Category: personal finances

When we are talking about the entire topic of investment, there’s one simple thing underpinning it. You can learn how to trade, how to find the right broker, and how to be savvier with your finances, but choosing the right bank is of the utmost importance.

It’s something that we don’t always give consideration to, especially when we are looking at the bigger picture. But if you head to the wrong bank, you are going to lose out. You can lose fees, interest, and it can be incredibly inconvenient. So what do you need to consider when choosing a bank? 

The Need for a Physical Branch

For business owners, it may not be necessary to have a physical location, but if you are dealing in cash on a regular basis you need a bank where you can deposit cash in a convenient branch.

There are numerous banks that offer physical locations. One like Provident State Bank can provide a plethora of services under one roof with a variety of features and lower fees than most other banks.

However, if you rarely use cash, an online bank is a good option. But it’s always a good idea to have a bank in physical proximity to you just in case. Everybody is more than aware of the rigmarole associated with contacting a bank online or over the phone.

If you are trying to minimize frustration, it can be easier speaking to a real human being, in which case a physical branch is of the utmost importance. 

The Importance of Business Accounts

Small business owners or those starting out with a side hustle will need to have a business account. Most banks offer business accounts, but do they have a dedicated business banking team? It’s most important to have a team that understands your personal situation.

A bank that has expertise in a variety of business transactions is essential, especially when it comes to investments, taxes, and balancing the books. Many banks use high-quality accounting software such as QuickBooks to help people with their business Ventures.

There are some great options out there that can help you to integrate your business services and deposit your transactions safely. It’s also important to get to grips with FDIC insurance, which can protect you when depositing money. 

How Regularly Do You Use ATMs?

Whether you are someone who uses cash a lot or it’s few and far between, an ATM could be essential or not worth your time. Understandably, so many people don’t use physical transactions, especially when it comes to purchasing items.

But finding the right bank that could offer a checking account with unlimited ATM fee rebates can make a big difference. Some banks will charge fees for using other ATMs.

So if you need cash often, you’ve got to make sure that you can use these ATMs for free in the right locations that will suit your needs. 

The Importance of Free Transfers to Other Accounts

If you are diversifying your investments and have a number of bank accounts in a number of different locations, it can be a big lifesaver to go into your online banking app to transfer funds when necessary.

If this is important to you, you’ve got to ensure the bank offers free transfers to accounts and doesn’t charge you anything.

After all, it’s important to not overspend, especially when moving money between accounts. This also includes transferring to people at other banking institutions.

Some banks will let you transfer directly via an online transfer system, but bear in mind if you are using apps such as PayPal, as it’s likely they will charge you for the luxury. 

Overdraft Fees

If you are working hard to diversify your investments, you may find yourself in the red. While it’s important to remember that, on the topic of investments, you should never invest more than you can afford to lose, if you do get into the habit of overdrawing a bank account, you’ve got to choose an organization that doesn’t charge extortionate fees for overdrafts.

If you manage your accounts well, you will seldom need to go into the red, but if you accidentally hit your overdraft because you pull out the wrong card, sometimes a quick call to the bank can waive the fee.

This is another thing to consider because if you have a long-standing relationship with the right bank, they will waive this fee for you as an act of solidarity. But if you are someone that goes beyond zero, you should not be stuck paying hundreds of dollars every year for this. 

The Best Fees and Interest Rates

Banks will charge fees for a number of different activities including: 

• Monthly account maintenance. 
• Returned deposits. 
• Overdrafts. 
• Minimum balance. 
• Inactivity. 
• ATM fees for non-bank ATMs. 
• Paper bank statements. 

If you have a good working relationship with a bank, there will be times when fees could potentially be waived, but you’ve got to consider just how many of these services you envisage yourself using. Investments like real estate may require you to put more money into upgrading the property before you sell it.

Therefore, if you are regularly going between bank accounts, it pays to have the least amount of fees and interest rates possible. If you go for bigger banks like Bank of America, they are predominantly known for higher fees, and this is something we should all try to bypass. 

There is no perfect bank for anybody, however, there is one that’s the ideal option for you. It’s important to find the right institution to meet your needs because you could use online banking with some low fees and great interest rates, but you may not be able to deposit cash and might have to pay ATM fees.

There’s an abundance of criteria that is so important when it comes to investing. Understanding what is important to you is vital before you make the big switch.

From personal banking to business banking, when you pick the right one for your needs, there will be a lot less hassle in the long run, meaning you can focus on your investment journey easily.

Being in your 30s is an exciting time. First, you’re just out of your 20’s where you could easily get away with making wrong money decisions. Moreover, it’s probably the time you’re planning to start a family and build a future. This means you have to get serious about one thing—securing your financial future.

You’ll have to exercise self-deprivation among other personal sacrifices if you don’t have a clear plan to attain this financial security. However, going the extra mile and making bold financial decisions is what will have a bigger impact on your wealth. Here are a few crucial money decisions you can make to secure your financial future once you attain 30.

1. Plan Your Retirement.

Planning for your retirement even before peaking your career is a smart investment move that’ll benefit you in the future. The 30s serve as a perfect time to think about all your plans and making smart money decisions out of each plan. What most people don’t know is that this is the time where you’re at the peak of your health, productivity and with fewer responsibilities.

So, why not leverage all these advantages and make something important out of it. You can begin by putting together measures that’ll help you curb emergencies. In addition, having at least one long-term investment that guarantees better future earnings helps too. All you have to do is ensure this long-term investment has some guaranteed returns. 

2. Build Your Investment Portfolio.

Creating an investment portfolio isn’t a preserve of the few. You can also build one, albeit with the right guidance. Investing in stocks and bonds comes off as a viable option, given its huge payoff. However, be careful as there are no short-term guaranteed returns in this investment. 

Stocks are also a good way to build your portfolio for the long term since you have time to recover from setbacks. But first, ensure you understand how the stock investment works and all other investment options available for you. Also, seek a financial advisor’s help in evaluating your investment needs, risk tolerance, and other investments that’ll be good for you. 

3. Seek Investments that Appreciate in Value

A good investment decision that’ll benefit you in the future appreciates over time. Such investments only operate by allowing what you already have to earn more wealth.  The advantage of this investment decision is that there are lesser demands, and you probably won’t spend so much on maintenance costs.

For instance, investing in real estate in your 30s is a smart money move that guarantees huge returns. It affords you the security of homeownership and the option of converting it into cash whenever need be. You can also decide to earn passively from it through leasing.

4. Buy Home If Capable

Buying a home is probably a lofty ambition when still in your 30s. But why not acquire one if you have the means to do it. Having a place you can call home is far much better than staying in a rented place. You will be a happy homeowner and an investor with an appreciating investment that you can easily sell and earn big whenever the need arises.

However, ensure your decision to purchase a home is based on a logical reason if you opt for mortgage financing. That way, you can approach mortgage lenders in portland oregon, knowing all the pros and cons that come with this financing option. The homeownership decision bears a significant impact on your future as it’s probably the biggest investment you’d make in your lifetime.

5. Have an Insurance Plan in Place

When in your 30s, you have a long way to go in life. This also means you have a long journey that’s highly unpredictable. For that reason, things that we do not wish for may happen along the way and turn everything around. That’s why getting an insurance plan – mostly life insurance is highly recommended. 

The earlier you plan on insuring your life, the better for you. First, it comes with lesser premiums.  You’re also better off having a medical insurance plan in place to shield you from the ever-rising medical costs. Having all this covered will afford you ample time to plan for your other finances and make sound investments.

6. Live Within Your Means

There’s no crime in living a comfortable lifestyle in your 30s. The problem only comes when you have to borrow to finance that lifestyle. And this begins when you keep your standard of living above your paygrade. Using borrowed money to finance a lifestyle is wrong money that only drives you deep into financial struggles. Furthermore, it amounts to borrowing money the wrong way, which has its fair share of disadvantages.

As you grow in your career and probably find more ways to create money, keep your expenditures on the low. You can choose to maintain your current lifestyle even if your income increases and instead add the extra income to your savings. Remember, borrowed money should only be used when you’re assured of financial gain. This might be investing in a business or any other income-generating project.

7. Make Yourself an Investment, too.

You have plenty of time ahead to accomplish a lot when in your 30s. So, look at yourself as a financial asset rather than a burden. This means investing in yourself and any other thing that’ll make you a better person. It could be investing in your skills or adding on the knowledge you have.

Investing in yourself also means making smart career choices. Seek to learn new experiences and skills that make you more attractive to the job market. If you’re an entrepreneur, look for seminars and training that’ll equip you with the right knowledge. Making yourself an investment pays off, and it should be a continuous process even when you attain 50 years.

Final Thought

Securing your future while in your 30s is all about making smart money moves. It involves making personal sacrifices now, knowing your future is secured once you retire. Use the above-highlighted tips and see your future turn bright. 

Financial stability is key to a good quality of life. You shouldn’t have to spend each day worrying about money, how you’re going to pay your bills and when you will be comfortable to have a nice time in your life. Of course, financial stability can be difficult to achieve. Here are a few steps that you can take to get there though!

Create a Budget

The first step you should take when looking for financial stability in your life is to create a budget. All too many of us simply spend as we please and are then shocked to find ourselves sinking into debt. Even the smallest amount of overspending each month will see you dig a hole that can be difficult to get back out of. By creating a budget, you can determine how much money you take home each month, how much of this needs to be spent on bills and how much you have leftover as your disposable income. Stick to your budget, avoid going over your disposable income when you spend and you should be fine!

Focus on Career Advancement

If you’re working, chances are, you’ve already completed a number of steps to land the position you’re in. You may have gone to college or university. You might have completed specific training courses. You may have done an apprenticeship. You could have started at the bottom of the career ladder and worked your way up a few rungs. This is good. But all too many people make the mistake of then settling for the position they’re in. Instead, why not push yourself and focus on career advancement on a daily basis. By doing the utmost in your role, you can receive promotions, pay rises, or qualify yourself to apply for another similar role or more advanced role within a different company or sector. Whether you work in retail, recruitment, SERP API, game development or any other role, career advancement can improve your personal finances.

Clear Debts

A problem that many of us face with financial management is existing debt. If you’ve already built up debt, you should do your utmost to clear them as quickly as possible. There are a number of steps you can take to achieve this. You should search for 0% balance transfers that will allow you to switch your credit card or overdraft debt to an interest free account, allowing you to chip away at the balance, rather than constantly paying interest each month. Alternatively, you could consolidate your debts with one, low interest loan. This makes making payments easier, as you only need to remember to make one. It can also reduce the amount of interest you pay overall.

These are just three steps that can help get you on the path to financial stability. There are, of course, other methods you can use at the same time, but these should help you to get started out in the right direction! Hopefully, some of the information will come in useful for you and have a positive impact on your financial life!

Alberta business laws mandate it for employers and employees to serve notice to each other to terminate employment.

Employers are often found at the crossroads with whether to terminate an employee or not. More so, the dilemma is intensified by the question – on what basis should the employment be terminated?

In Alberta, an employer can terminate the services of an employee on any grounds. Given that the grounds are not based on discrimination.

For example, an employer cannot terminate an employee based on their origin, race, colour, sexual orientation, and alike reasons.

When Can Employment Not Be Terminated?

In Alberta, the laws for employers to terminate their employees are not that simple. However, there are certain situations when they can and can not terminate the employment of an employee.

It might not be feasible to state when the termination is justified. However, business law practitioners can help understand when the termination is not justified. Here are some examples of when an employment termination is not acceptable.

• If the employee is on job-protected leave.
• If the employee is on maternity or parental leave.
• If the employee is facing garnishment action.
• If the employee is about to make a statement or give evidence about something under the Code.
• If the employee is demanding something that they are entitled to.

It is worth mentioning that the employer would need to either give a termination notice or termination pay to end the employment. The employer may also choose to provide a combination of both. However, this is only feasible if the employee has been working for more than 90 days with the employer.

Note: For seasonal or task-specific jobs, no notice or termination pay is needed.

How To Determine The Notice Period?

As mentioned already, for employment periods or 90 days or less, no notice is required. But, at the same time, the notice period may also vary.

In other words, the employment period generally determines the notice period that an employee must serve. Here are the details:

• For an employment period of more than ninety days but less than two years, the notice period is one week.
• If the employee has been working for more than two years but less than four years, the notice period is two weeks.
• For an employment period of more than four years but less than six years, the notice period is four weeks.
• The notice period is five weeks for an employment period ranging between six years to eight years.
• For an employment period of eight to ten years, the notice period is six weeks.
• If the employee has been working for more than ten years, the notice period is eight weeks.

It is noteworthy that the employment period is determined from the date of hiring and not joining. Besides, even if the ownership of the employing company changes, the employment period would remain the same.

Although the business laws in Alberta for termination of employment are pretty straightforward, there are always loops. It is better to consult with an experienced “corporate and labour lawyer.”