Sick And Tired Of Confusing Medical Bills? Read This!

A person receiving medical bills after going through a procedure must understand that:

Medical bills can become hard to understand. Anyone who has gone through healthcare experience will understand this simple fact. On such occasions, an individual starts receiving countless bills or documents from various providers and insurance companies, which can be confusing.

The more severe the healthcare experience is, the more difficult it is to understand billing. Furthermore, a lot of medical bills include errors. Studies have shown that nearly 80% of medical bills are incorrect, so consumers usually end up paying more than necessary. People even argue that medical bills are made complicated on purpose. This allows a hospital to overcharge the person and keep him from observing the overbilling. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Naturally, this process can make a person anxious, especially after medical treatment. An individual can easily understand all the medical bills with the help of these tricks:

Understanding Explanation of Benefits and Medical Bills

The first thing customers generally have is: Why are there so many documents in the mail? Some mailings include outlined charges and what is required to be paid by a consumer, and then stating it “this is not a bill.” If that is true, then what is it owed by the patient?

Going through a medical experience, an individual will generally get medical bills with Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Commonly, but not all the time, a person receives EOB first. This document is mailed from the health insurance company of an individual and focuses on the given services. The services include charges of the doctor, the amount paid by the insurance company, and what is left to be paid. These statements generally have “this is not a bill” printed somewhere on them. Keeping the EOB is important in order to cross-check with the medical bill.

A medical bill will generally state the same information as EOB, suggesting how to pay the procedure’s remaining balance. This is the bill for the health services. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Cross-checking the EOB with the medical bill is important. This helps to make sure that all services performed were documented correctly with the insurer and check if there were any faulty charges. Sometimes it can become difficult to carry out such calculations as no itemized bill may be provided.

Itemized bill

Service providers commonly do not send an itemized bill, but an individual can ask for one defining which services were given.

Such services might be categorized in diagnostic, medical, or disease codes. A person can check in the itemized bill to make sure if all the stated services were acquired. A person could call the billing department to ask about the unexplained charges if any discrepancies were calculated.

Prices

The prices will generally be listed with every service provided. Healthcare charges can be difficult to understand, but they can be searched online to know the correct prices. Consumers have the advantage of using Healthcare Bluebook to look out for fair prices online on general healthcare services. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

A person concerned with being overcharged can also call the billing department for the service provider to check accurate prices. Double-checking is a great way to remove any doubts about billing and be sure about service charges’ accuracy.

Medical bills get complex to understand, even for the people working in the healthcare industry. Through proper study of the bill, a person can have more confidence that service charges have been calculated and documented accurately.

Necessary steps to take

People who do not take the proper precautions in understanding medical bills end up paying more than necessary. The bills charged by service providers might include hidden charges that the consumer is not aware of. The bills are generally presented in a complex way, but with proper observation, a person can understand them clearly.

A person can get tangled in medical bills and might find it hard to pay back. To avoid this, it is important to be sure that what has been charged is calculated correctly and there are no errors in the billing process. Even a single faulty charge can become difficult to payback.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Federal Fund Rates and How They Affect Interest Rates

Interest rates that move our stock markets are known as the federal fund rates. These rates are also known as “overnight rates” as this depository changes by gathering funds from the Federal Reserve Banks. The Federal Reserve often uses these federal rates, also knows as “The FED,” to avoid and control inflation. So, by raising the rates of these Federal funds, they try to reduce the supply of funds available for buying and doing things, which is possible by making increasing the price of money itself. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Equally, when the Federal fund interest rates decrease, the FED’s money supply will be increased, making it even more affordable to gather money while boosting spending. In a lot of countries, banks do it a lot and all for the same reasons. This cycle is how money gets added and removed from circulation.

The amount that a bank pays to other banks is extremely significant due to their prime interest rates. The interest rates that commercial bank charges when it comes to their most creditworthy clients depend upon the Federal fund rates. These rates have a lot of power when it comes to affecting the overall economy and interest rates.

What Happens When Interest Rates Rise?

When the Fed increases the federal fund rates, it will automatically affect the stock market. This will also affect the Fed’s borrowing of money by making it even more expensive. This has a trickle-down effect and leads to higher interest rates in the economy. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Now that the borrowing of money is more expensive, institutions related to finances will have to increase the interest rates that they receive from their clients that borrow money. However, businesses that take money from banks that develop and expand are affected by this more directly. So, when a bank makes scrounging even more expensive, these companies will not borrow as they used to while paying higher interest charges. Reduction in business spending can very well hinder the growth of a company. In other words, it usually means that the stock prices are being affected.

Interest Rates and the Stock Market

So if a company is slowing down on its growth or becoming less profitable, going through debt, or generating less revenue, it is obvious that the amount of cash flow would drop. Due to this, the prices of a company’s stock will drop as well. If this decline in stock prices affect enough companies, the whole market may decline or possibly crash.

Having a lower expectation regarding a company’s growth and cash flow will affect the invertor’s ability to grow from the stock price obligation, making stock ownership a lot less desirable. Keeping that in mind, investing in equities can be too unstable compared to another type of investment. There are a few areas that do benefit from interest rate hikes. Sectors like banks, brokerages, mortgages, and insurance companies’ revenue rise as interest rates increase so that these companies can charge more for lending because of it. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

What Happens When Interest Rates Fall?

So when the economy is declining, the Federal Reserve stops all federal funds to help boost financial activity. However, a decline in their interest rates given by the Fed has conflicting effects as compared to the rate hike. Economists, along with investors, both view low-interest prices as substances for growth. The advantage of personal and commercial borrowing is that it can convert leads to bigger profits and a robust economy. Due to this, consumers will spend more with lower interest rates, making them feel like they can finally purchase a new house and afford private schooling for their kids. Not only that, but businesses will also have the capability to finance their processes and expansions under a cheaper range of funds. This is exactly why the future money-making potential will probably lead to higher stock prices.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Everything You Need to Know About Disruptive Innovation and Technology

Many decades ago, economists discovered the need for disruptive innovation and technology. Every few years, industries and markets need disruptive innovation to drive the industry’s growth and the overall economy. In more recent years, some examples of disruptive technology and innovation are things we now take for granted and often use, such as GPS, artificial intelligence assistants, e-commerce sites.

In the past, those innovations that were considered disruptive technology at the time would be things like the airplane, electricity, and the automobile. At the time of their introduction or invention, they were considered radical, and now they are widely used and considered the norm. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Disruptive technology is important as it significantly alters how the economy operates and sweeps away old systems or outdated inventions or habits, and replaces them with something far superior. Here are four steps to take when introducing disruptive innovation and technology.

Find a Market that Needs Innovation

While every industry or market has needed radical changes to fill a need or solve a problem, if you are looking to cash in on disruptive technology or innovation, you have to be the one that sees problems and needs where others may not see one.

Companies that are thriving now came up with disruptive innovation and technology that radically changed the face of the market they were in and continued innovating to stay on top of those markets. Some examples would be Netflix finding a way to innovate the movie-watching industry by eliminating the need to leave your home to watch movies. Amazon was the online answer to giant box stores and malls.

These examples should give you an idea of what to strive for when looking at disruptive technology and innovation possibilities. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Track Down Companies that Exist and Fill a Gap or Solve a Problem

If you are looking to invest in disruptive innovation and technology, you want to look for start-ups or starting your own company that fills a gap or solves a problem. The companies that have the possibility of being the next Netflix or Amazon or Apple are the ones you need to tap into or emulate.

Because they were not big when the founders of these companies began them to fulfill needs or solve problems, you will need to see the potential before investing in the company.

Create a Real and Working Business Model

Your revolutionary innovation and technology will need a working business model to show possible investors why they want to take a risk and invest. Remember that almost every industry giant looked destined for bankruptcy while building the business into the giant they are today.

As long as you understand you have to work through the suck and keep building capital to get you through the lower levels of implementation of your disruptive technology, your endurance will pay off and equal big gains in the future. Most historical disruptive innovations were thought of as radical and even impossible ideas in their time. Keep pushing forward for as long as you believe in your idea. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Invest Then Watch the Market You are In

Even if your disruptive innovation is highly successful, you will need to keep an eye on the market you are in once you invest and release your innovation or technology into the market. Keep in mind, if your innovation takes off, there will be not only knock-offs but those that will come in and bring their advancements and innovation to the table.

You can’t just rest on your laurels. You have to keep up with and exceed the Jones’s when it comes to staying ahead, and relevant in the market your innovation is in, and to do that, you will need to keep moving forward.

You must stay on your toes and be ready to get out or dive deeper as the market conditions change. The deeper you understand the disrupted market, the better equipped you’ll be to take full advantage of the fundamental changes. You have to be ready to continue to innovate and change or risk selling or leaving the market if your innovation or technology becomes irrelevant.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Smart Tips for Interview to Get a Dream Job

The job-search process can be extremely overwhelming, especially when you are desperate. In this situation, it is up to you to cope with this stress and maximize your job search. Break down the process into smaller steps that you can manage. Try to get something useful done every day in your search. The process may be slow, but with continuous progress, you can achieve your goals. When looking at different job options, prioritize the work you wish to perform rather than work that bores you. This is the best and most productive way to get your dream job. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Just as we need a proper budget for financial management, we must conduct our job-search with a disciplined schedule while adhering to proper rules. By implementing these rules daily, you will maximize your job search and move closer to finding that dream job. This does not mean that you are going to be able to adhere to 30 rules every day. Concentrate your job search journey from the initial stage to the final stage. The first stage includes resume creation, searching for relevant jobs within your industry, etc. The second one includes interview preparation, thank you note, job approval, and rejection. Implement each of these job search recommendations daily to have less stress and more concentration on your dream job.

It would also be best if you learned how to organize and schedule the job search to meet your goals. Let’s have a look at that!

Start with resume structuring

Structuring your resume ensures awareness of your end-goals, which you must be prepared for. Ensure your resume is the strong foundation that enables you to get the interview for that dream job. First, polish your relevant skills. Next, observe your professional qualities and include them in your resume. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Start Networking

This is an integral part of the job-search journey since utilizing your contacts gives you the opportunity to receive recommendations and leads. This process may inform you of multiple job openings that are suitable for you. There are plenty of tips for the best networking. Some include using LinkedIn, creating business cards, and being active on social media.

Start your research process

This part of the process will require your full concentration. You must conduct a search on multiple platforms. Ensure that your resume and cover letters are highly attractive and will compel your potential employer to reach out to you. Upload it to different websites and social media, as you will get lots of traffic there. Facebook is a platform where multiple job search groups are available. You must upload a post in these groups specifying what type of job you want. Then, potential employers can comment on your post or message you in private. Also, various companies upload career opportunities with the required details so you can consider them. Indeed.com is another website where you can post your resume and upload a file with a relevant cover letter. Make sure you respond to job postings in your desired area. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Synchronize your network   

You can also search for jobs by visiting different platforms in your circle. Our interests reflect every activity that we perform in our daily lives. For instance, if you are fond of reading and writing about politics, fiction, app development, website development, design, etc., search for jobs using these keywords.

Get ideas from your search history or most visited websites. Taking the time to establish and focus on your interests will ensure that you find a job you actually enjoy and are passionate about.  

Search job listings

The best way to find jobs on the internet is by visiting different channels and platforms. When looking for a job, search in your relevant area, your respective domain, etc.

Remember, humans, spend a third of their life at work. Be sure to choose a job that interests and challenges you. When you are passionate about something, you perform better, which could lead to greater earning potential.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Everything You Need to Know About the Thrift Savings Plan

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the government’s answer to the 401(k) for federal workers and the military. It was introduced in 1986 as part of the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act. The Thrift Savings Plan allows investing in a tax-advantaged retirement account similar to the 401(k) plan. The Thrift Savings Plan contributions can be taken straight out of your paycheck, and you can invest that money in a variety of different funds. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Who Is Eligible for the Thrift Savings Plan?

To be eligible for the Thrift Savings Plan, the federal government must be employed or be a member of the military. If you are unsure if you qualify, contact your benefits office to see eligibility and ask any questions about the Thrift Savings Plan when considering whether you are eligible. If you are in doubt, you should contact a financial advisor specializing in the Thrift Savings Plan.

Traditional and Roth Thrift Savings Plan Contributions

There are two tax contribution options available to choose from when you contribute to your Thrift Savings Plan account, the traditional contribution or the Roth contribution. Here are the differences.

Traditional Thrift Savings Plan Contribution

With the traditional contribution option, your contributions are made with pre-tax dollars. You pay taxes on the income upon withdrawal after retirement, according to your income bracket. This payment of taxes means any gains will be taxed upon withdrawal as well. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Roth Thrift Savings Plan Contribution

Your contributions are made with the Roth contribution option after taxes have been taken out of your paycheck. This option is often viewed as the better option because any gains are tax-free, and you won’t pay any taxes on the money upon withdrawal after you retire.

The Thrift Savings Plan has yearly contribution limits. Search online, or contact your benefits office for the current year limits.

Contribution Matching

Like many civilian companies, your contributions can be matched up to a certain percentage by the agency or branch of service you are in at the time of contribution. Some will match up to 5% of dollar-for-dollar, so if you contribute 5% of your pay, you get a full match. To make the most of this free money, it is suggested that you contribute at least the amount that will be matched.

Contribution Amount

The suggestion is to contribute 15% of your income. However, because there is a set dollar amount yearly contribution limit, you should adjust accordingly. Since your agency or branch will match up to 5%, you should contribute to that amount, because that is free money you don’t want to leave on the table. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

What investment funds does the Thrift Savings Plan offer, and which one is right for me?

There are multiple funds to choose from, all with different advantages and disadvantages. To explore these investment funds, which is best for you, consult a professional who understands the Thrift Savings Plan. These funds are not the same for all, and you can invest in more than one fund at a time.

What you need to know now about the Thrift Savings Plan

If you are a federal employee or a uniformed service member, you should be contributing to the TSP. Having a nest egg for retirement is something every financially responsible adult should be focused on, even if getting a later start. You should at least contribute 5% of your income to secure the maximum price match and get that free money added to your future. And most importantly, hire a professional financial advisor that is entirely familiar with the Thrift Savings Plan to help you optimize your investments by choosing the right fund(s) in which to invest.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Pros and Cons of Pet Grooming Business

Pet grooming is one of the most common services on which a pet owner spends their money since many do not have the time or knowledge needed to groom their pets properly.

This creates an opportunity to start a personal pet grooming service for someone who does have the knowledge and ability. An experienced pet groomer in love with animals can take advantage of this situation and turn caring for pets into a profitable business.

Creating a business is a good idea, and having the right techniques can bring success in a short time. However, before starting a business, a person must know the pros and cons. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

The Advantages of Pet Grooming Business

  • The business can operate from the front of a store. If there is not a store-front space, then it might be a good option to rent space at the front of the pet-related business like a kennel or a pet store.
  • Pet grooming can also become a mobile business if the vehicle is spacious and well equipped.
  • The workload largely depends on the owner, and it could be as little or as much as the owner wants. Initially, it could be an additional source of income. Still, with a great client base, it can be converted to a full-time According to the study of QC Pet, a person working independently full time is expected to make nearly $28,000 annually. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers
  • A love for animals can be profitable. A person having a love for household pets can use this opportunity to earn income through what he loves.
  • There are multiple ways to approach clients. If a store-front space can be rented at a pet store, then a pet grooming business owner can feasibly take clients each day the store is open. If working in a home-based business or mobile business, the owner can still develop a good relationship with a pet store and build a solid client base.
  • The business can be expanded by providing additional services like pet sitting or dog walking.

The Disadvantages of Pet Grooming Business

  • The initial cost can be expensive for an individual to build a business. To become an expert pet groomer, top quality supplies are required to meet all breeds’ needs. Having the proper equipment like bathtubs and tables is important, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers
  • To run a successful pet grooming business, it takes more than just a love for animals. The individual must have enough knowledge to handle multiple pets, breeds, and animal natures, and most importantly, professional grooming skills. Though it is not required, an individual can become certified through the National Dog Groomers Association of America to share skills and knowledge and gain credibility.
  • A target market can have a positive impact on the business. Generally, more affluent areas have a higher demand for pet grooming.
  • Having insurance coverage is important to protect the owner from any liability but can also be costly.
  • As it can take a lot of time to build a good client base, having an online presence is important and can be an avenue to make connections with people in the same industry.

An individual must also have additional equipment like cages and dryers to meet the business’s requirements. It might be difficult to manage multiple pets at first but repeat clients can help an individual develop a good relationship with the pets and owners alike.

Before starting a personal pet grooming business, it is important to work voluntarily as a pet groomer. Doing so will give an individual the necessary experience to work professionally later on.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Resolving Workplace Conflict

Conflicts tend to escalate quickly and can reach the point of no return. Personal bias and behavioral differences can soon turn any disagreement into a major dispute. If actions are not effectively taken, these disputes can result in workplace chaos and cause significant damage to the company’s reputation.  Each company has its own set of compliance policies and regulations. Conflicts can be managed and addressed effectively if planned strategies are implemented. A lot of companies have a set of rules that permit and prohibit certain actions. A stepwise strategic procedure can be implemented to resolve disputes and to ensure that the employees feel safe and protected. If you ever get into the position of resolving workplace conflict, then implementing the following steps can be helpful: Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Early Intervention

Companies should train both their Human Resources Department (HR) and their supervisors and employees to tackle disputes at the ground level. By doing so, the risk of major disputes arising is minimized. Early intervention can prevent small disagreements from turning into major conflicts. Early intervention determines the scope of the issue and provides room for dialogue and resolution.  Everyday problems that arise at a workplace may not require formal intervention and are often a result of misconception, misinterpretation, or false assumptions. Such disagreements can be easily addressed if more companies help their employees with problem-solving skills. Dismissing or ignoring a misconception allows it to turn into a conflict; therefore, it is best to give room for discussion to even out any issues. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Informal Negotiation

If the problem cannot be addressed through early intervention, then informal negotiation can help. This allows those in dispute to address their problems with each other discreetly. By giving the people in dispute time and privacy to resolve the issue, tempers can be calmed, and a more agreeable outcome can be achieved. Those involved in the dispute should share and discuss all the vital information required to reach a clear and agreed decision. This helps in clarifying misunderstandings and promotes bonding between employees. This process can take a bit more time than early intervention but is worth the effort if it can resolve the dispute.

Informal Mediation

If informal negotiation fails to give a solid conclusion, then informal meditation should take place. Informal mediation requires an HR professional to have a word with both parties involved in the dispute. The professional works as a mediator and points out every possible and plausible solution. The basic concept is to use the expertise and resources of a third person to work with both parties in resolving the issue at hand. Through informal mediation, the people in dispute are often aware of their personal biases. This allows them to think more rationally and logically and without emotion. The end of the meeting will be the time to determine an achievable outcome. In certain cases, the company’s policy dictates the outcomes. This helps the people in dispute know that their problems have been resolved, and they can return to work as usual. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Formal Complaint

When all the rest of the steps fail to resolve the conflict, a formal complaint is the last resort. A formal complaint addressed to HR is registered and documented to investigate the source of the problem. Once identified, the problem can be resolved in several ways, keeping the company’s policy and legislation in mind. Formal complaints can be lodged and registered depending on the availability of the authority. The investigation of the formal complaint can lead to a repositioning of roles, further training, job revisions, and even termination. The outcome of the investigation lies solely in the severity of the complaint lodged and company policies. Once the complaint has been investigated, it lies in the hands of authorities to determine how to ensure a healthy working environment.

Resolving a workplace conflict can at times be difficult and time-consuming, but with clear leadership and strategic planning, it can be done effectively.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Primary and Secondary Market

The equity market, or stock market, can be broken into two parts: the primary and secondary markets. In a security market, the securities are traded amongst traders, whether on the security exchange or over the counter. The primary market uses the first offered shares through an initial public offering (IPO). New shares besides IPOs, often known as seasoned offerings, can also be accessed from the primary market, with the market being heavily being influenced by investment banks. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Bonds

Security giving off a fixed amount at regular time periods or until the medium or long-term maturity is offered is known as a bond. Bonds make up the most crucial part of the long and medium debt instrument.   
Bonds work like a loan in that they have a precise dollar amount present, which is the face value of the bond given at the maturity period. The issuer pays interest rate or coupon price to the buyer until the bond matures.

Bonds are also known as fixed-income securities, and the cash flows are called advances until the maturity period. A lot of bonds are traded over-the-counter (OTC) but can also be sold at security exchanges where bond investors, brokers, and dealers who make, sell, and purchase bonds through phone or electronically.

Generally, only large corporations, government agencies, or other organizations with a strong credit rating can access bond markets. There are various types of bonds that become the modification of basic values. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Foreign, Domestic, and Eurobonds

A great difference can be seen amongst the three bonds:

  • The foreign bond provided in a foreign country
  • Domestic bonds provided within the same country of owner
  • Eurobonds provided in any one currency but sold at an international level

It is important to note the difference between terms as Eurobonds are sold on an international level the euro bonds are sold within the continent of Europe only.

Government bond market

Domestic debt markets are generally dictated by government debt as it is less risky and produces liquidity on investment. A government defaulting on a debt repayment is much less likely than a company defaulting. As a result, government debt is used as a benchmark for corporate debt.

Government debt might be provided by a regional, national, local, and municipal government, including the government agencies. The government debt securities can be anywhere from a period of one to 35 years.

Corporate bonds

In a corporate bond, investors become the issuing company’s creditors. Debt securities like bonds are higher in rank to security, meaning that the holders of bonds will get the principal amount or interest rate at first before any shareholder is given any amount. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Companies generally choose to borrow in the long term at a fixed rate of interest. The company’s credit rating will directly affect both the coupon and the maturity which is available to the company on issuing a bond. Generally, the corporate bond gives a coupon two times in a year and pays the face value only when the bond’s maturity period has been completed.

Such bonds yield a much higher return than a government bond with the same maturity due to corporate bonds’ higher risk.

In many cases, corporate bonds carry a credit rating depending on the credit history of a company and its ability to pay back the promised amount, which helps in estimating the market instrument financially.

Maturity is one of the main features of a bond and indicates when the principal amount is going to be paid back and for how long interest payments are going to be paid. Depending on their maturity, corporate bonds fall into one of three categories:

  • Short-term bonds or notes having the maturity of fewer than 5 years
  • Medium-term bonds or notes having a maturity between 5 to 12 years
  • Long-term bonds or notes having a maturity of more than 12 years
Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

What is Best for your Finances: Renting or Buying a Home?

Is investing in a home for you and your family a good idea? Or perhaps, is it best to continue renting? There are many factors to consider for both options. The right answer hinges on your current financial situation, career choices, as well as your family’s plans.  

Impact after buying

Owning a home is a long-term goal for most people due to the stability it offers. This type of goal requires a financial term known as “mandatory savings.”

Purchasing a home is typically an excellent investment when it is possible. Over the last 40 years, the average selling price of a house has increased almost tenfold. For villas and apartments, the price was multiplied on average by four and six, respectively. As a result, homes have appreciated three times faster than other properties. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

As the owner, a person can make decisions to customize your living space. They can make renovations to transform it to their personal taste. Often, these renovations will contribute to their home’s overall worth. When renting, they may feel less emotionally invested.

By buying a home, the owner is investing their capital into something concrete and sustainable. Later, they can rent, sell or offer it to their children. However, it is impossible to predict how the real estate market will evolve. It may be that when they are ready to sell their property, the house earns less than the purchase price. Also, the final condition of the house contributes to the buying price.

But a long-term investment

Buying a home is not a decision to take lightly. Being such a large investment, the purchaser may be required to subscribe to a loan. For most loans, a personal contribution of at least 20% of the sales price is often required – an amount that can quickly reach over $40,000 – and it must include registration fees and other notary fees in order to obtain this credit. Many young people cannot do this without their parents’ help, even though mortgage rates remain low. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Rental, an intermediate solution?

Renting a home is often a temporary solution, and in some cases, it is also the best. The main advantage of renting is without a doubt the flexibility that it offers. If a person chooses to rent, they do not “tie their neck” with credit, and they can modulate their place of life according to their family, professional and financial situation.

What if a person ends up living too far from their new place of work? Or, perhaps, their home is getting too small, the rent is too high, or their new neighbors are too noisy? Moving quickly is no problem; finding a new roof can take a matter of months. Thus, a young person who arrives fresh onto the job market and wants to gain experience may be interested in renting their first home.

As a tenant, however, a person is dependent on the owner: it is the owner who will decide their fate regarding the property. He may refuse to extend the lease or decide to occupy the property himself, or even sell it. In this case, there is a good chance that a person will have to move unless they decide to buy it back.

Rent: how much does it cost?

Renting a home is much faster and involves fewer costs than a purchase. Compared to the purchase price of a home, the rent of an equivalent building will generally be less than the amount to be paid each month to repay their loan. A person can then place the difference in a savings account or invest it. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

A tenant has much less responsibility than a property owner does. In general, they must only take-out liability insurance and ensure their property. At the same time, an owner must also ensure the entire building and take out the remaining balance insurance at the time of purchase. As a tenant, they are never faced with high-unforeseen expenses, such as maintenance issues.

Under the effect of indexing, the rent of a home will increase over time. By some measurements, rent may increase by up to 50% over the next 20 years. It is important to note that that the rent a person pays is lost forever. It does not appreciate or add equity. In addition, if a person rents a property, they must pay their rent every month – even if their income decreases or they retire.

So, is it better to buy?

From a purely financial point of view, it is usually preferable to own a home rather than rent it. However, this requires a large budget. To make such a financial investment, a person needs to be sure that they want to settle in one place for a good part of their life. Once their mortgage has been fully repaid, they must no longer pay annual property tax and need only to worry about maintaining their home. Renting may be a more practical choice to fit one’s lifestyle and financial situation.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Technologies Latest Victims are Cash and Retail

Consumer habits have changed with the introduction of technology. Customers now demand more speed, closeness, and personalization when making purchases online and receiving them at home. With COVID-19 plaguing our country, e-commerce has exploded! Businesses that did not offer e-commerce options are now utilizing this option. The growth of e-commerce is having an undoubtedly transformative effect on our purchasing behavior. How a company utilizes, this platform is the key to its prospering.

This article will analyze changes in industries due to e-commerce in relation to creative directors, advertising experts, distributors, data experts, and retail entrepreneurs. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Unite the tradition of luxury with the ‘millennials’

John Hooks, an expert in fashion and retail and the former president of Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren EMEA, once said, “The fashion and luxury industry is very relevant because we deal with things that people do not need, our job is to create the desire for consumption.” This can be a challenge because consumer habits have changed alongside improving technology. Hooks goes on to say, “In the area of ​​luxury and fashion, there is a growing gap between hyper-connected and hyper-efficient consumers and offline retail, which is not keeping pace.”

Advertising desirable?

“We are moving towards a world where we have to know the consumer better than ever before,” says Vanessa Prats, sales director for Spain and Portugal at Procter and Gamble. There is one thing we already know about most consumers: they are becoming fed up with advertising. We live in a world of quantity above quality, with massive amounts of content being thrown at us every day. Digitization provides us with many opportunities; however, the challenge is not to replicate the mistakes of the past. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Reinventing the store concept

One key aspect of retail to consider is the purchase process. Electronic commerce is becoming something mechanical. What is happening is that e-commerce takes a part of the customer experience that was routine and transfers it to the online world. Due to people visiting a physical shop less, the overall experience has become more enjoyable and savored. We often forget that we are experiential animals. So, technology must be a vehicle that facilitates the improvement of the experience in physical points. Incorporate technology into your physical store through an updated cash register or digital personal stylist. However, you want to avoid the risk of going to the extreme and over-filling the store with technology.

New payment experiences

There is life beyond cash and card, but do consumers know this? David Alonso, director of B2B of Samsung, assures that “For other methods of extension, consumers have to assume some advantage with respect to the card.” We must lose the fear of the unseen regarding mobile payments and remember that this form of payment is safer than cash.   Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

The time to receive the purchase at home

Behind the click lies the world of delivery. New purchasing systems have forced businesses to radically change their purchasing process. The pressure that comes with this is nothing to laugh about. Failing to efficiently and simply guide a customer through the purchasing process affects the store and the customer’s returning business.  

Getting the customer to buy again

Some of the reasons are:

  • The social study of how we interact and what encourages us to talk with people. Conduct some research in your store. What are your customers’ interests? What are their demographics? What are some talking points that will leave a lasting impression?
  • Incorporate human elements into the user experience. These facilitate interaction.
  • Have incentives for your customers online, such as unlocking items by paying an annual fee.
Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers