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Ismail Khalid

Five Methods of Making the Most of the Power of Big Data

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Big Data has surfaced as a transformative force in this information explosion and consumption era. If you look around, you will find that each one of us is already using data in some capacity. Whether it is a big or small business, a global organization, a student, or a consumer, one is already connected to a vast amount of data existing in cyberspace.

Big data refers to the huge volumes of information and data that are collected from different sources. Industries and organizations analyze the data to understand consumer behaviors and market patterns and get greater insights into the business. Learning about information management makes the potential for businesses even greater as there is advanced technology available to understand the colossal amount of data available.

However, one needs to know how to harness the power of Big Data completely with effective methods so as to make informed decisions and drive innovation. Read on to learn about the key techniques and strategies to make the most of the power of Big Data.

Make use of additional opportunities and affordable tools

Data analysis tools have become more advanced and affordable in recent years. Thus, it has become easier for businesses of all sizes to use both free and paid services to get impactful insights from the data analysis and run the metrics for their business. The purpose is to optimize every facet of the business to get the best results.

Gain actionable insights based on visual analytics

Business professionals can derive actionable insights by studying the charts and graphs that can help them increase their productivity and profits and decrease costs. The power of data and visual analytics helps one find the patterns and meaning behind them to gain useful insights faster and more efficiently.

Data analytics in business

Analyze data in real-time to capitalize on opportunities

Real-time analytics is another key tactic to make the most of big data, as organizations and businesses need to be aware of changing conditions and how to respond to them and make timely decisions. Today, one can employ streaming analytics technologies to get instantaneous insights based on real-time data processing and analysis.

Advance your knowledge of data science and analytics

Today, plenty of professional and affordable courses on websites can train you on analytics, database management, and data science. This is a simple and affordable way to learn about data topics and invest your time and efforts in courses to advance your knowledge about data analysis and facilitate your growth.

Use only quality data

Not all data holds value and quality, thus, it is important to ensure that the quality of data is good, or else it would be impossible to get an accurate analysis. Endless amount of data is a major challenge today. Work on only robust data and implement effective governance systems to ensure data quality and integrity for effective analysis and quality results. Set up strict data management protocols and quality standards for data cleansing to build the authenticity and reliability of the Big Data assets.

As you can see, one needs to take a holistic approach to make the most of the power of big data and follow the methods listed above to harness its full potential.

4 Strategies to Increase Your Monthly Income and Make the Most of Your Higher Education

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Regardless of how adept you are at organizing your financial affairs, it takes time to figure out how to make your financial resources go further. Fortunately, there are fast and easy ways to raise your earnings.

When you’re cultivating your profession and planning for the coming years, there will undoubtedly be a point when having some extra funds on hand would be extremely helpful. You may be seeking to beef up your emergency funds or accumulate money for a significant purchase like a brand-new vehicle or house.

Whatever your objective is, you may progress toward reaching it by seeking out original methods to increase your monthly income. So, let’s get started with the strategies!

Go Back to College for Higher Education

You may consider returning to college if you’re lucky enough to have the time and would like to concentrate on your job. Certifications and degrees are frequently linked to better employment and higher salaries, especially for positions that are in popular demand.

An online MBA degree from a reputed institution will give you higher hikes in the company you’re working for, or you may get a better salary package in another company. According to a study, the earnings for MBAs can average be $100,000 to over $100,000.

Establish a means of Passive Income

You may boost your income by generating passive income without going through coursework or going to college. Any form of money that involves little to no physical labor is considered passive income.

Investing in rental homes, providing adverts on social media, or providing digital goods online are some ways to generate passive income. Even though these pursuits may initially take a lot of energy and time, they can complement your income from your job without having you take a break from it.

person holding money and mini houses with key on the notebook

Demand a Salary Hike

Asking for a raise is always a possibility if you’re happy where you are and don’t want to move to a different field or company. Even though it may not feel cozy, if you have worked for your employer for more than a year and realize that your pay is not as substantial as that of others in the same position, either inside the company or at another company, you can bring up this with your supervisor, who will investigate and returned to you with a response.

Convert your Interest into a Lucrative Business

There’s a good chance you may leverage your expertise to make money if you have some secret ability or interest that you’d be happy to focus on more. There are several ways to market your artistic endeavors online if you’re inventive.

You can effortlessly interact with prospective clients through online networks; as another way to contribute and spread the word, you can think about volunteering at nearby fairs, farmers’ markets, or additional gatherings.

Keeping these 4 pointers in mind may assist you in creating a positive adjustment that will improve both your financial situation as well as your standard of life when it comes to raising the amount you make every month.

5 Retirement Planning Tips for Pre-Retirees

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If you’re a pre-retiree, that means retirement is well within your view. You’re probably in your mid-50s or later, and you have a sense of the resources and assets that will be available to you once you leave the workforce. That puts you in a prime position to truly define your retirement and take measures to ensure that you realize all of your retirement goals. To that end, consider the following five retirement planning tips that can help you cross the finish line in a state of comfort and financial security.

Take Inventory of Your Finances

Your pre-retirement years are the ideal time to take inventory of your financial affairs so you can determine your next moves. Begin by examining your liquid and illiquid assets, such as your bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investments. By recognizing how each resource is performing, you can either confirm you’re on the right trajectory or take corrective actions to make sure you accumulate enough wealth to live out the kind of retirement you want.

Take Stock of Your Health

As the AARP reports, medical care is likely to be one of your biggest expenses after you retire, but the amount of your expenditure will depend on the state of your health. You can reasonably expect to pay less for your medical care if you’re in good health and mindfully work to maintain it, but the costs may rise nevertheless as you grow older and experience an increasing number of age-related health conditions.

What you can do to prepare for these expenses is to take stock of your current health and pursue preventive care. In addition to your annual physical, make a point of addressing seemingly small matters, too, like teeth cleaning, which can contribute to your cardiovascular and cognitive health. Doctor’s appointments aside, you can also take proactive measures at home, such as eating right, exercising, and planning care contingencies with your family. By doing so, you may both improve your overall health and have a potential support system in place that can reduce your future healthcare costs.

Maximize Your Future Returns

Those who aren’t keen on a semi-retirement will want to do what you can now to maximize your returns later. If you have a 401(k), for example, you may want to max out your contributions, which means contributing as much as you’re legally allowed per year. The regular contribution amount increases regularly because of cost-of-living adjustments, so you can contribute more and more as time goes on. That allows you to take advantage of the compound interest and accelerate the growth of your retirement savings, thereby giving you a larger nest egg to fund your retirement.

Another option is to open an individual retirement account (IRA). An IRA can work to your benefit in place of or in addition to a 401(k), as it grows in the same manner — through contributions and appreciation. The two primary types of IRAs you can choose from are traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. The main difference between them is that traditional IRAs are tax-deductible but with taxed withdrawals, whereas Roth IRAs are not tax-deductible with tax-free withdrawals. To learn more about IRA options, consult resources like the Internal Revenue Service.

Decide the Best Time to Start Receiving Social Security Benefits

online finance concept

The age at which you start receiving Social Security benefits determines how much you’ll receive every month. Per the Social Security Administration, you can begin as early as 62 and as late as 70, with the benefit amount increasing the longer you delay. If you’ve taken inventory of your finances, you should have a good idea of how long you can do without a Social Security check. Use that knowledge to decide the best time to start receiving your benefits so you can maximize your monthly amount.

Secure a New Source of Guaranteed Income

A useful supplement to traditional retirement income streams is a fixed annuity, a type of insurance contract under which you pay a contribution that grows tax-deferred at a guaranteed interest rate for a specified term. At the end of the term, you have the option to annuitize the contract or convert it into a series of payments that can last for the rest of your life. The money you receive from the annuity pads your 401(k), IRA, and Social Security checks, preventing you from outliving your savings.

Ideally, following the above tips puts you in a better position to retire on your terms. Before committing to any measures, however, make sure to speak with a financial adviser, as they can provide tailored guidance that meets your specific needs and concerns.

What are the Benefits of a Fixed Annuity?

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Fixed annuities offer many benefits, especially to those planning for retirement. Adding a fixed annuity to your portfolio can make it easier to plan for retirement because it offers guaranteed, reliable, and predictable income. Understanding what a fixed annuity is and its benefits can help you determine if this is the right financial planning tool for your goals.

What is a Fixed Annuity?

A fixed annuity is a financial and retirement planning tool that offers a guaranteed rate of return. Fixed annuities have the opportunity to generate guaranteed income, making them an excellent tool for supplementing retirement income. A fixed annuity differs from other annuity types, including a variable annuity.

Whereas a fixed annuity guarantees a set rate of return, a variable annuity pays based on how well the market performs. Other common annuity types include fixed period, single life, and joint and survivor annuities.

Benefits of a Fixed Annuity

You have a lot of retirement planning options available, and reviewing the benefits of a fixed annuity can help you decide if it’s right for your goals. Fixed annuities offer many benefits, including:

Growth Potential

Fixed annuities offer good growth potential with the opportunity to turn a large lump sum of money into consistent, regular payments in retirement. Competitive interest rates mean you can earn a good, guaranteed return on your initial investment, especially if you’re willing to choose a longer annuity period. Fixed annuities are usually between three to 10 years in length.

Simple Investment

A fixed annuity is often considered a simple investment because they’re easy to understand and guarantees a specific rate of return. This can make adding a fixed annuity to your investment portfolio an easy decision since it can offset the risk or complexity of other investment types.

Additionally, even as a simple investment, fixed annuities still offer their benefits. Many fixed-rate annuities come with death benefits, which allow your annuity payments to pass on to a beneficiary free of probate. It’s important to note that extra benefits may sometimes come at an added cost but may be worth it to protect your annuity payments.

Investment

Flexible Returns

The returns from a fixed annuity aren’t just guaranteed but also flexible. In addition to choosing a fixed annuity contract that works for your financial goals, you can also determine when you want to begin receiving income. You can time your fixed annuity payouts for when you plan to retire or even a few years into retirement when other funds may run low. The customizability of a fixed annuity makes it an excellent retirement planning tool.

Tax-Deferred Growth

Fixed annuities earnings are tax-deferred, which means you won’t owe taxes on them until you begin receiving payments. Because taxes aren’t taken out until later, you can also earn more on the money in your account through compounding interest.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) taxes fixed annuities as ordinary income, which means your tax rate depends on your income bracket. After retiring, you may pay less taxes if you’re in a lower tax bracket.

Predictable, Guaranteed Income

One of the biggest benefits of a fixed annuity is its ability to provide predictable, guaranteed income. The predictability of fixed annuities makes them an excellent option for retirement planning since you can calculate precisely how much you’ll earn before retiring. Ongoing monthly payments from a fixed annuity can also help supplement other sources of income during retirement. Some fixed annuities even offer lifetime payments, so you don’t have to worry about outliving your retirement funds.

Protected Principal

A fixed annuity also has minimal risk, especially compared to other investments, like stocks and bonds. With a fixed annuity, your initial principal is protected, even in a volatile market. Your rate of return on a fixed annuity is guaranteed, regardless of market performance. While fixed annuities may return slightly less than riskier investments, you don’t have to worry about the potential of losing the funds you need for retirement.

Emergency Options

Many investment products make your funds illiquid, making it difficult to deal with an emergency. Fixed annuities are semi-liquid and usually allow for withdrawing up to 10% of your funds without penalty. While you may be eligible to withdraw more than that, you’ll usually be subject to penalties and extra fees.

Fixed annuities come with many benefits when included in a retirement planning strategy. Minimal risk, guaranteed income, flexible payments, and tax advantages are all great reasons to consider a fixed annuity. A fixed annuity may also help you supplement your retirement income, ensuring you have the necessary funds.

Understanding the Different Types of Annuities

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Annuities are insurance-backed contracts that can provide you with guaranteed income during retirement. The most common annuity types are deferred, immediate, variable, and fixed. It’s essential to compare the pros and cons of each annuity type to understand each and choose the one that best aligns with your financial goals.

What is an Annuity?

An annuity is a retirement tool that provides you with income during retirement. Annuities are agreements with the insurance company that can be used to collect guaranteed monthly payments to supplement your income once you retire. Different annuity types determine how much you receive and when after contributing to one.

What is an Immediate Annuity?

An immediate annuity is an investment tool that offers immediate payments. Immediate annuity payments begin shortly after you make a lump sum contribution and typically extend for life. An immediate annuity can be fixed or variable. Immediate annuities are sometimes called income annuities because you can turn them into monthly income payments.

While there are many ways to fund an immediate annuity, a 401(k) transfer is the most common. One of the downsides of an immediate annuity is that you have to give up a large lump sum of cash in return for guaranteed payments. You’ll want to ensure you have access to other emergency savings in case you need cash during retirement.

What is a Deferred Annuity?

A deferred annuity refers to any annuity that begins issuing payments at a later date. Deferred annuities have more time to grow, which can benefit both a fixed or variable annuity. Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of a deferred annuity is its tax-deferred growth. With a deferred annuity, your earnings will continue accumulating, and you won’t owe taxes until you begin collecting payments. Because many people wait until they retire to collect annuity payments, they often pay fewer taxes because they’re now in a lower tax bracket.

Another advantage of deferred annuities is that there aren’t any contribution limitations. The more you contribute, the higher your monthly payments may be during retirement. A deferred annuity allows you to choose your payment schedule, including how long you want to receive monthly payments. Similar to an immediate annuity, deferred annuities can be fixed or variable rate. You can fund a deferred annuity either through a lump sum payment or through monthly premiums.

One of the downsides of a deferred annuity is that they often charge expensive surrender or early withdrawal fees if you need access to your money before the contract matures. You may also be subject to tax penalties if you withdraw the funds before you retire.

Annuities

What is a Fixed Annuity?

A fixed annuity offers a guaranteed rate of return, regardless of how well the market performs. The insurance company that backs the annuity promises a set rate of return that you’ll receive at a future date. The insurance company then invests your annuity contribution into low-risk investments, like securities and bonds. However, you’ll receive your promised rate of return regardless of how well that investment performs.

A fixed annuity’s downside is that the guaranteed rate is often less than other riskier investments. The guaranteed and predictable income and reduced risk may appeal to those nearing retirement or investors who already have high-risk investments. With a fixed annuity, you don’t have to worry about a volatile market that could otherwise affect your retirement plans.

Another downside to a fixed annuity is that it may not always keep up with inflation. The guaranteed interest rate you earn from a fixed annuity may not outpace the increasing value of goods, making it less valuable.

What is a Variable Annuity?

A variable annuity issue returns based on market performance. You still purchase a variable annuity from the insurance company, which then invests those funds and others into chosen mutual funds. Your returns, as a result, will vary depending on the performance of those collections of funds.

If the chosen funds do well, you could earn more returns than other annuity types. However, if the market doesn’t perform well, it’s possible to lose money. While a variable annuity could outpace inflation, this isn’t guaranteed. You could earn less with a variable annuity than a fixed one, depending on market performance.

The best annuity type depends on many factors, including age, retirement plans, risk tolerance, and current investment portfolio. Compare each annuity’s payout schedules and contribution requirements to find the right one for you. Make sure you consider your retirement plans and financial needs when choosing the best financial tools.

6 Exciting Applications of Raspberry Pi for Business

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Though its main purpose is to help teach computer science in schools, the Raspberry Pi can be used for a large number of applications. With its low price point and a wide variety of uses, the Raspberry Pi could be an extremely useful tool for businesses. Here are just a few of the ways the Raspberry Pi can be used for business.

A Server

The Raspberry Pi could be used as a low-cost alternative to a server. Though it may struggle with heavier loads, the Raspberry Pi could be useful in handling a light amount of traffic. If you run a smaller business that doesn’t produce a lot of traffic, a Raspberry Pi could be a cheap and reliable option when it comes to servers.

Equipment Monitoring

One of the most popular applications for Raspberry Pi is equipment monitoring. The Pi can be easily fitted with different sensors that can perform a variety of tasks, such as monitoring temperature. Should overheating be detected, the Pi can also notify users via a connected display or by sending the information to a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Equipment monitoring is an incredibly useful application of the Raspberry Pi- a factory that produces cameras for Sony uses the Pi for monitoring, some with motion sensors and others attached to a camera for visual monitoring. The factory’s manager claims that using the Pi in the production process has increased efficiency by 30%.

Surveillance

Combining a Raspberry Pi with a camera module can allow you to create a cheap alternative to a security camera. The camera can record an HD video when detecting movement in the area, and live pictures from the camera can be viewed on a smartphone or tablet, meaning that you can keep an eye on your business wherever you are.

Digital Signage

Another popular use for the Raspberry Pi is to display media on TVs in communal areas, such as receptions and office break rooms. The Pi can be used to show images or video and can be displayed in full HD resolution. There are a number of projects that can help you use the Pi to present content for your business.

Computer Troubleshooting Tool

The Raspberry Pi can be a great tool for testing whether a computer’s systems are functioning normally and solving any potential problems. By adding a basic screen and battery, as well as custom code, it’s a useful pocket-sized tool for checking whether your technology is working as it should.

Video Conferencing

If your business relies heavily on video conferencing software such as Zoom or Teams, the Pi can be a great tool for building a station dedicated to video conferencing. With the low cost of the Pi, supplying staff with one can be a good way to ensure everyone has easy access to this software.

person-on-video-call

These are just a few examples of how the Raspberry Pi can be used in businesses. However, with the low price-point, as well as a range of extra equipment that can be found at a Raspberry Pi store, you can experiment with the Pi and find plenty of ways to improve your business.

When it comes to Raspberry Pi, the opportunities are limitless. All that is left to do is to get started and use the Pi to create sustainable and meaningful changes to your processes.

In-film Product Advertising: when did it start and just how Effective is it?

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Although it is often quite subliminal, we have all probably seen in-film product advertising at some point. Maybe a character in a horror film picks up a mobile phone and it’s a silent call; as she puts it back down, you can clearly recognise its brand. Maybe the action hero stops for a moment and, whilst talking to his buddy, he gets a Pepsi from a vending machine. Sometimes it’s even more subtle than that; perhaps the main character happens to walk past a product on his kitchen shelf or maybe he runs by a billboard that’s advertising a known beverage. One thing is for certain, it happens a lot.

Sometimes product placements such as these go overlooked. Other times, they help catapult a product into the limelight. Think Pizza Hut, Pepsi and Reebok in Wayne’s World; Ray-Ban glasses in Top Gun or Risky Business.

Some films are almost wall-to-wall product placement—as proven by this Statista report. But such is the nature of this form of advertising, we can watch a film numerous times and still not get irritated by these hidden promotions.

When did in-film product advertising begin?

couple watching video spiderman on laptop

Considering how far-reaching a movie can be, it is no surprise that product placements have existed almost as long as the film industry itself.

One of the first cases of in-film product advertising was in a 1920’s film called The Garage. It was a comedy movie starring Buster Keaton and Fatty Arbuckle, and the products in question were Firestone Tires and Red Crown Gasoline. A sign advertising the tire company was visible on the garage wall, whilst Red Crown Gasoline was written on most of the equipment in the garage.

In 1927, a movie called Wings won an Oscar. During this film, Hershey’s chocolate is seen several times and there are even scenes where the actors are eating it. Many years later, Hershey’s would also become connected to the movie E.T. This time, some of the brand’s chocolate saw its sales more than double.

Once Hershey’s had proven that product placements in movies could really work, it became many a brand’s goal to secure their product in a movie. From Exxon spending $300,000 for their name to appear in Days of Thunder to Cuervo Gold investing $150,000 to have their product seen in Tequila Sunrise, getting a product in a film was an ultimate goal. This has also transferred onto the small screen, with many popular prime-time programmes now featuring in-film product advertising.

Beyond the realms of tradition

Over the last few decades, the digital revolution has increased exponentially.  During this time, we have found ourselves inundated with new ways to communicate. Some of these include video-sharing sites and addressable TV.

While many of these options may not have the same reach as a blockbuster movie, they can be more targeted in their topics. This means that any adverts that feature on them are more likely to be seen by relevant people.  In some cases, software can even be used that enables a company to detect a person’s viewing habits, ensuring the adverts they see are very specifically aimed at them.

The easiest route to getting your product shown on one of these outlets is by finding an AVOD advertising agency that is happy to represent you and your brand. Just ensure you have a good idea of what you hope to achieve by your product placement, and that your target market is going to be watching the programme or movie the product will feature in.

Why is Life Insurance Important Even when you are Self-Employed?

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When you make the decision to become self-employed, you may feel like you are about to undertake a mammoth task. Opening your own business can be extremely difficult, but ultimately it is very rewarding. You may be faced with a lot of stress when it comes to maintaining your business, but if it is successful, you will feel extremely proud of yourself. Whilst you move forward with your self-employment, don’t forget that life insurance is still important to own. Here is why!

What You Ought To Know About the Insurance Process

Protection for you and your Family

Whether you work for a company or are self-employed, employee insurance will make sure you are protected when you are working. It does not matter if you are working at a computer or have more manual work to undertake, life insurance can protect you when disaster strikes. You may suffer from a life-changing injury or illness that makes it difficult to get back to work. You and your family need a safety net just in case the worst does happen to you. Make sure to protect them as well as yourself.

Make Up for Lack of Benefits

Now that you are a self-employed person, you will experience a range of benefits, including when you have holidays, choosing when you want to work, and deciding who you want to work with. However, there are other times where you may struggle because you do not have the same benefits as those who are employed by someone else. This includes having certain types of insurance policies that will protect them should the worst happen. Employers may have “death-in-service” benefits. However, you won’t have these as your own employee. This means that if you should die at work, your family won’t be able to receive multiple payments of your salary. That’s why it is crucial that you invest in your own life insurance.

Different Types of Life Insurance

As a self-employed person, you will have a range of life insurance policies to choose from. It’s important to choose a policy that will suit you, your business, and the type of work that you do. The most popular type of life insurance is “term-life insurance.” This is a policy that can last between five and thirty years.

The premiums for this type of insurance tend to be below if you get it whilst you are young, however, you will have to renew it if you continue to use it. If you want to go for a longer policy, you can get “permanent life insurance.” This type of insurance will not expire; however, you may find that it is a bit more expensive or the premiums may be higher.

Ongoing Debt

It can be expensive to open your own business. Therefore, it is quite likely that you may have accumulated debt whilst opening your company. This debt will pass on to your loved ones if you pass away at work. By having life insurance, the debt will be paid off. So, make sure you are fully covered.

And there you have it – everything you need to know about why life insurance is important even when you are self-employed. 

4 Easy Ways to Make Money with Small Investment

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We’ve all asked this question before. How can I make more money? Sometimes working the 9-5 doesn’t cut it, and for a financially stable future, it’s always beneficial to have a second form of income. It’s not always possible to work two jobs, and there are only so many hours in the day, so we have come up with three solid ideas to bring in that all important second income.

Start A Side Hustle

Starting a side hustle is a fantastic way to bring in more income and from the comfort of your own home. If you have a passion or a hobby, you could utilize this. Making more money could be as simple as training yourself up, setting up a business Instagram or website, and promoting yourself and the service you provide. You could make candles, become a nail tech or barber, and start your mini side hustle from home. This gives you the flexibility to work your 9-5 and introduce new clients in the evening times and on a weekend.

Invest in Shares

Investing in stocks and shares is a great way to kick off an investment portfolio. To begin with, you may look to take out some advice on the best route to take to suit your financial circumstances. Before taking the plunge, you should look to do some research into the right business for you. How has the business performed over the years? What is the forecast looking like? Read the companies profile and find out exactly what they do to make money.

If you’re unsure of who you can invest in, we have listed some businesses below:

  • Apple
  • Jet2
  • Wynnstay PLC
  • JD Sports
  • McDonalds
  • Walt Disney
  • Amazon

Drop-Shipping

Dropshipping is an interesting approach to making more money. Drop shipping typically is a form of business in the retail sector whereby you don’t hold the goods in your inventory. You simply purchase the goods from the seller and ship them directly to the buyer. The great thing about drop shipping is the store does not keep the goods in stock. Of course, there are risks with drop shipping, such as unreliable partners. As the retailer never sees the stock, you won’t know if the product the customer receives is up to standard. 

Investing in Hard Commodities

By investing in hard commodities such as gold and silver you are diversifying your investment portfolio as well as investing in something you can take physical possession of. Gold is an inflation-proof investment therefore if you were to buy today and sell tomorrow you would retrieve the difference. Gold is unaffected by devaluation, therefore, losing your money is unlikely. You’d have to lose your physical gold or silver bullion to lose out. In times of economic downturn across the globe, you will always be able to sell your gold and not lose your money, which is why gold and silver investment is highly sought after.

4 Best Options to Keep Your Gold Safe in Switzerland

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Investing in gold is one important decision but deciding how and where to store it is another. There are a variety of options available for you and we’re here to show you exactly what. It’s important you thoroughly research each option and consider taking advantage of multiple storage options to keep your gold safe at all times should one option be compromised. We have provided you with a breakdown of the options for your consideration, read on for more information.

Safe Deposit Boxes

Your gold bullion broker may give you the option to store your gold in an in-store safe deposit box with complementary insurance cover. You will have the flexibility to grant authorised access to your deposit box with peace of mind that your valuable commodity is being watched over 24-hour CCTV.

Vault Storage

Vault storage is another highly secure storage option for your gold bullion. As with safety deposit boxes, storing your gold in a vault allows you to buy and sell all from one place whilst remaining in your full ownership. One recommended approach to vault storage is to spread your commodity across a variety of vaults, this can include different countries. If you have all your gold in one place you run the risk of losing the entire investment should there, be a security breach or natural disaster.

Bank Storage

Many people opt to store their gold bullion at the bank. One thing to bear in mind with this form of storage is the insurance. A lot of the time with safety deposit boxes and vault storage you can include insurance in your monthly premium or at least benefit from some form of insurance up to a certain amount. With bank storage its solely down to you to provide insurance for your commodity, although the bank will be able to recommend how and where you do this.

Home Safe

Many gold investors choose to store their bullion at home, for a variety of reasons. Some like to be close to their commodity to enjoy viewing their investment, whilst others trust in their own abilities to store their gold bullion. We strongly advise when purchasing a safe for your home that you do so in cash, followed by placing the safe in a secure location inside your home, telling few, if any people where it is and that you even have gold in your possession. Being able to access your gold quickly is advantageous for most people as you can quickly liquidate your asset should you choose to sell if the market turns.

Typically, investors choose to make use of more than one of the storage options available to eliminate risk and protect their asset. In addition to storing your gold in a safety deposit box at your bullion broker you may choose to store some of your hard commodity in Switzerland. Storing your gold offshore in Switzerland is a popular choice due to the neutral democratic political system and overall safety and stability of the country.