of the world have been able to replicate the unique earthy flavor of this tea. This tea is one of the purest of trees and is often considered a tea of luxury. The tea leaves for Pu’erh are collected from wild bushes as opposed to the carefully planted bushes of other teas. It is usually available in the form of bricks or dried leaves.

Pu’erh tea is a highly fermented tea, so you can age this tea similar to wine. The fermentation of this tea takes place after it has been treated for oxidization. So, the more you allow the tea leaves to age, the more of its distinct flavor you will be able to brew. The quality of this tea depends on its aging and the different stages can be referred to as young raw Pu’erh, aged raw Pu’erh, and ripe Pu’erh. Furthermore, the tea has a relatively high caffeine ratio, so it works as a great replacement for coffee. The antioxidant properties of this tea are also beneficial for skin health.

The Bottom Line

And there you have it, your introduction to the wonderful and calming world of teas. If you enjoy exploring different kinds of tea, then try out these top five picks by Ido Fishman and see which one you enjoy the most. You may have noticed that the main factors that differentiate these tea varieties from each other are their oxidization levels and harvesting processes.

Tea manufacturing companies provide many different varieties and flavors of tea which you can find at any local supermarket. You can also add your personal touches to the teas to suit your tastes better. For instance, many people take their black tea with tea whiteners and sugar while others enjoy adding some lemon drops to their green tea. There are endless possibilities of adjusting these tease to your preferences.  

How Will Business Change in 2021?

Claire James
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How Will Business Change in 2021?

Economies have scant seen as much turmoil and change as they did through 2020, and quick thinking, rapid adaptation and reactive working practices have arguably delivered business survival throughout the last 12 months. In every industry, across companies of all shapes and sizes, business has changed – and with the advent of the ‘new normal’ upon us, the year ahead will continue to see businesses need to sail a steady ship through tumultuous waters.

Of course, no financial commentators could quite have predicted the storm a global pandemic would bring to society, but as the world adjusts, there are some trends we can reasonably expect to see through business, and these make it clear that in order for survival, only those firms ready and willing to revise and re-adjust will make the grade.

Remote Working Will Stay For The Long Haul

Coronavirus restrictions saw millions of workers worldwide forced to adapt to remote working from their homes; whether they had done so before or not, and whether they had adequate provision to do so or not. Once initial issues were ironed out, many businesses embraced this change and saw a welcome decrease in expenditure on office premises and equipment as well as a widened talent pool due to increased flexibility in working practices. The likes of Twitter, Shopify and Upwork all announced permanent moves to remote working as a primary practice in 2020, and as more firms understand the cost-saving benefits, it is likely more will make the move in 2021.

Further Automation Will Be Adopted And Only Value Adding Activities Included

For a large number of businesses, 2020 involved a lot of reactivity to survive. In 2021, as business leaders are granted more time to reflect, it seems increasingly likely that processes, procedures and practices will be re-evaluated and overhauled. Anything that does not add sufficient value to the business must be changed and improved, and transformation made. Customer experience will be key to differentiating businesses from their competitors, and as a report into recent CX trends published by Feefo highlights, “brands in 2021 will have to experiment with protocol and enforce actions that bring solutions in the eyes of the customer”. For many consumer-focused businesses, their customer pools are shallower than before due to the public’s changing circumstances, so anything they can do to gain trust and loyalty will be crucial to retaining and gaining market share.

Finance Will Decentralise And Income Streams Will Diversify

Something small businesses were able to adapt to early on in the pandemic was diversification; and the ability to increase or change their income streams with different products, services and offerings. Any business who thrived through 2020 did so because of rapid action and agility. This financial creativity will continue in 2021 as well as with fiscal options for capital raising or business development. Capital markets continue to be unsteady so the year ahead will see an increase in crowdfunding, blockchain tech and other decentralised finance options.

More Focus Will Be Made On Sustainability

Businesses who found tumultuous trading conditions a shock to the system will continue to focus on their survival – which will result in an increased turn to sustainability focus. The mainstream considerations of how better a business can operate in the environment they function within will shift and take on a wider picture of all of the aspects that could affect them in the future. Those businesses that have remained behind-the-curve with corporate social responsibility will now to shed its image as a ‘nice-to-have’ policy and work toward tangible, positive change.

Government Business Support Will Change

Whilst some sectors have seen unprecedented level of support from government agencies – financial and otherwise – the sheer amount of lending and support packages are unsustainable in the long term. Governments and other relevant authorities will move to lessen and withdraw support as restrictions ease and economies stabilise, and so businesses will have to work to remove their reliance on such schemes. This changing climate of business support comes aside from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, new data laws and differing trade conditions, so it remains critical that businesses are able to access support as and when needed from a variety of parties. Banks and trade bodies will be expected to step up to the plate to offer further advice, but those operating outside of regulated industries may find their options limited.

Exactly what 2021 will bring has yet to be seen, and no doubt analysts will be more cautious than ever with their predictions for trends ahead. One thing does remain certain though, and that is that businesses need to remain agile, sharp and willing to adapt. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that ‘muddling through’ only works for so long; but genuine business change and innovation can ensure survival.

Smart Uses of Company Money in 2021

Sam Allcock
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Smart Uses of Company Money in 2021

It is important to always be smart when using business finances, but particularly in times like this where margins are fine and companies need to do all that they can to improve their bottom line. So, what are a few good uses of company money in 2021? It will depend on your particular business and any issues that you are currently facing, but there are a few smart uses that could see a significant return on investment and/or take your business to new heights. Read on to discover a few of the best ways that you should be using your company money this year.

Outsourcing Instead of Hiring

First, if you need to bolster your workforce then you should look to outsource this work instead of hiring new employees (which can be a major cost). There is an enormous and growing pool of talented freelance workers that will help you to make big savings, lighten the workload for your team and still work to full capacity (and potentially increase your output).

Market Research

Market research is not just for when you first start the business and conducting research throughout the business’s lifetime enables you to stay current and find new business opportunities. Market research including customer surveys could be particularly useful in 2021, as it is clear that the pandemic has changed the landscape and there could be new opportunities to take advantage of or different attitudes that your target consumer has adopted. This market research could help you to get your business back on track this year and ensure that you are able to quickly adapt to a post-pandemic marketplace.

Cybersecurity

As if trying to handle the pandemic was not enough for business owners, COVID-19 has also led to a rise in cyber attacks with more people working remotely and phishing attacks becoming more advanced and looking to take advantage of people when they are vulnerable and so much is changing. A phishing attack could be devastating to a business in these difficult times, but you can discover how to protect yourself and your business by clicking here. Businesses will need to step up their game when it comes to cybersecurity this year and this will be an important and smart use of company money.

Remote Working Tools

If your business has struggled to adopt remote working during the pandemic then it is understandable that you will want to get back to normal. It may be some time before this happens, which is why it is worth spending money on remote working tools, including software, technology and equipment. You might find that this helps you and your team to overcome the challenges of remote work and start to reap the benefits that many businesses have been reporting since making the switch (and potentially continue with remote work once the pandemic ends like many are planning to).

Business owners need to be careful and intelligent when it comes to using company money this year, but the above are all good ideas that could help your business to thrive in 2021 and beyond.

5 Most Difficult Niches in the Online Marketing Industry according to Casino Robots

Sam Allcock
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5 Most Difficult Niches in the Online Marketing Industry according to Casino Robots

With COVID-19 forcing millions of people out of work, the internet looks like it offers an opportunity to try and earn a living online.

Setting up an eCommerce business is challenging, and there’s plenty of tasks involved with launching and managing a webstore, blog, or affiliate landing page.

To make the most out of your online experience, you need to choose a niche where you have the best chance of penetration. The reality is it takes a marketing strategy to make your website rank in search and SERP.

Therefore, there are some niches that newbies should avoid when thinking about starting an online business. Some niches cost a fortune in ranking for keywords, and the expenses involved marketing and SEO.

Here are our five most difficult niches in the online marketing industry. Avoid them unless you have a large marketing budget and deep pockets.

#1 Gambling and Casino

Online gambling and casino are possibly the most challenging niche to rank online. According to Casino Robots, it’s a competitive niche with brands and companies generating millions in revenues. Therefore, you can expect the niche to be challenging to penetrate.

Most casinos spend a large part of their profits on advertising and marketing strategies to draw in more business. They offer the latest casino games and competitive bonus packages for players on the front-end. On the backside, they spend millions on AdWords, social media, and video marketing strategies.

As brick-and-mortar casinos closed in 2020, the online gaming space absorbed the action. As a result, business is booming for casinos, and the industry is even more competitive than it was at the beginning of the year.

#2 Adult

Adult is another popular niche that exploded in 2020. With adult stores closed, everyone is moving their business online. The adult niche has plenty of opportunity for talented marketers, but it also has plenty of competition.

The internet got its claim to fame from hosting adult content, but today, eCommerce far outweighs the old model. Adult websites rank for some of the most expensive AdWords, and you need a deep marketing budget to accommodate the costs involved with competing against the top companies and affiliates.

To run a profitable business, you need to specialize in combining sub-categories. Marketing to your audience can require some racy content, and you’ll need to hire copywriters comfortable with working in that industry.

#3 Payday Loans

A payday loan website is a lucrative but competitive niche. However, it’s not the best option for beginner internet marketers. Ranking for a payday loan site takes a massive amount of outreach and backlinking to improve your rankings.

In 2016, Google decided to ban payday lending websites from advertising using the Google SERP platform. The reports of predatory lending practices from unethical companies caused concern with promoting these businesses.

As a result, marketers must resort to social media and link-building strategies to build their business. Using digital traffic sources to deploy geotargeting strategy through social media and local PPC offers the best value for your marketing budget.

Payday loan prospects come from specific demographics, with targeted customer personas. Therefore, using your strategy to target these groups on social media is a great way to attract new customers.

#4 Real Estate

Real estate continues to be one of the most profitable and competitive niches online. Real estate agents put a huge amount of work into marketing. Unless you have a solid work effort and a Deep marketing budget, it’s challenging to compete.

The best strategy for ranking in real estate is to focus on promoting local listings. Using local SEP tactics and strategies to target specific zip codes is the best way to promote your company’s listings. Facebook Ads allow you to geotarget prospects in your local area, promoting your listings and your company in their feed.

Focus on using informational, local keywords surrounding real estate investments, such as demographic information, legal, and financial data. Remember the importance of using video and high-quality images in your marketing strategy.

#5 Cryptocurrency

With Bitcoin breaking its 2017 high almost three years to the day, cryptocurrency is in for a wild ride in 2021.

Crypto is one of the most competitive niches online, and like Google banned payday loans, social media banned crypto. Therefore, it’s challenging to advertise your crypto business on these platforms, and you’ll have to find alternative methods.

There are plenty of models for working with crypto online, from crypto cloud mining programs to promoting exchanges. However, it’s a challenging niche requiring extra effort from marketers.

To be successful, you’ll need to focus on backlinking and building your reputation on social media – without the use of ads. That means creating an organic reach, and that’s challenging on a platform that focuses heavily on its advertising model to generate reach for your posts.

Choose the Niche that’s Right for You

Marketing a business online is challenging work. Therefore, make sure you choose a niche you enjoy working in every day. When you have passion for your work, it will help you persist through the challenging times.

Where are Best Places in Turkey to buy a House

Sam Allcock
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Where are Best Places in Turkey to buy a House

As a popular holiday destination, Turkey boasts a unique historical heritage and superb opportunities for recreation, which makes this country attractive to investors. The real estate market in Turkey is booming, as foreign buyers keep on snatching up apartments, houses and villas at an increasing pace. It provides potential investors with a truly overwhelming choice of property and buildings for sale of any type and for any budget. Here we are going to cover some of the Turkish property hotspots and the tips to take into account before deciding on a final purchase.

Top places to invest in property in Turkey

1. Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the largest cities in Turkey and the 5th most populous city in the world. As the country’s leading hub of economy, tourism and entertainment, the city exhibits a multitude of gorgeous scenic spots ranging from the masterpieces of Byzantium and Ottoman architecture to modern trends. The rich historical and cultural heritage makes Istanbul one of the most popular holiday destinations across the globe.

Its real estate sector is thriving due to a number of mega projects and a continuous modernization of the city’s districts. Property in Istanbul is highly sought after, especially by the buyers attracted to the city’s vibrant and bustling lifestyle. Prices start at an average of $60.000 and vary dramatically, depending on the district’s reputation and infrastructure. There is an array of choices available for potential buyers, including luxurious villas and affordable apartments, as well as off-plan and key ready properties.

2. Antalya

Antalya is often referred to as “the pearl of the Mediterranean.” It has earned such a splendid reputation owing to the superb views of the sea and mountains. Along with the waves fondling infinitely long stretches of golden beaches, 300 days a year of sunshine encourage all kinds of outdoor activities allowing guests to explore natural attractions in various national parks, indulge in adventurous water sports, enjoy the pleasures of vibrant nightlife, etc.

The property market in Antalya is continuously expanding, offering non-residents countless options of property investment to choose from, be it a budget studio apartment or luxurious villas. By investing in property in Antalya, besides acquiring a comfortable home with impeccable panoramic views, you also get all the amenities on your doorstep.

If you are interested in this area, here you can find more information about Antalya houses for sale.

3. Alanya

Alanya is a scenic seaside resort and one of the districts in Antalya province. It is becoming more and more popular among tourists and is responsible for as much as 30% of foreign investments in Turkish real estate. The place displays a harmonious coexistence of great historical monuments and a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere of a fast-developing city.

Whether you consider investing in commercial real estate or prefer to purchase a house, there are lots of options to choose from. It is worth mentioning that the real estate market in Alanya is on the upswing due to considerable investments of the Turkish government in the development of the tourism industry. However, unlike its neighbor Antalya, Alanya attracts potential buyers with first-rate properties available at far more reasonable prices, starting at $55.000.

Here, you can learn more about real estate in Alanya.

4. Bursa

Its splendid mosques, palaces and mansions displaying an intricate style of the Ottoman architecture, renowned thermal baths and hot springs attract more and more visitors and property buyers. Bursa is home to one of the best and most popular ski resorts, located on Mount Uludag.

People who want to get more for the money they pay, prefer Bursa over many other cities as the area offers affordable properties, starting from $45.000. The transportation link between Bursa and Istanbul has made it even a more accessible and attractive tourist destination, as well as a lucrative investment option.

All available information regarding properties for sale in Bursa, you can learn by visiting the website of the company that specializes in working with overseas customers who wish to own Turkish real estate.

5. Yalova

Yalova is a beautiful city that features emerald-green forests merging with the turquoise waves of the Marmara Sea. It benefits from a number of tourist attractions, including numerous hot springs, spa centers and gurgling waterfalls. A well-developed transportation network connects Yalova to larger cities, which makes it a valuable investment option in the long run.

The real estate market in Yalova is steadily growing, with average property rates slowly increasing year by year. However, prices are still considerably lower than those in Istanbul, which is located within an hour’s drive from Yalova. Besides indulging in all the pleasures of a seaside resort, people who choose to invest in Yalova property have got all the chances to sell it in the future at a higher market value.

Here, you can have a better idea of what is on offer in Yalova.

Advice on buying a property in Turkey

Non-residents, who consider investing in Turkish real estate, should keep in mind the following things:

  1. Regardless of what you are after: residential, commercial or industrial real estate – you need to seek legal advice from a specialist. Rather than acting on your own, take the time to do some research about available real estate agencies and find the most reputable and reliable one.
  2. Decide on why you want to own property in Turkey and according to your needs choose the most suitable location. If the purpose of your purchase is to rent it out to tourists, consider buying a property within easy reach from major tourist attractions. On the other hand, if you plan to stay there for a long while, living in an area that usually shuts down in low season might cause many inconveniences.
  3. Before making a final decision, it is highly recommended going on an inspection tour, in order to get to know the area and check out the condition of the property.

Important notes for non-residents who want to acquire property in Turkey

  1. Foreigners are allowed to own property, the size of which does not exceed 30 hectares.
  2. Foreigners are not allowed to buy property in restricted military areas.
  3. Foreigners are granted the right to apply for Turkish citizenship, provided the value of the estate is worth more than 250 thousand US dollars.

We have given a general outline of what the real estate market in Turkey is like. However, when it comes to the choice among the best destinations for property investment, think of your lifestyle preferences and practical needs.

How to Improve Your Finance: Follow These Easy Steps

Sam Allcock
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How to Improve Your Finance: Follow These Easy Steps

Personal finances can often end up being a bit of a mess. This is mostly because most people ignore finances until they fill the sting of not having just enough money, which is where your first mistake begins. You need to be always on top of what your money looks like. Even though it may look a little petty to put down every penny and keep your spreadsheets updated, a few good habits can be taught and picked up easily.

Just treat your finances the same way you would pick top bingo sites. You want to make sure that the bingo you end up picking offers plenty of great tickets, promotions, and other recreational games. This is often the result of meticulous research.

Well, take this meticulous research and apply it to your personal finances. For your comfort, we have prepared several easy steps to follow to improve your finances and always find a way to save a little more.

#1 Keep Track of Your Spending

Step one is quite simple. It requires you to look at your spending and just monitor where you put your money in. Many people accumulate bills and receipts without even realising it. Some people may be too busy to participate in a hobby actively, but they still keep buying.

Others tend to spend a little too much when there is no necessity to. For example, some people are too busy to read books, and they end up with dozens, and often hundreds of books they don’t need, or at least not immediately.

The same applies to food. We often tend to buy too much and end up throwing a lot. But, imagine you treated and saw your food in monetary value. You would never throw money down the drain, and so you should probably start focusing on how you spend money. The easiest way to get started is taking a look at your current spending.

#2 Cut Down on Excess Expenses

What constitutes an excess expense? This will vary from person to person. Some people may be investing too much in their cars, for example, buying unnecessary accessories or changing their tires. Others may like watches and end up buying too many of those, even though other expenditures are stacking up.

The key to being successful is to look at your budget and what you own and make the most of it. You don’t want to get stuck with a pile of debt because you are too proud to let go of your vanity.

Instead, focus on long-term objectives. Securing a home will come with you taking reasonable full control of your finances in the first place. You may be thinking that an excessive expenditure here and there doesn’t matter, but they all add up.

They add up enough for you to be able to afford a home in just the space of five years, for example.

#3 Buy Smartly

Buying smart is definitely a great thing to do, and you should pursue it in full. What does purchase smart mean in the first place? Many people go for bulk buying or for purchasing “on promotion.”

These things can help your personal finances a great deal, and we will admit as much. However, smart buying is about knowing what to buy. This is where something as simple as a list will do.

You want to stay on top of your expenses. You want to buy the things you need to buy. Often when wandering through markets, buying other things can result from distraction or not being too sure what to buy. This is why making a list of all the products you want to get to the market place is often easy and simple.

It will protect you against overspending and give you a lot to work around with.

#4 Sometimes Cheap Works

Some people buy expensive because they fear that something cheap is necessarily bad. This is not always the case. It’s good to study and experiment. Take a risk with slightly less expensive products and don’t worry too much.

After a few purchases, you will have a lot of viable info about saving even more by buying something cheaper for the same quality. There are many opportunities you will discover by just shopping between brands.

It always helps to do some research online, but don’t go too crazy on the “save from quality” thing. It should come naturally.

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