Retirement doesn't mean the end of an active lifestyle. Quite the contrary, it opens up new opportunities for many new activities. Some retirees substitute voluntary community work for their former work. This gives definition or meaning to their roles after retirement.Household work, volunteer work, family roles and community service actually increase after retirement. The familial roles of grandparents increase because of the expanded time...more
If you have heard fund managers talk about the way they invest, you know a great many employ a top down approach. First, they decide how much of their portfolio to allocate to stocks and how much to allocate to bonds. At this point, they may also decide upon the relative mix of foreign and domestic securities. Next, they decide upon the industries to invest in. It is not until all these decisions have been made that they actually get down to...more
Did you ever think about becoming a Trading Assistant? Where you basically sell other people's products and receive a comission? Alot of companies know about eBay but don't have the time to learn. Or are just "old school" and don't care to learn.So why not offer your services to them? You already know eBay. And now this lines you up for unlimited products to sell. There are ways that you should and should not approach a retailer to become their trading assistant.First off before you approach anyone, you want to know that these particular products will do well on eBay. Take a good look around the store at the products they offer, then go to eBay and do your research on them. Once you know they will be a good seller then you can go onto the next step.The next step is to get to know the store owner. Even become a customer and get friendly with them. You want to be sure you are developing a great rapport with the store owner.You don't know how many times I was approached by people to sell their products in my store, or to donate items to their school, and they were complete strangers to me.Talk about being annoyed. That's the one thing I did not like, was people who I've never met...more
November 2004's publication of the Health and Safety Executive's new Management Standards for work-related stress has focused the minds of many organisations on this increasingly serious workplace hazard. But what are the differences between pressure and stress? What are the telltale signs and symptoms? What's the current legal position? And what...more
There is a delicate balance between the fee you need to charge for your products and services, and the fee that people are willing to pay for them. But with gasoline, heating, shipping, health care, and other costs rising, there comes a time when you must raise your rates in order to remain profitable.Most people see their own costs going up, and...more
With the end of 'a job for life', the ticking of the demographic 'time bomb', and the ever-increasing pace of new technology, employers are having to consider a wide range of new working patterns that take account of this rapidly changing work climate.So what is the government's position on these new ways of working; and what are the benefits and potential pitfalls for employers to avoid?What is the government doing?The government is well aware of the consequences of changing work patterns - not least because they impact on the cost of the state pension to a degree that concerns the government considerably. There have therefore been a number of government-led initiatives in recent years, with more still to come:- In 2000 the government introduced a Work-Life Balance campaign, and in 2002, Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry said that 'More and more British workers are recognising that balancing quality of life and family is as important as a fulfilling career. People clearly want greater control and choice over their working hours but lack the confidence and the knowledge to do anything about it. Stressed workers with frayed nerves cannot perform to their...more
If you own your own independent business, there are two organizations that hopefully your are already aware of. They are doing great work promoting small, locally owned independents by promoting community and government involvement. It takes all of...more
Starting a home business is a big undertaking. There are key elements to properly set up a home business. If anything is forgotten or left out it could make starting the business difficult or impossible. The following are key elements that every home...more
Well, we're all reeling from our utility bills. So, what can be done to cut energy costs?Obviously, the best way to cut your utility bill is to go with a non-utility company source of energy. Solar power can be used to warm your house, while...more
Correctly Pricing A Business Is Important If You Really Want To Sell It!As a consultant I talk to many business owners, brokers, and agents on a daily basis about valuing businesses. It always amazes me on how some of these individuals come up with...more
Let me first say that I do not now engage in technical analysis; nor, have I ever engaged in technical analysis. I do not believe doing so would be a productive use of my time.Having said that, I do not claim technical analysis has no predictive...more
In the hands of the right consumer, a credit card can be a very useful tool. Unfortunately, the "right" consumer is rare. The concept of buying on credit, while convenient, actually serves only to line the pockets of financial gurus with millions of...more