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  • The Comprehensive Guide to Summer Activities for Families Practicing Social Distancing

    The Comprehensive Guide to Summer Activities for Families Practicing Social Distancing

    The Comprehensive Guide to Summer Activities for Families Practicing Social Distancing

    Much-anticipated social events, from casual gatherings to grand graduations, have been put on hold due to the current circumstances. The list of impacted summer plans includes pool outings, summer camps, festivals, and even Independence Day celebrations. This reality is indeed disheartening as it disrupts the joy and comfort we draw from such occasions.

    However, no matter how bleak the current state of affairs might seem, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. In certain regions, restrictions are more severe than others, but the effect has been universally felt. It’s true that social distancing measures, as essential as they are, have also cast a shadow over family summer plans.

    But here’s a silver lining. Consider curating a personal summer bucket list in line with social distancing rules. The ongoing situation does not mean a suspension of fun, family time, or making unforgettable memories. All that’s required is to tap into your creative side and step away from traditional norms.

    Take a glance at this ultimate family-friendly, social distancing summer bucket list.

    Embrace Nature: Walking and hiking are available activities that offer vitamin D boosting benefit. Local hiking trails or parks that adhere to social distancing rules might be open to quench your thirst for adventure. Plan for a picnic in a state park, as they are often free and let you escape the confines of home without breaking the bank.

    Cycle Away: Cycling remains my favorite outdoor pursuit involving my family. My key focus will be discovering new trails this summer while improving my stamina for increased distances. It might be slow progress, but worth aiming for in the coming months.

    Sports Time: Despite the inability to attend live sports events or send your children to summer camps, don’t let your spirits down. Engage in your preferred outdoor sports with the family. It might differ from the regular experience but it promises fun-fueled memories than simply languishing indoors. Enjoy basketball with your family if you have an outdoor hoop or indulge in a game of soccer in an open field. Recently, I’ve started playing badminton in our yard, a fun and refreshing workout.

    Water Day: Even with localized pool facilities suspended, you can recreate a water theme park at home. Plastic wraps can be used to create your personalized slip-n-slide or simply turn the sprinkler on for non-stop fun. Cheap water toys and water guns can be readily found at dollar stores.

    Challenge of Persistence: Ever attempted a 1,000-piece puzzle before? Order one online and embark on a fun-filled challenge this summer. It will stimulate mental activity and infuse a novel element in your family night ritual.

    Book Club: This is the summer I’ll miss being part of the kids’ reading club at our library. My son was looking forward to joining, and I was planning to increase my reading. Various online platforms offer tools to set up or discover digital book clubs, an excellent alternative solution.

    Yard Work: Gardening can be an engaging and rewarding family project. If you’ve always wanted an herb garden or needed some landscaping work around the house, use this summer opportunity to make it happen.

    Weekly Game Night: An indispensable item on your summer bucket list ought to be a weekly game night. Choose from the multitude of board games accumulated over the years or innovate with card games or games like charades and hangman.

    Virtual Camp: Some summer camps are considering reopening with strict health and safety protocols. In the absence of physical summer camp availability, try enrolling your children in a virtual summer camp. Varsity Tutors offers a variety of online summer camp options for various age groups.

    Backyard Camping: Family camping has always been a summer tradition. This year, the back yard might be the site, but the fun quotient remains unchanged. Alternatively, some campgrounds may still be open, operating under social distancing norms. Worst-case scenario, set up your tent in your backyard and enjoy some outdoor cooking.

    Outdoor Landmarks: If your area boasts outdoor landmarks, consider them as potential sites for an exhilarating scavenger hunt. Gather information swiftly and see who emerges as the winner.

    Homemade Ice cream: Summer and ice cream form the ideal match. Take the opportunity to try out fun recipes for homemade ice cream or popsicles, discovering your family’s favorite flavors.

    What are your summer plans?

  • What is the Role of an Executive in the Professional Arena?

    What is the Role of an Executive in the Professional Arena?

    What is the Role of an Executive in the Professional Arena?

    In the professional sphere, an executive is a high-ranking manager or an entrepreneur with personal business interests who handles decision-making and supervises corporate operations. This role demands leadership prowess, strategic thinking, and decisive judgement to guide the company. Necessary communication skills are paramount to ensure effective liaison with employees and other involved parties.

    The role of an executive in a company could be demanding yet advantageous. It’s true there are many responsibilities involved—nonetheless, the accomplishment of guiding a business towards success can be highly rewarding. Here’s a glimpse into the crucial roles executives play that bolster business growth.

    EXECUTIVES AND TEAMWORK
    A pivotal aspect of an executive’s job is nurturing a team spirit within the organization. To thrive, a company needs a team that cohesively works towards shared objectives. Promoting transparent interaction and joint efforts among personnel, an executive can create an environment conducive to productivity. Researched data suggest enhanced communication can hike productivity by up to 25%.

    Executives also set the ambiance within a company or an institution. Their ability to outline and enact a vision and solid values provides the framework for the organization’s objectives. This positive, harmonious culture motivates employees and makes them feel deeply engaged in their work.

    EXECUTIVES AND INNOVATION
    Promotion of creative thinking and outside-the-box ideas is another responsibility of an executive. In this competitive era, ventures must constantly evolve and improve. By creating a culture that encourages ingenuity, an executive can help the business stand apart from its competition and cultivate loyal customers. Those executives encouraging creativity and innovation help their businesses stay ahead in the field and maintain competitiveness. In essence, innovation boosts profitability.

    EXECUTIVES AND RESULTS
    Another fundamental area of focus for executives is outcomes. While strong vision and values are essential, any business must turn a profit. Straightforward goals and results-based approach provide the blueprint for success. Regularly evaluating progress, analyzing for potential improvements, and making necessary adjustments are all part of this process. By holding employees accountable to clearly defined objectives, executives help ensure company targets are achieved.

    EXECUTIVES AND EFFICIENCY
    An executive also plays a key role in elevating efficiency. A smoothly running and efficient operation is essential for success. Executives achieve this through optimizing procedures and incorporating best practices. Even small improvements and adjustments can result in significant time and cost savings.

    Becoming an executive involves commitment, dedication, and immense hard work. It is, however, an extremely rewarding way to guide a company or organization towards success. Lidting your career to an executive level might demand additional education. Thankfully, online executive programs can provide a competitive advantage and mold you into an outstanding leader. If you possess the necessary qualifications and skills, you may find that a management role is the perfect fit for you.

  • Maintaining Motivation During Your Investment Journey

    Maintaining Motivation During Your Investment Journey

    Maintaining Motivation During Your Investment Journey

    Investing is undoubtedly a long-term endeavor. Seeing immediate returns is uncommon, which can lead to feelings of disappointment. The recent underperformance of markets can cause some individuals to question their financial strategies. Nevertheless, if you manage to remain motivated over time, you can achieve your objectives, whether it’s planning for a comfortable retirement or gaining financial independence by a certain age. Investing remains a prime method of building wealth and establishing financial security in the future.

    Staying focused on your plan is critical. But you may wonder how to do this when markets dip and it seems your investments are stagnating. Below are some useful tips to maintain activity and motivation in your investments, irrespective of their current performance.

    TREAT IT AS A SALE
    It’s no secret that the stock market has been low recently, with a significant decline in the market, and perhaps your investments have suffered losses too. So, why should you stay motivated and continue to invest? I’ll explain more in the following point, but consider it as buying commodities on sale with each contribution to your retirement or trading account.

    Consider this analogy: I particularly enjoy Honeycrisp apples for their perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, but they can be pricey, just like others who enjoy these apples. Would you rather purchase a bag of Honeycrisp apples at their peak price of around $7 to $9? Alternatively, you could buy them during a sale for $4 or $5. Most people prefer to buy things on sale, and the principle is the same when the stock market decreases.

    When the market flourishes, shares are sold at their highest price. But when the market declines, you can still purchase stock shares at a significant discount. Whenever the market recovers, you’ll benefit from more growth.

    REMEMBER THAT THE MARKET ALWAYS BOUNCES BACK
    It was a few years ago when I came across a book named The Simple Path To Wealth that offered a life-changing perspective. It suggests that the stock market will always recover eventually. While some years could witness a slump or market correction, long-term trends show a consistent rise. Therefore, maintaining motivation to continue investing is crucial.

    Notably, the 2008 recession led many investors to believe in a permanent downfall and hence, they disposed of their investments. However, as history has shown us, the market surprisingly recovered, repeating past patterns of regaining strength post declines.

    Investing for an extended period of, let’s say, 40 to 50 years, makes any downfall of one or two years appears like a minor hiccup.

    CONTINUE LEARNING
    To stay enthusiastic while investing, commit to learning more about the market, portfolios, and the wider world of finance. Instead of worrying about the status of your investments or getting swayed by news reports, concentrate on understanding the facts.

    Immerse yourself in knowledge and develop your skills and understanding of investing by reading a book, enrolling in a class, or using an online platform. Recognize and clarify terms like ‘Bear Market’ (the current scenario) versus ‘Bull Market’ (the recent years of substantial market growth).

    Your brokerage might offer complimentary webinars or instructional resources to help clarify your queries and add to your knowledge about investing. The more you learn, the more confident and motivated you’ll become in making investment decisions.

    PICTURE YOUR FUTURE
    You undoubtedly have a goal in mind for your investments. Take a moment to recall your ultimate aim and how investing can assist in achieving it. Imagine your future lifestyle; do you see yourself owning multiple properties or traveling frequently upon achieving financial independence?

    Contemplate what an average day in retirement might entail – reading, hiking, volunteer work? Envisioning your future life can redirect your focus back to your initial reasons for investing. While emotions may be a poor guide in decision-making, your root cause for investing can provide an empowering emotional aspiration to solidify your financial future.

    IN CONCLUSION
    Demotivation can sometimes creep in when making regular 401(k) contributions feels like a sacrifice or when you experience continued market decline. However, maintaining motivation while investing is essential.

    Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be highs and lows, but typically, the long-term rewards are well worth the journey. Today’s contributions could be envisioned as seeds planted for a future prosperous harvest.

  • Premier Golf Course Properties

    Premier Golf Course Properties

    Premier Golf Course Properties

    The rising popularity of golf, spurred on by prominent figures like Tiger Woods, has skyrocketed the game to new levels of fame. Major tournaments, including the recent European Tour, have seen an explosion in fan numbers, exceeding organizers’ expectations. As a result, the demand for golf-centered properties and courses has surged globally. Belek, Turkey, stands out among these trending destinations. Are you contemplating acquiring a golf-related property in Turkey? Have you considered what it might entail? Delve in, and you might uncover some pleasant surprises.

    Turkey boasts a rich blend of culture and history. The name ‘Türkiye’ implies ‘land of the strong,’ originating from the ancient Turkic/ Arabic combination. Anatolia, the expansive portion of Turkey situated in Asia, translates to ‘sunrise’ from ancient Greek. These poetic descriptions perfectly portray the nation’s stunning beauty and its status as a fusion of civilizations. Its unique position, bridging Europe and Asia, endows Turkey with a distinctive atmosphere unparalleled in continental Europe. The country’s Islamic culture adds a vibrant flair to the backdrop, while its secular governance makes for a comfortable and inviting place to buy a golf property.

    Turkey is acknowledged for its soaring economy, ranking among the fastest expanding globally. Even during the world recession, Turkey managed to register approximately 9% growth in 2010, leading Europe and taking the third spot among G20 countries. This commendable economic progress is attracting golf property investors worldwide. Moreover, Turkey’s independence from the European Union spares it from the effects of Euro fluctuations.

    The climate along Turkey’s Turquoise coast is perfectly suited for golf, featuring long, hot summers tempered by cooling breezes and short, mild winters. In Belek, for instance, you can expect ample sunshine around 73% of the daylight hours annually. This surpasses most European nations, providing the perfect weather to enjoy golfing with friends and neighbors.

    Turkey’s geographical diversity is another draw. The country spans six times the size of Greece but has half the population density. The awe-inspiring landscapes offer views unparalleled in Europe, from the breathtaking southwest coast to the vibrant city of Istanbul. Despite the booming popularity of golf tourism in Turkey, untouched beaches, protected coves, and authentic villages serving local fare are still abundant.

    Turkey is witnessing an upsurge in golf tourism like never before. From April to October (the peak season), tourists flock to the country, and these numbers continue to rise, even in the offseason. Renowned Turkish hospitality, coupled with the high standards and variety of golf courses, have made it a top draw for both holiday-goers and expatriates. Notably, several courses offer competitive special discount tee times for members.

    Safety is another key selling point for Turkey, with the country recently ranking among the safest in Europe in a survey on crime rates. People are reassured to invest in golf property here due to this.

  • Delve into Self-Reflection: Enhancing Your Business Savvy

    Delve into Self-Reflection: Enhancing Your Business Savvy

    Delve into Self-Reflection: Enhancing Your Business Savvy

    Planning to launch your own business? Then, considerations such as getting a business telephone system, securing office space, hiring staff, and managing accounts are likely on your mind. It’s crucial to get these fundamentals in place before you start operations. Beyond the practical aspects, stepping away from your routine job to embark on the entrepreneurial journey requires specific qualities. Here, we explore these.

    Embracing Openness
    Embracing an open mind is consequential for someone quitting a secure job to start a business. This means being receptive to fresh ideas and exploring unconventional routes that might initially seem uninteresting. It also encapsulates willingness to constantly learn and update oneself; studying why other businesses failed facilitates you in avoiding similar pitfalls.

    Staying Goal-Oriented
    Though it shouldn’t dominate your thought process, harboring a goal-oriented mindset is key – it makes you proficient in planning for the future, keeping the overarching picture of your enterprise in your thoughts. Determining what you aim for your business to accomplish is your pivotal goal – start delineating this as soon as you can.

    Embodying Confidence
    Successful entrepreneurs exude confidence and truly believe in their venture’s potential for profit. If you relish autonomy, exercising control over your financial future, and are convinced in your capacity to build a valuable venture alongside your ability to delegate and build team rapport, you’re primed for business success.

    Staying Motivated
    Fervent motivation is a must for anyone aspiring to make it big in the business world. Generally, if you’ve decided to start a business, you likely have motivation in spades. Yet, during challenging times, your enterprise will rely on your ability to summon motivation to navigate through and stay focused on the ultimate goal – a time when blending your goal-oriented traits becomes imperative.

  • “Six Crucial Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Hybrid Vehicle”

    “Six Crucial Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Hybrid Vehicle”

    Time to embrace eco-friendliness!
    As we confront the troubling impacts of climate change, the urgency of individual responsibility to safeguard our planet cannot be overstressed. We can contribute by adopting more sustainable practices in our daily routines – switching to LED lighting, recycling, etc. Indeed, every little effort counts in the fight against global warming.

    Vehicle choice is another key area where we can make a meaningful difference. Now, we have automotive options beyond the conventional fossil fuel-guzzlers, featuring diesels and fully electric cars like the Tesla Roadster. But arguably the most popular alternative is the hybrid vehicle.

    As per All Plant Auto Electrics, an auto electrician in Perth, hybrid vehicles employ two engines – a small, fuel-efficient gasoline one for hefty loads, and an electric motor for general run-around. The car intuitively switches between these engines depending on the situation.

    For prospective hybrid buyers, here are six crucial points to consider:

    #1: Hybrid cars will save money – A hybrid could save you on fuel costs, with many models offering 40-60 mpg. However, bear in mind the payback – the time it takes for lower operational costs to offset the higher initial purchase price of the vehicle. Hybrids might take longer to pay themselves off, depending on fuel prices, but the ultimate savings are worth it. Plus, hybrid vehicles depreciate slower and usually come with extended warranties on hybrid-specific components.

    #2: Higher upfront cost for hybrids – Generally, hybrids come with a higher initial price tag, about 20% more than ordinary vehicles. Full electric cars, especially luxury ones, could cost more than $100k. You can get a mild-hybrid for around $20k, which is comparatively expensive. But remember, many regions like the US and Canada that are stringently eco-conscious offer rebates and incentives for swapping out an old gas guzzler for an ecological hybrid or electric variant.

    #3: The Battery Myth – Contrary to common belief, hybrid batteries are known for long-lasting performance even under heavy use. The replacement battery cost has substantially reduced since the debut of the first hybrid. So put those battery concerns aside; they’re likely to outlast the car itself.

    #4: Hybrids: Performance on the Rise – Think hybrid cars can’t have speed? Not anymore. Hybrid technology innovators Fraser-Nash Research and Italian design company Italdesign Giugiaro partnered to create Namir, a concept plug-in hybrid that can accelerate from 0-62 in 3.5 sec, reaching 187 MPH, with 1200 miles extended range. This makes cars like the new Toyota Camry with 156hp or the Lexus CT 200h with 134hp seem less out of place. Even without a supercar budget, hybrid performance is impressive.

    #5: More to hybrids than just Toyota – Yesteryears associated hybrids mostly with Toyota’s eco-focused models. Now, ritzy brands like Porche, BMW, and Lexus produce hybrid variants which illustrate speed, comfort, and intricate design. If you’re contemplating purchasing a hybrid car now, anticipate top-notch luxury and standard features.

    #6: Benefiting the Environment – This is maybe the main incentive for buying a hybrid. Besides the cost savings over time, people are gravitating towards eco-friendly lifestyle choices out of a sincere wish to preserve our planet. Hybrids, in particular, emit 90% fewer pollutants compared to traditional vehicles, contribute less to emissions, and consume less fuel.

    If I had the choice, I’d pick a hybrid over a regular car, any day. With the evolving performance and aesthetic appeal of hybrid cars, the stereotype of them being boring or slow is outdated. Frankly speaking, if I could afford it, I’d be cruising in a Tesla or Porsche – driving the future, while caring for our planet.

  • 5 Simple and Cost-Effective Techniques to Enhance Your Mental Well-being

    5 Simple and Cost-Effective Techniques to Enhance Your Mental Well-being

    5 Simple and Cost-Effective Techniques to Enhance Your Mental Well-being

    Prioritizing your mental health is as crucial as looking after your physical wellbeing. It can, however, be easy to neglect mental wellness amidst the hustle and bustle of life. The good news is that caring for your mental health doesn’t have to mean pricey spa visits or luxurious holidays. Numerous simple, cost-effective strategies exist for boosting your mental health.

    In fact, you could consider creating a mental health budget to help prioritize this critical aspect of your life. Here are five affordable ways to enhance your mental health.

    1. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
    Exercise is known to enhance mental health by reducing stress, alleviating anxiety, and stimulating the release of mood-boosting endorphins. You don’t need to splurge on an expensive gym or fancy equipment – walking, jogging, cycling, or home workouts like yoga or Pilates could be an excellent start.

    Several free fitness apps and YouTube channels offer effective workouts requiring no special equipment. For instance, I use an exercising app that costs about $70 annually which equates to less than $6 per month, offering exercise programs, personalized meal plans, and additional resourceful content.

    And if you prefer a gym setup, consider starting with a budget-friendly membership before deciding on more costly options.

    2. EXPRESS YOUR THOUGHTS THROUGH WRITING
    Journaling your thoughts and emotions can be an affordable and effective way to process your feelings and enhance mental health. It’s also a great stress reducer that promotes self-awareness and problem-solving skills. A simple notebook or a free digital journaling app could get you started.

    To avoid digital distractions, start with a physical notebook, perhaps a gratitude-focused one or one with prompts. It’s also helpful to regularly express and document what you’re grateful for, leading to a more positive mental outlook.

    3. PRIORITIZING SLEEP
    Quality sleep is key for both physical and mental health but can be compromised by demanding schedules. Enhancing your sleep can start with creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding stimulating activities before sleep, and creating a comforting sleep space.

    Establish your desired wake-up time and plan to sleep eight hours prior, even making small adjustments such as turning off screens half an hour before bed can increase sleep quality.

    4. CONSIDER THERAPY OR COUNSELING APPS
    Talking to a therapist or counselor can be very helpful. Although therapy can be costly, your health insurance might cover these services. If not, consider affordable counseling apps like TalkSpace or Better Help, connecting you with licensed therapists at a fraction of in-person session costs.

    5. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
    The practice of being present and engaged in the current moment, or mindfulness, has proven to alleviate anxiety, improve focus, and promote wellbeing. This doesn’t require lengthy meditation sessions, but could entail taking a mindful walk or lunch break.

    FINAL THOUGHTS: START WITH THE BASIC STEPS
    Mental health improvement doesn’t necessitate extravagant treatments or retreats. Simple, budget-friendly measures can be just as effective.

    Prioritize your sleep, maintain a balanced diet, express gratitude regularly, stay physically active, and consider therapy or counseling. Small changes can have a big impact, so take one step at a time and observe the positive effects on your life.

  • The Correct Way to File an Automobile Insurance Claim

    The Correct Way to File an Automobile Insurance Claim

    The Correct Way to File an Automobile Insurance Claim

    Experiencing a car accident can be easy, but addressing its aftermath could prove challenging. Post-incident, a flood of questions may arise, like the fate of your car, the potential spike in your insurance premiums, or the necessity to purchase a new vehicle. Knowing the correct method of filing a car insurance claim can prevent unnecessary stress.

    Understand Your Coverage Type
    Before setting off on the road, it’s crucial to select the auto insurance coverage best fitting your budget. Do you have liability, collision, or underinsured motorist protection? Regularly review your coverage to fully comprehend the nuances and specifications associated with it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance agent with any queries. Proactively addressing issues before they escalate simplifies the process for both parties. Agents prefer clarifying any confusion without the added pressure of untangling complex claims.

    Filing a Claim
    Despite common misconceptions, insurance companies like Ifaauto strive to simplify the claim filing process, ensuring prompt resolution and closure once you’re satisfied. You can file a claim through a toll-free call or online depending on the options offered by your insurance provider. To file online, you require a username, password, and your social security number. The required details for a claim include your insurance policy number, accident date and location, a thorough explanation of the incident, police report number, and the other driver’s contact details, insurance information, and address.

    Hire a Vehicle
    If your policy includes rental car coverage, opt for the best vehicle available to minimize disruption to your schedule. Claims often require a significant amount of time to reach a resolution, and you have a life to lead during this period. Your insurance will determine the class of rental car you can obtain, meaning you may have to compromise on a less luxurious or older model. Nonetheless, you save yourself from relying on public transport or imposing on your loved ones for rides. It’s advised to consult with your agent prior to choosing a rental car, as there may be potential liability for collision damage to the rented vehicle.

    Engage in a conversation with your agent about affordable car insurance before you experience a car accident. Additionally, it could be beneficial to request your agent to guide you through the claim procedure in advance. This way, you’ll be prepared and well-informed about necessary steps in case you have to file a claim.

  • When Did These Items Start Costing So Much?

    When Did These Items Start Costing So Much?

    When Did These Items Start Costing So Much?

    Has life become more expensive? It certainly seems so. Over the past several years, the prices for many household items and services have significantly risen. Here are some of the most commonly increasing costs and some tips to handle them.

    Sports Equipment
    It’s surprising how high the prices of sports equipment have soared. This includes the baseball bat that can easily dig a deep hole in your pocket, running into hundreds of dollars.

    To save some cash, why not turn second-hand shopping into a new hobby? Stores offering previously used items or yard sales offer great bargains. If you are handy with a needle and thread, you might want to consider creating your own baseball gloves. Online patterns are easily accessible, the cost of which is considerably less than ready-made ones.

    Fuel
    With the ever-increasing rate of fuel, often reaching almost four dollars per gallon, it makes sense why consumers are starting to panic. However, there are better, more cost-effective and environment-friendly alternatives like cycling. It keeps you fit, involves minimal maintenance, and commuting on a bike can be an exciting experience. Or consider buying a monthly commuting pass, which could cut transportation costs.

    Clothing
    It’s no secret that trends come at a price. While some stores promise bargains, they often end up overpricing their merchandise.

    To counter this, take good care of your current clothing. Good maintenance can extend the life of your clothes. Next time you need a new outfit, consider researching online, yard sales, or thrift stores. For an even more cost-effective approach, consider learning basic sewing skills to create your own pieces.

    Food
    Are you amazed by how a box of cereal now costs over five dollars? And for those aiming for organic and health foods, brace yourselves for higher prices.

    However, you can save costs by starting your own small garden. Fresh, homegrown food not only tastes better but is also more nutritious. This enables you to truly understand what you’re putting into your body. Self-made food items, such as soup, pasta, tortillas, or bread, can bring about substantial yearly savings.

    Entertainment
    The costs of books, movies, and music have spiked. A good quality paperback that used to cost four or five dollars now sells for 14 dollars. Movies and DVDs have seen a comparable increase.

    A great option for free access to books, movies, and music is the local library. Though the time may be limited, you can enjoy these forms of entertainment without any cost.

    Can you think of other ways to lessen household expenses?

  • Is It Wise to Retain Your Amazon Stocks?

    Is It Wise to Retain Your Amazon Stocks?

    Is It Wise to Retain Your Amazon Stocks?

    Amazon.com, Inc. is the biggest online retailer on the planet, and its shares are consistently monitored among Wall Street investors. From its early beginnings, Amazon has evolved into a technological powerhouse, outpaced in value only by a select group of corporations. They operate both domestically and internationally, retailing a variety of consumer goods. Amazon’s shares are intriguing. Despite reporting profits that are typically barely above the breakeven point, it’s stock price has consistently trended upward. Critics have speculated that the company may be within some form of economic bubble destined to burst. Yet, Amazon continues to thrive and innovate, with investors expressing unwavering confidence in the company’s stock. So do you hang on to your Amazon shares?

    Looking back at Q4 2015, Amazon released earnings report fell somewhat short of Wall Street’s high expectations. The report showed Amazon’s earnings at $1.00 per share against a projected $1.56. The shortfall was primarily due to higher fulfillment and shipping costs. Worldwide revenues climbed 22% to reach $35.7 billion or 26% without considering currency exchange fluctuations. Even so, this figure failed to meet the set consensus estimates of $35.93 billion. Amazon’s worldwide active customer accounts approximated 304 million. When customers who made free orders in the preceding 12 months were excluded, active customer accounts were approximately 280 million, a 26% growth from the previous year. Paid Prime memberships increased 51% y/y, while worldwide active Amazon web services users exceeded 1 million. Amazon Web Services (AWS) sales were at $2.405 billion in Q4 2015 as compared to $1.42 billion in Q4 2014. AWS continues to post extraordinary growth margins, indicating it’ll remain crucial for the company’s future.

    2015 was an exceptional year for Amazon, noting profits for three consecutive quarters. The shares also more than doubled to nearly $700 each before settling back down to levels below $600. This has understandably concerned investors who are eager to safeguard their realized gains. A major concern is the company’s trailing P/E (price earnings) of 850 which suggests that the stock is significantly overpriced. While future P/E looks better at 105, it’s still relatively high compared to an estimated annual growth rate of 60% over the next 5 years. But technology companies are known to challenge traditional accounting and mathematical concepts. Hence, it’s essential to consider the underlying fundamentals of the company’s business. Websites like investing in stocks can provide valuable guidance on how to effectively use stocks when investing in companies like Amazon.

    With Amazon primarily operating in retail, it’s experienced a decline in stock, however, the company itself and the retail industry remain unaffected. As a trend, offline businesses are increasingly offering their products online. Despite a drop in sales from mega offline retailers like Wal-Mart and Kmart, Amazon reported sales revenues over $100 billion in 2015. The National Retail Federation noted that online shoppers surpassed in-store shoppers during the Black Friday event in the United States. If this trend continues or accelerates, Amazon is sure to benefit.

    Amazon Prime, with a membership increase of 51% last year, is seen as crucial to the company’s future. While the exact membership figures of this service are not publicly available, it’s estimated to have nearly 80 million subscribers worldwide. The subscription offers customers a range of free services for an annual fee of $99.99. Amazon Prime could enhance customer loyalty, as consistent members tend to spend more. A recent survey indicated that 49% of first-year Prime members and 68% of year-four subscribers spend over $800 each year on Amazon. In 2015, Amazon added 3 million new Amazon Prime members worldwide in the third week of December alone. Further, it shipped over 200 million more items for free to Prime members as compared to the previous year.

    The Amazon Web Services (AWS) sector continues to record high profit margins. In Q4 2015, which marked the fourth quarter that Amazon reported the numbers, AWS recorded profits of $687 million on sales of $2.4 billion. AWS, the recognized leader in cloud computing services, leases computer power, data storage space, networking, etc., to clients. It’s expected to be a significant contributor to Amazon’s revenue, with the industry projected to grow from $49 billion in 2015 to $67 billion in 2017.

    Despite weaker-than-expected Q4 earnings, many analysts are still bullish on the company. JPMorgan, S&P Capital IQ, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch are among those who have maintained a positive outlook.

    Given that Amazon is a dominant force in consumer ecommerce and cloud computing, holding on to your Amazon stocks and waiting for the next boom cycle might be sensible. However, for short-term investors, other profitable opportunities in financial markets such as binary options trading could offer high returns trading the Amazon stock price, irrespective of the price direction.