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A couple weeks ago, J.D. had a conversation with some friends about starting a small business. I liked a lot of what was said, but I’ve had some different experiences, and would like to offer my perspective. Here are some things I’ve learned from my entrepreneurial endeavors.

Starting a business with friends can be fantastic
Both of the companies I’ve co-founded have been with long-time friends, and while of course there were hard parts about it, in many ways it was a huge help.  We knew each other well enough to figure out how the other would react in a lot of situations, and had a base level of trust that is always helpful.  Of course there are plenty of counterexamples, but it can work.

What matters is that you have a partner with whom you can communicate — if that person is a friend, great.

Write someone and ask them for help every day
It’s amazing how well this works.  Just make a habit of coming up with one person each day that might be able to help you in some way — with an introduction, an idea, a conversation, anything. If you think of someone you already know, then it’s easy to ask for help, but don’t be bashful about asking people you don’t know for help.

When you tell people you’re working on starting your own business, many of them will get excited or interested, and be willing to offer a hand. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back — just try someone else the next day. When you’re starting a new business no one knows what you’re up to, so reaching out and asking for help very often can do an enormous amount to get things rolling.

People matter more than anything
When you’re looking for partners, employees, attorneys, accountants, or anyone else to be a part of your business, find someone you really get excited about working with, or just keep waiting and looking.  Don’t get caught up thinking you need someone, just anyone, to support you.  It’s far better to wait for a star.

The early people in any company shape everything about it — its enthusiasm, public face, ethics, and quality. You can’t afford to have any of those aspects be anything less than stellar when you’re starting your own business. (If you’re not sure about a person, try using them as a contractor first, and bring them on full-time when you’ve had more time to evaluate them.)

Don’t worry about the idea
Entrepreneurs often get all worked up — or hung up — on The Idea; that is, what business exactly they’re going to pursue. Don’t worry so much about The Idea. Choose something you know a lot about and see a need for, and go for it.

The people you work with matter more than The Idea; hardworking, talented people working on the wrong idea will figure that out and adjust, while the wrong people on the right idea are likely doomed anyways.

The only thing that really matters about The Idea is how you (and your partners) feel about it.  If you can’t stop thinking about it for weeks on end, get up out of bed to write down brainstorms about it, and don’t get tired of working on it, that’s the right idea.  If you have to convince yourself to keep going on The Idea, that’s the wrong one.

Take money from other people as an absolute last resort
Many entrepreneurs get an idea, write up a presentation about it, and hit the road looking for angel or venture capital investors.  Don’t do that.

First, investors will always prefer to invest in running, growing businesses, not ideas; and second, you will immediately give up control of your business to people you likely don’t know very well.  Supportive, patient investors definitely do exist, but they are the rare exceptions.

Take investment only to accomplish a specific goal for your existing business that you know you can’t achieve any other way.

Know your customers
Do everything you can to put yourself in direct, frequent contact with the people who will be giving you money — your market.  When selling to consumers, make sure you’re talking to someone who would actually have a pressing need for whatever you’re selling; when selling to companies, make sure you’re talking to the person who could actually authorize a purchase of whatever you’re selling.

Anyone in your company shaping its products or services should be in direct, frequent contact with your market, too.  Listen to your market.  Talk to them all the time.  Ask them if what you sell is working for them, and take everything they say seriously.

Most importantly: ignore every other source of “feedback” — competitors, reviewers, two-bit commentators, whatever.  If what these other sources have to say matters, you’ll hear it from your market directly.  If you don’t, what the other sources say is irrelevant.

Have confidence in yourself
Things are going to suck for a while, pretty often.  You’ll win sometimes and lose sometimes, often on the same day.  Take care of your home life, make sure you have great support from your family and friends, and listen to your gut.  These simple, basic steps will get you through the dark times that inevitably come, and lead you to the rewards that can follow.

Treat people well
Most entrepreneurs fail several times before they have a success.  If you can fail with your integrity intact, you’ll build a network of people ready to help you when you’re ready to try again.

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Quality and reliability have long been the most crucial features when searching for the best home security systems to ensure the safety of your loved ones and belongings.

Nowadays, many home security companies have gone beyond excelling at the two core features, with leading security companies now also embracing home automation technology and incorporating innovative features into their systems.

Home security systems have come a long way, with countless customization options and wide-ranging functionalities now available on the market.

And if you’re finding it difficult to navigate the multitude of products (and their makers), we’re here to help.

Thanks to the Internet of Things, homeowners can remotely control their thermostats, door locks, vacuums, lights, and even feed their pets while they’re away using mobile apps.

It has also made it simple and affordable for users to monitor their homes from anywhere. Installing home security is easy, especially when you opt for do-it-yourself kits.

Depending on the security needs for your home, you can choose a self-monitoring system or pay to have it surveilled round the clock by professionals.

Here are the 5 top home security brands you can choose from while on a budget — without having to worry about the safety of your home and loved ones:

#1 Protect America Security Systems

Protect America is a renowned home security systems company based in Texas, US. The company offers quality DIY systems and services at budget-friendly rates, with all of their systems being custom built and designed for long-term security. 

Protect America offers a lifetime warranty on all equipment. They have strong customer service, support, and a 30-day free trial of the system. Protect America also provides an option for landline and broadband monitoring, making it ideal for homeowners in rural areas. 

#2 SimpliSafe Security Systems – link to store

SimpliSafe is another American security company known for their self-installed security systems. Their systems are cutting edge, and are connected to a central control panel.

SimpliSafe security systems are DIY installations ideal for people who move from time to time. They’re also cost-efficient and contract-free. With the units being easy to set up, they’re a top option for renters as well.

#3 Frontpoint Security Systems

Frontpoint deals solely with the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of home security systems.

They also have DIY installation systems which are very easy to set up and a 24/7 concierge-level customer service with knowledgeable representatives. The Frontpoint home security system is suitable for both homeowners and renters.

Frontpoint ensures their customers get value for their money. Their exceptional customer support is what gives them an edge over the competition. They make their customers feel valued.

The company also offers control panels and keypads, door and window sensors and for those looking for separate components. 

A smash and crash protection, 30-day money-back guaranty, and robust feature set are other offerings from the company. It has an all-round system for individuals, family settings and all lifestyles. 

#4 Scout Security Systems

Scout was founded through a crowdfunding campaign that aimed at creating simple, affordable, and smart home security systems.

The company has expert designers, engineers and business savvy people working together to create beautiful security systems that are easy to use. Scout understands that every customer is different, so they design home security systems that are unique to every home.

Scout has some of the most affordable home security systems that allow homeowners to customize their devices.

Customers can choose their preferred system colors, components, the level of support they want, and the actions they want to be initiated by the devices in times of emergency.

Known as ‘the hub’, the Scout system uses 4G cellular battery backup that provides protection even after a power outage.

The company also offers access sensors, door panels, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, motion sensors, door lock pads, glass break sensors and water sensors. Their home security systems are very easy to automate.

#5 Brinks Security Systems

Brinks offers high end, reliant, effective, and stable home security systems. Brinks has a track record with many customers across the world.

The company provides live monitoring and mobile and web application from which homeowners can view their homes after logging in. They also offer cloud storage services for surveillance footages for those who want to pay extra.

The security system from Brinks has loads of features, is affordable, and comes with two monitoring options. Their system is DIY and gives homeowners a 30-day risk-free offer and a two-year warranty. They also offer a smart home hub that can connect to home automation devices, a hacker protection feature and LTE cellular signals.

The system uses discreet door sensors with a 200-foot communication range. It has a hands free alarm and can detect the homeowner’s approved access through the phone and unlock the door immediately. 

With security being top-of-mind for any homeowner, choosing the correct home security system is a crucial decision in keeping your home (and family) safe.

And as we’ve just learned, there are many options outside of the heavily marketed costly systems, like these 5 best security systems. And while no one can put a price on feeling safe in your own home, it’s good to know you’ve made the best decision for the well-being of your family and loved ones.

More tips for your home

How to Use Video Walls to Make Your Home More Entertainment-FriendlyAutomatic Garage Doors: What are Their Benefits and Should You Get One for Your Home?
The 5 Best Hot Tubs You Can Get On Amazon — Without Breaking the Bank
How to Incorporate Sculpture in Your Interior Design

Source: fancypantshomes.com

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The Offer

Direct link to offer

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    • Destination Guides: Access PRIOR’s collection of comprehensive, editor-curated guides to top travel destinations. With one-of-a-kind itineraries and insider tips on the food and drink scene, you can travel like a local on your next trip.
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    • Experiences & Voyages: Let PRIOR take you where you want to go with priority booking on trips that offer deep dives into local culture and hidden treasures.

Our Verdict

Seems kind of pointless, but maybe some readers will find value in this freebie.

Source: doctorofcredit.com

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Having great neighbors around can be terrific. You can ask them to feed your pet and keep an eye on your apartment when you’re away on vacation. You can borrow and lend things. You can get yourself invited over to eat that delicious-smelling dinner they’re cooking. No matter how you view it, getting along with your neighbors can help with lots of things. However, problems do come up. How you handle them can impact on your relationship. Here are some common issues and ideas on how to handle them.

Noisy Neighbors

One of the biggest problems apartment renters face is noise from other tenants. While you should be reasonable about certain noises or understanding if the walls are particularly thin, there are some noises that you should probably address.

  • Late-night noise. Take a look at your lease and see if there are any particular quiet times laid out. Many will ask for residents to keep the noise down between 11pm – 6am, or outline certain times for weekdays and weeknights. Know what you’re allowed to be annoyed by.
  • Talk to your noisy neighbors. Stop by and politely explain that the noise is bothering you and ask if they might be able to take it down a notch. Ask if you might be able to have a phone number or email address so you can contact them if it continues to be a problem and to open more lines of communication.
  • Ask to plan ahead. Ask your neighbors to let you know if they’re planning a party or think the noise levels are going to rise. Knowing it’s coming means you can prepare for it, and shows that they’re aware it could be bothersome.

Problematic Neighbors

Some neighbors may or not be aware of when they’re becoming an issue. For example, you may have a neighbor who regularly parks in your private parking spot, or allows their guests to do so. They may leave garbage outside their door, allow their pets to relieve themselves in public areas without picking it up or even get a full grill going right underneath your window, filling your apartment with smoke. What then?

  • Try calmly talking to them. Point out that what they’re doing is bothering you and you’d appreciate it if they could stop doing it.
  • Offer solutions on what else they could do. For example, point out visitor parking for their guests or a better place to have their grill.
  • Follow up. Follow up with a thank you if you see they’re cooperating with your request. A little thanks goes a long way.

Neighborly Smells

Smells travel when you live in an apartment. From cooking and baking to cigarettes or illegal substances, there’s always a possibility that you might be able to smell it in your apartment. While cooking or baking smells may not always smell delicious, there’s not a lot you can do about that. However, other odors you can certainly have dealt with. This particular issue may be a bit more tricky to deal with than simply talking to them, so speaking to your landlord or apartment manager might be your best first course of action.

  • Find out if this has been a problem in the past, and if there are any easy solutions. Chances are your landlord has heard this before, and may be able to advise you on this.
  • See if your landlord or apartment manager may be able to talk to the neighbor. This may be particularly appropriate if you live in a non-smoking apartment and consistently smell smoke.
  • Follow up with your landlord to see what was done and how it was handled.

When to Notify Your Landlord

While handling problems yourself is generally the best course of action, there will be times where you may want to involve your landlord. These include:

  • You’ve spoken to your neighbor several times and their behavior is still problematic.
  • The issue is particularly sensitive and you’re unsure of how to approach it (see “Neighborly Smells.”)
  • You believe your neighbor’s behavior is a breach of your lease and feel your landlord or apartment manager should know about it.

You can ask your landlord or apartment manager to keep your name out of it and make the complaint anonymous to avoid further conflict with your neighbor.

When to Call 911

When complaints happen, there is always a chance that things could escalate. Though rare, you should be able to feel safe in your apartment home. Some situations where you may want to involve the authorities include:

  • Your neighbor has threatened you.
  • Your neighbor has purposefully damaged your property.
  • Your neighbor has assaulted you.
  • You’ve heard fighting or violence and are concerned for one or more of the tenants.
  • You smell smoke and believe there may be a fire.
  • You believe your neighbor or resident is injured and requires medical assistance.

Though you can report some of these situations anonymously, if your neighbor has threatened, assaulted you or damaged your property, you may need to obtain a police report. This will help should you need to take further action. Be sure to share this with your landlord.

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Below is a list of acceptable VA energy efficient improvements according to the VA Loan Handbook. Qualified applicants can roll the cost of the improvements into your new loan up to a maximum amount of $6000.

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":""" Check your VA home buying eligibility. Start here (May 7th, 2023)

VA acceptable energy efficiency improvements are:

  • Solar heating systems, including solar systems for heating water for domestic use
  • Solar heating and cooling systems
  • Caulking and weather-stripping
  • Furnace efficiency modifications limited to replacement burners, boilers, or furnaces designed to reduce the firing rate or to achieve a reduction in the amount of fuel consumed as a result of increased combustion efficiency, devices for modifying flue openings which will increase the efficiency of the heating system, and electrical or mechanical furnace ignition systems which replace standing gas pilot lights.
  • Clock thermostats
  • New or additional ceiling, attic, wall, and floor insulation
  • Water heater insulation
  • Storm windows and/or doors, including thermal windows and/or doors
  • Heat pumps
  • Vapor barriers

You can increase your loan amount up to $6000 for energy efficiency improvements. You will need to provide the following additional documentation to have the cost of these improvements rolled into your loan amount:

If improvements total $0 – $3000

  • A copy of a contractor bid or quote itemizing the improvements and the cost. The quote must list the model number or name of the items to be installed and the bid must be signed and dated by both the contractor and the borrowers.
  • A manufacturer brochure or flyer for each of the item(s) you are installing. The brochure or flyer must state the item’s model number or name. The model number/name must match up with the model number/name listed on your bid/quote.

If improvements total $3000 – $6000

  • A copy of a contractor bid or quote itemizing the improvements and the cost. The quote must list the model number or name of the items to be installed and the bid must be signed and dated by both the contractor and the borrowers.
  • A manufacturer brochure or flyer for each of the item(s) you are installing. The brochure or flyer must state the item’s model number or name. The model number/name must match up with the model number/name listed on your bid/quote.
  • An energy audit performed by your utility company or another 3rd party. The energy audit needs to show what your current monthly average utility cost are for the last year.

Upon closing, the funds added to your loan amount for the energy efficient improvements will be held in an escrow account until your improvements are completed. Upon completion of the improvements, an inspection is done to verify completion and the funds will then be released.

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":""" Check your VA mortgage rates. Start here (May 7th, 2023)

Source: militaryvaloan.com

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I get sick when I think about that day and the mistake that cost me $5,000.

I compare it to something in between smashing my thumb with a hammer to breaking your mother’s most beloved piece of China.

It is something that makes me sick just reliving it.

I actually just puked in my mouth a little bit. <ugh….>

I had been a financial advisor for almost four years so I should’ve known better.

But thanks to a lot of greed and even more ignorance, I got my rear handed to me on a silver platter.

The Temptation

I was meeting with a client who was telling me the story about their daughter’s boyfriend whose dad worked for some mining company.

[Do you see how bad this starts off?   I usually make fun of people that will even entertain stories like this.  And here I was caught up in the moment.  Back to the story…]

The client was telling me how this company had just signed some new deals and since it was a penny stock, otherwise known as an OTC or over-the-counter thinly traded security, there wasn’t a lot of news about it.  His theory was that this penny stock could soar pretty quickly.

[Don’t you like how I’m getting advice from my client who really knows nothing about investing.  And I’m really considering taking his advice about what the next stock is I’m going to buy?  This has “epic fail” written all over it. ]

I had some cash in my investment account (lucky me!) so I thought I might as well give it a shot.

[Seriously, that was my logic:  “might as well give it a shot”.  I should have hired one of these advisors to punch me in the face.]

I proceeded to place a trade to buy a certain number of shares of this stock that was going to make me millions.

[Hah.  Not even close buddy.  Not by a long shot.]

Buying an OTC Stock – Woops

When buying an over-the-counter stock, otherwise known as a penny stock, you must be sure to protect yourself and make sure that when you place an order to buy or sell, that you put a specific price on it. I unfortunately put an order in to buy “at market”.

Translating, that means that I put an open order to buy whatever a price that someone is going to sell it to me for. If you think about it in Ebay terms, instead of bidding on the price, I elected to “Buy Now” and the seller could increase the price if they so choose.

In larger stocks that are traded on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ, that’s typically not an issue because the market will keep that price in check.  In the over-the-counter market, it’s a different story.  An entirely different story.

The Wild, Wild West

You can think of the OTC market like the Wild, Wild West of trading.  Just because the stock is trading at $0.90 doesn’t mean that you’ll buy or sell those shares at $.90.

If I put a buy order in “at market”, that price could shoot up to $1.90, $3.00;  whatever their price might be. Essentially that’s what happened in my case.

I had put in an order to buy say 2,500 shares (I don’t remember the exact number) and a few 100 of the shares executed at what I thought was the market price.  But I quickly and expensively learned that a lot of them issued at a price double of what I intended to buy it for.

To make matters worse, after the trade settled, the prices were displaying what I thought I was paying for it in the beginning.  To summarize:

  • I submitted a buy order for 2500 shares of a penny stock “at market” and thought I was buying it for $.90.
  • I bought a few hundred shares at $.90 but most executed at least 2 if not 3 times that.  That means I made an investment of $5,000 instead of what I thought was going to be $2,250.

  • After the trade settled, the price reverted back to the original price of $.90.  If I sold it that day I would take an immediate huge loss.

If I’m doing a bad job of explaining how the system works, it’s a further demonstration of why I have no business buying penny stocks. Chances are if you’re reading this, you fit that description, too, so let’s reflect of how I screwed up royally.

Don’t Do as I Do, But Do as I Say

Before you start trying to make yourself believe that you can make millions off buying penny stocks, take note of how I screwed up and I let my over-confidence and flat out ignorance get the best of me.

  • I listened to advice from someone I had no business getting advice from. My client knew nothing about the stock, knew nothing about the company, other than what his daughter’s boyfriend had told him. Whenever you’re getting investment advice from someone, make sure you consider the source.
  • I had no idea how the over-the-counter market works. This system works nothing like logging into my TD Ameritrade account and picking up a stock on the NY exchange.  It’s more like traveling to Spain, going to a flea market, and trying to bargain with a vendor even though I don’t speak the language. Chances are I’m going to be screwed just like I was in this situation.
  • Greed is not always good. I don’t care what Gordon Gekko says, I was doing just fine making a decent return on my boring mutual funds but the chance of quadrupling my money in a short amount of time got the best of me.

That was the last penny stock that I’ve ever bought and will ever buy again. I don’t care if my best friend’s uncle’s seamstress knows a guy that has an insider at some other company. Never again…

Have you invested money into something that you didn’t understand?

photo credit: bitzcelt via photopin cc


Source: goodfinancialcents.com

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Notices of Default (NoDs), the first step in the foreclosure process, fell 2.2 percent in the first quarter to 68,239, according to analytics firm DataQuick.

Late mortgage payments were down 15.8 percent from the 81,054 seen in the first quarter of 2010 and hit their lowest point since the second quarter of 2007.

The record was 135,431 default notices seen in the first quarter of 2009.

“Lenders and servicers have put various temporary holds on foreclosure filings while they work on procedural issues and respond to regulatory and legal challenges,” said DataQuick president John Walsh, in a release.

“It’s unclear how much of last quarter’s decline can be attributed to market factors and strategic decisions, and how much can be attributed to the formalities of the foreclosure process.”

The median loan origination quarter for the defaulted loans continues to be the third quarter of 2006, when inflated home prices, weak underwriting, and risky loan programs such as the option arm were prominent.

California homeowners were a median six months behind on their mortgage payments when the mortgage lender filed the NoD, owing a median $15,818 on a median $323,667 mortgage.

For home equity loans and lines of credit (second mortgages), borrowers owed a median $4,076 on a median $67,222 credit line.

DataQuick noted that the most active “beneficiaries” in the formal foreclosure process were Chase (9,634), Wells Fargo (8,329) and Bank of America (7,158).

Loan servicers that pursued the highest number of defaults last quarter were ReconTrust Co (mostly for Bank of America and MERS), Quality Loan Service Corp (Bank of America), California Reconveyance Co (JP Morgan Chase), NDEx West (Wells Fargo) and Cal-Western Reconveyance Corp (Wells Fargo).

Trustees Deeds recorded (TDs), which are the actual loss of a home to foreclosure, totaled 43,052 during the first quarter, up 21.5 percent from the prior quarter and 0.5 percent from the first quarter of 2010.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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A new Zillow Mortgage Marketplace survey revealed consumers know very little about how mortgages work.

More than half (57%) of prospective home buyers polled thought adjustable-rate mortgages always reset higher, despite the fact that they adjust to the sum of the margin plus index.

At the moment, many ARMs have adjusted lower, thanks to record lows for many mortgage indexes, such as the LIBOR.

These same homeowners could be scampering to refinance their loans, even if they might be enjoying a lower monthly mortgage payment, in least in the interim.

Even worse, 34 percent of respondents don’t realize mortgage lender fees are negotiable and vary by institution.

Consumers seem to believe that lenders are required by law to charge the same fees for things like credit reports and appraisals.

Charges like loan origination fees aren’t even compulsory, and you could even get your hands on a no cost mortgage if you shop enough.

Additionally, 55 percent of those surveyed don’t understand that mortgage rates change throughout the day, just as stock prices rise and fall.

And 45 percent of prospective home buyers believe they should always buy mortgage discount points when obtaining a mortgage.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t always pay to do so, as it’s dependent on how long you plan to stay in the home (or with the mortgage).

Most people don’t keep their mortgages for the full term, let alone a decade.

More than a third (37%) believe pre-qualifying for a mortgage means they’ve secured financing, though this is far from the truth (pre-qualification vs pre-approval).

Finally, 42 percent didn’t realize FHA loans are available to all buyers, not just first-time homebuyers.

Consumer education is paramount to solving the ongoing housing crisis, and the very reason this site was created.

So if you’re shopping for a mortgage, do plenty of research (months of it) before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life!

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com