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Smart Retirement Plans: How To Prepare For Your Future

Smart Retirement Plans

Many people are focused on their careers that they fail to plan for retirement when it’s over. Your future plans are just as important as your immediate plans, and you should cater to both alongside each other. Let’s take a quick look at some smart plans to help prepare you for retirement.

First, you need to determine your time horizon. Your time horizon is how far or near you are to retirement. Understanding how much time you have till retirement will help shape your actions and determine what course of action you can take.

Another thing you should do is to evaluate your risk tolerance. Judging from your time horizon, if you have about 20 to 30 years before retirement, you can still evaluate your risks with investments. However, it would help if you were looking to accumulate your funds once it’s getting to about ten years, and you’re closing in on retirement.

In addition, ensure that you estimate your total retirement expenses. You might love to take a vacation right after retirement or finally take that dream trip. Estimate all expenses, your total cost of living, possible medical fees, and unforeseen costs. This would give you a target to meet as you save up for retirement.

Try to analyze your possible retirement income. You might have pension payments from your employer during retirement, and maybe one or two other things you invest in now. Understand how your pension works and any other expected benefits. This can also help you set the target you need as your retirement fund.

When all these are in place, you may begin a retirement savings plan. Regardless of how old you are, the best thing you can do is to begin saving for retirement right now if you’re yet to start. Periodically save a portion of your earnings for your retirement. If your company has a retirement plan for workers, you should grab the opportunity.

What you do now largely determines how you live during retirement. Do you want to have a comfortable after-career and enjoy your retirement days? Make use of these tips provided and build yourself a blissful future.

Billionaires And How They Make Money

Billionaires And How They Make Money

On the 18th of March, 2020, Forbes recorded that there are at least 2,095 billionaires globally. These billionaires have made their mark on the world in their own way. The big question is, “How do the billionaires make their money?” Anyone can be a billionaire with the right knowledge and intentional actions, including you. Let’s examine the winning ways by which billionaires make their money.

Billionaires solve problems. They recognize the difficulties people face and work towards creating solutions. Their solutions often come in the form of innovations, such as Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft. The more global the problems they solve, the more money they tend to make.

Again, billionaires make their money work for them. In other words, billionaires invest. Investment is a risk, and billionaires are risk-takers. They win some and lose some, but it pays them because they learn from the losses and celebrate the wins. Warren Buffet is a shrewd investor who made a large chunk of his billions from investments.

Apart from the given, it is of interest to note that billionaires are passionate about what they do. Mark Zuckerberg is a living proof that billionaires understand that only passion can sustain an individual on the journey to fulfillment. A top trait of billionaires in the world is that they find their passion, give their best to it, and ultimately stick with it.

Billionaires are great leaders who think outside the box. Billionaires are people of influence. They bring out the best in others because they understand the importance of being surrounded by like-minded people.

Also, they step out of their comfort zones and think outside the box. They defy conventions, stereotypes, and come up with fantastic creations. A good number of billionaires were considered to be crazy when they just started. In the end, their craziness and radical ideas led them to make billions and influence many.

We’ll leave you with some words from Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, the world’s largest eCommerce store. He said, there’s no specific formula to being a billionaire. However, there’s magic in finding what you love and consistently working at it, regardless of losses and other challenges.

 

How Andrew Carnegie Became A Successful Entrepreneur

Andrew Carnegie

People who have experienced entrepreneurship rarely know what it is about before they begin their journey. They are faced with fierce challenges. Some win, while some lose. Those who succeed are often aware that entrepreneurship requires perseverance. Andrew Carnegie was one such man, who by perseverance, weathered storms to become successful. Here are pieces of information we’ve gathered on how Andrew Carnegie became a successful entrepreneur despite challenges.

Andrew Carnegie was born into a lower-class family in November 1835. He used to live in a small house in the suburb of Fife. Andrew’s early life was a life of hunger, as coming by food was very scarce for the family. He could only eat a meal per day. Andrew’s family then moved to Allegheny, Pennsylvania.

Despite Andrew’s poor beginning, he became very successful. Before his death in 1919, he was a successful industrialist and philanthropist. He pioneered the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century and later grew to become one of the wealthiest Americans in history.

“Do your duty, and a little more and the future will take care of itself.” Andrew Carnegie

Andrew was committed to his “little” work. He started as a bobbing boy, probably the poorest paying job in his day. However, he was fully committed. He showed extra efforts by starting very early in the morning. He worked almost 12 hours every day. On that job, Andrew assisted in changing sewing thread spools. It was at that point he knew he needed to be his boss.

Andrew was focused on his goal. He knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur. Thus, he nurtured his passion and pursued achieving his goal with seriousness. He saw to it that he learned everything he needed to know about the business. His idea about business propelled him to save every penny he earned until he could buy the company he was working for.

Investment is essential for every entrepreneur. Andrew invested his money in railways. This idea was visionary at that time. Even though the train was a dangerous mode of transportation, Andrew was not discouraged. He invested in trains until they became what is now celebrated today.

Apart from the fact that Andrew worked very hard to be successful, he never stopped giving back to the society for just and noble causes. He gave for education and health care, among many others. His classic character is that of successful and influential entrepreneurs. They always give back to society. Every entrepreneur who intends to succeed must be ready for challenges and face them headlong through perseverance and consistency.

Unpopular Truths About The Multi-Talented And Multi-Industrious Rihanna

Rihanna

Popular singer, actress, designer, renowned businesswoman and philanthropist, Rihanna, has made thick waves in the entertainment industry, as a pioneer for diversity and inclusivity. She is indeed one of the most famous multi-hyphenates! However, there may be some things you might not know about her. Let’s take a look at some of them.

First, did you know that she had military experience? While Rihanna was in high school, she had military experience as an army cadet in a sub-military program running in her high school. Interestingly, famous singer and songwriter Shontelle was her drill sergeant who is also a Barbadian.

Also, you might be surprised to know makeup was once an issue for Rihanna while growing up. She couldn’t wear makeup while growing up, even though she’s now one of the makeup queens today. She once admitted that her mother didn’t allow her to wear makeup as a teenager. Nevertheless, her obsession with makeup started from observing her mum while working at a cosmetics counter. As it stands, she is now the proud owner of Fenty Beauty!

She didn’t finish high school. Rihanna didn’t graduate from high school. She was invited to move to the US to record demo tape after meeting with American producer Evan Rogers in her home country as a teenager. As her career took off and proceeded, she didn’t return to complete her schooling. However, it will interest you to know that Rihanna spoke at Harvard and was awarded the University’s Humanitarian of the Year! She confessed that she never thought she’d be able to achieve that height in her life, especially not at Harvard.

Furthermore, Jay-Z signed her at 16. Rihanna was invited to audition for Jay-Z after her demo tapes were sent to Def Jam Records. The 16 years old was instantly signed. It was noted that L.A. Reid was so impressed that he demanded she did not leave the building until she had signed the contract!

Check this out. In Barbados, the 22nd of February is notably the National Rihanna’s Day. In 2008, David Thompson, the prime minister of Barbados at the time, officially made February 22, National Rihanna’s day in Barbados. Barbadians celebrate it annually by listening to her music, and occasionally, Rihanna returns to her home country to perform.

Finally, before she performs, she takes a shot! One of the things Rihanna also notably does asides eating lozenges and doing vocal warm-ups before her shows is that she takes a shot! She explained that the drink calms her nerves before her lit performances.

I bet you probably didn’t know some of these unpopular truths about Rihanna. Well, now, you do!

The Struggle For Equality By The Women National Team: A Possible Landmark Judgement

The US women National Team

The US women National Team may have won the world cup consecutively, but they face a difficult task in emerging victorious in their lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation. Irrespective of the outcome of the lawsuit, they’ve probably laid precedence for other women National teams. Most importantly, they’ve fought bravely for gender equality and frowned at discrimination.

The US Women National Team filed the suit for equal pay and gender discrimination against the US Soccer Federation on March 8, 2019. The women decided to take legal action after perceiving they’ve been discriminated against. It was not the first time the Women National Team and the USSF disagreed over gender discrimination in payment. The dispute first gained prominence after the 1996 Olympics, where unequal bonuses were offered to both male and female participants from the US.

The response from the USSF generated more controversy. The federation’s lawyers argued that it required more skill and responsibility to play for the men’s national team. The statement created serious division after the women’s team captain, Megan Rapinoe, labeled the statement as “blatant misogyny.” The sponsors of the USSF, like Coca-Cola, Volkswagen, Budweiser, Visa, Nike, and Deloitte, condemned the statement.

A more comprehensive detail was released by USSF president, Carlos Cordeiro, who presented an analysis of 10years of financial data. The letter showed that the women’s national team was paid a total of $34.1 million in salary and game bonuses, while the men received $26.4 million during the same period.

The USSF operated a hybrid system of payment for the women. Seventeen players were signed to full-time contracts. These signed players were paid whether they get called up for games or not while the other women players were non-contract players who were paid when they’re called up. On the contrary, all of the men players are non-contract players who are paid only when they are called up by the team.

By May 2020, the summary judgment dismissed most of the lawsuit’s claim, notably those related to equal pay, before even the jury trial. Apparently, the judge held the notion that the women had exchanged their right for equal pay for a favorable collective bargaining agreement. The women’s captain, Megan Rapinoe, admitted that the federation has invested more in the women’s game than any other federation in the world.

There is a long way before the conclusion of the case, and irrespective of the outcome, the women have laid great precedence for other women’s teams. One billion people tuned in to watch the 2019 women’s world cup in France, the highest number the female football has ever witnessed. As the interest is growing, there is no better time for women to demand fair and equal pay.

 

Three Protests That Shaped The United States

Three Protests That Shaped The United States

Protest and peaceful demonstration is a part of America’s history. On a few occasions, protesters were met with violence. However, their resistance stirred the government to review existing laws or initiate new laws to protect the interest of those marginalized.

The year 2020 protest will be remembered as one of America’s largest turnout. People of different colors, states, and religions joined the March for an end to police brutality, inequality, and systemic racism in the United States. The death of George Floyd, a Minneapolis black man choked to death by a police officer, Derek Chauvin, led to one of America’s greatest protests on May 26, 2020. Over 15 million people were estimated to have participated in the demand for justice. The protest sparked a demand for equality around the world, especially in England and Australia.

Legislators gave an immediate response by introducing the “justice in policing act.” The act limited legal protection for police, banned the use of chokeholds, and created a national database of excessive force incidents.

Women’s suffrage March

The March 6, 1913 movement was the first national protest in the United States. Women turned out in their numbers to demand their right to vote and participate in an election. The 60-year demand generated little response from the government until the protest was staged. The protest’s organizers selected a day before the inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson to mount pressure on the newly elected president. The women were met with violence. About a hundred of them were injured, but they pressed on to achieve their desire. The event led to the ratification of the 19th amendment on August 18, 1920. Historians also believe that the event was the major reason why March was picked as women’s history month. Women now occupy different positions in the United States and are even constitutionally empowered to become the president. The labors of the women who participated in the 1913 protest will never be forgotten.

March on Washington

On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 Americans came out to demand an end to inequality and racial injustice. The protest was led by Dr. Martin Luther King, who delivered his famous ” I have a dream” speech. The movement began after Rosa Parks had failed to give up her seat for a white passenger on a Montgomery bus. The protest demanded an end to discrimination based on color. The movement had a tremendous impact on America’s history. It led to equal voting rights in the United States and removed all sorts of racial prejudice in transportation. To date, the United States celebrates Martin Luther King’s day, as a remembrance of his struggle against inequality.

March for our lives

On February 14, 2018, 17 people were killed, and another 17 were injured after a former student shot sporadically at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School campus in Parkland, Florida. The sad incident took the demand for a reform of the existing gun laws to another dimension. More than a million protesters, mostly young people participated in the protest. The protest achieved the desired reform as the legislators introduced a new law. The act raised the minimum age of a person to purchase a gun from 18 to 21. And it made provision for a background check before the purchase was completed. The act also allocated millions to make school buildings more secure.

Protest and demonstrations have been useful tools for demanding reform in the United States. The tremendous effect of protest makes it inevitable in the United States. Moreso, it’s a demonstration of the people’s freedom of speech and expression. A right guaranteed by the constitution.

Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Bill Gates’ Lifestyle

Bill Gates
Bill Gates

People often seek to model their lives with notable successful individuals globally. One such man is Bill Gates, being one of the richest men in the world! You probably might not know all that there is to the Microsoft founder, but don’t be shocked as you’re about to discover that despite his dedication, amazing entrepreneurship qualities, years of sheer hard work and billions of dollars as net worth, Bill Gates does have a pretty simple lifestyle!

The first thing about the simple lifestyle of Bill Gates you might not know is that he does love to do the dishes at home! Being a wealthy man, he can employ people to wash his dishes. However, the billionaire does love to wash his own dishes at night. A simple man, right? We thought so too. According to him, washing dishes helps him relax his mind.

Another thing that will interest you about his simple lifestyle is that he has made it clear that his children will not inherit anything from him. Pretty ironic. Well, he duly noted that he would give his children the best education in the world, and he wants them to do ahead and start their own respective business with full support from him. This means that he doesn’t want his children to be poor – he prefers them working hard and starting their careers, but inheriting his wealth is a no from him. That’s simplicity accentuated with being principled!

Bill Gates’s simple lifestyle is further seen in that he somehow, despite his crazy schedules and responsibilities, monitors a tree in his house. Well, he sure has found one unique way to find some peace and maintain his calm mind. This tree is as old as 40 years and is close to the driveway in his house. Interestingly for 24 hours, that tree is monitored. Bill Gates confirms monitoring it to be some addiction he got to develop over the years. This easily proves that even the richest men on earth can be very simple in their daily dealings with life.

In conclusion, it’s a great idea to emulate the positive and humbling personalities and characters of globally respected men, like Bill Gates, despite their great influence and wealth! You can have a simple lifestyle while succeeding immensely!

Five Top Saving Tips You Need To Know About

Five Top Saving Tips You Need To Know About

Saving can be an almost impossible task, considering your expenses and unexpected costs that sometimes arise. However, regardless of how little it is, you can save from your earnings and accomplish projects you’ve always dreamed about! Let’s delve right into the top tips to save efficiently you need to know.

First, you need to create a spending budget. A budget allows you to identify and regulate your expenses. Make a list of everything you spend on and allocate specific percentages of your earnings to your needs.

Next, you might need to generate a saving plan. Try to draft a plan to save periodically. You can determine what would be left of your earnings after deducting your expenses from the budget you created. You can then decide how much and how frequently you want to save.

Also, make sure you cut down on nonessential costs. This might hurt a little, but you would have to sacrifice many things you can do without and reduce your spending at every possible instance. Instead of eating out, you can prepare and pack your own meal. Instead of going to the coffee shop, you can make your coffee yourself! Little alternative actions like these go a long way in helping you have more money to save.

Now, you should consider adopting suitable saving tools, regarding how to save. If you plan on saving for a short term, a savings account or Certificate of Deposit might be your best bet. However, for long-term savings, security investments, or specific options like an FDIC retirement account might be better suited.

Having set all these in motion, conduct accountability checks. Periodically check your spending and saving habits to ensure you’re in line with your plans. As you develop a consistent saving habit, you can increase the saving percentage of your earnings as time goes by.

Saving requires effort, dedication, and discipline. With a solid resolve and applying these tips, you’re sure to save up excellently and achieve your goals.

 

Oprah Winfrey: The Journey From Mississippi

Oprah Winfrey

Born in Mississippi by a maid, raised by an abusive grandmother, molested by a cousin, uncle, and family friend since the age of 9, ran away from home at 13, pregnant at 14, lost the child at 15, and got a scholarship at 17. It was a catastrophic beginning for Oprah Winfrey, but she found her way to the top.

Mississippi reminds Oprah Winfrey of her terrible beginning. She had to steal to meet up with her peers’ spending, raised by a single mother without clearly knowing who her father was. She became a subject of ridicule by her peers because of the poverty she was known for. Unlike every other member of her family, Oprah decided to rise above her situation. She lost her half brother to AIDS and her half-sister to drug-related illness. She bears her scar too, but she has become one of the most influential women in the universe.

Oprah Winfrey became a media mogul, a talk show host, an actress, television producer, and philanthropist. She has often been tagged as the greatest Black philanthropist in America’s history. Her empathy, which is often displayed in her talk show, pulls out more from her guest than they’ll ever want to share with a national audience.  She has also used her platform to advocate for a free press, equal treatment, and an end to gender violence.

The scars of her undesirable childhood may have laid the foundation of her decision not to get married or give birth. She enjoys the love of the young people who she has lifted from a similar background to hers. Her long term partner, Stedman Graham, has also been highly supportive despite their decision not to commit to an official union.

The influence of Oprah Winfrey has also been felt in the political space. Winfrey showed a lot of support for a former president, Barack Obama, during his campaign. It was also estimated that Winfrey might have won him up to a million votes during the landmark election. Winfrey was rewarded with the presidential medal of freedom, having been inducted into the national women’s hall of fame in 1994.

Winfrey found a way to turn her wound into wisdom, as she often quotes. Her journey from Mississippi looked unlikely, but she has made it to affluence, a height achieved by only a few.

Essential Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Happy Year-Round

Essential Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Happy Year-Round

Keeping your dog healthy and happy is a year-round commitment that involves proper care, nutrition, regular exercise, and preventive measures to ward off common health issues. Dogs rely on their owners for all aspects of their well-being, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the best practices to ensure their optimal health. From maintaining a balanced diet to protecting against parasites, every step matters in creating a happy, healthy life for your furry friend.

Prioritize Proper Nutrition

A healthy diet is the cornerstone of your dog’s well-being. Opt for high-quality dog food that matches your pet’s age, size, and activity level. If your dog has specific dietary needs or health conditions, consult a veterinarian to determine the best food options. Remember, treats should only make up a small portion of their daily caloric intake to prevent obesity and related health issues.

Keep Your Dog Active

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining your dog’s physical and mental health. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys help burn off excess energy, prevent behavioral issues, and strengthen your bond. Tailor the exercise routine to your dog’s breed, age, and fitness level to ensure they’re getting the right amount of activity.

Protect Against Parasites

Parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms pose significant health risks to dogs. Prevention is always better than treatment, and many pet owners rely on multi-purpose medications like Trifexis to safeguard their pets. Trifexis is a combination medication that protects against fleas, heartworm, and intestinal parasites.

While it’s typically available through a prescription, some pet owners search for ways to obtain Trifexis without a prescription. It’s important to approach this option cautiously. Always ensure the product is genuine and sourced from a reputable supplier to avoid counterfeit medications that could harm your dog. Consulting a veterinarian is strongly recommended to verify the safety and appropriateness of the treatment for your pet.

Regular Vet Checkups

Routine veterinary visits are crucial to detect potential health issues early. Annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings are all part of a comprehensive care plan. Your vet can also provide guidance on preventive treatments, such as parasite control and dietary adjustments.

Grooming and Hygiene

Regular grooming helps keep your dog comfortable and reduces the risk of skin infections. Brush their coat to remove dirt and loose hair, trim their nails to prevent overgrowth, and clean their ears to avoid infections. Bathing should be done as needed, depending on your dog’s breed and lifestyle.

Mental Stimulation

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Provide toys, puzzles, and training exercises to keep your dog’s mind sharp and engaged. Spending quality time with your dog through play and training not only stimulates their brain but also strengthens your bond.

Love and Affection

Finally, never underestimate the power of love and attention. Dogs thrive on companionship and positive reinforcement. Create a safe, loving environment where your dog feels secure and valued.

By following these tips, you can give your dog the best chance at a long, happy, and healthy life. Remember, whether you’re addressing nutrition, exercise, or parasite prevention with products like Trifexis without prescription, always prioritize your pet’s safety and well-being. Responsible decisions and regular care will ensure your furry friend remains a joyful part of your family for years to come.