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Staying financially secure before the wedding

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Image source: moneyunder30.com  It’s good to see that couples are tying the knot even with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing. Though wedding plans for countless couples have changed drastically, they’ve still found a way to make the most out of their big day. Here are some useful financial tips for couples about to walk down the aisle in 2021. Steve Sorensen Embezzlement . Deposit cash gifts. At almost every wedding, newlyweds are given cash gifts by family and loved ones to celebrate the milestone. Often, couples end up with a huge amount of money. Financial experts recommend using a large percentage of this to pay off any existing debt between the couple. Steve Sorensen Embezzlement . Decide to go for investments together. Image source: soundmindinvesting.com Even before the wedding, couples can already plan to set specific investment goals and the actions necessary to achieve them. Many financial consultants have advised couples about to tie the knot to...

Swindler’s list: History's biggest swindlers

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The allure of wealth and financial freedom has always been the goal of most people since the dawn of currency. Today, people can accrue money by working, but most people don’t earn enough to get rich, or at least to become rich enough not to worry about their finances. This is why there are swindlers who employ financial scams. People who are always looking for ways to earn money in the easiest and quickest way possible are prime targets for swindlers, and history has several big names to use as examples. Here are some of the biggest swindlers in the country. Steve Sorensen Embezzlement. Charles Ponzi Charles Ponzi is the father of the Ponzi scheme. What started as a legitimate business ended up as the foundation of the pyramid scheme. Basically, he used money from new investors to pay his old investors who end up re-investing on his business. At the height of his career, Ponzi was earning one million dollars per day. Steve Sorensen Embezzlement . Lou Pearlman Lou Pearl...

How much did Amazon grow in 2020?

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Image source: markets.businessinsider.com It comes as no surprise that among global businesses, Amazon would be on top this year despite having one of the worst economic year in decades. Because of the outbreak of COVID-19, most companies had to deal with losses. But for an e-commerce giant like Amazon, the situation would only highlight their strength in logistics during this opportunity. Here is how Amazon grew as a business in 2020. Steve Sorensen Embezzlement. As a publicly traded entity, Amazon gained trust for its logistics capability and it skyrocketed since, for many, it replaced retail shopping altogether. And with that in mind, people invested more on their stocks and offerings. One could even say that the recent debacle with the US Postal Service also gave way for Amazon to secure more businesses as partners and customers. Steve Sorensen Embezzlement. Image source: ft.com We mentioned that Amazon’s e-commerce space replaced retail shopping. Because of the outbreak...

Financial security: Making sure the first paychecks don’t go to waste

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Image source: entrepreneur.com The first paycheck is always a source of pride and joy for new employees as well as new business owners. Usually, employees treat the people they love to a simple celebratory meal. For business owners, they normally have that first check framed. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . What people should be doing with the next paychecks, however, need to be planned out well. Financial experts and consultants explain that this is the time people develop the most important money-saving habits. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . For employees Image source: blackenterprise.com Employees should start investing in an insurance plan as soon as possible – but not blindly. They should learn the policies and coverages, and calculate how much of their monthly paycheck can be used to pay for the plan. This is important since the younger a person is, the cheaper the insurance premiums will be. If the employee can afford it, he or she can look for other investment...

Important points to remember after being victimized by fraud

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Image source: pymnts.com  Fraud can lead to several problems for the victim, all of which being potentially disastrous. From identity to credit card fraud, people need to know what to do when they find themselves targets and victims. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Credit card fraud happens when a perpetrator gains access to a person’s sensitive information on their credit card and uses the account to make purchases without the card owner knowing. People become vulnerable to credit card fraud when they lose their credit cards or have it stolen, or a hacker gains info such as account numbers and PINs. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Image source: pensco.com For this type of fraud, which is quite hard to track, card owners are taken by surprise when they see their monthly statements, conduct bank transactions, or get notified of purchases that are “out of the ordinary.” Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Once a person realized that they are a victim of credit card fraud, th...

Practical tips to prevent overspending while sheltering at home

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Steve Sorensen Embezzlement. The coronavirus pandemic has greatly affected the economy. Millions of people have lost their jobs and others are earning less than the usual. Even with assistance from the government, financial security should still be prioritized. Despite the lifting of stay-at-home orders, many are choosing to remain indoors to keep their families safe. Here are some practical tips that will help prevent overspending while sheltering at home. Have a budget Steve Sorensen Embezzlement. With the limited resources available to some, it's important to rethink one's purchases. Having a budget can keep the household in check regarding their expenditures. Aside from the day-to-day consumables, there are also bills to pay. For those who live with family, sitting down with other members to discuss the budget might help with getting only the necessities without draining the funds or getting into debt. Prioritize savings Most people who are working fro...

On managing credit score during a crisis

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Image source: pexels.com For many individuals around the world, paying bills has become more difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic started, many businesses have closed or stopped their operations, leaving many employees fending for themselves. In a financial crisis such as this, one should be mindful of their credit score. Steve Sorensen Embezzlement Income reduction and job loss could mean missed payments. Make it a point to reach out to creditors before missing a payment. Creditors may have provisions in place to help debtors navigate through an economic downturn. Immediately reevaluate the cash flow to know where to make cuts in expenses. Look for any bleeders. And, if possible, get rid of them quickly. These may incur charges without one’s knowledge and may increase their debt. Steve Sorensen Embezzlement . Image source: pexels.com A person’s top priority should be their basic needs. Market experts believe that worrying about credit...

Five tips to become a frugal house buyer

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Image source: forbes.com Even during a pandemic, the real estate industry is not taking a break. Many home buyers this year have spent years to save up for their dream home, and are not being hindered by COVID-19. The thing about buying a home during a crisis is that the price tag can work to one’s advantage. The first step to being a frugal home buyer is to review home prices . This will help a future homebuyer determine how much money needs to be saved for purchasing a house . Pricing is not the same for every state. Consider location when searching for house prices online. Having ballpark figures can lead one to save better and more aggressively. Steve Sorensen Embezzlement . Image source: 7thlvl.com Now, it time’s for practical tips to saving money. Split your paycheck in different accounts . This principle is the same as having an automated savings account. Having two accounts for the paycheck, with one of them rarely used, prevents one from spending the...

Seven tips to help you generate more income amidst COVID-19

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Image source: fool.com Many employees lost their jobs or have their work on hold due to the global health crisis that is COVID-19. With majority of the industries working from home, there is an opportunity to make more money from online gigs. Online tutoring has been quite a stable industry for many years. Now that more students are using computers for learning, tutoring sites have job openings for those who are interested in teaching kids. Market your career expertise . Digital marketers, writers, and editors can sell their expertise on LinkedIn and other network building platforms. During these times, people are inclined to learn new skills and are willing to pay huge money to experts who can share their best practices. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Image source: nursebuff.com Take online surveys . Brands and research groups are looking for individuals who can share their opinions on topics and are willing to spend a few minutes answering surveys. It’s not a h...

Getting married: Here are a few things to consider when it comes to finances

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Image source: huffingtonpost.com Every year, thousands of people tie the knot. And every year, thousands of couples separate and eventually go through a divorce because of money problems. Steve Sorensen embezzlement. While so many well-meaning people mention that money should be the least of a married couple’s concerns, it is indeed the opposite. A couple’s finances have to be well planned out even before they get married. Here is a quick review of financial tips for people planning to take that next step in their relationship. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Take the time to talk about finances. When planning for a wedding, couples should have several important discussions about several important things in their lives that both parties should be aware of. One of these things is money. If both people can come up with lists of what they own and owe, that could go a long way in the planning. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Decide who pays what. Armed with the knowledg...

Six effective ways to get better at tracking expenses

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Image source: ramseysolutions.net Many people struggle in the area of finances. Instead of saving up for their future, their present eat up all their money, leaving them in debt in the years to come. Having access to unlimited financial advice should merit one a few tips on how to be financially secure. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Tracking expenses is one way of being financially independent. When spending is tracked, one’s savings can grow much faster. Get a budget app to get things started. Religiously log every expense. Many apps are available on the App Store and Play Store, with different tracking options. Categorize expense . This would give one a clear idea of where their money goes. When this is done, a person can know where to lessen spending and where to allocate more. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Image source: io.wp.com Track spending throughout the day . It may seem like a lot of work, but it can become a habit. At the end of the day, one ca...

What to do after being victimized by scammers

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Image source: NPR.org         It’s an incredibly unfortunate reality in today’s world that there are con artists and scammers who instead of trying their best to become productive members of society, seek to one-up hard-working employees through illegal get-rich-quick schemes and other blatant scams. Almost everyone knows someone who has been a victim of a scam and who has lost a considerable amount of money in the process. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . On that note, here are some of the steps one must take after being victimized by scammers. 1. Call the nearest consumer protection office. Professionals employed by consumer protection offices not only investigate and prosecute scammers, but they also provide helpful information regarding the current scams active in the community. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . 2. Notify other non-government agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and Fraud.org. These non-government organizations are also ...

Top reasons why people get into debt

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Image source: Pexels.com Steve Sorensen Embezzlement. Getting into debt seems to be a regular thing for adults. However, it's possible to be debt-free and financially stable. With the right discipline when it comes to saving and spending, a person can be a better steward of their finances. But before coming up with financial goals, it's best to know the top reasons why adults get into debt. Overspending Steve Sorensen Embezzlement . This financial habit is common, especially among young adults who are enjoying their hard-earned money from their first job. Sadly, however, this can become a habit. Even with higher salaries and benefits, a person can still overspend especially when they're paying with credit cards. To prevent debt from increasing, one must have a budget and a payment plan that will keep their payables from piling up. Image source: Pexels.com High interest rates from credit card bills Steve Sorensen Embezzlement . Even when a person pa...

Saving for the future with the present in mind

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Image source: ybs.co.uk When saving for the future, it’s a common idea that the present would look bleak and boring for many people. They may have to skip a few parties, a lot of out of town trips, and would have to be content with home-cooked meals for office lunches. While this may be true, one’s present can still be colorful even when saving for the years to come. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Formulating a budget and strictly following it can give one a good financial perspective. When a person lives beyond their means, they are giving themselves a bad financial setup for the future. It’s important to create a significant gap between income and spending. Steer clear from lifestyle inflation . Getting a salary raise is great. However, if there is no need to add items to the budget, don’t. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Image source: money.com Put the raise directly to the savings account, especially when it’s unexpected. This will ensure a wider gap between...

Smart business: Spotting fraudulent practices

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Image source: Pixabay.com       Fraudulent business transactions have always been one of the most common complaints of business owners and consumers alike. Since there are countless ways people can commit fraud, everyone should know how to spot these practices. Below are some red flags that may very well lead to fraud. Steve Sorensen . Messages with error-filled content : A common characteristic of emails and text messages from scammers is erroneous content in terms of grammar and spelling. Misspelled words, wrong punctuation, and inconsistent capitalization are definite red flags. Image source: Pixabay.com  Messages with overly dramatic calls to action : Fraudulent messages also contain calls to action that elicit strong emotions. Some messages include phrases such as “Very important” or “Urgent help needed ASAP.” Steve Sorensen . Employment fees : Most of the time, when a company asks applicants for payment to get a certain job, it s...

Common online business scams

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Popular internet scams -- Steve Sorensen embezzlement It’s no secret that the internet is riddled with tons of schemes aimed at getting people’s money. Scammers online often masquerade as legitimate businesses, making it hard to discern unless one really studies offers closely. And more and more of them are appearing in our email inboxes and on our social media pages. This blog will look at some of the most prevalent online scams and explain how you can better protect yourself and your business. Steve Sorensen embezzlement. The Nigerian letters scam Most people know of this by now, but it continues to be prevalent. A person will receive an email from a certain individual from the African country, explaining a huge inheritance and asking for your money to have it registered. This embezzlement will gradually escalate to various fake needs like a visa application, travel expenses, and so on until the sender finally vanishes with their “investment.” Steve Sorensen embezzlement . Ma...

What young business leaders can learn from the biggest M&A busts of all time

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Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are major processes in business as a whole. As such, many young entrepreneurs and financial consultants may very well do best to read up on these processes since they may be a great source of learning. Steve Sorensen embezzlement . One of the more interesting topics in M&A comes from the biggest failures of all-time. These busts are so big that the fallouts themselves have an even bigger effect on industries that the M&As. Take, for instance, the Vodafone and Mannesmann M&A, which was marred by all sorts of problems, from wrong expectations to rushed decisions. With all the hype surrounding this merger, it was easy to predict that a number of steps in the process may have been hastily dealt with. Steve Sorensen Embezzlement Many financial experts agree that the combined net worth of the merger blinded many of the higher-ups from both companies, giving them the mistaken belief that money ensures a successful merger. It doesn’t, and it...

Greatest Ponzi schemes that fooled millions

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Ponzi scams Steve Sorensen Ponzi scams have a lot of mechanics in common, but the most telling sign is the high returns in a small amount of time. Over the decades, there have been thousands of shady deals that have fooled millions of people out of their hard-earned money. Perhaps the promise of easy money was too good to pass. Besides financial literacy, people should really understand how investment works. If not, they could easily fall for a many number of scams circulating in the US. To help understand these scams better, here are some of the minds behind greatest Ponzi schemes ever pulled off. Steve Sorensen.   Scott Rosthstein Rothstein embezzled over $1.2 billion by attracting thousands of investors. Once a respected lawyer from Florida, Rothstein is currently serving a 50-year sentence for his crimes. His scam lasted for years which enabled him to live an ultra-lavish lifestyle. Steve Sorensen Allen Stanford The tale of Allen Stanford is a comical story where an or...

When to seek the aid of a financial counselor?

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Professional advice -- Steve Sorensen It would be ideal to have a setup in which everyone has their own financial counselor or advisor, checking in every now and then for any big purchasing or investment decision. Yet in a more realistic setting, having a financial advisor can be quite costly, with some charging a fee equal to one’s invested assets because, well, they have a make a living from the expertise they provide. A careful analysis -- Steve Sorensen Therefore, a careful and thorough cost/benefit analysis is essential before deciding on hiring a financial counselor, considering the costs and what we expect in return. Keep in mind that there are reasons that should get one going down this road, including a lack of a financial roadmap. A financial advisor can get one back on the right track after they feel that they’ve lost their sense of financial direction. Third-party help -- Steve Sorensen Another reason for getting a financial counselor is one’s general disposition....

Tips for boosting your business’ social media presence

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There are plenty of ways to strategize your social media presence. But by being wise about it and using the existing platforms properly, you will reap the many benefits of social media marketing. Hereunder are some tried-and-tested social media approaches you can harness for your business, courtesy of CPA and finance expert Steve Sorensen. Image source: hiveage.com First off, give clear instructions on call-to-action posts. Make sure that you mention the exact action you’d like your audience to take for your posts. The idea is that good content should not just be liked, but shared, retweeted, and commented on. Image source: sproutsocial.com Of course, this entails creating a conversation. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter allow you to connect one-on-one with your customers. Therefore, make full use of direct messaging, mentions, and comments to spark a dialogue. Focus on what your audience are talking about and what they value the most. Update your pages reg...