Investing can be a daunting task for anyone, especially for those who are new to the game. With a plethora of options available, it can be challenging to know where to start and what investment vehicles to choose.
One option that has gained popularity in recent years is listed investment companies (LICs). In this beginner’s guide, we’ll take a closer look at what LICs are and how they can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio.
What are LICs?
LICs are publicly traded companies that invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. They are similar to mutual funds, but instead of investing in the fund directly, you buy shares of the company that owns the assets.
This allows you to gain exposure to a variety of investments through a single stock, making it an easy and convenient option for those who want a simple and diversified investment portfolio.
Benefits of Investing in LICs
Diversification: As mentioned earlier, LICs offer a diversified portfolio of assets, which helps to spread risk and minimize the impact of any single investment.
Professional Management: LICs are managed by professional fund managers who have the expertise and experience to select and manage investments on your behalf.
Liquidity: LICs are listed on stock exchanges, making it easy to buy and sell shares, and providing you with the flexibility to make changes to your portfolio as needed.
Potential for Higher Returns: By investing in a diversified portfolio of assets, LICs have the potential to deliver higher returns than investing in individual stocks.
Lower Costs: Compared to other investment vehicles, LICs often have lower fees and expenses, which can result in higher returns for investors.
Risks of Investing in LICs
Market Risk: As with any investment, LICs are subject to market risk, which means that the value of your investment can go up or down depending on market conditions.
Credit Risk: LICs may invest in bonds, which are subject to credit risk. This means that if the issuer of the bond defaults on their debt, the value of your investment may decrease.
Management Risk: The success of a LIC depends on the ability of the fund manager to make good investment decisions. If the fund manager fails to perform, the value of your investment may be negatively impacted.
How to Invest in LICs
Research: Before investing in a LIC, it’s important to research the company and its portfolio of assets to ensure that it aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
Consider the Fund Manager’s Track Record: Look at the fund manager’s track record to see how they have performed in the past and whether they have a history of delivering good returns.
Diversify Your Portfolio: As with any investment, it’s important to diversify your portfolio to minimize risk. Consider investing in multiple LICs to achieve a well-rounded and diversified investment portfolio.
Monitor Your Investments: Regularly monitor your investments and make changes as needed to ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your investment goals.
In conclusion, LICs can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio, offering the benefits of diversification, professional management, liquidity, and the potential for higher returns. However, it’s important to understand the risks involved and to do your research before investing. By following these tips, you can ensure that you make informed investment decisions and achieve your financial goals.
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When Satoshi Nakamoto's whitepaper for a new cryptocurrency was given a life, many expected Bitcoin to be adopted by nerds or enthusiasts who live by their own rules. But Bitcoin secured a permanent place in history as the world's first cryptocurrency. From its humble beginnings, it established applications that have disrupted politics, media, finance, governance, and more.
Fashion and cryptocurrency
It's a popular myth that Bitcoin's (and the other altcoins) only purpose is to make traders money on the cryptocurrency market. But not everyone checks up the Bitcoin price because they want to invest in cryptocurrency.
Luxury brands can benefit from blockchain because it helps authenticate items and prevent counterfeiting, thus earning them an honorable reputation. Blockchain can also act as "social tokens" that build community among crypto-enthusiasts, making luxury brands more desirable for their exclusivity.
Practical uses of blockchain and Bitcoin in the Fashion World
Authentication of goods
A new wave of companies is using the blockchain to certify that their products are authentic. The seamless integration of the blockchain into e-commerce platforms allows shoppers to get more information about a product, including its provenance and how it was made. A QR code may be used on the packaging of authentic designer products, which can be scanned by smartphone users to verify their authenticity.
Cryptocurrency payments
Blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency of payments between parties at different stages of the supply chain. Bitcoin's blockchain was designed with the goal of creating an entire financial system that is decentralized without having to trust any third party. Using blockchain, fashion brands can receive payments internationally quickly, securely, and economically.
Product lifecycle tracking
As more luxury brands adopt digital solutions, it is becoming increasingly necessary to track product life cycle events. With blockchain ad authentication, brands can better understand how their product is affecting the environment and manage the full life cycle of their goods.
Tackling ethical issues in Fashion
With the rising public consciousness about ethical issues related to apparel, blockchain technology will be able to address these concerns in a more elegant way that will allow brands to be more aware of their manufacturing practices. This will further encourage manufacturers to be more conscious of their ethical responsibilities.
The Future of NFT in Fashion
What is NFT? It is a digital-only item that can be traded much like a real-life artifact. Unlike images that can be endlessly broadcasted online without belonging to anyone, NFTs are carefully curated into an immersive experience that gives you the impression of owning something physical.
NFT's are seen as the future of Fashion
In March 2021, street lifestyle brand RTFKT sold more than $3m worth of new season sneakers in just seven minutes through an NFT.
As the debate about the value of digital goods continues, consumers are starting to use cryptocurrencies to acquire luxury products. A new class of customers is paying for luxury items upfront, with cryptocurrencies tied to the value of a real-world property. Nike, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton already have NFTs for their brands, and many others follow.
Fashion fans paying with Bitcoin
While the majority of fashion brand clients do prefer to pay with a traditional method, there is a growing demographic of individuals who enjoy cryptocurrency, especially those who have made money from it. These crypto enthusiasts want to buy Bitcoin with Paybis and purchase their fashion goods with it. Some watch brands (like Hublot) are already embracing the change and will allow purchasing with Bitcoin on their online store.
Bitcoin loyalty points
Cryptocurrency can be implemented into a loyalty or rewards program, offering users incentives for purchasing from brands that accept cryptocurrencies. The amount in Bitcoin can be stored in the crypto wallets of the customers if they want to trade it at a later stage for a higher amount.
Merchants that accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment may also benefit from the advantages traditional customers have. In aggregate, 36% of customers that use cryptos to make purchases have average incomes of over $100k and purchase amounts of around $450 per order. This is compared to about half that ($200) for customers who do not use cryptos.
Summary
Bitcoin and non-fungible tokens have a decisive role in the fashion world because they allow consumers to buy goods from faraway places as well as verify their authenticity. Fashion items can be costly, so these two technologies will prevent the industry from taking advantage of scammers and counterfeiters. Not only that, reward systems and loyalty programs can save customers a ton of money, given the fact they already save from the cheaper transaction rates.
Read Also:
Types of Bitcoin Trading with Parameters
Why Entrepreneurs Should Pay Attention To Cryptocurrencies In 2021
What Is The Concept Of ‘HODL’ Which Everyone Is Talking About In Bitcoins
Bitcoin’s 10th Birthday: Does Satoshi Nakamoto’s White Paper Still Hold Relevance?
Fixed deposit is an investment option which is balanced with both: Returns and Risks. Although the investment is the most preferred option; these day’s people are seen to be disappointed with its returns. Perhaps the reason behind this disappointment can be the drop down of interest rates post-demonetization. Fixed deposit (FD) is always considered as a much favourable choice than savings since the returns earned are comparatively high. But as the rates have dropped down, the investors might have to think about parking their funds in savings rather than investing it.
Before you change your mind, it is important to consider other financial institutions too, who offer fixed deposit investments. Banks are not the only ones providing the fixed deposit service; there are highly reputed NBFCs which are providing it too. The FD offered by the NBFCs are called as company fixed deposit. Despite the repo rate cut down, NBFCs still manage to offer best-fixed deposit rates which are higher than banks. Yes! You read it right, you can earn higher returns by investing in company’s fixed deposit, plus there are many schemes and facilities you can gain from. Owing to the favourable fixed deposit conditions, you no longer need to resort to less interest offering saving options.
Here are some things that you should know about fixed deposit investments:
1. Secured Investment:
As fixed deposit does not depend upon the market conditions, the interest offered on it is fixed throughout the loan tenure. This makes the investment a safe option to allocate your funds in. Whereas, the returns offered on the high-risk investments depends upon the market conditions which makes them risky. There is no such guarantee that you might always earn higher returns as there can be times when you might face a loss. This is not the case with fixed deposit. Besides, there are some NBFCs who are awarded ICRA’s MAAA rating and CRISIL’s FAAA rating which means, they are reliable as well as safe to invest in.
2. Flexibility:
With a safe investment option, fixed deposit also provides flexibility with its tenure. You are free to choose any tenure period ranging from one year to five years. Also, you can reinvest in FD if your account matures.
3. Interest rates:
The interest rate is a very important factor to consider when it comes to investments, as it decides the returns you will be earning over the fixed deposit. Fixed deposit interest rate offered by every financial institution differ, which is why it is important to compare FD rates and then apply for it. Also, as mentioned above, investing in NBFC’s fixed deposit can benefit you with higher FD returns in comparison to banks.
4. Tax deduction:
In case, if you are investing a lump sum amount and the interest offered on your investment is above INR 10,000, then you might have to pay taxes. To escape from this tax deduction, you can split the money and invest it in different FD accounts. Also, you can apply for Section 80C to benefit from the tax deduction.
5. Senior citizen fixed deposit:
If you are a senior citizen, you can benefit here, as you can invest your pension funds and earn higher FD returns compared to normal FD accounts by parking your funds in senior citizen fixed deposit. Although post-demonetization has brought down interest rates on normal FD account, the rates offered on senior citizen fixed deposits have increased.
Though rates offered on a fixed deposit have dropped down, investing in a company fixed deposit can earn you higher returns. If you are planning for an investment, then NBFCs such as Bajaj Finserv offers highest Interest on FD Rate as well as provide different schemes and facilities that can benefit you.
Read More :
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10 Tips To Design The Perfect Business Card
Planning to investigate some small business loans? What are the best options out there?
Most importantly, how can these loan options help you?
Contrary to popular belief, it is more complex than filling out a form and getting your loan approved. That too from the very first source!
There is eligibility, which you must fulfill from your end, and criteria that the small business loan providers must ensure.
These are subjective to individuals and the business they are trying to build.
For example, which provider should you go for when you need a quick loan of a larger or smaller amount?
So, without any further ado, let’s get into the blog post
What Are Small Business Loans?
What are exactly small business loans? The criteria? Is it different than other forms of business loans?
Small business loans are classified under money lending for commercial purposes Like any other business loan.
There are several reasons why you would consider lending. Do not worry if it is for operational expenses and you fall short!
Not everyone accesses such loans just for their initial business investment or to extend their business to new grounds. In fact, it is common for people to underestimate their expenditure margin when they are starting their business.
In fact, in 2020, 56% of all small business loans were to manage operational costs. While only 31% of loans were for expansion opportunities.1
The Best Small Business Loans
Here are the best small business loans to investigate:
1. SBA 7(a) Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of Acceptance SBA 7(a) Loan680+Two years$100,000+$5 million5-10 business days
This government-backed loan program offers competitive rates and long terms for various needs.
Pros:
Low interest rates
Long repayment terms
Cons:
Lengthy application process
Strict qualification criteria
2. Kabbage Business Line Of Credit
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceKabbage Business Line of Credit640+1 year$50,000+$250,000 Same day
This is a revolving line of credit with a quick application process for managing cash flow.
Pros:
Fast funding
Flexible access to funds
Cons:
High APR
Limited revolving credit line (although that is how they advertise).
3. OnDeck Term Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceOnDeck Term Loan600+1 year$100,000+$250,000 24 hours
This loan offers short-term loans with quick approval, which is ideal for fast access to capital.
Pros
Fast Funding
Discounts for repeat customers
Cons
High interest rates
Frequent repayments
4. BlueVine Business Line Of Credit
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceBlueVine Business Line of Credit600+Six months$100,000+$250,000 24-72 hours
Flexible line of credit with fast approval, useful for managing cash flow.
Pros
Quick funding
No early repayment fees.
Cons
Higher rates for lower credit scores.
Limited to revolving credit.
5. Fundbox Line Of Credit
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceFundbox Line of Credit600+Six months$50,000+$150,000 As fast as the next business day
It provides a simple, quick line of credit ideal for immediate cash flow needs.
Pros
Easy qualification
Quick access to funds
Cons
Lower Loan Amounts
Shorter Repayment terms
6. Lendio Loan Marketplace
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceLendio Loan Marketplace550+Six months$50,000+$5 million On the loan amount
This type of loan is a great help to small business owners. Rather than just one loan, this is a marketplace that connects businesses with multiple lenders for various loan types.
Pros
Wide range of loan options.
Easy comparison of the offer.
Cons
Can receive multiple calls from lenders, which can be irritating.
Not all lenders have favorable terms.
7. American Express Business Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceAmerican Express Business Loan660+1 yearNot specified$50,000 3-5 days
This fixed-rate loan is available only to pre-approved American Express Business Card members.
Pros
Fixed rates
No origination fee
Cons
Only available to pre-approved members.
Relatively small maximum loan amount.
Therefore, if you plan to get a small business loan in the foreseeable future, getting an American Express Business Card is better.
8. Accion Opportunity Fund
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceAccion Opportunity Fund550+1 yearNot specified$250,000 1-3 weeks
Offers loans to underserved small business owners, including minorities and women.
Pros
Focus on underserved businesses.
Personalized support
Cons
Longer approval process.
It may have a higher interest rate.
9. Credibly Small Business Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceCredibly Small Business Loan500+Six months$15,000/month$400,000 24-48 hours (about two days)
Provides working capital loans and merchant cash advances with flexible terms.
Pros
Fast funding
Flexible repayment options
Cons
Higher cost of financing.
Frequent repayments
Small Business Loans With Separate Criterions
Now, we will be delving into the different criteria and which small business loan provider would be best!
1. Startup Needing Initial Capital
"I just started my business and need funds to get it. What are my options?"
Best Loan: Fundera by NerdWallet
Offers access to multiple loan options, including startup loans, even with lower credit scores and minimal business history.
2. Expanding An Established Business
"I’ve been in business for two years and want to expand. What loan should I consider?"
Best Loan: SBA 7(a) Loan
Ideal for established businesses needing significant funding for expansion, with favorable terms and interest rates.
3. Need For Quick Cash Flow Solutions
"I need quick access to cash to manage cash flow. What’s the fastest option?"
Best Loan: Kabbage Business Line of Credit
Offers quick application and approval processes, with funds available on the same day for urgent cash flow needs.
4. Managing Seasonal Inventory And Expenses
"My business is seasonal, and I need funds to purchase inventory before the busy season. What loan fits this need?"
Best Loan: OnDeck Term Loan
It provides short-term loans with quick funding, ideal for managing seasonal inventory purchases and expenses.
5. New Business Owner With Limited Credit
"I have a low credit score and a new business. Are there any loan options available for me?"
Best Loan: Credibly Small Business Loan
Accepts lower credit scores and offers working capital loans, making it accessible to newer businesses with limited credit.
6. Needing A Flexible Line Of Credit
"I want a flexible financing option. This is to cover unexpected expenses as they arise. What should I look for?"
Best Loan: BlueVine Business Line of Credit
It offers a flexible line of credit with fast approval. Plus, it is suitable for covering unexpected expenses.
7. Seeking Low Interest Rates And Long Terms
"I’m looking for a loan with low interest rates and long repayment terms. What’s the best choice?"
Best Loan: SBA 7(a) Loan
It is known for its low interest rates and long repayment terms. Therefore, it is ideal for businesses seeking cost-effective funding.
8. Socially Responsible Business Owner
"I want to support a loan provider that helps underserved communities. What are my options?"
Best Loan: Accion Opportunity Fund
Focuses on providing loans to underserved small business owners. In fact, it also includes minorities and women, with personalized support.
9. Looking For A Fast And Easy Application Process
"I need a loan. However, I don't want to go through a long application process. Which loan is easy to apply for?"
Best Loan: Fundbox Line of Credit
Offers a simple, quick application process with funds available before the next business day.
10. Needing A Small, Short-Term Loan
"I need a small amount of money quickly for a short-term need. What’s the best option?"
Best Loan: American Express Business Loan
It provides small, fixed-rate loans with a quick approval process, which is ideal for short-term financial needs.
Related: How To Use An SBA Loan For Business Purchase
Eligibility For Small Business Loans
You might find the best loan provider. However, when it comes to eligibility, rejection can be common.
Regarding personal loans, good mortgage lending (a property that you place as collateral when taking the loan) makes loan acceptance easier.
However, when it comes to business loans, the rules are a little different. The loan lender (bank or private) must closely investigate your business expenditure, cash flow, and profit margin.
If you do not have a steady personal and business credit score (unless you are building your business from scratch, in which case the rules will be different), getting your small business loan approved can be challenging.
Do not worry; this is not to scare you. However, ensure you take the time to investigate your and improve financial health.
Here are some of the absolute eligibilities when it comes to small business loans.
1. Your Business Needs To Be Nonprofit
Unfortunately, you cannot have a nonprofit organization and demand a small business loan. Your business must be making some profit through a steady income.
2. A Lucrative Business Idea, Aka The Cash-Flow
Since business loans do not depend on collateral submission, lenders are mostly concerned about the business idea.
Most importantly, is there a demand for such business in the market?
Will there be enough opportunities to build a steady cash flow?
Is there any stock market share for businesses with the same ideation?
The loan they offer you will depend on the potential profit you can make from that base. Plus, it must be backed by solid data.
3. Your Credit Score
Although we have already mentioned the credit score for each loan provider, you need to be serious about your creditworthiness.
Any loan provider will scrutinize your personal and business credit score. Any suspicious activity (including something as simple as an unpaid credit card bill) can put you under the radar. Eventually, it does not make you a good candidate for a loan.
In other cases, your business credit score also plays a crucial role.
What is your total business income?
Is it holistic with your business expenditure?
What is your business credit card transaction history? Are you able to balance your bills alongside your monthly operational costs?
...and many more.
You must submit all your financial documents, especially if you are planning to expand through different business locations and real estate. How your business funds are handled becomes crucial in such a case.
Secured & Unsecured Loan
Starting a business? Want a small business loan? Then, you should understand the importance of collateral in such a business.
Most importantly, do you even need to submit collateral to get your loan sanctioned?
Secure business loans will charge you some collateral (cash money, real estate property, gold bonds, etc.).
Meanwhile, unsecured loans do not charge any collateral.
Which is better as Small Business Loans
As someone just starting a business, I know the advantages/disadvantages of both kinds of loans will depend on your criteria and loan amount.
So, let’s discuss the overall pros and cons of both!
Secured Loans
Let’s begin with the kind of loans that require collateral.
Pros ConsLower Interest RatesLonger Approval RatesHigher Loan Amounts (because of the collateral)Risk of Losing AssetLonger Repayment Period (you can elongate your loan repayment term for two decades)Not everything can be collateral. It, after, depends on the bank.
Unsecured Loans
Now, let’s talk about loans without collateral.
ProsConsYou Need No CollateralAutomatically, the maximum loan amount is less.Quick Loan ApprovalHigher Interest RatesFlexible for all types of loansThe repayment period is a short
When Should You Get What?
For the ease of your own understanding, here is when you should get what!
Secured Loans Might Be Better If
You need a larger loan amount.
Can provide valuable collateral.
You want lower interest rates and longer repayment terms.
If your business has significant assets that can be used as collateral.
Unsecured Loans Might Be Better If
You do not have assets to offer as collateral.
Need funds quickly.
You prefer not to risk losing business or personal assets.
The business needs a smaller loan amount.
You can check the listicle above for a good idea of which secure/unsecured small business loans would be better for you.
Types Of Small Business Loans
These are the types of small business loans which you should investigate:
Term Loans: You borrow a set amount and pay it back over time with fixed payments.
SBA Loans: The government backs these loans, giving you good terms for your business.
Business Lines of Credit: You get access to a credit line like a credit card.
Invoice Financing: You can get cash based on your unpaid invoices.
Equipment Loans: This loan helps you buy business equipment.
Merchant Cash Advances: You get an advance on your future credit card sales.
Microloans: These small loans are often given by nonprofits to help you start.
Commercial Real Estate Loans: Use these loans to buy or fix up your business property.
Personal Loans for Business: You can use your personal credit for business needs.
Franchise Loans: These loans help you start or grow a franchise business.
The Final Note!
The choice between a secured and an unsecured small business loan ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
a secured loan might be more suitable If you have valuable assets and prefer lower interest rates.
On the other hand, if you need quick access to funds and prefer not to put up collateral, an unsecured loan could be the better option.
Always consider the terms and conditions carefully and consult a financial advisor to make the best decision for your business.
Things to remember before you get a small business loan:
Have a solid, chalked-out plan for how you will repay it. You wouldn’t want to lose your collateral.
Do not take hasty loans because you have fulfilled a business milestone. Remember, a loan is not a temporary fix; it is a debt for years to come. Therefore, be careful before sanctioning a loan.
Finally, be candid about your financial decision. Keeping it discreet to get a quicker loan approval will only cause you trouble later.
What do you think? Should getting a small business loan come after so many considerations, or should it be a little easier?
Do let us know in the comment section below!
Read Also:
Core Banking Solutions: A Game Changer?
Alternative Business Financing – What Is It And How Do You Do It?
Ways To Apply For A Personal Loan & The Reasons To Opt For This Loan.
