Real Estate Versus Stocks Investments

These days, there are two general areas where most investments by individuals and targeted at, namely, real estate and stocks. For quite some time, the global financial industry and investment experts have been monitoring the growth of investments placed into the two. There are many investors who are raving about their placements into either properties or shares. The wise would usually invest in both. But for people with limitations, only one has to be chosen. So which one should you prefer, investments in real estate or investments in stocks?

Real estate investment

Since time immemorial, people have been buying land, homes or just about any real estate asset for the purpose of investing the money for a good profit or investment return. It is very rare that people buy a land, for example, to keep it forever or make it a part of family property. Often, investors buy lands and real estate to divest or sell that property in the future, in much higher prices.

That is the main reason why the global real estate industry has been actively thriving. There have been too many investors who are placing money on real estate, particularly on new developments. That is because while lands are still undeveloped, they tend to be priced cheaper. As soon as development takes place, or the land is converted into a commercial or residential complex, it is very logical and usual that prices of the real estate in the area would normally hike. Thus, this is the simple and uncomplicated rationale and principle behind real estate investments.

Experts and property investors attest that investments in the real estate almost always bring about hefty and really enticing investment returns. There is no wonder that the real estate industry globally has rapidly and robustly boomed into a giant industry, where investments easily flock. No wonder, real estate developments also abound.

Stock market investment

For investors who do not have much patience and perseverance to wait longer for possible investment returns, stock market investments are most ideal. That is because equities are very transparent and are at times excitingly unpredictable.

Companies list their shares to gain capital infusion from investments of shareholders. Thus, through such listings and stock investments, investors are made to own a part of the company. When the firm booms, of course, its shares rise up, and the valuation of the shares owned by investors also shoot up. This is the basic principle behind the usual stock market and share investment transactions.

Stock investments are volatile and are very exciting at times. That is because it is possible that overnight, share prices can shoot up significantly or even uncontrollably. Likewise, share prices can drop profusely overnight or even in a few hours, depending on what are transpiring in the market or any news about the company. Thus, stock investments are not for the faint at heart.

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How to Select an Auto Insurance Quote For a Reduced Premium

Getting the best auto insurance quote means comparing several quotes from different companies to find one that meets one’s insurance requirements, charges lesser premium and offers good coverage. Insurers offer good discounts and benefits for customers who have a good driving record, hold several policies from the company or for students with good grades. So, to get the best deals, be sure to furnish your correct vehicle usage variables and enjoy competitive insurance quotes.

Auto Insurance Quote: How to Reduce Premium Cost

Here are some other useful tips to help you get the best auto insurance quote and pay reduced premium charges:

1. Decide your Requirements: Determine the right type of policy for your vehicle, such as whether you require a comprehensive policy, or a simple fire and theft, and third party insurance. A comprehensive policy will attract greater monthly premiums, as compared to a simple policy.

2. Research and Buy Online: Researching is important even when you are renewing your insurance policy. Check with different insurers and compare their quotes before settling for one. You can do this conveniently on the Internet, on auto insurance websites that also offer tips, suggestions and advice on vehicle insurance. Besides, insurance companies also offer discounts (at least 10%) for buying insurance online.

3. Higher Deductibles: Deductibles is the amount that a customer has to pay before the insurance company takes up a claim. Higher the deductible, lesser will be your premium charges. To ensure your vehicle safety and to attract lesser premiums, use alarms and immobilizers; and park your vehicle in a garage or driveway rather than on the road. You can also save on premium by making annual, rather than monthly premium payments.

4. Lower Mileage: Vehicles with lower mileage usually attract lesser insurance premiums, compared to those with higher mileage. So, accurate calculation of mileage is important for getting the best vehicle insurance quotes.

5. No Claims Discounts: Opt for policies that offer increasing discounts for every year that passes without a claim. Greater the discount, lesser will be your premium. There are companies that offer fixed discounts per year, irrespective of whether you make a claim.

You can also insure your vehicle at cheaper premium if you opt for limited distance driving or pleasure driving during the insured period.

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Business Finance and Corporate Value

The primary goal of business finance is to maximise corporate value while also reducing a firm’s financial risk. Whether you are starting a business, expanding it or investing in it to keep it competitive you are going to need finance help at some stage of your business venture. Funding is one of the main keys to success in business and without the correct form and the right amount your venture is most likely to fail.

You may need to cover day-to-day expenses or you might need to cover the cost of new equipment. There are a lot of aspects within your company that will cost and that will need to be covered by funding; the rent or mortgage on your premises, all of the equipment that you will need to get your business going, all of your bills for the first few months and all of your staff wages. The finance that you gain will be used to pretty much run your company for the first few months of it being in existence, which is why it is so important that you get the right amount of finance to ensure you can run your venture.

When you are looking and seeking out your funding there are many avenues that are open to you such as the following:

o Loans

o Overdrafts

o Credit cards

o Family and friends

o Government grants

o Business angels

o Venture capitalists

When you are choosing and applying for your finance it is important that you keep the people who matter in the know and that you ensure you recognise the needs of people involved in your business, for example banks and the Inland Revenue, if you keep people informed they are more likely to be sympathetic to your needs. You should also aim to raise more cash than you need that way you can rest assure that all of your business expenses will be taken care of as the last thing you want to be doing is going back to your money lender and asking for more money.

If you are about to approach an avenue for capital, stop! Do you have your business plan? Your plan is a written statement of intent, it details everything that you want from your business and how you intend on achieving it. One of the sections within your plan will detail your financial forecast. It will describe all of your financial outgoings and how you intend on funding your business, which will include how much capital you are hoping to gain from which ever financial avenue you approach. Your business plan will demonstrate what you require your finance for. It will show why you need the amount that you do and how you intend to spend it. If your finance is coming from aspects such as a bank loan, which will need to be paid back, your business plan will describe how it will be repaid.

Business finance is what will make or break your business so it is essential that you get it right first time.

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What Is A Business Plan?

What is a Business Plan?

This is a description or statement that shows a business’ goals and objectives, including a description of the company’s background, its owners or managers and any potential challenges the business may face in achieving those business goals and objectives.

Now, a business plan acts as a guide. A lot of entrepreneurs have their business plans prepared to present to a potential lender, such as a bank, venture capital firm or otherwise. When you have one prepared, it must be able to help convince the lender “why” should they invest in your company. It must show a clear indication to the potential investor, if your business is worth investing in.

There is the popular notion that this type of plan is used only when you are starting a new company. This is not true. Many existing companies may require one if the company wishes to expand, and so, they may need a business plan at that stage to seek investors. The company might be thinking about expanding into new markets, or engage in new product development for example.

If you think that you don’t need investors for your start-up company or existing company, and you have sufficient capital, planning your business is still important to do, and in this case, it can be used as a gauge for you to monitor how far or how near you are in achieving your business goals.

Part of the plan may include a company’s projected financials. This is a crucial section that you must take into consideration. It helps you to answer the main question of “How much in sales do you propose to make monthly? What are your proposed expenses? Who are your competitors in the market or industry?” etc. When your company starts its operations, monitor your sales monthly or even weekly to track your progress. Compare your actual sales to your projected sales in your business plan. Are you breaking even, meeting or even superseding on your sales targets? Are you behind? A business plan can help you to check to see if you are drifting from your proposed targets, so that you can make the necessary changes.

There are many articles, books and templates on business plans. There are a wide variety for you to choose from to suit your company and industry. If you are unsure about preparing one, a business consultant can assist you in that regard. So, get started and happy business planning!

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