These days, a lot of people are leaving their jobs in the pursuit of setting up their own business. While a good idea is often the key to a successful business, the most important thing for you to start a business is the availability of funds. That is where business loans come into the picture. As soon as you launch a business, you will need funds to meet day-to-day expenses. Thus, securing a guaranteed business loan before you embark upon your journey as an entrepreneur, is very important. How to apply for a business loan? Since applying for business loans has become a common practice now, many lenders give you applications through both offline and online mediums. You also have the option to apply for loans with multiple vendors at one go. The lender needs to verify and establish whether you are in a position to pay off the loan in the future. You have to provide him with documents containing your prospective business plan, proof of monthly and annual revenue, business tax ID number, information related to tax returns, business bank statements, the ID issued by the government to you signifying business ownership. Benefits of applying for a business loan Bank does not interfere with your business While the bank analyses your financial health and wants to be sure about you paying off the loan, it does not dictate how you should run your business.

An increasing number of investors are opting for automated investing tools, commonly known as robo-advisors. These automated tools put the management of your portfolio in an autopilot mode. Here are five benefits of such automated investing platforms: Affordable Before robo-advisors, you needed to pay hefty fees to an investment advisor to assist and manage your portfolio. Several of the best automated investing platforms, such as Betterment, Wealthfront, and Charles Schwab Corp’s Intelligent Portfolios offer zero to 0.25% management fees, making it an affordable option. Profitable investment models Most of these automated investing advisors use the best practices of investment theories, which strive to deliver the highest returns at the lowest risks. Moreover, it eliminates human intervention that may result in biases leading to errors. Meeting various investment goals Different kinds of robo-advisors cater to the varied needs of investors. You may choose from advisors that are sector- or industry-focused to robo-advisors that offer an affordable and diversified portfolio of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Several automated investing platforms may offer tax-loss harvesting and claim rebalancing. Low minimum balances You may not have a large amount of investible surplus. Some of the best automated investing platforms offer services, even when you maintain a low minimum balance.

Precious metals have long been a popular investment choice. Metals like gold and silver retain their value even when the stock market plunges. So if you’re looking to add these metals to your investment portfolio, now is a good time. However, as a beginner investor, you’ll likely be overwhelmed by the numerous buying options available today. Read this brief article to find out how and from where you can buy gold and silver easily. Types of physical bullion Before getting your hands on precious metals, it’s vital to know that they come in different shapes, sizes, and styles. The most common forms of physical bullion include coins, rounds, and bars. Coins are considered the most valuable as they are both manufactured and backed by the government. Although rounds look like coins, they are minted by private minting companies, and their value is entirely based on precious metal content. Bars, on the other hand, are rectangular ingots produced by private mints. The best places to buy gold and silver A local coin shop and an online dealer are the two most common places to buy gold and silver coins, rounds, or bars. The most significant advantage of getting precious metals from a local dealer is that you can physically see the product and purchase it right away.

The US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) offers a valuable option of an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) for veterans and related members. This enables individuals who already have VA loans to reduce their debts and avail a lower rate of interest. It shortens the loan term and helps transform an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) into a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM). The main advantage of an IRRRL is that borrowers do not need a new Certificate of Eligibility or a minimum income. Those who have VA loans are nearly qualified for refinancing. Read on to know top lenders offering the lowest VA IRRRL rates currently: Veterans United Home Loans This lender was honored for closing the highest number of VA loans right from 2016 to 2020. Their no-down-payment programs and the one designed for first-time homebuyers receive the most credit for being the best in terms of customer service. Presently, the company offers six 30-year VA programs, including a Streamline IRRRL, a VA Cash-Out, and Jumbo loans with low VA IRRRL rates ranging from 2.750% for a 30-Year Fixed and 2.990% for the 30-Year VA Cash-Out Jumbo program. The rates may vary depending on the borrower’s credit score and market conditions.

Renting a car may seem like a simple activity, something you can do online in a matter of minutes. But apart from renter’s insurance, the cost of the rental, and other fees chargeable, there are a number of points to consider so you can get the best deal, from location to size of the vehicle and budget tips; here are a few tips to get you started. Book in advance Book your travel arrangements well in advance, especially if you are planning a road trip. This way, you can switch vehicles in the cities planned along the route to save money and rent a different car each time. The location also matters as research suggests that car rentals in the suburbs are slightly cheaper than in a franchise that is smack dab in the center of the city. Also, avoid renting one straight out of the airport, as taxes and hidden charges will be levied on such rentals. Take the weather into account There is not much you can do when it pours or snows out of nowhere. But taking the weather into account can help you rent a suitable vehicle for those driving conditions. For example, four-wheel-drive cars work well in heavy snow conditions or places where traction is compromised.

Making money online is not as hard as you think it is. If you have a bunch of skills to showcase and a drive to get things done, you can easily make hundreds of dollars every month. Nonetheless, sometimes, phony websites and Ponzi schemes seem to make it difficult to find the right sources of money. Therefore, we have taken the liberty to note down five reliable websites to make money online easily. YouTube Got something to share? Is it interesting and non-explicit? Then YouTube is the place to be. All you need to do is create engaging videos, and you can make thousands of dollars depending on how many views you get. Keep up the good work, and YouTube will keep paying you depending on the number of views on every new video you upload. Fiverr Fiverr is a great place to make money if you’re looking for freelancing jobs. From content writing to marketing and web development, Fiverr has a job for everybody. The basic pay starts at approximately $5 an hour. The process, too, is fairly simple. Once you get an order, you complete it, get paid, and Fiverr takes a small cut (around $1). Shopify With Shopify, there is no definite pay scale.

Retirement is one of the happier times of life, a period that should be marked with extreme satisfaction, unending peace, and deep joy from the years of hard work, perseverance, and your numerous experiences. However, sound financial standing is at the heart of achieving this peace of mind, and it requires strong foresight, commitment, and vigilance to maximize return on investments. Several vehicles are potent enough to deliver long-term value and success at the time of retirement. Some of the best retirement investment vehicles vary in terms of the underlying concept and rely heavily on the general characteristics of the investor. Mutual funds One of the easier investment vehicles to get your head around, mutual funds are of multiple types and each fund has an objective of its own. These funds are usually invested in stocks or bonds, and the overall profit is distributed among the many participating investors. These are registered with the Securities Exchange Commission and regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Mutual funds that make for some of the best retirement investments are Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (ticker: VTTHX) for investors expecting to retire in 2035, Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund (BBALX) that has additional asset classes like infrastructure and real estate, and Baird Aggregate Bond Fund (BAGIX) that focuses on investment discipline and risk control.

With the current financial situation, searching for good investment opportunities can be challenging. This is why you need to choose an advisor who works according to your requirements. The right investment advisor will manage your wealth and safeguard your financial assets. So, here are some tips on picking the best advisor for your investments. Understand what the market holds for you The Internet has helped us completely automate a plethora of services. A few such examples are financial planning and investment advising. But when it comes to investments, there are also traditional financial advisors. The third type of firm is one that combines online operations with offline advising. So, before you choose an advisor, you need to understand and research which model suits your assets the best. Get them vetted Irrespective of the model you choose, you need to check if the advisors have The right qualifications A proper fiduciary standard where they hold your best interests at heart A Form ADV that discloses everything from their fee structure to their management history Keep the budget in tow An essential aspect to consider while choosing your investment advisor is the budget. Online firms charge way lower commissions compared to a traditional firm.

Consider These 5 High-Yield Savings Online Savings Accounts Online savings accounts enable you to park your money and benefit from their high-yield savings rates. However, it is important to choose from the best online savings accounts to reap the benefits of high saving rates. Online banks offer high rates as they don’t have the expense of maintaining branches. Discover Online Savings Account Discover Bank offers an annual percentage yield (APY) of 2.10% and is an easy-to-use website where you can open your account. Discover only has one branch in Delaware, however, you can get access to their customer service 24*7. As you open your account, you will receive a $150 or $200 bonus for your first-time savings account. There are no monthly fees but you need to have a deposit of around $15,000 or $25,000. American Express® Personal Savings High Yield Savings Account This popular credit card company also offers a high-yield savings account that has an impressive APY of 2.10%. You are not required to have a minimum balance or pay any monthly fees; however, the company does not have any ATM network and does not offer any checks. Barclays Online Savings Account This bank account offers a 2.20% APY and requires no monthly fee or minimum balance.

Essential Things to Know about Medicare Plans Medicare is a program offered by the federal government, which provides health care coverage for those who are 65 or older, younger individuals who are disabled, and those who suffer from end-stage renal disease. Medicare is divided into four parts — A, B, C, and D — and understanding them can be a bit overwhelming. Herein, we take a look at what each of these Medicare plans comprise. Part A (Hospital Insurance) Parts A and B are from the Original Medicare plans. Part A covers services like inpatient hospital stays, health care, and skilled nursing facility care. Since this is a part of Original Medicare, the government pays directly for the health services you receive. Part B (Medical Insurance) Part B of Medicare covers aspects like outpatient services, doctor visits, and diagnostic screenings. Again, being a part of the Original Medicare, the expenses are paid by the government. People usually enroll in Part A when they turn 65, and they can opt for this plan even if they have health insurance from an employer. Since Medicare taxes are deducted from your paycheck, you wouldn’t even have to pay a premium for Part A.

4 Types of Home Loans You Must Know About Managing the finances to buy a new house can be a bit worrisome. With multiple options in the market, choosing a home loan for a house can be taxing. It is better if first-time homebuyers are aware of the various types of home loans that are on offer. Conventional home loans/mortgages : These home loans are not insured by the federal government. The interest rates are higher for conventional loans, but the overall borrowing costs are lower than other types of home loans. This type of loan can be used to buy a primary home, a second home, or even an investment property. Jumbo home loans/mortgages : These are similar to conventional loans, except they have non-conforming limits. The home prices are more than the federal loan limits. With jumbo home loans, home buyers can borrow more money to buy a high-end house. Also, interest rates tend to be competitive when compared to other types of conventional loans. Government-insured home loans/mortgages : These loans are offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA loans), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA loans). These loans are useful when a homebuyer does not qualify for a conventional loan or homebuyers who have low cash savings or low credit scores.