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  • Discover More about Internet-Based Trading

    Discover More about Internet-Based Trading

    Discover More about Internet-Based Trading

    Online trading involves the purchasing or selling of financial products leveraging an online platform such as iFOREX. iFOREX, which must be downloaded and installed onto your computer, allows for seamless trading operations.

    To participate in trading activities, it’s required to set up an account. The iFOREX platform’s ease of use has earned it a reputation as a trusted trading platform.

    As a broker, iFOREX delivers an array of financial products including Forex, Commodities, and Shares. While trading shares and buying or selling commodities are common practices, Forex trading has been gaining considerable traction in recent years.

    Benefits of Implementing the iFOREX Strategy

    A major advantage of using iFOREX is the ability to conduct trades without ever having to leave your home. This platform efficiently mirrors real-life Forex trading scenarios. Traditionally, trading required a physical presence at venues like banks or post offices, but with an online platform like iFOREX, you can conduct transactions from the comfort of your home using a computer or mobile device.

    Online trading platforms also provide rapid, convenient trading experiences. Trading currencies like the US Dollar or Euro, market shares, and commodities like oil or gold has never been easier or more accessible.

    Moreover, you don’t need to be an expert trader to start online trading. Launching a trade is as simple as selecting a product, setting an amount, and choosing your desired direction, closing whenever you see fit, usually best done when your trade is profitable.

    With iFOREX, you can benefit from commission-free trading, ensuring transparency with no hidden charges. Absence of data licenses and hefty exchange fees is another perk of this trading platform.

    iFOREX also allows leveraged trading of up to 400:1. This empowers you to amplify your buying potential and subsequently boost your profit. It breaks the mould of conventional trading where small investments yield small returns.

    These benefits are tempting for many, drawing an increasing number of people towards online trading. If you’re considering adopting this trading platform, it’s essential to educate yourself on other key aspects of the online trading industry. One notable point is that taking risks is inherent to achieving success in trading, but the good news is that you can never lose more than what you invest. Thus, it works in your favor: big wins when you prosper, and no losses exceeding your investment when you don’t.

  • Why a CFD Trading App is the Ideal Choice

    Why a CFD Trading App is the Ideal Choice

    Why a CFD Trading App is the Ideal Choice

    CFD trading is rapidly becoming the go-to strategy for many investors worldwide. Whether it’s day trading in the US or Europe, the low costs associated with CFD trading make it a preferred choice for active traders. It has also simplified the process of dealing with stock markets and cryptocurrencies, thanks to the convenience offered by CFD trading apps for both IOS and Android phones.

    Wondering what a CFD is? It’s a contract between two or more parties to settle the difference in price from when the contract was opened to when it was closed. Essentially, it’s a method of price speculation that doesn’t require actually owning the underlying asset.

    When using a broker to trade CFDs, know that you’re not buying and owning the asset, rather you’re simply betting on price fluctuations. For streamlined CFD trading, consider using a platform like capital.com, which features a dedicated CFD trading app for Android and IOS devices.

    Here are some unique features you’ll find on this CFD trading app:

    Tailored Content
    For seasoned traders, diverse and robust content is crucial for making informed investment decisions. The capital.com app provides top-notch financial content orgating to your experience level and needs. Plus, you get updated trading and investment news.

    AI Integration
    The Capital.com trading app leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance trading practices. It can identify cognitive biases that may affect your investment decisions. For example, if you often succumb to specific behavioural biases, the app will pinpoint them and give you bespoke content designed to sharpen your trading skills.

    Up-to-Date Market Data
    Looking for real-time updates on market data? The Capital.com app gives you access to the most accurate, up-to-the-minute stats on all major global markets, be it stocks or cryptocurrency.

    Rapid Withdrawals
    Choose an app that gives you quick access to your returns. Capital.com ensures your money reaches your bank account in less than 24 hours.

    Multiple Payment Options
    The app allows you a variety of payment methods, including credit card, debit card, Skrill, bank wire transfer, and Neteller.

    Easy Account Access
    It’s even more convenient to access your CFD account via the app. You can check real-time prices, make deposits, and manage your account quickly.

    Take Control of Your Trades
    You no longer need a computer to keep track of your trades. After placing your trades and setting some limits, your earnings will fluctuate with the market price. You can watch the market changes in real time via the app and also add or close new trades.

    Here are some pointers for trading CFDs with an app if you’re starting out:

    Pick Your Markets
    You can choose from a range of markets such as bonds, digital currencies, and even interest rates. Choose a market you are familiar with to best respond to market changes.

    Buy & Sell
    CFD trading involves buying and selling based on the value of an underlying asset. If you speculate that the value will increase, buy. If you expect the value to decrease, sell. The CFD trading app seamlessly facilitates these procedures.

  • Is Google Photo Storage not only Free, but also Secure?

    Is Google Photo Storage not only Free, but also Secure?

    Is Google Photo Storage not only Free, but also Secure?

    Google Photos, a novel service from Google, was recently launched as a free platform for storing and sharing pictures. Though it doesn’t require any payment, its security level might not meet all user expectations.
    With this app, once you upload pictures, they’ve saved across all your mobile gadgets. In contrast to its predecessor in Google+, Google Photos permits users to share images directly on Facebook and Twitter, not just on Google+.
    According to a representative from Google, the privacy and protection level in the app is identical to other Google services. “Unless you make a deliberate decision to share your data with others, we ensure it stays private,” she explained.
    To learn more, visit MARKET WATCH.
    Images supplied by: Yahoo

  • The Practice of Credit Checks During Job Hunting May Soon Be Outdated

    The Practice of Credit Checks During Job Hunting May Soon Be Outdated

    The Practice of Credit Checks During Job Hunting May Soon Be Outdated

    New York City recently enacted a new law, thought to be the most stringent in the nation, prohibiting credit checks for job applicants. This groundbreaking legislation was passed last Thursday with a resounding 47-3 vote. Brad Lander, who spearheaded the bill, argued that credit checks often act as a discriminatory tool, bearing no relation to an individual’s potential job performance. He said, “Millions of Americans despite having bad credit, can make exceptional employees. For them, gaining employment can be a crucial step towards mending their credit; making it difficult for them to find a job is plainly unjust”. Discover more about the banning of credit checks in New York City at CNN Money.
    Image provided by: Robert DUCOS

  • Present Suggestions for Your Mother-In-Law

    Present Suggestions for Your Mother-In-Law

    Present Suggestions for Your Mother-In-Law

    With the arrival of Christmas, every year I’m confronted with the daunting task of finding the perfect gift for my mother-in-law. The challenge stems not only from her propensity to purchase whatever she desires but also from her particular taste. Should she dislike the gift, I know the whispering begins – not overtly to me but to anyone else within earshot.

    Though it would seem logical for my husband to choose a gift for his mother, the reality is different. Post-marriage, gift selection responsibility generally resides with the wife. Moreover, if a gift from the husband doesn’t meet the mother-in-law’s expectations, it’s the wife who typically bears the blame, under the presumption of her failure to guide the process adequately.

    Attempting to creatively honor my mother-in-law thrice annually (Christmas, Birthday, and Mother’s Day), drains my pool of gift ideas quickly. I’ve compiled a list of successful gifts below to assist those facing a similar predicament:

    1. Framed Photo: It may sound cliché, but the importance lies in the quality of the frame. During my first Christmas as a newlywed, my husband and I presented a beautifully framed family portrait, including our fur kid, and it was a hit!

    2. Organized Family Photo Session: Tapping into the vein of ‘thoughtful and personalized,’ arranging a family photoshoot can be an excellent gift. Despite the challenges of coordinating schedules, I once brought all members of my husband’s immediate family together for a photo session.
    However, be warned; it’s not foolproof. My mother-in-law couldn’t book her hair appointment before the photoshoot and it caused an uproar.

    3. Grandchildren Photo Album: While we’re yet to start a family, creating an album of our future kids is an idea on my list.

    4. Luxury Household Items: On one occasion, I picked out high-end linen spray and laundry soap for her, as she takes immense pride in her home. She appreciated it.

    5. Engraved Kitchen Gadgets: If you have a mother-in-law who loves cooking like mine, personalized cookware can be a wonderful choice.

  • Preparing for Black Friday: Top 10 Actions to Take Immediately

    Preparing for Black Friday: Top 10 Actions to Take Immediately

    Preparing for Black Friday: Top 10 Actions to Take Immediately

    Despite Black Friday being three weeks away, various retailers have already started creating anticipation for the shopping event. Not too long ago, Sears announced that it will be opening its doors at 8:00 PM on Thanksgiving and will remain open for a continuous 26 hours. Meanwhile, Kohl’s is planning to unveil its Black Friday deals on Wednesday, Nov. 21, allowing shoppers to be ready when the doors swing open at midnight on Thanksgiving.

    Many shoppers are excitedly waiting for the Black Friday shopping spree, eager to secure the best deals of the season. However, it’s essential to remember that navigating Black Friday deals involves more than just enduring long queues. Some planning and preparatory work can place you ahead of fellow shoppers, even as you navigate these deals on a full stomach. Here are 10 steps towards a fail-safe shopping plan this Black Friday:

    1. Configure a fresh email account. This can help compartmentalize your Black Friday receipts, alerts, and other shopping-related notifications, ensuring your primary or work email remains clutter-free.

    2. Subscribe to retailer updates. Newsletters from your preferred stores often provide details about Black Friday schedules, unique deals, and other valuable information. It could also be beneficial to follow your favorite brands on social media for real-time updates and exclusive promo codes.

    3. Procure discounted gift cards. One of the most effective ways to maximize your savings is by using these gift cards to make Black Friday purchases. Websites like GiftCardGranny.com sell gift cards for less than their listed value to well-known stores like Kohl’s, Target, Macy’s, and more, allowing you to save over 10% on average.

    4. Liquidate some items. By selling unwanted items online or at consignment shops, you can bolster your holiday budget. For other ideas on extra income, refer to this article.

    5. Determine a feasible budget. After assessing your financial circumstances, including impending travel costs and holiday expenses, set a practical budget for gift shopping and align your product choices accordingly. Check these tips from the smart women at LearnVest, which includes a holiday budget calculator.

    6. Compose a list and research prices. After setting a budget, come up with your gift list, and allocate adequate time to price-check. Having an awareness of the products’ prices before Black Friday is a good defense against deceptive promotions.

    7. Prep your mobile device. Ensure you have the latest shopping-related apps for in-store savings opportunities. Download the Coupon Sherpa mobile app for immediate access to mobile coupons, which some retailers give in addition to Black Friday discounts. Maintain all your loyalty programs in one place with CardStar, and utilize the RedLaser price comparison app to ensure you get the best possible deals.

    8. Select an appropriate credit card. While credit cards aren’t suitable for everyone, if you are comfortable with them, it could be beneficial to inquire with your credit card company regarding any ongoing holiday promos. If your card does not offer additional rewards for holiday gift-buying, consider applying for a card that does. This way, you can accumulate points on planned purchases and exchange them for gift cards.

    9. Plan your Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re a serious Black Friday shopper, it’s likely you’ve noted the shift in store opening times on Thanksgiving. To avoid any misunderstandings with guests, let them know that Thanksgiving dinner will be served earlier so that family time is not compromised.

    10. Plan with family and friends. It’s never too early to sync up with your potential Black Friday partners. Not only does shopping in pairs or groups make it more enjoyable, but it also allows you to divide your shopping lists. Consider creating Facebook groups where people can find shopping pals and arrange shared travel.

  • “Three Characteristics of Current Accounts Beneficial for Your Startup”

    “Three Characteristics of Current Accounts Beneficial for Your Startup”

    Current accounts, predominantly used by businesses, are the most frequently seen type of bank account. They allow for your money to be promptly accessible, making it an excellent low-risk financial instrument when handled wisely.

    Understanding the significance of current accounts is essential due to their ability to facilitate quick transactions. It’s, therefore, crucial to familiarize yourself with what a current account is and its main characteristics.

    Differentiating Business from Personal Transactions Through Current Accounts

    Current accounts are banking products designed to store, retrieve, and monitor funds. They permit the account holder to track their financial assets, process payments, and register transactions. These accounts can be useful for dealing with payroll or business-related expenses, hence their strong association with business activities.

    However, savings accounts are more suited for personal financial transactions, like saving funds or paying bills. Both checking and savings accounts can be utilized to observe spending habits and measure progress towards financial objectives. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to establish a distinct business current account to effectively distinguish between personal and business transactions.

    Endless Transactions

    Various business current accounts often feature unlimited transactions, allowing account holders to execute countless transfers without incurring fees.

    Savings accounts, on the other hand, may have a set daily or monthly withdrawal limit, imposed by the bank. Breaching this limit could lead to unexpected charges. Therefore, the ability to perform limitless transactions is crucial for businesses, as it enables them to transfer money regularly, facilitating efficient operations.

    Overdraft Facility

    The overdraft feature permits the temporary withdrawal of funds exceeding the account balance. Nevertheless, businesses should bear in mind that banks will lend only up to a specified amount when using the overdraft facility.

    It’s crucial to remember that an overdraft doesn’t mean unlimited expenditure; it simply provides an additional borrowing allowance to support businesses. Excessive overuse could potentially take your balance into the negative, resulting in extra charges for unneeded transactions.

    Conclusion

    Managing a startup is a challenging venture. Establishing a current bank account for your startup streamlines the financial needs accompanying the venture and is, therefore, a smart move. Leveraging the benefits of current accounts can help you run your startup seamlessly.

  • Do Options Pose More Risk Than Stocks?

    Do Options Pose More Risk Than Stocks?

    Do Options Pose More Risk Than Stocks?

    Options trading carries greater risk compared to owning stocks. For instance, if purchasing Google stocks at $500/share isn’t within your budget, then it’s unlikely that buying Google options at $5,000 will be feasible for you either. This is due to the fact that options are bought in blocks of 100, meaning a single option priced at $50 equates to a $5,000 purchase for 100. Be wary of ostensibly cheap options for high-priced stocks, as the expiration date could be imminent. For example, I recently came across a $2.00 Google call option that expires in only 14 days. Should you not achieve profitability within this short timespan, your entire investment could be lost.

    Crucial Points to Consider
    Options trading is complex and is not recommended for beginners. Even experienced hedge fund managers have suffered significant losses from options trading. Brokerages legally cannot permit you to trade options until you’ve demonstrated that you’re an experienced investor with over a year of trading history.
    Many options traders do not profit. Software providers for options trading often entice customers with claims of 80% prediction accuracy. However, such claims are unrelated to the profits their clients might achieve. Options trading requires precise timing; even a day’s delay can result in substantial losses. To accurately asses the success of a trading strategy, you need to know the clients’ annualized gains over time – information companies typically do not disclose. According to statistics, less than 2% of options traders end up making money.
    Always thoroughly investigate track records. When presenting cumulative gains, many financial advisors and companies will quote total gains, which should be divided by the years to obtain an annualized return. For example, a cumulative gain of 50% over twenty years translates to a modest 2.5% annual return, which is hardly impressive compared to Treasury bills, which carry less risk.
    Options trading offers a limited window to secure return on investment. Once an option expires, you could potentially lose your entire investment if you haven’t managed to turn a profit, or be “in the money.”
    In conclusion, you’ll encounter a myriad of sales strategies promoting options as an easy pathway to wealth or a means of financial protection. When options are promoted to inexperienced investors, it’s usually the software provider and the salesman who are the true beneficiaries. Exercise caution when promised overnight riches from investments in gold, oil, gas, or futures in commodities such as corn, cotton or pork bellies.

  • Understanding the Functioning of Interest Rates

    Understanding the Functioning of Interest Rates

    Understanding the Functioning of Interest Rates

    Mortgage lenders often display their interest rates conspicuously, yet seldom do they elaborate on how these rates function. Let’s say you have a 30-year mortgage worth $200,000 at a 7.5 percent interest rate, resulting in an estimated monthly payment of around $1,400. But where does this 7.5 percent interest rate come from? Simply put, it’s the monthly interest derived from dividing the annual rate. Thus, we’ll delve into aspects related to mortgage interest rates to better understand their workings.

    Explaining Interest Rate Calculation:

    Mortgage interest rates are computed monthly. To obtain the monthly rate, the annual rate is divided by 12 months. Using our example, 7.5 divided by 12 equals a monthly rate of 0.625 percent, which represents the percentage of your principal balance that you must pay each month. For the first month, on a principal balance of $200,000, the ensuing payment, considering the 0.625% rate, amounts to $1,250. On top of this, you pay a portion towards the principal. With each subsequent month, as the principal shrinks, the interest payment does too.

    Appreciating the Interest Rate Formula:

    Banks deploy a ‘amortization formula’, which creates a fixed payment schedule. In our case, the total amount payable monthly is $1,398.43, divided into $1,250 as interest and $148.43 as principal. By month two, the principal drops to $199,851.57; it’s multiplied by the 0.625 percent, amassing an interest charge of $1,249.07. A principal of $149.36 is then paid, keeping the total payment consistent at $1,398.43 each month. Gradually, the interest decreases and the principal repayment increases, maintaining the uniformity of the monthly premium.

    Understanding the Different types of Interest Rates:

    This computation provides insights into how fixed-rate mortgages operate. Likewise, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) functions similarly, but the interest rates fluctuate with market changes. Consequently, if an ARM’s monthly interest rates rise or fall, these variations are calculated to ensure a steady monthly premium.

    Interest Rate VS APR:

    Mortgages are typically promoted with two distinct rates: the ‘interest rate’ used in our previous calculations, and the ‘annual percentage rate’ or APR, which factors in additional loan costs such as origination and application fees. By law, these costs must be included in the APR provided by mortgage lenders.

    Conclusion:

    Understanding different mortgage scenarios can help you grasp the total cost before proceeding with the loan. The provided methodology assists you in estimating your interest and monthly payments based on your principal. Moreover, don’t overlook the support that mortgage lenders can offer in helping you better comprehend your interest rate options. These accessible resources can be invaluable in deciding what is most beneficial for your circumstances.

  • Stay Ahead in 2014 by Investing Your Surplus Money Wisely

    Stay Ahead in 2014 by Investing Your Surplus Money Wisely

    Stay Ahead in 2014 by Investing Your Surplus Money Wisely

    Maybe you’ve faced some financial hurdles in 2013. You might be wrestling with debt or perhaps you haven’t established an emergency fund yet. Perhaps initiating a retirement account, other than the one your employer contributes to, is still on your to-do list. Or maybe you’re fretting about setting up a college savings account as your child grows older each year.
    If any of these situations resonate with you, rest assured you’re not the only one. A vast number of Americans share similar sentiments.
    Yet, finding a solution might not be as complex as it seems – All you need to do is allocate specific tasks to your surplus funds.
    WHERE TO LOCATE THIS SURPLUS MONEY
    Think you don’t have extra cash? Think again. You probably have more than you realize, but you haven’t been classifying it as “extra”.
    Your tax refund? That’s extra. Any refunds or discounts from coupons or discount codes also qualify. Any profit from a side job? You guessed it, that’s extra too.
    In reality, combining all these additional sums instead of letting them dissipate into your routine budget or unwarranted splurges, can amount to a significant sum.
    Don’t trust me?
    EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ASSIGNING TASKS TO SURPLUS MONEY
    Take a look at what Julie from The Family CEO did with her “found” money. They accumulated $7,113.37 from July to September 2013. Some of this was directed towards their emergency fund, and the other part was used to finance their daughter’s college expenses. They managed to fund her entire education this way without debts.
    Diverting your extra resources towards specific goals can hold significant long-term benefits. Even if you don’t match Julie’s figure, chances are, you have more extra funding than you acknowledge.
    Similarly, Erika from Newlyweds on a Budget used her side job to generate over $20,000. This mostly went towards alleviating her and her husband’s debts, and the rest financed enjoyable vacations including a honeymoon trip to Costa Rica and jaunts to New York, Seattle, Las Vegas, Temecula, San Francisco, and San Diego. Assigning designated tasks to her money thus let Erika balance both debt repayment and holidaying.
    HOW TO BEGIN