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Personal investments can take many forms. Depending on the income of the investor, his appetite for risk, the expenses that he is responsible for and the rate of return that he expects, his investment portfolio will contain different instruments of financial saving. In general some common investment opportunities include real estate, shares and bonds, gold in physical form or tradable bonds, and mutual funds with a systematic investment plan or SIP. Of late people have begun venturing in to the field of commodity trading as a retail investment as well.

What does Commodity Trading involve?

Commodities in the field of Commodity Trading refer to food, energy or metal products which are an important aspect of industrial production. These key commodities are important for development and thus people invest in them using different options. The first is a Futures Contract wherein an investor agrees to buy or sell a specific commodity at a given price in the future at an agreed date. Futures contracts can be drawn up for commodities such as crude oil, natural gas, gold, silver, and even agricultural produce such as wheat, corn and rice.

The trouble with a Futures Contract is that it is very high risk and also rather expensive for a single retail investor. This is where commodity trading companies can help. As a retail investor you open up an account with a commodity pool operator and this person or partnership invests the money collected from individual investors in futures contracts and options. They keep you updated with account statements and annual reports. You ride out the contract with the partnership and split the profits or losses as generated.

Other Instruments to Invest in Commodities

While some investors are happy allowing an expert to handle their daily buying and selling, others wish for a more hands on approach. In this case stock options are a good investment plan. Commodity stocks are easier to buy than futures contracts. They also employ the broker pattern, so if you are already using a broker for company stocks, you will find it easier to add on a broker for commodity stocks. You can also hold on to them or sell them at will based on what changes you see in the market as you track them. Needless to say this option offers you greater control over your investment.

If monitoring commodity stocks on a daily basis is an activity that you would rather not do, you can consider investing in Commodity Exchange Traded Funds. These track the price of a single commodity and use an index of futures contracts. So while you are not directly investing in a futures contract you can still get the benefits associated with investing in one. Not all commodities have Exchange Traded Funds associated with them, so your investment options in commodities via this instrument will be somewhat limited.

You can also invest in mutual funds as an indirect means of commodity trading by investing in a mutual fund that invests in the stocks of companies that are involved in commodity trading. This will allow you to be recipient of the trickledown effect in the profits generated and will also guard you against sharp losses. All in all commodity trading is an investment worth considering in your portfolio.

When the main area of interest is associated with litigation funding, then there are various issues associated, which lawyers are still struggling. To minimize the problems, associated with contingency fees, the jurisdiction level has made a new law where the borrower or the client has to pay the money to a lawyer, appointed by him. In maximum instances, the loyalty is owned to someone from whom the money has been borrowed. On the other hand, the risk factor of the lawyer is mostly related with the contract made by clients. When the main area of interest is related with lawsuit lawyers, then he holds the major power to decide whether to take advantage of litigation cost or not, if it is not worth it.

Previous cases are not same

In former times, it can be seen that lawyers used to charge a particular fee to their clients, who are associated with lawsuit cases. The client can either pay the amount entirely or can wait for the monthly fees scheme. However, this practice kept on changing, after checking the profitable level of the attorneys. On the other hand, during previous cases, the payment created confusion between the attorney and his clients. It is an inevitable truth that the lawyer needs to be paid his exact fees, no matter what is the outcome of any lawsuit case. Even if a person loses the settlement case, still he is liable to pay a stipulated amount to the attorney. Moreover, in other cases the lawyers can even charge for an hourly rate, as per his sweet will.

Focusing more towards litigation fees

It has been found out that the litigation fees have already shifted the risk and cost factor associated with litigation services. In this respect, the lawyers just need to bear the risk associated with financing cost, which will be higher than the estimated amount. In this respect, the lawyers can work on the golden opportunity to keep the incentive for lower costing level. On the other hand, it has also been found out that the lawyer’s incentives can be aligned with the notification of the clients. This is the result due to share in the field of increased recovery financial services, which come with extra investment policies.

Other measures to have taken

There is another measure, which mingle the relationship between lawsuit funding and attorneys. When the cost shifting procedure is revolving around the client and lawyers, then the clients can easily take help of third party, to bear the financial services on someone else. This case might involve the workings of insurance companies; where else the corporations are going to pay for the employees and their officers. On the other hand, parents can also take an active part in this segment, by focusing more towards payment for their children or spouse.

No ethical problems arises

There are different kinds of lawsuit funding solutions, which are provided to the interested candidates and other lawyers, associated with the lawsuit funding field. However, it has also been found out that there is no moral problem associated if the lawyers look for new funding forms, for defending case. Moreover, it has also been found out that, from recent times, lawyers were given the liability to take help from banks for running their cases. They can even take help of non-recourse funding option, which is another significant part to lay focus.

Choosing the right lender

In case of banks fail to help the attorney with financial support, they can easily take help of lawsuit lenders. However, it is the duty of an individual to check the background of the lenders before opting for attorney lawsuit lending services.

John Sigmon is a world class name with special emphasize of various forms of lawsuit funding solutions. He is also known for offering monetary services to various lawsuit attorneys, related with alternative litigation funding areas.

Effective marketing is vital to improving your brand image and generating business, but it’s also important that this is done efficiently. Marketing should balance cost with efficacy in a way that most benefits your business and is most relevant to your market. Here are a few basic elements that will help ensure your business is being marketed efficiently and keeping wasted money to a minimum.

Do Your Market Research

Conducting thorough market research is vital to a successful and efficient marketing strategy. You must determine your target market and assess their wants and needs in a way that will help you appeal to them directly. Your market research will also allow you to determine the best platforms on which to deliver your content, and ascertain the “when and where” that will give you the best bang for your marketing buck.

Target Effectively

Once you have pin-pointed your target market you can build your marketing strategy around them. You need to market directly to your target demographic based on how best to reach them and what appeals to them most. If you can tailor your strategy around this target market you’ll be marketing more efficiently.

Avoid Wasted Reach

By keeping your sights on your target market you’ll be helping to avoid wasted reach as well. With thorough market research you’ll be able to avoid putting money into any advertising that will reach people outside of your target market – wasted reach equates directly to wasted money and inefficient marketing.

Deliver a Compelling Message

In order to appeal to your target market, you must catch their attention and leave an impression with a compelling message that’s relevant to them and their needs/desires. This message should be memorable and simple, and contribute positively to your brand image. A truly compelling message should be able to influence audience behaviour and build customer relationships with the brand.

Build Customer Relationships

Use your marketing to promote interaction between the brand and your customers in a way that will build lasting brand relationships and promote trust. Market yourself in a way that creates a positive brand image for the customer to relate with or desire. Deliver meaningful content and make yourself memorable. Social media marketing and content marketing are at the forefront of this customer relationship-based approach.

Track Your Goals and Measure Effectiveness

Your marketing strategy should include goals and milestones to be reached in order to track the effectiveness and efficiency of your approach. Track your progress toward these goals and constantly monitor the market to gauge the effectiveness of your marketing. If you’re not reaching these goals, it’s vital to re-asses your approach and modify if to get back on track. The failure to reach goals means your approach may be wasting money and this could even harm your brand.

The best way to value for your marketing dollars is to enlist the help of a marketing professional who will stay on top of market trends and advertising approaches in a way that’s relevant to the ever-changing marketing environment. Market Smartly, for example, can help with anything from planning to execution to training to support. Having professionals behind you will help keep your strategy efficient and on track to its goals.

With the right planning and attentive execution, you can turn marketing dollars into solid profits.

Business loans are leverage to help your company grow. You can expand in ways otherwise not possible. Business lines of credit improve your cash flow to meet expenses and pounce on opportunities. Meanwhile, equipment financing boosts productivity to meet customer demand.

There are common questions to ask before applying for any business loan. Your chances of approval and ROI will improve with a basic checklist. Being realistic and organized also saves time, which is your most precious asset.
Here is a business loan checklist to consider:

Have Documentation Ready:

Organizing your financials is important for loans or otherwise. A periodic review of your statements gives insight to make informed decisions.

Assume that business lenders will ask for the following:

• Previous 2 years of Business and Personal Tax Returns
• 6 months of Bank Statements
• Current Income Statement
• Balance Sheet
• Business and Personal Credit Checks

Best Practice: Ask upfront what paperwork is needed. Providing excess paperwork can slow turnarounds and raise questions. However, having docs ready often has the opposite effect.

Connection between loan and financial review: A restaurant may notice that capital equipment no longer has useful life, in accounting terms. The loss of a write-off (depreciation expense) plus the need to make more food may show the need for equipment loans.

Similarly, youmay notice that a single company accounts for most of A/R. To improve cash flow, you may apply for a business line of credit and renegotiate terms with the client.

Understand the Lending Criteria Upfront:

You can spare time, fees and frustration by knowing what is needed to qualify.At minimum, get a sense of how likely it is your loan will be approved. If you’re a startup and 2 years of business tax returns are required, simply ask about alternatives. A good loan officer will refer you to other lenders who can help.

Be Realistic and Know Your Strengths:

What makes your business a strong loan candidate? Think in tangible terms of what can be documented and proved.
How profitable is your company? Banks like lending money to leverage as growth, rather than last ditch efforts to stay afloat. Businesses have different strengths. A manufacturer may have collateral in terms of equipment, or you may have stellar personal credit to get a business loan.

Know Your Alternatives:

As small business lending expands, loan options for those with challenged credit or unique needs has become more available.

If you were denied, determine the reasons for this. Was it lack of business credit? Your industry? (Bars or nightclubs can be difficult to finance) Not enough business history or income? You can find suitable alternatives based on the answers.

Alternatives:

Business Credit Cards: A business credit card is often easier to qualify for than a LOC. The credit limit is likely smaller, but you establish business credit history for future line of credit needs. Your strong personal credit may qualify for a business credit card. The card will be under your business Tax ID, but backed by a personal guaranty.

Equipment Loans: Capital equipment loans reduce concerns over collateral, which makes qualifying easier. Restaurants, manufacturers and offices may all turn to equipment financing.

Business Cash Advances:An alternative if you don’t qualify for lines of credit or credit cards.

Industry Specific Financing: Lenders who specialize in specific industries may offer options. Bar and Nightclub loans or medical financing are examples.

Best Practice: Ask if there are prepayment penalties, in case the loan is no longer needed or refinancing options become available. It is important to understand fees, interest rates and terms for all loans.

Whether you are importing goods from China or buying an overseas property, you will want to know that you got the cheapest money transfer deal. You may have already planned popping into your own bank to arrange the necessary transfers, but did you know that they won’t offer you the best deal?

The truth is that high street banks are one of the most expensive ways to arrange a money transfer. It’s a much better idea to use a specialist foreign exchange company. They will have access to a higher rate than your bank and can also give you advice on the best way to transfer your money. Let’s take a look at those facts in more detail.

1. Expensive Bank Rates

By using a foreign money transfer service you could make typical savings of 5% compared to transferring the same amount with your own bank. That’s because a specialist money service has access to exchange rates that are very close to the Interbank rate – this is the rate that the banks use to lend money to each other. When you use a foreign money transfer service you get access to live rates and not the static rates that the banks set each morning. As a first step, compare exchange rates online so you can be sure of getting the best deal when you transfer your money overseas, especially when moving around large sums of money.

2. Benefits Of Using a Foreign Exchange Specialist

Not only will you get access to the best rates when you call a non-bank foreign exchange company. You will also get access to the best service and advice. Because exchange services focus on one specific aspect of finance, they have an excellent grasp of what is happening in the currency market and will aim to get you the most beneficial deal on your transfer.

3. Smart Forward Thinking With a Forward Contract

If you know you are going to be transferring regular sums of money overseas, it makes sense to consider a forward contract. Worrying about fluctuating exchange rates can keep you up at night when you are transferring large sums, but with a forward contract, your rate is set in stone for a set period of time – that period is usually 12 months. During this time you can enjoy that exchange rate and the extra money it can give you compared with the current exchange rate if there are adverse currency fluctuations.

4. Shop Around Online For The Best Transfer Deals

It really does pay to shop around for most things online and money transfer deals are no exception. The good news is that you could find the best deal for your situation and currency in moments when you use an online comparison site. Don’t always assume that the first deal you find is the best deal even if it is listed at the top of your Google search results. When you are transferring hefty sums of money around it pays to spend a few minutes, or indeed hours, researching the most beneficial rate.

5. Make Sure Your Currency Company Is FCA Accredited and Regulated

Of course, you need to be sure that any money transfer company you use is legitimate and authorised to be carrying out such transactions. Any UK payment services company that is transferring money and which is not regulated by the FCA is breaking the law. These regulations provide customers with a high level of protection and therefore it pays to look for an authorised company.