Chris

January 17, 2020 Finance & Investments

7 Credit Card Safety Tips for Filipino Globetrotters on a Holiday

When vacation time hits, you likely look forward to relaxing, unwinding, bonding with your loved ones someplace unfamiliar, and checking off new items on your travel bucket list. It’s on those travel occasions that a credit card comes in extremely handy; it puts less of a burden on you to carry large amounts of foreign currency, and best of all, it enables a variety of cashless transactions. With a credit card linked to the world’s biggest payment networks, Visa and MasterCard, paying for accommodation, transport, meals, and shopping should be a breeze—no matter where in the world you are.

But using a credit card while abroad will demand extra care and attention from you. If you lose your Philippine-issued card or have your bank account compromised in any way, your dream vacation could turn into a total nightmare. Knowing that, it’s best to make credit card safety a priority while you travel. If you own a credit card in the Philippines and you’ll be taking it with you on your holiday abroad, here are seven safety tips that you should include in your travel preps.

Inform your credit card provider that you will be going abroad. You will know firsthand what security measures your bank has on your card once you inform them that you’ll be using it in a different country. Do tell them that you will be on holiday. Say where you are going and how long you will be there. This way, they will know not to block transactions or suspend your account for a purchase made in a foreign establishment—and conversely, they can flag suspicious card-related activity that’s made elsewhere.
Make sure that the bank has your updated contact information before you leave. If you’ve changed the mobile number or email address linked to your credit card any time before your travels, do update your bank with this information. This ensures that you receive important notifications on time, even when you are out of the country.
Get to know your card’s anti-fraud features. As one last hurrah before you pack your bags, your passport, and your wallet, you may want to go over your card’s anti-fraud features one last time. This way, you can be reassured of the protections the card affords you, for example by way of SMS alerts or the use of one-time passwords (OTPs) for 3D-secure online transactions.
Keep your credit card within your line of vision every time you use it. When it’s finally time to use your credit card in a foreign establishment, don’t let it leave your sight. See that it’s dipped in the proper terminal, handled by authorized staff, and put safely back in your wallet after the transaction has been completed.
Watch out for other devices linked to your card, such as your smartphone or tablet. Your card isn’t the only thing you should keep secure when you’re traveling—you should also watch out for any devices linked to it. If you have your credit card details saved on a mobile app, such as that of your bank or an ecommerce site, secure the device with a PIN code. That way, even if you lose your phone or your tablet, no one else will be able to access your card details or make unauthorized transactions with either of them.
Designate one main credit card for the trip, but keep backup options. Aside from your main card, it would be good to have a backup credit card, a debit card, some cash, or a combination of all of these on your person. These will take you through emergencies, or through transactions where credit cards aren’t in common use (such as in a night market or hole-in-the-wall restaurant).
Don’t delay reporting to the bank in case your card gets lost or stolen. If the worst-case scenario does unfold and your credit card gets either lost or stolen, keep calm and contact your bank. See to it that they deactivate the card as soon as possible and curb any instance of unwanted theft.

If kept safe, within close quarters, and tracked by your issuing bank, your credit card will prove to be an awesome travel buddy. Given that these seven safety tips are followed, you’ll be sure to have a pleasant and memorable holiday vacation!

January 13, 2020 Business Tips

Market Domination: 3 Ways Interlight Offers Massive Value to Customers

The idea of dominating a market is one that often brings a few brands to mind. Whether it’s the top technology companies, entertainment leaders, or food franchises, when a company has taken over a market, it’s a well-known, undebated fact. Doing so isn’t easy and is often based in a variety of different factors. One such factor is how clients feel purchasing from your company. Interlight is a company that has dominated the market where they’ve become leading providers of light and have done so through their focus on consumer needs.

While many companies may value their product, mission, or end goal above all else, it really comes down to one thing – your audience and clientele. Ensuring that customers are pleased with your product and service as well as with the overall experience speaks to how successful your brand will be at the end of the day. The largest names in any industry didn’t make it there without their consumers and attracting that audience is only the first step. Keeping those clients coming back and trusting your product is the most important first step to success.

As leaders in the lighting industry, Interlight Specialty Light Bulbs understands the importance of staying on top of your field – especially if its rooted in technology whose advancements can and often do change overnight. It’s with this that they provide insight on market domination and 3 ways Interlight offers Massive Value to Customers.

Customer Service

Interlight Specialty Light Bulbs is dedicated to have an accessible way to contact their company which is why they provide their phone number and address so that customers can speak directly with their team. They know the importance of getting the answers you need fast whether it’s purchasing, returning, or shipping and have a variety of ways that you can get them right at your fingertips!

Convenient Ordering

As a top brand for many industries, Interlight understands the importance of providing convenient means to orders of all sizes and requirements. As providers of lighting equipment for automobiles, buildings, and hospital equipment, many of Interlight’s clients ordering in bulk, they have adapted to provided special bulk pricing and free shipping over $500. This ease of access for larger orders makes them a go-to for many companies again and again due to Interlight’s flexibility and adaptability to their customer’s needs.

Global Reputation

Light is a necessity around the entire world, which is why Interlight has worked hard to provide their product to those around the globe. By providing purchase and shipping options everywhere, they can in turn, provide a product to many. It’s with this that they’ve developed a global reputation for their product and business.

Continuing to succeed in a market saturated with thriving, innovative brands can be difficult, but Interlight Specialty Light Bulbs knows that it’s possible due to their first-hand experience. It’s with this knowledge that Interlight has been able to stay on top of the lighting industry and provide exceptional service to their large client base.

January 13, 2020 Finance & Investments

Should Husband and Wife have Separate Credit Cards?

When two people get married, they begin to share their finances. There is no escaping the medley of bills, mortgages, loans, and payments that come with living together. It’s all a part of life, and most couples manage it well.

Some husbands and wives share credit cards. Sharing cards, however, is much different from sharing cash and can get tricky if mismanaged. Most banks, such as FAB in UAE, allow couples to share credit cards. You can also open joint accounts in these banks, which are licensed under the name of both spouses.

But should couples share credit cards? To get an answer, we must look at the benefits and harms of sharing a credit card in the UAE.

Pros of Sharing a Credit Card

Here are the pros of sharing a credit card:

· Reduced Credit Card Bill: Some banks charge an annual fee on credit cards. By issuing individual cards, the total fee the couple has to pay doubles. However, if you share a card, you only have to pay this fee once. Another option of getting around this fee is by opting for fee-free cards such as the ones FAB provides. These have no annual fee!

· Transparency: When you and your spouse share a credit card, you’ll both know what the other person is spending on. Any kind of doubts and insecurities about your partner’s spending habits can be washed away.

Cons Of Sharing A Credit Card

While sharing a credit card is beneficial in some respects, it can also be troublesome. Here is a list of the cons of sharing a credit card:

·Legal responsibility: Sharing a credit card sounds great, but there’s a catch. You and your spouse are equally responsible for payments. This means that if your spouse overspends, you are equally liable and have to pay the bank if they don’t. If either spouse is not good at managing their finances, then opt for cards that don’t charge fees for going over the limit, such as FAB credit cards in the UAE.

·Merged Credit Scores: If your partner has poor spending habits and frequently misuses the credit card, not only do they harm their own credit scores, but they harm yours as well. This can make it difficult for you to get your own credit card in the future.

·Divorce: In the case of a divorce, a shared credit card becomes a problem. After a divorce, one of the spouses would have to apply for a new card. Without the salary of both spouses, it’s possible that you won’t be able to meet the minimum salary requirement of the existing card either.

Conclusion

The final decision is up to your partner and you to make. It is best to take these factors into account before committing to sharing a credit card. If you want total transparency and trust your partner, sharing a credit card may be a good idea. It can also make it easier to handle finances. However, before getting a credit card together, make sure you and your spouse discuss a back-up plan as well.

January 10, 2020 Blog

4 Tips For Helping Your Child Find Their Passion

Hobbies give kids an opportunity to learn about themselves and the world around them. They keep them not only entertained but also educated and challenged. A child who has a regular hobby is likely to have greater self-confidence, and the ability to be a self-starter. Their hobby may even go on to determine what kind of career they’ll have in the future.

A child who loves cooking may grow up to be a world-renowned chef. A child who loves to collect baseball cards may end up being rookie of the year. Take a look at some of the ways that you can encourage your child to find a passion that will benefit their life.

Suggest Some Ideas

Children may not always be able to come up with ideas on their own. Often as a parent, we have to help guide them in the right direction. Giving them too many options can be overwhelming and difficult for them to choose.

Therefore, try starting with two or three ideas from playing the piano to learning to swim. With a few options, they should be able to find at least one that interests them.

Try Again

That’s not to say that they will always find their life’s passion in the first three suggestions. It may take a few rounds of trying different ideas out to find out what they like.

While you shouldn’t force them into anything they don’t want to do, you shouldn’t allow them to give up so easily, either. Try to figure out why they want to quit. If it’s because they’re feeling insecure or unsure about how good they are, then that isn’t good enough of a reason. Encourage them to keep trying and that they’ll get better over time!

Go Slowly

There’s no rush to force them to go full speed in the beginning. Gently start off and ease your way into encouraging them to regularly practicing. Over time, they will start to show more interest in their chosen hobby if it’s right for them.

If they don’t feel like they’re resonating with it, it will taper off. Then you’ll know that it’s time to start gently steering them in a new direction. Don’t be discouraged if they give up. There’s a lot of value in finding out what we don’t like in life too!

Know How To Spot Passion

It’s essential to have an eye for something they really love. When you see a certain spark, then you’ll know that they’ve found something that they’re genuinely passionate about. There’s a difference between having a passion for something and enjoying something.

Kids who engage in something they really love are much more likely to get satisfaction out of their careers!

January 10, 2020 Blog

What To Do When Your Car Breaks Down

There’s nothing more stressful than being on your way somewhere, and your car suddenly starts showing signs of trouble. Whether it’s a flat tire or an engine issue, it’s scary to find yourself on the side of the road without mobility and in need of a tow truck.

Here are the most important tips for a car break down.

Don’t Panic

It’s easy to start thinking of all of the worst-case scenarios when your car starts showing signs of trouble. However, it’s critical that you stay calm.

In any circumstance that’s stressful, you should always try to breathe deeply and keep a cool head on your shoulders. People tend to make poor decisions when they’re overly frazzled. Therefore when your car starts showing signs of potentially breaking down, do what it takes to remain as calm as possible. It’s important to focus and make sure that you stay out of harm’s way.

Brake Slowly

It’s critical that you don’t slam on the brakes. Slowly slow down your car by removing your foot from the gas and guiding your vehicle to the side of the road. Even though there may be surrounding drivers honking and angry, focus only on yourself, and stay focused.

Slowly Pull To The Side

If at this point, your car starts to smoke or make a strange noise, take a deep breath, and slowly take your foot off of the gas. Don’t make any sudden movements like braking hard or accelerating. Slowly work your way to an area that appears as safe as possible. You never know how long you’ll be stuck there, so it’s essential to make sure that it’s as safe as possible.

Make Yourself Visible If Necessary

If it’s dark or there is a lot of oncoming traffic where your car is parked, then it’s crucial to set flares or turn on your hazard lights. As a result, you’ll alert oncoming traffic of your vehicle and avoid them slamming into you.

In the meantime, you can change your tire, or in some cases, you may want to open the hood so that your car can cool down, or you can investigate further.

Be Patient

At this point, you’ll need to wait for help to arrive in your car. Therefore, you should be as patient as possible while you wait for whoever is coming to arrive. If you have somewhere to be or something pressing to do, it’s important to accept that it may not work out the way that you want. By being impatient or getting upset, you’re only doing yourself a disservice.

Take deep breaths and remain patient for as long as possible. Help is on the way!

January 8, 2020 Business Tips

Reasons Why Business Websites Fail

Before anything, what does failure for a business website mean? For this discussion, failure refers to the inability of a website to achieve its intended purpose. The failure is not limited to becoming inaccessible or bogged down. As Oxford web design experts say, a useful website is one that generates the desired results for the business, organisation or individual it represents. Otherwise, it’s a site that has lost its purpose; hence it does not deserve to remain online.

Discussed below are the top causes of business website failure. Businesses need to be acquainted with these harbingers of problems to make sure that they get the results they expect from the websites they maintain.

Bugs and other defects

Who wants to shop at an online store with malfunctioning buttons and shopping cart system? Who would be enticed to browse through the products offered on an e-commerce site if the images fail to load and the layout of pages randomly goes haywire? Certainly nobody. That’s why it’s essential to make sure that business websites are properly coded and evaluated for possible issues before they are put up online.

Buggy and erratic business websites are a sure way to discourage customers. Pages that take a long time to load, missing images, 404 pages, and other problems shoo away potential buyers and create a negative reputation. According to one study, customers tend to leave a website if its page loading time takes more than 4 seconds. Similarly, prospective shoppers leave whenever they encounter unnecessary pop-ups, excessive redirects, and a dysfunctional checkout process.

Lack of SEO and promotion

Another critical factor in business website failure is the absence of search engine optimization and marketing campaigns. Sites don’t automatically gain visitors as they debut online. They need to be made search engine friendly so they can be presented among the top results for searches using specific keywords. They also have to be promoted. Without SEO and promotion, websites will fail to generate sales and revenues. Likewise, they will not become tools for spreading information about brands or products.

It’s also possible for a business website to become a failure because of over-optimization using black hat tactics. If search engines, especially Google, detect the inappropriate search engine optimization strategies employed by a site, expect the imposition of penalties. One of the severe penalties is the disappearance of a site from the search results. Search remains to be the most significant source of traffic for most business sites, so not appearing in the search results is tantamount to in-utility.

Cyberattacks

Sites can also become the target of cyberattacks, particularly DDoS and data theft. These threats can lead to downtime and reputation issues. Downtime entails inaccessibility and lost revenue. Data theft creates adverse effects on the reputation of a business. Both result in unwanted repercussions.

To sum it up, business websites can fail because of issues from the time they were created, and while they are being operated. If you can’t do a reliable, secure, properly-coded site on your own, better entrust the job to the experts (and prepare to shell out some funds for it). Also, make sure to promote and optimize your site. Website failures are avoidable if you know what to do and avoid.

January 6, 2020 Travel

3 Perks of Sticking with the Same Holiday Destination Year in Year out

What is the first thing that you think about when planning your next summer holiday? It is probably which holiday destination you are going to choose. Most of us like to go to different places each year and rarely settle for going to the same place more than once or twice.

However, as strangely as it may sound, there are actually quite a lot of perks of going to the same holiday destination year in year out. After all, just ask your grandparents if they did as much travelling as you do now. Chances are that they found a place which was perfect for them and they just stuck with it because they saw the perks of going to the same holiday destination every year.

The Grass is not Always Greener on the Other Side

This loyalty towards only one holiday destination can easily be explained if you also look at other things people stay loyal to and the reason behind this is usually that they are happy and satisfied with what they get for their money.

Just look at how many people stay loyal to one of the best casino establishments out there, NoviCasino. Sure, the competition in the online casino industry is huge and sure other casinos also have enticing offers, but NoviCasino has a very loyal crowd of customers which would not go to other casinos under any circumstances.

They are perfectly happy with what they get from the games provider and see no reason to try something else. For them that would just be a waste of time and energy.

Relaxation Oriented Holiday

When people go to different places every year they feel obliged to visit all the sights and take enough pictures so that they have something to show for when they come back home. This can be quite tiring as the holiday that you dreamed of for an entire year will become a race against time to see everything and to record that accordingly.

You can easily see how that won’t be a problem when going to the same holiday destination. Chances are that if you go to a place which you have already visited once or twice, you will have seen all of the sights worth seeing. This would give you much more time to relax and enjoy those long walks on the beach.

Just imagine how much more relaxing your day can be when instead of racing around a hectic city on a hot summer afternoon, you would be lying on a beach, soaking the sun, and enjoying the summer breeze.

More Time for Family and Friends

Probably the biggest perk of going to the same holiday destination year in year out is getting to spend more time with the people in your life who mean the most.

Oftentimes we forget that while we race around to capture that perfect Instagram-destined image, we are missing out on some invaluable bonding time with our loved ones even though they are right there next to us.

January 3, 2020 Business Tips

Business Tips: How to Get Your Startup off the Ground

There are plenty of reasons why running a startup business is often associated with stress and anxiety. For one, trying to keep a business afloat during its infancy can be extremely challenging, especially when you consider the competitive environment. When there are older and better companies out there vying for the attention of your core audience, it can be challenging not to feel a little disheartened.

That said, dealing with a startup does not mean that you have to go through the stresses and troubles of falling into beginner’s pitfalls. If you play your cards right, it can be much easier to run a startup than you might think. Here are just a few quick business tips to help get your startup off the ground.

Fostering loyalty

When it comes to running a startup, it can often be difficult to get employees to care substantially about the direction of your company. For the most part, many might see your business as a stepping stone as it has not had the chance to come into its own. If you want your employees to treat your company better, it would be a good idea to work on incentives as early as possible.

If you do not work on incentives early on, while employees might understand that you are still running a budding business, it is only a matter of time before they leave. Treat them well, and they might be loyal enough to ride your business to success!

Keep an eye out for business software

Without a doubt, one of the most crucial parts of keeping a business afloat is fighting stagnation and boosting productivity. However, you cannot foster productivity when you make use of archaic methods. For example, if you are still using traditional paperwork to keep a log of your employees, it is only a matter of time before things get out of hand. Fortunately, there exists business software for just about every issue, and while it can cost a pretty penny, it is well worth the price of admission. Give yourself and your staff an easier time by working toward business software!

If you need help, do not hesitate

Last but certainly not least, the issue of outsourcing often has startup business owners shaking their heads. While you might want to keep the inner workings of your company within your startup, it can be counterproductive. There are plenty of advantages to be had from outsourcing, as well as depending on debt collection agencies such as http://www.nightfoxinvestigations.co.uk to help you with clients late with their payment. Most startups need as much help as they can get!

While it can be a little disheartening to fight for attention in a competitive industry, you can help ensure the success of your business by following the methods above. From fostering loyalty to getting extra help, it is up to you to keep your business afloat.

January 2, 2020 Business Tips

How to make the most effective use of a virtual telephone number

If your business is still using landline numbers, there are very real savings to be made with virtual telephone numbers, and windows of opportunity which you should not let pass you by. While 2020 sounds very futuristic, it is in fact the year we are in, so it pays to be aware of the technological opportunities available to your business. Read on to see our top tips on how you can use virtual telephone numbers in 2020 to make your business as successful as it can be.

Don’t let relocation disrupt your customers’ ability to get in touch

When you move premises, whether for financial or practical reasons, it can be a carry-on to have to change location, change landline number, and then have to change all your business cards and update your website when you have so many more important matters to focus on. If you use a virtual telephone number this can allow you to keep the same number and have the customers’ calls relocated to your new office.

This can also be true for getting a new mobile, if your company updates company phones to a new, more efficient model, you can keep the same numbers with virtual telephone numbers. With mobile phones it can be especially useful, as people are advised to update phones for practical, operational and fashion reasons every couple of years, as well as making sure they pay attention to digital security.

Put customers at ease with the reassurance of a local code

When it comes to making your business feel more approachable and reliable, once you are trading at the national level, being able to advertise phone numbers in different areas to the local area code can pay dividends. This especially works if they can all be routed through a single call centre in one region, allowing you to manage costs more effectively. You can even get a virtual number with an STD code for the specific city or area you are doing business in.

Catch attention with special memorable numbers

If you were asked to try to think of a memorable phone number it would likely seem hard at first.

But, if you were asked to think of a memorable phone number jingle, it is likely to be that one or two would come to mind. The 118 118 number, with adverts featuring two uniformed excitable mascots, is one great example. Another, which you will remember at once when you hear it, is the “ten sixty-six” advert, which set the number “0800 double one, ten sixty-six” to a catchy jingle. While it is easy to forget what the products are, the jingles are some of the most memorable in recent British advertising history, and easily deserve the title of “earworms”.

With a virtual telephone number, it is possible to pay for a vanity number. This can be as melodious or as memorable as you need it to be – and it works exactly the same way for your customers, too.

January 1, 2020 Business Tips

Boost Your Sports Club Operations with a Club Management Program

Managing a sports club today is different because you now have access to programs and tools that make management functions faster, more streamlined and automated. It makes operating a club easier, giving you more time to think of new ways to enhance your business.

A robust club management software can help you reach your short-term and long-term business goals. You can use it to manage and grow your business and use all the options available from the software to provide better service to your clients.

As more people become conscious about health and fitness, the competition among sports and fitness clubs becomes fiercer. Thus, a club owner must use technology that can enhance productivity, such as investing in one of the membership softwares available in the market today.

What can club management software do for you?

Most management software available today has additional features aside from the check-in process, and choosing one that fits your club and management structure will provide you with a list of benefits.

Process automation

Humans can learn to work faster and doing the same tasks routinely can enhance their productivity. But humans have downtime, and they can make mistakes. The software automates the various day-to-day tasks, with consistency and accuracy. The software speeds up the entire process.

Data security assurance

Managing a client database requires security. With cloud storage, you ensure that client information, transactions and records, including personal and financial details, are secure. You can set the program to limit staff access to the confidential information of your club members.

Easy integration

If you are using other business systems, you can easily integrate a club management application into your existing system, apps and services, such as payment gateways, accounting, social media and communication apps.

Revenue increase

You can use the marketing, branding and promotional features of the management software to reach potential clients and engage existing members to use your club’s services and other functions.

Enhance customer service

Members do not have to be physically present at the club to register, book a training session, or pay membership dues. They can easily access your online portal to do that. The software also provides a community forum so members can share their experiences, find friends, and build a strong sense of sociability.

Business efficiency

Clients expect efficiency and excellent service. Your staff at the club will be more productive and perform their tasks efficiently. One of the things that frustrate club members is a messy schedule. You eliminate this possibility since its calendar feature thoroughly and quickly scans the system for bookings and appointments, creating an organised calendar that allows members to see available dates immediately.

You can generate accounting reports quickly and identify members who are up to date with their membership dues, those who have overdue accounts and those members who may be several months behind in their payments.

Business automation is a valuable asset you gain from club management software.