Author: Jennifer Brazer

Many people dream of being an author and having their work published. While there are still traditional ways to get your work published by submitting your manuscript to a publishing house and waiting for rejection or acceptance, the Internet has provided other options to get published.

In the last 20 years, eBooks have become more popular year over year. While many will still opt for curling up with a good book, flipping pages as you march through the story, avid readers love the option of downloading a book immediately and reading it on their various devices.

Therefore, as an aspiring author, creating and selling an eBook can offer you an option to get published quickly and independently. Here are five steps to create and sell your eBook and where to sell them.

1. The first step will be to write about what you know.  Dedicate a couple of hours a day until the project is finished. You will be amazed to know that there will always be people looking to know about it for any subject. 

For example, if you are a yoga teacher, know a lot about diets, are experts in archeology, etc., there will always be people interested in learning from you and listening to your advice.

2. The most important requirement here is to be constant, perseverant, and have the patience to write all your knowledge. Those who know a lot about a specific topic and would love to write a book to sell it on the Internet have trouble writing.

There is the option of looking for someone to do it. Today many people are dedicated to performing this service on the Web and do not charge too much.

3. The next step will be the creation of a Web page in which you can sell your book. Although this, to many people, is read a bit complicated initially, you should know that everything is getting easier with practice. First, you have to acquire a domain and hosting space on a server. 

The cost for this is minimal. Your investment will be around $80, and what you will receive in monthly earnings will be much more than that.

4. Finally, after creating the eBook and the website, the last step is to find people who wish to promote their book to sell it. One of the options is to register with Clickbank. This is an affiliate platform in which online sellers register to search for products and sell them on the Web.

This method does not guarantee that you will sell many books because it will depend on how many affiliates want to promote your book and how effectively they promote it.

5. Do you not want to deal with the creation of a website? Are you looking for a very simplified way to sell eBooks online? Do you not want to create a Web page? Suppose you want to dedicate yourself to writing your eBook and putting it on sale online on a platform where people are already going to buy. In that case, the ideal option for this is to create and publish electronic books on Kindle and sell them through Amazon. Later in the article, I explain how this option works.

Selling on Clickbank

When you put your book on sale through Clickbank, always offer the highest commission to affiliates, 75%. If you offer the highest payment, more books will sell. For example, if the product costs $80, $60 will be paid for the affiliate, and you will earn $20.

Never put filters that can truncate affiliate commissions, for example, other payment options (Western Union). No one wants to work hard to have their commissions removed. That’s something that many Clickbank sellers do, and obviously, they sell the least. So you do not do that. 

Always put yourself in the position of the one who is promoting your book and ask yourself if you would promote e-books or products that have commission filters on their sales pages. Of course, I would not do it.

Experienced marketers will look at these details before starting to promote any product. See which products are the most sold in Clickbank. You will see that they are the ones that do not have filters, the ones that pay the most, and those that do not have those annoying Opt-in and Pop-up in the sales pages. The content of your book has to be interesting too. 

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Most people opt for convenience and use electronic transactions for banking. In addition, many opt to avoid brick-and-mortar banks and choose to use their online banking tools even with traditional banks. If you consider online banking, here are seven things to consider before giving up a traditional bank.

Higher Interest Gains

Because online banking institutions have a lower overhead to operate, they can benefit their users. One way they offer this advantage is through interest rates. Not only do they offer interest on balances on both checking and savings accounts, but the interest rates are higher than those carried on traditional bank accounts and only on savings accounts.

Most brick and mortar banks offer rates ranging from 0.10% to 0.50%. However, on average, looking at online checking and savings accounts, they offer higher rates of 0.9% to 1%. Though this difference is slight, it does add up big when you consider it is offered on both checking and savings accounts.

No Fees

For the same reasons, online banks can offer higher interest rates to offer lower to zero fees. Again, online banks are looking to attract your business, so their low overhead helps them use the savings to benefit (and attract) customers.

Online banks will also often cover ATM fees, regardless of where in the world you make withdrawals. However, double-check the coverage of ATM fees as some banks will only offer coverage on a certain amount of transactions per a specific period.

Convenience

Unlike brick-and-mortar banks, online banks are open 24/7; however, most traditional banks offer electronic banking options similar to online banking, making some transactions similar other than the possibility of fees.

Your bank is also available anywhere you have the internet or phone service using mobile apps, which means you can do banking transactions from anywhere in the world. The convenience and 24/7 access could be the most significant reason online banking is the way to go for someone on the move or at odd hours to do their banking.

Security

Many believe that banking online is less safe than in-person banking at a brick-and-mortar bank. However, online banks have a high security and site encryption level, ensuring that all online transactions are secure. Though this is the case, you should choose an online bank covered by FDIC like a brick and mortar. This will give the assurance that your money up to $250,000 is protected against any theft or fraud online.

No Cash Deposit

While online banks and even current traditional brick-and-mortar banks offer e-deposits for checks and direct deposits for paychecks, they are different: cash deposits. So if you are given cash that needs to be deposited, you will not be able to do that with an online bank at all.

The only choice you will have is to take the cash and purchase a money card to use it online, which will cost a fee. Or you can use the money to make purchases, which could be inconvenient if you are making online payments or purchases.

No Personalized Service

Some people, especially older bank customers, like the personal touch given when they do their banking in person at a traditional bank. At the same time, this is understandable and could be considered a con by some. But, generally, the convenience and low to no fees make up for this impersonal approach to banking.

Technological Issues

If you are not used to banking in the virtual environment, adjusting can take some time. Online banking website designers try to make navigation as easy as possible for their customers, but some customers may never get used to online banking. This could be compounded if your online banking institution changes the site or upgrades that change the features you are used to using.

Conclusion

There are definite pros and cons to online banking. Once you have considered all the options, you may opt to ditch traditional banking institutions and move to online banking. Use the information you learned here to decide if online banking is right for you.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

In financial planning, the main objective is to sustain our basic welfare by covering expenses and avoiding debt. Similarly, the best reference to measure profitability is basic welfare. Without this link to welfare maintenance, consumption, acquisition, or money placement is meaningless.

Therefore, it is necessary to know and isolate the cost of this basic welfare to estimate the projected surplus generated in a period. Of course, this gain will be affected by decisions and contingencies that occur during the period.

This information is relevant when considering an investment since the decision to convert liquidity into risk capital will be conditioned and directed based on the goal to maintain basic welfare. Therefore, this conditioning implies:

1. The coverage of the primary liquidity risk, including the availability of a contingency fund.
2. Attention, with the corresponding liquidity, of annual expenses that are not recurrent monthly – insurance, tuition, seasonal gifts, clothing, equipment, etc.
3. Consider that our active source of income – work, profession, or business – is not threatened immediately.

Only after having reviewed these risks are we ready to invest. If you have doubts about any of these points, it is preferable to postpone the decision to invest until resolving them. For example, suppose you are concerned that an investment may negatively impact a college fund. In that case, it is best to avoid investing until there is enough capital to risk without jeopardizing existing financial commitments.

Once we are confident an investment will not threaten basic welfare, we need to ensure that the investment will benefit our financial goals. This does not occur automatically, as it is easy to lose direction when making decisions about transactions that we make daily. When we see things from this perspective, we understand that a good investment does not necessarily imply maximizing the specific benefits. A good investment directs the effort towards achieving our life goals, whatever they may be.

Some additional questions we can ask ourselves to confirm an investment is suitable and timely for us are the following:

1. Will the investment help me achieve my life goals? Which objective will be met? How will it help me?
2. Does the investment imply costs or risks that will mean a burden for my active income? If that is the case, do I have the financial ability to face these costs without jeopardizing the sustainability of my basic well-being?
3. Does the investment correspond to my current life stage? Is it appropriate to invest at this time, or is it more convenient to do it at a later stage of my life? Does it correspond to a previous stage, and will it not be so easy to take advantage of its benefits?

As we consider these questions, let us review them in the context of a typical investment opportunity.

Suppose you decide to acquire a property because it is a reasonable price but depends on 100% of your active income to supply your basic needs. In that case, it will be the most expensive property you can purchase because it will bring more significant risk to your well-being. That is, the cost of the property is not just the sale price but also the financial toll it may take on your savings, current bills, and increasing debt. 

However, if you have met your financial obligations and decide to purchase the property, the purchase price is not as costly. Of course, it is always preferable to buy at a lower price, but it is much more important not to compromise or risk your future well-being to take advantage of an opportunity. The key to investing is the price and profitability comprised of decisions aimed at supporting well-being.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Many people are hesitant to invest in the stock market because they find it intimidating. They don’t understand how it works, or they fear losing money because it is complicated. However, the stock market is not as difficult to understand as most people think.

Publicly traded companies offer options for people to buy into the company and be part owners. According to how the company performs, the stock goes up or down. Most people will own the stocks without selling for many years, while others will often buy and sell stocks in a company.

The stock market is intimidating to the average investor because it can be challenging to determine when to buy or sell your stocks to make the most return on your investment or minimize losses if something goes wrong with a company.

The stock market was born in the 1100s in France, where exchange intermediaries managed debts due to low productivity in the agricultural communities on behalf of the banks. Later, in Antwerp, Belgium, the first stock market system was developed and implemented. The market began allowing investors to buy into companies to help them financially, and in turn, the investors would receive part of the profits.

In the middle of the 13th century, the bankers of Venice began trading government securities. In 1351 the Venetian government endorsed the law that prohibited the spread of rumors intended to reduce the price of government funds. Bankers in Pisa, Verona, Genoa, and Florence also began negotiating government securities during the 14th century.

This was only possible because they were cities and independent states governed by a council of citizens. The Dutch later created stock companies, which allowed shareholders to invest in companies as a business and obtain a share of their profits or losses. In 1602, the Dutch East India Company issued the first shares on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. It was the first company to issue shares and bonds.

In the 19^th and 20th-century significant cities in the world developed stock markets and spread globally to Europe and Asia. The most notable developments were in New York, London, Tokyo, and Zurich. While these cities remain the global market hubs, today, technology has driven every city in the world to have its own stock market. 

As the stock market continues to develop worldwide, another factor that has supported the development and consistency of the securities markets is the creation of stock indicators responsible for objectively measuring the performance in operations and thus letting the world know the value and performance of the stock actions of it. 

The indexes such as Dow Jones, Standard and Poor, and NASDAQ are the primary and most followed worldwide sources that report the performance of the operations of the most important companies in the United States and the world.

Difference Between the Stock Market and the Stock Exchange

Usually, these two terms cause confusion among new investors because they are deeply intertwined. Knowing the difference between the stock market and the stock exchange is fundamental for new investors.

A stock market is the accumulation of buyers and sellers of stocks, representing ownership claims on businesses. It could include securities listed on a public stock exchange and stock only traded privately, such as shares of private companies sold to investors through equity crowdfunding platforms.

A stock exchange is where stockbrokers and traders can buy and sell securities, such as stock, bonds, and other financial instruments. Stock exchanges may also provide facilities for the issue of and redemption of such securities and instruments and capital events, including income and dividends.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Unfortunately, many cases of abuse in the restaurant industry and violations of labor rights are committed. Because many workers in the restaurant business primarily work for tips, restaurant owners will take advantage of this to skirt labor laws that should apply to every industry, including the restaurant industry.

Some employers also take advantage of the unresolved immigration status of many workers and their constant fear of deportation for not fulfilling their obligations, acting as if undocumented workers did not have labor rights. However, the labor laws of the United States apply to everyone, and knowing your rights if you work in the restaurant industry is crucial to protect yourself.

Law of Fair Labor Standards

The Fair Labor Standards Act, commonly called the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), contains a series of federal regulations that establish issues such as minimum wage, overtime pay, file maintenance, and employment of children under age both in the private sector (companies, businesses) and in public sector jobs (federal, state, or local government institutions).

The minimum wage is the lowest amount allowed by law that an employer can pay hourly. The federal minimum wage is set at $ 7.25 an hour, and that figure is compelling as of July 24, 2009. Most states also have minimum state salaries greater than the federal minimum. There are restaurants that, taking advantage of the guests’ custom to give tips for the service, offer the waiters salaries below the minimum, which, according to the FLSA, is an illegal practice.

The payment of overtime is another employee’s right established by the FLSA. Every employee who works more than 40 hours a week is entitled to 1.5 times for each additional hour. Restaurant employees often spend 12 hours a day more than five times a week but do not receive overtime payments, which violates federal labor laws. The employer must also keep a record of the hours worked and paid to each employee.

In the case of underage employees, the FLSA requires that the minor have a work permit from their state, that they do not work more than 3 hours on school days or 8 hours on “free” days, with a maximum of 18 hours a week. In the case of work in restaurants, there are also restrictions on the type of activities allowed to a minor worker. The complex tasks of cooking or handling ovens and pressure fryers and machines with blades (blenders, cutters, etc.) are prohibited. It is also not allowed to drive cars for work reasons (delivery, etc.) or to serve alcoholic beverages.

If the job requires employees to wear a uniform, that uniform’s cost must be considered an operating expense of the employer. If the employer requires the employee to assume the cost, it must not reduce the employee’s salary below the minimum wage or reduce overtime payments.

The employer must have the official FLSA poster or poster placed in a visible restaurant for employee reference. This poster contains the most important information about rights established by the FLSA and comes in six languages.

The Occupational Health and Safety Law

There is another group of federal norms that seek to guarantee the welfare of every worker. These standards are part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act).

OSHA exists to prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths occurring in the workplace. In the case of work in restaurants, it establishes several requirements, such as mandatory rest periods, the details established by each state. For example, in a state, rest periods of ten minutes are required for every four hours worked. OSHA also establishes periods to eat in longer days, half an hour for every five hours worked.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Obtaining loans help people achieve their life goals, such as completing a degree from a dream college, buying that perfect home, driving a luxury car, or setting up a business. At first, with this assistance, people feel like they are fulfilling their dreams, but as time passes, stress builds up, causing problems for everyone.

It is wise to plan and strategize how one is going to repay the loan before taking it. Also, it provides peace of mind and helps in managing debts without hassle. Disorganization adds difficulty to a situation, and when it comes to repaying Debt, it creates mental pressure for a person.

When it comes to Debt, the more organized the approach is, the stronger a plan is, the higher are the chances of getting out of debt well before the estimated time. Here are six apps that will help you get out of Debt.

Unbury.me

One of the best tools aiding the debt repayment process for people is Unbury.me. It is specifically designed for debtors who have no idea where and how to start repaying their Debt. It is free to use an app that requires users to log in and enter all their debts. Based on the data entered, the app will develop different plans, from both the snowball approach and avalanche approach.

The user can then choose the plan that best suits their situation by comparing all the plans proposed by the app. Each of these plans outlines the interest that an individual will be paying, the balance left, along with an expected date of debt freedom.  

Debt Eliminator

Debt Eliminator is a free app, and the most highlighted feature of this app is that it does not store the data entered by a user. This app draws up a debt repayment plan based on the debt snowball technique. A user is expected to list down all the debts that have to be paid and any extra amount that a user can add into debt repayment.

In addition to these details, a user must also add the minimum payment. This app draws up an intelligent plan for the users based on all this entered data.

Qoins

Qoins is a tool for debt repayment that helps an individual subconsciously attack the debt. Qoins was launched in 2017 and since then has helped many people save the spare change. The concept on which the app works is rounding off all the purchases to the nearest dollar.

And it was then making use of it in the repayment of the Debt. It is not a free app; it costs $1.99 monthly, which is not expensive. The app cuts the monthly payments from the savings pool and does not charge the card. With this app, people can save daily.

Digit

Nothing can be better than paying off the debt without stressing over it. Digit is an app that does exactly that. By analyzing a user’s spending behavior, the app decides to auto-safe to help the users save for their goals. The amount transferred to the in-app savings account is such that it is not very noticeable by the users.

When a goal is reached, the amount set for a specific debt, the app notifies the user, and then they can take that amount out to pay it off. Using the app costs $2.99 per month, and it can help users save up to $110. Also, this app offers a no-overdraft guarantee.

Pay Off Debt

Helping its users set financial goals and then achieve them, the Pay Off Debt app was launched in 2009. With this app, users can achieve goals such as a debt-free vacation. Pay Off Debt also features the facility of tracking even personal loans. Using this app allows people to draw up priority-based repayment plans.

This app costs $2.99 monthly. Using this app helps people stay updated about their payments and helps them in avoiding a late fee. Not only does it help in getting out of debt, but it also helps in the development of long-term financial habits.

DebtTracker Pro

The app features a simple user interface and allows users to stay on top of their financials. The whole financial picture can be analyzed using this app, helping people pay off their debts. The default planning technique used in this app is the snowball method.

After a user enters the required information, the app calculates the payment for each Debt. Also, with payment reminders, a user can make sure that the debt payments do not get delayed. Using this app costs $1.99 per month.

Conclusion

Successfully repaying the debt in the estimated time or before it is one of the most significant milestones that a person can achieve in their lifetimes. The only thing that can help people do so is carefully planning and strategizing the debt repayment.

Planning gives an upper hand to the debtor as they also get a chance to work towards their other financial goals. The bottom line is that managing the debts efficiently using these debt assistance tools can help people achieve a stable financial situation at the time estimated and, in exceptional cases, sooner than the time calculated.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

When beginning a start-up, it is essential to create a financing concept at an early stage. Depending on the type of company, the self-employed entrepreneur must consider some key factors, including: Is purchasing new equipment necessary? Which is the better option for company vehicles, leased or financed? How much money should be invested in marketing strategies? When is the first revenue expected? Below are aspects that an entrepreneur should consider to help their start-up prosper.

How much capital is needed?

Before starting a company, it is critical to understand the financing amount needed to undertake the venture. In many cases, founders underestimate their needs and set the fundraising goal too low. This mistake can destroy a start-up and negatively affect the entrepreneur’s livelihood. Few small business founders can generate enough income in the first few months to sustain their operations and earn a profit. It often takes at least six months or longer before the company makes a profit. Without reason, then, it is not that most start-ups fail within the first three years of their inception. Below are a few ways a person can finance their start-up:

Bank Loans

Your home bank is often the option to consider when financing a start-up. The on-site advisor can provide information about the maximum loan amount available, the interest rate, and what repayment is expected to be incurred. Often, self-employed people, who cannot record regular income, cannot avoid depositing collateral since they pose a higher risk of defaulting to banks.

Start-up Grants

Start-up funding is the basis of income for many self-employed entrepreneurs. A start-up grant is designed to end unemployment and enable people to start a new business. The application must be submitted to the Employment Agency before taking up self-employment to receive the start-up grant. The person reviewing the loan will need a business plan and proof of the applicant’s qualifications. In principle, the grant reviewer must be persuaded of the start-up idea to grant a license. Because the start-up grant will not be awarded to all applicants, the reviewers decide on approvals on a case-by-case basis. Even if a person meets all the criteria, there is no guarantee that government support will be paid. Although the start-up grant is a financing option, it is not guaranteed.  

Crowd Finance

Crowdfunding/lending occurs when many investors, also known as “the crowd,” contribute funds, not just a single investor who takes on the risk involved in a Start-up venture. In crowdfunding, the risk is distributed across each investor. This funding principle is as simple as it is ingenious: if everyone contributes a small part, a whole emerges. These projects are usually presented via the internet, where the founder presents their start-up idea, the required amount of funding, and the period until when they need the money. If an investor is impressed by the idea, they can contribute financially to the project, but the financier is not actively integrated into the start-up through his share.

Crowdfunding is divided into four different models:

• In classical crowdfunding, the investor receives consideration in the form of a present. In most cases, this is the product that needs to be financed.
• The lender acts as a micro-investor in crowd investing and is financially involved in the project.
• Non-profit organizations frequently use crowdfunding by donation. The lender receives no consideration for his financial commitment, but some companies create a thank you certificate or send a small thank-you gift.
• Crowdlending is an alternative to a traditional bank loan. The founder receives a loan from the crowd with a fixed term and an agreed interest.

Start-up Angels and Venture Capitalists

In this form of funding, the founder looks explicitly for one or more investors for his start-up idea. A typical example for start-ups is the organization “Start-up Angels.” Private persons with capital and start-up knowledge give the founder money and support them with their skills. Being self-employed is beneficial from a financial standpoint and from the experience and start-up relations they have with their investor. In Start-up Angels, the donors usually participate with sums of $50,000 and can extend into millions.

Conclusion

It is not possible to finance self-employment through a start-up only with subsidies. Grants and profile-raising loans are usually a fraction of the overall funding. One reason is that many grant programs fix the amount of the grant. If someone wants to begin a start-up, they need to prepare the project and aspire to take risks on their own. If a start-up concept does not convince an investor, it will be almost impossible to persuade a government agency to finance it.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Everyone understands that it is difficult to fit something new into a tight routine, but everything is possible when a person is willing to try. Fortunately, Forex is a platform that provides people with the opportunity to manage trading on a busy schedule with a market that runs five and a half days in a week and operates in a way that fits trading easily in any demanding schedule.

What Is Trading?

Trading is not a one-time transaction, but instead, it comprises some step-by-step guides. Before getting into the trading business, it is essential to know the goal and work according to it.

Setting Goals

Understanding the time required to achieve a financial goal is important as it sets the amount of effort that should be dedicated. Every beginner strives to become a profitable trader, but planning is the most essential tool for accomplishing a goal.

Setting short-term goals to keep track of work on a daily basis helps to mitigate risks and errors that may become a more significant risk later. Long-term goals planning is an integral part of the trading game as it helps to challenge the current potential of an individual and push the limits further towards success. Short-term goals help to adapt and align with long-term goals because knowing where to go and how to get there will define trading success. A person looking for short-term achievement can set himself in a position where there is a low-risk trade, and the outcome is successfully delivered within 24 hours.

Obtaining Support

A person looking to get into shape usually hires a fitness trainer to guide his fitness journey. The same is true for a beginning trader with a busy scheduler. Finding a mentor and getting as much information about trading is beneficial because, as the saying goes, “ignorance has a price.”  It is better to be humble and ask for help when an individual does not know a subject. In the trading world, the rule is simple: The more you learn, the better you can earn.

Staying Alert

Staying alert about the market is what makes an individual trader successful. The game is simple in the trading world, which is always to stay active and “to keep your eyes and ear open.”  Using downtime to actively search the global market for trades and benefits can help an individual become successful quickly.

Staying Healthy

Physical health is one of the most essential things that can help any individual with his road to success in the trading game. The benefit of staying healthy helps in trading because it further maintains the balance in life. Remember, “you are what you eat,” so a body that is fed junk will inevitably cause you to be sluggish, whereas a body given healthy foods makes the mind work soundly.

With all the running and haste characteristic of the trading world, it is crucial to have a mind and a body that can absorb stress, cope with it, and produce thorough decisions. The mind can be trained this way, but that is only possible when the body functions properly. Sound mind and sound body are the traits of any person with a good, well-balanced life.

Staying Humble

Staying open to learning is what pushes an individual further towards a successful trading career. It is vital for an individual to be focused on trading but with humility. Refusing to learn and adapt dilutes the chances of progress and maintains ignorance which can easily destroy a person’s trading career.

Trading can be a profitable endeavor for an individual who is willing to set short and long-term goals, obtain guidance from mentors, stay alert to the market, stay mentally and physically healthy, and stay humble. 

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Have you been thinking about changing your job or strengthening your skills to earn a better living? Whether you are currently employed or a job seeker, you have the possibility of engaging in professional retraining to best use your skills and abilities.

However, before reaching your full potential, it may be to undergo training. Some training programs help you complete your knowledge or develop specific skills. In contrast, other programs offer more comprehensive courses to acquire an entirely new diploma or learn a new profession. As such, choosing the training programs that suit your needs will require you to define your goals and find the necessary funding. 

Professional Retraining, Changing Course

Retraining is a process that aims to change profession or change one’s professional status. According to a study, around 9 out of 10 people have considered retraining to define their career path further. Among those interviewed, 28% had already started the retraining process.

Various reasons prompt employees or job seekers to choose retraining: weariness at work, the realization of a life project, the exercise of the desired profession, obtaining a job stable, etc. In addition, changes in the professional world and new organizations tend to favor the adoption of retraining. Still, they can forget vocational training reforms and the aid offered to people who wish to take this path. Consequently, it is possible to follow a training course while being compensated or receiving a subsidy.

Undertaking professional retraining can be done at any time and at any age. Although the success of this retraining depends on several factors, age should not constitute an obstacle or deterring element. The resolve to pursue a dream, earn a living from your passion, or embrace a new vocation can be made at any age. Whatever your age, know that it is not too late to pursue your professional goals or begin a new career.

Professional Retraining

Deciding to retrain can be intimidating, so it is essential to follow certain steps before starting this process.

1. Self-Reflection

Take time to examine your motives for pursuing professional retraining. As yourself: Why do I want to change jobs? What are the professions that attract me? What are the areas in which I can evolve? Do I have the know-how, the knowledge, and the will to pursue my program? Self-reflection will help you determine your goals, eliminate options, and clarify your career path.

2. Potential Job Market

As part of your retraining, make sure that the chosen job is recruiting. Here, the challenge is to adapt your desires and wishes to the job market opportunities and choose a career area that is not saturating the market. As yourself: What are stable professions in the future? What are the areas that will be hiring when your retraining program is completed? What program will make you marketable to future employers?

3. Specialist Advice

Seeking career specialist advice and completing a skills assessment can help you analyze your skills set and define your professional trajectory. The skills assessment will make it easier to identify trades, fields, and careers that most closely match your skills, interests, and personality. It lasts 24 hours and takes place in 3 phases. In phase one, your consultant presents the objectives and the progress of your evaluation. Phase two is the investigation phase, during which you will have to take stock of all your achievements, expose your ambitions, and undergo several tests. Phase three is the last step of the synthesis. During this phase, the consultant presents his conclusions and the steps to follow to implement your retraining.

Funding Mechanisms

Several options exist that can result in the partial or complete financing of your professional retraining. If you want to train in your current industry, explore options with your current employer. Some organizations will finance an advanced degree or certification program in exchange for additional years of employment. This option allows you to invest in your training, maintain your current employment and income, and secure future employment. If you want to change industries, you can also submit requests for professional training or additional funding to local and regional offices, including Regional or Departmental Council, City Council, etc. 

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

Essential Currency Pairs for Successful Trading Success

Currency pairs trading forms the foundation of forex markets, where traders exchange one currency for another through quoted price relationships like EUR/USD or GBP/JPY. Major pairs including EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD account for over 75% of global forex volume, offering high liquidity and tight spreads that make them ideal starting points for new traders[7]. Understanding which pairs match your risk tolerance, capital availability, and trading schedule determines whether you’ll join the profitable minority or the 90% who lose money in forex.

During my 20 years leading Complete Controller, I’ve watched countless businesses stumble through currency exposure without a strategic approach to pair selection. Today’s $7.5 trillion daily forex market offers unprecedented opportunities—but only if you understand the nuances between major, commodity, and cross pairs that drive profitability[2]. This guide breaks down the seven essential currency pairs dominating global markets, reveals how commodity correlations create predictable patterns in AUD/USD and USD/CAD movements, and provides battle-tested strategies for managing volatility across different trading styles.

What are essential currency pairs for successful trading?

• EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, AUD/USD, USD/CAD, and NZD/USD represent the seven major pairs essential for trading success
• EUR/USD dominates with 22.7% of daily forex volume, offering the tightest spreads and most predictable price movements for beginners
• USD/JPY provides carry trade opportunities through interest rate differentials between Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan policies
• Commodity pairs like AUD/USD and USD/CAD correlate directly with gold/oil prices, creating additional profit opportunities
• Cross pairs excluding USD offer portfolio diversification but require advanced risk management due to wider spreads

Mastering Major Currency Pairs: The Core of Forex Markets

Major currency pairs represent the backbone of international finance, with seven key combinations accounting for the vast majority of daily trading volume. These pairs—EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, AUD/USD, USD/CAD, and NZD/USD—all feature the US dollar paired against other major global currencies[3]. Their dominance stems from deep liquidity pools that minimize slippage and transaction costs.

EUR/USD stands as the undisputed king of forex markets, maintaining its position as the most traded pair with 22.7% of global volume despite slight declines from its 24.1% peak in 2013[1]. This pair reflects the economic relationship between the world’s two largest currency zones, responding predictably to Federal Reserve and European Central Bank policy divergences. Traders benefit from spreads as low as 0.1 pips during peak trading hours, making it cost-effective for both scalping and position trading.

Strategic applications of major pairs

USD/JPY offers unique opportunities through carry trade strategies, capitalizing on Japan’s historically low interest rates versus higher US yields. When the Federal Reserve maintains rates above the Bank of Japan, traders earn daily interest differentials while holding long USD/JPY positions. This pair also serves as a barometer for global risk sentiment—strengthening during market optimism and weakening when investors seek safe-haven yen positions.

GBP/USD, nicknamed “Cable” after the transatlantic telegraph cables that first transmitted exchange rates, exhibits higher volatility than EUR/USD. Average daily ranges of 100-150 pips create opportunities for day traders, though this volatility demands stricter risk management. UK economic data releases and Bank of England policy meetings trigger sharp movements, with Brexit-related headlines continuing to influence price action years after the referendum.

Major Pair	Daily Volume %	Average Spread	Key Trading Sessions
EUR/USD	22.7%	0.1-0.3 pips	London/New York
USD/JPY	13.2%	0.2-0.4 pips	Tokyo/London
GBP/USD	11.8%	0.5-0.9 pips	London/New York
USD/CHF	5.2%	0.5-1.2 pips	London/New York

Commodity Currency Pairs: Capitalize on Resource Markets

Commodity currencies—primarily AUD/USD, USD/CAD, and NZD/USD—maintain strong correlations with global resource prices, creating predictable trading patterns. Australia’s economy depends heavily on mining exports, particularly iron ore and gold, making AUD/USD a proxy for commodity market health[6]. When Chinese steel demand increases, driving iron ore prices higher, AUD/USD typically strengthens in tandem.

USD/CAD demonstrates an inverse relationship with oil prices due to Canada’s position as a major petroleum exporter. A $10 rise in crude oil often translates to a 1-2% CAD appreciation against the USD, though this correlation weakens during periods of broader market stress[14]. Traders monitoring OPEC decisions and US shale production data gain an edge in anticipating USD/CAD movements.

Risk management in commodity trading

NZD/USD rounds out the commodity trio, responding primarily to dairy and agricultural export prices. New Zealand’s small economy amplifies the impact of commodity swings, creating outsized volatility during Asian trading sessions. Smart traders combine technical analysis with fundamental commodity research, setting wider stop-losses to accommodate the inherent volatility while maintaining favorable risk-reward ratios.

Successful commodity pair trading requires monitoring upstream indicators beyond traditional forex analysis. Chinese PMI data affects AUD/USD through industrial demand expectations, while weekly US oil inventory reports drive USD/CAD volatility every Wednesday. Building a comprehensive dashboard that tracks both currency technicals and commodity fundamentals provides the multi-dimensional view necessary for consistent profits.

Cross Currency Pairs: Beyond the US Dollar

Cross currency pairs exclude the US dollar entirely, offering direct exposure to bilateral economic relationships. EUR/GBP tracks the relative strength between the eurozone and UK economies, making it particularly sensitive to Brexit developments and divergent central bank policies. This pair typically exhibits lower volatility than its USD-based counterparts, appealing to traders seeking steadier trends.

GBP/JPY combines British pound strength with Japanese yen safe-haven dynamics, creating one of the most volatile major crosses. Daily ranges often exceed 200 pips, attracting experienced traders comfortable with wider spreads and rapid price movements. The pair responds dramatically to risk-on/risk-off sentiment shifts, amplifying gains and losses compared to major pairs.

Strategic advantages of cross trading

Trading crosses eliminates indirect dollar exposure present in synthetic positions. Rather than buying EUR/USD and selling GBP/USD to express a bullish euro view versus sterling, trading EUR/GBP directly reduces transaction costs and simplifies position management. This efficiency becomes crucial during high-frequency trading or when implementing complex multi-pair strategies.

• EUR/JPY combines eurozone growth prospects with Japanese monetary policy
• AUD/CAD offers pure commodity exposure without USD interference
• EUR/CHF responds to Swiss National Bank intervention policies
• GBP/AUD reflects UK-Australia trade relationships and interest rate differentials

Trading Strategies Tailored to Currency Pairs

Position trading leverages long-term economic trends and interest rate differentials across currency pairs. Traders holding USD/JPY positions for weeks or months capitalize on the carry trade, earning daily interest payments while waiting for favorable price movements. This strategy works best with pairs showing clear fundamental divergences—such as when the Federal Reserve raises rates while the Bank of Japan maintains negative yields[5].

Trend trading identifies sustained directional movements using technical indicators like moving averages and momentum oscillators. Commodity pairs often produce the cleanest trends, with AUD/USD rallying for months during commodity supercycles. Successful trend traders enter positions after confirmation—typically when price breaks above the 50-day moving average with increasing volume—then ride the movement using trailing stops to protect profits.

Advanced execution techniques

News trading capitalizes on volatility surrounding economic data releases and central bank announcements. GBP/USD reacts violently to Bank of England decisions, often moving 100+ pips within minutes. Prepared traders place pending orders above and below current prices, capturing the initial spike regardless of direction, then manage positions based on follow-through momentum[17].

Day trading focuses on intraday price movements, particularly during session overlaps when liquidity peaks. The London-New York crossover between 8 AM and noon EST offers ideal conditions for EUR/USD and GBP/USD scalping. Combining price action analysis with volume indicators helps identify short-term reversals and breakouts, though success requires strict discipline and predetermined daily loss limits.

Managing Risks in Currency Pairs Trading

Leverage amplifies both profits and losses in forex trading, making proper position sizing critical for long-term survival. New traders should limit leverage to 10:1 or less, risking no more than 1-2% of account equity per trade. This conservative approach prevents catastrophic losses during inevitable losing streaks while allowing profitable strategies time to prove themselves.

Volatility varies dramatically across currency pairs and market conditions, requiring dynamic risk adjustment. Average True Range (ATR) indicators quantify expected price movements, helping traders set appropriate stop-losses. During high-impact news events, widening stops to 1.5-2x normal ATR prevents premature exits while maintaining acceptable risk levels.

Professional risk management framework

Stop-loss discipline separates successful traders from casualties. Fixed percentage stops—exiting when losses reach 2-5% of position size—provide consistent risk control across different pairs and market conditions. As trades move favorably, raising stops to breakeven then trailing them below swing lows locks in profits while allowing upside potential.

Portfolio diversification across multiple pairs reduces correlation risk. Combining major pairs (EUR/USD) with commodity pairs (AUD/USD) and crosses (EUR/GBP) creates natural hedges during market turbulence. Monitoring correlation matrices prevents overexposure to single currencies or economic themes, maintaining balanced risk even when individual positions move adversely.

Final Thoughts

Success in currency pairs trading demands matching pair selection to your experience level, risk tolerance, and available capital. Start with major pairs like EUR/USD and USD/JPY to build foundational skills in liquid markets with tight spreads. Progress to commodity pairs and crosses as your pattern recognition and risk management abilities mature.

I’ve seen too many businesses and individual traders chase exotic pairs or overleveraged positions without understanding the underlying dynamics. The path to consistent profitability lies in mastering a handful of pairs deeply rather than trading everything superficially. Focus on understanding what drives your chosen pairs—whether it’s central bank policies, commodity prices, or economic data—then develop strategies aligned with those fundamental forces. Ready to elevate your trading with expert guidance? Contact the Complete Controller team at https://completecontroller.com for personalized strategies and ongoing support in navigating forex markets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Currency Pairs Trading

What currency pairs should beginners start trading?

EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY offer the best starting points due to high liquidity, tight spreads typically under 1 pip, and extensive educational resources available for these major pairs[8].

How do commodity prices affect currency pairs like AUD/USD?

AUD/USD moves in correlation with Australian export commodities, particularly iron ore and gold, with a 10% rise in gold prices often translating to a 2-3% AUD appreciation as mining revenues boost the Australian economy[3][14].

Are cross currency pairs more volatile than major pairs?

Yes, crosses like EUR/GBP and GBP/JPY typically exhibit wider spreads and larger price swings due to lower liquidity, with GBP/JPY daily ranges often exceeding 200 pips compared to 80-100 pips for major pairs[6].

Can I use the same trading strategy for all currency pairs?

No, each pair has unique characteristics requiring adjusted strategies—technical signals that work for liquid EUR/USD may fail in volatile GBP/JPY, and news trading approaches must account for different economic calendar sensitivities[17].

What causes USD/CAD price movements?

USD/CAD primarily responds to oil price changes due to Canada’s energy exports, with additional influences from Bank of Canada policy decisions and US-Canada trade relations affecting the exchange rate[3][16].

Sources

• Bank for International Settlements. (2022). BIS Triennial Central Bank Survey of Foreign Exchange and Over-the-counter (OTC) Derivatives Markets. https://www.bis.org/statistics/rpfx22_fx.htm
• Bank of England. (2022). Summary of the UK BIS Triennial Survey Results for 2022. https://www.bis.org/statistics/rpfx22.htm
• Saxo Bank. (2023). 7 Major Forex Pairs: A Guide to the Most Traded Currency Pairs. https://www.home.saxo/content/articles/forex/major-forex-pairs-guide
• Charles Schwab. (2023). 4 Ways to Trade Currency Pairs. https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/4-ways-to-trade-currency-pairs
• CME Group. (2022). BIS 2022 Triennial Central Bank Survey of Foreign Exchange and OTC Derivatives Markets. https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/microsites/fxc/files/2022/BIS2022TriennialCentralBank_Survey.pdf
• Vantage Markets. (2023). Trading the AUD/USD Currency Pair. https://www.vantagemarkets.com/academy/trading-audusd/
• IG International. (2023). Top 10 Most Traded Currency Pairs. https://www.ig.com/en/forex/most-traded-currency-pairs
• RemitX Blog. (2023). Best Currency Pairs for Beginners. https://www.remitx.com/blog/best-currency-pairs-for-beginners
• Deloitte. (2018). 5.3 Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges | DART. https://dart.deloitte.com/USDART/home/codification/broad-transactions/asc815-10/hedge-accounting/chapter-5-foreign-currency-hedges/5-3-foreign-currency-cash-flow
• SSRN. (2024). Foreign Exchange Exposure and Hedging Strategies. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Delivery.cfm/4986846.pdf
• European Central Bank. Currency Pair Analysis. https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html
• Investopedia. (2023). Forex Trading Tips & Strategies. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/forex/09/forex-trading-tips.asp
• Wikipedia. Foreign Exchange Market. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreignexchangemarket
• Quantified Strategies. (2023). Currency Pairs and Commodity Correlations. https://quantifiedstrategies.com/forex-commodities-correlation/

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.