Basics About ETFs for Beginners

Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) are not too popular instruments for retail traders and probably if you are new to trading you haven’t heard of them before. 

ETF trading had become popular in the last few years among institutional investors like investment banks, hedge funds, equity funds and even pension funds. 

Since the “big players” from the financial world had been eager to invest in ETFs, let’s see what exactly this assets are, so you can understand them better and decide yourself if it is worth to invest your time and money.

What is an ETF?

To understand an ETF, you should think about a basket with a few different products in it. An ETF is a tradable instrument which tracks the performance of a commodity, index, stock or a group of assets just like an index. 




The ETF market had been on the rise in the last few years and only in the United States, there is an annual trading volume of approximately $ 20 trillion just with ETFs, according to statista.com. That’s more than the annual GDP of the US and proves the high interest there is for this kind of instruments.

Why should someone buy an ETF?

There are several reasons why ETF trading might be good. First of all, it provides diversification. As we’ve mentioned at the beginning, you can buy a basket of assets, not just one. 

By doing this, you have the risk spread across a certain number of assets, not just one. If you buy a stock, for example, and the stock goes down, you are losing money. 

But if you are buying an ETF which tracks a basket of 5 stocks, your risk will be spread and even though one or two will perform poorly if the others have a good performance, the risk will be balanced.

Investing in a fund

It is also imperative to understand that ETFs are created by banks. When you buy an ETF you are basically buying a portion of the fund behind it. 

The fund is the one who invests in the assets contained by that particular ETF. We must also mention that ETFs are regulated instruments. 

Each bank that wants to create them needs to send the proper documentation to the Securities and Exchange Commission for approval. Only if they receive the approval they can move along and create the fund.

What Causes Mortgage Interest Rates to Increase?

Do you wonder what causes mortgage interest rates to increase and fall the way they do? The media and even mainstream economists tend to say that interest rates are increasing as an indicator of economic health. 

However, this isn’t absolute and there are definite flaws in the idea. It is clear than the media has no clue what causes mortgage interest rates to rise at all.

Economic Growth

Interest rates went up almost 40 points in one stretch, and that is being hailed as evidence of economic growth. That isn’t the case, though. Recently, Treasury bonds saw a rise in yield, and the effects that had have been noticed all around the board.

Mario Draghi is the head of ECB (European Central Bank). The ECB printed trillions of Euros hoping it would pacify the bond market. The Eurozone had been financially flustered, and this helped the situation. After Greece left the Euro, some were afraid that the Euro would suffer more. Investors sold their Treasury Bonds to buy back into the Euro.

Economic Knowledge

Despite what is called wise economic knowledge, the rise of sovereign bonds would cause their credit to decrease. It would also run the risk of inflation. However, interest rates aren’t going to be so affected by economic health as is being pushed by the media.

When you mix economic growth with a well thought out, responsible financial policy, inflation tends to be less of a problem and then mortgage loan interest rates will rise. However, this happens without causing nominal rates to rise. It essentially just gives a much higher rate of return.

Inflation Concerns

This is exactly what happened in the United States in the 80’s. The battle against inflation had finally been considered over, the economy was booming and the stock market was doing great. Nominal rates were falling, not rising.

This is the direct opposite of what is being said now. Now, we are being told that the rise in interest rates is due to our well groomed, thriving economy. Why then, was the economy doing so well then, and the interest rates were lower?

When the amount of money in circulation is drastically increase, inflation increases as well. With all of the extra money and credit, centralized banks give some cover to the government, allowing it to end up in enormous amounts of debt. Central banks control interest rates for only a small amount of time.

Despite what is being said by most of the mainstream media outlets, mortgage loan interest rates are largely controlled by the banks. Rather than the economy influencing interest rates, a more realistic scenario is the interest rates influencing the economy.

What the banks base their interest rates on, however, is influenced by the economy and the need for profit. So while the interest affect the economy, they are based in part on the economy that it influences. This is the way things work, economics is a crazy, confused mess of policies, strategic manipulation and risk that if not watched carefully, can and will take you by surprise.

5 Ideas To Follow Your Passion In Retirement Years

As retirement get closer, many people find themselves struggling to figure out what they are going to do. While some individuals will just continue working, others view retirement as an opportunity to pursue their passions or find new ones. 

If you are new to the idea of retiring, then you might want to consider following your passions. It will allow you to find fulfilling ways of spending time, helping others and feeling good overall. 

In this post, we’ll cover some of the best ideas for following your passion during your retirement years.

Travel Around The World

One of the most common passions, travel eludes many people during their working years. Now that you are coming up on retirement, take the opportunity to plan all of the places that you would like to visit. 

In the beginning, do not set a budget. Unless you have been investing in annuities already, just list all of the amazing places that you want to go. Then, when you are retired, you can consider options like downsizing and moving to an apartment so that you can travel the way you want to. 

Of course, the experience of seeing the world first hand is a great way to pursue your global interests after leaving the workforce.

Get Politically Active

After so many years of working, you could apply your passions to the political world. If you have a successful track record in communicating with others, you could run for political office. 

This is a great way to have a meaningful role in the community while making a positive impact. If this would be too much of a commitment, you can always use other skills to support politicians that believe in your views. 

As a politically active citizen, you will stay engaged in the community and society around you. It will certainly present the opportunity to pursue your interests and maybe find some new passions along the way as well.

Start A Blog About Your Passion

Thirdly, you could write about your passion online. It is easier than ever to start a blog and share it with people you know. Especially if you are passionate about a particular topic, you will find other bloggers online to connect with. 

Regardless of your technical ability, you can write on a blog and start building an audience. Using a partner like https://www.DreamHost.com, all of the technical parts are fully managed for you. 

This gives you the time and freedom to write and talk about your passion. As people find out about your blog, it can be highly rewarding to read their comments, feedback and suggestions. In effect, you could build your own online community around your passions during retirement.

Open A Local Business

If you are one of those people afraid of not working, maybe its time to open your own business. Since you would be doing this to pursue your passion, it should be a local business with low overhead. 

This way, you can do business because it is important to your rather than to make money. As it turns out, this will probably make you very successful in your endeavor. Just remember to keep your passion first and enjoy spending your time in a business that you control. 

If it ever gets too stressful, then you are missing the point. Open a business to pursue your inner passion and share it with others.

Mentor Others Who Need Help

For anyone who doesn’t have a defined passion, you can still pursue a meaningful retirement by helping others. Since you probably have experience in life or a specific industry, mentor those around you. 

When you truly help others achieve their goals, the feeling is absolutely gratifying because you are selflessly helping them. You will feel some ownership in their success and manage your retirement well. 

Moreover, they will appreciate and remember your influence. This is a great way to help others even if you are unsure of what to do many years into your future retirement.

In addition to spending time with friends and family, retirement gives you the chance to pursue your passions to their fullest extent. You can do this with many ideas. 

Travel around the world. Get involved in your community. Start a blog to build an audience. Open that business you always wanted to have. Or, mentor others who need help. Using these ideas, you can pursue your passions for many years into your retirement and have a fulfilling life.

How To Save Money Decorating This Year

Regardless of whether you are a professional interior designer working on a large project or just want to redesign your kitchen, it always pays to know the best ways to save as much money as possible. 

Decorating your home is rarely a cheap thing to do and usually comes with stress, hassle and a lot of mess. Even the smaller tasks are never as easy or as quick as you think. 

Keeping that in mind, we‘ve made sure that the tips chosen in this guide will save you time, hassle and of course, money.

Saving money when decorating is always important as the budget of decorating can often determine the style we decide to go for. For example, you may wish to turn your room from modern and minimal to retro chic and to do this you will need wooden type furniture, bespoke features and vintage lighting. 

All of these things are usually every expensive, but with these tips you can achieve this look and have money to spare. In this guide we are going to show you the top 20 tips on how to save the most money when decorating this year.

Tip 1 – Find free materials around you

By this we don’t mean rummaging through bins of course. You will be surprised to find out how many things you can actually get for free! Many people will want to just get rid of items they don’t want anymore because they are moving and can’t be bothered to try and sell them. 

This is where you can get some amazing bargains. From small table lamps to large tables and chairs, people will often happily give you these things for free if you are able to pick them up.

Tip 2 – Improve your existing furniture

Before you start throwing out all of the furniture in the room it might be worth considering if it can be updated or improved. One of the biggest trends right now in interior design is repurposed and reupholstered furniture, especially with wooden furniture. 

As the vintage look has never been more popular, we are seeing a huge rise in people repurposing old tables and chairs, bringing new life to something that was once nearly thrown away.

Tip 3 – Feature Wall

One of the simplest ways of adding a fresh and new feel to a room is through painting or wallpapering the walls. Paint and wallpaper vary in price, but one thing that is consistent with this is the amount of time it takes. 

Updating the walls in your home is a long process and one that needs care and attention if it is to look right. However, to save money and time you can simply just update one wall; the feature wall. 

You might be surprised at how much a feature wall can change a room’s dynamic. It draws the eye as soon as you enter and instantly sets the tone for the rest of the space.

Tip 4 – Update the plumbing fixtures

Your bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures are often untapped resources when it comes to adding a new design feature to the room. By simply changing the usual metal finish to copper, brushed chrome or brushed bronze you can quickly update the style without having to purchase a new sink or bathtub.

Tip 5 – Laminate Worktops

Replacing your kitchen or bathroom worktop is usually a very expensive thing to do, but also one of the best ways to redecorate a room. It instantly breathes new life into the space whilst setting the tone and creating a brand new feature that is guaranteed to impress. 

This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pounds. This is because people will usually prefer the feel and style of natural wood or stone for their worktop. Well, the good news is that you can now have this natural style without having to pay out big thanks to modern laminate worktops. 

Recent technological advancements has meant that laminate sheets now look identical to the real thing and even have the same texture. They come in a vast selection of styles/colours and if you wanted to know more about this then please find here an ultimate laminate sheet guide.

Tip 6 – Door handles

Changing your door handles is a very quick, easy and cheap way of creating a new design style. Although small, the right colour door handle can have a surprising effect on a rooms look. Research what material and colour goes with what colour and type of home to ensure it doesn’t look out of place.

Tip 7 – Never underestimate the power of a mirror

Mirrors do so much more than you might think. They can add light to a room, increase the size and add seamless flow. However, many of us are guilty of not making the most out of the mirrors we already have. 

Before you go out and invest in new ones, look at the ones you have already and see how they can be improved. Maybe it would look better in a different room or nearer natural light.

Tip 8 – Bring the outdoors inside

The past few years has seen a surge in popularity with indoor plants being used to create a new type of bohemian style. Often in vintage looking pots and hanging from the ceiling, these indoor plants are relatively cheap and a great way of updating your interior design.

Tip 9 – Shop Second hand

This may seem like a more obvious one, but shopping through second-hand stores, thrift stores, markets and car boot sales can result in finding fantastic furniture for incredible prices. Some designers make a great living this way so it’s definitely worth checking out your local area for bargains.

Tip 10 – Use lighting

Lighting has the power to create a mood and even add size to a room. If used right, lighting can completely change how a room feels and looks. Whether you make use of the natural light more or invest in some new lamps or lampshades, lighting is an interior designers best friend. 

To save money, look at simply changing the lampshades, bulbs or position of where these are and see how different your room can look.

Tip 11 – Rearrange the Furniture

Sometimes the best way to change the dynamic of a room is to simply rearrange the furniture. For a calm and serene environment try looking into how to implement Hygge and Feng Shui into your home.

Tip 12 – Utilise Paint

If you feel like your home needs redecorating but would like to keep it as cheap as possible then sometimes all you need is paint. A new lick of paint on the walls can totally revamp your room without having to change anything else. 

If your home has a shed or garage where you keep old tins of paint then check these first before buying new ones. If there isn’t much in some of them then you could mix these to make a bespoke colour and add a touch of your own personality to your home.

Tip 13 – Use Fabric

Whether it’s sheets draped over lights or a throw on your sofa, fabric has the potential to turn your room into something completely different. By using them over lamps you can create a soft and subtle ambience that’s much cheaper than purchasing a brand new light.

Tip 14 – Don’t forget about the details

Sometimes the smaller things have the larger impact, so if you’re looking to spruce up your home but don’t want to pay big prices for big pieces of furniture then have a look at tweaking the smaller things. 

This could be anything from new cushions on the sofa to new towels in the bathroom, anything that can inject colour into a room can change the interior style.

Tip 15 – Declutter

Decluttering your home is sometimes all you need to do to revamp a room. If you think you need to redecorate then always declutter first as you may be surprised to find that this is actually all it needed!

Tip 16 – Layer rugs

Carpet or hardwood flooring can be pricey, but a fantastic way of updating your floor without having to break the bank is to simply layer rugs together. 

You haven’t got to use expensive rugs for this because you are layering them together. Get creative with it and enjoy making your own bespoke design feature.

Tip 17 – Group similar items together

If your home has large walls then this can sometimes cause a problem when decorating within a smaller budget. Trying to fill a large space can get expensive if you are looking at buying large items, such as a full length mirror. 

However, if you group smaller, cheaper items together then you can fill this gap, save money and add a whole new dynamic design feature to the room.

Tip 18 – Wallpaper Offcuts

Do you have any wallpaper offcuts at home? If you do then you can still put these to good use by adding them to staircases or wall borders. They can add a boost of colour to any room whilst also creating a beautifully bespoke design feature. You can find some great examples on Pinterest here.

Tip 19 – Mix and Match

It’s almost too easy to go over budget when decorating your home as there is just so much to choose from. Sometimes it really pays to compromise, only on the items themselves, not the style. Mixing different types of furniture is a great way of adding a modern style to any room. 

For example, a dining room chair isn’t too expensive for one, but if you need 6 then this really adds up. So, instead of this you can simply get two for the ends of the table and then cheaper chairs for the middle. It can still look fantastic and save you money.

Tip 20 – Swap Party

Swap parties have become much more popular recently thanks to the fantastic bargains you can get! We all have different tastes so these parties are a wonderfully collective mix of furniture and furnishings. Get swapping with friends and family and have a great time whilst doing it. 

Lost Your Keys? 5 Helpful Hints for Choosing a Locksmith

You will likely need the services of a locksmith at some point in your life. It is a good idea to find a reliable locksmith before you need one. There are several things that you need to look for in a locksmith.

Ask for Recommendations

You can ask your family members, friends and co-workers about locksmiths in your area. Make sure that you ask about where the locksmith is located. 

You may also want to check with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure that the business does not have any unresolved complaints.

Identify Your Need

The more specific you are, the more likely you will be to get a locksmith who fits your needs. There are some locksmiths who primarily help people who have been locked out of their home or car. Others will also replace or break a lock.

Verify Insurance

You will need to verify that your locksmith has insurance before you hire them. An insured locksmith will protect you and your property. Without insurance, you could be held responsible for any damage that is done while on your property.

Make Sure Company Is Licensed

Every locksmith company is required to be licensed. If a company is licensed, then this means that they have undergone a background check. Locksmiths are required to carry their license with them at all times. 

The city that you live in may also require that the locksmith have a business license or permit. Check the requirements in the place that you live in.

Request an Estimate

You should get an estimate before you hire a Carolina Locksmith to do any work. A reputable locksmith will be able to provide you with a locksmith online or over the phone. You will also need to ask if you will be charged extra. 

Some locksmiths will include extra fees for things like nights and weekend visits and mileage. If the locksmith tries to charge you more than the estimate that they gave you, then you do not want to hire them.

The best time for you to find a locksmith is before you need one. You will need to ask for recommendations. You will also need to identify your need. It is important to make sure that the company is licensed and has insurance. Furthermore, you will need to request an estimate before any work is done.

3 Tips to Get the Lowest CA Loan Interest Rate

Mr. Ankush Tiwari, a Chartered Accountant by profession, had a long-cherished and an abroad family holiday pending! However, he was short on funds yet wanted to take a small break from his hectic schedule to rejuvenate! He was in a spot of bother as he needed around Rs.10 lakh to fund his trip.

He was almost to give up the idea when one of his other CA friends Vikram Taware informed him about availing a Chartered Accountant loan at a lower interest rate. He gave it a thought and found that he is eligible for it and applied for it. With a CA loan, he could enjoy his heart content with his family in Singapore.

If you are a CA and are willing to go on a foreign trip yet scared of the CA loan interest rate, you can implement some habits and avail a lower CA loan interest rate. Want to know more? Let’s go!

What is a CA loan?

A Chartered Accountant loan is nothing but a personal loan designed for CA professionals. Lenders consider CAs as respectable and responsible citizens of the society, and that’s why they are awarded a higher loan amount of up to Rs.35 lakh.

How to get the lowest CA loan interest rates?

The only thing that bothers a majority of CAs and ordinary citizens is a higher interest rate. However, there are ways you can bring it down and never feel the pressure. Here are those tips that you need to implement:

1. Always shop around a bit

Did you know that there are more than 100+ banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) that offer loans in India? Thus, a borrower has many choices, and must not go to the first lender that confirms the eligibility. 

Thus, you should always compare leading offers on a third-party website as CA loan interest rate can vary between 14-20%. Comparing all offers beforehand will surely help you avail a lower rate of interest.

2. Maintain a good CIBIL score

A CA loan is an unsecured one which means you need not provide collateral as in the case of a home loan. Thus, a borrower’s Credit history becomes an important factor while deciding a CA loan interest rate. 

Aim to maintain a CIBIL Score of at least 700+ so that lenders could award you the best interest rate. Some of the things that you can do to maintain a good CIBIL Score are: 

• Paying your existing loan EMIs on time 
• Having a clean repayment history 
• Not having many credit cards 
• Not maximizing the credit card’s limit 
• Ensuring to get all Credit history mistakes corrected 

3. Opt for NBFCs over banks

A banks’ rate of interest may be lower, but their charge structure is heavy on the pocket of a borrower. NBFCs, on the other hand, also provide a lower CA loan interest rate along with a unique facility in the flexi loan. 

It allows a certain amount to be borrowed from a provided limit. The interest is paid as an EMI on the utilized amount and not on the total amount, making it easy to manage. The remainder of the amount is adjusted at the end of the tenor.

Don’t fear the CA loan interest rate

Thus, if you wanted to avail for a CA loan, but could not do so fearing the exorbitant CA loan interest rate, you can now do that by implementing the above-discussed tips. Incorporating these tips is easy, and it will help you avail a lower interest rate for CA loans without hassles.

The Bottom Line

Now that you have an idea of what it will take for a Chartered Accountant to grab the best CA loan interest rate - go ahead and make the most of it. Once you are sure that you are availing the best CA loan interest rate, apply for it online, and fulfill your needs.