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employee productivity

7 Ways to Boost Employee Productivity and Create a Positive Culture

Most people will spend roughly 40 hours per week at their workplace. Yet despite spending so much time at the office, the average worker is only productive for less than three hours per day. Less productivity means wasted time and less profit. Additionally, an unproductive workplace is often caused by a lack of happiness. If your office is struggling with employee productivity, it may be time to look at some ways to boost it by creating a positive culture 7 Ways to Boost Employee Productivity and Create a Positive Culture: Here are seven ways you can promote a happier, more productive workplace. 1. Set a Good Example Through Body Language: When it comes to office decorum, we often think about things like polite conduct. But one of the biggest signs that employees are unhappy may not be verbal at all. Often, unhappiness manifests in physical ways, such as body language. Psychologists believe that the way we present ourselves physically through our body language has a major impact on how others see and interact with us -- even if we aren't always aware. If you've noticed a change in employee morale for the worse, set a good example by focusing on creating a warmer, happier environment through physicality. Something as simple as making eye contact to show interest or smiling can have a big impact on the work environment. 2. Facilitate Team Activities: To reach peak potential, an office must be a well-oiled machine. Every employee must do their part to put out the highest caliber of a workday in and day out. For some, though, they may feel less like a team and more like a series of individuals. Reinforce teamwork through regular group activities. Once a month or so, take the team out for a night out. Getting to know one another in a semi-professional manner outside of the office can instill a sense of belonging that many offices lack. 3. Provide a Space to Relax: The day-to-day grind can wear even the most dedicated of employees down. According to the American Institute of Stress, workers are more stressed than ever, with 46% of workers chalking their stress up to a burdensome workload. You can combat workplace stress by providing a safe, relaxing environment where employees can take a quick break. Consider building a rec room. For those who prefer fresh air, implement a community garden or talk to Shelters Direct about smoking shelters. 4. Let Employees Voice Their Opinions: A good employer is someone who listens to what their employees have to say. Make sure that employees feel they can voice their opinions and that they feel heard by their bosses. 5. Offer Incentives: Another great way to encourage employee efficiency is to offer out-of-office incentives. Partner with local businesses like gyms and health clubs to offer discounts or free memberships to employees. Perks matter more than employers think. 6. Choose Team-Building Language: Many managers aren't sure how to treat employees. Should they be stern or friendly? While the solution lies somewhere in the middle, how an employer talks to their employees does, in fact, matter. Use team-oriented language with words like 'we' and 'us' to create a stronger sense of community. 7. Give Employees The Tools to Succeed: Productive employees can only be productive if given the proper tools. That includes providing a clean and safe workspace, as well as up to date software and hardware. If you're not sure what employees need to be as productive as possible, simply ask. Improve Employee Productivity With These Great Tips: In order to establish a happy, efficient workplace, where employee productivity is at an all-time high, you'll want to follow these tips. Remember, you as a manager have the ability to make a difference, so the change starts with you. For more great tips on how to lead by example, check out our post on people management tips. Read Also: I’m Being Overworked By My Employer – What Should I Do? Staying Safe In The Office: 8 Workplace Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

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motivated

Here Are 10 Tips On How To Get Motivated For Work, School, or Life

They say it is all in your head. whether you are trying to lose weight, get a new job or otherwise improve yourself. Often your biggest obstacles are psychological. It's hard to get and stay motivated, especially if you have gotten knocked off track a few times. Many of us start feeling a decline in confidence and an increase in hopelessness when we fail to achieve our goals over and over again. There are many ways to stay motivated both long-term and immediately when you feel that drive start to ebb. If you are looking on how to get motivated, try some or all of these ideas to kick start your ambition and get you back on the road to success. Here are ten ideas for improving your motivation. 1. Set a Goal: Sometimes you need to be clear and specific in articulating your objective in order to achieve it. Instead of just hoping to "lose weight," give yourself a specific target: "this year I will lose 20 pounds." You might write it out in an inspiring sign to paste on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror, to remind yourself every day to stay focused. 2. Lay Out Achievable Steps: Not only must you define what you are going for, you need to layout steps that will get you there. If your goal is to open another office, you will want to set out a budget and timeline to help you work towards that result. Many goals are the accumulation of actions, so you need to be clear what steps you need to take along the way. Before you can improve your stamina, you need to join a gym or engage a personal trainer. Before you can meet the man of your dreams, you need to join a dating app in order to start meeting people. 3. Check in with a Mentor or Friend: Another important component to getting motivated is to be accountable.  It's less easy to slack off when you have to report your progress to someone else. By setting professional goals with a mentor or supervisor,  you give yourself the motivation to report your progress back to them.  If you think people are expecting something of you, you are more likely to work harder to please them and get the job done. You may also receive the added bonus of feedback: others can buck you up when you are feeling discouraged, and give you alternate ideas to try when your strategy is not going well. 4. Ingest Some Caffeine: Don't overlook the physical factors involved with motivation. It is hard to keep going if you are hungry, tired or depleted. Many people need a cup of coffee to get their engines revved in the morning. Caffeine can actually improve memory, productivity, and performance. If you are looking for a quick fix to your motivational blues, a cup of joe or a bite of chocolate may perk you up to get your short term goals accomplished. 5. Take a Walk: To change your mind you often need to move a muscle. If you are in a rut,  change your perspective by literally getting out of your house or office and going for a walk. Many cultures extol nature as a way of cleaning out the mind and reinvigorating the body. The Japanese call this practice forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku. Being in nature can reduce stress and help you regain focus and energy. 7. Eat Something Healthy: Lack of motivation may be a sign that you are physically run-down, or you are failing to keep your mind and body properly fueled.  By incorporating healthy nutritional habits into your daily routine, you will be better able to face the ups and downs of work and life and stay more focused on achieving your goals. You may need to examine what you are eating as well. Maybe eating too much dairy or gluten is sapping your energy. As our bodies get older, we may no longer be able to process certain foods the way we used to. By cleaning up your diet to include fewer toxins and more fruits and vegetables, you are likely to experience higher energy levels. 8. Try a Nutritional Supplement: Some people need a boost to keep their bodies functioning at maximum capacity. Many take nutritional supplements to increase their memory function, energy and wellbeing. This website shows the kinds of products available called nootropics, which are intended to assist with a mental performance by supporting creativity, focus, intelligence, and motivation. Some ingredients used to enhance brain function include bacopa Monnier, an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance information processing and reduce reaction times;  Rhodiola Rosea, an herb that helps your body handle stress more effectively, ginseng root, which reduces fatigue and helps with high-level problem solving; and ginkgo Biloba, which improves memory and reduces stress-related high blood pressure. 9. Keep Going: Sometimes you may not be as inspired as other times. Sometimes a deadline will not wait and you just have to rally. Perfection can be the enemy of the good. That means: don't let your own perfectionism stand in the way of just getting your task accomplished. You may not achieve your objective with the highest marks and the best results that you might have liked, but often getting something done is an achievement in and of itself. Maybe tomorrow you will come back with renewed insight and innovative ideas. By pushing yourself, you will eventually get to where you want to go. You may not get As all the time, but by refusing to give up you will eventually persevere and triumph. 10. Take a Break: A lack of motivation may indicate a deeper issue. Maybe you are no longer inspired by your line of work. Maybe you need to try an alternative route to your ultimate destination. When scientists tackle problems, sometimes they have to give up and come back to the problem at a later time. Sometimes only time and persistence can give you the perspective you need to either solve the challenge or move on. You may realize that you really want to focus on a different goal. You may decide that your energy should be channeled in a different direction. How to Get Motivated- Physically and Mentally: Searching for how to get motivated may lead you to question the goals towards which you are directing that energy. You may ultimately find in yourself the reasons why you are struggling to achieve something and new strategies for attaining that mission. On the other hand, you may also discover that you would prefer to focus on that motivation elsewhere. For more tips on improving your physical and mental fitness, check out our blog. Read Also: How Interviews With Industry Titans Motivate And Elevate Company Teams 6 Ways To Promote Healthy Brain

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Chain Survival

What Is the Chain of Survival?

When it comes to administering first aid to people, it is always best to leave it to professionals. However, there are certain instances when you simply cannot, or should not wait for them to arrive. There are some studies which show just how important it can be to administer first aid to a person until professionals arrive. First aid experts at Advanced Healthcare Education share with us what the chain of survival is and why it is so important, that it is taught in all health courses approved by the American Heart Association. What Is the Chain of Survival? In the simplest terms, the chain of survival is a string of important actions which need to be taken in order to maximize the likelihood of survival of a person who experienced a cardiac arrest or similar problem. If you know what the links in this chain are, you are far more likely to be able to help someone, no matter if you have any medical experience or not. Links of the Chain: The first and perhaps most important step in the process of saving someone’s life is recognizing that there is an emergency and that action needs to be undertaken. If this ever happens to you, you need to call 911 immediately. Even if the situation turns out to be less critical than you originally thought, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are at a place which has an automated external defibrillator, have someone bring it to the person in distress. CPR and Chest Compressions: Once the emergency services have been alerted to the situation, the first link of the chain has been completed. However, this is not where your help ends. If you have any BLS training, you can actually administer CPR and chest compressions. Even if you are not skilled in basic life support, the 911 operator can guide you through it and you can greatly improve the chances of a person’s survival until help arrives. You should continue with CPR until professionals arrive. Rapid Defibrillation: If you have an automated external defibrillator (AED) at hand, it is another step you can take in order to help a person in distress. The machine needs to be placed next to the person you are helping. There are clear visual and audio instructions on the device itself which will help you attach the machine to the patient. The machine itself will inform you if the shock is required. If so, make sure nobody is touching the patient and administer the shock. Some of these machines can actually help you administer proper CPR and chest compressions. Basic and Advanced Care: This fourth step in the chain refers to the trained medical professionals who should be able to provide not only the basic medical support you could but also more advanced treatment, such as administering medication. Additionally, medical professionals are trained in advanced respiration procedures which can help provide oxygen to the patient even if they are unconscious and not breathing on their own. However, in order for the medical professionals to respond to an emergency, the first link of the chain is crucial – someone needs to contact emergency services. Advanced Life Support: Finally, advanced life support is largely left to the professionals. If the situation with the patient is that critical, the patient needs to be taken to the hospital where a team of different medical professionals can take care of them. Even though you can help someone without any medical training, you can be much more effective if you have simple BLS training. This course is relatively simple, but it instills some of the crucial points about saving lives, including the chain of survival. Read Also: Seeking A Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers To Check Out

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Back In Shape

How Do I Get Back In Shape? Fitness Experts Share Their Tips!

The most common question many personal trainers get is ‘how do I get back in shape’. As good-intentioned as that question is, there’s no way anyone can answer it for you. Deep inside, you know the way to get back in shape is to make some tough choices. It’s that simple. It can be difficult to balance out your work, caring for your kids, resting, binging and signing up for a gym like Fit Athletic. Getting back in shape means making some serious changes in your routine, which is always a huge challenge. In this article, we’ve asked personal trainers from the best San Diego fitness centers to share their thoughts on the topic and give their best advice on how to get back in shape. Stay In Shape: Yes, it’s easier said than done, but the truth is that the best way to get back in shape is to stay close to the shape, or the ideal look, weight, and BMI for you. As we grow older and more busy at work, skipping gym time comes rather naturally. The worst mentality you can develop is that it’s just one day. But day by day, you’ll lose the motivation to work out and stay in shape. Soon enough, you’ve come to the point where you don’t recognize yourself anymore. Going to the gym is better than not going to the gym. If you skip going to the gym because you only have 30 minutes to work out, you’re making a huge mistake. Because 30 minutes is still more than zero. Even a bad day at the gym can contribute to maintaining the harmony in your body. No matter how much you just want to sit back and binge Netflix for the rest of the day, you have to make sure you stay motivated to work out continuously. Staying in shape is the key to never having to put in the extra effort to get back in shape. Take Your Time: While your desire to get back in shape is commendable, it can also lead to serious injuries if you’re not careful. As bad as you might feel about getting out of shape, going in fast and hard is not a good idea. It took some time to get out of shape, and you cannot undo that instantly. Instead, this is a process that requires patience and caution. Don’t try to make up for the lost time the day you get back to the gym. Instead, allow your body some time to adjust to the new regime through slow, natural progression. If you strain and injure yourself, you can only hinder your progress. Set Realistic Goals: This picks up where the last point left off. There’s a big chance the first few workouts will leave you completely exhausted. That’s only natural. You have to pave the way back to your ideal shape with realistic goals. Setting realistic weight loss and muscle mass goals will ensure your workouts are effective and will motivate you even more. Deceiving yourself that you can look like an action movie star in the first month of getting back to the gym will only ruin your motivation because such a goal is unrealistic. And don’t forget all those other obligations and activities outside the gym that made you quit in the first place. All those deadlines are still waiting and someone still needs to pick the kids up from school. So instead of implementing a heavy training schedule to get back in shape, focus on short but intensive workouts. Striking a balance is key to a harmonious life and the key to getting back in shape. Read Also: How To Avoid Getting Bored At The Gym 10 Winter Fitness Hacks To Help You Stick To Your Fitness Goals

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Dumpster

5 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Rent a Roll Off Dumpster?

Junk! Junk Everywhere, What comes handy in Situation here? Roll Off Dumpster is the solution anytime anywhere. We often consider dumpster oversized trash that occupies our parking space or yard. In spite of having huge debris, waste and trash dumpster is the last thing we can think of.--When in essence, that's precisely what we should be focusing on. You can visit trusted sources such as eagle dumpster rental to help get your head around the rules. Having a clear idea of what you can expect is best before ordering a dumpster. Well, the blog underneath is an answer to all your ifs and buts while you think of renting a dumpster. I will provide you with all the important reasons that call out for a dumpster. Is Renting a Dumpster Important? Why and When? Renting a Dumpster become very necessary when you consider the following situations. Decluttering your Home: No matter how well you organize or manage your home, every house has junk. We need to clear it at least a few times in a year if not every month. While decluttering we have all types of junk that can be light, heavy, big, small, etc. It is not possible to fit all kinds of garbage in your vehicle altogether and throw them off to the garbage dump, which is usually situated in outskirts of every city. Even if you try doing it yourself, it will consume a lot of money and time at your end. The best way is to go for renting a dumpster. Relocation: The second important situation that calls out for renting a Dumpster is shifting from one place to another. Your new home may not always be the same size as your old one and you may try to get rid of most of the things. Even if this is not the case you cannot carry all the things while shifting. How will you throw all the waste? The simplest answer is by seeking help from dumpster service providing companies. Get a dumpster placed before your home and simply put all the trash. Construction: During construction, there is huge debris and other construction waste. It can be easily removed with the help of a dumpster. No self-work can help you to get rid of such a huge waste and your construction site would always be filled with unwanted things resulting in more and more accidents. Remodelling Your Home or Office: If you are in a plan to give a new look to your home or workplace there are a number of old things that first need to be removed. This huge waste would not be able to fit into your regular dustbin and you would certainly require a dumpster for the same. Clearing the Yard: All the small and big things that are waste inside the house find their space in the yard. But is it a good idea? Don't you think it hammers the first impression when people enter your home? While of course, it does. Your yard can be cleared with ease if you opt for the hiring of a dumpster. Final Words: Getting a dumpster on rent gives you great relief. You can clear all the mess in and around you easily. You can also opt for clearing team to remove all your junk. It will save you a lot of time and you don't even have to face any sort of injury while cleaning the junk on any sites. So consider renting a dumpster it has all the benefits for you without any harmful impacts. Read Also: How To Use A Shipping Container As A Home Office

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Best E-commerce Platforms

Best E-commerce Platforms for Your Box Subscription Business

The majority of product-based firms are supplementing their model of revenue by adopting the box subscription stream for revenue. An example is the Blue Bottle and Stumptown Coffee in the coffee industry. In the place of being websites which are one-stop-shops for products that relate to coffee, both of them are sources of recurring deliveries to the clients of these beans. Conversely, other you can opt for ProfitIndustry top 5 best e-commerce platforms for box subscription business for purposes of gaining from their benefits. Enhanced experiences for customers: Loyalty comes from providing the best experiences for customers. When you strive to provide the best experiences for customers, you are formulating good customer relations. It leads to overall business sustainability, brand loyalty, and repeat purchasing. Companies that focus on providing superior experiences to customers realize positive results that include increased growth in revenue and customer satisfaction. Making things low-friction or smooth for the customer is the best way of providing excellent customer experiences. Convenience: With ProfitIndustry top 5 best e-commerce platforms for a box subscription business, the products will get delivered in a recurring manner, at the frequency of the shopper, and the client will not get worried about the products getting depleted. Better return on investment in customer acquisition: Business growth relies on the scalability and efficiency of your strategy of acquiring customers. As the business continues to grow, you will have to open new customer acquisition channels or focus on those channels that favor repeat business from current clients. Regardless of the way you refine the strategy, new customer acquisition will be costly. More than eight percent of companies find it easier to retain current customers than acquire new ones. For this reason, the box subscription model seems to meet that requirement nicely. In case the customer wants to get an item that will run out, you can assume that he is becoming a repeat customer than if you are concentrating on products that are one-sided. The investment you will incur in convincing first-time visitors is higher than compelling previous purchasers. You may spend a lot of money on adverts on new clients while convincing existing ones may need targeted emails. Revenue from such business will be higher than first-time clients. The difference is in the fundamentals of ProfitIndustry top 5 best e-commerce platforms for a box subscription business. The model is retention-based; which ensures that recurring revenue from repeat clients is executed well. This strategy is the best recipe for the sustainability of the business. Selling your service or product in the standard way means you will work hard to convert users to buyers and work very hard to convert them to repeat buyers. Better prediction of revenue: The best thing about ProfitIndustry top 5 best e-commerce platforms for a box subscription business is that you maintain a revenue stream that is reliable. In most cases, when the company predicts revenue, assumptions come from previous sales, salaries, and overall expenses. Nonetheless, the subscription model offers a good way of forecasting revenue by tightening elements of revenue prediction that vacillate. Since box subscription business has its basis on retention, the owner can predict the lifetime value of the customer. Gathering the income of clients on particular periods will help you predict your future revenue. Conclusion: Currently, clients can order almost everything online. Some firms take advantage of this ease by capitalizing on elements that other models of businesses find it tricky to implement the delight of customers. With omnichannel being on the tongue of all marketers, delighting your customers is genuinely demanding. When you bring in elements of surprise, you will please your customers. When you offer a box of unknown items monthly, customers will be happy to receive the things that are new or will consider purchasing individually due to price. Read Also: 8 Key SEO Strategies For E-Commerce Websites Oh, Crop! Killer E-Commerce Mistakes You Need To Conquer Tags In E-Commerce: This Is Why They Are Important How Social Media Can Boost Up The E-Commerce Industry New Technology In Business: 4 Inventions In 2019 That Are Changing The Game

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unzipping

Ways of Unzipping Files on Mac

There are several low-cost and third-party compression apps that you can use on your Mac device. This operating system comes with inbuilt compression systems that you can use to unzip and zip files. The inbuilt system is primary, which is the reason why many apps are available in the market. When you look in the store, you will realize over fifty applications that will show you ways of unzipping and zipping files. Below are ways and instructions that will direct you on decompressing and compressing folders and files using zipping tools that come with the Mac operating system. The device is basic, and it gets your job done. The OS X Compression Application: When you have this app, it will be secure when you are pondering on how to unzip files on mac the easy way since it comes from the Set app. It also comes with possibilities of modifying the data. There is no need of wasting time looking for it in the apps folder because it is not there. The app is not readily visible because it is a primary service of the operating system. App developers and apple can employ core services for purposes of enhancing the capabilities of an application. For instance, Mac Mail employs this service to decompress and compress attachments; and Safari uses it to decompress downloaded files. The utility of archives has several settings that you can modify, and you can make changes after some time. As at now, it is better to keep using this utility the way is configured in the default state because it is possible to try new settings later. This utility may not be visible, but it is not to mean that you cannot access the services. Apple makes unzipping and zipping folders and files very easy by allowing the finder to get utilize the utility archive app. Zipping a file: The first step when you are learning how to unzip files on mac the easy way from the settings app is by knowing the procedure of zipping. When you are zipping a file or folder, you begin by opening the finder window and then navigate to the folder or file that you want to zip. You will then have to press control-click if you have the mouse with this capability on the file and then choose compress from the menu. The item’s name will show up after the term compress so that the ideal menu item will compress “item name.” Unzipping a File: How to unzip files on mac the easy way from Setapp has never been easier. Double-click a zip-file and the folder or file will become decompressed in the same folder as the compressed file. If the compressed file contains one file, the decompressed item will have a similar name as the primary file. In case the file has the same name as an existing name in the folder, the file undergoing decompression will have the number appended to the name. For files with multiple items: When the zip file contains several items, the files that undergo unzipping will then get stored in the folder that has a name that is similar to the zip file. For instance, if you zip the file with the name archive.zip, files will get placed in the folder that has a name called Archive. The folder will then get placed in a similar folder to the archive.zip file. In case the folder already has the folder called archive, a digit or number will get appended on the new folder as the archive. By default, compressed folders and files open by use of the archive utility. It shows inside the dock while files are undergoing unzipping, not unless you are choosing to open them with another program. Read Also: Why DRM Is The New Standard For Document Security MSVCP140.Dll File Missing Problem And Ways To Tackle It

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Digital Advisors

How Digital Advisors have Transformed the Investment Sector

Technology has undoubtedly made a huge impact on our everyday lives. There are new innovations that are unveiled practically every minute and it can be hard to keep up. The rise of the internet has replaced traditional newspapers and other print media as sources of information. Millions of people now rely on online news sources such as Yahoo and Twitter on getting their news. The transportation sector has also transformed from using the yellow cabs to Uber and Taxify. Purchasing of goods and services is now through electronic payments via credit and debit cards. The financial industry has also been affected by this transformation. The rise of digital advisors has resulted in cheaper and more efficient ways of offering financial advice to investors. These offer automated financial planning with different levels of human engagement. An investor will surely appreciate such engagement. The Difference Between Robo Advisor and Digital Advisors: A robo advisor uses algorithms and model portfolios relying on certain information that has been obtained from the client. While others may find robo advisors attractive due to their low cost, there is minimal human interaction. There is more focus on investment allocation but minimal focus on financial planning. Making life’s big decisions such as buying your next house or paying for college requires a lot of careful planning. In this instance, there is no one to hold your hand as you contemplate about making these changes in our life. A digital advisor is a combination of a traditional financial planner and a robot advisor. This affords an investor the ease and convenience of accessing a personal human advisor. These can be reached via phone or chat. The advice offered by digital advisors goes beyond investment options. Since users have real-time access to an actual financial planner, they can talk to someone about their specific needs and work together to come up with a plan that is based on their current situation. Which One is Right? There are Robo advisors who are fully automated and have low fees. These provide investment planning to investors. On the other hand, digital advisors offer a combination of this automation and a touch of the human element. Financial advice is also provided. It is important for you to know how these function so that you know which one to choose if you are considering these options. Here are some options to choose from who are considered the well-known players in this space: Wealthfront: this automated service has over $1 billion in client assets and thus considered the world’s largest investment service. There is very little human interaction. The first $10,000 in assets management do not attract an advisory fee. Amounts that are higher than this attracts a monthly advisory fee at the rate of 0.25%. The minimum investment amount is $5,000. Betterment: there is also very little human interaction on this service. Just like the previous platform, the process if Betterment begins by clients being asked a series of questions and then an investment plan is recommended. A monthly portfolio fee of 0.35% and this amount decreases the more the balance grows. There is no minimum investment. Learnvest: although this platform does not manage investments, clients can contact a Certified Financial planner whom they can contact by phone or email and ask questions. A %19 monthly fee is charged. Personal capital & Wela: these two digital advisors have very similar offerings. For instance, both offer free financial advice to their users. You can receive advice pertaining to all things finance and be assisted to set up a unique game plan based on your specific situation. Users are also free to use all the financial planning tools available at the site at no extra cost. A management fee of less than 1% is charged to users who are connected to a personalized wealth management advisor. A similar program at Wela ensures that a user is charged only when he decides to become a client. If you have your doubts about putting your money with a fully automated system, why not go for a digital advisor that provides you with unlimited access to a financial planner while at the same time providing online convenience so that you are assured if a partner to guide you in making big decisions in life. How They Work: You do not have to rely on a human to discuss your financial goals and expectations. These interactions go on through a website. You will fill out a questionnaire that helps these sites to assess your current financial situation, risk tolerance and goals. The firms will use this information to develop manage and also suggest an asset allocation. Other firms will operate by investing your money in mutual funds and exchange funds. These are passively managed funds. Other firms will be willing to invest in individual stocks although this does not happen so often. Once your portfolio has been constructed the digital advisor will rebalance it on different situations so that you can maintain your target asset allocation. There are some cases where you will not need to fully rely on a digital platform to offer advice. Some elements of the advisor model are mixed with a human advisor. Therefore instead of relying on your response to the given questionnaire, you will be interviewed over the phone or video. You can also access a human advisor via video conferencing. These websites rely on their own algorithms to determine what would be a good fit for you as asset allocation. Depending on the firm, some will be more or less aggressive in their suggestions. Investors have found these websites to be truly valuable in a fast-paced world where many lack the time or interest to manage their own savings or investments. Advanced technology makes it possible for investors to be comfortable in a web-based relationship which assists them to allocate their asset and online portfolios. It has truly changed the way business is done. Read Also: 5 Must-Have Long-Term Goals For A Secure Future How To Become Financially Stable Before Age 30

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Canada Immigration

Top 5 Ways to Avoid Canada Immigration Consultancy Frauds

Immigrating to a different country is usually an engaging and exhausting process, and you need to employ the services of an immigration company. As if the process itself is not vigorous enough, you also need to choose from the tens of immigration companies available. If you are intending to move to Canada, you should be particularly on the lookout for unscrupulous individuals who are out to steal from you in the name of helping you move into the country. Many people have lost money and wasted valuable time and resources to fake Canada immigration consultants. That’s why you need to take these measures to avoid these scams and have a seamless and worthwhile experience while immigrating to Canada. 1. Look for Licensing and ICCRC Membership: One of the leading ways to spot a scam immigration company is that they will not be licensed. Only companies that are registered and have received a license to offer immigration consultancy services are legitimate.  Avoid consultancy firms that promise to be legit but have no valid license as proof of their authenticity. Additionally, you may want to check that the company is a member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) and has a good record with the body. Firms that are not registered under this body or which have a bad record may end up letting you down in the end. 2. Stay Away from Sweet Deals: Most immigration fraudsters offer sweet deals that are meant to entice potential immigrants and encourage them to seek immigration services from their firms. For example, a company may promise faster processing of your immigration application, successful applications, and job offers with no interviews. All these promises are usually untrue and meant to scam you of your hard-earned cash. Only the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offices have the ability to determine application processing times, including whether it will be approved or rejected. Remember, you won’t be getting a job without attending an interview. Therefore, if anyone promises you these things, they are scammers. 3. Don’t Click on Phishing Emails: Canada immigration consultancy fraudsters have for a long time used phishing to con unsuspecting immigrants. You open your email and find mail from a consultancy company offering immigration services. Before getting all excited that you have found an immigration company without breaking a sweat, think twice. Most legitimate companies will not send you mail unless you subscribed to their mailing list. Whoever is emailing you is probably a con, and you should desist from replying to that email or providing any of your personal or bank info. 4. Do Online Research: The Internet is a goldmine of information, and it can save you from falling into the traps of unscrupulous Canada immigration consultants. There are various sites that allow you to research and find out whether an immigration consultancy firm is legitimate. You can also get online reviews of individuals who have used the services of these firms. Steer clear of firms that have been labeled as illegitimate. What’s more, avoid those that have low star ratings (below 3 stars) as the chances are that previous clients have had bad experiences with them. If you are deciding to move to Canada, you need to be aware of some of the civil and criminal law systems that operate there. For example, a fraud under $5000 is considered to be a small offense and is termed as usually a civil case. On the other hand, if you are guilty of committing a fraud over the $5000 mark, then the same can be classified as a criminal offense. Make sure you get a complete list of all official and legal rules and regulations from your immigration agency before you step into the country. 5.Get Recommendations: One of the sure ways to avoid being scammed is by getting recommendations from close friends, friends of friends, or family. Do you know someone who immigrated to Canada? If so, they can hook you up with the Canada immigration consultant who helped to process their application. Doing this helps you to get first-hand information on how the company is, their customer service, and reliability. Additionally, you can also learn what is required during the application process. Final Thoughts: Fraudsters are out to con Canada immigrants by making promises such as faster processing of applications, cheap deals, and even free jobs. Save yourself from these scams by observing the highlighted measures. Beware of companies that ask for an upfront payment that is not indicated on the IRCC website. If you aren’t sure about the legitimacy of a firm, check online, ask your friends, and look for valid ICCRC membership. Read Also: Follow These 5 Tips To Avoid Mistakes In Immigration Application Less Waste – Something You Can Do For The World

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French Towns

4 French Towns You Must See At Least once in Your Life

While top French cities such as Paris and are on every traveler’s bucket list, it’s the charming little towns and villages that steal the show for those looking for a non-touristy vacation in rural France, complete with stunning views, centuries-old architecture, and authentic local cuisine. Here are four must-see towns if you’re keen on an offbeat holiday in the French countryside. Beaune in Burgundy: While the Burgundy region is famous for its signature wines, its picturesque towns and villages are a haven for discerning travelers looking to experience France at the grassroots. The local way of living offers a delightful experience of French life at its slowest best. Visit the beautiful walled town of Beaune for its old-world architecture, some of the country’s best red wines, and cozy little eateries that conjure up the best in French cuisine for locals and tourists alike. The airports nearest to Beaune are the Geneva and Lyon airports and the Basel/Mulhouse Euro Airport. From there you can take an airport transfer to the Beaune city center. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in the Rhônes Alpes: Located at the base of the highest mountain in southeast France—the famous Mont Blanc— Chamonix is a global hub for skiing and other winter sports. In fact, it is one of the country’s oldest ski resorts. The commune is abuzz with activity nearly the whole year round, with skiers arriving from all corners of the world. Its beautiful chalets add to the experience of visitors looking for a wholesome French experience in the heart of the country. Josselin in Brittany: Located right next to the River Oust, this charming commune is famous for its ancient castle and old-world half-timber buildings. Spend a day enjoying authentic French life at the town square or climb up the bell tower for an unbeatable view of the picturesque landscape—an afternoon in Josselin is a must-do if you’re in Brittany. There are many small airports in the vicinity if you need to travel to Josselin directly, such as the Gare de Rennes and the Rennes. Whether you’re flying into Josselin or going by road from a nearby city, book an airport transfer or city tour in advance to avoid the trouble of haggling with local taxis or waiting in line for a cab during the peak season. By pre-booking with a professional service provider such as Click Airport Transfers, you will save both time and money. Colmar in Alsace: Located in Alsace, a wine region in France right next to the German and Swiss borders, the fairytale town of Colmar is both a feast for the eyes and a haven of gastronomical delights. Its mystical winding lanes, brightly painted buildings and medieval architecture lend this quaint French town an air of old history mixed with an urbane vibe that’s rare to find. Colmar’s Christmas market is not to miss if you’re going in December. And while you’re there, you can’t miss visiting the Renaissance-style House of Heads. Read Also: 4 Do’s And Don’t’s In Paris Our Guide To Finding The Cheapest New York City Movers

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