Many businesses have found times difficult over the last few years. The continuing economic gloom has had an impact on many areas of business, meaning the need to cut costs wherever possible. There are several ways that businesses can cut costs without cutting productivity and reducing business.
Video Conferencing
Businesses that have a large number of meetings can utilise video conferencing to save on travel costs and time. This is especially true for those who regularly have to travel long distances to attend business meetings, for example abroad. Video conferencing technology has improved significantly in recent years meaning it can be as productive as holding in-person meetings. Extensive travel costs can be reduced, and staff not having to travel makes them more productive and, therefore, more profitable in the long run.
Employees Working from Home
Having employees work from home may or may not be realistic. Where it is it can save on office space and office expense. Businesses can opt for introducing hot desks, where employees use free desks when in the office rather than everyone having their. This will mean not needing a desk and computer for every member of staff. If you are a one-person business then working from home can save on a lot of costs compared with having an office just for one person.
VoIP
Using VoIP for calls can be cheaper than using a traditional telephone. There are many business VoIP solutions that can give customers everything they need, such as multiple lines, call forwarding and answer phone services.
Office Supplies
It is a good idea to try to get all office supplies and company stationary from the same supplier. This might mean being able to negotiate a discount. Where possible, buying in bulk can also save on costs.
Energy Savings
This may be an obvious one, but it is important to limit energy use where possible. This simply takes common sense. Small things such as not leaving computers on overnight, not leaving lights on when they are not necessary, and not leaving heating on outside operating hours can save a lot of money in the long run. That doesn’t mean not using the heating all winter, but simply not wasting energy when it is not required.
Go Paperless
Computers are so prominent in business today that it can be possible to operate virtually paper-free. It is wise to store things digitally rather than printing things out when not necessary. This not only helps the environment, but saves on printing costs and paper costs. For things that do need to be printed it is possible to use a double-sided printer, meaning less wastage.
Good Quality Computers
Sticking with old computers might seem like a good way to save money, but it can reduce productivity. Computers that take forever to load the simplest document waste a lot of time in the long run.
Incentivise your Staff
Giving incentives to staff can increase business. They feel that they are rewarded for their good work and, therefore, become more productive. This does not have to mean giving everyone large bonus, but doing little things to promote hard work and reward improvement.
Regularly Review your Costs
It is amazing how much businesses can waste on things they don’t even realise they are spending. There are often things they once needed but no longer do, and yet they are still paying for it. This makes it important to regularly look at all expenditure.
Andrew Marshall ©
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
What is the ISA Allowance?
Investing in an ISA is a way of being able to make tax free investments. People can invest up to the ISA allowance amount each year through cash ISA’s and stocks and shares ISA’s. Up to half the amount can be invested in a cash ISA, but if savers choose they can use 100 per cent of it for a stocks and shares ISA. The advantage of an ISA compared to other investments is that increases in the value of investments are not taxed, with no tax paid on interest or capital gains.
The ISA allowance is an amount set each year as the maximum any individual can invest in ISA’s that year. This limit is set to prevent people from being able to invest an unlimited amount, and therefore receive an unlimited amount of non-taxable income. The ISA allowance is re-evaluated each year, with a limit set for the duration of a tax year (sixth April to fifth April the following year).
In the tax year 2011/2012 the allowance was £10,680, so up to £5,340 can be invested in a cash ISA. This will be increasing by 5.62% to a total of £11,280 in 2012/2013, so up to £5,640 in a cash ISA. To make full use of the allowance, investors must use it within the tax year; it cannot be carried over to the following year. For example, if someone has invested £8,000 in 2011/2012 they do not have an allowance of £13,960 in 2012/2013. The allowance is reset to £11,280. For this reason it is worth using the full allowance prior to the end of the tax year where possible.
The purpose of an ISA is to encourage savings and investment. Anyone can invest and they don’t have to invest the full amount. People are encouraged to invest by the tax advantages. The limit prevents the possibility of some potentially investing very high amounts each year and, therefore, paying less in tax. Were this to be the case it would allow the very wealthy to make large tax savings. The overall objective is to encourage saving and investment without making it too easy for some to avoid tax.
As touched upon above, there are two types of ISA; a cash ISA and a stocks and shares ISA. A cash ISA is the safer bet but, due to this, the potential gains are not so high. A stocks and shares ISA is the opposite; riskier but the gains are likely to be higher with the more successful investments. Having these two options gives people a choice. And, of course, they can mix and match. They cannot, though, put more than a certain limit towards a cash ISA. The cash ISA allowances for both 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 are half of the total, but this has not always been the same. In most cases investments in stocks and shares ISA’s are more beneficial over the long term, but this cannot be guaranteed. It depends on the specific investments, with some performing better than others.
Andrew Marshall ©
The ISA allowance is an amount set each year as the maximum any individual can invest in ISA’s that year. This limit is set to prevent people from being able to invest an unlimited amount, and therefore receive an unlimited amount of non-taxable income. The ISA allowance is re-evaluated each year, with a limit set for the duration of a tax year (sixth April to fifth April the following year).
In the tax year 2011/2012 the allowance was £10,680, so up to £5,340 can be invested in a cash ISA. This will be increasing by 5.62% to a total of £11,280 in 2012/2013, so up to £5,640 in a cash ISA. To make full use of the allowance, investors must use it within the tax year; it cannot be carried over to the following year. For example, if someone has invested £8,000 in 2011/2012 they do not have an allowance of £13,960 in 2012/2013. The allowance is reset to £11,280. For this reason it is worth using the full allowance prior to the end of the tax year where possible.
The purpose of an ISA is to encourage savings and investment. Anyone can invest and they don’t have to invest the full amount. People are encouraged to invest by the tax advantages. The limit prevents the possibility of some potentially investing very high amounts each year and, therefore, paying less in tax. Were this to be the case it would allow the very wealthy to make large tax savings. The overall objective is to encourage saving and investment without making it too easy for some to avoid tax.
As touched upon above, there are two types of ISA; a cash ISA and a stocks and shares ISA. A cash ISA is the safer bet but, due to this, the potential gains are not so high. A stocks and shares ISA is the opposite; riskier but the gains are likely to be higher with the more successful investments. Having these two options gives people a choice. And, of course, they can mix and match. They cannot, though, put more than a certain limit towards a cash ISA. The cash ISA allowances for both 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 are half of the total, but this has not always been the same. In most cases investments in stocks and shares ISA’s are more beneficial over the long term, but this cannot be guaranteed. It depends on the specific investments, with some performing better than others.
Andrew Marshall ©
Drawbacks of Working from Home
Many love the idea of working from home. It can be more relaxing, more flexible, and save on travel times and costs. This has led some businesses to allow employees to work from home, either some of the time or permanently. There are potential drawbacks though, both from a business’s point of view and from an employee’s point of view.
FOR A BUSINESS
Harder to Judge Performance
The first potential negative as far as employers are concerned is that working from home can give employees the option of getting lazy. It may be easier to get away without doing as much work when you are out of the office. It can be too easy to get distracted, for example by the television or by children. Being out of the office makes it more difficult for businesses to judge how employees are performing - how much work they are doing and how well they are doing it.
Solution: This depends on the industry, but having employees submit time sheets at the end of each day is a good idea. It is then possible to know what employees have been doing and how long it has taken them.
Security
If people have to use the company computer when out of the office security can be an issue, especially if they are using their personal computers to connect to the company network. Personal computers may not have the required security, for example firewalls and antivirus software. Without the right security it may be possible for data to be interpreted and sensitive information hacked into. If data is transferred over a wireless network security problems are even more likely.
Solution: Having minimum security standard for employees using their personal computers and making sure they stick to it is a good policy. Using a VPN, or virtual private network, is also an option. A VPN encrypts data as it is being transferred and therefore can ensure a business’s computer network remains safe.
FOR EMPLOYEES
Separating Work and Home Life
Some prefer to keep their work and home lives separate, something that is hard to achieve if working from home. When you work elsewhere family time can begin when the working day ends. Working from home can make it feel like you never get away. There is a lack of variety as you are in the same place during the day, in the evening and at the weekends. This can lead to a feeling of boredom.
Solution: It is a good idea to be strict with your time and have set working hours. Although this may have to vary to some extent it gives you a rough structure to your life. Maybe go for a walk at the beginning and end of your working day to put a gap between your work and home life.
A Lack of Company
When working at home you could be on your own all day and this can get lonely. It can also make your job more difficult; there is no-one to bounce ideas off and no-one to ask if you are finding a task problematic.
Solution: There is no obvious solution to this. If you are not happy in this environment then working at home may not be for you.
Constant Interruptions
Being interrupted can be particularly problematic if you have children at home and this can make it difficult to get your work done. This can lead to having to work longer hours just to get the same amount of work done. Whenever someone knocks on the door or rings your phone you have to answer it, leading to more wasted time.
Solution: If possible have a room that is exclusively your office. Make it clear to your family that work time is work time and they shouldn’t distract your unless absolutely necessary.
Andrew Marshall ©
VPN Provider
FOR A BUSINESS
Harder to Judge Performance
The first potential negative as far as employers are concerned is that working from home can give employees the option of getting lazy. It may be easier to get away without doing as much work when you are out of the office. It can be too easy to get distracted, for example by the television or by children. Being out of the office makes it more difficult for businesses to judge how employees are performing - how much work they are doing and how well they are doing it.
Solution: This depends on the industry, but having employees submit time sheets at the end of each day is a good idea. It is then possible to know what employees have been doing and how long it has taken them.
Security
If people have to use the company computer when out of the office security can be an issue, especially if they are using their personal computers to connect to the company network. Personal computers may not have the required security, for example firewalls and antivirus software. Without the right security it may be possible for data to be interpreted and sensitive information hacked into. If data is transferred over a wireless network security problems are even more likely.
Solution: Having minimum security standard for employees using their personal computers and making sure they stick to it is a good policy. Using a VPN, or virtual private network, is also an option. A VPN encrypts data as it is being transferred and therefore can ensure a business’s computer network remains safe.
FOR EMPLOYEES
Separating Work and Home Life
Some prefer to keep their work and home lives separate, something that is hard to achieve if working from home. When you work elsewhere family time can begin when the working day ends. Working from home can make it feel like you never get away. There is a lack of variety as you are in the same place during the day, in the evening and at the weekends. This can lead to a feeling of boredom.
Solution: It is a good idea to be strict with your time and have set working hours. Although this may have to vary to some extent it gives you a rough structure to your life. Maybe go for a walk at the beginning and end of your working day to put a gap between your work and home life.
A Lack of Company
When working at home you could be on your own all day and this can get lonely. It can also make your job more difficult; there is no-one to bounce ideas off and no-one to ask if you are finding a task problematic.
Solution: There is no obvious solution to this. If you are not happy in this environment then working at home may not be for you.
Constant Interruptions
Being interrupted can be particularly problematic if you have children at home and this can make it difficult to get your work done. This can lead to having to work longer hours just to get the same amount of work done. Whenever someone knocks on the door or rings your phone you have to answer it, leading to more wasted time.
Solution: If possible have a room that is exclusively your office. Make it clear to your family that work time is work time and they shouldn’t distract your unless absolutely necessary.
Andrew Marshall ©
VPN Provider
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Is Marriage Better for Children?
Is it better for children that their parents are married and stay together than if they are bought up in a different family environment, such as by cohabiting parents or a single parent? Much of the evidence suggests that in an ideal world this is the case, but it is not always as simple as that.
Several studies have suggested that parents being married is better for children and they, on average, get better results at school and are less likely to turn to crime. This seems like an unfair generalisation though, and it does not have to be the case that children whose parents are not married, or don’t remain married, have less success.
Married Couples with Children
There is a case for suggesting that a stable family situation is good for children. They have a routine and are comfortable in their everyday lives. In many cases their parents being in a happy marriage is the best example of a stable family environment. However, parents staying together for the sake of the children – in an unhappy marriage – is not necessarily good for children. They can sense when things are not right and an unhappy family makes an unhappy child. So the simple statement that marriage is better for children is not always true.
Married Couples compared with Cohabiting Couples
It is often stated that children whose parents are married “do better” than children whose parents live together but are not married. But does this mean that cohabiting parents is negative as far as children are concerned? Not necessarily.
There can be a situation where the two parents are married to each other in a happy relationship. There can, though, also be a situation where parents are in a happy relationship but cohabiting rather than married, and remain together for the rest of their lives. As far as children are concerned, their upbringing in these two examples would be exactly the same, so surely there is no difference.
The difference may come in that cohabiting couples are more likely to separate, or so we are constantly told. Just because more cohabiting couples separate than married couples does not mean that they are separating because they are cohabiting. It is more likely that they have not got married because they were unsure if they were ready.
Divorce
Many feel that a divorce is bad for children. Some would argue it is best two married parent and their children live together in a happy and stable environment, but that doesn’t mean divorce is always bad for children. As already mentioned, remaining in an unhappy marriage is not a good thing, while a well handled divorce and aftermath doesn’t have to affect children negatively. There are ways of dealing with a divorce that doesn’t have a negative impact. If parents can continue to have an amicable relationship, don’t talk about each other in a negative manner, and both continue to have a close relationship with their children, then their influence can remain positive.
People have many different opinions on this subject, but the point is that family and the upbringing of children is not black and white. There may be statistics that tell us that one form of family or another is better for children but that does not mean other family environments cannot be just as successful.
Andrew Marshall ©
Family Law
Several studies have suggested that parents being married is better for children and they, on average, get better results at school and are less likely to turn to crime. This seems like an unfair generalisation though, and it does not have to be the case that children whose parents are not married, or don’t remain married, have less success.
Married Couples with Children
There is a case for suggesting that a stable family situation is good for children. They have a routine and are comfortable in their everyday lives. In many cases their parents being in a happy marriage is the best example of a stable family environment. However, parents staying together for the sake of the children – in an unhappy marriage – is not necessarily good for children. They can sense when things are not right and an unhappy family makes an unhappy child. So the simple statement that marriage is better for children is not always true.
Married Couples compared with Cohabiting Couples
It is often stated that children whose parents are married “do better” than children whose parents live together but are not married. But does this mean that cohabiting parents is negative as far as children are concerned? Not necessarily.
There can be a situation where the two parents are married to each other in a happy relationship. There can, though, also be a situation where parents are in a happy relationship but cohabiting rather than married, and remain together for the rest of their lives. As far as children are concerned, their upbringing in these two examples would be exactly the same, so surely there is no difference.
The difference may come in that cohabiting couples are more likely to separate, or so we are constantly told. Just because more cohabiting couples separate than married couples does not mean that they are separating because they are cohabiting. It is more likely that they have not got married because they were unsure if they were ready.
Divorce
Many feel that a divorce is bad for children. Some would argue it is best two married parent and their children live together in a happy and stable environment, but that doesn’t mean divorce is always bad for children. As already mentioned, remaining in an unhappy marriage is not a good thing, while a well handled divorce and aftermath doesn’t have to affect children negatively. There are ways of dealing with a divorce that doesn’t have a negative impact. If parents can continue to have an amicable relationship, don’t talk about each other in a negative manner, and both continue to have a close relationship with their children, then their influence can remain positive.
People have many different opinions on this subject, but the point is that family and the upbringing of children is not black and white. There may be statistics that tell us that one form of family or another is better for children but that does not mean other family environments cannot be just as successful.
Andrew Marshall ©
Family Law
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Why You Should Recycle?
There are many good reasons to recycle. The more we recycle the less materials have to be used for the manufacture of new products. Recycling is good for both the economy and the environment.
Recycling has become a major industry, from those employed in the recycling of used materials to those employed in turning recycled materials into new products. The recycling industry employs thousands of people, something that will increase as recycling becomes more common. It can also mean less money is wasted on getting rid of unwanted waste and sourcing raw material.
The most obvious benefit is the impact on the environment. The more materials can be reused the less the impact on the environment; from oil being used to manufacture plastic to trees being chopped down for wood. Not only does using raw materials have a negative impact on the environment but getting rid of waste does too.
Natural resources are needed when brand new products are being made. This involves a long process that can include mining or forestry. Natural resources are used and energy is wasted. It always takes less energy to use recycled materials than to manufacture products from scratch. Energy is used in sourcing materials and extracting materials. Transportation also wastes energy with certain materials having to be transported from one side of the world to another. With recycled materials this is not the case. A good example of this is with aluminium cans. The recycling process for aluminium cans uses just five per cent of the energy of extracting the required materials. Twenty recycled cans can be made with the energy of manufacturing just one from raw materials.
Gases and chemicals do harm to the earth. Mining raw materials produces gasses, and in some cases, chemicals. This is another way in which recycling can benefit the environment. Although there are times when recycling produces gas it is to a lesser degree.
Landfill is a problem. We often get rid of waste by burying it in the ground at so-called landfill sites. Eventually space at a landfill site runs out so more sites have to be created. It is not just space that is a problem though. There is the environmental impact of chemicals leaking into the earth, potentially ending up in streams and rivers. This can make its way into our drinking water and have an impact on wildlife.
There is no real reason not to recycle. It is very simple to do and can have a major positive impact on the world we live in. Most households in Britain have curb side collections for recyclable products. These vary from area to area but can include pickups for plastic, glass, cardboard, paper, food and garden waste. If in doubt about your local collections, contact your local council. Even if certain products are not collected you can take them to your local recycling centre. Although this takes a little effort, is it not worth this effort to benefit the earth, and in particular our children’s and grandchildren’s generations?
At the moment over half of rubbish that is not recycled could be. While this is a lower figure than it once was this could be better. It is possible we could halve the amount of waste we currently produce.
Andrew Marshall ©
Packaging Suppliers are able to use a variety of recycled materials for their packaging.
Recycling has become a major industry, from those employed in the recycling of used materials to those employed in turning recycled materials into new products. The recycling industry employs thousands of people, something that will increase as recycling becomes more common. It can also mean less money is wasted on getting rid of unwanted waste and sourcing raw material.
The most obvious benefit is the impact on the environment. The more materials can be reused the less the impact on the environment; from oil being used to manufacture plastic to trees being chopped down for wood. Not only does using raw materials have a negative impact on the environment but getting rid of waste does too.
Natural resources are needed when brand new products are being made. This involves a long process that can include mining or forestry. Natural resources are used and energy is wasted. It always takes less energy to use recycled materials than to manufacture products from scratch. Energy is used in sourcing materials and extracting materials. Transportation also wastes energy with certain materials having to be transported from one side of the world to another. With recycled materials this is not the case. A good example of this is with aluminium cans. The recycling process for aluminium cans uses just five per cent of the energy of extracting the required materials. Twenty recycled cans can be made with the energy of manufacturing just one from raw materials.
Gases and chemicals do harm to the earth. Mining raw materials produces gasses, and in some cases, chemicals. This is another way in which recycling can benefit the environment. Although there are times when recycling produces gas it is to a lesser degree.
Landfill is a problem. We often get rid of waste by burying it in the ground at so-called landfill sites. Eventually space at a landfill site runs out so more sites have to be created. It is not just space that is a problem though. There is the environmental impact of chemicals leaking into the earth, potentially ending up in streams and rivers. This can make its way into our drinking water and have an impact on wildlife.
There is no real reason not to recycle. It is very simple to do and can have a major positive impact on the world we live in. Most households in Britain have curb side collections for recyclable products. These vary from area to area but can include pickups for plastic, glass, cardboard, paper, food and garden waste. If in doubt about your local collections, contact your local council. Even if certain products are not collected you can take them to your local recycling centre. Although this takes a little effort, is it not worth this effort to benefit the earth, and in particular our children’s and grandchildren’s generations?
At the moment over half of rubbish that is not recycled could be. While this is a lower figure than it once was this could be better. It is possible we could halve the amount of waste we currently produce.
Andrew Marshall ©
Packaging Suppliers are able to use a variety of recycled materials for their packaging.
Monday, January 23, 2012
A Short History of Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s history goes back just over two hundred years. These days it is a large town of just over 160,000 people.
The first house was built in 1820 by a man named Tregonwell. Tregonwell and his wife visited a beach in the area and his wife was so taken by its beauty that she persuaded him to build a house there. At the time the land was heathland with grazing cattle.
It was another couple of decades before Bournemouth’s growth really began to flourish. Britain’s relatively recent love for the seaside was instrumental in Bournemouth’s beginnings, and much of its success since. In the late 1700’s and early 1800’s visiting the seaside became a popular pastime amongst Britons and resorts began to appear throughout the country, including south-coastal resorts such as Brighton and Eastbourne. In 1836 a man named George Tapps-Gervis decided he wanted to turn Bournemouth into a seaside resort. He was in a good position to develop the area as he was the son of a local land owner. Tapps-Gervis built family villas that were hired out for summer holidays. This led to more people buying land and building in the area. The still existent Bath Hotel was amongst the buildings built during this period; it first opened in 1838. By 1840 Bournemouth was officially a village.
Throughout the rest of the nineteenth century Bournemouth grew at a rapid rate. The stagecoach which travelled from Southampton to Weymouth began to call at Bournemouth, which was key in increasing tourism. The railway line to Bournemouth, which was built in 1870, was also important.
Bournemouth pier is still a recognisable part of the town, and the first pier was built in 1861. This was a wooden structure and was replaced by an iron pier in 1880. By this time the population was 16,000, but this more than doubled over the next ten years to 37,000.
It wasn’t just Bournemouth itself that was growing, but villages in close proximity. With the growth of these villages as well as Bournemouth, they soon came together and officially became part of the town. The border of the town continued to grow and the population was almost 60,000 by the turn of the century. Trams were installed in 1901 and were used for the next three decades before being replaced by trolley busses.
Two buildings that are still popular to this day where built in the 1920’s, the Russell Cotes museum, and the Pavilion. These were built in 1922 and 1929 respectively.
Like many towns and cities in Britain, Bournemouth was impacted by the Second World War. It wasn’t expected to be and children were evacuated to Bournemouth from the nearby cities of Southampton and Portsmouth. Unfortunately though, the town was bombed and 219 people were killed.
Initially Bournemouth was part of the county of Hampshire but became part of Dorset in 1972.
Today Bournemouth is a thriving town. Its population is now just over 160,000 and it is particularly popular during the summertime, when thousands of holiday makers make their way to the seaside resort.
Andrew Marshall ©
Solicitors Bournemouth
Luxury Swimwear for Men
The first house was built in 1820 by a man named Tregonwell. Tregonwell and his wife visited a beach in the area and his wife was so taken by its beauty that she persuaded him to build a house there. At the time the land was heathland with grazing cattle.
It was another couple of decades before Bournemouth’s growth really began to flourish. Britain’s relatively recent love for the seaside was instrumental in Bournemouth’s beginnings, and much of its success since. In the late 1700’s and early 1800’s visiting the seaside became a popular pastime amongst Britons and resorts began to appear throughout the country, including south-coastal resorts such as Brighton and Eastbourne. In 1836 a man named George Tapps-Gervis decided he wanted to turn Bournemouth into a seaside resort. He was in a good position to develop the area as he was the son of a local land owner. Tapps-Gervis built family villas that were hired out for summer holidays. This led to more people buying land and building in the area. The still existent Bath Hotel was amongst the buildings built during this period; it first opened in 1838. By 1840 Bournemouth was officially a village.
Throughout the rest of the nineteenth century Bournemouth grew at a rapid rate. The stagecoach which travelled from Southampton to Weymouth began to call at Bournemouth, which was key in increasing tourism. The railway line to Bournemouth, which was built in 1870, was also important.
Bournemouth pier is still a recognisable part of the town, and the first pier was built in 1861. This was a wooden structure and was replaced by an iron pier in 1880. By this time the population was 16,000, but this more than doubled over the next ten years to 37,000.
It wasn’t just Bournemouth itself that was growing, but villages in close proximity. With the growth of these villages as well as Bournemouth, they soon came together and officially became part of the town. The border of the town continued to grow and the population was almost 60,000 by the turn of the century. Trams were installed in 1901 and were used for the next three decades before being replaced by trolley busses.
Two buildings that are still popular to this day where built in the 1920’s, the Russell Cotes museum, and the Pavilion. These were built in 1922 and 1929 respectively.
Like many towns and cities in Britain, Bournemouth was impacted by the Second World War. It wasn’t expected to be and children were evacuated to Bournemouth from the nearby cities of Southampton and Portsmouth. Unfortunately though, the town was bombed and 219 people were killed.
Initially Bournemouth was part of the county of Hampshire but became part of Dorset in 1972.
Today Bournemouth is a thriving town. Its population is now just over 160,000 and it is particularly popular during the summertime, when thousands of holiday makers make their way to the seaside resort.
Andrew Marshall ©
Solicitors Bournemouth
Luxury Swimwear for Men
Friday, January 20, 2012
My Top Ten London Tourist Attractions
London is one of the world’s most popular tourist cities. There are hundreds of tourist attractions in the city. Here are my top ten.
London Eye
The London Eye offers great views of this great city. It is a revolving Ferris Wheel that is 135 metres high at its highest, and has views of 25 miles on a clear day. It is constantly moving from 10am until closing time (which varies depending on the time of year) and consists of 32 capsules. The current cost is £18.60 and it takes around 30 minutes to go round. The London Eye is situated on the south bank of the River Thames and has particularly good views of the Houses of Parliament and Canary Wharf.
Tower of London
Officially known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, this historic castle in on the north bank of the River Thames, next to Tower Bridge. It was founded in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. It has been used for many purposes over the centuries, including as a royal residence and a prison. It has been besieged many times throughout history and historically has been important in controlling the country. The Tower of London was prominently used as a prison in the 1500’s and 1600’s and many were famously executed there. Now it is a museum.
Houses of Parliament
This is one of London’s most famous landmarks. It is where members of parliament meet to discuss and debate political matters. It consists of the House of Lords, the House of Common and the world famous clock tower, Big Ben. Built in the 19th Century, it is on the north bank of the River Thames in the west London area of Westminster.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
This is the most famous cathedral in Britain and the Mother church of the Diocese of London. The visually most striking part of St. Paul’s is the famous dome. Up until 1962 it was the tallest building in London. The architect was Christopher Wren whose remains are in the corner of the crypt.
The Globe Theatre
The original globe was built in 1599 by William Shakespeare’s company. It was reconstructed in 1997 just over 200 metres from the original and is an open-air stage. The building is a ring-like shape around the theatre. Only Shakespeare plays are shown, and it is a real atmospheric location to watch some of the greatest theatre ever produced.
Science Museum
There are a variety of science related pieces in the Science Museum, including many that visitors can experiment with themselves. It is a hands-on science experience and great for children, who can learn about science while playing with some fun exhibits.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum, situated in Kensington in West London, consists of a large number of life and earth specimens. There are five main collections; botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology. The palaeontology collection includes dinosaur skeletons, which is what the museum is most famous for. The museum is free to enter.
British Museum
You may think the British museum would be primarily about British history, but it consists of artefacts from all parts of the world, including Egypt, ancient Greece, Asia and America, and much more. There are over eight million artefacts in all. The British Museum has been open since 1759. It is visited more than any other museum in Britain, and has the second most visitors in the world, behind the Musee de Louvre in Paris.
National Gallery
Situated on the world famous Trafalgar Square, this art gallery has over 2,000 paintings. There is free entry but they do hold exhibitions which cost extra. Established in 1824, it is the third most visited museum in Britain.
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is the most visited modern art museum in the world. It is situated in what was previously the Bankside Power Station, with the outer building much as it was then. The Tate Modern contains a large array of modern art pieces and is constantly changing. Entry is free.
Andrew Marshall ©
Solicitors London
London Eye
The London Eye offers great views of this great city. It is a revolving Ferris Wheel that is 135 metres high at its highest, and has views of 25 miles on a clear day. It is constantly moving from 10am until closing time (which varies depending on the time of year) and consists of 32 capsules. The current cost is £18.60 and it takes around 30 minutes to go round. The London Eye is situated on the south bank of the River Thames and has particularly good views of the Houses of Parliament and Canary Wharf.
Tower of London
Officially known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, this historic castle in on the north bank of the River Thames, next to Tower Bridge. It was founded in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. It has been used for many purposes over the centuries, including as a royal residence and a prison. It has been besieged many times throughout history and historically has been important in controlling the country. The Tower of London was prominently used as a prison in the 1500’s and 1600’s and many were famously executed there. Now it is a museum.
Houses of Parliament
This is one of London’s most famous landmarks. It is where members of parliament meet to discuss and debate political matters. It consists of the House of Lords, the House of Common and the world famous clock tower, Big Ben. Built in the 19th Century, it is on the north bank of the River Thames in the west London area of Westminster.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
This is the most famous cathedral in Britain and the Mother church of the Diocese of London. The visually most striking part of St. Paul’s is the famous dome. Up until 1962 it was the tallest building in London. The architect was Christopher Wren whose remains are in the corner of the crypt.
The Globe Theatre
The original globe was built in 1599 by William Shakespeare’s company. It was reconstructed in 1997 just over 200 metres from the original and is an open-air stage. The building is a ring-like shape around the theatre. Only Shakespeare plays are shown, and it is a real atmospheric location to watch some of the greatest theatre ever produced.
Science Museum
There are a variety of science related pieces in the Science Museum, including many that visitors can experiment with themselves. It is a hands-on science experience and great for children, who can learn about science while playing with some fun exhibits.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum, situated in Kensington in West London, consists of a large number of life and earth specimens. There are five main collections; botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology. The palaeontology collection includes dinosaur skeletons, which is what the museum is most famous for. The museum is free to enter.
British Museum
You may think the British museum would be primarily about British history, but it consists of artefacts from all parts of the world, including Egypt, ancient Greece, Asia and America, and much more. There are over eight million artefacts in all. The British Museum has been open since 1759. It is visited more than any other museum in Britain, and has the second most visitors in the world, behind the Musee de Louvre in Paris.
National Gallery
Situated on the world famous Trafalgar Square, this art gallery has over 2,000 paintings. There is free entry but they do hold exhibitions which cost extra. Established in 1824, it is the third most visited museum in Britain.
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is the most visited modern art museum in the world. It is situated in what was previously the Bankside Power Station, with the outer building much as it was then. The Tate Modern contains a large array of modern art pieces and is constantly changing. Entry is free.
Andrew Marshall ©
Solicitors London
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Is it Worth Having your Hosting Managed for You?
Is it worth having your web hosting managed for you and opting for a managed hosting solution? That is a question that many business owners will ask themselves as they search for hosting for their website. Managed hosting is more expensive than some of the options so many are reluctant, but there are many benefits that can make the extra outlay worthwhile.
Peace of Mind
One of the nice things with having your hosting managed is the peace of mind it gives you. You know your hosting is taken care and is in the hands of experts so you can relax. You are, therefore, able to focus on your core business instead of worrying if your website is live or not. This is especially the case if you have a lack of hosting knowledge yourself. If this is true then managing it yourself can be tricky so it makes sense to have it in the hands of technical experts rather than attempting to control it yourself.
Monitoring
A major benefit of managed hosting is the monitoring that is included, usually twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. With your site’s hosting being monitored any problems with the site will be quickly established….. and solved. Issues can often be prevented before they occur, and if something does go wrong that impact the site, it only has a minimal affect. With managed hosting there is very unlikely to be a situation where a website is down for several hours before anything is done about it. All in all, this means fewer problems with the hosting.
If you have Complex Hosting Needs
If you have complex hosting requirements then managed hosting could be a good option. It means having technical expertise managing your hosting so not having to control it yourself. Whereas with a basic hosting package you might be able to manage it yourself, with a complex solution amateurs are less likely to be able to handle it. This means having it managed can be essential and is certainly justifiable from a financial point of view.
You will get a Dedicated Server
With the vast majority of managed hosting solutions you will get a dedicated server for your website. This means not having to share a web server with any other sites. Sharing with other sites has the potential to have a negative impact as problems related to some sites on the server can affect others sharing it. This is not an issue if you have a managed hosting package with your own individual server.
Overall, managed hosting can be very good value for money. Just because it costs more than other solutions does not mean it is any less value for money. If you have the requirements for it then it can be worth every penny. The key thing is that you don’t have to manage it yourself, and your hosting being controlled by expert professionals has many obvious advantages. The quality of the hosting and the overall service is very high.
Andrew Marshall ©
Peace of Mind
One of the nice things with having your hosting managed is the peace of mind it gives you. You know your hosting is taken care and is in the hands of experts so you can relax. You are, therefore, able to focus on your core business instead of worrying if your website is live or not. This is especially the case if you have a lack of hosting knowledge yourself. If this is true then managing it yourself can be tricky so it makes sense to have it in the hands of technical experts rather than attempting to control it yourself.
Monitoring
A major benefit of managed hosting is the monitoring that is included, usually twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. With your site’s hosting being monitored any problems with the site will be quickly established….. and solved. Issues can often be prevented before they occur, and if something does go wrong that impact the site, it only has a minimal affect. With managed hosting there is very unlikely to be a situation where a website is down for several hours before anything is done about it. All in all, this means fewer problems with the hosting.
If you have Complex Hosting Needs
If you have complex hosting requirements then managed hosting could be a good option. It means having technical expertise managing your hosting so not having to control it yourself. Whereas with a basic hosting package you might be able to manage it yourself, with a complex solution amateurs are less likely to be able to handle it. This means having it managed can be essential and is certainly justifiable from a financial point of view.
You will get a Dedicated Server
With the vast majority of managed hosting solutions you will get a dedicated server for your website. This means not having to share a web server with any other sites. Sharing with other sites has the potential to have a negative impact as problems related to some sites on the server can affect others sharing it. This is not an issue if you have a managed hosting package with your own individual server.
Overall, managed hosting can be very good value for money. Just because it costs more than other solutions does not mean it is any less value for money. If you have the requirements for it then it can be worth every penny. The key thing is that you don’t have to manage it yourself, and your hosting being controlled by expert professionals has many obvious advantages. The quality of the hosting and the overall service is very high.
Andrew Marshall ©
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Giving to Charity Trends
This article looks at some statistics regarding giving to charity in the UK. This includes the numbers giving, average donation amounts, and interesting trends.
Over half of adults in the UK donate financially to charitable causes on a regular basic. This does not include volunteering time. In 2009/2010 people in the United Kingdom were on average giving £12 a month to charity. For most people it is less than this figure but some give significantly more, therefore increasing the average figure. 8% of the total came from donations of more than £100 a month, but this does not include the very wealthy giving very large amounts. 2009/2010 statistics are not available but in 2008/2009 there were 100 donations of more than £1 million.
Impact of the Recession
The recession was expected to have a significant impact on charitable giving but this has not happened to a large extent. In 2007/2008 donations went down a little, but they have increased again since. This is shown in things such as Children in Need, where amounts raised have continued to rise despite fears that the recession would have a negative impact. Since the recession hit, both the number of donations and the average amounts have increased, although the increase could be concentrated amongst those not particular impacted by the recession.
Giving at Home or Abroad
In recent years those giving to overseas causes has increased, with around a quarter of donations having gone outside of the country in the last few years. It is difficult to judge whether this is a general trend or whether there has been more large natural disaster the last few years. These types of events attract a lot of media coverage and tend to therefore lead to large numbers of donations. The earthquake in Haiti and earthquake and tsunami in Japan are good examples of this. These are visually tragic with thousands impacted suddenly. With people emotionally involved they are more likely to donate on instinct. The increases in giving to these types of causes also suggest a higher proportion of charitable giving is through one-off donations or occasionally giving rather than it being regular, for example monthly.
Which Demographics Donate Most?
Perhaps surprisingly, the age range that donates the most to charity amongst women and amongst men are very different. The women who contribute most to good causes are those in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, while men aged between 16 and 24 contribute more than any other age range.
How About Volunteering?
Around 40% of adults in the UK volunteer for a good cause at least once a year, with roughly 25% volunteering on at least a monthly basis. This has increased over the last five years. The recession has actually had a positive influence on this, with some who have been made redundant volunteering until they find suitable employment. Volunteering for a worthy cause is a good way for people to donate to charity who cannot afford to give financially. The general trend is a decrease in the numbers volunteering on a regular basis and an increase in people volunteering occasionally.
Andrew Marshall ©
Charity Law
Over half of adults in the UK donate financially to charitable causes on a regular basic. This does not include volunteering time. In 2009/2010 people in the United Kingdom were on average giving £12 a month to charity. For most people it is less than this figure but some give significantly more, therefore increasing the average figure. 8% of the total came from donations of more than £100 a month, but this does not include the very wealthy giving very large amounts. 2009/2010 statistics are not available but in 2008/2009 there were 100 donations of more than £1 million.
Impact of the Recession
The recession was expected to have a significant impact on charitable giving but this has not happened to a large extent. In 2007/2008 donations went down a little, but they have increased again since. This is shown in things such as Children in Need, where amounts raised have continued to rise despite fears that the recession would have a negative impact. Since the recession hit, both the number of donations and the average amounts have increased, although the increase could be concentrated amongst those not particular impacted by the recession.
Giving at Home or Abroad
In recent years those giving to overseas causes has increased, with around a quarter of donations having gone outside of the country in the last few years. It is difficult to judge whether this is a general trend or whether there has been more large natural disaster the last few years. These types of events attract a lot of media coverage and tend to therefore lead to large numbers of donations. The earthquake in Haiti and earthquake and tsunami in Japan are good examples of this. These are visually tragic with thousands impacted suddenly. With people emotionally involved they are more likely to donate on instinct. The increases in giving to these types of causes also suggest a higher proportion of charitable giving is through one-off donations or occasionally giving rather than it being regular, for example monthly.
Which Demographics Donate Most?
Perhaps surprisingly, the age range that donates the most to charity amongst women and amongst men are very different. The women who contribute most to good causes are those in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, while men aged between 16 and 24 contribute more than any other age range.
How About Volunteering?
Around 40% of adults in the UK volunteer for a good cause at least once a year, with roughly 25% volunteering on at least a monthly basis. This has increased over the last five years. The recession has actually had a positive influence on this, with some who have been made redundant volunteering until they find suitable employment. Volunteering for a worthy cause is a good way for people to donate to charity who cannot afford to give financially. The general trend is a decrease in the numbers volunteering on a regular basis and an increase in people volunteering occasionally.
Andrew Marshall ©
Charity Law
Monday, January 16, 2012
Gas Prices to Fall
The first of the UK’s big energy companies has announced that they will be cutting their gas prices. EDF Energy has said their gas customers will be seeing a 5% reduction in bills from February, making up for some of the 15% increases that have come over the last two years due to increased wholesale prices.
After rising over the last couple of years, wholesale gas prices have started to decline. The main two reasons for this has been the impact of the economy is general and a mild winter, meaning extracting gas has been easier and has therefore cost less. Purchasing gas has cost the energy companies less so they are able to pass this onto their customers.
It is almost certain that other gas providers will follow in reducing their prices, otherwise they risk being left behind and losing customers. A couple of small energy companies have reduced their prices, but as of 13th January, none of the other large providers have followed suit. Price reductions are expected to be announced over the next few weeks.
Wholesale gas prices can fluctuate significantly. Many factors across the world can impact this, from economic factors to natural disasters in relevant areas and whether conditions impacting the ease of extracting gas. Therefore, it is not always easy to predict whether prices will go up or down over the long term, or by how much. Consumer prices tend to head in the same direction as consumer prices, although there is usually a bit of a delay. This comes because the gas being sold to consumers at any particular time has been bought in advance by the gas companies.
The EDF Energy reduction in prices has been welcomed by energy consumer groups who have been lobbying for the wholesale prices to be mirrored by consumer prices. This will please many customers who are having a financially difficult time due to the economic problems affecting the country and much of the world. The 5% reduction in prices, and those expected to follow from other providers, will be a relief to many.
From a gas provider’s points of view, there are advantages and disadvantages to being the first to reduce prices. If others do not reduce their prices it obviously puts them in a strong position. In practice it depends on how long it takes others to follow and the size of their decreases. Many customers will stick with their current provider and wait to see the changes they make while others will switch due to the publicity of EDF Energy’s reductions. Reducing prices before the competition can entice customers to switch and it makes it seem as though they are leading the way in price reductions. It does give others an opportunity, though, to decide on their own strategies accordingly and potentially undercut them.
Because consumer prices go up or down as wholesale prices do, it is inevitable that other gas providers will follow EDF Energy’s decrease. Customers will wait with baited breath to see the reductions they get from their provider.
Andrew Marshall ©
Oil and Gas Law
After rising over the last couple of years, wholesale gas prices have started to decline. The main two reasons for this has been the impact of the economy is general and a mild winter, meaning extracting gas has been easier and has therefore cost less. Purchasing gas has cost the energy companies less so they are able to pass this onto their customers.
It is almost certain that other gas providers will follow in reducing their prices, otherwise they risk being left behind and losing customers. A couple of small energy companies have reduced their prices, but as of 13th January, none of the other large providers have followed suit. Price reductions are expected to be announced over the next few weeks.
Wholesale gas prices can fluctuate significantly. Many factors across the world can impact this, from economic factors to natural disasters in relevant areas and whether conditions impacting the ease of extracting gas. Therefore, it is not always easy to predict whether prices will go up or down over the long term, or by how much. Consumer prices tend to head in the same direction as consumer prices, although there is usually a bit of a delay. This comes because the gas being sold to consumers at any particular time has been bought in advance by the gas companies.
The EDF Energy reduction in prices has been welcomed by energy consumer groups who have been lobbying for the wholesale prices to be mirrored by consumer prices. This will please many customers who are having a financially difficult time due to the economic problems affecting the country and much of the world. The 5% reduction in prices, and those expected to follow from other providers, will be a relief to many.
From a gas provider’s points of view, there are advantages and disadvantages to being the first to reduce prices. If others do not reduce their prices it obviously puts them in a strong position. In practice it depends on how long it takes others to follow and the size of their decreases. Many customers will stick with their current provider and wait to see the changes they make while others will switch due to the publicity of EDF Energy’s reductions. Reducing prices before the competition can entice customers to switch and it makes it seem as though they are leading the way in price reductions. It does give others an opportunity, though, to decide on their own strategies accordingly and potentially undercut them.
Because consumer prices go up or down as wholesale prices do, it is inevitable that other gas providers will follow EDF Energy’s decrease. Customers will wait with baited breath to see the reductions they get from their provider.
Andrew Marshall ©
Oil and Gas Law
Thursday, January 12, 2012
How Shutters came to the United States
Window Shutters are a popular type of window covering that offer a traditional look and practicality. They are now popular throughout the world, but were originally established in the Mediterranean, before spreading across Europe. Their introduction in the United States came via the plantations in the American south.
Shutters are first thought to have been used in Greece, although there are conflicting opinions as to where exactly in the Mediterranean region they originated from. Wherever there first usage was, it didn’t take long for them to spread across the region. They were first made from stone or marble and were put across the window holes before the introduction of glass windows. Wood later became more prominent.
The introduction of shutters in the United States came in the 1500’s. Spanish explorers were the first to reach what is now the United States, as well as much of South America (where Spanish is still the first language) and the Caribbean. In fact, at one point around 70% of the whole of America below the Canadian border was Spanish. The first Spanish settlers in the United States were in 1565, when settlers made St. Augustine in Florida their home.
The Spanish influx soon spread and Spanish colonies in the south of the country began to appear. They grew their own food, and grew products such as cotton, sugar, rice and tobacco to sell. These became plantations, with the majority of the work being carried out by poorly treated slaves. Each plantation became their own community separated from others. There were two opposing sides to the plantations; the wealthy land owners who made all of the profits and the slaves who did the hard labour. The goods grown were mostly traded with England.
Many of the land owners lived in large wooden houses. Those originally from Spain began to install window shutters on their homes that could protect them from the searing heat and keep insects out. Because of their use on the plantation houses, these shutters became known as plantation shutters. This name has continued to be used as a general term for wooden shutters throughout the English speaking world.
Some believe that louvred shutters were first used in the southern United States. Louvres, or slats as they are also known, can be adjusted to suit the weather conditions, and today louvred shutters are the most popular type of shutters. They can be opened to let in the optimum amount of sunlight and air. This makes them useful at all times of the year.
English and French settlers also bought shutters to parts of the United States, in particularly to the East Coast areas. These included areas such as what are now New York and New England.
Plantation shutters are popular around the world today. They are still most popular in the Mediterranean countries where they originated, such as Greece, Spain and Italy, but their use is much wider. They are generally considered to give a traditional look and are common in colonial style buildings in the United States.
Andrew Marshall ©
Shutters are first thought to have been used in Greece, although there are conflicting opinions as to where exactly in the Mediterranean region they originated from. Wherever there first usage was, it didn’t take long for them to spread across the region. They were first made from stone or marble and were put across the window holes before the introduction of glass windows. Wood later became more prominent.
The introduction of shutters in the United States came in the 1500’s. Spanish explorers were the first to reach what is now the United States, as well as much of South America (where Spanish is still the first language) and the Caribbean. In fact, at one point around 70% of the whole of America below the Canadian border was Spanish. The first Spanish settlers in the United States were in 1565, when settlers made St. Augustine in Florida their home.
The Spanish influx soon spread and Spanish colonies in the south of the country began to appear. They grew their own food, and grew products such as cotton, sugar, rice and tobacco to sell. These became plantations, with the majority of the work being carried out by poorly treated slaves. Each plantation became their own community separated from others. There were two opposing sides to the plantations; the wealthy land owners who made all of the profits and the slaves who did the hard labour. The goods grown were mostly traded with England.
Many of the land owners lived in large wooden houses. Those originally from Spain began to install window shutters on their homes that could protect them from the searing heat and keep insects out. Because of their use on the plantation houses, these shutters became known as plantation shutters. This name has continued to be used as a general term for wooden shutters throughout the English speaking world.
Some believe that louvred shutters were first used in the southern United States. Louvres, or slats as they are also known, can be adjusted to suit the weather conditions, and today louvred shutters are the most popular type of shutters. They can be opened to let in the optimum amount of sunlight and air. This makes them useful at all times of the year.
English and French settlers also bought shutters to parts of the United States, in particularly to the East Coast areas. These included areas such as what are now New York and New England.
Plantation shutters are popular around the world today. They are still most popular in the Mediterranean countries where they originated, such as Greece, Spain and Italy, but their use is much wider. They are generally considered to give a traditional look and are common in colonial style buildings in the United States.
Andrew Marshall ©
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
What are the Best Investments for your Children?
What is the best investment you can make on behalf of your children? Much of this depends on how much you have available to invest and the regularity of the payments you can make. This article looks at some of the obvious, and less obvious, options.
Savings Account
The advantage of making payments into a regular savings account, whether regular payments or a larger one-off payment, is that it is safe and won’t disappear as it can with riskier investments. You will then earn interest on this, but the downside is that this interest won’t be particularly high compared with other investment products. With most savings accounts you are going for safety over profit.
Junior ISA
The Junior ISA, or JISA, is the new scheme introduced by the government last year to encourage parents to save on behalf of their children. Like an adult ISA, a child ISA is a way of being able to invest without tax being paid on gains. Parents can invest up to £3,600 a year in the scheme on behalf of each child, the equivalent of £300 a month. It works very much like an adult ISA and there is a choice of putting investments into a cash ISA or a stocks and shares ISA. Children are automatically given access to the account set up in their name when they turn 18. The money is locked into the account and can only be accessed once a child turns this age. The tax advantages is the main benefit and it is a good scheme if you can put in close to the yearly limit, although it is also beneficial with lower investments. The Junior ISA is a good option for parents who wish to make regularly savings on behalf of their children’s future.
Using an Adult ISA
An alternative to the Junior ISA is saving for your children through an adult ISA. If you are not already using the £10,680 maximum allowance then this is an option you may consider. There are three advantages of this option. Firstly, it has a higher limit than the Junior ISA. Also, if you don’t think your child is responsible enough to be given a large amount of money at 18, you can wait until you feel it is more appropriate. The other benefit is that you can take the money out should you be in a position where you need it, which isn’t the case with a Junior ISA.
Buying a House on your Child’s Behalf
If you have a relatively large amount of money to invest, then buying a house on behalf of your child could be an option. You will need enough up front for a deposit and be able to make monthly payments for a mortgage. Over the course of time the value of a home should go up so it should be a good investment in terms of growth. Once your child reaches an appropriate age you can then pass the home over to them. They can then either live in the home or they can sell it, leaving them with substantial funds. This is especially a good option if you are likely to own it outright by the time you pass it onto your child – there is no better gift to your children than for them to be able to live rent free and mortgage free. The negative of this is that it is expensive, so you need to know you will have the on-going funds necessary to make the mortgage payments every month.
Andrew Marshall ©
Savings Account
The advantage of making payments into a regular savings account, whether regular payments or a larger one-off payment, is that it is safe and won’t disappear as it can with riskier investments. You will then earn interest on this, but the downside is that this interest won’t be particularly high compared with other investment products. With most savings accounts you are going for safety over profit.
Junior ISA
The Junior ISA, or JISA, is the new scheme introduced by the government last year to encourage parents to save on behalf of their children. Like an adult ISA, a child ISA is a way of being able to invest without tax being paid on gains. Parents can invest up to £3,600 a year in the scheme on behalf of each child, the equivalent of £300 a month. It works very much like an adult ISA and there is a choice of putting investments into a cash ISA or a stocks and shares ISA. Children are automatically given access to the account set up in their name when they turn 18. The money is locked into the account and can only be accessed once a child turns this age. The tax advantages is the main benefit and it is a good scheme if you can put in close to the yearly limit, although it is also beneficial with lower investments. The Junior ISA is a good option for parents who wish to make regularly savings on behalf of their children’s future.
Using an Adult ISA
An alternative to the Junior ISA is saving for your children through an adult ISA. If you are not already using the £10,680 maximum allowance then this is an option you may consider. There are three advantages of this option. Firstly, it has a higher limit than the Junior ISA. Also, if you don’t think your child is responsible enough to be given a large amount of money at 18, you can wait until you feel it is more appropriate. The other benefit is that you can take the money out should you be in a position where you need it, which isn’t the case with a Junior ISA.
Buying a House on your Child’s Behalf
If you have a relatively large amount of money to invest, then buying a house on behalf of your child could be an option. You will need enough up front for a deposit and be able to make monthly payments for a mortgage. Over the course of time the value of a home should go up so it should be a good investment in terms of growth. Once your child reaches an appropriate age you can then pass the home over to them. They can then either live in the home or they can sell it, leaving them with substantial funds. This is especially a good option if you are likely to own it outright by the time you pass it onto your child – there is no better gift to your children than for them to be able to live rent free and mortgage free. The negative of this is that it is expensive, so you need to know you will have the on-going funds necessary to make the mortgage payments every month.
Andrew Marshall ©
Friday, January 6, 2012
Private Healthcare Doesn’t Have to be Expensive
Private healthcare is expensive. Or is it? Private healthcare is often considered something that is only relevant and affordable to the wealthy, but this doesn’t have to be the case.
There are all sorts of private healthcare options, including insurance plans, private doctors that can be used when patients feel it is necessary, and certain extra services people can opt for. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing – private health or the NHS. You can choose insurance packages that only cover certain medical conditions, for example what is important to you or something you are particularly worried about. You could go the private option for things that are not covered by the NHS or for something you have a chronic problem with, so you have better quality healthcare just for this area without having to pay for everything.
You can, or course, go private on on-off occasions. If you have a medical issue you want fast treatment for or more extensive treatment than what is available on the NHS for this particular issue, then this could be a good option. You can pay for private care for this until the issue is overcome, so you are not paying for expensive healthcare continuously.
You may be happy with NHS care the majority of the time but want to use private healthcare for certain things. One example might be during pregnancy. You may wish to utilise extra services that are not available on the NHS, for example early pregnancy scans or more personal and more thorough pregnancy care.
If going the medical insurance root it is important to get the right insurance for you. Make sure you know what is, and what is not, covered. You don’t want to find out you are not covered when you have a medical condition you thought you were covered for. There are often limitations with medical insurance, but the good thing is that the more limitations there are the lower the cost will be. Medical insurance allows you to tailor you healthcare to your needs, and there are specific plans for people in different circumstances, with varying prices. For example, there are family plans and plans for the elderly. With medical insurance you want to be covered for what is important to you but, at the same time, don’t want to be paying for something you would be just as happy to get on the NHS. You may just want to be covered for certain illnesses or conditions, for example something that you are worried about or have a family history of.
Private healthcare does not have to be as expensive as many believe. There are many different options available. You can opt for medical insurance, either covering you for all eventualities or only certain areas of healthcare, or you can just choose private healthcare when you feel you require it. So, while being covered for everything and exclusively using private healthcare can be expensive, there are many options that make it more affordable.
Andrew Marshall ©
Private Doctor London
Early Pregnancy Scan London
There are all sorts of private healthcare options, including insurance plans, private doctors that can be used when patients feel it is necessary, and certain extra services people can opt for. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing – private health or the NHS. You can choose insurance packages that only cover certain medical conditions, for example what is important to you or something you are particularly worried about. You could go the private option for things that are not covered by the NHS or for something you have a chronic problem with, so you have better quality healthcare just for this area without having to pay for everything.
You can, or course, go private on on-off occasions. If you have a medical issue you want fast treatment for or more extensive treatment than what is available on the NHS for this particular issue, then this could be a good option. You can pay for private care for this until the issue is overcome, so you are not paying for expensive healthcare continuously.
You may be happy with NHS care the majority of the time but want to use private healthcare for certain things. One example might be during pregnancy. You may wish to utilise extra services that are not available on the NHS, for example early pregnancy scans or more personal and more thorough pregnancy care.
If going the medical insurance root it is important to get the right insurance for you. Make sure you know what is, and what is not, covered. You don’t want to find out you are not covered when you have a medical condition you thought you were covered for. There are often limitations with medical insurance, but the good thing is that the more limitations there are the lower the cost will be. Medical insurance allows you to tailor you healthcare to your needs, and there are specific plans for people in different circumstances, with varying prices. For example, there are family plans and plans for the elderly. With medical insurance you want to be covered for what is important to you but, at the same time, don’t want to be paying for something you would be just as happy to get on the NHS. You may just want to be covered for certain illnesses or conditions, for example something that you are worried about or have a family history of.
Private healthcare does not have to be as expensive as many believe. There are many different options available. You can opt for medical insurance, either covering you for all eventualities or only certain areas of healthcare, or you can just choose private healthcare when you feel you require it. So, while being covered for everything and exclusively using private healthcare can be expensive, there are many options that make it more affordable.
Andrew Marshall ©
Private Doctor London
Early Pregnancy Scan London
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