Finance Archives - Page 3 of 24

Some Great Outdoor Jobs You Will Love

September 4, 2019 by Mandy

So many people will spend a majority of their lives working indoors, many times in a cubicle or an office without windows. This is enough to make anyone a little stir crazy and searching for a more outdoor lifestyle. Having a job that allows you, or even requires you, to be outdoors most of the time sounds like a dream! We have come up with an amazing list of jobs that sound like great ways to spend your day and earn a decent paycheck. Check out all of these fun outdoor jobs that could change your life.

#1: Park Ranger

If the outdoors is what you seek, then park ranger jobs might be what you are looking for. When working as a park ranger, you will help people enjoy the park, have fun at the lake, and give out directions. Just in the U.S., there are almost 23,000 employees and almost 222,000 volunteers. You will need either an environmental degree for most parks, but may be able to find a few jobs that won’t require a degree. You may also be required to pass a physical and a written exam before being hired. If you love people and the wilderness, being a park ranger might be a perfect fit for you!

#2: Tour Guide For An Island

If working in paradise sounds like a dream job, being an island tour guide could be your calling. If you enjoy speaking to people, learning the history of the island, and being outdoors, this job is for you. It is overflowing with possibilities like kayaking tours, boat tours, bus tours and so much more. You will need great communication skills and the ability to learn about the area in order to land a tour guide job.

#3: Golf Instructor

If you enjoy spending time out on the green, being a golf instructor might just be right for you. This job will allow you to spend time doing what you love while also teaching others how to golf. This is a job you can turn into a business to run yourself, or you can work for a golf course. A passion for golf and a good understanding of the game is required.

#4: Landscape Designer

If you love plants and the outdoors, a career that allows you to create amazing landscape design would be perfect for you. This career offers a wide range of different types of jobs. You could create beautiful landscapes for residential homes or businesses. Amusement parks are also in need of amazing landscaping. If you have experience with lighting, planting, and knowledge of building codes, this is a job you will want to consider.

#5: Lifeguard

Being a lifeguard is typically an outside job. Occasionally, you will find lifeguard jobs that are for an indoor pool or indoor water park, but most will be outdoors. Being a lifeguard, you will be responsible for ensuring that people have a good time in the water, while still being safe. You will need to know what to do in an emergency situation and could even save lives. You will need to attend a class to learn lifesaving skills and water safety. You will also need to learn how to give CPR correctly. There is no way to deny that this is a great outdoor job that will give you plenty of time in the sun!

#6: Pyrotechnician

If you love being outdoors and blowing things up, this is the job for you! Being mesmerized by the beautiful, bright colors of fireworks is enough to make anyone want to give it a try. As a pyrotechnician, you will design amazing firework displays and be responsible for executing the displays. Keep in mind, while fireworks are usually associated with the 4th of July or other similar celebrations, the can be used for other things such as birthdays, weddings or grand openings too. Be aware that depending on the location of the fireworks, you may need to obtain a special permit or license to be able to transport the fireworks and set them off.

With so many amazing outdoor jobs, the real question is which one is right for you? Do your research, figure out what you need to get started, and then you can start enjoying your job in the great outdoors!

Recovering, Finally: Personal Injury Settlement Payout Options

September 4, 2019 by Mandy

Going through a personal injury lawsuit is not an easy thing, but relief is on the horizon. Read on to learn about personal injury settlement options.

Almost 90-95% of all personal injury cases get settled in pretrial negotiations. If you have a personal injury claim, you’ll go through this negotiation process before the case may go to trial.

During negotiations, you’ll discuss a personal injury settlement. This process and your options vary depending on your specific situation.

Keep reading to learn what to expect with your personal injury settlement.

What Does a Settlement Mean?

A settlement happens when the defense makes an offer of payment to the plaintiff. The plaintiff then accepts that offer and in exchange gives up their right to pursue the case further.

The key to a successful settlement as the plaintiff is to have patience. This is necessary to ensure the defendant doesn’t try to undercut your settlement offer.

The Goal of the Settlement

The goal of the settlement is to make the plaintiff “whole” again. It isn’t there to let the plaintiff profit from the experience. The settlement should cover the plaintiff’s out of pocket expenses that are a direct result of the injury.

Determine Fair Cash Value

Before you can decide on a payment option, you need to think about the fair cash value. This will help you figure out how much money you are talking about.

Speaking with an attorney can help you determine the total minimum settlement you need to be whole. Here are some things that will be included:

Length of medical treatment
Total lost income
Sum of all medical bills
Long term treatment required
Any long term diagnosis
Possible pain and suffering damages

Payment Options

Once you have the settlement total, the next step is to determine payout options. Many people choose to receive structured settlements, which will give you steady payments of tax-free income for years.

These payments are typically made through a life insurance company. The money will be in an annuity.

Another option is a single, one-time payment. This can be a useful option if you have large bills that you need to pay immediately.

How a Structured Settlement Works

There will be a specific start and end date for your payments. Then it will either be life-contingent or term-certain.

A life contingent settlement will only continue as long as the plaintiff is alive. Once they pass away, the payments stop. In rare cases, a spouse may be able to continue receiving payments.

In a term-certain settlement, the payments will continue as long as the original agreement indicates. If the recipient passes away, then their beneficiaries will receive the payments until the end date. This also means that if the plaintiff outlives the end date, they will have to adjust to life without the yearly payments.

You Can’t Change Your Mind

Carefully consider your options and the implications of them in the long run. There is rarely an opportunity to go back and change the agreement.

The only way to access future payments is to sell your future payments. This is called the secondary annuity market.

Carefully Negotiate Your Personal Injury Settlement

When it comes to negotiating a personal injury settlement, it’s all about what works best for you and your family. It’s helpful to listen to attorney’s and their experience.

Carefully consider the impact of a lump sum payment and a structured settlement.

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What to Do When You’re Living Paycheck to Paycheck and an Unexpected Expense Comes Along

August 26, 2019 by Mandy

Source: Unsplash | Ben White

Does the idea of an unexpected expense make you sick to your stomach simply because you don’t know how you could afford it? Are you afraid that an extra bill would be enough to put you in financial ruin? If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions, it’s important to know that you aren’t alone. According to statistics, 40% of people living in the United States would struggle in order to come up with $400 for an unexpected expense. Living paycheck to paycheck is something so many can relate to.

So, while the thought of an unexpected expense may be enough to cause you severe stress and anxiety, it’s always wise to give it thought before it actually happens and come up with a plan on how you could deal with it. To help you out, here are some suggestions that could prove to be incredibly useful should you find yourself in that situation.

Ask If You Can Work Out a Payment Plan

One of the first steps you may want to take is to see if you can work out a payment plan with the business, organization, or provider. Sometimes a payment plan is all it takes to make the expense affordable. Just be honest and let them know you don’t have the money up front but could pay it off in installments.

Take a Close Look at Your Budget

You will also want to sit down and take a very close look at your budget. Look for areas that you can make cuts that will allow you to come up with extra money. Some of the most common areas that people can save money is by cutting down how much they spend on grocery shopping, the amount of fuel they use, entertainment and clothing expenses, and dining out.

Can You Do Extra Work for Cash?

Another option may be to take on extra hours at work, or even do a side job that will bring in extra cash. There are many people who freelance from home in their spare time, or even take on a part-time job. Remember, it doesn’t have to be long-term, just a short-term solution to come up with the money.

Look into a Short-Term Loan

Then there is the option of a short-term loan. These are typically meant to provide you with as little as $100, or up to $2500, and are meant to be paid back within days, weeks, or months. Note that these aren’t meant as a long-term solution. Places like https://www.loanpigusa.com allow you to apply online, and feature a quick approval process, which is perfect for those unexpected expenses that need to be paid now.

Just make sure that if you go down this route, you will be able to make the loan repayments and pay it back in full within the repayment terms.

Try Not to Stress Too Much

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you can’t stress and make yourself sick over this unexpected expense. Instead, follow these tips and find ways that you can come up with that extra cash you need.

Why You Should Invest in a Wireless Home Security Camera System

August 21, 2019 by Mandy

Source: Unsplash | Josh Shaw

Safety is your top priority for you and your family. Discover why investing in a wireless home security camera system is a great idea.

In 2017, there were over 1.4 million burglaries, of which 67.2% were residential offenses. With such high statistics, you shouldn’t take any risks with the safety of your family.

In addition to upgrading things like your doors and windows, you may want to consider installing a wireless home security camera system. Here are a few reasons why it’s a good investment.

It Can Deter Intruders

Many intruders don’t have years of experience and might doubt if they can pull off a burglary or not. Because they don’t have the full confidence they need to rob someone, they may easily be spooked.

When you hook up a security system outside of your home, it can be enough to scare any criminals off, especially when they see it’s not a fake one. They’ll take one look at the cameras and decide it’s not worth breaking into your house.

Not only will security cameras deter criminals from breaking into your property, but your neighbors’ as well. This investment can upgrade security for your entire block.

It Protects Your Valuables

Let’s say a home intruder is bold enough to break into your house; either they haven’t noticed your security system, or they have and don’t care. In this case, there are two additional layers you can utilize.

The first is the alarm system. Once they enter your property, they’ll trigger the alarm, which will be so loud it’ll attract the attention of your neighbors. This may be enough to scare burglars off at this point.

But if the thieves are still courageous enough to go ahead with the robbery, your security system will notify the police. They should arrive in a timely fashion to hopefully catch the intrusion in progress.

It Protects Your Family

In some cases, intruders may shift their focus to people in the house if a robbery’s gone wrong. Or, for whatever reason, they may break in to target your family members instead of your valuables.

No matter what the case is, a home security system can be invaluable if you have one installed. Not only can it dissuade criminals from focusing on your property, but if they go through with the invasion, it can also tip off the proper authorities so you get prompt responses.

You Can Keep an Eye on Kids or Pets

If you spend a lot of hours at the office and have children that spend all day in the house by themselves, it may be hard to keep track of them. Have they really come home, or are they out with friends, neglecting their homework?

With a home security camera, you can make sure they’re where they say they are. You can also feel good knowing that you can check in on them at any time to make sure they’re ok.

If instead of kids you have pets, you can still utilize the home security system. Look at the camera from time to time to make sure they haven’t gotten into trouble.

You Can Get Cheaper Homeowner’s Insurance

When you install a wireless home security camera system, you’ll most likely have to pay a monthly subscription fee. Although this is an added expense, it can easily be negated.

When you show your insurance company that you’ve had a security system installed for some time, the premium on your home insurance can be significantly lowered; in some cases, it can be reduced by 20%. This security system will definitely pay for itself in the long run.

You Can Monitor Your Home Remotely

Have you booked a romantic getaway with your spouse? Or do you need to go out of town for a week for business matters?

When you have to leave your house for extended periods, you may be afraid that it’s more vulnerable to burglaries. You’ll be able to look in at the state of your house no matter what time of day it is.

Some systems are convenient even on a daily basis. Forgot to turn off a light, or lock a door? Wherever you are, with a few taps on your phone app, you can take care of those things without having to turn back and go home.

You’ll Have Video Evidence of Any Crime

In the unfortunate event that you get successfully vandalized, you’ll have to make a claim with your insurance company. When you have footage from the incident, it’ll be much easier to file and get your claim accepted.

If you get the police involved, your video evidence will also help them immensely in their investigation. Not only can they see how the thieves look like, but they can also observe what was stolen from your house. This can aid in getting your items back and protecting the city from future crimes by the same people.

You Can Get Peace of Mind

No longer will you have to be anxious whenever you’re away from your home. If you feel uneasy about anything, all you have to do is switch on your app or program and you can see clearly see everything that’s happening at your house.

Fox Guard Security has more info on premium systems if you want to learn more on the ones you can get.

Protect Your Family with a Wireless Home Security Camera System

By installing a wireless home security camera system, you’ll feel confident knowing that your family is well protected on a daily basis. Also, you can keep an eye on your kids and pets, no matter if you’re at work or on vacation. This investment will be worth every penny when you can get rid of a significant amount of anxiety over the protection of your valuables and loved ones.

For more good reads, please check out our other blog posts.

The Perfect Gift For Her

August 19, 2019 by Mandy

Source: Unsplash | Lazar Gugleta

Picking the perfect gift for your girlfriend can be hard. You want her to be surprised and love the gift. It’s difficult to figure out what to get her without asking. Here are some tips that will make it easier.

Know Who You Are Shopping For

It is important to know the person you are giving the gift to. You need to know their personality and the things that interest them. Knowing what they like will make it easier to find a gift they will love. You can pick their gift based on knowing their favorites and then proceed from there.

Think Practical

Knowing someone can help you pick a great gift, but it can also cause you to pick the same gift. You know what they like so you are going to pick that same thing every time. You know they will like it because they liked it before. You can play it safe without giving someone the same gift every year for their birthday. Get a practical gift that will last for a long time and is hard not to love. A gift like this would be some cowgirl boots from Ariat. These boots are durable and stylish. They come in all kinds of designs and can be worn with almost anything. A gift like this can be used many times and used for multiple reasons. It’s the perfect gift if you don’t know what to get your girl.

Gift Certificate

Gift certificates are great gifts because you can get gift certificates for anything. Some people might think gift certificates are a bit impersonal, but buying a gift can be tricky at times. Men don’t want to go inside the girly stores that have the things their women like. If they do build the courage to go inside, they don’t know what to buy. Gift certificates and gift cards solve this problem. You can give your friend a gift certificate to their favorite place or the place you know has the necklace she wants. If you don’t know where that is, you can give your friend a card with money in it that isn’t limited to a specific place.

Clothes

You can’t go wrong with buying clothes. You see her enough to know what kind of clothes she wears. If you are nervous about her liking the clothes, get her something simple. You can get her some jeans. They never go out of style, and you can never have too many. If you want to make them a more exciting gift, you can buy jeans and some cowgirl boots to go with them. The jeans paired with cowgirl boots are always a flattering look. It takes your plain gift and gives it a little something extra. All she needs is a cute top, and she has an outfit ready to wear.

Consider The Occasion

Some gifts are more fitting for certain occasions. Anniversary gifts should be more romantic. Wedding gifts are something for you and your bride. Birthday gifts should be all about the persons whose birthday it is. It should be a gift just for them on their birthday. It could be an outfit for them to wear that day or money for them to go shopping. Birthday gifts should be special and appropriate. Your birthday gifts should make the person feel special and remind them that it’s their day.

Get The Right Gift

Sometimes it is easier to ask the person what they would like for their birthday. Of course, they could always answer back, “Suprise me.” Your gift will be much more exciting if it’s a surprise. The gift will be thoughtful and she will love it even more. The task may seem impossible at first, but it’s not. The right gift will make her birthday a day to remember. You can feel great about knowing you are the reason for that. Consider all the facts and put some thought into it. You will come walking out of the store with something she will love. Use these tips as a guide to the perfect gift.