Finance

SW Admin published in Finance

SMS Lån Norge – SMS Loan Alternatives in Norway

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SMS loans (or SMS Lån as it is called in Norway) were once one of the most popular loans in Norway. It was a common financial practice to take out this credit line not just in Norway but other Scandinavian and Nordic nations like Sweden and Denmark.

The reasons for this were not far-fetched. This is given how securing it did not require collateral and could be processed very quickly. The fact that borrowers did not have to physically show up at the creditor’s office was an added advantage.

However, there are several downsides to SMS loans and this explains why it is no longer available to Norwegians and residents in many other Scandinavian nations. Many other European countries at large have made a similar fiscal policy that bans or greatly regulates SMS loans.

Thankfully, there are still alternatives that offer many of its benefits and leave out a lot of its drawbacks. Some of these alternatives will be discussed in this article. The reason why SMS loans lost their place in the Norwegian financial system will also be discussed here. By the way, you can visit: forbrukslånlavrente.com/sms-lån for more information about lenders that offer these alternative lines of credit.

Current Alternatives to SMS Loans in Norway

While SMS loans have become a thing of the past in Norway, some alternatives offer lots of the benefits it did offer. You can apply for them when the need arises and they include:

Credit Card

They have a cash advance limit and are a good way to take care of emergency projects. More often than not, the set cash advance limit is between 5,000 – 600,000 Norwegian Kroner. So, you should take note of your desired cash advance limit when applying for one.

You should also find out the eligibility criteria before you apply. Eligibility is usually determined by factors such as age, credit score, income status, and a few other reasons.

Micro Loans

It has a lot in common with SMS loans. The ability to get small unsecured loans is one of the shared similarities. In the same vein, high-interest rates are a concern with this alternative. So, you should bear this in mind when applying for it.

This also proves the need for due diligence before application. You can use comparison tools as suggested early on. Your chances of finding cheap (low-interest rates) are increased with such tools.

Mobile Loans

This facility is so convenient that borrowers secure it using a mobile app. Thankfully, a lot of them offer these credit facilities at reduced costs. This is besides the several loyalty programs that they offer clients. The repayment structure can also be very flexible. All these are reasons you may want to consider them.

 

Reasons Why SMS Loans Were Discontinued in Norway

SMS loans went from being very popular among Norwegians to becoming obsolete and fading away. The question is what were the things that led to its discontinuance?

The truth is that the predatory practices of creditors forced the hands of the country’s administrators. This is given how many of these creditors took undue advantage of borrowers’ urge for funds. They did this by imposing ridiculously high-interest rates and other loan fees.

Norway still has huge personal debt levels compared to several other parts of Europe. However, it would certainly have been worse if the activities of SMS loan lenders remained unchecked. By and large, they were discontinued in Norway because of the strict regulations introduced to curb the activities of SMS loan lenders.

The major policy change was the insistence on creditors running credit checks on borrowers before lending them money. As a result, SMS loans were discontinued because:

They were No Longer Quick

This is perhaps the most notable change that made this loan make very little sense to borrowers. The quick pace of applying and processing this credit line was one of its major highlights. The effects of the policy changed all this.

Requiring that credit checks be conducted took some time. Additionally, there were regulations forbidding granting loans before a set time. All these made securing this credit line slower and unattractive to borrowers.

Lack of Convenient

For starters, credit checks meant documentation. For example, borrowers were supposed to sign before being granted the credit line. This is for security reasons.

While it is still possible to sign digitally, it is not possible to do this via text alone. This in addition to the fact that securing the credit line became slow made it inconvenient.

Brief Repayment Period

Having a short repayment plan was one of the common features of this line of credit. This is even before the effects of the policy. This still did not change afterward and it made SMS loans less attractive to borrowers.

This is because they had to repay the loan within a very short time frame compared to many other credit lines. Repaying loans within a short time frame is usually difficult for many people. So, many borrowers started considering other lines of credit with more affordable repayment structures.

Unreasonable Interest Rates

Many SMS lenders were very guilty of predatory lending practices. This is especially considering the percentage of effective interest rates that came with these loans. Some creditors charged as high as 300 percent of the loan cost.

To put things in perspective, this means you could pay as much as 6000 Norwegian kroner in interest rate for a loan of 2000 Norwegian krone. This would bring the total repayment to 8000 Norwegian kroner. This is how predatory these lenders could get with borrowers. Initially, many borrowers did not take this too seriously because the lines of credit were usually small amounts.

However, the inconvenience caused by the credit check delays meant that the high-interest rates were not worth it any longer. As a result, many people who would usually consider SMS loans started applying for other traditional lines of credit.

Low Credit Limits

SMS loans typically had predefined limits that were too low for many people. This only made them suitable for small emergency funds. Those who needed to borrow large amounts had to look elsewhere.

Inability to Meet Loan Criteria via Text Messaging

The introduction of credit checks made it impossible to secure loans solely through text messaging. One of the reasons is that prospective borrowers had to provide their signatures. This is not possible through text messaging.

Conclusion

SMS loans are long gone in Norway and there are clear reasons for this. We have discussed some of these reasons in this article. However, there are worthy alternatives as also discussed in this article. You can consider them but should ensure you are not a victim of predatory lending. Using a comparison platform is highly recommended as it can be very helpful.

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SW Admin published in Finance

How to Turn a Single Hobby into Multiple Revenue Streams – Making the Most of Your Niche

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Ever got so engrossed in a hobby that you thought, “Hey, what if I could make a business out of this?” Well, guess what? You totally can! You can turn your beloved pastime into a successful company with the right approach and mindset.

Lots of folks have turned their hobbies into money making ventures. It happens when a hobby becomes a full-blown passion, and that passion fuels the entrepreneurial fire. Certain hobbies even have built-in markets, so if you can figure out that market, you can find a profitable business. 

How To Make The Most Of Your Niche And Turn A Hobby Into Multiple Revenue Streams 

  • Conduct Research

If you want to make money from your hobby, the first step is determining how it can bring in some cash. Look for competitors in your field, and find opportunities to offer products, services, or information connected to your hobby.

For instance, if you are good with photography and want to generate income, you could sell your photos. You can also provide photography services for events or even collaborate with corporations.

It can be beneficial if you’re seeking relief from student loan debt. Pursue your passion and achieve student debt loan relief by exploring different opportunities and leveraging your skills.

  • Consider Social Media Marketing

Once you realize the potential of your passion, it’s time to show off your skills and grab a bigger audience. Set up your website or social media account to display your work and services. These platforms become your marketing hub where you can share updates with clients and put your talent on full display.

It is essential that you make your website as pleasing as possible to gain clients. Upload high-quality images of your work to showcase your products and services. You may include testimonies of previous customers who had a positive experience with your service.

  • Earn Money On Your Content

Consider making money from your hobby-related content, like blog posts, videos, or tutorials, by incorporating ads or sponsorships. Collaborate with businesses that align with your brand and offer relevant products or services.

Explore affiliate marketing to earn commission through your referral link. It’s all about finding creative ways to monetize your passion while staying true to your unique style.

  • Be A Freelancer

If you’ve got skills related to your passion, freelancing can be a great option. Check out freelancing platforms that connect freelancers with clients looking for their specific talents. 

Use these tools to find gigs, set your rates, and build a solid reputation as a freelancer. It’s a fantastic way to leverage your abilities and earn income doing what you love.

Using your hobby-related skills, you can attract clients willing to pay for your expertise. Freelancing helps you make money and allows you to meet new people and gain valuable experience. It’s a great way to turn your hobby into a source of income while expanding your professional network.

  • Be Dedicated

Treat your passion like a real career if you want it to be a reliable income source. Dedicate time to improve your skills, learn about the industry, and focus on sales and marketing. Take your time with it; avoid rushing and delivering subpar quality. Take action and stay committed to making progress.

The Bottom Line

To turn your hobby into a great business, you need to be dedicated, work hard, and keep learning and changing. It all comes down to being committed, putting in the work, and being willing to change. Remember that turning your hobby into a successful business is an exciting trip that you have to take part in. 

It is a great way to get paid to do what you love. You get to enjoy every step and turn every fight into something worthwhile. 

 

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SW Admin published in Finance

Should You Invest in Gold for Retirement & How to Choose Your Dealer?

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Thinking more seriously about your retirement options? That must mean one of two things. You’re either just now starting to save for retirement, or you’ve bene doing it for a while, but you’re now worried about your portfolio, and trying to figure out if there are some assets that could provide you with more security and stability. In light of recent bank failures and in light of the entire economic situation on the market, it’s no wonder your perception of saving is changing and it’s no wonder you’re thinking about some alternatives.

Gold is, of course, one of the alternatives. And it is the one that you’ll come across the moment you start searching for retirement saving methods or assets. That’s also when you’ll come across certain gold dealers such as American Hartford Gold and similar ones. Instead of that answering your questions, though, it will probably raise some more. You’ll begin wondering if investing in gold for retirement is a good idea, what the pros are, whether you should do it, is American Hartford Gold scam or not, as well as how to research all of those dealers you’ll come across and how to choose the best one.

Important questions, without a doubt. Paralyzed to what your next move should be, you’ll realize that you won’t make any until you get the answers to those questions. And, of course, you shouldn’t. Making reckless moves, not thinking things through and just making your decisions and choices based on what other people have done is not exactly the smartest move. Not that all other people have done the wrong thing and not that you can’t rely on their opinions and suggestions, but the point is that you have to form your own opinions, and you can’t do that without getting the facts.

Should You Invest in Gold for Retirement?

What are the facts regarding this question? Well, the facts are that this is something you need to decide for yourself. The information that quite a lot of people are making the decision to add gold to their retirement portfolios certainly means something. In short, it means that there’s something good about this particular solution. And yet, you don’t want to make your decision based on their opinions alone, meaning you’ll want to really understand the motives and the pros of doing this, so as to then form your own opinion and answer this question for yourself.

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What Are the Pros?

So, what are the pros? It’s clear that there must be some. After all, there wouldn’t be such a craze for gold, so to speak, if there weren’t any advantages to actually adding it to your retirement portfolio. Understanding those pros is definitely going to make things much easier for you in terms of deciding if you want to do this as well, so what I’m going to do right now is list some of those for you below, hoping to help you out on your path towards creating the perfect retirement portfolio.

This could help you in the portfolio building process as well: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/financial-advisors/072915/what-does-ideal-retirement-portfolio-look.asp

  1. Security

Am I right in assuming that you’re looking for stability and security when it comes to your retirement portfolio? Sure I am. Everyone is looking for exactly that. If you’ve been worried about the stability of those traditional assets we’re all used to investing in, let me just say that your concerns are completely legitimate. Taking a look at the entire situation on the market, it’s completely logical to assume that stocks and bonds are unreliable, that they can plummet at any time, and that the dangers of that happening, although they’ve always existed, are now a bit bigger.

How does gold fit into this whole story, though? Well, it prides itself in stability! Just one quick look at the behavior of this asset throughout history will make it perfectly clear that it has always been quite stable in its value, which is why it’s normal for everyone to assume that it will stay that way. Security is what you’re after when building your portfolio, and security is what gold can provide you with.

  1. Inflation Immunity

How come this asset is so stable and secure despite all of the uncertainties on today’s market? Mostly because it’s immune to inflation. This means, no matter how much inflation can harm your other assets, it won’t be able to harm this precious metal. In fact, its value increases whenever the costs of living increase, making it quite an interesting and quite a stable investment. Read more about the benefits of doing this.

  1. Diversification

While there are quite a lot of other benefits to consider when it comes to buying gold, I’m going to single out just one more for you. The one that pretty much says it all. Diversification. Building your portfolio by relying on one asset class alone, while ignoring all the other assets, is not the smartest way to save for your retirement. On the other hand, diversifying with stable assets, and it seems that gold is the most stable one of them all, is a very smart move, as it will keep your portfolio and your financial future safe.

gold3

How to Choose Your Dealer?

Above I’ve mentioned that you’ve probably also started wondering how to choose the best gold dealer for you should you decide to make this move. Coming across American Hartford Gold and numerous other companies has made you realize that there are just so many different firms out there ready to offer their services and their assets. And, of course, that not all of them are as great as you would want them to be. So, how can you make the best choice?

  1. Always Read Reviews

Reviews should always be your go-to source when researching American Hartford Gold or any other company you may be thinking of working with. Why? Because they provide you with an easy way of getting all the information you need at one place, not having to browse to numerous different websites in search for one piece of info after another. And, also, because they give you a clear idea about which companies are legitimate and which ones you may want to stay clear of, because they could be trying to scam you.

  1. Beware of Scams

Speaking of scams, you should really beware of those in your searching process and practically do your best to avoid them. Falling for scams means losing money, and your goal is to save money and secure your financial future. Being concerned about this is normal, but going into the whole story with the wrong mindset, that is, immediately assuming that everything is a scam, can lead to you missing out on some perfect investment opportunities, which is not what you want. So, use the reviews to check for legitimacy and avoid scams, and don’t dismiss all the companies you come across before you even do your research.

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  1. Compare a Few Different Ones

The above should have made it clear that the research will need to be focused on at least a few different companies. One of the things to know when buying gold for retirement is that you’ll definitely get to find quite a lot of dealers, and that some of them could have some great opportunities to offer. Thus, researching several different ones, instead of sticking to just one of them and not doing any comparisons is not the best idea, as it could, once again, lead to you missing out on some amazing opportunities, or ending up working with dealers that aren’t really that good – both scenarios you’d like to avoid.

  1. Check if They Offer the IRA Option

When researching those dealers, the first thing to check is whether they offer the gold IRA option in the first place. Some do and some don’t. And, checking out their experience, reputation and all those other important factors before checking if they can really offer you the IRA option, which is the option you want, would be a waste of time.

  1. Compare Their Fees Too

We can’t fail to mention that comparing the fees for these services is also a must. Sure, making your decision based on those alone is not a good idea. But, neither is ignoring the fees completely. Paying a reasonable price for getting the services you want and adding gold to your retirement portfolio is your goal, and comparing those fees will help you find out what’s reasonable and what isn’t.

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SW Admin published in Business, Finance

Refinansiering Av Kredittkort (Credit Card Refinancing): Get the Best Rates

An umbrella term for paying off high-interest-rate credit cards is refinancing, and this is a great option for people who want to make the payments easy in their pockets. Savings are possible even if you have a seemingly insurmountable debt and know that you are not alone in this situation.

Thousands of people worldwide have debts, and when you want to escape this trap, the best thing to do is to calculate and list everything so you know the figure that you are facing. With about three-quarters of people holding a credit card and not paying their entire balance in full each month, you might think that consumers are thinking twice about what they are getting into.

However, waking up and realizing that you are heavily in debt will mean that it is time for you to make things better for your financial life and your credit rating. You can go here to know more about the offers, but in the meantime, here’s some information that can help you make wiser decisions.

Refinancing with Credit Cards

One of the goals of refinancing is to eliminate your high-interest debts with something more manageable and affordable. You are still paying your balance with another loan, but ideally, you are getting a better rate with a lower APR, so you have a chance to get out of debt.

Move your credit card balances to another provider but make sure that you close the account of the first one so you will not have any issues doubling your debt. You need to decrease the interest rate so it will mean more savings to you.

Credit card holders with excellent ratings will find that they are qualified for a 0% APR interest that can last between 18 to 21 months. As an example, the borrowers may have $10,000 on their charge with a 15% interest each year. When you switch to another financier, you can eliminate a total of $1500 and save it up for the first year without any penalties or extra fees.

Switching to the ones with 5%, then you are only essentially paying $500. That’s how it works, and despite the various paperwork involved, a lot of people prefer this over their current expensive credit card loan which you can see more about at this link: https://fortune.com/recommends/credit-cards/what-is-a-credit-card/.

Pros and Cons to Know About

Various benefits can be gleaned when you get into refinancing, especially if you have an excellent credit score. One of the pros that many consumers find attractive is the chance to eliminate and pay off their debts in the first 12 months and get out of it as soon as possible. This is one of the effective strategies of these processes, and this is why a lot of people are still getting them.

However, it is not all roses and butterflies because, of course, you are still taking out a new debt that needs to be repaid. When you cannot afford the balance and pay everything within the introductory 0% interest period, the entire balance can balloon depending on the deal that you have entered into with another lender.

Borrowers may also need to pay some fees when they are transferring their accounts from the old financiers to the new ones. These costs can be up to $500 or 5% of the entire balance. However, when you are able to save around $1000, this is going to be worth it, especially when the time comes that you cannot close your account after the offer expires. Skyrocketing rates of 25% to 30% can haunt you, and this is where you might want to qualify for another 0% APR whenever possible.

Another possibility is that you will not have any structured payments in place, and you might continue paying the minimum. This is why, even if old habits are hard to kill, you should start practicing discipline when it comes to your money.

Avoid paying only the minimum, and any windfall that you are receiving should go directly to your accounts. Revolving credit is hard to pay off sometimes, but if you are committed and ready to make a change, then you can become a good example to others who might be motivated by your success story.

Finally, it’s not that easy to qualify for the best rates, and they are only given to creditworthy people who have long-term relationships with their banks. However, do not despair since the good news is that online lending institutions on various platforms can work with you to get a reasonable deal that will help you make easier payments over time.

Improving your Credit Score

Attaining success financially will mean that you have to improve your credit score, get reasonable rates, eliminate, or lower your debts, and have savings for emergencies. Below are some tips on how you can get a higher rating:

Be On Time with the Payments: A commitment to always meeting the due date and prioritizing your current bills over shopping purchases will gradually make improvements to your score. The history of payments that are consistent and always on time is one of the highest-rated factors that many financiers consider. Whether it is for credit card companies, telephone bills, or mortgages, save the money so you will not have to borrow on your due date.

Recurring Payments: One of the rewards of paying your bill on time is getting qualified for the boost programs that many bureaus have. Submit the recurring charges each month and integrate your utility and cell phone payments, a history of never getting late will help you reap rewards in the future.

Unused Credit Cards Should Remain Open: As long as you do not get tempted to spend them, your credit utilization ratio will improve if you have a lot of credit cards that you do not use. However, when you are always near the limit, you can expect them to lower your score by a few points. Of course, you also need to consider the annual fees if they are present.

How the Refinancing Process Will Affect You

Getting Hit with a Hard Inquiry: Regardless of your current situation and the route that you want to take, the application process will cause your credit rating to decrease for up to a year. This is called a hard inquiry that is done by various financiers so just be chill with the loans and do not ask a lot of financiers simultaneously to prevent this.

Credit History: Cardholders who have maintained a good repayment track record will have a better chance of getting a lower interest rate because they have a long history with the bank. It is worth noting that in some cases, this is going to account for about 15% of your overall rating, and opening a new loan will make it sink further.

Total Amount Owed: You would not think that you can just take any amount that you want. However, think again because every financier out there will have to carefully assess and sum up everything you owe from different lenders.

For those who want to go ahead with a balance transfer card to pay off their other loans, you will be able to increase your limit even if your usage is still the same. This is because you are essentially in the process of lowering your debt-to-income and utilization ratios which are all factors that are determined by the scoring models of many companies.

Consolidations, on the other hand, will help you convert your credit card into installments, and you may also see an improvement in your current score depending on the terms and amount of the loan.

However, before signing the fine print, you may want to see the fees and be aware of them before you go ahead with the refinancing. Since you are paying a loan with another debt and you are not taking money out of your income, expect that the amount owed is still the same, and remember that you have to pay it back eventually. This is why having a debt repayment plan and breaking everything into bite-sized pieces will be helpful for you.

 

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SW Admin published in Finance, Games

5 Reasons Why you should Play demo version before Spending Real Money

Since the introduction of slot machines in 1894, they have established themselves as one of the most beloved casino games across the globe. The excitement they offer, along with the integration of technologies, have made them an irreplaceable element in the gambling world.

If you are exploring the lucrative world of online casinos, you will be able to find two kinds of slot games: demo versions and real-time slots. Though there is not much difference between the demo version and the regular slot machine, the former does not allow players to make real-money wagering. Demo slots, as their names suggest, are free slots and do not involve placing bets with real money. In contrast to using traditional currency, the demo version employs virtual coins to facilitate betting. As a result, engaging in the demo version does not yield any actual monetary rewards.

Demo games will allow you to play for free, yet they will provide the same thrill as you will get from a real-time slot. Today, there are many websites like situs slot maxwin that provide a variety of engaging slots that feature impressive bonuses along with featuring enthralling demo slots. So, if you are new to this complex and vast world of online casinos, it is always better to try your hand at the demo version, as you won’t lose any of your money.

Explore this guide to learn why you should play the demo version before spending real money.

The demo version is not risky

The primary reason why many people opt for the demo version of an online slot game is that it is risk-free. Spinning wheels are very addictive. If you play excessively and without any control, you will land in huge trouble. With no real money involved, players can try out different game titles using virtual credits in the demo version, eliminating any financial risks. This makes the demo version an excellent platform for learning new games and improving one’s skills without the fear of losing hard-earned money.

Get familiarized with slots and strategies

For novice casino players, the demo version can be especially advantageous. As a newcomer, you may not be familiar with the various strategies involved in slot games, increasing the likelihood of losing your initial funds. However, the demo version enables you to master a game title without risking any real money, providing an excellent opportunity to learn and improve your skills. Once you have gained confidence and expertise, you can then start betting for real money in the dangerous world of regular slot games.

Can play at zero deposit

There are many people who want to experience online slots but do not have enough funds to afford the expenses. For those people, the demo version provides an opportunity to satisfy their desire to play online slots.

You can familiarize the features of the game with the demo version

To maximize your chances of making significant winnings in a slot game, it’s essential to understand its various features and how they operate. However, to utilize these features effectively, you need to be familiar with them. The demo version of a slot game provides an excellent platform to get acquainted with the different features and learn how they work. This mode enables players to practice and gain knowledge about the entire range of features without risking any actual money.

It is really fun to play in demo mode

One of the major reasons for people to try online slits in the demo version is the fact that it is extremely enjoyable. Slots games, especially video slots, with their amazing artwork and sounds, are very much similar to video games. Furthermore, they are available in various themes. As a gambler, what can be more exciting than playing several slots without risking any money? Whether you win or lose, you will definitely have a great time gaming.

The demo version of online slot games is an ideal choice for players who wish to play solely for entertainment purposes. It offers an excellent opportunity to make the most of one’s free time while learning new techniques and tricks over time. With a wide variety of game versions available in the demo form, players can try out any game they desire without incurring any costs.

While online gambling may appear glamorous and alluring, it is essential to recognize that it is very complex and risky. If you do not approach it with caution, you may lose all your hard-earned money and will be in financial ruin. Therefore, it is advised to try out the demo version before stepping into the risky world of online slots. Take advantage of the demo versions to hone your skills and improve your proficiency before starting actual betting with real money.

 

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SW Admin published in Finance

How To Invest In Gold?

how to invest in gold?

The Beginner’s Guide on how to Invest in Gold: Making the Most of Your Money.

What Gold Investing Is and How to invest in gold?

Purchasing actual gold or financial instruments related to it, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), futures contracts, and mining stocks, with the hope of making a profit or preserving wealth, is referred to as investing in gold. Since ancient times, people have coveted gold for its scarcity, beauty, and usefulness in jewellery and other uses. For ages, gold has been a store of value and a type of currency that has been used as a medium of exchange for goods and services.

Why should you think about making a gold investment? There are numerous causes:

Investment in gold can help your portfolio become more diversified and less vulnerable to the dangers associated with other asset types, such as equities, bonds, and real estate. You may be able to minimise the overall volatility of your assets and lower your chance of suffering losses during market downturns by having gold in your portfolio.

Gold has historically preserved its purchasing value over time and is frequently employed as an inflation hedge. Money’s worth declines as the amount in circulation rises, which drives up the cost of goods and services. Your ability to buy things will be diminished, and the value of your savings will decrease. You can defend yourself from the impacts of inflation by owning gold.

Safe haven: Gold is frequently seen as a safe haven asset, which indicates that it is anticipated to keep its value or even increase during periods of turbulence in the markets, politics, or the economy.

How to Pick the Best Gold Investment Strategy for You.

There are various methods for purchasing gold, each having benefits and drawbacks. Depending on your financial objectives, risk tolerance, and personal circumstances, gold investing may not be the right choice for you. Here are some alternatives to think about:

Physical gold includes gold bars, coins, and bullion, all of which are available for purchase and personal possession. Direct ownership, which implies you are the actual owner of the gold and have control over its storage and disposition, is a benefit of physical gold. In a pinch, physical gold may be quickly bought or sold as well as used as security for debts.

Mutual funds and ETFs are financial instruments that hold stock, bond, or other asset portfolios, including gold. Since you may buy and sell shares in ETFs and mutual funds just like any other stock, they provide the advantages of convenience and low cost. Since the fund company is holding the gold, you do not need to be concerned about storage or security risks.

Futures agreements: A futures agreement is a commitment to purchase or sell a certain quantity of a commodity, such as gold, at a predetermined price and time in the future. Futures contracts are highly leveraged investments, allowing you to control a significant amount of gold with only a modest investment. Your prospective gains may be amplified as a result of this.

The Pros and Cons of Investing In Gold.

Pros: Hedge against inflation: One of the main benefits of purchasing gold is that it can aid in providing protection from inflation. The value of gold normally increases along with the cost of living, reducing the negative effects of inflation on your wealth.

Diversification: Adding gold investments to your portfolio can help it become more diversified. Gold prices can help lower your overall portfolio risk because they are not strongly correlated with those of other asset classes like stocks and bonds.

Gold is a highly liquid asset, which means that buying and selling it is simple. It is thus a fantastic choice for those who might require immediate access to their money or who desire the freedom to quickly sell their investments if necessary.

Cons: Gold is seen as a safe haven asset, yet its prices may be very erratic. As a result, it can be challenging to forecast how your investment’s value will fluctuate over time.

Storage and Insurance: Purchasing physical gold as an investment can be costly as well because it needs to be stored safely and insured. As a result, buying gold may become more expensive and less affordable for some individuals.

Income Shortage: Unlike other investments like equities and bonds, gold does not generate a regular income. As a result, it might not be a wise choice for people who want to use their investments as a source of consistent income.

Stay updated and connected with us! Follow us on Facebook for more information and news.

Start your financial journey today! Learn how to invest in mutual funds and secure your future.

 

 

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SW Admin published in Finance

Travelling To Cameroon? Use These Money Transfer Apps for Sending Money Internationally

Are you planning to travel to Cameroon and need a reliable money transfer app? You’re in luck! There are a variety of money transfer apps available for sending money internationally to Cameroon. Whether you’re looking to send a large sum or just a small amount, a money transfer app in Cameroon is sure to make your life easier. From Afriex, which offers zero fees and low exchange rates, to more traditional banks, this guide will help you choose the perfect money transfer app for your needs. Keep reading to find out more about the best money transfer apps in Cameroon!

Afriex: Our Top Money Transfer App in Cameroon

If you’re looking for a money transfer app in Cameroon that’s easy, convenient and a secure way to send money internationally, then look no further than Afriex. 

With Afriex, you can quickly send money from anywhere in the world to anyone in Cameroon without any fees or hidden costs. Afriex also offers competitive exchange rates and their customer service is top-notch. 

You can access Afriex anytime, anywhere on your smartphone or desktop and you can also set up recurring payments. Afriex is trusted by many around the world and is one of the most reliable and secure money transfer apps available. 

With their zero-fee policy and low exchange rates, Afriex makes sending money overseas a breeze. So if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to send money to Cameroon, Afriex is definitely the way to go.

XE: Money Transfer App

XE is a money transfer app that makes it easy to send money internationally. With this app, you can conveniently and securely send money from anywhere in the world to Cameroon with no fees or hidden charges.

Using XE’s Money Transfer feature, you can transfer funds from your bank account or credit card to a recipient’s bank account in Cameroon in over 45 different currencies. They guarantee to provide you with the best exchange rates on the market, making it an ideal option for those looking to make international payments.

The process of transferring money with XE is fast and simple: you just have to enter your details and the details of your recipient and select the amount you want to transfer. You will then be able to review your order, confirm it and finally make the payment. 

XE also offers its customers the ability to track their money transfers and receive notifications when their transfers are received. This feature gives customers more peace of mind as they can stay updated on their payments.

For those who want to transfer money from their bank account, XE is a great choice as they offer competitive exchange rates, a secure environment and quick payments. With XE, you’ll be able to send money internationally to Cameroon without having to worry about hidden fees or other costs.

OFX

Those searching for a money transfer app in Cameroon may be interested in trying OFX. This global financial services provider has over 20 years of experience, and they offer reliable services that help make sure your funds arrive securely. 

They offer competitive exchange rates and transparent fee structures, so you know exactly how much you’ll have to pay before you transfer your funds. They also provide 24-hour customer support, so you can always get assistance when you need it most. 

Furthermore, with the click of a button, you can make international payments through their easy-to-use web interface or via their mobile app. 

What’s more, you can lock in exchange rates to avoid rate fluctuations or even track your payment to see where it is in the process. With all these features and more, OFX offers an ideal solution for those sending money internationally to Cameroon.

Remitly: Money Transfer App in Cameroon

Remitly is a money transfer app that you can use when travelling to Cameroon. It allows you to send and receive money quickly, securely, and easily with just a few taps on your phone. Remitly is great for international money transfers, as it offers some of the best exchange rates and lowest fees available. It also has 24/7 customer support and multiple payment options, so you can always find the perfect way to send money.

To use Remitly, all you need to do is create an account and provide some basic personal information. You will then need to enter the details of the recipient’s bank account and the amount of money you want to send. The funds should be transferred almost immediately, so you don’t have to worry about waiting for your money to arrive.

Remitly is a great option if you are travelling to Cameroon, as it makes sending money abroad quick, easy, and safe. With its low fees and great exchange rates, you can be sure that you are getting the best deal when transferring money internationally.

Revolut

Another useful money transfer app in Cameroon is Revolut. This app offers low transaction fees and highly competitive exchange rates, making it a great option for those who want to send money internationally without breaking the bank.

It also features 24/7 customer service so you can always get help when needed, plus there are no minimum or maximum limits when using Revolut – making it suitable even for large transfers.

Furthermore, its user interface is designed to be easy to navigate and understand, meaning it can be used by anyone – regardless of their financial knowledge.

In addition to sending money internationally, you can also use Revolut to buy cryptocurrencies, as well as easily access your balance and view your transaction history with just a few clicks of a button.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to money transfers for travelling to Cameroon, Afriex is by far the most popular option. This is due to its low exchange rates, zero fees, and ease of use of its app. While there are other money transfer apps such as XE, OFX, Remitly, and Revolut, none of them can offer the same level of convenience and affordability as Afriex. So if you’re looking for a reliable way to send money internationally, Afriex is the way to go.

 

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SW Admin published in Finance

Mutual Fund SIP Calculator: Understanding Its Working and More

There is only a limited knowledge about SIPs in the country. This delay in knowing the workings of investment plans is why we miss out on significant monetary benefits. Considering it’s never too late to start with something that guarantees huge future benefits, let us learn the nitty-gritty of SIPs. As you further read our article, you will also get in-depth information on mutual fund SIP calculators that you must use to make your investments easy. 

 

What is SIP? 

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is an investment option that aids you in investing in a mutual fund scheme by paying in a staggered manner, i.e., over a period. These plans are majorly equity mutual fund schemes.

Most experts advise investors against investing a lump sum and suggest staggered investment regularly. This payment method at regular intervals also helps mitigate security market risks.

Another advantage of SIPs is that it’s convenient for salaried individuals. This section of investors, because of the way they receive their compensation, can’t keep out a considerable sum at once.

Note that a fixed amount is invested under SIP over a period, which can be weekly, monthly, or quarterly. A mutual fund SIP calculator predicts return based on the payment of this amount.

 

What is a SIP Calculator? 

Why do you think SIPs have become a popular form of investment among millennials these days? It’s the huge returns that are a reason of its popularity. But how does one calculate these returns? Simple, by using a mutual fund SIP calculator. 

A SIP calculator is again a tool that furnishes an expected return on SIP investment. It helps investors understand the cash value they can receive from their mutual fund scheme. This calculation is done before one initiates the investment.

The potential investors must consider that the monetary gain estimated by the mutual fund SIP calculator is only a projected return value. The actual value may change based on several factors.

 

Factors Affecting Mutual Fund Returns

The performance of your mutual fund plan may vary despite the SIP calculator projecting a particular maturity amount because of the following factors:

Performance of Securities: A mutual fund doesn’t comprise one-single security. It’s a group of different types of securities like stocks and bonds. Therefore, the ultimate performance of your policy will be in proportion to the performance of these securities.

Pro Tip: You can always choose a diverse fund portfolio. In this case, you can limit the effect of an unstable market on your investment. A mutual fund SIP calculator may project a closer return value to the actual return received in the situation.  

Economic Changes: Ups and downs in a specific industry due to government rules can sometimes either boost or reduce a fund’s performance. 

Expense Ratio: Mutual funds are not managed by individual investors. A fund house operates them for you. For them to keep running your fund plan, you must pay specific fees and bear some expenses. These expenses and fees include shareholder fees, management fees, administration fees, and distribution fees, among others. 

It’s important to know that your net return will be the total return minus these expenses. The expense ratio of a mutual fund plan usually ranges between 0.5 to 3%. 

The mutual fund SIP calculator estimates the maturity benefit without considering the fees paid to fund houses. 

Variation in Cash Flow: Certain mutual fund plans may be able to interest a large pool of investors. It would mean a good cash flow, allowing the fund manager to invest in a wide range of securities. 

On the other hand, many investors may pull out of a scheme performing below expectations, reducing the cash flow, and damaging the return. This variation in the cash flowS can affect the mutual fund returns. 

Poorly Managed Fund: A fund with a wide range of investments will not necessarily yield positive results. A poorly managed mutual fund will not be able to give good returns. 

Summing Up 

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is an excellent tool for investing in a mutual fund. Experts highly advocate this method over lump sum payments. Regular payments help develop saving habits and makes individual more financially disciplined. 

Despite the strong prediction of growing demand to invest in a mutual fund, it’s suggested that you keep yourself up to date with the amendments in rules as laid down by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to protect your investments better and lower the risks involved. You can also go through specific investment-related terms by SEBI to become more equipped before investing. 

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Arun published in Finance

All you Need to Know Before Selecting the Best Investment Plan

Investment is a commitment to long-term growth in value, and proper investment takes time, money, or effort to make the best of it. We generally invest to gain profits, but sometimes a wrong investment decision can lead financial loss as well; therefore, you should research before investing and choose the best investment plan that suits your needs. 

There are many options to invest in, and one of them is fixed deposits. If you want to invest in FDs, you can calculate the returns you will get after your FD matures using the FD calculator online. Before choosing any investment plan, you should keep in mind a few things. 

Top Tips for Selecting the Best Investment Plan

  1. Target Your Needs and Goals

The foremost thing you should keep in mind when planning the investment is that you can fulfill your targeted needs and goals. When you know your expectations, it’s easy to commit to the plan.

  1. Decide the Investment Duration

If you want to invest long-term, then stocks are one of the best investment options. However, if you want to invest for a short duration then a fixed deposit (FD), endowment plans, recurring deposit (RD), etc. should be your investment options.

  1. Consider the Risk

If you have a higher risk appetite, then you can go in for market-linked plans that are high-risk but offer greater returns. If you are a cautious investor, then invest in plans that give stable returns but don’t carry too much risk. 

Prioritize your needs and choose accordingly. People consider fixed deposits and instruments such as bonds, debentures, etc., for investment, but you may also choose to invest in ULIPs and mutual funds depending on your financial targets. 

  1. Research Before Investment

It would be best to compare many factors before investing according to your needs and then choose the best investment plan. Check which company is fulfilling your needs and giving you better offers or benefits and invest accordingly. Also, you can check how much returns you will get after the maturity of your investment. For example, you can use the FD calculator online to determine the maturity amount.

  • You get the options between equity, debt, and hybrid in ULIPs.
  • Your money would be invested in various financial instruments by your chosen fund. As mentioned above, equity funds would suit those with a substantial risk appetite, and debt funds would appeal to investors with poor risk tolerance. People with risk appetites in the middle can use hybrid funds.
  • Compare the death and maturity benefit provisions for different plans to see which is more advantageous for you.

  1. Check for Bonus

Nowadays, many companies are providing a bonus for long-term investment as a reward. You can claim for it after given years of coverage. You are also eligible to receive a simple reversionary and terminal bonus upon maturity or death, whichever comes first. 

  1. Verify the Liquidity

Check if the investing programs can meet your liquidity demands. Mutual funds always permit you to do this, except for close-ended and tax-saver variations. But if insurance-cum investment plans are what you want, you’ll have to deal with a lock-in period before the withdrawal. Depending on the insurer, a partial withdrawal opportunity is provided after a lock-in term of three or five years. 

  1. Check the Price and Benefits before You Pay

You can begin monthly investments in mutual funds, ULIPs, endowment plans, or other investment strategies. Some mutual funds will use premiums, while others will use monthly SIPs. The only benefit you can derive from mutual funds is the current investment value because they don’t include a life insurance policy. 

Conclusion:

Investing is generally done to make money, but there are occasions when losses are possible. For this reason, you should research properly before investing and choose the best investment plan per your needs. If you want to invest in FD, use the FD calculator online to determine the profits, and similarly, for other investment options, research everything beforehand.

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Arun published in Finance

Passive Investing vs Active Investing – Which Works Better in Turbulent Markets?

A discussion on passive vs active investing can quickly turn into a debate as advocates of both strategies often feel very strongly about their favoured technique. While new-age investors are widely preferring passive investing, there are numerable excellent things to be said about active investment as well. 

If you’re a beginner in investing, these terms can sound like Latin to you. So, why don’t we start by understanding the difference between these two methods? We will then try to answer other common questions about investments, like what are index funds and what are arbitrage funds. 

Active Investing

Active investing, as you can probably tell, requires a more hands-on approach to investing. The goal of active investing is to beat the stock market average and leverage short-term fluctuations in stock prices. It requires a more concrete analysis to pivot in and out of a particular stock or asset and make the best use of your capital. 

A portfolio manager is usually an important cog of active investment plans. They oversee a team of investment analysts who evaluate a number of quantitative and qualitative factors to determine when the stock prices will change. 

In short, active investment requires confidence and needs you to be bang on while making your investment choices. 

 

Passive Investing

If you’re a passive investor, you’re in it for the long haul. There’s limited buying and selling involved in this method of investing, and this is what makes it cost-effective. 

Passive investors ascribe to the buy-and-hold mentality and restrict the temptation to react to every move of the stock market. 

The only downside to passive investment is that it is too restricting. Passive funds are limited to a predetermined set of investments with bare minimum variance. This is why investors are stuck with these holdings no matter the condition of the stock markets. 

However, one way to counter this downside is by investing in Index Funds. But what are index funds? Let’s find out 

 

What are Index Funds?

An index fund is a type of exchange-traded fund (ETF) with a portfolio to match and track the components of the market. These funds are said to provide extensive market exposure and low portfolio turnover at a lower operating cost. The best thing about these funds is that they follow the benchmark index regardless of the state of the market. There are multiple advantages of investing in index funds. 

One of the biggest advantages that index funds provide over active funds is the lower operational costs. A fund’s expense ratio (also known as the management expense ratio) comprises all operating costs such as advisor payments, manager fees, transaction costs, taxes, and accounting expenses. 

Since index fund managers are simply following the benchmark index, they do not need the services of research analysts and other professionals who help in the selection of funds. In addition, index funds are traded less often, leading to reduced transaction fees and commissions. 

Factors to Consider While Investing in Index Funds

Now that you know what are index funds, you would want to understand the things that you need to keep in mind while investing in these funds. Let’s try to understand a few of these factors – 

Risks and Returns

Since index funds are managed passively, they involve a lower risk in a volatile market. These funds offer excellent returns during a market rally. However, it’s sometimes advisable to switch to actively managed funds at the time of a market slump. 

Investment Goals

While this is true for all investment strategies, your investment goals are one of the biggest considerations that you should keep in mind while investing in index firms. You must ensure that the trajectory of the funds aligns with your financial goals. 

To Sum Up

Investors often find themselves in the midst of an argument whenever they talk about passive vs active investments. While both these methods have their own pros and cons investors need to opt for strategies that align with the long-term and short-term goals. Index funds often offer a lucrative middle ground to investors and let them venture into passive investment without imposing too many restrictions or limiting their options. 

Source: https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investment-products/mutual-funds-and-exchange-traded-2

 

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