One and Co

One and Co

Archives for June 2020

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Scott Tominaga – What Skills You Need To Work Within Financial Compliance

Compliance within the financial services sector is a key function which underpins the integrity and upholds the values of all organizations within this industry. Scott Tominaga is someone who has spent his career in this area and he has played a key role in creating new industry standards when it comes to compliance. We were fortunate enough to watch up with Scott recently at a fintech event, and we were keen to find out more about financial compliance and how someone can get into that industry, as well as what skills and characteristics would be required. If this is an area of finance which interests you, here is what you will need to have in order to break in.

Integrity

The first personality trait really should go without saying and that is integrity, the critical attribute which you will need if you wish to get into this industry. The whole point of compliance is that banks and financial institutions are doing everything by the rule of law and that is why the people who are ensuring that this takes place must be those with the highest standards and the strongest scruples.

Details Orientated

The devil as they say is in the detail and this is never more true than when you are ensuring compliance. If you are conducting an audit or something of that ilk you will be charged with going through multiple documents, searching through fine print and looking for any irregularities or mistakes which have been made. Compliance is very much about the fine print and this is why you will have to be someone who is dedicated to the details.

Love of Finance

Working within compliance is very much about the sector as opposed to having customer relations or the like. This is why you have to be absolutely committed to the world of finance because that is exactly where you are going to be working and operating.Compliance is very much a purist job and that is why you will have to really care about both finance and financial integrity.

Analytical

It is not just the details which you need to keep an eye out for here, you must also understand process and why it is important, and have an analytical way of thinking in order to find irregularities or to question certain behaviors. This will not only help you in making sure that the banks and financial institutions that you are working with maintain their compliance, but it will also help you moving forward in helping those same businesses with new ways of working to guarantee compliance.

This is one of the most important jobs within the financial sector and it is certainly a position for someone with a real love of finance and someone who has an ethical and morally based work attitude and mindset. Do you think that you have what it takes to work in compliance? What skills do you think makes you the best suited?

 

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Marrison Family Law – Reasons Why You May Need a Family Lawyer

Whilst it may not be something that you have considered, getting lawyer is something which could happen at any time and when that time comes, you will want to ensure that you have a great lawyer on hand to call. Today we are going to look into the topic of family law and why you may find yourself in need of a great law firm such as Marrison Family Law. Once again, nobody thinks that they will need legal assistance until they do, and these are just some examples of when you may very well find yourself in need of some support.

Bereavement

The topic of inheritance is a very difficult one and there is absolutely nothing wrong with the fact that you know very little about how it all works. When someone in your family is sick or things are looking as though they may be terminal, it makes a lot of sense to reach out to a family lawyer to gets some advice on what you should be doing or how you should proceed in terms of getting things in order for when the time comes.

Divorce

Nobody plans a divorce of course but it is worth considering that one in every two marriages fail, which is of course a very worrying statistic. If things are not good between you and your partner then you will need to reach out and get some support on what a divorce looks like and whether or not this is a path which you want to take. Alternatively your partner may have already asked you for a divorce in which case you will certainly need a lawyer in order to help you get through this difficult time.

Prenuptial Agreement

On the other side of the marriage is those who are about to get wed and it may very well be that you wish to have a prenuptial agreement signed, which will ensure that each party takes from the marriage whatever they had when they entered into it, should a divorce take place. This is of course a very delicate subject and one which will require you to get some advice from an expert in family law. Prenuptial agreements must be legally bonding but beyond this a lawyer can also provide some support in terms of how to go about bringing up the subject.

Custody Issues

If you are separated from the mother or father of your child and the custody agreement isn’t being met by the other party, or perhaps you need something legally put in place as a verbal agreement has failed, then you will need to consult with a family lawyer to iron out all of those creases and have something put in place which everyone can get behind.

As you can see there are many issues which may call for a family lawyer, and this is why you should never assume that you will never need some legal support.

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Is CBD Salve Good For Anything?

We have all heard a great deal about cannabis and its effects on people. Depending on where you stand and what you believe in, you will either frown or smile upon reading that first sentence. In any case, marijuana is definitely not what I am talking about.

What I am talking about is Cannabidiol. This amazingly beneficial compound found in cannabis has gone through a lot of research before it was proved that ingesting it can help us deal with certain medical issues. Just when we got used to the idea of ingesting CBD, something new emerged. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, why not check here and see for yourself?

I’ll tell you what I am referring to, though, since we need to see whether that specific product can actually do anything significant for us. The product in question is CBD salve. Does it just serve as a way for the CBD industry to gain some more profit or is it really as effective as advertised? Can we confidently say that we won’t be wasting our money if we buy it?

You would think that people would finally be at peace with the fact that Cannabidiol is good for us. The substance has been rather scrutinized and its positive effects have been emphasized over and over again, so it would be perfectly logical for people to accept it for what it is and shed all those doubts. That’s not how things are going, however.

If you take a look at this whole thing from a different point of view, those doubts really aren’t that odd. We are all inclined to be suspicious of anything that can directly affect our health and that is actually a good thing. Accepting anything you read or hear as true and honest would lead to you making a lot of wrong health-related decisions. Is CBD salve one of those wrong decisions, or is it a good one?

Don’t confuse this with CBD balm: https://medium.com/@chadwaldman/cbd-balm-vs-cbd-salve-whats-the-difference-703325907db0

CBD Salve Effects

In order to be able to answer the question above, we will need to look into the effects of this product. There’s no better way to find out whether a specific product is good for us or not than by checking out the way it affects people. If you have the time and the will, it wouldn’t hurt you to check out a few reviews about this particular product and see how different people reacted to it.

I have done some research of my own and I’ll share the findings with you. First things first, CBD salve is more potent and more powerful than any other topical CBD product. This is probably because it contains a much larger concentration of Cannabidiol. Does this mean that it will be much better or much worse for our skin, though?

It appears that the answer is in favor of the CBD salve. Previous users claim that this particular Cannabidiol related product has shown to have amazing effects on their skin. It can treat any irritations appearing on our bodies and it is generally perfect for moisturizing and keeping our skin fresh and smooth.

The already known benefits of Cannabidiol aren’t mentioned that much when the salve is in question. This is because the product is used in a completely different way than, say, the oil. There is, however, something that makes this particular product special, even when compared to other CBD topical goods. No, I’m not talking about the fact that it is applied on our skin, rather than ingested. Everybody knows that.

What makes the salve special is the fact that it can cure the soreness of your muscles and ease the pain caused by this. If you are an athletic person engaging in frequent physical activities, you might find good use in this product. The power of the salve that I have mentioned above is exactly why it is great for treating soreness.

So, Is It Really Good For Anything?

If you have been paying close attention while reading this, then you can answer this question on your own. No matter how hard some people are trying to fight the idea that certain substances derived from cannabis can be good for us, they cannot win that fight. CBD salve is actually very good for our skin and our muscles.

 

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7 ways of contributing to society through the internet

Contributing to society is one of the most responsible things. There are a lot of ways that one can choose to contribute to society. During ancient times, reaching out to a large audience was extremely difficult because the only way to connect with people was either by word of mouth or through mass media channels like newspapers, TV, and radio. Due to lack of communication, most of the people could not share their ideas and thoughts to a lot of people.

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But, as the days passed by, with the introduction of the internet, a lot of opportunities to communicate with people effectively became easier and simpler. Also, with internet facilities, one can easily convey their ideas, thoughts, and information to others easily. Also, when you indulge in activities like these, you would be able to make a difference in society.

There are a lot of people who would be trying their hands to come up with things that can help them come up with something towards the betterment of society. Despite having such ideas, it becomes difficult to understand the number of ways that can be used on the internet to disseminate the information appropriately. In this totally anonymous blog, we are focusing on the number of ways that one can use the internet to contribute positively to society.

  • Through informative blogs

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There are a lot of best anonymous blog sites that one can develop. Through these blogs, you can reach out to a lot of people at once. Also, you have the choice to select a niche and work on it to develop articles for others to read. When you choose to write blogs, make sure that the information you are providing is genuine. You can always refer to credible sources and then quote things by giving the sources their credits. This is one of the ways of making your contribution to society responsibly.

  • By starting a YouTube channel

These days there is hardly anyone without a YouTube channel. Through your channel, you can choose to address a large mass of people at once by making videos. Videos are shared by a lot of people, and it reaches maximum people at once. Also, visuals would make a huge impact on the psyche of the people. But again, you must make sure to choose appropriate content that is helpful for everyone.

  • Having your own website

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Websites are yet another way of making a contribution to society. When you have your own websites, you are not just sharing information that can be read by people. Instead, you can also choose to monetize your anonymous blog. With this, you are not just focusing on one aspect of society. Instead, you are also trying to focus on your personal growth as well.

  • Contributing positively on the social media pages

There are a lot of social media channels, and most of them would have their own ways of influencers. You can also become an influencer on any of the social media channels and start educating people by creating awareness on everything that is happening around them. Also, with your credibility, you would be able to gain a lot of popularity as well, and you might even turn into an influential personality as well.

  • Being an active member of the group

When you are part of a particular group, you must always make sure to stay neutral or positive. When you contribute positively towards the group, you are indirectly helping the society as well as the group members can benefit from the information and the ideas that you share.

  • Going live through the Social Media channels

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People these days choose to speak about a particular topic and go live through their social media accounts. This would not just help you in gaining publicity. Instead, it would also help you to share your experiences related to your profession or personal lives, which can be inspiring. With these things, you would be impacting a lot of people and inspire them to achieve excellence. This is yet another way of contributing positively to society through the internet.

  • Conducting live workshops

You can drive a lot of youngsters by conducting online workshops related to several subjects. It becomes easy to impart knowledge to a lot of people at once, as you do not have to be specifically present in their location. Connecting to large masses at once and sharing knowledge is one of the brilliant ways of using the internet for a better society.

These are some of the things that one can follow in order to make proper use of the internet to contribute towards society and impact its positive growth. When there is a facility to create your own anonymous blog, you can always use it for your benefits and try to become a responsible netizen.

 

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The Complete Guide To Using Dog Meloxicam

Is your canine companion exhibiting the first signs of osteoarthritis? Watching your pet turn into a lethargic, passive creature must be incredibly painful but there are possible ways to renew its vigor.

The least that pet owners can do for their beloved companions is try administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Meloxicam, whose role is reducing severe pain and inflammation, caused by bone disorders and serious injuries.

Nevertheless, the sole way for such a drug to provide the expected results is being administered properly, following vet recommendations.

If you are about to administer meloxicam to your dog for the first time, the following guide will explain its uses, dosage, and potential side effects.

Uses

Meloxicam is predominantly used among canines in the treatment of severe inflammation and insufferable pain, caused by osteoarthritis. This orthopedic disease refers to the joint inflammation in dogs, being triggered by cartilage deterioration. Owing to its elasticity, cartilage is an excellent shock absorber, whose function diminishes over the years, thus resulting in osteoarthritis.

Apart from being caused by the natural wear-and-tear of the cartilage, osteoarthritis might result from a serious injury, such as a fracture. Additionally, some canines develop this disease due to experiencing a joint infection. However, osteoarthritis is most commonly caused by improper diet, obesity, and aging. Overweight as well as senior dogs are much more susceptible to such bone condition in comparison with the ones eating a proper diet.

Furthermore, certain large breed canines are genetically predisposed to developing osteoarthritis, especially Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. Being an owner of a dog with a genetic predisposition to such disease implies regular vet check-ups, a well-balanced diet, and a carefully designed exercise plan.

Besides being used for the treatment of bone disorders, Meloxicam is considered to be an effective pain reliever due to its role in the secretion of the hormones responsible for triggering pain. By reducing the production of these hormones, Meloxicam is also capable of alleviating post-surgical pain and acute inflammation. Click here for some useful tips about taking care of your pet after surgery.

Dosage

In terms of dosage, dog owners are strongly advised to follow the recommendations of their veterinarian; as otherwise, your furry companion is likely to experience overdose symptoms. Meloxicam is supposed to be administered at a dose of 0, 09 to 0,1 milligrams per kilogram of weight, solely on the initial day of the treatment. Afterward, canine owners are recommended to increase the dose from a minimum of 0,045 mg to 0,5 mg per kilogram, which is supposed to be administered once per day.

Moreover, Meloxicam is available in a variety of forms in the market in order for pet parents to find the most suitable form for their companions. Veterinarians most commonly prescribe the oral form of this drug along with dosage instructions. Since tablets usually contain 7.5 mg of Meloxicam, vets provide precise instructions for administering the exact dosage.

Additionally, these pills can be administered without food or along with a meal, depending on your pet’s preferences. Anyhow, it’s paramount for your furry companion to be able to drink fresh water at all times due to the increased thirst, caused by the tablets.

Furthermore, Meloxicam can also be purchased as a liquid form or an injectable solution. The former is usually added to food, while the latter is administered as an injection. Anyhow, your veterinarian will recommend the form, which is most suitable for the treatment of your dog, adjusting the dose to the severity of its condition.

Dog owners are expected to administer the right dosage to their beloved companions in order to prevent overdose. Bear in mind that exceeding the proper dose is likely to result in symptoms like cardiac arrest, vomiting, severe headaches, tarry stool, lethargy, and dizziness, some of which might prove fatal. The following link, https://www.thesprucepets.com/cardiac-arrest-in-dogs-4136759#:~:text=When%20a%20dog%20experiences%20cardiac,within%20minutes%2C%20death%20will%20occur., explains the main causes and symptoms of cardiac arrest in dogs.

Potential side effects

Similar to the other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Meloxicam is believed to cause side effects, which most commonly affect the gastrointestinal system. As a result, your beloved pet might experience bloody stool and vomiting blood. Due to the increased fluid retention, canines are also prone to swelling and weight gain. Anyhow, in some dogs, Meloxicam is known to result in weight loss.

Moreover, while taking this medication, your canine companion will exhibit signs of increased thirst and excessive urination, which is why it needs to have access to clean water. Also, some pets become incredibly drowsy and weak while taking Meloxicam, which has a tremendous effect on their behavior.

Ultimately, canines might experience jaundice, itchiness, as well as abdominal discomfort. Since some pets are likely to have an allergic reaction to the drug, owners are advised to look out for potential symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulties and swelling.

Precautions

Prior to administering Meloxicam to canines, pet owners are expected to be familiar with the necessary precautions. For instance, this drug isn’t supposed to be administered to pregnant canines and dogs younger than six weeks. Also, it shouldn’t be given to animals suffering from certain bleeding disorders as well as to the ones hypersensitive to NSAIDs. Canines suffering from dehydration or cardiovascular problems are more susceptible to experiencing the potential side effects of the drug.

Bottom line

Meloxicam can do wonders for pain alleviation.

It’s worth the try!

 

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Reasons An Engagement Ring Is A Good Investment

When thinking of precious stone, there is one common denominator: they all appreciate in value with time. This also applies to a fine item of jewellery. Whether you are planning to present your partner with a custom-made diamond engagement ring, or you have managed to procure an antique diamond engagement ring from a reputable antique dealer, you are making a sound financial investment.

Comprehensive Insurance

As with any valuable asset, a diamond engagement ring should be fully insured, and while it would be devastating to lose such a thing, at least you would be financially compensated. If you talk to your insurance agent, he or she would be able to arrange a policy that covers the loss or damage to a very special ring.

Antique Diamond Engagement Rings

This is where the real value lies, as a modern diamond ring would be worth the value of the stones and little more, yet a fine 18th century diamond engagement ring is regarded as a thing of beauty and the value of the stones is regarded as secondary to the value of the piece as a whole.

Custom-Made Diamond Engagement Rings

Not everyone wishes to wear a ring that was once owned by another, and if you are planning to create your own custom diamond engagement ring in Brisbane, simply contact a local custom jeweller who can transform your concept into a stunning engagement ring that any woman would love to own. The custom jeweller can access loose stones of very high quality, and you get to choose the metal, the setting, and, of course, the stones, which will come together to be a one-of-a-kind.

Diamond Appreciation

Once a diamond is certified, the stone has a market value, and like precious metals or any other commodity, the price of diamonds fluctuates, yet like gold, diamonds are a sound long-term investment. This, of course, applies only to stones of very high quality, and if you are looking for average quality diamonds, then don’t be expecting to make money over time. A high-grade diamond of several carats, on the other hand, would see great appreciation over a decade, and while no one expects to sell such a beautiful thing as their diamond engagement ring, it is nice to know that its value is increasing.

Professional Appraisal

Should you have a family heirloom, a diamond engagement ring that has been with your family since its creation, and you would like to know its value, an antique dealer would be able to have the item appraised. Many people have a family heirloom in the form of an engagement ring, and if you would like to create your very own family heirloom, visit a custom jeweller and have a unique ring created, one that you can hand down to your children.

While a diamond ring’s value might fluctuate, the sentimental value is very high, and for many Australian couples, custom is the only way to go. If you have an idea how you’d like your engagement ring to look, the expert can give you a few ideas.

 

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Vehicle injury accident and insurance claims and can’t go to work

 

When looking for the car accident attorney San Diego that is perfect for what you need, the Lawyer directory is the best tool to have. Our index contains skilled and fair professional to assist you with your legal condition.

You don’t contain to bound yourself to just your restricted region. Feel free to broaden your search to surrounding areas and cities such as. Expanding your search gives you a larger selection of qualified attorneys from which to choose. Contact Brad Nakase if you need local seo for lawyers San Diego

Can an insurance company control defending a lawsuit? Insurance claims are filed daily; many receive compensation, but others do not. When a claim is denied, the owner can choose to sue the insurance company, or the victim sometimes chooses to start a lawsuit against the insured. The defense of insurance serves to protect the interests of the party or parties that are being sued.

The role of insurance

People and companies who want to protect themselves from financial losses can purchase insurance.  The party purchasing the insurance is called the insured or policy holder. Holders pay monthly, quarterly or yearly premiums to ensure that if something happens to the insured asset, they will receive compensation.

Types of insurance

There are different types of insurance.

People are more familiar with auto insurance. Compensation for property damage, medical expenses and other losses incurred in a car accident.

Homeowners insurance provides protection against floods, tornadoes, and fires. It also offers compensation to homeowners if they break into your home to steal or people injured on the property.

Companies often have property insurance to protect themselves from potential claims and lawsuits, such as those based on facility liability.

Health insurance pays for certain medical expenses.

Life insurance provides monetary benefits to the designated beneficiary when the insured dies.

There are many other types of insurance products, such as malpractice insurance for lawyers, medical providers, accountants, and other professionals. The benefit provided to the insured in the event of loss varies according to the type of insurance policy and its terms and conditions.

Fatal Car accident lawyer understand the significant challenges that crash victims often face in obtaining compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Are You Suffering From a Car Accident Injury?

A car accident can ruin your entire life. More than just damage to your vehicle, a crash can cause serious and debilitating injuries, rob you of your ability to work or enjoy the things you liked, and even claim the life of a loved one.

Experienced Car Accident Lawyers

Our auto accident attorneys have successfully handled thousands of auto injury cases. We have raised millions of dollars for those whose lives have been affected by the neglect of another driver.

When we take your case, you can trust the ability of your car accident attorney and the resources of our firm to properly handle all aspects of your case, from dealing with insurer adjusters, settlement negotiations, to mediation for preparing for a jury trial.

The Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle May Include

  • Auto / Motorcycle Accidents
  • Auto / Bicycle Accidents
  • Front Shocks
  • Chain Reaction Accidents
  • Accidents Caused by Disabled Driver
  • Shocks by Scope
  • Car Accidents Using UBER
  • Side Crash Accidents
  • Drunk Driving Accidents
  • Accidents Caused by Speeding
  • Fatal Car Accidents
  • Crashes of Hit and Run
  • Climate Related Shocks
  • Distracted Driving Accidents

Some concepts for which we can fight to claim:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of Ability to Earn a Living
  • Physical Pain and Suffering
  • Mental Anguish / Emotional Suffering
  • Loss of Coexistence (lawsuits filed by spouses or children)
  • Property Damage

In each case, we carefully consider all the facts to identify any potential defendant and the full extent of the damages. This allows us to file claims in a way that maximizes compensation.

Massachusetts Crash Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there are approximately 6.3 million automobile accidents reported by police nationwide each year. Within these, about 35,000 people die and almost 2.5 million are injured.

This means that nearly 100 people are killed in traffic crashes daily in the United States. This has an economic cost in the nation of $ 242 billion, which includes loss of productivity, job losses, medical expenses, legal and court expenses, property damage, emergency medical services and administration costs of insurers. When we consider the quality of life assessment – the intangible value that results particularly from serious injury or wrongful death – that federal figure rises to about $ 840 trillion.

 

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5 Pieces of Software Every Business Needs

Software solutions can make every entrepreneur’s life a bit easier. However, with all of the options available on the market, it can easily feel like making a decision is nearly impossible. With so many different options, how are you supposed to choose the right one?

From platforms that can improve your customer service to those that can help you align the strategic priorities of all of your team members, there’s seemingly a piece of software for almost every single business need. To narrow it down, there are five that should snag your focus from the get-go.

Goal-Setting Software

Whether you run a startup or one of many large enterprises, selecting your strategic priorities can get complicated. Though you likely have companywide goals, each member of your team will have their own developmental needs as well. Tracking your objectives and key results (OKRs) can help your business stay on track.

Companies like Workboard devote their entire platform to helping businesses adapt their OKRs more seamlessly. They also facilitate the integration of these goals while offering a service that allows you to track them in near real-time. No matter if you’re a small business looking to grow or a sales team trying to rethink some best practices, Workboard can help you track all of your key results.

Call Center Software

Customer satisfaction is paramount in today’s business landscape. Low-quality customer service can derail a business. Since the customer experience is so important, having a smarter customer support platform can make a massive difference. Contact center software and cloud call center software allow you to direct phone calls to the right agent or support team, use tech like interactive voice response (IVR), and handle call recording and information acquisition with the help of artificial intelligence.

The call center model has evolved greatly in the past few years, revolutionizing how customer service teams approach live chat and phone support. All you need is an internet connection that can facilitate computer-telephony integration (CTR).

A Smarter Social Media Platform

Do you struggle to keep up with the constant demands of your social media channels? You’re not alone. Applications like Hootsuite allow you to prepare your posts in bulk and schedule them for the appropriate delivery times. Gone are the days where you have to spend several business hours every day just navigating through social media. With a bit of smarter automation, you can focus your attention elsewhere.

Customer Relationship Management Programs

If you’re not using a CRM, you’re probably doing your sales team a disservice. CRM software has numerous advanced features like nurture campaigns that can show you each action item in the customer purchasing cycle. Plus, many CRM platforms tout ease of use. This means they’re intuitive, user-friendly, and simple to pick up. If you want to see the strategic priorities of your sales funnel in real-time, customer relationship management can provide a helping hand.

Mobile App Development

Not every business needs to invest in the development of a mobile app but if you do, it can greatly benefit the overall customer experience. Small businesses in the startup phase can use mobile app development programs to increase their reach and appeal. Look for a piece of software that has a streamlined dashboard and intuitive development features. After all, if you’re not the most tech-savvy, you don’t want to make the development phase more difficult than it needs to be. Sometimes, simpler really is better.

You’re likely to find many more applicable software solutions than the ones presented here. These five, though, can truly have a huge impact on your business‘s upward trajectory. Investing in the right software can help you scale to new heights and you’ll be surprised how far a few platforms can take you.

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What Are the Pros and Cons of a HELOC

There are a couple of choices for homeowners who want to do some remodeling or renovations around the house but don’t have enough cash in their accounts to do it outright. Many will turn to finance options that utilize the equity their homes have accrued since they bought them, but there are definitely some pros and cons of a HELOC (home equity line of credit) that they should be aware of. Whether planning a home improvement project or needing the funds to consolidate high-interest debt, a HELOC is a good way to cover the costs of a project or charge without having to take out a whole new loan.

Rivermark Community Credit Union has both HELOC and home equity loan options, depending upon what you’re looking for. Reach out to us today to discover which is best for you and how to get the application process underway.

Home Equity Loan vs. a HELOC

If you’re not sure how much you’re going to need to cover the costs associated with your upcoming project, then a HELOC is your best bet. While a home equity loan offers a lump sum, a HELOC is a line of credit from which you can borrow against as you need to. Think of it a bit like a credit card. Even though you have a maximum, you wouldn’t use all of it at once if you didn’t need to. A home equity loan may be the right choice for some, but a HELOC offers borrowers an easier way to access money as they need.

Some of the pros and cons of a HELOC can be reviewed below. Remember, there’s no such thing as free money, and as such, the money you’re using for your debt consolidation or improvement project is still tied into the equity of your home, so use it wisely.

Home Equity Line of Credit Pros

The maximum amount you’re eligible to borrow from a home equity line of credit is linked to the value of your home. Most of the time, it’s as high as 85 percent of your home’s value, so in order to get approved for this type of loan, it’s best if you have actually have enough equity built into the home. Additionally, lenders require that you have good credit so they know they’re not just going to lose money. Again, the loan is tied into your home, with your home as collateral for the amount you use.

Some of the biggest advantages include the competitive interest rates, the repayment terms, and even the flexibility of using a portion of the loan maximum.

Lower APR

We’re at a point in time with the housing market where interest rates are lower than they have been in years. A home equity line of credit can give you the opportunity to take advantage of this. Some HELOCs even have lower interest rates than credit cards.

Take Advantage of Tax Benefits While Still Redoing Your Home

Depending on how you use the home equity line of credit, you may be able to write off the interest paid on the loan. That is, if you’re using the funds specifically to revamp your kitchen, upgrade your bathroom, add a jaw-dropping garden, or rebuild anything else that qualifies under home improvements, then the interest you will have paid can be tax-deductible.

According to the IRS website, the home equity products cannot be claimed as a tax deduction “unless they are used to buy, build or substantially improve the taxpayer’s home that secures the loan.” So if you’re hoping to make some noticeable changes around your home, you may qualify for this program.

Wise Borrowing

When presented with a lump sum, you can get lost in the “potential” of that money and not budget as well as you should. With a home equity line of credit, you can take out just what you need when you need it, which can save you hundreds (if not more) in the long run. By taking the time to plan things in advance, you may be able to use less than you would with other home equity products, and that equates to a smaller monthly payment in the end.

Repayment Flexibility

There is an option to just make interest-only payments initially with many HELOCs, so that may be something to look into. There are varying repayment timelines for a HELOC, but in general, they can last up to 30 years, and that includes both the time when you’re drawing on and repaying the loan.

Cons of HELOCs

Take these cons into consideration before making a final decision.

Your Home is Collateral

Although having a secured loan can mean a lower interest rate, it’s still important to give this sort of decision a good, hard think. Putting your home up as collateral for a loan means you have to be a smart borrower and able to pay back the loan’s monthly payments. A HELOC can be a risky option for someone who isn’t diligent in their borrowing choices.

Variable Interest Rates

A HELOC does vary from a home equity loan in interest rates. While a home equity loan can give you a fixed interest rate, a home equity line of credit cannot. There will be a variable interest rate, and it means that your interest rate will be subject to what the Federal Reserve decides to do with prime and loan rates. This can be good or bad.

Equity in Your Home Will Decrease

Last, but certainly not least, you’re borrowing against your home. This means the value you’ve “accrued” over time and the worth of your home goes down once you’ve taken out a home equity product. While it means it may take longer to pay off the house in the long run, the flip side is that you’re investing in the home itself and may be able to say it’s increased in overall value. If the housing market crashes, however, there is a chance that you may end up owing more for the house (and loan) than the house is worth.

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Tips for Organizing a Girls Holiday 

Sometimes the most exciting part of the year is a trip away with friends, but the least exciting part about it might just be the planning. There are many things to consider when planning a holiday away with the girls and sometimes trips away even with the best of friends don’t go smoothly, so here is a handy guide to help make sure everything is covered and nothing is forgotten, to keep everyone happy and pumped for a holiday ahead.

 Discuss the Destination and Ideal Budget

One of the most important things about traveling with other people is to lay all cards on the table. No one should be coerced to spend above their means, do anything or go anywhere that makes someone uncomfortable. That would not make for an enjoyable holiday!

Be open and honest about the ideal budget, if there is any wiggle room and the destinations that are in mind to see what matches up all together so everyone can settle on a compromise.

There is nothing wrong with being particular, and the more thorough, the better. This advocates transparency for everyone and what is expected of the trip.

 Share the Planning Equally

There is probably a Monica from friends in the group that cannot wait to get the clipboard out, but unless it really is a dream come true, having to plan a trip alone can be stressful and difficult, if not for the sole reason that a joint holiday needs to be built on joint opinions and preferences. Allocate jobs individually, so one person plans the transfers, one person books the accommodation, etc. A top tip would be to see flights are cheapest in advance and then book accordingly. For example, if flying from Newark, check out deals in advance, including car parking Newark airport, and all the extras in between to find the best offer.

“Make sure there is wiggle room for spontaneous moments.”

Have a Shared Idea of Holiday Activities

Different people want different things from holidays, and although friends will have a lot in common, there will be certain things that friends will want to see and do which others will not be too fussed about. To make sure everyone comes away happy and fulfilled on the joint holiday, have everyone plan out the most important to the least essential activities, and co-ordinate accordingly, so everyone is happy with a loose itinerary.

Do some research on the area together and gather some ideas together of what restaurants look appealing, which cafes have the best ratings, and where to go shopping. Doing this on holiday will only cut into holiday time, and it is best to have everything agreed beforehand so things can run as smoothly as possible.

That being said, make sure not every minute of the day is planned so there is wiggle room for the more spontaneous moments! Not to mention leeway for accidental hangovers or too much sun.

Don’t Leave Everything Last Minute

Leaving everything to the last minute is bound to cause avoidable tension. Make sure everything is prepped and planned in advance so things can go off without a hitch! Organize with lists, keep the communication open to all those involved in the holiday, and importantly, allow for last-minute changes.