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Medical Billing and Coding Field is Projected to Grow 8% Through 2029

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The healthcare industry is on the rise as a whole, and with it comes many niches also experiencing growth. One such niche is medical billing and coding. The unfortunate truth is that we’ll always need a healthcare system, because illness is as much a part of being human as breathing. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us some serious problems with our current system, and we can only hope that unprecedented growth also means positive changes.

Medical billing and coding is an administrative position that is free from clinical duty, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important to the healthcare process. In fact, it’s so crucial that it can literally mean the difference between a patient being able to afford their medical care or footing the entire bill.

Let’s look closer at this interesting medical career, the job growth and outlook, and other information on medical billing and coding.

What Does A Medical Biller & Coder Do?

You’re probably wondering what exactly a medical biller/coder does. No worries, we’re here to help make everything understandable! A medical coder is someone who takes medical paperwork and essentially translates it into standardized code. This code is used to create invoices for medical care, which are then sent to insurance companies for payment. So, in essence, a medical biller/coder is the person who makes sure your care is paid for.

The biller is simply the person who bills the insurance company once the codes have been generated, but more often than not, billing and coding are lumped together as the same job. If you’re already creating the codes, it only makes sense that you would create and send the invoices, too.

What Jobs Are Available Now?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical billers and coders fall under the “medical records and health information” category, which covers a wide range of jobs associated with the management, organization, and care of medical records and health information. As a medical biller and coder, you’ll be responsible for medical bills, which is an important piece of medical information. You’ll need to keep things safe and private, use the correct codes, and formulate accurate and punctual invoices to be paid.

There are around 341,000 jobs in the US currently that fall under this category, and the niche itself is expected to grow by about 8% through 2029; much faster than average.

Where Can I Get Training?

The next question on your mind is likely where to get the training to become a medical biller and coder. Luckily, we’ve got just the answer! Medical billing and coding doesn’t require a degree, though some people still opt to seek an associate’s degree instead of a diploma/certification. Medical billing and coding courses online are among the fastest routes to becoming a certified biller/coder. You can get certified in about 11-12 months, and earn an associate’s degree in anywhere between 18-24 months.

Once you pass your courses, you’ll sign up to take your exam on the AAPC website. From there, you can earn several different certifications, so you’re not limited to one medical billing specialty. The more specialized certifications you have, the greater your opportunities for employment and a higher salary will be.

What’s The Growth Projection?

As stated before, the growth projection for the medical records and health information niche is around 8% through 2029. Average growth is somewhere between 3-4%, so this niche is growing at a decent rate.

Is It Worth It?

So, is seeking out a medical billing and coding certification worth it? This will largely depend on personal preference, of course, but this niche has a lot to offer. First of all, you’ll be a crucial component of the healthcare process, ensuring that people’s medical bills are sent and paid accordingly. Most patients don’t have thousands of dollars put away for medical expenses, so ensuring their insurance is billed properly is nothing less than a necessity.

With an average salary of about $42,000 per year, depending on your area and any specialty certifications you have, you can make a decent living. The job market is expected to continue to grow for the next decade, so you should have plenty of opportunities when you graduate. The bottom line? It’s worth it if you’re looking for a fast-track into the medical field that pays well, offers opportunities for growth, and is incredibly rewarding.

Conclusion

Medical billing and coding doesn’t involve direct clinical care, so it’s a perfect job for someone who’s more interested in the administrative side of healthcare. The industry will continue to grow through the next decade, so don’t wait! Get started today with an online fast-track course and get into the field and your next career in under a year’s time.

Career Advice: FAQs For Undergraduate/College Students

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Gone are the days when you could get hooked up to a decent workplace with secondary or higher secondary education. Today, graduation is the minimum requirement to gear up for professional life. Therefore, nailing the right college or university is critical. Earning a degree from a mediocre institution will do no good to boost your career. Going for any insignificant option will only end up wasting precious resources like time and money.

Group Of People Studying Together

However, being fair to the undergraduates, picking the right university is easier said than done. Youngsters get often enticed by the lofty promotional campaigns, which cloud their judgment to a great degree. But that does not mean one can’t avoid getting misguided. We have compiled a list of fundamental questions. By throwing the following questionnaire to the administration, you can paint a clear picture of the respective institution. The insights will empower you to take the pitch-perfect decision:

  • Do you offer the program I want to study?

What is the point of going to a college or university that does not offer the course you like? So it would help if you asked this question right off the bat. Though you can get this information on the official website, it does not harm to double-check. Admirations typically have numerous plans in the pipeline that do not get updated on the websites. What if they introduce some changes in the course down the road or remove it altogether? Hence, you are better off warding off all the confusion right from the get-go.

In case you have not yet outlined the final course, you must have some options buzzing in your head. For example, you are interested in social sciences. However, you may face difficulty making up between political science, anthropology, and social work. It would be wise to inquire about all the possible choices of the future. Sometimes, the admission staff’s explanation could help decide what could be the best fit for you.

  • What are the requirements for admission?

Students can quickly dig up questions like how long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree or what measures they need to take to secure good grades. But they remain aloof about admission criteria. Depending on the university and course, they could slightly or drastically vary. A specific percentage from the previous qualification, test, and interview are generally the prerequisites of admission at this level. Knowing the admission benchmarks beforehand can come in handy in the preparation process.

  • Why should I opt for your university?

Most of the students refrain from asking this question because it triggers the staff to activate PR mode. But you can catch them off guard through follow-up questions and extract honest feedback. If you find the information unreliable, turn to the current or old students. Their experiences will enlighten you about underlying factors.

  • Can I take online classes?

Online classes have hit the helm of popularity. More so, after the surfacing of the infamous coronavirus. If you are doing a part-time job or engaged in other commitments, attending physical classes may be a challenging task. Thus, asking this question is pertinent.

We know that more and more educational institutions are tapping into e-learning of late. But not all universities or colleges utilize top-notch technology to get the job done. Consequently, students end up getting lackluster online classes with poor visuals and distorted voice quality. Make sure you request demo classes to evaluate standards.

If you can’t make yourself physically available in the class even once in a while, ask whether the management undertakes assessments online or not.

  • How much do you charge for rent?

A vast proportion of students are not fans of online classes. They would instead enjoy the campus life. If you are one of them, coming to terms with the accommodation costs is very important. It usually happens to be a decisive factor.

Not all institutions provide accommodation facilities. In that case, look for a place that is not too far from the university. If you live far away from the university, travel costs could balloon up quite significantly.

  • How often do you allow access to the university resources? What measures do you take to keep them up to date?

Every science student has to go to the lab frequently. If the university does not offer a flexible schedule to use the lab supplies, it is a red flag. Likewise, suppose a social science student does not have access to the library 24 hours. In that case, it could cause inconvenience, especially during the exam phase. Furthermore, it would help if you also asked about the budget that management spends to upgrade these facilities.

Back in the day, libraries received as much as nearly 2.84 percent of the overall university budget. But the amount has shrunk in the recent past. According to experts, if a university spends less than 2 percent of its budget on the library, it will fail to meet students’ requirements. Being well-versed with the figure could complement the decision-making process.

  • How culturally diverse is your university?

A culturally diverse atmosphere offers multiple benefits to students. For example, it shapes up your personality to adjust to people having different opinions. This quality will prepare you to lead employees coming from various backgrounds in a professional setting. Under a comprehensive study, a multicultural environment sparks creativity, which is the essence of every profession.

That is why you must give weightage to the diverse environment while cherry-picking a university. It is good to ask this question upfront. That said, you should roam around the campus personally to observe the level of diversity.

  • What employment opportunities will this course open for me?

It all boils down to the career prospects. The management has a knack for answering this question unrealistically. So, you may be aware of the job opportunities that might have nothing to do with your course. For proper validation, you should ask the management to provide the employment record of those who have graduated from this course.

  • What support services do you provide?

Support services refer to platforms that cover loopholes of students. For instance, if you are eager to get admission in arts but do not feel confident about writing skills. The support services tend to bridge such academic gaps.

The Final Verdict

Going to a college or university is hands down one of the pivotal decisions for any individual. It has the potential to influence our entire life. So, you can’t afford to set a foot wrong here. By walking the tight line of the questions mentioned above, you will surely increase the chances to stumble upon the ideal institutions.

Become a counselor: academic and skills requisites of the profession

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Although we might not imagine it, today’s lifestyle can breed many problems for our mental health. It might feel as if we’re more connected than ever. In reality, we are growing away from each other, and our interactions are increasingly superficial.

Everyone today has a hectic life. It can be easy to neglect our mental health and instead drown ourselves in work. So, it’s no surprise that, at times, we can start feeling isolated, depressed, and anxious. Counselors are, therefore, more immensely in demand. Counselors act in various capacities and work with a different set of people and their issues. They can help us sort through our problems and lead a more fulfilling, happier life.

A career as a counselor can be incredibly gratifying, as it allows you to connect deeply with clients. It enables you to help people get their lives back on track and create coping mechanisms to prevent future problems. However, becoming a counselor comes with immense responsibility, so the profession comes with high skill requisites. Keep reading below to learn the skill requisites of their job and how you can get started.

GET YOUR DEGREE

The first step to becoming a counselor in any capacity is getting your degree. A bachelor’s degree is the first step to starting your career. It gives you the basic knowledge of all psychological areas and prepares you to pick an area of interest. However, you cannot begin practicing as a counselor with just a bachelor’s degree.

A master’s degree is what prepares you to start your counseling career. Your master’s degree is where you pick an area of specialization. Counselors work with incredibly diverse populations, and you need the right skills to work with each demographic. Counselors work in school settings as marriage counselors, substance abuse counselors, or trauma counselors. Most master’s schools for counseling require students to take the GRE for admission. While there are some benefits of taking the GRE, it can also be an additional entry barrier. If you feel so, you can opt for online school counseling programs no gre to make getting your degree more manageable. Your master’s program can give you the skills you need to work with your chosen population.

COMPLETE AN INTERNSHIP

Theoretical knowledge isn’t all you need to kick start your counseling career. Counseling is an incredibly subjective career, and you need to learn how to apply classroom-based learning to real clients. Internships allow you to work in a variety of clinical settings and learn from experienced mentors. You can learn the best ways of dealing with different clients and can help you develop greater competency. An internship allows you to work in a supportive yet challenging environment. You get to learn the necessary skills for successful counseling. You can develop essential soft skills, such as empathy, rapport-building skills, and self-awareness.

Also, an internship is the best place for you to develop contacts before stepping out into the job market. It also allows you to gain invaluable experience and present yourself as a holistic, well-rounded candidate. You can also get an opportunity to explore your chosen area and decide whether it’s something you can pursue.

GET YOUR PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

A master’s degree is an essential prerequisite to becoming a counselor, but it isn’t all you need. Professional certifications are vital for you to practice legally across all states. Without licensure and certifications, you don’t have the right to practice and face persecution if caught. All health and human services professionals need to adhere to the necessary laws for licensure in their states. These laws help uphold public safety, as they keep any bad practitioners away from clients.

Getting your professional license requires you to fulfill the necessary prerequisites for experience, education, and you may need to sit for an exam. Once you have your permission, you can start your private clinic or work with several organizations as a counselor. It’s also essential to adhere to the code of ethics determined by your jurisdiction’s psychological governing body. Having a licensee allows you, clients, to have greater faith in your ability, as it shows them that the state has vetted you and declared you capable. Once you have your license, you are free to practice.

STAY UPDATED

Therapy and counseling are constantly changing fields, and you need to stay updated to provide your clients with the best care. Psychology is continuously developing, and researchers are coming closer to finding the causes of many mental health disorders. We are also continually studying the human mind to figure out the effects of different stimuli. When counselors have updated knowledge, they can better understand their clients and help them better.

Furthermore, you also need to always keep updating your educational portfolio due to state regulations. To maintain licensure, you need to stay updated on the latest research, therapeutic models, and other developments. Attending workshops, training sessions, seminars, and following the latest research is an excellent way to stay updated. Furthermore, you can opt for a doctorate to further advance your career. You can also work in several settings, such as clinical practice or education, to gain knowledge in all forms. A doctoral degree, in particular, allows you to open the door to new career opportunities. You can work as a mental health advocate, researcher, or supervisor. You can also pave the way for better treatment protocols and help improve patient outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Counseling is an age-old profession that has evolved immensely in recent years. As our lifestyles grow increasingly stressful, we have a much greater need for therapy and counseling. If you face any behavioral or emotional challenges, know that counseling may be the answer. It is a profession designed to help human beings embrace their humanness. It helps us accept our flaws and develop healthy coping mechanisms. By following this list, you can learn how to be a counselor and play a positive role in your client’s lives. Furthermore, you can assume a leadership role and help improve psychological outcomes immensely.

Seven Courses Only A Technology Geek Would Go For

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There used to be a time in America when one out of four individuals had jobs in the manufacturing industry. Iron and coal dominated during the industrial age. However, nowadays, more and more people prefer cryptocurrency mining rather than coal mining. So, where did all the jobs go?

A considerable shift in the global economy took place in the 20th century when businesses transformed from traditional industries to increased reliance on digital information and computers. As the demand for technology-based solutions such as automation continues to rise, more job opportunities came into light for tech-savvy individuals or technology geeks. From healthcare to business and even manufacturing, there are plenty of tech-based jobs that individuals can apply for and earn good money.

However, technology-related jobs are a dime a dozen these days, and you will have to face stiff competition from others. And, to be three steps ahead of the competition, you might require some additional tech skills. To achieve such a thing, you would want to enroll yourself in a technology-based course.

If you dream of Python or JavaScript and love to wear the tech-nerd label, this article will provide you with the required information. Listed below are some of these courses that technology geeks would go for, giving them an edge above the competition.

  • INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

Such a course covers various topics ranging from PLC (programmable logic control) to SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition). These programs help you to monitor and control multiple machines. Further, you can find such systems in industries such as transportation, telecommunication, energy, etc. With the help of HMI (human-machine interface) software, human beings can interact directly with these machines. Many companies, universities, and schools provide such a course to on-job students who want to develop their skills further and move ahead in their tech-based careers.

  • COMPUTER SCIENCE

In a nutshell, a computer science degree deals with the foundations of computation and information. It takes a more scientific approach to it and its various applications. Computer science is a computation study and involves the systematic review of algorithms to help with the representation, storage, acquisition, and mechanization of processes and how they relate to practical applications. When dealing with computer science, information is usually associated with bytes and bits in computer memory.

Some universities use a computer science degree to cover other specialist degrees that involve technology and computers. It also refers to a technology-based degree. However, computer science has a far broader scope. For example, when talking about electrical engineering vs computer science, both deal with technology, but computer science is more focused on computers. In contrast, electrical engineering is more towards electricity and its applications. For tech geeks, this field can present them with numerous job opportunities after graduating, for instance, in industries such as manufacturing, cybersecurity, and much more.

  • SIMULATION

Various simulation software such as Simulink, Multisim, or MATLAB sees regular utilization in the electronics industry. They use it to simulate the hardware before actually manufacturing it. Hence, if you know how to operate such simulation software, it will add an extra spark to your already polished technical skills.

You can learn these skills online as well as through a campus-based university. With increasing interest and ability to learn new things, you can use this software after a short training to learn more about electronic circuits. It is undoubtedly a course that only die-hard tech nerds will consider choosing.

  • MACHINE LEARNING

Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence where it focuses on helping students develop programs that allow a system to learn new things without the need for human intervention. Some pre-requisites to enroll in a machine learning course include statistics, algebra, and previous programming experience.

With machine learning, candidates can apply for various jobs in the marketing field upon graduation. For example, there will always be a need for automated marketing programs to learn more about buyer’s behavior and suggests them products according to their interest and buying patterns. Machine learning professionals are behind the development of such programs and make the life of a modern-day marketer a lot easier.

  • DATA SCIENCE

As the name suggests, data science is the study of processing data. It is a course that focuses not only on tech-nerds, but everyone else can also benefit from studying it. A data science course is not a short one and typically takes around a year or two to complete. There are numerous institutes out there that offer data science-related courses to interested students.

To know more about data science and what it caters to, you can always do a quick Google search. Although data science branches out to various industries, any tech-nerd obsessed with numbers and raw data will do great in such a course.

  • WEB DEVELOPMENT

Through a web development course, candidates learn how to become a developer and create thousands of websites and other supporting systems. Imagine reading this article on a website that a web-developer put in thousands of hours to design. We come across tons of websites daily, now imagine the number of jobs such a course can present.

There are no pre-requites to such a course, and to enroll in it, you only require creativity, imagination, and some coding skills. Plus, you can work across various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, once you graduate from this course since every business needs a website.

  • APP DEVELOPMENT

Imagine a world without mobile apps. We have an app for everything from music, teaching, learning to app development itself. There are millions of apps available on the internet, which leads to countless job openings as well. Tech-geeks can either take up courses in android-based or iOS based-app development as they are the two most popular platforms at the moment.

Pre-requisites include previous knowledge in SQL and JAVA for android app development, while Objective C for iOS app development.

CONCLUSION

Today’s tech-geek has a wide array of career opportunities. If you are thinking of venturing into the world of technology and want to try your hand at it, receiving an education in the information technology field is the way to go further. The courses mentioned in the article will provide any individual with a perfect start if they want to land a tech-based job and earn the right amount of money in the process.

 

How To Cope With The Most Common Signs of Relationship Anxiety

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The beginning stage of any relationship is characterized by rainbows, butterflies, and a teeny bit of anxiety. After seeing each other for a while, the butterflies should subside, but your anxiety might not completely go away. It’s easy to worry about reciprocated feelings and the future of the relationship, but if these worries are outweighing the positives of your relationship, you may be experiencing relationship anxiety. Relationships anxiety is a general term for feelings of insecurity when things are going well. These feelings are often unfounded and more related to personal things like low self-esteem, mismatched attachment style, or past relationship trauma.

Here are some of the most common signs of relationship anxiety (and how to cope with them!):

  • If you’re wondering if you matter:

If things are going well in your relationship, and your partner is paying attention to your needs and prioritizing you and your time, then you do not need to worry about whether or not you matter to your partner. This might be a sign of low self-esteem. Coping with this can be hard, especially because these feelings are fairly unrelated to your relationship. But, addressing your self-esteem issues can help you feel more confident about yourself and your relationship.

  • If you’re questioning your partner’s feelings:

After the beginning stages of a relationship, you shouldn’t doubt your partner’s feelings. They have committed to being in a relationship and are clearly interested in you. Rather than question their feelings, try to take the relationship itself as a testament to their emotions and consider all of their actions as proof that they have feelings for you.

  • If you’re avoiding relationship milestones:

Relationship anxiety is often linked to fear of rejection. This fear can cause you to avoid important relationship steps, like having sex, saying ‘I love you’, introducing your partner to friends and family, or meeting your partner’s friends and family in order to avoid rejection altogether. To cope with this anxiety, try to Relish in your evolving relationship and look forward to these milestones as testaments to the strength of your relationship.

  • If you’re overanalyzing their character:

If you find yourself obsessing over little things your partner is doing, and reading too much into them, the best way to cope is to ask them if everything is alright. Bringing up a specific incident that is causing your anxiety and sharing how you interpreted it can help you and your partner navigate similar situations moving forward.

Writing tips

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For one to start writing a good essay, one needs to follow the following steps.

When one starts a writing career, one needs to know that it is equally frustrating and encouraging. Adventuring new areas and hobbies is tedious. Going through various writing types and getting that one that you are good at is very important for a writer who is just starting.

According to writemyessay.today, to become a good writer, you should know the types of writing that you can adventure on. Below are some of the writings that you can explore.

Essays. Essays are usually short and are non-fictional. Essays are used when going through someone’s experience or addressing a certain topic that is at hand. Writers can publish in various places and various kinds of publications.

Essays are a good place for writers who are starting.

Blogs. These kinds of writers almost look like essays. They contain posts that are almost similar to essays. The difference is that the blog format permits the bloggers to use informal language. Blogs are briefer than essays.

There are various formats for publishing blogs, i.e., WordPress.

Poetry. This kind of writing is perfect for an emotionally driven writer. A lot of non-fictional and traditional fiction writers like to use poetry.

Novella or short stories. This type of writing is also a good starting point for new writers. It has a suitable format that new writers can use when starting their careers.

Unlike traditional novels, short stories have a lower word count. It offers a good platform for new writers to learn how to write in a fiction way.

How to choose a topic

There are also very many ways in which one can think of what to write about.

The way one will select the topic will depend on the writing he is doing.

But these are three tips that one can consider when choosing the right topic for their writing.

Story. To write something that attracts the audience, one needs to make sure that he brings up a compelling character. Whether the story will be non-fictional or fictional, try to think of as many storylines as you can and select the storyline that is more pleasing a d attractive to you. Ask yourself, “what will keep my reader engaged when he reads my story?”

Personal experience. Another way in which one can come up with a storyline is through a unique experience. One’s brain can provide one with memories that he can use to write his story.

Issues. It is one way that one can come up with non-fictional stories. One can do this by examining the community and finding a problem.

One can talk about the causes of the problem, its effects, and how to solve such a problem.

This tip not just goes to the beginner’s writers but also the advanced writers.

How to write better

There are ways in which one can use to become an advanced writer. But moving from a novice to an advanced does not just happen in a click. It is a long process, and one has to have determination when treading that path.

Below are a few tips that one can use.

Read. It is an essential tip of being an advanced writer. A writer needs to read other writer’s work to find new ideas and improve on their work.

Conclusion.

Becoming a good writer involves hard work and perseverance.

8 Tips To Keep The Cash Flowing In Your Startup

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Starting up a business and smoothly operating it requires a lot of attention and dedication. You have to figure out many things, such as where to procure raw materials from, the cost of production, waste management, marketing, and a long list of other things.

Whether you plan to manufacture a product or offer a service to the market, the business aspects mentioned above are essential to cater to. Your marketing plans must be sound, and your business must have a competitive edge over other players existing in the same niche. But above all, and arguably the most important thing for any business is maintaining a steady cash flow.

Earning revenue is a vital goal for any business, and every business person wants to reap the benefits of profitability sooner than later. However, startups often struggle with their cash flow for multiple reasons. They do not know how to increase their profits or cut down on unnecessary business expenses. Poor financial management and decision-making inevitably lead to the business suffering heavy losses.

Cash flow management plays a significant role in keeping a startup afloat. Following are some of the best tips to help you out and keep the cash flowing as smooth as water:

  1. Calculate the break-even point

Knowing your break-even point is a must! Your break-even point will not directly impact the cash flow. However, it will provide you with a roadmap to allocate funds in the right place. It will help you increase your income and identify business areas that do not require an investment. You will have a clear vision about your goals and objectives that you need to achieve, helping you invest accordingly.

Your break-even point is where your total business income meets the cost of goods/services you sell. Knowing this point will help you precisely identify how much you need to sell to generate a profit. This information will help you determine how much cash you need to keep your business running.

  1. Manage the finances properly

Regardless of the volume of your profits, keeping an eye on cash flow management is something you cannot ignore. Your profit and break-even point will determine the criteria to set goals and milestones. However, it would be best to operate the business while keeping your cash-flow and spending in mind. If a company is making profits while not keeping a check on cost leakages in other business operations, your earnings will decrease rapidly. Here’s where skilled management comes into play.

Managing business finances can be a complex matter, and often entrepreneurs underestimate the stakes. It would be a wise idea to hire a seasoned accountant or financial expert to do the job. However, if your startup does not enjoy that sort of financial liberty, consider investing in and up skilling yourself to understand the role if not fully take it upon yourself. Many virtual universities offer smart choices, such as an online masters in accounting no gmat that are handy in getting just the right amount of knowledge to prevent your ship from sinking due to poor cash flow management.

  1. Maintain a cash reserve

Without a cash reserve, things can get pretty dry, pretty fast. No one can guarantee whether your business will always see a positive side and keep on growing or not. Many times shortfalls arise even when you have planned everything out to perfection. Take a look at the current pandemic, for instance. Numerous businesses shut down worldwide because people suddenly stopped buying products and services from them. Did anyone ever foresee such a thing? No!

In such an instance, your cash reserves come in handy. Maintaining a cash reserve will help you through times of economic crunch. It will give you a temporary financial cushion and enable you to keep your focus on your business objectives and milestones.

  1. Collect receivables

Many businesses operate on credit terms – good credit terms, to be more precise. However, you can’t let people take advantage of a cordial business relationship. You need to set a policy for your creditors, determining a particular payment cycle that works for both of you.

Your receivables constitute a significant chunk of your cash flow. Collecting them on time will help maintain the cash flow, as pending receivables are a barrier to your business growth. A smart way to go about it is entrusting a responsible employee to manage their timely collection.

  1. Offer discounts

In continuation with the pointer mentioned above, you can always offer your creditors exciting discounts to make the payment cycle more manageable. This way, they are bound to pay up early. We all love a concession; therefore, your creditors will prefer to pay up before the due date to benefit from the discount. For instance, you can offer a 5% discount if they agree to pay on a cash basis right at the spot.

  1. Extend payables

Similarly, you must try to extend the time to pay off loans and other payables. The effective way to go about this is to set up a policy when entering a contract. If possible, try to pay up within 60 or 90 days. This will allow you to manage your funds and allocate them properly. It will also enable you to maintain healthier cash reserves for day-to-day business operations.

However, never default on your payables. No one likes doing business with a crook!

  1. Smart hiring and spending

Hiring is a significant business cost and one that can have a drastic impact on your cash flow. Every month, you will draw money from your cash reserves to pay salaries, and if you’ve made poor hiring decisions, that money is effectively going to waste. As a pro tip, invest in hiring human resources smartly.

As a startup with limited resources, you should only hire an employee if you really need one. Smart hiring also entails hiring people who can multitask till your business grows to a point where there is plenty of cash and lots of work to do.

  1. Get smart with tech

You cannot survive in the market if you do not utilize modern technology and incorporate it within your business operations. This also includes incorporating relevant Fin-tech to manage your cash flows, accounting processes, and tax compliances efficiently. Recording your data onto spreadsheets and cloud storage will allow you to manage your business most proficiently. Human errors can be costly, especially in the early stages of a business. Imagine the dent in your cash flow if one of your employees fails to keep a proper record of paper receipts and eventually misplaces them. Disastrous, we say!

Summing up

We have seen that many startups fail to operate, and there are many reasons for that. However, the most common cause is not managing your cash flow properly. You cannot ignore cash flow management when it comes to operating a business smoothly. Incorporating these tips will ensure that your pockets are never run dry of cash when you need it the most.

 

How to Research a Security Before You Invest Your Capital

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Some investors have knowingly or unknowingly purchased and sold company stocks on the stock exchanges using insider trading tips. If Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) discovers unethical practices within an organization involving traders, the consequences can result in federal prison time and/or hefty fines and penalties.

Phil Mickelson, a professional golfer, is an example of a trader who had involvement in an SEC case that federal prosecutors had under investigation in a trading scheme in 2011. Phil Mickelson insider trading was illegal that resulted in him paying over $1 million in fines plus a $105,000 penalty in interest.

It is the primary reason investors must perform due diligence on all securities before investing their capital in stocks, indexes, bonds, and annuities. Billy Waters, a friend of Mickelson, provided the insider trading tip after he received confidential information from his friend Tom Davis, who served as a board member at Dean Foods. Phil purchased over $2 million in the company’s stock and made a whopping profit of $931,000. The FBI and SEC became involved and investigated the trading transactions, but never charged him with any crime.

What saved Phil Mickelson in court was the Newman rule because the charges against him were difficult to prove in court. His defense team used the rule to reduce the charge to a citing for benefiting from wrongdoing. Whether he knew about the insider trade, he probably learned a valuable lesson as an investor. Investors should investigate a security to determine if the company is legitimate and honest in their business affairs. If the investment will expose you to fraud and legal prosecution, it is best to avoid investing your capital into a stock.

How to Research if a Company Is Legitimate and Has Integrity

The only way to know if a security is legitimate is to do your research on the broker or brokerage firm and the securities. You, as an investor, must investigate a business before making an investment in public security or into a private company as an angel investor. To offer securities on US stock exchanges, companies must register with SEC, pay annual federal income taxes, and file the forms with SEC. If a business owes back taxes and has a lien against the company, investors should seek other investment opportunities.

Angel investors should be knowledgeable of companies not listed on stock exchanges and do thorough research on whether the company has integrity. Those entities should be in good standing with IRS and have a professional tax preparer or a tax attorney.

You can find out information on a company not listed on a stock exchange and its legitimacy by hiring a business lawyer specializing in taxes and business law. Legal representation will ensure you have information about the financial conditions of a company and its registration with the state or city.

Ways You Can Check if a Security Is Legitimate

  • If you are using a broker or brokerage firm to make investments in securities, research the companies on the SEC site first. You want to make sure brokerages are legit and not running a scam to take your capital. To purchase or sell securities, they must have a license to conduct business in their country or state. You can find this information on the FINRA website to evaluate the background of a firm or broker
  • Visit the SEC website to search for the registration of companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, and other stock exchanges. SEC does not offer advice on whether a security is a wonderful investment, but reviews registration statements for securities. The federal agency requires businesses to abide by its disclosure rules.
  • Check Edgar database to research the financial information and operations of a publicly-traded company. The service is free to the public for all investors to review filings of companies on its website. SEC has a link to the Edgar database to research information about variable annuities, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Investors can perform their own due diligence about the integrity and legitimacy of securities and companies, or rely on the expertise of an attorney. Phil Mickelson is an example of an investor who had to pay over a million dollars in fines and penalties for his role in insider trading. Whether he knowingly or unknowingly secured the investment, there were legal repercussions for his actions and involvement.

 

Small to Medium Dog Breeds

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If you’re interested in adding a small to medium sized dog to your household and would love to learn about some of the different dog breeds which may suit your home and lifestyle, you’ve come to the right place. Simply continue reading to discover valuable information about some of the most popular small to medium sized dogs.

Small to Medium Dog Breeds:

Chihuahuas:

Chihuahuas usually weigh less than 6 pounds and the average Chihuahua is 6 inches tall. While Chihuahuas are small in stature they have big personalities and are a joy to be around. As Chihuahuas are so petite, they should be housed in homes without small children, who may not realize their strength and may rough house a Chihuahua with too much energy. Chihuahuas either have long coats or short coats and short coat Chihuahuas are an ideal choice for those who are looking for a low maintenance dog.

Brussels Griffons:

Brussels Griffons weigh between 5 pounds and 15 pounds and typically stand 9 to 11 inches tall. Brussels Griffons are known for their cute bearded faces and their large, expressive eyes. Brussels Griffons come in a variety of colors. Some examples of which include brown, black and tan. One of the advantages to adopting a Brussels Griffons is that they are intelligent and relatively easy to train. Due to their small frames it’s a great idea to supervise young children around Brussels Griffons.

Boston Terriers:

Boston Terriers are instantly recognizable due to their black and white tuxedo coats, large ears and eyes. They typically weigh between 9.9 pounds and 24 pounds and stand around 15 to 17 inches tall. Boston Terriers are one of the friendliest dog breeds in the world and get along with other animals as well as human beings. Lastly, Boston Terriers are relatively low maintenance and only require twice weekly brushing and one brisk walk per day. Check out this site to learn more about the the breed.

Pomeranians:

Pomeranians are a small dog breed which are usually 6 to 7 inches tall and weigh 3 to 7 pounds. Pomeranians have fluffy coats and small cute faces. Pomeranians are known for being exceptionally intelligent and are easy to train. Pomeranians also make great compassions as they bond easily with their owners and are loyal and love to watch over their human family members. If you adopt a Pomeranians

Yorkshire Terriers:

Yorkshire Terriers weigh up to 7 pounds and are typically 8 to 9 inches tall. While Yorkshire Terriers are a small, toy dog breed, they behave like larger breeds and are boisterous and full of energy. Yorkshire Terriers also have a keen sense of adventure and love exploring beaches and forest trails. As Yorkshire Terriers are naturally alert, they also make exceptional guard dogs. As they’ll instantly start barking if they hear a potential intruder trying to break into their family’s home.

So if you’re interested in adding a small to medium sized dog to your family, it’s well worth considering adopting one of the popular small to medium sized dog breeds which are listed above! To read more on topics like this, check out the blog category.

BCFS Health and Human Services CSD Offers Parents Tips for At-Home Learning

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Millions of U.S. parents continue to struggle with managing their child’s education during the pandemic. The shutdowns in many states forced parents to balance their jobs and homes and take on the role of additional teacher. As the pandemic continues and kids continue to learn from school, parents need additional resources to help them navigate this turbulent time. Organizations such as BCFS Health and Human Services provide valuable advice for parents that reflects the company’s years of experience serving kids and parents in a variety of ways.

Kids learn their best when they are free from outside distractions, whether it’s an Xbox game or a pestering sibling. Parents and their kids should work together to find dedicated spaces for learning that remove most distractions and help the child perform their best. Parents can assist their kids by clearing off desk space or setting up their kids with an outdoors quiet area that’s away from other household noises. Once parents are confident their child has a good quiet space, that frees up more of their time for their jobs or housework, instead of constantly pushing the student back to learning.

Besides a dedicated space to learn, students at home also need expectations and guidelines to help them succeed. Parents can set expectations for their kids that complement their class schedule. So if they have five hours of instruction time, they can set reasonable goals for homework and study. For expectations, parents can talk to their kids about the effort level they want to see, as well as any grade levels. By setting attainable goals, parents keep their kids on track, and can establish a baseline where they can intervene if their child starts falling behind. BCFS Health and Human Services CSD recommends parents structure their student’s day, but also be willing to adapt to new circumstances and provide some leeway to kids who are doing their best under stressful circumstances.

To break up the routines of the school day, parents can also add some fun learning exercises to their child’s at-home curriculum. This could include talks about budgeting and personal finance to prep kids for being on their own. Most kids enjoy dessert, so parents could work together with their kids to bake cakes or cookies, so they’re learning how to cook while also enjoying a treat.