Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Importance of Bond Duration

One of the regular risks, interest bearing instruments like bonds are prone to is the interest rate risk, which is the variation in the price of the instrument in relation to the changes in the general interest rates. The concept of 'duration' is the effective way of determining and mitigating the effects of interest rate alternations. It measures the sensitivity of the bond's price to movements in interest rates and determines in how many years a bond shall repay its true cost.

Duration of a bond is usually calculated as a percentage reduction in the price of the instrument to the percentage increase in the redemption yield of the instrument. The unit of duration is generally measured in 'years' and ranges between 0 years and the maximum maturity of the bond.

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Steps to Calculate Duration:

Coupon rate determination.

• Determining PV (Present Value) factor using the yield per period.

• Then PV factor is to be multiplied with coupon amount to arrive at the PV value of the coupon payment.

• The aggregate of the present value of cash flows is arrived to determine the market value of the bond.

• For each year, the percentage of present value in total market is arrived. (step 3 / step 4).

• The resultant figure is multiplied with the year and the aggregate amount is the duration.

Factors influencing duration are usually the bond's maturity time and the coupon rate. A bond maturing in 2 years recovers its cost in quicker time as compared to a bond maturing in 10 years. Hence, duration varies as per the maturity, shorter maturity has lower duration and similarly longer maturity has higher duration. Coupon rate also is a key factor in determining the cost recovering period of the bond. A higher coupon bond return the cost in quick time compared to a lower coupon bond. Hence, higher coupon bonds have lower duration and lower coupon bonds have higher duration.

Duration guides investors in choosing the bond as per their risk appetite. Investors seeking quick cost recovery and minimal sensitivity to interest changes can use the concept of duration and also speculators anticipating changes in interest rates can adjust their portfolios.

Importance of Bond Duration

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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

10 Smart & Easy Tips to Sell Online - Get Real Value Turning Unwanted Items Into Cash

We all have boxes in our attics, closets or basements with items we once loved but have been sitting untouched for years. If you want to sell any of these items online here are 10 tips on how to sell them the smartest way for the highest price in your pocket.

Using on-line services like eBay and Craigslist you can quickly convert unwanted items into cash in your pocket. And you might even find those long lost items while creating more room for living.

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Real Value Tip 1. Make Sure You Know Exactly What You Are Selling.

When selling something it is very important that you know as much about it as possible. If you don't know what it is say so in the description and ask the viewers to tell you more about it. The more you know the easier it is for you to describe it and to maximize the final sales price. Be honest and thorough.

Real Value Tip 2. Know What The Item Is Worth & Decide What Is The Lowest Price You Will Accept.

There are a number of free resources to determine the value of your items. There are forums, blogs and on-line authorities. You can also check what similar items have sold for recently on sites like eBay. You also have to decide what the lowest price you are willing to accept for the item. If a tea set similar to the one you inherited from your grandmother sells for 0 on eBay but you won't sell yours for less than 0 don't bother listing it for sale and keep it safe to hand down to your children or grandchildren.

Real Value Tip 3. Check The Current Listings & Recent Sales History.

Before listing an item for sale on Craigslist or eBay it's a good idea to check out the current competition. If you are selling an old Pentax film camera and there are already a dozen similar ones for sale at prices below what you want, you might consider holding off or selling it on another site with less competition. You can also check out how many similar items sold on that site in the last 30 days and what the sales price range was. The more you know the better you are prepared.

Real Value Tip 4. Decide On The Best Sales Site For Your Item.

I find some items make more sense to sell on eBay and others on the local Craigslist or other local on-line sites. In general terms if it is difficult, large and heavy or very expensive to ship, like large furniture, I prefer the local ads. If it is small enough to easily ship and has a higher value, like a camera, book or collectible trading cards, I prefer the national and international services like eBay.

Real Value Tip 5.Take Good, Sharp & Informative Photos.

The better your photos of the item(s) for sale the higher the bidders are comfortable bidding. A picture is worth a thousand words. And, since the potential buyers usually can't hold and study the item in their hands, they want lots of sharp, well lit photos of as many sides of the item as possible.

Real Value Tip 6. Write Up An Accurate, Complete & Interesting Description.

The better you describe the item the more people you are likely to attract and interest. What would you find more interesting: "For Sale: used 35mm camera with lens. Have not used in years." or "For Sale: Mint condition 35mm Canon EOS Rebel camera with 50mm f1.8 lens, UV filter, lens cap, strap and Canon automatic flash." Be thorough, accurate and informative. It's better to write too much than not enough and use lots of description words in the title and the description.

Real Value Tip 7. Decide When To List & For How Long.

Craigslist and some of the local sites determine how long your ad runs, but you decide when to list it. Several of us at Real Value have found the best results listing the items on weekends as more people have time to scan the on-line ads, and we prefer to list them in the afternoon or early evening when the traffic is highest. When it comes to eBay listings, the same afternoon and early evening weekends seem to work best. And we usually go with the automatic 7 day period on eBay as we have not found the extra cost of longer listing time to be worth it.

Real Value Tip 8. Answer All Questions Promptly & Politely.

It should go without saying, but we will remind you that most people prefer to deal with others who are polite and honest. Answer promptly, which means check your listing and emails several times a day. And use terms like "Thank you" and "I appreciate your asking that" often.

Real Value Tip 9. Beware Of Scams & Worse.

Most people are honest and ethical, but not all. As my grandmother used to say "If it looks to good to be true....." for a reason. Keep your wits about you. Do not release anything until you are paid in full with cash or cleared funds. Also be careful when meeting a stranger and make sure to do the transaction in a public place and don't go alone...just in case. Remember something else our grandparents used to say "It's better to be safe than sorry."

Real Value Tip 10. Arrange Shipping Or Pick Up Properly.

Once you have been paid you need to hold up your end of the bargain too. Arrange for shipping or a safe pick up at the earliest possible time. Good luck with your on-line sales and just remember to do your homework first, and to be smart and safe always.

10 Smart & Easy Tips to Sell Online - Get Real Value Turning Unwanted Items Into Cash

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Stocks VS Bonds - Differences and Risks

In the world of investments, you'll often hear about stocks and bonds. They are both feasible forms of investment. They allow you the opportunity to invest your money with a specific company or corporation with the possibility of future profits. But how exactly do they work? And what are the differences between the two?

Bonds

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Let's start with bonds. The easiest way to define a bond is through the concept of a loan. When you invest in bonds, you are essentially loaning your money to a company, corporation, or government of your choosing. That institution, in turn, will give you a receipt for your loan, along with a promise of interest, in the form of a bond.

Bonds are bought and sold in the open market. Fluctuation in their values occurs depending on the interest rate of the general economy. Basically, the interest rate directly affects the worth of your investment. For instance, if you have a thousand dollar bond which pays the interest of 5% yearly, you can sell it at a higher face value provided the general interest rate is below 5%. And if the rate of interest rises above 5%, the bond, though it can still be sold, is usually sold at less than its face value.

The logic behind this system is that the investors deal with a higher rate of interest then the actual bond pays. Thus, the bond is sold at lower value in order to offset the gap. The OTC market, which is comprised of banks and security firms, is the favourite trading place for bonds, because corporate bonds can be listed on the stock exchange, and can be purchased through stock brokers.

With bonds, unlike stocks, you, as the investor, will not directly benefit from the success of the company or the amount of its profits. Instead, you will receive a fixed rate of return on your bond. Basically, this means that whether the company is wildly successful OR has an abysmal year of business, it will not affect your investment. Your bond return rate will be the same. Your return rate is the percentage of the original offer of the bond. This percentage is called the coupon rate.

It is also important to remember that bonds have maturity dates. Once a bond hits its maturity date, the principal amount paid for that bond is returned to the investor. Different bonds are issued different maturity dates. Some bonds can have up to 30 years of maturity period.

When dealing in bonds, the greatest investment risk that you face is the possibility of the principal investment amount NOT being paid back to you. Obviously, this risk can be somewhat controlled through the careful assessment of the companies or institutions that you choose to invest in.

Those companies that possess more credit worthiness are generally safer investments when it comes to bonds. The best example of a "safe" bond is the government bond. Another is the blue chip company bond. Blue chip companies are well-established companies that have proven and successful track records over a long span of time. Of course, such companies will have lower coupon rates.

If you're willing to take a greater risk for better coupon rates, then you would probably end up choosing the companies with low credit ratings, companies that are unproven or unstable. Keep in mind, there is a great risk of default on the bonds from smaller corporations; however, the other side of the coin is that bond holders of such companies are preferential creditors. They get compensated before the stock holders in the event of a business going bankrupt.

So, for less risk, choose to invest in bonds from established companies. You will be likely to cash in on your returns, but they will probably not be very large. Or, you can choose to invest in smaller, unproven companies. The risk is greater, but if it pays off, your bank account will be greater, too. As in any investment venture, there is a trade-off between the risks and the possible rewards of bonds.

Stocks

Stocks represent shares of a company. These shares give part of the ownership of the company to you, the share-holder. Your stake in that company is defined by the amount of shares that you, the investor, own. Stock comes in mid-caps, small caps, and large caps.

As with bonds, you can decrease the risk of stock trading by choosing your stocks carefully, assessing your investments and weighing the risk of different companies. Obviously, an entrenched and well-known corporation is much more likely to be stable then a new and unproven one. And the stock will reflect the stability of the companies.

Stocks, unlike bonds, fluctuate in value and are traded in the stock market. Their worth is based directly on the performance of the company. If the company is doing well, growing, and attaining profits, then so does the value of the stock. If the company is weakening or failing, the stock of that company decreases in value.

There are various ways in which stocks are traded. In addition to being traded as shares of a company, stock can also be traded in the form of options, which is a type of Futures trading. Stock can also be sold and brought in the stock market on a daily basis. The value of a certain stock can increase and decrease according to the rise and fall in the stock market. Because of this, investing in stocks is much riskier than investing in bonds.

The Wrap-Up

Both stocks and bonds can become profitable investments. But it is important to remember that both options also carry a certain amount of risk. Being aware of that risk and taking steps to minimize it and control it, not the other way around, will help you to make the right choices when it comes to your financial decisions. The key to wise investing is always good research, a solid strategy, and guidance you can trust.

Stocks VS Bonds - Differences and Risks

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Perforated Rack Card Marketing Ideas - Inviting More Restaurant Diners

People can hold onto restaurant rack cards with many uses. Moreover, the printed materials can offer special promotions to dining consumers. Your restaurant can increase its client base with the use of perforated cards. The prints are an effective marketing tool that can have many benefits to restaurant diners. Here are some of rack card marketing ideas that will help you promote your business.

o Calendar: You can print a calendar on the perforated portion of your rack cards. The calendar can be in a size of 2" 3.5", depending on the dimension of your printed materials. The other side of the mini rack card calendar can contain the special menu items that you offer for a day. This will help dining consumers to have smart decisions on what to purchase on a particular day.

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o Location Map: The tear-off portion of your rack cards can contain a sketch or map to point out the location of your restaurant. You can also include landmarks and other points of interest in your locale on the other side of the tear-off portion. Customers will have an idea where to go after eating at your restaurant.

o Meal Coupon: Discounts and special offers can be offered through the perforated cards. The tear-off portion can serve as a coupon which can be used to upsize drinks, get a free dessert, and have 5 to 20 percent discount on your special menu items.

o Raffle Entry: Your card's tear-off part can be a raffle entry. You can print your printed materials using 13 pt. Cardstock, Uncoated so that people can write on your prints. Customers can indicate their names, addresses and contact numbers on the space provided on the tear-off portion of your rack cards.

You can print perforated rack cards with the help of a reputable printing company. Search for online printing reviews to help you seek for a reliable print shop in your locale. Online printing reviews are consumer feedback and comments about printing services. Type in printing in Austin, TX, for example, and you will know the local printing shops that offer rack card printing. Create high-quality rack cards to effectively market your restaurant.

Perforated Rack Card Marketing Ideas - Inviting More Restaurant Diners

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Monday, September 5, 2011

MacBook Warranty - Are You at a "Pro" Status With Your Insurance?

Are you a MacBook or MacBook Pro owner? If so, are you protected with a MacBook warranty? If your answer is yes, does your warranty cover everything from malfunctions to accidental damages? I think not because most warranties do not cover accidental damage such as the Apple warranty. For your MacBook, which is a not-so-affordable brand of laptop, do not buy just any warranty plan you discover. Instead, make certain that the warranty you buy for your MacBook is the one that has a professional status - the one that is the leader in almost everything when it comes to laptop warranties

Let us first consider the price. In general, the price of the warranties offered at SquareTrade is forty percent less than the price of the warranties offered at the other stores. For the Apple laptop, it is forty-eight percent or almost fifty-percent less than the MacBook warranty offered by Apple. This is because SquareTrade does not include the retailer, thereby, saving more and giving them the capacity to cut back more on their prices. SquareTrade also offers a low price guarantee saying that if in case you discover a warranty provider that offers the same services with cheaper prices than SquareTrade, then they are ready and more than willing to give you a refund - one hundred and ten percent of the difference in the prices of the two.

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Other than the low prices, SquareTrade offers an extensive coverage. For all electronic gadgets, all mechanical or electrical problems or issues that happen with normal usage are addressed. In addition, if you avail of the ADH protection or Accidental Damage from Handling insurance, problems or issues related to these will also be addressed or fixed. This is one of the main dissimilarities with other warranty providers such as the MacBook warranty from Apple.

Another amazing feature and advantage of buying your MacBook warranty from SquareTrade is online management. On their site, using your own login, you will find all your warranty plans - that is, if you have more than one. You can also submit a claim online and even transfer or stop your warranty plan. Moreover, SquareTrade does not pressure you to immediately purchase their warranties. Instead, you are given three months from the time you bought your item to think about buying their warranties. Within these three months, you can take all your time to read everything you need and want to know about SquareTrade.

Another great future of SquareTrade is its five-day service guarantee. If you love your MacBook so much that you cannot bear to be away from it for more than a week, then SquareTrade's MacBook warranty is the right one for you. At SquareTrade, your item will be repaired within five days or else they will give you a refund. In addition to this, while your item is undergoing repair, you are updated every step of the way through electronic mail. Or, you can simply login to the site and see the status for yourself. With these features, truly, no warranty provider is as "pro" as SquareTrade.

MacBook Warranty - Are You at a "Pro" Status With Your Insurance?

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Discount Vouchers - Benefits Of Printable Vouchers

There are two categories of online discount vouchers. In some cases, you have to save the code and enter it online on the company website. However, printable vouchers are a bit different. You can get a printout and save them like any other document as a hard copy. How do you use these printable discount vouchers? Instead of punching an online code, you have to present them at the required outlet. Thus, this seems a more convenient option for people who go shopping regularly.

The benefits of printable vouchers

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Some people do not like to view the product on their computer screen. Instead, they like to see the product physically before paying for it. For such customers, printable vouchers are quite suitable. If you lose the voucher, you cannot get any kind of discount. Hence, keep your printable voucher in a safe place.

Sometimes the discount given is for some restaurant which offers a discount. In this case taking along your printed voucher gets you the discount.

Online discount vouchers do not work in some cases

When you are shopping online, you are using the web services of the required company. It may happen that one of the servers may not be working. You can face technical errors when you are entering the codes of your discount voucher. Printable vouchers are used for buying even furniture and antiques. This is because you need to feel the product and check the quality before buying it. However, if you are buying an annual subscription of your favorite magazine; you don't need to do the same thing.

Buying products at their original prices is very different from buying them at discounted ones. Some people purchase everything from sales and discounted stores to save money. This in my opinion is the most sensible thing to do. Why should anyone pay more when you can get it for less!

How can you find printable vouchers?

Every company does not offer the option for printable discount vouchers to its customers. In some cases, you can only copy the required code. You have to search online for the companies which offer this facility. The process of printing these vouchers is very simple. You just need to paste the coupon in the form of an image and get a printout. In some cases the option for printable version makes it easier to print.

No one wants to buy a product for hundred dollars when a store is offering it for half the price. Thus, most people spend all their money when forty or fifty percent of the actual prices are eliminated. You can even use the search engines for this purpose and get online reduction coupons. Some companies offer reductions at specific times of the year. For instance, you can term Halloween and Christmas as related examples. On the other hand, big organizations put up sales more regularly to benefit their customers.

Discount Vouchers - Benefits Of Printable Vouchers

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Concept of Yield to Maturity (Bonds)

Case: A coworker of yours was discussing her investments with a broker. Your coworker was confused because she had purchased a 10% bond but the broker kept repeating that it had a 9% yield to maturity. What is Yield to Maturity?

Yield to maturity (YTM) is the yield promised by the bondholder on the assumption that the bond will be held to maturity.

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YTM also assumes that all coupon and principal payments will be made and coupon payments are reinvested at the bond's promised yield at the same rate as invested.

YTM is a measurement of the return of the bond and its calculation is identical to the calculation of internal rate of return (IRR).

Applying to the situation mentioned, the coworker purchased a bond with a coupon rate of 10 percent.

The 9 percent YTM applies if she holds on to that bond until it matures while reinvesting all interest payments she received from the instrument.

The significance of YTM is that it allows comparison of bonds with different coupon rates and prices.

1) Calculator: enter n, M, PMT, PV and VL and request k

2) Trial and Error: find k such that VL = INT({PVIFAM n) + M(PVIF M n)

3) Yield approximation formula:

YTM = INT + (M- VL)/ n

--------------------

(M + VL)/2

Where:

VL = the value of the bond

kc = the fixed coupon interest

n= the number of periods until maturity

M = the dollar principal payment at maturity

INT = periodic dollar coupon payment = kc x M

kd = discount rate on the bond

If a bond's current yield is less than its YTM, then the bond is selling at a discount.
If a bond's current yield is more than its YTM, then the bond is selling at a premium.
If a bond's current yield is equal to its YTM, then the bond is selling at par.

Concept of Yield to Maturity (Bonds)

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Bonds - Default Risk Is The Least of Your Worries

U.S. Treasuries are considered one of the safest investments in the world. Why? Just take a look at the yield on the 10 year bond; despite the deadlock in Washington and the media induced fear that the U.S. may default on its debts, the world still believes that the U.S. will not renege on its debt. As a matter of fact, while the stock market declined recently because of inaction in Washington, the yield on the 10-year bond actually dipped below 3 percent (when investors buy Treasuries, the yield goes down). Because U.S. Treasuries are perceived to be risk-free, they are used as a bellwether for other bonds as well. Corporate and municipal bonds are compared to U.S. Treasuries to assess their risk; when the interest rate between a non-Treasury bond and a Treasury bond is wide (also known as spread), the Treasury bond is considered riskier, and vise versa. But just because the U.S. Treasury is assumed to be default proof, it does not necessarily mean that it is risk free. While default risk is important to consider, investors must also recognize that bonds exhibit other risks beyond default risk. Below is a list of the different types of bond risks investors should be aware of.

Default risk - is the risk the borrower (U.S. government, municipality, or a corporation) will not make interest payments as promised. Investors perceive U.S. Treasuries to be default proof because they believe the U.S. will always pay its obligations. Many investors falsely believe that municipalities are also default proof, but in 1994, Orange County, California defaulted on its debts.

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Interest rate risk - is the risk that interest rates will change after issuance. For example, assume an investor buys a 10 year bond for ,000 paying 4 percent annually, which means the investor will receive per year for 10 years. The investor is exposed to interest rate risk because if interest rates increase, the investor will still receive , but the price of the bond will decline because no one would want to pay ,000 for a bond paying 4 percent when the market interest rate is higher than 4 percent; the reverse is true if interest rates decline. The change in the price of the bond given a change in interest rates is measured using a term called duration.

Reinvestment risk - Continuing with the same example from above, as the investor receives in interest payments every year, it is assumed that he/she will reinvest that interest payment at prevailing market rates. If prevailing market interest rates are below 4 percent, the investor is exposed to reinvestment risk because they will reinvest those payments at lower rates.

Liquidity risk - Liquidity is the ability to buy or sell an investment quickly without difficulty. Bonds do not trade the same way as do stocks. Whereas stocks are easily traded throughout the day on an exchange where there are usually thousands, if not millions of shares traded in a single day, bonds (except for U.S. Treasuries) are traded through bond dealers where trades occur much less frequently. This infrequency of trading within the bond market leads to stale prices and liquidity risk.

Spread risk - As mentioned in the opening, U.S. Treasuries are used as a bellwether for other bonds, and a bond's riskiness is measured by the spread between its yield and that of a comparable Treasury. Hence, spread risk is the risk that the bond's yield will widen against that of a comparable Treasury; the wider the spread, the greater the risk of the bond.

Downgrade risk - Bonds are rated by major credit rating agencies, despite whether investors still trust the rating agencies given the Mortgage Backed Security debacle. Nevertheless, bond ratings are important for many investors, especially institutional investors such as banks, endowments, pensions, etc. Such institutions have policies that prohibit them from owning low grade bonds, so they rely on the ratings to screen bonds. Downgrade risk is the risk that a bond will be downgraded by one or more of the credit rating agencies and lead to a sell off among those bonds.

I identified six risks of investing in bonds. However, there are additional risks that apply to complex bonds as well. When bonds have more unique features such as calls, puts, zero coupons, etc., the risks multiply. Many investors wrongly assume that if they invest in a bond and hold it to maturity, that they are not taking any risk. But as you can see from the various risks identified above, investors must be aware of the complexities associated with investing in bonds, and learn how to manage those risks.

Bonds - Default Risk Is The Least of Your Worries

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Sunday, September 4, 2011

10 Affiliate Marketing Management Tips

Discover The Answer To The 10 Most Common Affiliate Marketing Management Questions

1. Is affiliate marketing right for my business?

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Affiliate marketing is one of the most powerful and effective means of gaining new customers, regardless of your product or service. Affiliate marketing exposes your business to new customers and can get you out of your marketing rut. Additionally, when you initiate an affiliate marketing campaign, you're in control. You determine the commission rate you pay and pay only when your affiliates make a sale. It's a no loss operation for you because you only pay when a sale is made.

2. What are the startup costs?

When you start an affiliate program you have the choice of handling the operations yourself or having it managed by an affiliate network. The costs for either choice are reasonable and generally start around a few hundred dollars. Additionally, as a business owner don't forget that many of your costs may be tax deductible. To start an affiliate marketing program in house, costs will include:

Affiliate management software

Affiliate marketing support including a website that answers affiliate questions and a means for them to contact you if any issues arise.

Affiliate marketing materials including banner ads, copy, coupons, and promotional content.

An affiliate marketing contract agreement

Tracking software to track cookies, click throughs, payments, etc...

If you choose to hire an affiliate network to handle your program they generally charge a flat fee or a percentage of what you pay out each month.

3. How much time will it take out of my workday/workweek?

Most experts agree that it will take you about an hour and a half each day to manage your affiliate program. They also recommend you to budget more time in the first few months of your program, approximately two to three hours a day. Even the most efficient affiliate managers spend about 45 minutes a day managing their affiliate program.

Professional affiliate managers generally spend an average of 40-80 hours a month dedicated to managing, tracking and promoting your affiliate program.

4. Should I use an affiliate network?

Do you have an extra 3 hours a day for the next two or three months? Do you have an hour a day to devote to managing your program after the initial three month program is complete? An affiliate network, while it may be a bit more expensive on the outset, can help you focus your time on other profit generating tasks. Additionally, an affiliate network can help expose your affiliate program to a wide variety of experience affiliates, which means more money in your bottom line and more exposure overall.

That being said, there are a tremendous number of effective in-house solutions including some you're likely already familiar with like 1shoppingcart.com and affiliatepro.com. These programs will help you stay 100% in control of your affiliate program and are effective at managing your program.

5. How should I pay affiliates? What type of commission works best?

This is a very important decision because it not only affects your profits, the right commission rate will help you recruit top-notch affiliates. The general rule of thumb is to set your default commission rate at a rate you can afford to pay while leaving room for time limited commission increase offers, promotions, and private offers. For example, if you can afford to pay 50% of your gross profit margin, pay 25% instead and tier it so that after a sales goal is reached they earn 30% or you can bump it up to 50% during the holidays or during typically low sales times.

6. How do I recruit affiliates?

Your customers may be your best affiliates. After all, they already appreciate and enjoy your products or services. A simple link on your website is a good place to start. Here are a few ways to find quality affiliates:

Online forums. These are excellent places to meet and greet and connect with like minded individuals. They're also a good resource for affiliates who are interested in, motivated, and qualified to sell your products and services. Using a forum, you can announce your affiliate program. Be careful to not 'sell' on the forum as most forums look down on this and may kick you off. Additionally, you can include a link to your affiliate site in your signature.

Find websites that link to your competitors and approach them about being an affiliate for you. Likewise, you can find affiliates using your favorite search engine and contact them about joining your program.

One last way is to join an affiliate network or become listed on an affiliate directory. This will ensure that affiliate marketers who are searching for new products and services to promote. However, keep in mind that many beginner marketers also seek products and services to promote via affiliate directories and they may lose interest and motivation before they ever make a sale. This isn't a strong deterrent because they don't get paid unless they make a sale, however it should be noted.

7. What is the best way to communicate with my affiliates?

Email is the general tool of choice, which makes an auto responder a fantastic tool for basic emails like the welcome email, introducing promotions, coupons, sending links and banner ads, and answering Frequently Asked Questions. It is also generally advisable to have an email address, fax number, and telephone number available for when affiliates have questions that are not answered by your frequently asked questions web page or when they simply want to speak with you.

8. How do I motivate affiliates?

Money motivates no doubt about it. That being said, affiliates are also motivated by feeling that they're important to you. This means when they ask for your time, you give it. Additionally, promotions, bonuses, prizes, contests, and commission increases are all tools to motivate and inspire affiliates. Constant communication, like sending a weekly or monthly Ezine, will also help remind your affiliates that you're out there and invested in their success.

9. Do I need to hire an affiliate manager?

The answer to this question really depends on your needs. How large is your company? Do you have the time to manage your program? Do you have the skills to manage your program? An affiliate manager is the person that:

Recruits affiliates

Communicates with affiliates

Develops, tracks, and reports on promotions

Develops programs to enhance affiliate program

Motivates affiliates

Tracks sales and pays affiliates

Monitors your competition

These are all extremely important functions and if you have the time to handle them yourself, excellent! If you do not, then consider hiring an affiliate manager.

10. How do I find/hire an affiliate manager?

Outsourcing an affiliate manager is fairly easy to do. There are hundreds available with a quick online search. You can ask associates, inquire at online forums, or post an advertisement seeking someone to fill the position. Depending on the complexity of your affiliate program, you could consider a well qualified virtual assistant for the job. The skills your affiliate manager will need are:

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of online business, internet marketing, and basic ecommerce operations

Basic html and graphic experience are a plus

Because they're going to be representing you, you'll want to make sure they're personable.

10 Affiliate Marketing Management Tips

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What is the Best Nutrisystem Deal? Here's My Opinion

People often ask me how to get the best deal on the nutrisystem diet. No one wants to overpay, but there are several different programs available and some of them have different prices or coupons available. I get a lot of questions about which is really the better deal. So, in the following article, I'll take a look at the pricing on a few of the most popular packages to help you determine which might work better for you.

Pricing On The Nutrisystem Flex Plan: If you're only looking at this in terms of the amount of money that you are paying out, the flex program costs the least. The base price for the women's flex is around 4. The men's program costs a little more at 9. Many people do not realize that they will let you hand pick the foods that you want on any of the packages (and generally there is no additional cost) and this is true on the flex plan also. But, whether you go with the "favorites" package or chose to customize your own, you are getting 20 days worth of food instead of 28 days' worth.

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So, if you are figuring this out in terms of cost per meal (which I think is probably the best way to determine the best deal) you're looking at around .34 per meal and about .70 per day for the women's program and about .95 per day and .50 per meal for the men. I would think that most people would agree that diet meals under .50 each are inexpensive by anyone's standards. It would be pretty difficult (if not impossible, at least in my experience,) to find comparable foods at the health food or grocery store for cheaper than this.

The Cost Of The Nutrisystem Basic Monthly Package: I often tell people that if you are evaluating nutrisystem on the cost per meal, the basic monthly package with auto delivery really is the best deal. But, let's look at the numbers. This package with auto delivery is 9. (This price is for women. All of the men's packages costs slightly more.) 28 days worth of five meals per day are included. Looking at the cost per unit, the price is .13 each. Per day, you're looking at about $10.67 cents. So yes, the price per meal comes down, but this doesn't tell the whole story. This is the package that is most generous with coupon codes. Depending on what is running at the time, you will often be offered free food or a percentage off of your order.

People will sometimes ask me if they should go with the free food or the monetary savings. To me, the free food often turns out to be the better deal but you can easily check this out for yourself. Let's use the example of two weeks worth of free food. Saving $10.67 per day over the course of 14 days is a value of over 0. That's pretty hard to beat. Many people worry that auto delivery means they are making a commitment or signing a contract. It doesn't. It just means that they will send you another package when the other one runs out until you tell them not to anymore. This option gives you free shipping and 10% off each order.

I also feel that I need to mention that, in addition to the basic program, there are also diets for diabetics, seniors, and vegetarians that are priced in the same way as the basic plan.

The Premium Cost On The Nutrisystem Select Package: The most expensive package on this diet is the select package. What makes this one cost a bit more is the gourmet, frozen, restaurant quality meals. Examples are french toast, shrimp scampi, Philly steak wraps, ice cream bars, and sundaes. The base price of this package around 8 for women. This one also covers 28 days. So, you're looking at about .85 per day or about .77 per meal. This price premium is worth it to many people because these folks think that the premium foods help them to stick to the diet in an easier manner. So for them, they would rather pay a bit more and ensure that they very much enjoy what they are eating.

So, Which Nutrisystem Package Is The Best Deal For You?: The answer to this question really does depend on your goals and preferences. If you don't mind trying a part time package and are most concerned about the total amount of money going out, then the flex program might be your best option. If you're looking for the cheapest option in terms of the price per meal and the liberal use of coupons, then that distinction belongs to the basic package. But, if it's worth it to you to pay a bit more to get the more premium line of meals, you might be happier with the "select" line.

What is the Best Nutrisystem Deal? Here's My Opinion

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Mobile Coupons Are Better Than Paper Coupons

M-Coupons are electronic coupons deliver directly to customer's mobile phones or devices, these coupons can be buy-one-get-one free products and couple cents off or a dollar off in some situations.

Stores can use in-store signs and flyers to inform people about the mobile coupons. M-Coupons need different barcode scanners that can read barcodes from phone screens. Customers have to scan their phone screens to get the discounts.

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With mobile marketing we can increase customer loyalty, brand awareness and increase our sales. Mobile technologies are transforming how we live, work and play. Handheld devices continue to offer additional functionality, and cellular networks are advancing rapidly in their increased speed and throughput abilities.

Mobile marketing is a powerful way to communicate with customers. Banks, television stations and some stores are using mobile marketing campaigns. With the help of text messaging, companies can convince mobile user customers to switch to their products.

Juniper Research is predicting that cash conserving mobile Coupons (m-Coupons) will increase by 30 percent over the next two years, according to two studies it published recently.

M-coupons are better than traditional paper coupons because sometimes you can forget to bring paper coupons from home, but most phone user keeps their phones with them most of the time and there is no way they can miss place or lose the coupons.

On the other hand with paper coupons we need to cut and clip them, but M-coupons can easily be store into the phones. They can easily be deleted from the phone after they have been used. M-coupons can also help reduce paper wastes, and save the environment. M-coupons will also help us create new customers and generate profit.

M-coupons are cheap, easily traceable and have better redemption rate compared to paper coupons.

Pull strategy is better in which user has to accept to receive an m-coupon. The customers can send a code to a number to request coupons. They can also download coupon software and activate it to receive coupons. In this way we will have the right customers and there is no chance of spamming customers with unwanted coupons.

Mobile Coupons Are Better Than Paper Coupons

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60 Second Tip - Top 10 Ways to Grow Your Business on a Shoestring Budget

A general belief among many is that starting and growing a business can be an extremely costly affair. However, with some creative solutions, this start-up and growth period can be attained on a shoestring budget.

1. Choosing a business carefully is the first step. There are some businesses which inevitably require large capital and large budgets. Choose wisely.

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2. Choose a business that has enough demand. This is especially important on a shoestring budget.

3. Set realistic goals relating to growth and profits. Although it is possible to grow your business on a shoestring budget, ambitions that are too high may not get realized very soon.

4. A lean budget means that you cannot spend on fancy office space. Home offices are a great alternative, since you can then focus more effort, time and other resources on your business needs.

5. Save on items and services like stationary, phone, electricity and other expenses that can easily be curtailed. Make your own office marketing and communications products (letter head, flyers, postcards, etc.). And use energy efficient products plus cut back on usage of them; turn them off when not in use, for starters.

6. Looking like a professional business is the key to attracting and keeping clients. Make efforts to look professional.

7. Be creative to extend your resources as much as you can.

8. Inexpensive marketing strategies like referral incentives, newsletters, flyers and coupons can help ensure good business and low expenses.

9. Providing great personal customer service can lead to your existing clients bringing in new prospective clients and repeat sales. Word of mouth can take your business to new heights plus it is free.

10. Have a rule of putting a certain percentage of your profits into a savings account. This can help ensure you always have extra money saved for any kind of emergency.

60 Second Tip - Top 10 Ways to Grow Your Business on a Shoestring Budget

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Saturday, September 3, 2011

How to Save Money - 7 Ways to Pinch Pennies in This Economy

At a time when saving money may seem an impossibility, there are seven smart, savvy steps you can take to pinch pennies for your savings without feeling the hurt in your checking account. Steps one and two involve direct ways of setting money aside for your savings. Steps three through seven provide the means for making that happen by cutting your costs at home, on the road, and out and about on the town.

1) Set up an auto deposit to your savings account. It need not be a big chunk. Anywhere from 1 to 10 percent will make a difference. And making it automatic ensures you'll follow through. Some employers offer the option of having your paycheck split and deposited into two separate accounts, in this case a checking and a savings. Otherwise, you can set up through your bank an automatic transfer that moves money from your checking into your savings on a specified date each month.

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2) When recording debit card purchases, round up to the next whole dollar. For instance, if you put .25 on your debit card, round it up to $10 when recording it in your register. Over the course of a month, with transactions ranging from groceries, to gas, to coffees, to eating out, you should have quite a chunk of change saved up.

3) Clip coupons. It's old-school for a reason - clipping coupons is a tried-and-true method of saving money, especially when you shop at grocery stores that double them. Of course, the key is only using coupons to buy items you really do need. Otherwise you'll end up spending more than you save.

4) Channel any shopping compulsions into garage sales, thrift stores and flea markets. When you get the urge to shop and spend - on clothes, furniture, or anything that catches your eye - think second-hand. You can find fabulous, gently used items that curb your craving for shopping, on a budget.

5) Find free entertainment. Every community has fairs, libraries, parks, and other events and attractions that won't cost you a dime. All it takes is a little research and planning ahead to ensure that you know what's going on when so that you don't miss out on a good deal and, most importantly, a good time!

6) Save on gas. Drive less; walk more. Carpool and use public transportation when you can. When you must drive, make the most of it. Obviously, get the best deal on gas you can find, but also maximize your mileage. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, change your oil and air filters as recommended, use your air conditioner as little as possible and slow down.

7) Save on energy bills. Close all cracks in windows and doors, keep your thermostat just a couple of degrees cooler or warmer than you normally would, and turn down the thermostat on your hot water heater. Wash your clothes in cold water, and only run the washer and dishwasher when you have full loads. Instead of running the dryer, hand dry what you can, especially bedding. Unplug appliances and cell phone chargers, and turn off your computer when not in use. And, of course, turn off lights every time you leave the room.

You may not get rich from pinching pennies like this, but you will save money. You'll create an invaluable habit of building up bucks in the bank while also boosting confidence in your ability to set cash aside and always pay yourself first!

How to Save Money - 7 Ways to Pinch Pennies in This Economy

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Coupons Can Save You Tons of Cash!

Admit it: when you think of coupons, you envision an old lady with a pair of scissors at her kitchen table, cutting away at the newspaper in order to save a few pennies at the supermarket. While that may apply, there are still tons of reasons why you shouldn't turn your nose up at coupons, and they may be a great way for you to save lots of cash on everything from food to electronics. Coupons aren't just limited to newspapers and magazines anymore, either: with the Internet, finding coupons for just about anything can be fast and simple.

Unlike a gift certificate, coupons are usually absolutely free and try to encourage you to purchase products at a discounted rate that you might not buy otherwise. Even though companies sometimes give deep discounts with coupons, they actually make more money by using them. Why? Because coupons make consumers more likely to spend money on a product because they feel that they are actually saving a few bucks by doing so. Don't fail to do your research when looking for great coupon deals, because it's not just benefiting you: it's also benefiting the company that puts out the coupons.

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The general rule with coupons is that the larger and more expensive the product, the less money you will actually save on it with a coupon. Still, if you're looking at a thousand dollar television and have coupons that could save you twenty percent off the price, that two hundred dollars in savings could go a heck of a long way. Remember: if coupons take off a certain percentage of the sales price, rather than a set monetary number, then you will save even more if the product is more expensive.

You'll rarely see any coupons for expensive products that offer much more than twenty or thirty percent off, but even if it's not a product you plan on purchasing, you should never throw a coupon away. Why? Simple: there may be friends or family members who need to buy that product, and coupons that could save them a substantial chunk would be a godsend to them.

So here's my advice to you: keep a folder or shoebox at home where you can toss all coupons that you come across and save them for later. You might not need them now, but you don't know what you'll have to shop for in the future, or what your friends and neighbors might end up having a need for. By saving your coupons, even for years, you could also end up saving someone a good deal of cash!

Coupons Can Save You Tons of Cash!

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Are You Thinking of Buying Appliances at Sears?

Many people do not realize that there are printable Sears appliance coupons available to them online. These coupons can entitle the holder to a considerable savings on their purchases of all appliances in stock. As long as you have a printer, you can save money on Sears appliances. When your stove or refrigerator breaks and cannot be repaired, replacement costs can be through the roof.

Sears appliances can be purchased at discount costs by using coupons available to all Sears customers. These Sears appliance coupons can entitle the holder to a certain percentage off their total price, or even free deliver, or free shipping and handling. Printing off some coupons can be well worth your while when you see all the money you will save.

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Sears appliances are known to be of great quality and dependable appliances. Many people choose to get their appliances from Sears for this very reason. When you use a coupon to purchase Sears appliances, you will be getting great quality for a much lower price. These coupons can enable you to purchase your new appliance without breaking the bank. You can spend the amount you would spend on a lower quality appliance, yet get the best quality.

Many different coupon websites are available on the internet. Some of these websites will require a quick registration. After you register using your valid email address, you will be able to print coupons off your home computer using your printer. Then retailers will honor the coupons you print. Most of these coupon websites will include Sears coupons of all kinds.

There are also printable coupons available on websites that do not require registration. All you have to do in order to print the available coupons is visit the particular website. Then you will be able to browse through different categories to find the coupons that will save you the most money on your purchase. When you find the particular coupon you want, all you have to do is print it out. It is as simple as that. When given the option to save a considerable amount of money, who would not take that opportunity?

Everyone likes to save money. You can save a lot of cash by using Sears appliance coupons when you make a purchase. All you have to do is find them on the internet, then print them off.

Are You Thinking of Buying Appliances at Sears?

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Friday, September 2, 2011

Make Money Delivering Groceries

Families are getting busier and busier. As days start at the crack of dawn and end following a flurry of activity, many household errands can often be overlooked. The last thing that a busy parent wants to do after school, work, sports and other activities is go grocery shopping. If you are a motivated self-starter searching for a business that is easy to run, low cost and flexible, then a grocery delivery service may be the perfect way for you to make money. With a simple website, flyers and word of mouth advertising, you can build a great client base in a matter of weeks.

You can begin making money by basing your fee schedule as a fixed price up to a certain dollar amount or as a percentage of a total shopping bill. For example, 10% of a 5.00 grocery bill would be .50 or you can charge a flat fee of .00 up to a 0.00 grocery bill. You can charge additional if you need to make a trip to more than one store. If a customer has coupons that they want to use, you may charge a few dollars to pick them up before the trip.

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Many grocery stores now have their shopping lists online. For any store that does not, you may be able to get one from them by explaining what service your company offers. This is a win-win for both you and the store; you get to list their items as a convenience to your customers and they may get additional business from customers that may not visit their store. Additionally, you may want to team up with some coupon websites to try and get the best deals for your customers while creating additional business for the coupon sites as well. You can make money while your customers save money.

This service is a blessing for those consumers that may not own a vehicle, are disabled or elderly or recovering from illness or injury, not to mention people that are just too busy. You may also offer to pick up other items, such as dry cleaning or prescriptions. Though there may be certain short term circumstances where your services may be needed, it would be ideal to build a repeat-customer base.

Another advantage to owning this type of business is the flexibility of the schedule. You can set your own hours and days that you work. You may also find that you can schedule longer hours for days after circulars and coupons come out, which is usually on Tuesdays and Sundays. With this type of business, it really is possible to work as few or as many hours and days that you want.

If you have some business savvy, a car and enjoy the freedom of owning your own business and helping people, then you can make money by delivering groceries. With a great business plan in place and low start up costs, you can have your business up and running within a week's time. Just think of all the busy people that you know and multiply that number by ten dollars. Then think of all the busy people they know, multiply that by ten dollars and you will be able to see how it is possible to make money delivering groceries.

Make Money Delivering Groceries

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Spending Your Restaurant Marketing Budget Wisely (Part 2)

In my previous article I told you the marketing strategies that didn't work for me when I acquired my restaurant. (My energy and willingness to keep trying to make them work exceeded my marketing experience - that cost me a lot of wasted money).

Now let me tell you the changes that I made after losing money following those strategies, and the impact that these changes brought to the restaurant.

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My first move was to look for a new coupon service. By the way, I am a firm believer in coupons as a means of bringing new people to a restaurant, since they are very measurable. You can just collect the coupons that your visitors bring to your place and instantly know exactly how many new people visited because of the coupon offer. This allows you to measure if your investment in a coupon program is worth it.

The problem that I had with my previous coupon company wasn't the coupon offers themselves but the audience that they targeted.

You see, my restaurant was a middle- to upper-scale Italian place, and the coupon company was targeting bargain hunters, more interested in saving a few bucks on their meal than to have a great dining experience.

Suffice it to say that the other two restaurants in the coupon package were a sandwich place and a pizza parlor! (Not that those eateries don't have their place; I was trying to target prospects interested in a higher-caliber experience.)

As you can imagine, these weren't the kind of clients that I was trying to attract. They usually came to eat the cheapest dish that we had, drank only free tap water - then used the coupon to get the discount (not to return until they received the next coupon).

Not really exciting stuff.

Coupons may work for some establishments; if you have a fast food restaurant where high volume is more important than the quality of your meals, then they may be effective. However, they surely didn't work for us: a small place where people spend two to three hours talking over dinner.

So, after some research, I found a company that delivered exactly what I was looking for. They would target the client prospects we wanted to bring in.

The name of the company is RSVP. They target middle- to upper-class homeowners (they have their own specialized mailing database). RSVP mails beautiful, professionally made card decks with 4 x 6 heavy-duty color paper postcards that impress those markets.

The mailing was scheduled for once a quarter, and every time the mailing went out, we saw hundreds of people coming to our restaurant with the postcards/coupons. And not only that, we made a nice profit - even after the discount (we offered a 15% discount).

We could see right away that this system worked!

By the way, I want to mention here that I prefer to offer a percentage off for the discount rather than a free item as a means to attract new clients. The reason is: if the total discount equals a high dollar amount, this means that they spent a lot of money and you still profit (as they do your servers since the tips are usually added before the discount).

A standard percentage discount can be also easier to manage; instead of having to deal with the terms and conditions of offering free items (with variables such as: does this include your expensive special of the day? Does the salad order counts as an entrée as well?).

Now, what is a good percentage to discount? The answer depends of how much profit margin you get from each of your clients.

You need to do the numbers, but you should be getting 25% or more profit margin from each client. So even if you offer a 15% discount, you still make a minimum of 10% profit from every coupon-holding visitor.

It might not looks like much, but remember that the idea is not to use these coupons as the only way to fill your place:

You need to use these coupons to bring new customers who will be so thrilled with the experience that you provide they will become regular clients.

This is what your goal should be using coupons.

So now I had the coupon system set up and running - what now?

I still needed to bring in more clients, so I started thinking about other businesses and industries that had similar types of clients that I wanted to target?

I realized that there were many other businesses that cater to the same income audience that I wanted. So this is what I did:

I invited the owners of these businesses over for a free meal at my place (this strategy is best delivered in person, since establishing a personal relationship with these people will open the doors to cooperation much quicker).

I wanted them to experience my restaurant for themselves, and offer them a deal that would benefit both of us.

When I explained my proposal to them, they couldn't refuse since their business would also benefit from my offers to their existing clients. This was a win/win situation for both of us. (In my seminar, I give you all the information about what to offer that will get them to agree and send over their existing clients).

So I had my coupons and I had my joint ventures with other business owners in place - now what? Was this enough?

When I started analyzing my current client base, I realized that 80% of my clients came through referrals or as walk-ins (because they happened to see the restaurant and they liked the look of it).

I thought: "Talk about wasting marketing dollars - so many thousands spent in Yellow Pages, newspaper and magazine ads to only bring in a very small percentage of the total traffic through the doors!"

Wouldn't it make sense, I thought, for me to redirect my efforts to create a formalized referral system that could bring in ten times more people, ten times more quality people than any ad that I had spent money on?

Referrals are perhaps the most powerful weapon that I had in my marketing arsenal and yet I wasn't using this strategy at all.

Of course, I probably already had an informal referral system, where happy clients recommended my restaurant to their family and friends. But what I needed was to create a formal, managed referral system.

Think about it: this marketing technique can be a cost-effective, efficient system. The top five benefits from using a Formal Referral System as a marketing strategy:

1. It is very inexpensive to implement.
2. It brings quality people who you'll convert into clients (won't you?).
3. It gives you instant credibility (people trust their friends and colleagues much more than any brochure, flyer or ad that you can design).
4. It fills your restaurant with people who know other people, and therefore they will frequent your business more often with the hope that they will meet their friends, colleagues, acquaintances, etc.
5. It keeps people talking about your place and therefore fresh in their minds.
(Again, in my seminar I will tell you how to implement a Formal Referral System that will bring you lots of new - and lucrative - clients).

Based on the marketing knowledge I gained from the job I had in the IT industry, I knew that there are only three ways to increase my business:

1. Increase the number of clients who come to my business.
2. Increase the amount of money that they spend per visit.
3. Increase the frequency of their visits (number of times per month/year that they dine at my place).

Attracting new clients is just one of the three ways that you as a restaurant owner has to increase your business (and it's not even the best one).

I realized that if I really wanted to grow my business, I needed to work on the three methods at the same time. In this way I would increase my profit exponentially.

So this is what I did, and the results were amazing. I will talk about the other two ways of increasing the restaurant business in upcoming newsletters.

I hope that this information was useful to you.

Feel free to contact me if you have any feedback or questions for me.

Happy Sailing,
Jose L Riesco

© Riesco Consulting and Marketing.

Restaurant Marketing Strategies Seminar

Spending Your Restaurant Marketing Budget Wisely (Part 2)

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Sell "Safe" Treasury Bonds, Buy "Risky" Emerging Market Bonds

When all else fails and the markets are in a pickle, you can always count on your uncle to be there for you and your portfolio.

Your Uncle Sam, that is.

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Except right now. Uncle Sam has troubles of his own. In fact, thanks to the largess of the West Wing and the leadership in Congress, Uncle Sam is running into a bit of a cash squeeze.

With not just billions of dollars - but trillions of dollars being showered on nearly everybody with a hand out and a lobbyist over the past several months - the deficit spending of the federal government is beginning to take a toll on the market for what's nearly always been considered the super safe place to put cash in tough times: US government bonds.

The first major telltale sign came from the US Treasury as it reported the cashflow statement for the government's coffers for the first quarter of the year. Traditionally, this is the one time of the year whereby taxpayers like you and I send in the remainder of our taxes for the prior year's bills from Uncle Sam.

Most years at this time the inflow actually outpaces the outflow and the result is that the federal government runs a surplus - if only for a brief time.

This year, given the work of lobbyists and their targets in the West Wing and Congress, the cash coming in couldn't meet what was going out, meaning that the government is already running a deficit.

The result is that the US Treasury has to peddle more and more bonds out to the market to borrow money to make up for the deficit even earlier in the year. This surge in supply is now moving the market for US Treasuries into the red.

So far, if we look at the US Treasury market - every part of the market from the short end to the long-term is losing money for investors who just wanted to put cash in a safe haven for a while until the recession or worse begins to ease and better opportunities genuinely develop.

If we look at the 1 to 2 year maturities - the impact is minimal - but still a loss so far this year amounting to some 0.03 percent. Then moving to the 3 to 5 year maturities - the loss rate starts to climb more steeply by some 2.3 percent. The core intermediate 7 to 10 year maturities are delivering a loss of 7.8 percent while the longer term maturities of 10 years out to 30 have really taken some hits resulting in red on investor's investment statements of nearly 16 percent.

And it's going to get worse.

Usually in a recession - especially one that should be expected to last and linger longer - US Treasuries are the place to be. Slower growth tends to support less inflation pressure and with less opportunities in other typically riskier assets like stocks - Treasuries fare well - at least earning their coupon rates of yield.

But with so much new borrowing from Uncle Sam - the supply is just overwhelming demand.

This week, the US Treasury auctioned off a new batch of bonds with 7 year maturities. And by some measures it was successful. The number of bids outnumbered the amount offered by a ratio of 2.26 - which was better than the last three auctions of similar bond maturities over the past three months' average of 2.3. This is being taken as a positive sign that perhaps the fear of debt trouble of Uncle Sam might be overdone.

And sure, there is plenty of chatter about how the US government might lose its vaunted Aaa/AAA credit ratings - especially as rating agencies such as Standard and Poors have cut the outlook for a peer - Britain's debt - to negative. But while such talk makes for great pitches from the fear mongers of the markets - the reality is that Uncle Sam can indeed keep issuing bonds for a while before the government is in similar trouble as the UK.

Right now our debt to GDP is bad - at nearly 80 percent representing some 11.2 trillion in gross debt. But in the UK, it's over 100 percent and climbing.

But the real trouble isn't about default risk by the US government. Rather, it's about pricing of new bonds and the impact on the existing trillions of dollars' worth of bonds in the market.

So far this year, the West Wing has driven the amount of traded debt of Uncle Sam to a record of some 6.4 trillion dollars. The deficit for this year is set to be close to 2 trillion, meaning that in percentage terms it will soar - roughly triple last year's number - to over 13 percent of GDP.

The total amount of Treasury bonds that need to be sold through the government's fiscal year end in September should be over 3.2 trillion.

Again, while this reads like the stuff of doomsday - if the US government was a corporation, the debt to assets would be a paltry rate as Uncle Sam has multiples of the debt in varied assets ranging from land and other resources to financial and other assets around the nation and the globe.

The real issue is that Treasury prices are likely to suffer as the supply keeps being pushed out.

So, what action do you need to do to keep your portfolio from being further stressed?

First, look at your own direct holdings. Do you have any US government bond funds in your brokerage or trust accounts? If you do - it's time to take that cash out of them and head elsewhere for a while.

And more likely than not - if you were to look at your current asset mix of your retirement accounts - such as your 401k or 403b or other qualified plans - you probably have a US government bond fund that is a big chunk of your retirement assets. Again - time to sell.

Putting it into cash might sound pretty unappealing with yields so low, but it might well be better than giving up gains over the past 12 months in these funds and then some.

And at the same time that this otherwise traditional port-in-a-storm segment of the market faces its own hurricane - the risky side of the bond market is what you need to buy and continue to own through the next many months.

Yes, emerging market government bonds. These are the bonds that you've been told are the risky part of the market. But at the same time - these are the bonds of countries that have lots of cash on hand and stockpiles of reserves on hand. Nations such as the leaders in Asia and Latin America.

These are exactly what's inside my five core bond funds that are the bedrock of the stocks that pay you to own them.

So, while you dump your supposedly safe US Treasuries - buy the AllianceBernstein Global High Yield (NYSE: AWF). Buy the Templeton Emerging Markets (NYSE: TEI). Buy the Western Assets Emerging Markets (NYSE: EFL). Collectively these three alone are generating yields right now of nearly 9 percent while continuing to perform with a year to date average return of 31 percent which is an annual rate of return of nearly 100 percent.

Sell "Safe" Treasury Bonds, Buy "Risky" Emerging Market Bonds

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Thursday, September 1, 2011

How to Get the Best Deals on Cyber Monday 2010?

After resting from an eventful Thanksgiving-filled weekend, what sounds better than waking up on Monday morning and logging on to your computer to do a little online shopping? Cyber Monday is the Monday following the Thanksgiving weekend, and it is the official kickoff to the online holiday shopping season. It is a convenient way for shoppers to get some or all of their holiday shopping completed without leaving the comfort of their home. It also caters to those shoppers who are too afraid to brave the craziness of Black Friday.

Cyber Monday came to be in 2005 by Shop.org. They released a press release stating, "Cyber Mondays' Quickly Becoming the Biggest Online Shopping Day of the Year." According to Shop.org, "77percent of online retailers said that their sales increased substantially last year on the Monday after Thanksgiving, a trend that is driving serious online discounts and promotions on Monday this year (2005)." Therefore, with the increase in the sales on that Monday, Cyber Monday was born. The United States have started a global awareness for Cyber Monday. The United Kingdom recognizes it as the first Monday in December, where as Portugal coined the term "Cyber Monday" as late as 2009. Even though this term is fairly new, many shoppers are taking advantage of all the amazing sales, coupons, and savings from shopping on Monday.

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From the advertising aspect of Cyber Monday, many websites will have coupon codes. A coupon code is a code that you type in whenever you are making your purchase online. It typically will save you anywhere from 10% to 20% off your purchases. Coupon codes are easy to retrieve. You can easily look through different websites and find the code that pertains to your desired purchase. Coupon codes range from all different types of stores. You can find them in the major department stores and smaller retail stores. In some cases, the coupon codes may offer free shipping instead of a certain percentage off. Every store is different, but in the end you're still saving in some way!

Not only can you save big on Cyber Monday but you can avoid the travel and hassle of going to malls to hunt for the latest deals. Everyone has seen the news reporting on savings eager shoppers bursting at the doors of major retailers. Why go through the hassle of waking up early, getting a parking sport, and standing in line only to have to fight for savings? Luckily many consumers over the years have recognized that it is much easier to shop online. Plus by shopping online you can hunt for the best deals and compare options like price, shipping and taxes, and get the best deals for what you're looking for specifically. And you don't even have to change out of your pajamas. If you have stuffed yourself with too much turkey and dressing, or you were too busy traveling on Black Friday, remember you can always log onto the internet and check out all the great savings on Cyber Monday.

How to Get the Best Deals on Cyber Monday 2010?

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Stay on the Cutting Edge - 4 Email Marketing Trends You Can't Ignore

The economy is shuddering. Marketing budgets are under pressure. Yet attracting and retaining customers has never been more vital. The perfect storm of financial pressures has growing businesses turning to permission-based email marketing in droves. And for good reason: it's trackable, testable, familiar, and relatively cheap. Moreover, consumers check their email religiously. A study by the Columbia, Md.-based database marketing agency Merkle found that 44 percent of consumers check their primary email account more than three times a day, up 38 percent from 2005, and 58 percent said email is a great way for companies to communicate with customers. What are the trends in opt-in email marketing right now? Experts point to these four:

1. It's all about interactivity. Smart marketers are tapping email not just to communicate, but also to converse with their customers. Bullhorn, a Boston-based seller of recruiting software, took a recent email marketing campaign interactive. Instead of just sending out information to its mailing list, Bullhorn developed Recruiter IQ, an online interactive test for recruiters to assess their own skills and industry knowledge. Embedding this interactive tool in the email gave recipients a reason to not just read, but respond. The email drew a 17 percent open rate, a 20 percent click-through rate, and a 2.2 percent conversion rate.

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2. It's a two-screen medium. Gone are the days when customers read email from just a desktop or even a laptop. Today, it's just as likely your target will access your email campaign via a mobile device. The most successful mobile marketing comes in the form of text messages. Users also respond to surveys and coupons sent to cell phones. To stand out in the mobile space, email marketers must not only design campaigns with the small screen in mind, but also emphasize the writing of the message itself.

3. Segmenting gets results. Most people go to the Brickery Grill and Bar in Atlanta for the all-American menu. But despite their shared tastes, owner Bruce Alterman decided to treat his customers differently. Working with email software provider Listrak, he segmented his email marketing efforts. To customers who generally came in for lunch, Brickery offered a free entrée if they brought the family in for dinner. Wine orderers were invited to special wine-tasting events. Surf-and-turf fans heard about specials on crab cakes and steaks. In addition to the segmented emails, the restaurant sent messages to its full list. Take, for example, a 20 percent off promotion last year for preferred customers during the traditionally slow Memorial Day weekend. Crab cake sales tripled and steak sales nearly quadrupled during the week of their respective email promotions.

4. It's not a solo tactic. Used by itself, email marketing can trigger what Eric Cosway, chief marketing officer at Austin, Texas-based QuantumDigital, calls in-box anxiety. "We all have had that moment when we get to our in-box and there's so much there and we're saying, 'How am I ever going to read all of these?'" he says. To combat in-box anxiety, pair email marketing with at east one other marketing tactic, and preferably more. For one client, QuantumDigital created a three-step campaign, beginning with three jumbo paper postcards, followed by a dedicated Web landing page, and then an email pitch.

For more tips on how to advertise your business online, download the FuelNet Smart Report [http://www.fuelnet.com/smart-reports/online-advertising-tips-for-growing-your-business/] Online Advertising Tips for Growing Your Business.

Stay on the Cutting Edge - 4 Email Marketing Trends You Can't Ignore

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Stretching Your Grocery Dollars

Shopping for groceries is an inevitable fact of our ever busy lives. We may imagine that we are saving time by dashing in, roaming the aisles and throwing whatever looks good into the cart. Most often, what we end up with is repetitive, nutritionally unbalanced meals and ballooning grocery bills. Or worse, frequent fast-food stops and pizza calls. Brighten your meals and save time and money by planning ahead – an added bonus you may even save a few calories.

Some money saving tips:

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• Before you visit the grocery store each week, check out the Sunday circulars. Clip coupons while you watch television or get your children to lend a hand. Organization is the key to the coupon game, so invest in an accordion coupon file. Trust me, it’s infinitely easier than rifling through small slips of paper or finding yourself without the coupon you need when you get to the store. You can find some very user friendly organizers for around $10.00 at sites such as http://www.galison.com.

• Look through the food section of your local newspaper. You’ll get some great ideas about bargains to look for as well as what produce, seafood, etc. is in season. The circulars and the food section are two places to begin building a weekly menu, that isn’t boring, on a budget. It’s also a good idea to comb the Internet. There are a wealth of sites offering ideas for budget menus.

• Consider joining a shopping club such as Sam’s or Costco. If you don’t have the storage space, but would like to benefit from the savings and convenience of buying in bulk share the bounty with a friend. You can each take a turn shopping from a list once a month or so.

• Keep your receipts for a month or so and notice the high, low and average prices on the items you buy most. When the price hits its low, buy a few so that you can skip it when it slides into the high range.

• Experiment with 5 ingredient meals. There are a number of books, videos and web sites that help you make great meals with only a few ingredients even on weeknights.

• Check out sites like [http://www.cutouthunger.org/get_coupons!.htm;] [http://www.refundsweepers.com;] [http://www.refundcents.com;] and [http://www.aplusfreestuff.com] for information on rebates, refunds, freebies and other savings. If you do take advantage of rebates, complete forms meticulously and keep copies of receipts, UPC, proof of purchase documentation and contact information for the vendor.

• Include your local grocer’s weekly circular in your savings plan. When store sales are coupled with the savings cards now offered by many grocer’s you can save hundreds of dollars each year.

• Pay attention to promotionals. Some grocer’s offer reward if you spend the target amount within a specified period. Rewards generally include a percentage off of your grocery bill at a later date or cash back.

• Curb impulse buying. Grocer’s have developed their floor plans with your dollars in mind; the object, get as many as possible with proper product placement. Learn the layout of your store and make a beeline to your destination. Temptation is especially tough in the check out aisles. Fight the urge to succumb to these powerful marketing practices by making, and sticking to, a list.

• Try not to shop when you are starved. It makes sense that you are more vulnerable to impulse buying when you are hungry.

• Make a budget and take a calculator to the store.

• Compare prices. Store brands are not necessarily least expensive. Take just a moment to scan the shelves for best prices on the items you buy. When comparison shopping, make sure to take note of per unit costs.

• Look below eye level. Bargain priced items are often shelved below eye level and out of your immediate view.

Grocery shopping can take a big chunk out of your budget if you are not careful. With just a small investment of time you will realize savings that you can take to the credit union.

Stretching Your Grocery Dollars

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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Reduce Your Electricity Bill by Following These 10 Simple Tips

Paying the bills at the end of every month can be an overwhelming and daunting task. Although the amount that must be paid is often non-negotiable, small changes can be made that can help reduce your overall electricity costs.

Here are ten easy ways that every home owner can use to reduce the amount of their monthly electricity bill:

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1. Switch it off. It is easy to leave multiple lights on around the house, but making a conscious effort to switch lights off upon leaving the room can be an effective way to cut electricity usage by up to ten percent, cutting the cost of the overall bill.

2. Compare the prices of competing companies. Using websites that compare the rates between utility companies to determine which company is offering the best rates, and making the switch to this company is an effective way to save each month.

3. Children, as much as we all love them, are often the culprits for using excess electricity in the home and therefore educating children in the home about power usage and the importance of switching off lights is an effective way to save money.

4. Unplug it. If you are not using it, unplug it, especially items that have standby lights. This couple of seconds can go a long way towards decreasing the electrical bill over a period of time. Common culprits are mobile phone chargers and laptops, as well as small household appliances.

5. Using programmable thermostats or making a conscious effort to reduce the temperature in the home a mere two degrees can be an effective way to save, month after month.

6. Switch light bulbs. Using CFL bulbs rather than traditional light bulbs can reduce the electricity consumption in the household by up to seventy five percent. Not only are electricity costs reduced, but these bulbs require replacement less often than traditional light bulbs.

7. Appliances in the home should be checked to ensure that they are energy efficient and old appliances should be swapped for energy efficient models.

8. Make use of energy consultant services to determine where the energy is being used in your home and receive electricity tips about how to use energy wisely in the home.

9. Manufacturers of electricity monitors reckon you can knock approximately 10% off your electricity bill by splashing out on an electricity monitoring gizmo to monitor all the other gizmos you have in your home.

10. I hate reading post. I rarely have the energy to trawl through the mountains of envelopes and bills after a hard day at work. I switched to online billing and I have made it part of my work routine to keep tabs on my bills. I can check in on a more regular basis of my costs and I make it a challenge to make week on week reductions. I then reward myself by buying a new Xbox game and playing it for 24 hours straight on my 50" TV with all the lights on (only kidding!).

Reduce Your Electricity Bill by Following These 10 Simple Tips

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Get Disney World Theme Park Tickets

Many families nowadays are presently looking to beginnings of Disney Theme Park Tickets. They are one and only of the almost called in theme parks every summertime, and they are no wonder for you'll be able to cool off on a different sea creatures, regular play on it, just in the last analysis adherence on your family more truthful whenever you are looking to beginnings from cheap tickets these summertime, here are about you will be able to check over.

Initially, as it has the high-season, you could always calculate their important internet site to accept an assortment of deals. The beneficial affair approximately imposing the site first comprises that you are able to have approach to aggregate promos and the most actual ones at that. Whenever you've a lot babies below 12 with you, you dismiss already acquire Sea World discount tickets since kids all of the time pay lower all year-around.

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Apart from the important sites are 3rd party sites naturally. Who terminate always leaves the attempt break in along the balance of the online profession in contributive and dealing on one another their leading breakthroughs online. In a lot of directions and a lot times, third party sites is regular more reliable than the primary sites. They listing altogether the origins for Sea World coupons that you are able to get and so you are able to deliver expectant on your entrance money tickets.

Just those is not the alone ones you are able to check out. Although these online origins as discount rate theme park tickets is identical democratic since from their appliance, you should not disregard offline sources also. In that location are in addition to jolly dependable sources similar the Sunday paper, coupon books, circulars, even travel magazines.

And so whenever you are anticipating discount Busch Gardens Tickets assure these origins retired because they've always established to comprise really helpful. Acquiring your tickets earlier accomplishing the gate assists you diagonal and restrained percent away the cost. Because a beginning, whenever you aim individual day authorizes online and impresses it at home, you will arrive 10% off for each one ticket (content to conditions). Had better you determine to become the multi-day tickets, two daytimes from amusing at the marine paradise leave entirely price you the damage of 1. Though you are about the site, browsing through and through the "specials" because whatever advancements which you are able to additional make the best of. Who experiences? You might bring through a good deal to a higher degree you believed.

Get Disney World Theme Park Tickets

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Overview: Doing Business on eBay - Part 2

As stated in Part 1, because eBay is an open marketplace -- meaning that anyone can go there (eBay.com), and buy or sell items, eBay has created a feedback system. The purpose of this system is for users to grade fellow-users, as individuals. You will grade other eBay users as either positive (good), or negative (bad) -- based on their personal business reputation. The more positive feedback that you receive, the more reputable you are, as a business owner. Your feedback score (designated as a number between 1 and 10, with 10 being the best) is your publicly, worldwide-viewed, report card. If users see that you have a high feedback score, they will be more trusting of you, when it comes to buying and selling products, which can lead to get rich fast.

What is the Feedback System?

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There are two important components to the feedback system. The first part is your feedback score; the second is your feedback rating. Your feedback score represents the number of different/separate eBay users, who have had a positive transaction while doing business with you. The second part is your feedback rating. Your feedback rating represents what percentage of your customers left you positive feedback, after you've bought or sold an item within the past twelve months. You want to first, reach 100%, positive, and then maintain that percentage.

Naturally, when you first get started working on eBay, your feedback score will be zero. But, it is critical that you build your feedback score as high, and as quickly as possible. By doing so, buyers will trust you as being a reputable dealer. The fastest way to build and maintain your feedback score, and to develop a positive reputation, is by purchasing items on eBay -- especially inexpensive, one-cent digital (downloadable) items.

What are one-cent digital items?

Examples of these one-cent digital items include: recipes, coupons, pictures, images, etc. Digital items are those products that can be shipped through email. These items are ideal because the seller is able to email the item for free, and all the buyer has to do is eBay download the product. My first product purchased was A Cajun Cookbook; I paid 16 cents.

Bidding on products

The bidding process is an online auction. The majority of these digital items cost less than 50 cents. Login to eBay.com and search for the above items. Preferably, you want to find an item that cost one cent, with free shipping, and no prior bids. If there are no bids, then you will be the first bidder. Since this shopping online involves cheap items, that you're probably aren't even interested in, you should bid less than 50 cents per item. The idea is to start creating your feedback system. After bidding and winning the cookbook, I subsequently purchased several more digital products: store coupons, pictures, wallpapers, etc. I was having fun! Using the bidding method, I purchased different products from different sellers, for a total price of less than five dollars. I watched my feedback score rise from 0 to 7; then I was off to doing something else. (I used my credit card.)

If you get outbid on an item -- that's not so important, because you are going to repeat this process several times, while building your feedback scores. After you submit your bid, you'll see the "Review and Confirm Bid" page. Make sure that these details are accurate; you wouldn't want to submit a bid for 50 dollars, when you intended 50 cents. After you've reviewed all the details on the "Review and Confirm Bid" page, then click on the "Confirm Bid" button. Next, you will be taken to a confirmation page that reads "Congrats, You're The First Bidder. Hope You Win". The main focus here is to repeat this bidding process until your feedback score reaches 10. This is very important: when you're bidding on additional items, make sure that you bid on items from different sellers. Your feedback score will increase only by one point, for every different user that you do business with on eBay. Stay tuned for Part 3.

Overview: Doing Business on eBay - Part 2

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

20 Easy Offline Marketing Ideas

So often small and home-based business owners and work-at-home-moms (WAHMS) get so caught up in promoting our businesses online, we forget about the potential for marketing it offline. But begin now to focus some of your business promotion efforts offline and watch your business grow more quickly. Here are 20 marketing offline ideas to get you started:

1. Post flyers in grocery stores, post offices, libraries, banks and anywhere else that has a public bulletin board.

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2. Leave brochures or catalogues with order forms in medical buildings or offices, (doctors, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, etc.), and in hospital waiting rooms and patient rooms.

3. Ask if you can post a flyer in the window of local businesses.

4. If you have a favorite hairdresser's, talk to the owner about setting up a table or leaving business cards there for his/her customers to take.

5. When you travel, leave behind a brochure or catalogue in your hotel room with order forms, or leave behind samples as a tip for the maids.

6. Create small care packages to give away at events and include a flyer, business card, catalogue, order form, or coupon.

7. Fill a small plastic bag with a few goodies like suckers, stickers or pencils and include a flyer and coupon. Staple your business card to the outside. Hand them out to people or leave them wherever you go.

8. Host an open house in your home to introduce people to your product. Offer free coffee and desserts. Give guests a discount coupon to use on their first order. Have a drawing for free products.

9. Cold call on people introducing your product. Offer a discount off their first order.

10. Talk to schools, day cares, nursery schools and other organizations about doing fundraisers. Offer them a percentage from each sale.

11. Make flyers with a tear-off discount coupon and have the Post Office put them in PO boxes and mailboxes.

12. Place an ad in local newspapers and newsletters.

13. Put an ad your local phone book under the appropriate category.

14. Set up a table at your county fair or other local event and show samples of your products. Provide brochures or catalogues. Hold a drawing for a free products or services. Hand out flyers with a discount coupon off the first order.

15. Run a local radio ad. Or take your local DJ a plate of brownies in appreciation. Let them know your business name. Often they'll mention you on air - at no cost.

16. Place an ad in a local city magazine.

17. Hire someone to do cold calling and selling for you. Pay them hourly or by commission only.

18. Hire a student to deliver flyers, brochures or catalogues door-to-door.

19. Promote your product/services by giving away items such as caps, fridge magnets, mugs, coupons, samples, frequent user cards, etc.

20. Be prepared for the unexpected and compile a marketing kit so that you always have business materials on hand. A good place to keep these kits is in your car so that you can easily distribute them while you are out, and you can avoid missing out on a new customer because you didn't have a catalogue or business card to give those who ask.

Include any or all of the following promotional materials:

o  Flyers

o  Brochures

o  Catalogues

o  Business Cards

o  Magnets

o  Stickers

o  Lollipops with tags

o  Balloons

o  Buttons

o  Pens/pencils

o  Goodie packs.

o  Bumper Stickers

o  Window Clings

o  Mugs

o  Newsletter

o  Press Release

Coupons

o  Fax Cover Pages

Using these and other offline marketing methods will help you kick start your business or bring added growth to an existing business. Pick the ones that will work for you and start promoting your business offline today!

Article © 2009 Darlene Bishop. All rights reserved worldwide.

20 Easy Offline Marketing Ideas

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