Consumer Reports recently reported that many television manufacturers are changing their pricing policies as of April 1. The new policies will prevent stores from selling TVs at a price lower than the one suggested by manufacturers. Though these policies are designed to protect stores from losing ground to Internet retailers, they also mean higher prices for consumers. Luckily, you still have a chance avoid this impending price hike by following these tips.

1. Research First
Even though it feels like the clock is ticking on your remaining time to buy a TV, don’t succumb to the shopping pressure. A new television is a big expense and worth buying for quality instead of a bargain. Often product specs are analyzed in detail by review sites, but they neglect the user experience over time. CNET.com provides a nice pairing of expert reviews with user reviews to give you a complete picture.

2. Buy Old Models
If you’re still lugging around one of those bulky tube TVs, the picture on an HDTV from last year versus the picture from the latest release will be unrecognizable. What you will be able to notice is the huge discrepancy in price. Manufacturers turn out new television technology all the time, and stores will still slash prices to make room for units that make them the most money. Before you go shopping, brush up on some key HDTV terms so you don’t end up like a deer in the headlights.

3. Using Coupons
Whenever the tyranny of high prices threatens innocent consumers, coupons come to the rescue. These money-savers are especially important when you’re planning to order your TV online. For example, TigerDirect coupons from sites like FreeShipping.org will often combine a discount with free shipping and help you get a better deal all around.

4. Open Box Specials
Most stores have a section at the end of an aisle or off in a corner filled with open-box items. While the name is somewhat offputting, don’t mix these discounted products up with damaged goods. They’re generally items that were opened and returned, but are still in working condition. Sometimes open-box items will have different rules regarding warranties, so be sure to ask first.

5. Buy Used
Buying used electronics isn’t for everyone. However, if you need your TV for utilitarian purposes like video games or a spare bedroom, there are always plenty available locally on Craigslist or at a pawn shop. Just make sure you check what the same model is selling for new. People often ask outrageous prices for their unwanted sets and sometimes you can get an identical TV right out of the box for less than it’s listed for online.

6. Buy Accessories Separately
It’s astounding what stores will charge for HDMI cables. One simple, six-foot cord can run upwards of $30 when purchased directly from stores like Best Buy. A quick search of Amazon will produce dozens of results at a fraction of the price. If stores are already going to raise prices on TVs, don’t let them nickel-and-dime you on the accessories.

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Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. You can follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

For all media inquiries, please contact Andrea Woroch at 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com.

In-store purchasing of electronics is going the way of the horse and buggy.

Best Buy recently announced the closure of 50 stores and experts are speculating the inevitable demise of the big-box company, thanks to stiff competition from e-retailers like Amazon. In 2011, Amazon’s revenue rose 69 percent in electronics and general merchandise sales alone, according to the Associated Press. And Circuit City accepted its fate years ago when it closed its brick-and-mortar locations and now operates exclusively online.

Convenience and better prices are the name of the online-purchasing game, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t pitfalls to the practice. Before you invest in your next pricey gadget, consider these do’s and don’ts before clicking “purchase.”

DO Compare Prices
Most people know to consult online prices when shopping at brick-and-mortar stores, but the same diligence should be applied when purchasing something online. Though Amazon offers competitive prices, it behooves you to look at other sites and take advantage of sales and promotions.

DON’T Skip the Promo Code Box
If you notice a space for “coupon code” or “promo code” upon checkout, that means there’s likely a code lurking out there to save you even more. Sites like FreeShipping.org make it easy to search for current deals from trusted electronics e-retailers like Tiger Direct.

DO Track Price History
Knowing the price history of an item helps you determine the best time to buy it. The aptly named Decide.com provides a quick “buy” or “wait” recommendation when you enter the product you covet, based on the item’s price history.

DON’T Forget About Open Box
You may think open box items are reserved for physical store locations, but think again. Popular electronics e-retailer Newegg has a page dedicated to open-box items, all guaranteed in quality by the company and available for a fraction of the original price.

DO Consider Used or Refurbished
Just like open-box items, used or refurbished electronics are a great alternative to pricey new items. If you just can’t swing the cost of a new TV, there’s no need to abandon your dream of owning one when refurbished sets often come with a warranty and include new parts and accessories.

DON’T Buy Extended Warranties
Shopping online helps you avoid the annoying song-and-dance about extended warranties at checkout, but that doesn’t mean online retailers won’t try to sell you on the extra. Don’t let their reasoning talk you into an unnecessary purchase; The warranty offered by the manufacturer is almost always sufficient. For other ways sellers try to pitch extended warranties, check out this article from The Consumerist.

DO Shop Safely
Online shopping offers convenience unparalleled by physical stores, but it’s not without its perils. To avoid being victim to identity theft, make sure your anti-virus software is up to date and don’t make purchases on public networks. Use your credit card for extra security and always look for “https” in the checkout URL.

DON’T Leave it On Your Doorstep
Once you determine the best time to buy, the best website from which to purchase, and the most secure payment method, don’t allow your new gadget to sit unprotected on your doorstep. If your workplace allows it, send it to the office or to a trusted friend or family member who will be home during delivery time.

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Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. You can follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

For all media inquiries, please contact Andrea Woroch at 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com.

However, it is imperative traders remember that higher leverage can result in losses that could exceed their initial deposit. With this risk in mind, the following tips will help – in particular – new traders, who are looking to trade CFDs on over 9,000 securities in global markets with City Index Asia.

Understand Your Market

With an extensive range of markets to choose from, it is imperative that you choose a market you understand and have a broad knowledge of.

In the long run, this knowledge will help you take a clearer view on the direction of possible price movements within your chosen market, ultimately guiding your price actions, i.e. whether you choose to go long and buy, or go short and sell.

Something as simple as keeping up-to-date with the financial news, share prices, stock market changes and company reporting dates, can affect your trading choices.

Make Realistic Targets

Your trading targets should be realistic and put in place before you start trading by way of a comprehensive CFD trading plan. This plan should provide you with a general set of rules of which you can use as a reference point as you begin to trade. Such rules should cover:

• Profit goals (by day, month and year)
• Size of the trade
• Maximum losses you are prepared to take
• Entry/exit point

The final two rules are imperative to managing your risk; these rules will affect where you place your limit orders and most importantly, your stop loss orders (read more below).

Manage Your Risk

The first tactic in managing your risk is to apply stop losses to your CFD Trading account.

You can choose between a Standard and Guaranteed Stop Loss Order (GSLO); with the latter offering the greatest protection, specifically if gapping occurs in your chosen market.

A guaranteed stop loss is an order to close out a position at a level prearranged by you.

Let’s say you buy 500 Singapore Airlines CFDs at 10.49 through City Index Asia, and have highlighted 10.30 as your maximum loss level, i.e. a $95 loss allowance (10.49 – 10.30 – x 500 CFDs).

You can use a GSLO to ensure that should Singapore Airlines reach 10.30, the City Index Asia systems will automatically close out your trade to prevent you from incurring any further losses.

If for example, rising oil prices, which can inflate airline costs, depressed Singapore Airlines share price to 10.25, our systems automatically closed your position out at 10.30.

Even though Singapore Airline’s share prices continued to trade past your maximum risk allowance, the GSLO has already stopped your losses by automatically closing out your trade.

There is a small charge for putting a GSLO in place which can vary across different markets.

Summary

Prepare for trading CFDs by creating a plan, gaining knowledge of your chosen market and practicing with a demo trading account from City Index Asia.
Trading CFD on margin carries a high level of risk, which may not be suitable for some investors.

Consider your investment objectives, level of experience, financial resources, risk appetite and other relevant circumstances carefully. The possibility exists that you could lose some or all of your investments, including your initial deposits.

About City Index:

Today more and more individual traders are discovering the benefits of derivatives, and many of them are discovering them through a City Index trading platform.

City Index is a leading global provider of margined foreign exchange, CFD trading and in the UK, spread betting. As a group, we transact in excess of 1.5 million trades every month for individuals in over 50 countries worldwide.

SOURCE City Index Singapore

Developing an eye for assessment is simply a question of forming good and new habits. We are all familiar with how our workplaces look on a day-to-day basis, but are there any changes that can be made in order to make it safer. Those who work in an office may be aware of the dangers of trailing wires, but many people do become complacent. Just because nobody has tripped over a wire so far does not mean that they will not in the future. Potential hazards like this can be easily identified as they can be quickly spotted.

Walkways are another problem for trip hazards. Has somebody left a bag, box or other item in the way? Having a workplace policy to keep walkways clear will help to prevent accidents, as well as making people more aware of the potential dangers. A slip, trip or fall can lead to an individual being off work for a long time, and in the worst case scenario, could cause an injury that may render them unable to work again.

There are many tasks around the workplace that require PPE – personal protective equipment. This could be something as simple as a pair of protective gloves when handling hot materials or a high visibility jacket when the worker needs to be seen clearly. Each task should be assessed within the workplace in order to determine if PPE is required. Items that are usually part of the range are; safety goggles, hard hats, high visibility jackets, vests or trousers, gloves or ear defenders. Those who are working in an environment where these items are needed regularly will usually find this information posted on a noticeboard or other parts of the workplace as a constant reminder.

Risk assessments are a major part of health and safety at work. These should be conducted by management to determine the level of risk connected to each task that is carried out. This is essential if the worker has to operate machinery, handle chemicals or carry anything heavy.

Manual handling should also be assessed. If a person regularly has to carry heavy loads then they should be trained how to do this properly in order to avoid injuring themselves. Manual handling causes many back injuries each year and most of these can be prevented with the knowledge of how to lift things properly. This is not the only aspect of health and safety which can be improved with training and many companies now offer courses in other aspects such as Managing Safety, Safety in the Office and the all important First Aid.

In times of economic uncertainty and rising costs of living, people are increasingly concerned to make sure their income is able to cover their expenditure. It is always a good idea to review outgoings regularly to identify ways to save money and to rationalize all of those bills that have to be paid, such as mortgages and utilities.

Why Refinance?

Those who want to lower outgoings – so household budgets will stretch further – may look towards refinancing as a solution. This can save money by extending the mortgage term or lowering the rate of interest.

People who have a flexible or adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) often refinance as a way of avoiding high interest rates in the future; they switch to a fixed-rate mortgage so they always know what the repayment level will be and there are no nasty shocks when interest rates fluctuate.

When home improvements are needed, refinancing your home can help to unlock some of the equity in the property, which is converted into cash, and can fund the improvements or pay off other, high-interest debts. Any basic risk assessment will make it clear that whilst home improvements add value to your property, and canceling expensive debts makes good economic sense, frittering funds away on a fancy holiday or luxury item actually detracts from the value of your home in the longer term.

Sometimes people who are in serious financial difficulty, such as facing foreclosure, desperately want to save their homes. Refinancing may be an option and approaching the lender as soon as possible is always a good idea. Lenders might suggest ways to make the home loan more affordable – changing the length of time over which repayments have to be made, for example, and thereby lowering the monthly payments, or switching the type of mortgage so that fixed lower interest rates are applicable.

What are the Benefits?

Extending the term on an existing mortgage, or otherwise refinancing your home, can be very advantageous because mortgage repayment terms, unlike loans for a vehicle or equipment, are generally longer and costs can therefore be spread over years rather than months.

A lower rate over a longer term is beneficial as it releases funds for other purposes, such as topping up retirement savings or paying other debts. This brings peace of mind and freedom from money worries.

Alternatively, those aged 40 years of age or over could choose to shorten their mortgage terms, paying their home finance loans off early and ensuring they go into retirement completely free of any debt on their homes, and with more to spend.

How to Get Started

The first thing to ascertain is the approximate value of your home. This does not require an expert appraisal, which would be expensive, but merely a survey of recent tax assessments, information about the sale of similar properties in the same neighborhood or perhaps checks carried out online at sites such as Yahoo.

Once the property value is established, the amount of equity in your home can be calculated. This is a good time to approach either your lender or a financial advisor and to get advice about which form of refinancing is right for you.

Designed to help accountants and bookkeepers running effective payroll systems, the 2012 Payroll Mate payroll software offers a ton of features including the ability to automatically calculate net pay, federal withholding tax, social security tax, Medicare, state and local payroll taxes. This easy-to-use software also supports different types of payroll pay periods, prints checks, prepares various payroll forms, and allows unlimited tax categories, pre and post-tax deductions and unlimited pay rates per employee making it very flexible and powerful.

“The QuickBooks payroll export wizard that comes with Payroll Mate is one of the most sophisticated, yet easy to use QuickBooks export utilities available in the industry. We invested a lot of engineering time to ensure that this essential feature would work well for our customers.” says Payroll Mate product manager Nancy Walters.

Find this software at Amazon.com or download at www.realtaxtools.com. And for more software-related news, you can visit www.gadgeture.com.

Certificate of Deposit Explained

No financial planner or special organization is needed in order to open a certificate of deposit. Most banks, brokerages and credit unions offer some type of CD. As there are a variety of options available, each location may offer different types and levels of investment. Typically, there is a minimum deposit of $500 to get started, while others require $10,000 or more.

CDs are available as fixed rate, variable rate and expandable. Variable rates allow for potentially higher gains, while fixed rates ensure the rate never decreases. An expandable CD allows investors to continue adding to their investment throughout the CD term.

The value invested cannot be lost, nor can any money gained be lost. The financial institution offers a higher interest rate on the invested funds than a savings account offers. The rate stays the same throughout each period and will adjust to the current interest rate at the beginning of a new period if a variable rate is chosen. The investment periods last anywhere from three months to one year at a time. Investors cannot withdraw funds until a period ends without incurring a penalty fee. Liquid CDs have a much lower interest rate, but no penalty fees.

The financial institution makes a profit from the interest the money accrues while invested. Each institution invests the money differently to earn a higher yield profit. CDs can be opened for several years or a much longer term, and can be upgraded to higher interest rates as the CD earns.

Who Benefits From Using a CD?

Anyone looking for a long-term savings account benefits from opening a CD. Parents often open a certificate of deposit for their children as a way to save for college since they cannot lose anything on their investment. Individuals often benefit most from CDs as they don’t expect or require the high return that many businesses do. CDs can be used as collateral for loans, which makes them appealing to those planning to open a small business.

Benefits of CDs

The benefits of CDs are what make them so popular. Unless funds are withdrawn early, there are no penalty fees or any cost to renew the certificate. Most automatically renew without the investor doing anything. While the rate itself is lower than one might find with other types of investments, the minimum deposit is far lower, making them ideal for a wide range of people. All accrued interest is the investor’s to keep when the CD matures. Finally, a certificate of deposit is FDIC insured, so the investment is safe no matter what.

There is specialist software available to help companies manage their contractor payroll, and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) accredits certain of these packages. However, the relevant information still has to be gathered and data has to be entered – all of which takes time. In fact the administration and accounting associated with a contractor payroll can be fairly time-consuming and many people choose to use a contractor payroll company to take on the burden of the work involved. This can prove extremely useful, as it offers contractors and freelance workers valuable support with the task of making sure the correct tax returns and other financial documents are filed as and when they need to be, and that appropriate copies of relevant documentation can be produced.

Users of Contractor Payrolls

As there are a number of different types of companies offering to streamline contractor payrolls, it makes sense to choose one that meets the needs of the business and the contract in hand. IT contractors, for example, have been particularly keen to make use of a contractor payroll system, finding that this suits their purpose and offers the flexibility they need, given their way of working. To this end, many freelance workers, including IT contractors, look to umbrella payroll companies, as this removes the need for workers to run their own company.

Some self-employed contractors look for a system that will ensure they get their gross pay, and then handle the tax affairs themselves. These are known as Invoice Only or Gross Pay schemes, and the payroll manager will issue the invoices and chase payment in return for a fee.

New, Seasonal or Expanding Business?

It is not unusual for new companies to use contract workers at the outset, rather than recruit a lot of staff. Freelance workers allow the company’s management to focus on building their business, including finding new leads and marketing, without the hassle of managing employees.

In the same way, expanding businesses and those whose work is seasonal also find it useful to appoint contractors to deliver some of their services, so that the number of people working can vary with the season, or be expanded to meet demand as and when necessary.

Benefits to Business

One of the principal benefits of contractor payroll is that it outsources the burden of financial paperwork to another organization for a modest fee. The process can reduce the levels of tax and national insurance payments a company has to make by offsetting them against genuine business expenses. This allows companies to reduce expenditure overall and ensures that PAYE and national insurance contributions are calculated correctly, and that all HMRC tax regulations are being met.

I heard that 85% New Year’s resolution failed, but it doesn’t stop us to make new New Year’s resolution every year. And now I want to share what I found on the net, New Year’s Savings Resolutions for Homeowners, thank to HomeownersInsurance.com. Since owning a home is one of the biggest expenses the average person will afford, saving money around the home is crucial. In order to save some money this upcoming year on home-related expenditures – consider these steps: Refinance; shop your homeowners insurance; Reduce energy waste; skim down your cable, phone and internet; and get smart at the grocery store.

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