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  • What You Should do Before You Buy a Franchise

    What You Should do Before You Buy a Franchise

    So you’re considering buying a franchise? That can be a sound financial investment, as the hard work of building a business is already done for you. After all, everyone loves McDonald’s sandwiches already, and they’ll be happy to buy them from your store! However, there are some things you should take into account before you buy a franchise.

    What to do Before Buying a Franchise

    Prerequisites

    If you’re the kind of person who loves their independence and can’t stand being told what to do, you might not want to be a franchisee. Franchisees can make a lot of money, but they need to follow some pretty strict rules from corporate.

    From hours to store policies to inventory, there’s simply a lot you won’t be in control of. If you don’t mind following orders and sticking to the program, you can excel in a franchise. However, if you want a lot of creative control, consider starting your own business, instead.

    Research

    Firstly, do your research. How do you think the would-be entrepreneurs who bought Quiznos franchises felt when they saw their parent company imploding? You don’t want to be in that scenario. Make sure the franchise you’re investing in is an already-successful business. If it isn’t, what business do you have trying to own your own a part of that?

    Bookkeeping

    Make sure you’ve got the kind of cash this investment needs. There’s a lot to consider: there’s the franchise fee, the cost of maintaining equipment, and the ad dollars that the franchisee has to pony up. Then there’s the issue of your profitability: even well-known brands can take time to catch on in a given location.

    Let’s say you’re franchising out a McDonald’s. Awesome! But you’re in a new location, and people might not think to go to your store as part of their daily routine. It could take up to six months for your restaurant to really catch on, and during that time, you might not even be posting a profit. Make sure you’ve got the kind of capital to cover such an expense.

    Consultants

    Watch out for franchise consultants. Ask them about their pay, as many of them get as much as half of the franchise fee. Consultants are usually salespeople working on commission, so it’s in their best interest to sell you a franchise as quickly as possible. Don’t let these folks take you for a ride: go at your own pace with such a big move.

  • No Degree? Great Jobs that are Right for You

    No Degree? Great Jobs that are Right for You

    Not everyone gets to, or wants to, go to college. After all, it’s expensive and time consuming, and you’ve got bills to pay and a life to live. That’s not a problem! College isn’t for everyone. However, now you’re looking for a good job to make ends meet. What kind of good jobs are available for someone without a degree? Let’s find out.

    Great Jobs for People without a College Degree

    Truck Driver

    If you don’t mind the open road and long trips across country, there’s a lot of money to be made as a trucker. Once you have a commercial trucking license, you’re a hot commodity. This kind of job isn’t for everyone, but it will ensure a great deal of financial security.

    Staying up for long hours, driving to new places and having a flexible schedule are all part of the job. If you don’t have a problem being away from home for days at a time, you could make a great trucker. Companies are always hiring, and the average pay is around $50,000 per year. That’s not bad for a job that doesn’t require a degree.

    Hotel Management

    Getting in on the ground floor of a hotel isn’t terribly difficult, and doesn’t require a degree. However, it might require you work some pretty crazy hours. Most hotels tend to start people, especially front desk staff, as overnight workers.

    If you go in with an open mind, work hard and keep your nose to the grindstone, you could find yourself promoted rapidly. Hotels are always looking for good people, so the cream will rise to the top. Management could provide some great opportunities, including benefits like medical insurance and paid time off.

    Web Development

    People with a knack for coding and design are naturally drawn to computer-based professions. As it turns out, you don’t need a college degree to be a contractor in the field. Contractors can set their own hours and their own rates. Staying competitive isn’t a matter of education, just a matter of skill.

    If you’re good with computers and can design great websites, you could have a future as a web developer. Keep in mind, however, that most developers work as contractors, not employees. This means you’ll have to cover your own health insurance and pay your own half of Social Security come tax time.

    However, this is a great opportunity for those with the right skills.

  • How to be Financially Stable in Retirement: Quick Tips

    How to be Financially Stable in Retirement: Quick Tips

    The average American is quite sensitive to the idea of having enough money for retirement. After all, once you’ve reached old age, you don’t want to have to do the 9 to 5 grind anymore for money. How can you make sure you save up enough to be financially stable in retirement? Here are some of our quick tips to get you started.

    How to be Financially Stable in Retirement

    Start Saving Now

    It’s never too early, or too late, to start saving for your retirement. The sooner you start, the sooner you get interest working in your favor. If you’re in your early twenties or your late fifties, starting today is always the right call. Preferably, you want to start saving for retirement as soon as you start working.

    Retirement funds are taxed differently than other types of funds. They’re taxed much more leniently if you take from them only after you retire. As such, they’re a great investment in your financial future. Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs and the like are all great choices. Talk to your financial advisor about which one is right for you.

    Pay Down Debts Fast

    It’s much preferable to pay down your debts as fast as possible, get them out of the way, and get their interest off your plate. This is the same advise as earlier, just in reverse. The longer you carry your debt, the more in costs you. Make sure you don’t carry it into retirement with you.

    Retirees already have a number of expenses to keep up with. The last thing they need is more expenses piled on to their existing bills, especially on a fixed income. Pay off those credit card bills now. Pay down your mortgage as quickly as you can comfortably afford.

    Don’t Rely on Social Security

    Social Security won’t be enough to cover all of your expenses in retirement. In fact, by some estimates, younger workers might never gain any access to Social Security at all. Make sure you plan for retirement with this in mind. There’s no reason to count on something that might not even be there when you retire!

    Instead, make sure your plan includes enough money for you to live comfortably on your savings alone. Consider retiring gradually, working part-time for a few years as a pre-retirement step. This way, you can wait a bit longer before pulling from your retirement savings while still living a bit more relaxed of a life in your older age.

  • Which is Better: An Electric Toothbrush, or Manual?

    Which is Better: An Electric Toothbrush, or Manual?

    Dentists advise that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. At the very least, you should brush once in the morning when you get up and then before bed. But, when it comes to brushing, what kind of toothbrush should you use? Are electric toothbrushes or manual toothbrushes the better option? Today we’re going to get into it.

    Electric Toothbrush or Manual Toothbrush?

    Are Electric Toothbrushes Better?

    Electric toothbrushes are often marketed as being able to help you more thoroughly clean your teeth. They use small, motorized mechanics to spin or move back and forth at rapid speeds to knock plaque off of your teeth. It’s generally agreed upon that electric toothbrushes are actually better, on average, than manual toothbrushes, at removing plaque.

    Another big aspect of electric toothbrushes is that they’re great for people with limited mobility. They’re able to do a lot of the work of getting plaque off of your teeth for you. As such, if you have a harder time manipulating a toothbrush, you might want to get an electric toothbrush.

    Electric Benefits

    There are a few unique benefits to electric brushes. One such benefit is that you produce less waste with an electric brush if you only need to replace the head. That way, you’re not throwing away your brush entirely, just the head.

    They could also have built-in timers, which help to make sure that you’re spending the right amount of time brushing. It’s best to keep track of your brushing time so that you’re neither sprinting through it nor taking too long and overbrushing.

    Another benefit is that some studies show you might be more focused on the task at hand when you’re using an electric brush.

    Manual Toothbrush Benefits

    On the flip side, there’s nothing wrong with manual toothbrushes, either. In general, you’re able to get your teeth just as clean with a manual brush as you would be with an electric brush. However, manual brushes are generally less expensive and could have less upkeep required.

    Manual toothbrushes can’t run out of batteries, won’t stop working randomly, and are always able to get your teeth as clean as you need them to be. Keep in mind, however, with a manual brush, that you’ll have to use a bit more elbow grease to get your teeth as clean as you could with an electric brush.

  • Best Alternatives to Quickbooks

    Best Alternatives to Quickbooks

    People often look at various accounting software suites and wonder which one is the right one for them. If the conversation around Quickbooks is to be believed, it’s the go-to accounting software. However, many people wonder which software suite is the best alternative to Quickbooks, whether for cost or other reasons.

    Today we’re getting into that very question. Let’s look at the top alternatives to Quickbooks for accounting software.

    Alternatives to Quickbooks

    Freshbooks

    Freshbooks is a great alternative to Quickbooks, and it’s more than just their similar naming. Freshbooks offers a great user interface that is smoother and easier to navigate than QB. FB also offers a great suite of customization options, such as triggers for alerts and better file management.

    You can set assigned expense rates and label more thoroughly, as well. FB is, wonderfully, more affordable than QB, too. FB only costs $15 per month for up to five clients, making it much easier on the wallet than QB.

    Freshbooks is largely still considered one of the best accounting software suites on the market. Despite being less expensive, it’s largely regarded as a better suite than QB outside of third-party integration.

    NetSuite ERP

    Despite having a smaller name and little brand recognition, NetSuite ERP is a great accounting software. It’s got ample features to service even large-scale companies and offers a great suite of features. Fixed asset management, vendor management, inventory control and more is all available through NetSuite.

    NetSuite has great integrated features and can import and export data between software like, payroll, inventory and manufacturing. While it’s not a well-known name, it’s a robust and full suite with ample features. As a bonus, the user interface is straightforward and well-made, easy to navigate.

    Sage 50cloud

    Sage 50cloud is a great alternative to QB thanks to its flexible operations and its cloud storage options. The service is a very flexible and customizable solution, offering similar great features as FB. If you like the option for tons of add-ons and expansive capabilities, 50cloud is a great option.

    You can also sync your data between desktops, apps, and cloud servers. This is great for people that have a smaller company or multiple accountants trying to coordinate across different systems. However, Sage 50cloud isn’t quite as robust out-of-the-box as QB and has a bit more of a learning curve.

  • Foods to Fight Acid Reflux: Get Relief

    Foods to Fight Acid Reflux: Get Relief

    No one loves having heartburn or acid reflux. It’s a surefire way to ruin a night with friends getting a nice dinner. If you’re looking to find foods that can help you stay on the comfortable side of heartburn, we’re here to help.

    Today we’re looking at the top foods that help fight acid reflux. Let’s find you some relief.

    Foods to Fight Acid Reflux

    Before We Begin…

    Before we begin we’d like to offer a bit of advice. When it comes to heartburn, one of the most important things you can do is eat less food, and eat it slower. Don’t chow down on a huge meal late at night and then try to lay down for bed. That’s a sure way to trigger a bout of heartburn, whether you eat the right foods or not.

    Likewise, consider taking antacids if your acid reflux is bad enough. These medications can help settle an upset stomach and take some of the bite off of heartburn. You likely already knew this, but it never hurts to have a reminder. There’s more than just dietary ways to fight acid reflux, after all.

    Low-Acid Foods

    Ideally, you want to stick to low acid foods. This goes double if you’re not already taking antacids, but it’s a good idea in any event. Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid most fruits, as they tend to have a very high acid content. This doesn’t apply to bananas or melons, though, both of which are low in acid and high in nutrients. They also both make great snacks!

    Another good low-acid food is oatmeal. The consistency and high fiber of oatmeal make it great for calming heartburn. As such, a good breakfast for frequent acid reflux sufferers is oatmeal and bananas, with a bit of cantaloupe. Yum!

    Dinner Foods

    If you’re going out to a late dinner with friends, you’re likely looking to keep the food light and acid-free. The best way to do that without looking like you’re avoiding “real food” is just to order the right stuff! Fish is very low in acid, and it’ll likely keep your stomach from becoming upset. The same goes for potatoes, though we’d advise you stay away from fries.

    Fried food, in general, is a surefire way to upset your acid reflux. As such, we’d recommend staying away from fish and chips. Instead, get a grilled salmon with a baked potato! It’s good for you and it won’t upset your stomach.

  • Health Benefits to Probiotics

    Health Benefits to Probiotics

    Probiotics are microorganisms that are often ingested from fermented foods. These little microorganisms aren’t disease-causing like some of their cousins, though.

    No, instead, probiotics are wonderful for you and can confer many health benefits!

    Probiotics and Health Benefits

    Probiotics Sources

    It’s not hard to get more probiotics into your diet. The main way to do this, of course, is just by eating fermented foods. Saerkraut, kimchi, kombucha and the like are all fine examples of such fermented goods. There are also supplements you can take to get probiotics into your diet.

    What Probiotics Do

    Probiotics are, generally speaking, bacteria or microorganisms that promote the natural bacteria that live in your gastrointestinal system. If the thought of a lot of microorganisms calling your body home seems weird, don’t sweat it! They’re supposed to be there and they have a symbiotic relationship with you.

    Without these bacteria, you simply wouldn’t be able to eat the foods you do. These bacteria help you to break down and digest certain foods, and they just take a little for themselves. Take heart: you’re an ecosystem for millions of tiny lives. How cool is that?

    Health Benefits

    Probiotics have a number of purported health benefits. Clinical testing is still underway, but preliminary findings are quite positive. It seems as though probiotics encourage your body in a number of ways and can have numerous health benefits, mainly in the gastrointestinal tract.

    Namely, probiotics have been linked with increased digestive help, soothing upset stomachs and making digestion easier. People with digestive issues often take probiotic supplements or drink kombucha to help with their digestion.

    Weight Loss

    Some have remarked on the weight-loss potential found in probiotics. Thanks to the digestion-increasing properties of these microorganisms, they can also play a role in helping someone to lose weight. Including probiotics into a healthy diet with exercise is highly recommended.

    Keep in mind, of course, that are are no magic solutions to weight loss. While probiotics can help your weight loss journey, they’re not going to do the heavy lifting for you. A good diet, with the right mix of nutrients, has to be kept up. Additionally, staying in shape involves fitness, exercise and determination.

    Bottom Line

    While studies have shown that there are more tests to be run on the effects of probiotics, they’re not bad for you. In fact, early findings have shown they may even increase heart and digestive health, and that they can help you lose weight and can even help your immune system.

  • Top Health and Fitness Apps: Get Active, Stay Active

    Top Health and Fitness Apps: Get Active, Stay Active

    It’s getting warm outside and you’re thinking about getting in shape in time for summer. That’s cool, and a really reasonable pursuit. Maybe you’re not sure how to get fit, though.

    Today we’re going to break down some of the best health and fitness apps. It’s time to get active and stay active!

    Top Health and Fitness Apps

    Fitbit Coach

    If you’re getting into app fitness, you might have a smartwatch. If your smartwatch is the Fitbit tracker, then Fitbit Coach is for you. This app offers guided workouts via both audio and video, helping show you the best ways to tackle your fitness.

    There are workouts for the gym, for outside and for at home. That makes the Fitbit Coach app one of the most flexible fitness apps, allowing you to tailor your workout routine to your work and home life. Remember, getting fit doesn’t have to make you change your schedule!

    Aaptive

    There’s a lot to love about Aaptive. This fitness app is audio-based and gives you access to fitness trainers and fitness programs that are top-notch. If you want an app version of a top-level fitness program then this is for you.

    Aaptive is great for those who want to be able to have an instructor and a gym-like program but can’t afford the time or money for a gym membership. There’s no compromise with Aaptive: it’s the full gym experience, just delivered to your phone and available at home.

    ROMWOD

    ROMWOD is an app that gives you access to tons of great stretches and cooldown exercises. If you often exercise but feel yourself being stiff and tight afterward, you could use this app. Its numerous features are all available through the iPhone app, so you can start stretching and keeping your muscles limber right away from your phone.

    Jefit

    There are a ton of exercises out there, and they all target different parts of the body. With all these muscles to try to tone and all the various exercises, how do you keep track of everything? That’s where Jefit comes in. This app functions like a fitness library.

    There are tons of exercises for various muscles and muscle groups that you can access, and you can even store your workouts for later reading. There’s a large social aspect, too, where you can share your exercises with your friends and with the Jefit community. This is a great app for fitness nerds who love the science of getting into shape!

  • How to Keep Dogs Flea-Free

    How to Keep Dogs Flea-Free

    It’s nearly time for Spring, which means that all types of insects are waking from their months-long slumber. Most evil and devious among them is the flea, which dog owners of all kinds know and despise. Today, we’re going over some of the best ways to keep your pup flea-free and happy.

    Keeping Dogs Flea-Free

    Flea Collar

    Your first consideration in keeping the itchy little bugs off of your dog should be a flea collar. Flea collars come in various types, but the preferred ones come from respected brands like Soresto. These collars make your dog seem very unappealing to fleas, as they put off a smell that confuses and poisons the bugs.

    Remember, flea collars only do their job if your dog has one before the fleas try to jump on them. If your dog already has fleas, you’ll need to treat them as well as getting a flea collar.

    Pills

    There are pills your dog can take that help with fleas as well. These are given to your dog with their food and make them unappealing to fleas, much like a flea collar. Talk to your vet about which option you’d prefer. Some dogs can’t stand collars, while others won’t wake pills. It just depends on your dog’s preferences.

    Carpets

    If your home has carpets, these could be breeding grounds for fleas you’ve carried in on your shoes. Make sure you thoroughly clean and shampoo your carpets to kill any fleas hiding in there! Focus on rooms that don’t get a lot of foot traffic. Fleas love quiet, still rooms. Don’t let their eggs hatch in your house and terrorize your pet!

    Consider getting hardwood floors installed if you’ve got pets and want to cut down on fleas. Fleas can technically live beneath the board of hardwood, though it’s much more difficult for them to thrive in such a scenario.

    Treating for Fleas

    If your dog already has fleas, you can give them a flea bath. Flea baths come with medicine that not only kills fleas but also makes your dog smell terrible to fleas. Such a bath is usually available at any groomer’s shop, and will run you between $20 and $50 on average.

    For fleas in the home, consider using carpet shampoo or spreading diatomaceous earth, or D. earth. D. earth is a compound that is deadly to fleas, cutting up their exoskeletons and causing them to lose all moisture from their bodies. Food-grade D. earth is available on Amazon for a relatively inexpensive price, and works wonders at killing fleas.

  • Teeth Whitening: Top Tips for a Healthy, White Smile

    Teeth Whitening: Top Tips for a Healthy, White Smile

    Everyone wants to have a nice smile. If you’re smiling and showing off yellowed teeth with cavities, people will surely be a bit put off. However, it’s not hard to keep a nice, white smile. Today we’re going over some of the top tips for a pearly-white smile.

    Teeth Whitening

    Brush Those Teeth!

    This might seem like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Make sure you brush at least twice daily! Once when you get up, and once before bed, at the very least. When you brush, take care to get near the gums and in between your teeth so you clear all of the stuff that could have gotten trapped!

    Brushing is a very important aspect of dental health. Most dentists will tell you that it’s the best way to get, and to keep, a white smile. Good dental health starts with a good regiment of brushing teeth.

    Floss

    Flossing is a good addendum to brushing teeth. If you’re commonly brushing and flossing, your smile will stay straight and white for longer! You can fight cavities, bad breath and teeth yellowing all by practicing good hygiene with your brushing and flossing.

    Make sure you floss every day after you brush your teeth. It’s a great way to cap off your dental hygiene regiment.

    Avoid Soda

    Fizzy, sugary soda drinks are terrible for your teeth. If you commonly drink soda, make sure you brush and floss after drinking one. Not practicing good dental hygiene while drinking lots of sugary drinks is a surefire way to get cavities and yellow your teeth.

    Likewise, try to steer clear of candies and other sugary items. These items can contribute greatly to the erosion of the enamel of your teeth. Not to mention, the sugar attracts bacteria that can cause cavities. When the bacteria break down the sugar, they can also eat away at the integrity of your teeth.

    Whitening Strips

    People with yellowed teeth often try out various whitening strips to try to brighten up their smile. While these can be good for some people, they’re not a replacement for good dental hygiene. Make sure if you’re using teeth whitening strips that you’re also brushing and flossing daily.

    Also, it won’t help to use whitening strips while you’re still eating sugary foods and drinking sugary sodas. Essentially the two practices will cancel each other out, and you’re wasting your time and money on the whitening strips.