Money Saving Tips

How To Reduce Your Spending in 2017

Many of us struggle when it comes to the end of the month. The beginning of a new year is always a good time to assess what’s going on with your finances, and identify ways you could make savings in the months to come. If you search online for saving tips, you’ll find hundreds of suggestions, but how many are actually relevant or effective? Here are some measures you can try that will actually help you reduce spending in 2017.

Shop around for the best energy deals

Have you been with the same energy provider for years? If so, you could be missing out on incentives for new clients and low electricity rates. You may think that you’re getting the best prices in reward for your loyalty to a company. But often, it doesn’t work like that, and the best offers are reserved for new customers. If you’re shopping around, you’ll find that providers compete for your custom, giving you access to preferential tariffs and introductory deals. It takes a few minutes to compare prices online. It’s also worth giving your current provider a call and mentioning that you’re thinking of moving to another firm.

Continue Reading

December 23, 2016
Travel & Entertainment

Tips For Saving For A Spring Or Summer Getaway

Now that your MBA program is drawing to a close, there’s no doubt that you’ll be eyeing the various high-paying MBA jobs out there. With that said, why not put away a little bit of your earnings so you can save for a spring or summer getaway. This would be a great way to unwind, relax, and reward yourself for all your hard work. Here’s a look at some simple money-saving tips you can use so that you’ll be well on your way to that dream vacation.

Research Trip Pricing

In order to save for a trip you need to know how much that trip is going to cost you. It’s a good idea to start researching preferred destinations and average prices well in advance of your actual vacation date. Some tour operators even offer an early booking discount that can help to make the trip more affordable.

Continue Reading

December 23, 2016
Investing

How Prime Central London Boosts The Local Economy

It is a common misconception that the ultra-wealthy residents of Mayfair do not contribute to the local economy. However, the findings in a new report from Wetherell quite clearly show this to be the opposite. In fact, the residents of the affluent neighbourhood support the shopping, leisure, and employments sectors substantially.

Mayfair is home to some 2,000 millionaires, of which 200 are earning nine-figure annual sums, and 20 are billionaires, who contribute an abundant £2.5 billion to the UK and local economy. With supporting data from Westminster City Council, Dataloft, and EGI, the report findings show that people living in the prime area support the economy through spending on employment, luxury shopping, consultants, and other expenditure. When reviewing the annual spending of super prime households in Mayfair, living in properties with a value of over £15 million, it revealed that the top three category spends are Interior and Artworks, Clothes, and Staff at £2,700,000, £644,000, and £325,000 respectively.

Continue Reading

December 22, 2016
Shopping

Why You Should Buy Good Quality Products When You Shop

When you are out shopping for virtually anything, it is important to consider the quality of the product before you buy it.  There are many reasons for this, but I will highlight a few of them below.

Buying quality products save you money.

Even though you have to come up with more cash up front in order to make your purchase,  you know that by buying good quality products, you will not have to continuously buy the same thing over and over.  This in turn will save you a ton of money.

For example, when you need to buy active wear, you are better off choosing Lacoste products rather than a cheapy no-name brand.  Why?  Because if you opt for top quality brands, you will be able to wear the same clothes for many years, rather than wearing them out after their first season.  The fewer times you have to go shopping, the less you will have to spend.

Continue Reading

December 20, 2016
Business

5 Payroll Pitfalls You Might Be Facing And How To Fix Them

As a forward-thinking employer, payroll is an area you cannot afford to get wrong when dealing with your employees. A single payroll mistake can cost your business a lot of resources and can result in personal penalties for you. Educate yourself about these five common errors so as to avoid these costly consequences.

Wrong Classification of Employees – Are They Independent Contractors or Employees?

Workers are either independent contractors or in-house employees. Getting the distinction between these two groups of employees is quite important since you are required to report the salary you pay your employees under each of these categories differently to the IRS.

Benefits such as medical insurance are a major distinction between these two groups. If you misclassify your employees, this error can have a significant bearing on the employee’s status and the taxes that should be withheld. You might be required to pay penalties amounting to 10 percent of whatever employment tax liability should have been remitted in the previous tax years.

But you have a way out if you if you learn that you have made this mistake. Rectify this as soon as possible to avoid paying these hefty penalties.  The key is to ensure that you maintain payroll compliance at all times.

Continue Reading

December 20, 2016