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How to Choose Brokerage Services

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One of the most important decisions you can make when you begin developing a financial portfolio is choosing the right broker to help you invest your money wisely. There are plenty of brokerage services in St. Paul which can make this task seem rather overwhelming. If you’re new to investing, here are some tips to help you find a brokerage service that will help you cultivate wealth and give you financial peace of mind.
Choose a Full-Service Broker
There are plenty of a la carte services available, but working with a full-service brokerage firm will help you get your feet wet. Novice investors lack know-how and confidence. As you begin to understand the market and the best ways to invest your money, you may want to venture out on your own and save a little cash. In the meantime, take advantage of the expertise and knowledge that full-service brokers offer.
Choose a Brokerage Service with a Reputation for Reliability
Start-ups can be found in every industry. While newly formed brokerage firms may offer incredible discounts on their fees to get investors to their sites, their customer service and overall experience may not be well honed. If you’ve never invested a penny in anything beyond a savings account, you need a service that has been in the business a long time and has a reputation for handling their clients’ money with care and precision.
Choose a Broker Who Also Has a Stone and Mortar Location
No one can argue how easily accessible the Internet has made investing. Many investors, novice and pros, rely on the internet to help them make last minute trades and stay up to date on the latest financial trends. While technology is great, you may not always be in front of a computer screen. And, let’s be real for a moment, you can’t talk to a computer screen. Sometimes you need a live person to guide you through the investment process.
Strictly online brokerage services may not be your best bet. Instead, search for a service that offers both ease of technology and personal service. Having an actual go-to broker is invaluable.

Look beyond the Broker’s Commission Rate
Many novice investors choose to invest their money without any professional help because they don’t want to pay commissions. While this is not the best financial strategy, neither is selecting a broker based on his or her fees. Sure, you don’t want to end up spending half the money you earn on fees, but paying less isn’t always going to yield you a high return on your investment either. When considering a broker’s fees, read the fine print carefully. Often lower fees are not included with over-the-phone transactions, options, or limit orders.
Make Sure the Minimum Investment Requirements Fit Your Financial Situation
Sometimes low-fee brokerage services require a hefty minimum investment. The average novice investor rarely has $10,000 or more to invest. In most cases, many individuals want to start off slow, investing less than $500. Do your research to find services that are willing to work with small investment budgets.
CustomerServiceMatters
Online brokerage services should be accessible by phone at reasonable hours. Ideally, you want to find a firm that has customer service reps available 24 hours day, 7 days a week who are able to answer questions about cash outs, problems with your account, etc. While you may not be able to speak with a broker 24/7, you should be able to have help accessing your account whenever you need it. Following these tips should help you find brokerage services in St. Paul that are reasonably priced and helpful getting you to your financial goals.

Annual Travel Insurance – Some Worrying Statistics

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The statistics relating to the public’s understanding of the need for single-trip or annual travel insurance are truly terrifying.
That means huge numbers of people are leaving the UK every year without appropriate cover – and the result could be calamitous.

The Terrifying Facts

In spite of the government’s and the insurance industry’s attempts to draw the attention of people to the importance of travel insurance:

• Almost a quarter of all people travelled out of the UK without insurance • That figures rises to nearly 50% for those in the 15-24 age bracket

To understand why those figures should be worrying, it’s necessary to remember that in 2011/12:

• Every single day, an average of 10 British people were hospitalised while abroad

Why Are People Not Taking Cover?

There is no definitive answer to the question but it’s possible to draw two fairly certain conclusions.

Firstly, the higher statistics in the 15-24 age range suggests that young people may be suffering from the illusion of the invincibility of youth and the “it’ll never happen to me” syndrome. Unfortunately, they’re all too often mistaken.

That’s particularly true for that age group, as they are the most likely to engage in heavy drinking, dangerous sports or related activities.

The second and more worrying cause is the ongoing mistaken belief that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides ‘free health insurance’. Nearly 20% of all age groups think that’s the case.

In fact, apart from only one or two non-EU European countries with affiliations, the EHIC doesn’t cover any country outside of the EU. Even in an EU country, the EHIC only covers the costs of treatment that would also be free to local citizens in the country itself. Therefore, it won’t cover things like medical repatriation, additional hotel and flight expenses for care providers etc.

A closely related erroneous assumption on the part of around 17% of travellers without single-trip or annual travel insurance is that ‘somehow’ the British government would pay for their medical repatriation home, should the need arise. That is simply not the case and even if the government did assist, they may take legal steps to recover the money from you once back in the UK.

The Costs

The above statistics are worrying in themselves, but they become even more concerning because of a poor awareness as to just how expensive medical treatment can be overseas.

In the United State, as an example, major surgery and medical treatment could easily result in bills running into hundreds of thousands of pounds – or even millions in extreme cases. It’s not often realised that in some situations, some countries may refuse to provide you with medical assistance unless you can show you have the means to pay for it – typically single-trip or annual travel insurance.

Conclusion

The current levels of misunderstanding about the risks and potential costs of medical treatment abroad coupled with significant confusion over the role of the EHIC is leading to very large numbers of Britons travelling abroad each year with little or no cover.

This should be addressed as soon as possible through some form of re-launched publicity campaign.

Good single-trip, family or annual travel insurance is typically not expensive and is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Purchasing Vehicle Insurance Policy Online

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Several decades ago, auto insurance was not necessary; it was up to individuals to decide whether or not they wanted to be insured. However, today, vehicle insurance is a necessity for car owners. Owners of vehicles, whether modest or luxurious, need an auto coverage policy. Obtain our quotes today and check out Good to go insurance for the incredible rates.

People’s attitude towards purchasing coverage has significantly changed over time. Years ago, getting vehicle insurance was as simple as contacting a local agent and demanding for a policy. Nevertheless, the process has slightly changed: you now have loads of options from which you can choose a specific plan that best suits your vehicle insurance needs.

You may be better off bye-passing local agents and get direct access to the firm through the internet, but you must be ready to handle most of the task all alone. This would entail comparing various policy providers; their packages, rates, and magnitude of their coverage. Then, you may now have a discussion with the firm you feel most comfortable with. When an accident occurs, you are saved from a lot of stress and troubles under Go auto insurance company with significant liability coverage. Good2go insurance will help you save a lot more in the future.

While some insurance firms do not make it mandatory for clients to work with their agents, some companies do not employ agents. Purchasing coverage online is your best bet, especially when you are mostly on tight daily schedules and needs low-budget vehicle insurance. Direct online purchase of insurance plans helps you skip commissions you ought to have paid to agents. However, if you are ignorant of your vehicle insurance needs, you may make a wrong decision in purchasing coverage online without the guidance of a representative.

Selecting a Suitable Insurance Policy
Following your selection of a preferred insurance firm, you must also choose a policy that fits your need. The three popular types of plans are traditional auto insurance, Usage-based vehicle insurance, and Per-mile Vehicle insurance.

1. Traditional Auto Insurance Here, the policy quote is determined by the insurers and with the help of policyholder’s information like customer’s age, driving records, credit score, and sex. The more exposed you are to risk, the higher insurance rates to be paid. You can, however, ask for the lowest policy rates based on the state law, or better still, choose from an extensive list of a variety of vehicle insurance coverage. Regardless of the particular category, you can rest, assured of Good 2 go Insurance commitment to providing you the best policy that fits your insurance demand.

2. Usage-based auto insurance

Contrary to the traditional Vehicle Insurance, usage-based auto insurance companies provide car insurance for you, by monitoring your real life actions. To obtain quotes at Good2 go insurance under this type of Vehicle insurance, you will be required to plug-in a telematic device. The device is meant to record your driving manner and attitude, especially your unacceptable driving habits like hard breaking and accelerating.

If the device records show that the way you drive comes with low-risk, the usage-based vehicle insurance allows you save more cash. However, if the device records reveal that you are usually on the roads at nights or a fast driver, then you may not be able to save on your auto insurance. Also, a lot of usage-based vehicle insurance plans may not be found in all states. So you may have to change your insurance company if you move to another state where the insurance plan is not available.

3. Per-mile auto insurance

This insurance plan also involves the use of a telematic device, but unlike the Usage-based insurance, the Par-mile auto insurance focuses on a single thing, which is the frequency at which you use your vehicle. Just like the Usage-based, the Per-mile car insurance is still not available in most states; because it is a new program. Of all the providers, Metromile is the most reputable carrier of per-mile vehicle insurance and currently has its services spread across seven states which include Illinois, Washington, Virginia, Oregon, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California.

To determine your insurance rates, providers of per-mile coverage also employ similar elements like in the case of traditional insurers; however, the telematic devices can help you save some money. If you fall into the categories of drivers who seldom use their cars except for emergencies, then you may be saving a lot on premiums. On the other hand, if you are always driving, you may not be saving money on your coverage.

Shop Around

Whichever way you choose to buy your car insurance; be it directly from a provider online or a local agent, one thing is needful – you must make some comparison among different packages to know the best rates. Don’t opt for the first plan you come across; do some more research. This is important because two companies can offer the same coverage but with a significant difference of as high as some thousands of dollars in their rates. So comparing offers from different providers will give you the best deal.

Manufactured Homes Are the Way of the Future

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When you consider the way that you live your daily life, it stands to reason that you notice there are some wasteful habits that you’ve taken on over the years. Most people do this without even realizing it, and becoming more aware of how much unnecessary stuff is in your life can help you to make the right changes. If you want to find a bit of peace, and stop spending so much money in the process, you will want to see how manufactured home dealers in Dallas can help.
Downsizing is the Best Move

Living in a large house can seem like a great idea, but there really isn’t a need for it. Unless you have a large family, a big house is somewhat excessive. Instead of wasting your finances on a space that you do not really need, consider downsizing to a manufactured home. These compact living spaces are the way of the future, with more and more homeowners shedding the shackles of suburban life for something a bit more exciting.

Determine Your Future

Making the decision to switch to a mobile home can open up some exciting doors for your future. It forces you to condense your possessions. There are plenty of choices available at manufactured home dealers in Dallas, so you will be able to find a comfortable size for the things you do wish to keep. Get rid of anything that you do not use, and you will start to feel at peace with how you are changing your life.

Living in a mobile home also opens up the possibility of being able to move whenever you would like. It is not difficult to transport manufactured homes from one location to another. You can embark on a journey for a different place to settle and all you have to do is pick a spot on the map.You get to live in your home, but in a whole new locale.

Consider the Possibilities

Find manufactured home dealers in Dallas to see if it is the right decision for your future. Get ready to consider all of the possibilities that this change can bring.

How Do Bed Bugs Get into the Office?

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Bed bugs are a serious problem across much of the country. While they’re most often associated with homes and apartments, they can be a nuisance for business owners as well. Even if a business doesn’t have beds for them to hide in, bed bugs tend to congregate in any building where there are a lot of people coming and going. Here’s how you can find them and use St. Louis commercial bed bug systems to get rid of an existing infestation.

Where Are Bed Bugs Most Common?
Bed bugs can live just about anywhere, but they’re more likely to be found in buildings with a lot of foot traffic. Businesses like hotels, restaurants, daycare centers, hospitals, and airports are some of the most common places to find these troublesome critters. Still, they can be found in any office, even if you take great pains to keep your building clean.

Top Bed Bug Cities
Some areas of the country are known for being hotspots for bed bugs. In general, large cities tend to have the worst infestations since bed bugs are drawn to areas where lots of people are present. Cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., New York City, and San Francisco are notorious for their bed bug populations and frequently top the lists of bed bug incidents each year.

How Bed Bugs Travel
Unlike many parasites, bed bugs won’t usually hitch a ride directly on you or your clothing. Instead, they’ll typically travel in your suitcase, briefcase, gym bag, or other containers. They don’t fly or jump, so usually elevating your bags up off the floor is enough to prevent them from hitching a ride with you. They are nocturnal and do most of their feeding and moving around during the night. They’ll hide in the carpet or in cracks in the walls during the day and are so small that they’re extremely difficult to spot until the infestation has really gotten underway.

How to Spot an Infestation
If your employees are complaining of getting itchy bites at home or in the workplace, it’s a good idea to check your building for bed bugs. Check around the bases of walls and any upholstered areas such as carpets, curtains, or furniture. You may find discarded shells left behind by the insects, or you may find tiny black spots of waste that the bed bugs excrete. You might even find some of the bugs themselves, especially if there is a large infestation. They are small, flat, and oval: about the size, color, and shape of an apple seed.

What to Do if You Find Bed Bugs
Immediate treatment with St. Louis commercial bed bug systems is necessary if you find bed bugs in your office. Bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs over their lifetime, meaning your population can expand rapidly once it takes root. Vacate the infested area, and leave all your bags and other belongings behind for treatment as well. Advise your staff and customers that bed bugs have been spotted and that they should take precautions such as checking their clothing and bags for insects before they go home.

Bed Bug Heat Treating Equipment

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Bed bugs can be more than a nuisance–they are a serious health hazard to many Americans. Like mosquitoes and ticks, bed bugs are a parasitic insect that feeds on the blood of humans and other animals. This can cause severe itching and rashes over the whole body. Finding and killing them can be quite difficult because they like to hide in the darker areas of the house, not just in between the mattresses. One of the best treatments is using bed bug heat treating equipment in St. Louis.

Get Everybody Out
Bed bugs cannot live in heat conditions over 122°. The pest control technician will raise the interior temperature of the house to a range between 135° and 145° to get into the walls and floors where the bed bugs like to set up their colonies. This high temperature can also kill the bugs living in the bed or other hard to locate places. The high temperature can also affect not only pets and humans in the house, but softer plastic items or vinyl. The pest control technician will have a list of anything in the house that could be affected by the high temperature. All of these will need to be removed and treated separately.

Safety First
One of the biggest reasons to hire a technician that has been trained in heat treating is safety. They are controlling a giant heater that can damage the house and they should understand how the heat will affect it. Bricks and concrete react differently to heat than wood or metal. The brick and concrete will expand and move, weakening the support they provide. Metal will also expand but can soften and bend and everyone knows what happens to wood that his heated. The technician also needs to know how the heat will affect various safety features in the house. The heat can not only set off a fire detection system, it can melt the burglar alarm panel.

Monitor the Temperature
The first thing the technician will do is figure the volume of the house and determine how many heaters will be needed. They may use one heater that is moved from room to room in a smaller house. This keeps one room from being the hot spot and potentially being damaged. Larger rooms may need multiple heating units to prevent the bugs from escaping to a cooler zone. No matter how many units are used, temperature sensors are placed in each room to make sure the they get hot enough.

Follow Up
While heat treating is the most effective method for resolving a bed bug problem, it does nothing to prevent future infestations. That is why a comprehensive plan should be developed before bed bugs are detected. Regular inspections for many different types of bugs can detect them early and make controlling them easier. Preventative chemical measures can be implemented in high risk areas to keep the bugs from getting in the house. Once the colony is killed off, the chemicals can be used to treat their favorite nesting areas to make them less desirable for new generations.

Package Precautions: Ensuring a Safe Delivery Every Time

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In this article we are going to recap a handful of simple safety instructions for courier drivers. Whether you are new to courier work or an experienced old hand, it’s never a bad idea to remind yourself of the easy actions you can take before, during and after a delivery job to ensure the safety of yourself, your customers and members of the public.
Driving in a careful and considerate way not only protects everyone on the road, it keeps everyone in a good mood, which, in turn, increases your chances of repeat business.

Preparation is Key

There are a few ways you can prepare before starting a delivery job to make certain that everything goes smoothly.

? Know your route: Try to get to really know the areas you regularly drive in so you can stay away from problem areas, such as one way streets and traffic-heavy roads. Make a mental note of good places to park in towns and cities where you deliver often. ? Loading: Pack smart by loading the packages you need last at the back of your lorry and those you need first at the front. While it might take a little extra effort, it will certainly save you time on the job. Also take care to stack lighter packages on top of heavier ones, as this will help protect more fragile items and decrease the movement of packages in your lorry. ? Timings: Have all the paperwork prepared before you get to the delivery site so you can just grab a signature and go. Customers will be impressed with your efficiency and you can move straight on to the next job without delays.

Stay Alert on the Job

Here are a few tips that will help you and those around you stay safe and happy when you are out on a delivery job.

? Parking: Try to avoid reversing into a parking spot; instead, find a larger space where you can leave enough room for other vehicles to move around you. Turn on your hazards before opening the door and always watch out for oncoming traffic as many drivers are not as aware of their surroundings as courier drivers are. ? Unloading: If you are delivering heavy items, make sure you are prepared to do so. If you need a hand, call ahead to check there will be someone to meet you at the delivery site.

Make a Safe Getaway

Once you have successfully dropped off the package it is time to continue on your route. As an extra precaution, we recommend double checking the items in your lorry before you leave, so you can drive on assured that everything is safe and secure. Always signal before moving into traffic, and watch out for pedestrians. If you have had to park in a tight spot, ask someone to help you manoeuvre out, because it’s far better to be safe than sorry.

So, before you next hit the road, take a few minutes to check that you’re fully prepared for your delivery job. Whether it’s reordering the items in your lorry or re-routing your drive, even little changes can help make your job easier and safer.

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world’s largest neutral trading hub for same day jobs in the express freight industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Courier Exchange provides services for matching any kind of delivery job with available drivers or operators. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.

Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Online Customer Reviews

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When a courier job goes wrong, you’ll find that the customer often has something to say about it. Although the internet can be the perfect place to scrutinise, insult, and even ruin a business, it is also a platform that portrays the best of its attributes. Here’s how to maximise the positives and avoid online embarrassment.
Don’t Ignore It

Actively responding to online negativity about your business is the best way to resolve it. The complaining customers will seldom expect a reply, so it will already act as a sign that your company is keen to help and improve the delivery experience. Going beyond what customers expect is always a positive and, in this instance, will mean that other viewers on the site will be aware that you’ve made the effort to deal with an unhappy client. This personal approach could even lead to new customers, as you will have shown that your company are quick to respond (which is often what people are expecting from the courier job itself). A Way with Words

There are certain techniques you can use when writing your response that are more likely to boost the reputation of your business. The first of these is expressing empathy. Showing the customer that you understand and care about their problem is a key element of an effective reply. It reveals a more personal side to the online interaction, which could otherwise come across staged.

Another effective technique is to offer a solution within your message. An error made while carrying out a courier job is usually not difficult address, so giving the customer multiple constructive solutions is a simple way to deal with the issue. Of course, actively following through with your proposed solution as soon as possible makes for an even more successful outcome. If the complaint is more complex, offer your company’s contact details so that the customer can speak to you directly at their own convenience.

Making sure you speak like an actual person rather than ‘on behalf of a business’ is equally important. Doing this will make you appear honest, approachable and real. Not only will this put your customer at ease, but it will also come across brilliantly to other online readers, which in turn can help to boost your reputation.

Bring It On

It’s crucial to remember that throughout all the negativity you must remain calm, polite and professional. Lashing out or being too defensive can result in further undesirable comments, and eventually a downward spiral of unpleasantness. Simply showing the customer some compassion and solving their problem as quickly as you can is usually enough to persuade them to update their review favourably.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world’s largest neutral trading hub for same day courier job capacity in the express freight exchange industry. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.