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Recession-Proofing: 6 Tips for Managing Your Finances During an Economic Downturn

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Photo: Alicia Christin Gerald / Unsplash

Increased instability, job losses, and record inflation have pushed society to the edge, and we’re now facing the very real possibility of having to cope with a recession (or possibly a depression). 

That certainly isn’t good news, as recessions and economic downturns are scary times, but it isn’t necessarily entirely doom and gloom either. As long as you take steps to protect yourself and your family from taking too much financial damage, you should be okay. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips for managing your finances during an economic downturn.

Protect Your Future

While making it through your present-day obstacles is your main concern, it’s crucial to ensure you’re not putting your future self at risk so that current-you can be a little more comfortable.

So, if you have a self-managed super fund, now is the time to enlist the assistance of one of the best SMSF specialist accountants in town. Those with commercial funds should also re-evaluate their strategy and check whether their current fund is performing at an acceptable level.

Make (and Stick to) a Recession Budget

Your usual budget won’t cut it during an economic downturn. Instead, you need a specific recession budget. This type of budget includes increasing the buffer you have in your emergency fund and cutting costs, the latter of which we’ll look at more deeply in the following sections.

Diversify Your Income

You’ll also want to build additional income streams, so you’re not reliant on your primary paycheck. That could include a side hustle, selling things you no longer need, or doing odd jobs advertised on local platforms and noticeboards. 

Pay Yourself First

Even in a recession, saving should still be a priority. If you struggle to have funds left to save at the end of your pay cycle, try using the pay-yourself-first method. This strategy is particularly helpful if your emergency fund isn’t looking too healthy at the moment. However, paying yourself first can also help you reach financial goals you may not have otherwise been able to achieve. So it’s worth practising, no matter what your current situation is.

Look at Ways to Cut Costs

In addition to shopping around for groceries and seeing if your utility providers can give you a better deal, it’s also a good idea to look at ways to reduce your cost of living without sacrificing your lifestyle. While some sacrifices may become essential if times get rough, increasing the buffer between your expenses and income is always a good idea. Indeed, it is a vital step in preparing for a recession.

Invest if You Can

Finally, although spending extra money seems counter-intuitive when the world is going to hell in a handbasket, investing now can be highly beneficial to Future You if it’s within your means. That’s because stocks essentially “go on sale” during economic downturns, meaning you’ll be able to get a slice of the pie at a significantly reduced cost. 

Remember that your strategy needs to be long-term to provide the most benefit, so you need to avoid panicking over the state of your investment fund when times are tight. Also, follow the golden rule of only investing amounts you can’t afford to live without.

Recessions aren’t fun, but they don’t have to be the end of the world. Take steps to protect the financial security of yourself and your family, and you should be able to ride it out. Good luck, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. 

Employment Issues: 5 Workplace Problems an Employment Lawyer Can Help You Resolve

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Photo: Gabrielle Henderson / Unsplash

If you’re having trouble at work and can’t find a resolution in-house, it may be time to call an employment lawyer. While you may think that the field is too narrow, there are many things an employment lawyer can help with, including getting more cash in your pocket. So, if any of the following situations apply to you, consider finding a local employment lawyer today:

Contract Negotiations

Whether you hire a small team of solicitors in Wodonga or the largest law firm in Sydney, it’s worth having legal representation when negotiating a contract. Companies primarily design contracts to benefit them – they exist to make money, after all. With a good employment lawyer on your side, however, you should be able to negotiate better pay, hours that suit your schedule, and any other perks you want to secure.

Unfair Dismissal Claims

Employment lawyers can also help you if you feel you’ve been dismissed unfairly. There are actually very few reasons that most contracts can be terminated, so it’s worth comparing why you’ve been let go against your contract to see if it’s legal. If it isn’t, you can seek advice from a solicitor on how to go about being compensated for your unfair dismissal. You may be entitled to a decent chunk of change, so it’s an avenue worth pursuing.

Harassment or Bullying

If you feel that you’re being bullied or harassed in the workplace, but talks with your manager have been unsuccessful at rectifying your concerns, you may have a legal case against the business. Harassment and bullying are not tolerated in today’s society. Depending on the severity of the behaviour, you may be able to take legal action, especially if the business has refused to take steps to fix the problem. 

Pay Disputes

You can also seek assistance from an employment lawyer if you need help with your pay. That can include not being paid for hours worked, incorrect payments, or unreasonable delays. If talks with your employer fail to provide the results you’re looking for, it could be time to seek legal advice. 

Remember to keep proof of all discussions and calculations detailing what you should have been paid. Previous payslips and data from time-tracking software or your workplace’s biometric time clock will be your best evidence. However, you can also calculate your hourly rate against your submitted timesheets if your payslip is wrong.

Discrimination 

There are legal requirements surrounding discrimination and diversity in the workplace in Australia. If you’ve been unfairly treated or disadvantaged due to failure to comply, an employment lawyer can help. 

Discrimination can arise from a lot of things. However, the main categories are disability, gender, race, and religion. That does not mean that these are the only things people may discriminate against you for, but they are the big four that most companies have policies about in addition to legislation. 

If you believe you have been discriminated against, you may have a legal case against the individual and your company. The best way to determine if your situation meets the legal requirements for unlawful discrimination is to consult an employment lawyer in your state. 

We spend the majority of our lives at work, so it’s vital that the environment is positive and that our contract terms are fair. Employment lawyers can be quite helpful with this and many other matters. So if you find yourself in need of assistance, know that legal help is available.

Bad Business: Workplace Culture Crushers You Should Avoid

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culture vultures

As a workplace leader, it is paramount that you prioritise the development of a good work culture. Some of the many benefits of promoting and cultivating positive workplace culture include improved employee engagement, increased retention and higher rates of productivity amongst many others. Having a strong corporate culture is an achievable goal for any and every business. However, this doesn’t always just happen naturally. In some instances, toxic behaviours can quickly become rampant in the workplace and it is vital that managers and business owners get on top of unpleasant situations sooner rather than later. 

To help you better identify the types of culture and behaviour that should not exist in the workplace, we have prepared a list of 7 workplace culture crushers that you should avoid at all costs. If it is your personal goal to foster a positive environment at the workplace, you definitely need to read on to find out more. 

  1. Overworking Your Employees 

Are your employees constantly working overtime, day after day and month after month? Stress from being overworked can lead to a myriad of health problems such as insomnia, depression, anxiety and in more serious cases, heart disease. Aside from the mental toll overworking can have on an employee, sitting at a desk for hours on end can affect posture, stress levels and overall general health. It will come as no surprise that poor health can result in more sick days, high turnover, and rising health-insurance costs which can have a huge adverse effect on your bottom line.

The Solution: Avoid overloading employees with work they can’t manage during their normal working hours. You can also promote a more active lifestyle by encouraging staff to take daily walks or even consider investing in a few stand-up desks from https://standdesk.com.au. 

  1. Clique Culture

Clique culture doesn’t simply end when you graduate from high school. In fact, 43% of workers who were surveyed say their offices are populated by cliques—which are tightly knit groups of co-workers who socialise in and outside the office, and often exclude others. Of course, there is nothing wrong with having friendly employees who socialise with each other, but when “clique culture” comes into play, it may result in other employees feeling left out and demoralised. In essence, clique culture is the direct opposite of an inclusive culture as it creates an environment where people do not feel free or comfortable being their authentic selves.

The Solution: Eliminating clique culture starts at the very top of the organisation. It is important that upper management model the behaviours and the atmosphere that is expected of staff. Your organisation should also have a list of values that dictates how you treat each other both within and outside the workplace. 

  1. Office Gossip

We’ve all been guilty of spreading gossip at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, when this bad habit is brought into the workplace, employees end up turning against each other, resulting in a divided workforce. The harsh truth is that gossip and rumours have the ability to destroy a person’s self-confidence and affect their self-esteem. If you’re noticing that the rumour mill is churning more often than not in your workplace, it is vital that you address the situation head on.

The Solution: Identify individuals who seem to be involved with gossip most frequently and speak to them on a one-on-one basis. Emphasise the importance of fostering a positive work culture and be sure to also formally address the entire company to communicate that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

  1. Unfriendly Competition

A little healthy competition is always a great thing in the workplace, but when healthy competition inches its way into unhealthy territory, you open your workforce to a myriad of detrimental issues and problems. Having competition as the focal point of your culture can breed animosity between employees and generally sabotages or prevents ‘rival’ success.

The Solution: Avoid placing too much value on performance. Pitting individuals against each other will only frustrate employees and undermine their value as individuals. Instead, stress on the importance of teamwork and create a platform for individuals to congratulate fellow colleagues for a job well done. 

  1. Lack Of Employee Recognition

At the end of the day, we are all human beings who strive to be accepted and recognised for our efforts. If your organisation seems to be lacking on the employee recognition front, you may end up with an unmotivated workforce that doesn’t perform to the best of their ability. Recognition 

helps employees feel like their company values them and creates a sense of security in their value to the company. 

The Solution: Carve out some time in your monthly meeting to recognise and appreciate other employees and implement regular employee spotlights. A simple pat on the back or “you’ve done a great job!” can also do a lot more for morale than you might think. You could even go the extra mile by rewarding your staff with monthly company lunches or get-togethers to show how much you appreciate their efforts. 

  1. No DEI Policy

A diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policy is an absolute must have in any modern organisation. DEI policies encourage representation diverse groups of people, including people of different races, abilities and disabilities, genders, religions, cultures, ages and sexual orientation. Failing to have a DEI in place can come across as management simply not giving a damn, which isn’t a good look at all. 

The Solution: If you don’t already have a DEI policy in place, it is time to implement one ASAP. You can do this by working with your HR team to draft and enact a policy that is designed to keep all employees feeling safe at work. 

  1. Poor Management Styles 

Lastly, it can often be the poor management of a company that starts things on a downward trajectory. Warning signs of poor management styles can  include high employee turnover rates, low morale and unhappy team members. In fact, bad management has caused hundreds of organisations to permanently close their doors. The last thing you want is for your business to suffer due to poor management skills. 

The Solution: Ensure that your management staff is properly trained and are generally competent, honest and reliable. Every manager should be equipped with the skills to communicate clearly with employees and have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and role in the company. 

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A strong and positive company culture is vital for your company’s longevity and business success. We hope that this list of negative workplace cultures to look out for aids you in building an exciting culture that will entice job seekers and retain employees for years to come. 

Every Day Expenses: How Much Are You Really Spending?

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We’ve all been there – it’s the end of the month and you have close to nothing left in your spending account. You don’t live an extravagant lifestyle, neither do you make impulse purchases – yet somehow, you’re left with nothing at the end of every month. So, where exactly does all the money go? 

If this is a concept that seems all too familiar to you, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we look at 5 expert tips to help track your spending, in a bid to give you an accurate picture of exactly where your money is going. Keep on reading to find out more! 

  1. Start With Your Bank Statement 

As scary as this may seem (out of sight, out of mind, right?), the first place you need to take a trip to is your bank statement. Aside from having to come face to face with your dwindling funds, it is important that you take the time to pinpoint your money habits. Start off by taking inventory of all of your accounts, including your checking account and all credit cards you have. Analysing your accounts will help you identify where or what you’re spending on on a monthly basis. Once you have identified unnecessary expenses such as that expensive coffee you purchase every morning, you’ll be much better equipped to make smarter purchasing decisions that leave you in a better financial position at the end of every month. 

Expert tip: If you struggle with budgeting, we highly recommend creating a separate spending account. The main benefit of keeping the two accounts separate is to avoid the temptation of dipping into your savings for non-emergency items. Alternatively, you could consult with a financial advisor in Adelaide who will be able to create strategies for eliminating financial risk and building wealth over the long term.

  1. Review Your Spending

Now that you’ve performed an in-depth analysis of exactly where your money is going, it’s time to review your spending and make amendments where necessary. Here are some questions you need to be asking when reviewing your expenses:

  • What fixed expenses do I have?
  • What fixed expenses do I not use? (streaming services, monthly subscriptions etc) 
  • Are there any expenses I can do without?
  • What categories did I spend the most money on?
  • Am I spending more money than I bring in?

All of these questions are incredibly important when tracking your spending, but the last question is definitely the most important. Spending more money than you make is hole-digging habit that cannot be sustained for long. We encourage you to keep your spending within your monthly income so that you’re living within your means and not creating debt.

  1. Track As You Spend 

If you’re up for it, tracking as you spend can be an incredibly helpful tool when trying to figure out exactly where your hard earned money is going. You could go old school with a pen and notebook, or you could simply utilise the notes application in your phone. Logging your spending in the moment helps you be attentive to how often you spend, and may even encourage you to think carefully about each purchase that you make.

  1. Use An Expense Tracking App

Perhaps writing down each expense isn’t your cup of tea, and that is totally okay! Thanks to the power of technology, we now have a plethora of expense/budget tracking apps available at our disposal. Budgeting apps such as You Need a Budget and Mint are incredibly handy tools that are designed to assist you in allocating spendable income each month depending on what you’re taking in and paying out. Keeping track of your income and expenses can be complicated – this comes as no surprise. As such, a good budgeting app can help you spend and save both safely and wisely. 

  1. Keep Up To Date

Life is never stagnant, and your expenses in January may look completely different from your expenses in February. In order to really track exactly where your money is going, it is important to always keep up to date. Reviewing your spending and your budget periodically can help to reveal trends you may not otherwise notice. Of course, you’ll have one-time expenses in some months that won’t regularly reappear, such as emergency doctor’s bills or repairs. You can use savings to cover these unexpected expenses, or — better yet — set up a special category in your budget for them. At the end of every month, be sure to shift any leftover money to a savings account that offers the potential to earn interest. 

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At the end of the day, tracking your expenses isn’t about not spending any money; it’s about choosing how to spend based on what is most important to you. There really is no right or wrong way to track your spending, so be sure to try different methods until you find one that works best for you. 

What are some of your tried-and-tested ways of figuring out how much you are spending? Be sure to leave a comment and let us know. 

Australia’s Traditional Industries: Examples Of Successful Digital Transformation

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Digital transformation has recently been proven to be successful, even in more traditional industries. The technology that is available has increased levels of digitisation around the country, often in industries where we wouldn’t have thought it possible. Looking at a few of these sectors below, we can see how adapting to digital technology will not only increase efficiency but drive improved profit margins overall. 

digital money online

Farming and agriculture

Many farmers believe that more traditional ways of farming are best, however there is a new generation of agricultural students that are being exposed to new farming technologies. These technologies are expected to help ease and streamline farming and agricultural industries and drive them forward into the future. For those looking to digitise their business, there is a wide range of new technologies to adopt.

A strong case is being made at expos around the country for the integration of digital technologies into farming and agricultural practices. These expos showcase the latest technology on the market, from remote cattle station tech to state-of-the-art vineyard processing equipment.

Activities and entertainment

Across each generation we see a gradual move toward more technological and digital forms of entertainment. For boomers this may have been the television, and for millennials it was the introduction of the smartphone. Children today learn how to interact with ipads before they learn how to read. Companies like Sony have dominated the market with the introduction of their online gaming hub where players can interact with other like-minded people from around the world. A far cry from the days of Atari and Nintendo 64.

Online entertainment has revolutionised the way that we interact with people. Digital environments like those created by online casinos and social media networks have successfully adapted the ways in which we find and create experiences. We have more entertainment available to us than ever before, and all at the touch of a button.

Simplifying government communications

When the MyGov portal was released in 2013 the focus was to provide basic functions by securely connecting Australians to government services. By providing Australians with a digital GovID that is verified and secure, digitisation has remarkably improved the convenience of accessing government services for all. Where you would once have to visit multiple offices, which was not always convenient for those living in remote and rural areas, you can now interact directly from the comfort of your own home.

The digital transformation process for a range of government departments has also improved their communications to the public. The ATO now posts regular updates about important changes to the rules regarding taxation and superannuation via the MyGov site, which helps many Australians to keep a firm grasp on the current laws. Where you would once have to consult a tax agent who would check the laws in massive printed volumes, you can now access everything you need directly from the portal, providing both independence and freedom for those who wish to handle their own tax affairs.

Automotive sales industry

Something as simple as shopping for a new or second-hand car has been transformed by digitalisation. A search of Australia’s CarSales website will provide you with an extensive range of new or second-hand cars for sale in your area. This form of digital transformation is a great hybrid, as it doesn’t diminish the need for car dealerships and allows for the personal connection involved in the process of buying a car. Even those who still prefer the traditional method of visiting a dealership will research the closest vendor and explore their options via a smartphone.

No matter what industry you work in and where you are located, you can experience the positive effects of digital transformation. From farming to gaming, there’s no stopping this tech tidal wave of improved productivity and increased accessibility.

How to Hire a Car in Australia | What You Need to Know

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If you plan to visit Australia, you need to know that a car will be essential for easy transport. How much time you will be spending in the country also matters when it comes to your mode of transportation. If you are staying for weeks, hiring a car will do you good, but if you plan to stay for months or even years, purchasing a car will be economical. Australia is considered one of the countries where people are allowed to drive at a young age. At 14, you can drive under your parent’s supervision. Most states will offer you a driver’s license at the age of 17. These qualifications, however, change when it comes to hiring a car in Australia. Here is what you need to know

1. You must be 21 or older

Car hiring companies will only allow you to hire a car if you have attained 21. If you are an Australian citizen, this means that your license will be three years old. If you are a visitor, you should have an open license that has been operational for at least one year. additional charges are given to people below the age of 25 and above the age of 75.

2. A car hire insurance is mandatory

If you are planning to travel to Sydney and need car hire for special events, you need to understand that an excess cover is necessary. This insurance will cover you against damage to the car and other properties.

3. You pick the car when it’s a full tank, and it’s expected to return that way

Whether you pick the hired car at the airport or a designated point, the hiring company will bring the car when it is fully fueled. It is expected of you that it is as it was when you received it on the day of returning. If you are coming from overseas, it will be better to book a classic car hire in Sydney online.

4. You need to stay in contact with the hiring company the whole time

When you hire a car, the hiring company has the right to know where you are taking their car and what you are doing with it. For example, it is prohibited to take a rented vehicle into ferries. That is why you need to have GPS either on the car or your mobile phone.

5. Adhere to the road rules

Australian roads are well taken care of, and any mistake you make on the road will warrant infringement notices sent to the hiring company. Be assured that this will cost you a lot. Here are some basic rules you should never forget.

  • Keep left when driving.
  • Don’t make left turns on any red signals.
  • Drunk driving is a crime. If you exceed the 0.5% limit, then you are on the wrong side of the law.
  • Seat belts on all seats are compulsory.
  • Never use your mobile phone when driving.
  • Pay your fines before leaving the country. Failure might lead to the refusal of car hires or the cancellation of your visa to the country.

10 Tips to Find the Best Massage Therapist in Australia

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The whole process of massage will be determined by the skill of the massage therapist you chose. Therefore, it is essential to consider some factors before scheduling a session, as this will dictate if the event will be a great one.

1. Ask for referrals

Your family or friend who mostly gets massages can get you information on why they love going for the sessions. In addition, they can provide you with a list of professionals who can attend to you.

2. Reading of reviews

It is always good to go through reviews online and see what others have to say regarding location, surroundings, and the quality of services rendered before settling for a choice.

3. Check availability

The type of meeting, variety of services being provided, and the days convenient for you will help you decide. The schedule for appointment booking and letting your therapist be aware can enable you to get a good spot.

4. Inquire about experience and licenses

Please check on their experience to ensure that you acquire the best services. Some therapy methods also require specialized training; hence, it is always important to ask to get a general idea of your ideal therapist.

5. Attend Pre-massage Consultation

Going for consultations will enable you to make the right choice since a proper analysis is done on you, past medical issues, and what you want to achieve is determined. With this, proper targets will be placed for your program.

6. Determine your need first

The various therapies are tailored for a specific situation and expectation. For example, patting off the upper body or spine stretch is meant for a specific office syndrome. The service will base on the training of the professional on how to conduct the therapy. You can also find a remedial massage in Brisbane Northside is for relaxation.

7.Consider the location

It is essential to look around you first. The distance and your willingness and frequency to travel will make a difference if you create time to fit into your schedule.

8. Communicate with your therapist

Good communication will ensure you get the best experience; hence it is essential to have a genuine conversation with your therapist.

9. Knowing your preference

The service to be provided will be based on your preference in terms of the gender of the therapist and the nature of the atmosphere you like. Some people prefer home-based sessions. You will know your therapist well and how helpful they can be.

10. Inquire about the costs

Ensure that you have asked about the fees of the therapy and if there are discounts. It will enable you to work within your budget. Different modalities vary in rates, and some may have concealed charges.

Final thoughts

With the above tips covered, positive results can be achieved, and there is a need for people to be more driven towards their physical health. A relaxed body can increase productivity and mental stability. Consider paying a visit to your therapist frequently for improved wellness of the body.

Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Economic Impact

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the cup for racing

Have you heard of the Turnbull Stakes, The Sandown Guineas or the Moonee Valley Cup? These races run during The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. It is among the biggest and best events that appear on the sporting calendar. Organised in Melbourne, it occurs during the spring season and attracts many contestants from all over the continent. Besides the race, the carnival brings lots of foods, wine, fashion, and entertainment worldwide. As such, the economy in Melbourne and the cities around blossom during this time of the year. This article explores the economic impact that Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival has on the city and its environs.

It Generates Business Opportunities for the Locals

At the onset of the carnival, you can feel the heat from Melbourne. Local businesses begin to brace up to receive visitors and host them in the best possible way. They will start preparing all categories of cuisines and drinks. The hotel industry also blooms as these visitors find a place to stay during the carnival. Most hotels are usually fully booked by this time, hence making full returns for the owners. It is a beautiful time for the locals to reap massively.

It Boosts the Economy by Far

Festivals such as carnivals attract visitors. Visitors will be spending money while in the city, which boosts the local economy (on-site and the environs). For example, those attending the carnival will spend on admission fees, parking fees, food, beverages, and souvenir sales. If every person spends at least $40 per day, this translates into rich pockets for the locals. Looking at a broader perspective, the visitors will make stops at the local gas stations, restaurants, and souvenir shops. When night time comes, they will be spending time at the hotels within the city, bringing more revenue to the locals. Even the Turnball stakes go up. It is a win-win situation.

It Promotes Tourism in Melbourne

When visitors come to the city for the carnival, they are tourists. They will spend time at the carnival for a few days, bringing more money to the city. If they are not at the festival, they will visit the nearby attractions such as museums, national parks, theme parks, and resorts for some outdoor fun. It is a great time to explore Melbourne. As they move around, they will spend on different things such as food and hotels, contributing to more profits to the locals. It is a touristic event that wins better returns for Melbourne. If one sees great spots in Melbourne, they will tell more people about them, promoting tourism. Even better, they might plan to revisit the city and further explore.

It Brings Pride to the Community

How does it feel when you host visitors in your home? Visitors always come with great things. Hosting the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival alone is a prestigious title. The greatest thing about it is that it comes with goodies and profits for the locals in business. In preparation for the event, Melbourne’s administrators’ prep the city and venue in order to accommodate the visitors. It is a plus for the residents.

Carnivals are great. The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival has been happening every year and has brought loads of benefits to both the attendees and contestants. While they focus on the core values of the business, Melbourne rejoices from the huge economic benefits. It is a touristic event that stimulates tourism growth, the growth of the business, and Melbourne’s economy at large.

Top Reasons Every Business Absolutely Needs SEO

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Unless you have been living under the rock, you will know that SEO is important for visibility and greater searchability. Especially if you have plans to take your brand to the next level, it is important to invest in SEO right now. Unfortunately, many businesses are not known for getting the right SEO for their brands. This is why they often lag behind the contemporaries in the search engine and do reach out to the audience. For your information, SEO is a valuable marketing tool and has much more to offer than you think. Here are a few reasons, why every business needs SEO:

1.               Organic Search is the Need of the Hour

In simple words, organic search is a huge part of a business websites’ success. It is acknowledged as the critical component of any website as it can convert visitors into customers. As most marketers will tell you, Google has a large say in the search market as compared to its competitors such as Yahoo, Yandex, Baidu, and others. This doesn’t take away from the fact that the other search engines don’t contribute to your brand’s visibility. The truth is, Google owns around 755 of the search market, which is staggering. Therefore, when you settle for SEO practices, following the SEO guidelines will become a must. This is why you need to look for an seo agency that understands your requirements and comes up with the best solutions.

2.               A Better User Experience

Gone are the days when customers were only concerned with the core product and service. Today, a modern customer will see how you value them because they have a large number of options to choose from. Today, Google has learned how to interpret a website in the favor of the customer. This is crucial for the success of any business because no company owner wants to lose a prospective client. Customers are very clear about what they want. So if your website does cater to them, they will get repulsed and look for other options available.

3.               SEO Builds Trust

Long story cut short, the goal of a well-put SEO tool is to build a strong foundation for any website that gives a top-notch user experience. Bear in mind, a customer will always swoon over a website that appears in the earliest searches of Google. So if you manage to pull up your platform at a higher position, customers will eventually put their faith in what you have to offer. However, there are plenty of elements that are checked when a website is ranked such as the quality of backlinks, on-page content, positive user behavior, and a lot more. Only an experienced SEO professional can help you achieve the best results in a short time.

4.               Better Conversion

With the rise in the global domination of mobile traffic, local search has become the need of the hour. Keep in mind, local SEO is aimed at improving your website’s ranking in the local search. This means, people can quickly find you on the web, which will put them one step closer to making the final transaction. Local optimization is focused on specific towns, states, cities, and regions. It is aimed at establishing the message of the brand at a local level for maximum coverage.

Can You Use A Credit Card To Send Money Overseas?

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What do you do when an emergency occurs that you have to attend to, and the payday hasn’t arrived? Now is the time to explore the options that allow you to send money online, especially those that accept funding from a credit card.

Using A Credit Card

A credit card is an excellent way to buy goods and pay for services when you have no money. Similarly, you can use your credit card to transfer funds to your friends, family, or businesses across the globe. However, it would help if you shop right for the service provider, so you don’t pay hefty charges.

Similarly, several money transfer services allow you to transfer funds across the globe, but not all accept credit card funding. That means you may need to find out which one will take your funding method. Some of the options you have include bank wire transfer, PayPal, Remitly, or Western Union.

Challenges of Using a Credit Card

Using a credit card may be too costly, depending on the service you’re using. Bank wire transfer, for example, often costs higher than the other methods. Even though most services may be fair, currency exchange may still be a stumbling block since the rates change almost daily. Similarly, some transfer services also charge a high interest rate from the day of transfer.

However, you may find a fairer choice by shopping for the right provider.

Things To Look Out For While Sending Money Internationally With A Credit Card

Using a credit card to fund international transfers is typically costly compared to debit cards or your bank balance. However, some situations necessitate the need to use a credit card for your transfer. If that’s the case, consider these factors to get fairer costs.

1. Consider Service Providers That Specifically Focus on International Transfers

Services that exclusively offer international transfers often provide better exchange rates and fairer transaction fees compared to banks.

Similarly, most of the transfer apps offer additional advantages, including the ability to track your transfer status. This service may be available whether you’re transacting to a bank account, mobile wallet, or cash pickup location.

Even so, remember that funding your transfer from your credit card account still comes at a fee from the card issuer.

2. Review The Fees and Exchange Rates

Some companies apply higher transaction fees and exchange rates on international transfers, regardless of whether you’re using a debit or credit card. Before you settle on the service provider, review charges from a few options, understand their fees and the fine print so you don’t fall prey to high costs.

When To Use A Credit Card on International Transfers

Funding your international money transfer using a credit card may not be the best option considering the high costs involved. However, it can be the right way to go through your transfers if:

• You have a financial emergency to attend to, but you have no other means of funding

• You earn royalties from reward programs such as frequent flyer miles or cash back.

A credit transfer may be convenient but is a bit costly. As a result, it’s best to treat it as the last resort if you don’t stand to gain any benefit from the transaction.