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Tips On How To Speed Up Your Internet Connection At Home

Josh Haines
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<strong data-src=Tips On How To Speed Up Your Internet Connection At Home" title="Tips On How To Speed Up Your Internet Connection At Home" />

We have all been there with slow internet, at the most important moments!

In this online world, where everything is digitalized based on ever-evolving technologies, the internet has become the most prominent necessity for every single individual on this planet. If you are taking an online class, checking out some cool dresses in online stores, and waiting for your movie to load because the loading sign does not seem to get off the screen, a bad internet connection can make it all worse. This sluggish internet connection can exhaust you.

Thus, you should rely on a reliable provider rather than one that is less in cost with poor services. Here we can recommend one with optimal quality and affordable pricing with Suddenlink, where for services and information, you can visit Suddenlink en español.

However, if you need immediate assistance with speeding up your present internet connection, you can go through this article. We made a summary of what to do in times like this, just for you! Try these tips and you will improve your internet speed in minutes!

  • Restart your modem and router

If your internet is acting up, there are chances that there may be some glitches. Turn off your modem and wait for 20-30 seconds. After that open your modem and check if your internet connection is stable. You might feel the need to troubleshoot too as there must be some connectivity problem with your internet service provider.

Apart from the modem, if you have a separate router, you must give it an off-on action too. Turn off your router and turn it back on to clear any glitches or issues it has. Once done, turn off your WiFi devices, wait for some seconds, and then turn the WiFi on again.

  • Setting your router to a more suitable place

In often cases, WiFi signals are interrupted by the presence of certain flooring, ceiling, furniture, and other household things. Your router might also be placed at any corner position, which makes the interruption much worse.

ou might have to place your router in a more accessible or central place from where all the devices can easily connect and get the best of signals from the device.

  • Device or router’s antennas

If you have a router that has built-in antennas, then you can jump to the next step. Many routers have external antennas. If you have one, you can adjust and reconfigure it accordingly.

Antennas send out signals in every direction so you can set up your router in a suitable place and adjust your antennas accordingly to get perfect WiFi signals on your devices.

  • External devices to enhance the efficiency of your devices

If you have adjusted your router accordingly and have done every possible thing that you can but are still experiencing a sluggish connection, then this is your call to add such a device that will expand your network’s range. These devices can be WiFi boosters or power line extenders. WiFi booster is a device that can be adjusted with your router. It expands your already existing connection on a broader scale and distributes signals in all areas. The power line extender is a two-device kit that is an electrical wiring system.

One device is connected to your router with a cable and the other one is connected where you wish for a stable internet connection. If you have a large house, then you might consider getting a mesh Wi-Fi system in which your device will be replaced by other multiple devices.  These devices produce a single WiFi connection and try to cover every corner of the house.

  • Getting a better and faster internet connection

No matter how much you work on setting up your router and exchanging your equipment if you want a sustainable internet connection, you will have to go for a better and faster internet connection. Ask your internet providers about the packages they provide and analyze the best speed possible that is your necessity. Getting a more reliable and better connection that provides great speed might be the solution you want.

With that being said, though there are still debates going on between the efficiency of wireless internet connections and getting Internet via connecting an Ethernet cable, most people prefer wireless connections nowadays, as they are easy to manage and are a trend these days. If you work on gaming consoles or big devices like computers or TV, you should go for an Ethernet cable connection that can easily catch up with huge internet consumption and still provide a stable speed.

CONCLUSION

A sluggish internet can put you in a difficult situation. Though there are multiple solutions, this article had the cheapest yet easiest ways you can optimize your internet speed by just moving a thing or two at your house. Stable your internet speed and enjoy the Netflix shows that you have been wanting to binge-watch now!

5 Myths on Citizen Development Debunked

Josh Haines
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5 Myths on Citizen Development Debunked

79% of companies build at least one application a year with citizen developers. The rise of no-code/low-code platforms has democratized app development, empowering non-IT professionals without formal coding knowledge to build unique enterprise applications. Business users also maximize business efficiency, accelerating digital transformation.

Citizen development is an effective way to address the growing shortage of developers and boost competitiveness, collaboration, and innovation. It gives users access to an IT-approved workflow tool and helps organizations meet the ever-growing demand for enterprise apps. It also frees up IT developers to focus on more complex, mission-critical projects.

Businesses with empowered citizen developers are 33% more innovative than those without. Unfortunately, because of the myths surrounding it, many people are still wary of citizen development and are yet to take full advantage of it.

Here we explore 5 myths about citizen development and why they shouldn’t matter.

Introduction to citizen development

Citizen development is an approach to app development that enables users with little to no programming expertise to build and manage enterprise applications for themselves or others. The best citizen development programs combine business professionals’ deep data and process knowledge with IT’s compliance and security expertise.

Citizen developers are non-IT employees and subject-matter experts with problem-solving skills. They operate on runtime environments sanctioned by IT and create apps for a fraction of the cost and time. They use no-code/low-code tools and have the insight and motivation to improve business processes.

Citizen development trends, and adoption across organizations

  • 60% of all custom apps are from outside IT, with 30% of those created by professionals with minimal technical development skills
  • By 2024, professionals outside of IT will build 80% of technology products and services.
  • 41% of businesses have active citizen development initiatives, while 20% plan on having one.
  • By 2023, at large enterprises, there’ll be four times more active citizen developers compared to professional developers.
  • In companies implementing automation, there was a 47% increase in citizen developer programs over two years.
  • Non-IT users in business operations roles built 23% of IT automation.
  • 80% of businesses believe citizen developers have freed up their IT personnel to work on higher-level projects

5 citizen development myths and their actual truths

Myth 1: Citizen developers are a hindrance to tech teams

There’s a rising demand for digitization and business apps that current IT teams cannot handle. Citizen developers are professionals in key business units, and most are knowledgeable about distinct business needs, so they can develop unique applications.

No-code/low-code tools with prebuilt templates and automated testing help citizen developers create apps with little IT oversight, relieving burned-out IT teams. They free up time and energy for overburdened tech personnel to focus on areas of expertise and more urgent, complex, digital transformation initiatives.

Low-code/no-code platforms have a low barrier to entry and naturally require little user experience or training. Since IT departments have established IT infrastructure, citizen developer apps will build on it, following best development and governance practices.

Myth 2: It’s a gateway to shadow IT

Citizen development can minimize the risks associated with shadow IT. Providing app development guidelines and resources aligned with IT best practices helps citizen developers use their skills and opportunities to create the applications they need.

When IT teams and business users collaborate, IT can establish strong governance structures for citizen development programs. They can oversee and maintain control over all applications citizen developers build, reducing security and compliance risks, and increasing consistency and standardization.

Using no-code/low-code tools increases visibility, provides transparency, and eliminates technical complexity, reducing shadow IT. Introducing badges and certifications for citizen developers promotes quality by celebrating app design and development accomplishments.

Myth 3: Citizen developers only create simple, unimportant applications

Typically, citizen developers create apps for a specific business purpose, such as automating routine processes, bridging gaps between systems, or improving team productivity. Low code offers a unified environment for them to create and quickly deliver consistent and targeted solutions.

No-code/low-code tools provide a visual development graphical user interface with drag-and-drop elements and predesigned templates to help citizen developers create both simple and sophisticated applications, depending on business needs.

Providing training on how to become a citizen developer helps them collaborate with IT and offers the skills they need to handle more advanced projects. High-performance low-code empowers non-IT employees to improve existing processes, maximize productivity, streamline communication and build strategic applications.

Myth 4: Citizen developers will replace the tech team

Citizen development programs are not a competition between IT and business users. Centralized no-code/low-code platforms position both teams in co-creator roles, enabling them to collaborate more strategically and efficiently. No-code/low-code tools lower the company’s dependency on IT personnel and lessen the IT backlog.

In fact, citizen development programs work best when the tech team maintains oversight. They enable business users to manage and improve their day-to-day processes at their pace. IT teams have total access, and they can give role-based permissions to everyone else in the organization.

Citizen developers cannot replace specialized, highly trained developers. They lack the expertise to build large-scope apps requiring complex security and data requirements with standard programming languages.

Myth 5: Citizen development carries increased security risks

With rising security breaches causing severe outcomes, it’s become more urgent for organizations to address looming security issues in development environments. To manage this, most platforms now have built-in security features with permission-based user control, file monitoring, and code validation.

Compliance credentials, certificates, and capabilities such as ISO 27001, LGPD, 2FA, GDPR

SOC2 and in-platform data encryption also minimize the security risks. IT departments can also vet no-code/low-code tools, ensuring they adhere to company security policies. They can establish strict IT approval processes and standard enterprise security practices before launching apps.

Conclusion

The many benefits of citizen developers far outweigh the risks. You’ll build and deploy enterprise-grade apps faster, maximize resources, increase your pool of developers, and accelerate transformation without outsourcing app development or hiring specialized developers.

Don’t let these myths stop you from maintaining your competitive advantage! No-code/low-code systems will help you leverage the latest technology stack, and save money and time building apps that adapt to your business demands.

Businesses Finding Ways to Capitalise on Football Fever in 2022

Josh Haines
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Businesses Finding Ways to Capitalise on Football Fever in 2022

The World Cup in Qatar doesn’t always make the right headlines, but one thing that is certain is that millions of people in the UK and billions around the world will be tuning in, betting on the action, and tracking their unfortunate sweepstakes draws. With the QIA powering the tournament, the spectacle is as grand as it should be, upping the excitement for each game and the eventual outcome.

Knowing that the World Cup will be dominating the headlines, discussions, and TV time from 20 November to 18 December, many businesses have decided to go big on World Cup-themed promotions and offerings. Even if they can’t be directly tied to the massive FIFA event, many have come up with intriguing, fun, and savvy ways to make that key link between the action in Qatar and their business. Here’s how they’re doing it.

Offering savings on related products

INSERT IMAGE HERE: https://unsplash.com/photos/Sd87V72cJEU IMAGE SOURCE: Unsplash

If you’re not in Qatar, the chances are that you’ll want to be watching the World Cup on your TV at home. With the games reeling off back-to-back-to-back each day, many will also be inclined to remain in their seats to watch all of the action unfold. Along this line of thinking, TV sets and takeaways will see big upticks throughout the tournament if people are encouraged to give in to their desires to enjoy the tournament as much as possible.

Spending so much time in front of the TV in the hopes that the ABCMoney list of outrageous football scores gets added makes a new set seem worth the money. As it’s still a major purchase, many will need an extra nudge, which is why AO cut the LG C2 OLED TV from £1,499 to £949, and Very reduced the Toshiba 42UK3C63DB from £349 to £249, making it a 43’’ 4K smart TV for under £250. For food delivery, as you won’t want to desert your brand new TV, Just Eat was running promos of up to 40 per cent off during the event.

Expanding into more football content

INSERT IMAGE HERE: https://pixabay.com/photos/sports-soccer-ball-lawn-2467183/ IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay

The football is on a lot, but it’s not on for the whole day. Once the group stage finishes, the schedule will be less packed with live games, but each kick-off will be more important than the last. So, in time for the start of the tournament, and ready throughout, online entertainment providers loaded up on football content. The most heavily advertised has been Save Our Squad with David Beckham, which was released on 9 November.

With online entertainment hubs that can explore a whole range of genres, football can – and has – quickly multiplied in its presence, with new and older options coming to the fore. Just in time for the World Cup, Betway casino saw its Top Games page infiltrated by the new slot Football Finals XUp and the live casino draw in fans with Live Football French Roulette and Live Football Card Showdown. With mobile being the most popular way to access the entertainment platform, many play live casino games with live action on TV.

Competitions for the competition

INSERT IMAGE HERE: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-raising-brazil-flag-inside-football-stadium-58461/ IMAGE SOURCE: Pexels

One of the aspects of the World Cup that brings in even those who aren’t even detached football fans is the competition side, pitting nations against each other to great fanfare. People get competitive, get into the spirit of competition, and are much more inclined to partake in such themed contests. This is why the massive Coca-Cola company, which also sells Dasani water in Argentina, always offers a chance to win branded goods with the World Cup. For 2022, it came in the form of Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup 2022-branded size-five footballs.

Lead sponsors and, particularly, financial institutions, were also excited to offer their own competitive spins The Barclaycard draw ran before the World Cup started, account holders who made at least one purchase during the promotional period were given a chance to enter the prize draw which could see them win a FIFA World Cup Entertainment and Merchandise Pack. Capitalontap ran a similar promotion but with tickets to the final.

Not all businesses have the clout to land merchandise packs or tickets to the big event, but they can still tap into football fever and the openness to competition. Azteco Bitcoin ran a promo during the span of the World Cup – thus making it a World Cup contest – in which the top spender at OffGamers would get big vouchers. Huddersfield Town football club also put up a World Cup prize draw for 32 lucky entrants, with £2,022 up for grabs.

This is just what we’ve seen coming into the 2022 FIFA World Cup and during the opening stages. When the World Cup Final arrives, you can bet that businesses will go even bigger on one-off promotions to get noticed and catch onto the hype of the biggest game in the world of sports.

The Science of Why Custom Stickers are More Effective Than Traditional Marketing

Sam Allcock
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The Science of Why Custom Stickers are More Effective Than Traditional Marketing

Custom stickers are becoming an increasingly popular way to market a business or product. Unlike traditional marketing methods, they can be used on any budget and often result in a more favourable first impression. What’s more, custom stickers activate two powerful psychological principles. Curious to learn more? Then read on!

1. A cost-effective branding solution

Custom stickers make great branding tools because they are cost-effective and can be customized to fit any need or industry. Did you know that they can be designed to match your specific needs and branding? This makes them a more effective branding tool and ensures that your message is communicated accurately and in style.

They are also a great way to reach a large audience quickly, as they can be placed just about anywhere, from products over car and shop windows to shipping boxes and laptops. This makes them ideal for small businesses and start-ups who are looking for a branding solution that does not break the bank.

2. Making a great first impression 

Product packaging is often the first thing people see when they encounter a product. And as customers, we do judge a book by its cover, meaning your product presentation can make or break a sale. This is why it is so important to invest in good quality packaging that represents your product and brand the right way.

Custom stickers can help you breathe life into those standard cardboard boxes or glass jars. And the best thing? You can select a material that really represents what your brand is all about and matches your packaging material.

Also, think about your target customers – do they care about sustainably sourced ingredients? Do you want to create a luxurious experience for them? A professional sticker maker can help you achieve just that.

3. The scarcity principle 

The scarcity principle states that items seem more valuable when they are scarce or limited in availability. Think about it, the less availability, the more exclusive and desirable a product becomes. This is why it is important to create exclusive offers and limited-time discounts for products.

You can do that super easily and quickly with custom stickers. Create a stand-out design and choose an eye-catching material like fluorescent or glitter vinyl, and you are good to go. Stick them to your products as the perfect way to generate more visibility for your promotion and create a buzz around your products.

4. The rule of reciprocity

The rule of reciprocity is a social norm that obliges people to repay any favours or benefits they have received. It is based on the idea that people want to be seen as fair and reciprocal to be accepted and respected in their community. This subconscious need is often used in marketing, as it can be a powerful way to get customers interested in your business.

Now, you have to find the sweet spot between investment and return. There is no point in handing out free iPhones. But do you know what people love? Free stickers. With something as easy as free logo stickers, you can not only make customers smile, but forge positive associations that increase the likelihood of a repeat purchase, a recommendation or a positive review – risk-free!

So, what have we learned? Custom stickers make great branding tools because they are cost-effective, can be customized to fit any need or industry, and make a great first impression. They also activate two powerful psychological principles – the scarcity principle and the rule of reciprocity. If you’re looking for an easy way to create a buzz around your product and increase sales, free custom stickers are the way to go! So get creative with your design and order some today. You won’t regret it!

The Top Advantages of Becoming a Virtual Assistant

Josh Haines
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<strong data-src=The Top Advantages of Becoming a Virtual Assistant" title="The Top Advantages of Becoming a Virtual Assistant" />

In today’s world, finding a job or career path is becoming increasingly difficult – and sticking to it is nearly impossible! In addition, most employees feel burnt out and cannot cope with the demands of their jobs and keep healthy relationships. There’s a lot of stress with many responsibilities, too. So what is there to do? Fortunately, some jobs don’t require too much from you, such as a virtual assistant. Being one allows you to take charge of your schedule, free up your time for other pursuits, and, best of all, do something you honestly like to do. If you’re good at organising and planning and can work well with people – and are willing to learn more and even perfect your skills – then you might be interested in becoming a virtual assistant. But what other benefits can you expect? Here are the top advantages of becoming a virtual assistant.

  • You can make your own schedule

One of the biggest perks of becoming a VA is making your own schedule. What does this mean, exactly? It means you can be in charge of your schedule and don’t have to follow the regular 9 to 5 job. You can easily manage your schedule as long as you balance your clients and let them know the hours that are ideal for you. If you’re a virtual assistant, it’s possible to work full-time or part-time as you see fit, and you can even work on a seasonal basis. This way, it will be easier for you to create a much better balance between your work life and your personal life – none need to suffer. You can still do what you want and love – and isn’t it what we are all striving for?

  • You can permanently WFH

When you become a virtual assistant, you can permanently work from home! You can work remotely, unlike other employees or staff in an office. This allows you to save time because you don’t have to suffer from a long commute, and best of all, you don’t have to go through the same headaches as other commuters – traffic, long queues, and other pesky delays. So whilst most of us had to work from home due to the pandemic, you can permanently work from home. This is a blessing for many single mums or those who want to avoid a commute.

  • You can set your own rates

Another advantage of being a VA is setting your own rates. Of course, it will depend on your areas of expertise (the more skilled you are, the better), but you can set higher rates than you would get if you worked for a company. As a result, you have better control over your salary or income, and if you feel you deserve a raise, you don’t have to go through numerous channels to get one. But you must ensure that your rates are up to par with your expertise and not too high for your clients.

Here’s one more thing that not many are aware of – when you become a VA, it allows you to form a close professional relationship with the person you are working for – and as such, you learn from them and vice versa, and you can learn new sets of skills while you’re at it.

Download Client Support Apps Like Inskam

Josh Haines
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<strong data-src=Download Client Support Apps Like Inskam" title="Download Client Support Apps Like Inskam" />

There are tons of apps in the market that let you communicate with devices through smartphones. However, not all apps are reliable and robust. Hence, if you are looking for a robust and trustworthy app, then Inskam would be perfect for you. This client servicing software ensures you record, capture, save documents, and do all other activities efficiently. But this app will provide a better experience if you use it on a big screen. Hence, you must download the Inskam app for PC.

However, there are other options too which you would love to explore and start using it right away. From YI IoT to Eye4, we’ve got various options to choose from.

YI IoT

The YI IoT will be perfect for you if you are looking for excellent client support software. The app’s new UI design ensures you can browse cameras in card mode. This feature makes the process easy and smooth. Apart from that, it has a two-way audio speaker. Through which, you can see, listen, and speak in one. Also, if you want to get push notifications, you must get this app, as you can also enable real-time alerts. Hence, there is no way you can miss any moment.

AT&T Personal Cloud

AT&T is an app that lets you connect with your content easily. It can securely back up all your photos and videos. Also, if you are looking forward to enhancing your cloud storage experience, the app is for you as you see your highlights and relieve your memories. Also, the app has an inbuilt editor that allows you to adjust and embellish your cloud photos, frames, and more.

Eye4

For homesick people, the Eye4 app is something you must have. There would be nothing that can go beyond this app’s capture. The app allows you to capture, record, talkback, listen, and pan-tilt. The app also makes sure your data is safe and secure. One can make various modifications in the settings section, such as account and privacy, data traffic, online mail, and many more.

Danale

Another excellent client servicing software is Danale. Danale is one of the leading P2P And cloud service providers. This app can provide internet for your IP device. Apart from that, you can watch your video wherever you want. Also, it has fantastic features such as plug-and-play. Hence, it would be easy to set it up and start using it without any technical knowledge or experience.

Summary

Client servicing software has to be reliable and robust. Hence, you must make an informed decision before installing. Inskam is a trustworthy software. Also, the apps mentioned above are easy to use and provide an excellent user experience.

5 Ways to Buy a House Without a Mortgage

Josh Haines
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<strong data-src=5 Ways to Buy a House Without a Mortgage" title="5 Ways to Buy a House Without a Mortgage" />

No mortgage? That seems too good to be true, especially in these days when mortgage rates have surged and many applications have not been approved. Usually, a buyer or investor does not have sufficient cash flow and a mortgage enables purchase of property of a higher value with a down payment partial deposit, followed by monthly repayments including interest. However, these repayments can sometimes go on for a lifetime – hence the old French meaning of mortgage as “Dead Pledge”!

In the current scenario, however, there are other means of buying property without a mortgage, as the letting agents in Witney can explain. A few suggestions are given below:

Cash payment:

Cash payment is the obvious alternative to taking a mortgage. However, with inflation and the cost of living, it is rather difficult to put down such a large sum of money. Unless the buyer has saved enough money, inherited a large sum or looks at buying in an affordable area, it is not likely that payment by cash can be made. The benefits of cash payment are not having monthly mortgage + interest payments, saving on closing costs, a quick sale and being debt-free. The disadvantage of cash payment is that the money is tied up and there may not be sufficient cash to deal with unforeseen calamities and expenses. At times, investing the money in a variety of portfolios can bring forth higher gains than the interest saved on a mortgage.

Owner Financing:

The seller extends enough credit to the buyer to purchase the home. The buyer then makes regular payments to the owner until the full payment (less any deposit if any) is covered. The property title will usually be kept in the owner’s name until the buyer completes the payment of the agreed sale price. Then the property will be legally transferred to the buyer. However, while the instalment payment is ongoing, the buyer has the right of possession of the property. This type of financing can be mutually beneficial to the buyer and seller as it will not involve banking costs. While this type of agreement is usually between people known to each other, such as family members, the transaction should be documented with the sale, payment and other details mentioned in a Real Estate Purchase Agreement or Land Contract.

Lease option:

A feature by Oasis Living says, “A lease option agreement is a property contract that allows you to take control and profit from a property.” This agreement allows the buyer to lease the property for a monthly fee payable to the owner. There will be a downpayment deposit, with a fixed period for the length of the lease and the amounts of the monthly repayments. There is an option to purchase the home in the future for an agreed-upon price. When a lease option agreement is entered into, it gives the buyer the right to rent the property and benefit from the income.

Shared ownership:

The buyer pays for a share of the property (usually between 10% and 75% of the market value) and then pays rent to the landlord for the remaining amount. The monthly payment will include the rent and service charges including maintenance. A deposit for the share amount will need to be paid but it is generally lower than the open market. There is an option to buy more shares, known as staircasing, which can go upto 100%. Stamp Duty will have to be paid when the owned share equals 80%. Shared ownership properties are all leasehold based.

Flipping:

For experienced investors, flipping property and market tracking can be a profitable investment. The property is purchased off-plan (before it is built) by putting down a deposit of perhaps 20-30%. While it is being built, the price increases and, on completion, the buyer sells the property at the new value with a good profit. Of course, the risk is if the market value does not increase as hoped or if the demand in that area decreases. Research should be conducted to ensure that the property is in a prime location and to check out other properties under construction in the area.

Conclusion:

These are just a few options to buy a house without a mortgage. However, before deciding on any of the above, the checks a normal mortgage lender would do should be carried out to ensure that the property is saleable. A property survey will show whether the construction meets the regulations. Homeowners’ insurance, even though not mandatory, would be an investment protection. So, it is still possible to own a home without obtaining a mortgage – you just need to see which option suits you best!

Considering a Loan? Here’s All You Need to Do First

Josh Haines
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<strong data-src=Considering a Loan? Here’s All You Need to Do First" title="Considering a Loan? Here’s All You Need to Do First" />

When you’re considering a loan, there are a lot of things to think about. How much money do you need? What’s the interest rate? How long will it take you to pay it back? These are all important questions that you should answer before taking out a loan. In this blog post, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on what to do before you get a loan. So, if you’re thinking about borrowing money, read on!

Assistance in finding the best conditions

Everyone has different needs, and MyFin can help you find the loan that’s best for you. MyFin offers different types of loans, including personal loans, business loans, and home equity loans. This site also offers competitive interest rates and flexible repayment plans. It’s designed to help you find the loan that’s right for you. 

Credit score

A credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness. It is based on your credit history, which is a record of your borrowing and repayment activity. The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for loans and other forms of credit. Your credit history is important because it shows lenders how you have handled debt in the past. If you have a good credit history, lenders will be more likely to approve you for a loan, but if you have a bad credit history, they may be less likely to approve you or they may charge you a higher interest rate. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time, maintaining a good credit history, and using less than 30% of your available credit limit.

Income and Monthly Debt Payments

Loan payments can often be a big drain on your monthly income. It’s important to remember, though, that there are ways to lower your payments and make them more manageable. One way to do this is to extend the term of your loan. This will lower your monthly payments, but it will also increase the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan. Another option is to refinance your loan. This can help you get a lower interest rate, which will in turn lower your monthly payments. Finally, you may be able to negotiate with your lender for a lower monthly payment. If you have a good reason for needing a lower payment, such as a loss of income, they may be willing to work with you. Whatever option you choose, it’s important to remember that there are ways to lower your monthly loan payments.

Assets and Additional Applicants

You may want to consider adding additional applicants to your loan if you have strong credit but limited assets. This will give the lender confidence that you’re able to repay the loan and reduce the risk that they’ll lose money if you default. Adding an co-borrower who has their own income and assets can also help you qualify for a larger loan amount. Keep in mind, however, that the more people you add to your loan, the greater the risk of default. If you’re not sure whether or not adding an additional applicant is right for you, be sure to speak with your lender about all of your options.

Before you make your final decision, it’s important to do some research on the lender. Make sure that they are reputable and trustworthy. Check out their website, read customer reviews, and find out as much information as you can about them. This will help you make an informed decision about the loan.

Conclusion

Taking out a loan can be a great way to finance your dreams, but it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared. Before you apply for a loan, be sure to check your credit score and review your income and assets. You may also want to consider adding additional applicants or extending the term of the loan in order to lower your monthly payments. Once you’ve done your research and are ready to apply, be sure to shop around for the best interest rate and repayment terms before signing on the dotted line. By following these tips, you should be well-prepared when you take out a loan.  With a little bit of preparation, you can make sure that your loan will help you achieve your financial goals.

Good luck!

Post Office reveals the most common misconceptions about life insurance & answer what is covered by life insurance

Sam Allcock
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Post Office reveals the most common misconceptions about life insurance & answer what is covered by life insurance
  • The most common misconceptions surrounding life insurance relate to how the policy pay out works and how life assurance differs from insurance.  
  • Providing financial security for their family is named the most popular reason for taking out life insurance.  
  • Policy holders were just as likely as those without life insurance to fall victim to misconceptions. 

Almost a fifth of people (18%) with life insurance do not understand the terms by which their beneficiaries would get a pay-out from their policy in the event of their death according to a survey from the Post Office. The study also revealed that around two fifths (38%) of us are unable to correctly explain the difference between Life Insurance and Life Assurance.  

Post Office found that the most common misconception relating to life insurance was related to how the policy pays out.  Around a fifth of respondents (21%) believed that a life insurance policy allows the policyholder to withdraw money at any point to cover life events, which is untrue, unless you have an investment linked life insurance policy whereby this might be possible.

Most policies only allow for a lump sum to be paid out to the chosen beneficiaries upon the policy holder’s death. However, it is possible for the policy holder to leave alternative instructions for the pay out, such as being invested or used to pay off outstanding debts like a mortgage for example.

The research found that 53% of respondents currently had a life insurance policy in place, almost half of which (40%) were aged under 35. However, when asked to explain how the pay out of a policy to their beneficiaries worked 18% of those with cover answered, ‘I don’t know’. This means that policy holders did not understand the steps their beneficiaries would need to take in order to claim and receive the pay-out.

This figure rose to 24% of respondents in general, regardless of whether they have a life insurance policy or not – meaning nearly a quarter of UK residents don’t know how life insurance works on the most fundamental level.

So, what does life insurance cover?

Funeral Costs – 63% of people believed life insurance covers funeral costs as standard. Funeral costs, while a popular reason for taking out cover, is actually an add-on and so is often not included as standard. Post Office Over 50s Life Cover product offers a funeral benefit option as a free add on, but if the customer expects the pay out to contribute to funeral costs without this, that is something they would need to arrange as a private matter through a Will or alternative arrangements.

Critical Illness – According to the Post Office research, 68% of people would expect their life insurance policy to cover critical illness as standard. Critical illness cover is similar to life insurance in the sense that it can help protect your loved ones against financial issues, however critical illness cover comes into effect if the policy holder is diagnosed with an illness from a list of conditions – as opposed to the policy holder’s death. While they are similar, this type of cover is also an add-on and often does not come as standard and at a cost to the consumer.

Income Protection – Another add-on, income protection is designed to help you to replace lost income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, rather than help your loved ones financially. Additionally, income protection often pays out in monthly instalments to mimic an income as opposed to in one lump sum. Despite these differences, Post Office found 51% of people would expect their life insurance policy to include income protection.

Ed Dutton, Director of Financial Services Products at Post Office, explains:“Life Insurance cover is by no means a ‘one solution fits all’, our lives and personal situations are all different and so your policy needs to reflect that. Our findings show that 80% of people were fully truthful about their situation when taking out their policy, which is important because the more accurate the information given when applying, the more likely it is that the policy will pay-out what is expected if the worst should happen.

It’s important for any individual considering taking out life insurance to take the time to properly evaluate their individual needs and what it is they want covered. In its simplest terms, life insurance covers your life and so will provide a cash pay out to those who may be financially impacted by your passing.However, according to our research, much of what people expected to come as standard within their policy is an optional additional cover and not automatically included in their policy. i.e critical illness cover. It’s clear the biggest issue when it comes to life insurance is the genuine gap in people’s knowledge or misconceptions about how their policy or life insurance in general works which is why it’s vital to do your homework or speak to a trusted brand such as the Post Office.”

Other Misconceptions  

Life Insurance Won’t Cover You with A Pre-Existing Condition – While a pre-existing medical condition can make it harder to find cover, and may drive up premium prices, it is still possible to find cover.  It is important for consumers to shop around because specialist providers will have a solution for pre-existing conditions. or circumstances.

Life Insurance Covers You for Life – Life insurance will only cover you for a specific term, for example the length of your mortgage, and will only pay out if you pass during that time. It is possible to be covered for your lifetime, but this is life assurance or whole of life cover. Only 36% of people correctly knew the difference between the two.  

Life Insurance Won’t Cover Over 50s – While your age can play an important role in what type of cover you can receive, with the older you are when you apply often meaning the higher your premium will be, it is still entirely possible to get cover later in life. Many providers including Post Office offer specialised over 50’s cover.  

ENDS

The data comes from a survey of 2000 UK adults, commissioned by the Post Office in order to delve deeper into ‘The Nation’s Relationship with Life Insurance’ and determine how much the general public knows about life insurance.  Research was conducted January 2022.

About the Post Office  

  • With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.  
  • Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.   
  • Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.  
  • Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and bill payments services.   
  • Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.   
  • 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.  

5 Differences Between Bookkeeping and Accounting

Claire James
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0
5 Differences Between Bookkeeping and Accounting

Booking and accounting are the necessity of every business. These are the practices required to prepare quarterly or annual financial records. Furthermore, practical bookkeeping helps companies to evaluate their worth to make decisions regarding their growth. 

Although accountants use the terms bookkeeping and accounting interchangeably, there lies a difference between the two. While both are inseparable when working on the financial transactions of a business, they are different. Bookkeeping is part of accounting, but accounting has a much broader scope.

We will share five key differences between bookkeeping and accounting for easy understanding. 

Definition 

Bookkeeping is mainly related to maintaining and recording all financial transactions in the books of entry of a business. It involves organising and summarising every financial transaction in the company in a systematic chronological manner. The bookkeeping services focus on the day-to-day economic activities of a business, such as payment of taxes, payroll, sales revenue, interest income, expenses, etc. The accuracy of bookkeeping determines the accuracy of the accounting process.

Accounting involves interpreting financial data, analysing and summarising it for insights, and reporting financial transactions. As a comprehensive process, the financial statements generated in accounting provide a precise summary of the finances over an accounting period of a business. Accounting consolidates financial information that helps stakeholders understand a business’s financial health and practices. 

Decision making

The data from practical bookkeeping needs to be more comprehensive to help prospective decision-making. Bookkeeping reflects on the financial transactions of the business. It tracks sales, profits, debt, bills, purchases, and other financial transactions, which are essential for the balance sheet.

Accounting maintains and compiles the daily transactions into financial statements and helps management anticipate and forecast the company’s performance. It helps provide an accurate and transparent view of the prospects of a business to all stakeholders so they can assess the company’s performance.

Financial statements 

Bookkeeping doesn’t involve preparing financial statements. It is kept simple as it does not require analysis of the expenditure or auditing of the financial transactions. 

Accounting involves creating comprehensive financial statements that help the management and stakeholders understand the financial performance, stability, and prospects of the business. 

Level of learning 

Bookkeepers are not required to have any high-level skills. Bookkeeping services are just needed to have knowledge of financial topics and be accurate with their data entry. On the other hand, accountants oversee bookkeepers and must have sufficient experience and education to be Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

Bookkeeper vs. Accountant 

While accounting & taxation services offer both services, there is a significant difference between the duties of a bookkeeper and an accountant. 

Bookkeepers recommend, implement and manage accounting software for single or double-entry accounting. They are responsible for monitoring bookkeeping policies and procedures. They must handle all financial and banking transactions and maintain debit and credit accounts. 

Accountants perform a much more significant role, including data management, financial analysis and reporting, consultation and regulatory compliance. 

Conclusion

Bookkeeping and accounting are integral parts of every business. If your business doesn’t have qualified professionals, you can hire accounting & taxation services for practical bookkeeping and more.

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