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Home Business Resource - What You Will Need To Start A Successful Business

Starting a home business is a very important decision, and there are some typical home business resources you will need to have in order for you to succeed. Home business resources are assets, services and systems you will need to make your home business run smoothly; and also other steps you will need to take to make sure that you will succeed with your business.

So, to start a successful home business, what resources and steps do you need to take?

? A clearly laid out business plan. Without a business plan and goals to achieve, then you can not get anywhere. A business plan will map out what you need to succeed and how you will achieve your goals.

? Good research. Whatever your business will need, you will need to be well informed about it. So you will need to do me research so that you become an expert on the niche, product or service. Knowledge about the business is an important home business resource, so you must do the necessary research to be well-informed about the industry or product/service.

? A well set-up office. Your office is another important home business resource. You will need to be productive while working from home. You will therefore need an office that has all you will need to run a smooth business; a computer, printer, internet access, fax, telephone, business cards and a conducive work environment. A suitable desk and appropriate lighting in your office is also an important resource that is often underestimated in its importance. You will sometimes work for many hours in a day, and your work space needs to be comfortable. Allocate some money towards setting up a working environment you will enjoy working from everyday!

? Some money to cover capital outlay and running costs is an important home business resource which you will need. Any business requires some form of investment, and you will need to know how much you have, and how much investments and ongoing marketing your business will need for it to succeed. It is therefore recommended that you start your business while you are still employed, so that you have some income to live on while you are still building your business.

? Support system. This can be a mentor; someone who has succeeded with a similar business, or simply your family and friends. You need to have people close to you who will encourage you and give you any support you need. You can also join a forum of people with the same business like yours. A good support network is a very important home business resource.

? Business leads and clients are a crucial home business resource. Making and creating contacts and networking is very important - you need to start building your potential clients base before you launch your business. Start marketing your business by giving away some products and services. By creating a relationship with your potential customers, you build trust with them, and when you launch your business, it will be easy for them to buy from you.

? Be professional! The way you run your business and relate to your customers is very important. Be prepared to 'go the extra mile' with your customers. Care about your customers, and provide all the information they may need.

? Hire any professional help you may need. Treat your business professionally, and if you need the services of a lawyer or accountant, hire/outsource it. It is more productive and effective to get experts to do what you can not do, leaving you time to focus on your business. You will want to do the best for your business; so if there are any home business resources you do not have, outsource them.

If you have the home business resources outlined above, then your business will succeed. Although your home business may only be a small venture, treat it like a real business, and get all the home business resources any business will need in order to be successful.

Source: Free Articles

Pros And Cons of Different Types Of Investments

When deciding where to invest your money, you need to always take into account your investment goals and objectives. Different types of investments carry varying degrees of risks and potential return.

A bank CD is a very safe investment. The CD is FDIC insured up to $100,000, so there truly is minimal risk. The only downside is that you cannot withdraw that money in the CD for a specific amount of time or else you'll receive a penalty. Bank CDs generally only pay up to 5% interest.

Bonds

A bond is essentially a loan you make to a company or a government. Bonds have varying degrees of risk, from essentially risk-free treasuries to junk bonds. The higher the risk of the bond, the higher the return will generally be.

Stocks

Stocks are investments in companies. Depending on the company, the risk of the investment can be high or low. Obviously, buying stock in Johnson and Johnson is a lot less risky than a new internet startup company. In general, the stock market returns on average about 10% a year, though the actual return of any given stock will vary significantly.

Mutual Funds

A mutual fund typically invests in over 100 stocks, so it's an instant way to diversify your portfolio. However, the mutual fund generally charges a fee, which is about 1% of your assets per year. Because of this fee, most mutual funds do not outperform the market; a monkey blindly picking 100 stocks but not charging you a fee could easily outperform most mutual funds.

Real Estate

Real estate is a popular investment. The most obvious real estate investment you'll make is when you purchase your home. Your home can go up or down in value when you sell it; it depends on the housing market in your area.

Source: Free Articles

Taxation of Commodity Traders

Commodity Traders may be taxed under two different methodologies. One I refer to as the "Default Rule" and the other I refer to as the "Mark-To-Market Election Rule".

THE DEFAULT RULE
Under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") section 1256, Commodity Traders are granted two major tax breaks:
Tax Break #1
60% of commodity gains are taxed at the long-term gains tax rate and 40% of gains are taxed are treated as short-term gains. This is known as the "60/40 Rule".
Tax Break #2
Commodity trading losses may be carried back three years, to offset prior years commodity trading gains.

In order to meet the definition of a Commodity Trader, for purposes of the above favorable tax breaks, an individual must be a member of a domestic board of trade designated as a contract market by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (a.k.a. "regulated exchange"). The definition of a commodity under IRC section 1256 includes any regulated futures contract, any foreign currency contract, any non-equity option, any dealer equity option and any dealer securities futures contract. If you trade on a regulated exchange you are a "Commodities Trader" under IRC section 1256 and can avail yourself of the preferential 60/40 Rule.

When such Commodity Traders file their tax returns for the year they report their commodities gains and losses on Form 6781, which is attached to Form 1040 (Federal Income Tax Return for individuals). The gains and losses reported on Form 6781 are split into two groups: 60% long-term gains and 40% short-term gains. The next step is to move these two groups of gains/(losses) over to Schedule D and they are taxed accordingly (long-term gains/losses are netted against short-term gains/losses). If there is a net long-term gain this is taxed at the current favorable capital gains tax rate of 15%.

What I just described is the general rule of taxation of Commodity Traders and most Commodity Traders are taxed under this rule. Any expenses you may have incurred (such as margin interest expense) may only be deducted as an itemized deduction and, thus limited.

MARK-TO-MARKET ELECTION RULE
There is another tax option available to Commodity Traders, however. If a Commodity Trader meets the definite of a "Professional Trader" they are eligible to make the IRC section 475 Mark-To-Market election. This new optional rule came into effect in 1997 under The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, which gave Commodity Traders the ability to make the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") section 475 Mark-To-Market election. When you make this election it allows Commodity Traders to do two things:

#1 Treat commodity gains and losses as ordinary income (loss). When you make the IRC section 475 Mark-To-Market election you are eligible to file a Schedule C and list your commodity business expenses. Under this election, commodity business expenses have more value as they are no longer considered itemized deductions but, instead, ordinary business expenses. These expenses can then be used to offset other income you reported, such as wages. When you make the Mark-To-Market election, a Commodity Trader is electing out of the 60/40 Rule and, instead, treats all gains and losses as ordinary. The 60/40 Rule is the default rule that is available to Commodity Traders who have not made the IRC section 475 Mark-To-Market election. Most Commodity Traders do not make the IRC section 475 Mark-To-Market election in order to preserve the favorable taxation of commodities (60% long-term gain treatment and 40% short-term gain treatment).

#2 Allow Commodity Traders to take deductions on Schedule C for business expenses associated with your commodity trading business. You can only take deductions on a Schedule C where you have a valid IRC section 475 Mark-To-Market election in place.

In order to be eligible for the IRC section 475 Mark-To-Market election a Commodity Trader must meet the stringent tax definition of a Trader. The "Trader" definition, for purposes of the Mark-To-Market election, requires an individual to seek to profit from short-term changes in the market. This trading activity must be substantial, frequent and continuous. You must be a full-time trader who is trying to capitalize on the momentary swings in the market each day. If you meet the definition of a "Trader" then you are eligible to make the Mark-To Market election, which must be made by April 15th of the current year if you want the election to be effective for the current year. Example: You make the election by April 15, 2012 for tax year 2012. Once in place the election allows you to treat all gains and losses as ordinary (reported on Form 4797, which is attached to your individual income tax return Form 1040).

Commodity Traders cannot take advantage of the 60/40 Rule and take deductions on Schedule C at the same time. It's one or the other. The 60/40 Rule is only available to Commodity Traders who DID NOT make the IRC section 475 Mark-To-Market election. The ability to take Schedule C deductions is only available to Commodity Traders DID make the IRC section 475 Mark-To-Market election.

Tom is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Financial Planner, CLTC (Certified Long-Term Care) and President of Cerefice & Company, the largest CPA firm in Rahway, New Jersey. Tom works with clients helping them manage their money, retirement planning, college savings, life insurance needs, IRAs and qualified plan rollovers with an eye towards maximizing tax benefits and minimizing taxes. Tom is founder of the Rich Habits Institute and author of "Rich Habits".

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Corley
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6752843

Flip Charts - Successful Presentation Tools

Providing office products at your place are simply an effortless task these days hence, it appears to be cost-effective, time saving and very much convenient. Any company or business needs to be maintained by latest office supplies. Office products are the most important tools range from small pens to office furniture. These types of office products help your business or company grow in a better way. Clients always focus on what type of office supplies you use, how you carry them!

One of such office products is flip chart, an important tool mainly used in most of the business for presentation purpose. Flip chart is also used in elaborating your ideas and views. It can be availed in various styles, sizes, and shapes. Indeed a worthy investment, flip charts easily serve their purpose. Flip charts are the most usual tools seen in every office or in business.

Here are ten simple steps which will make your flip charts look quite professional.

- Make your flip chart pages in prior, so that your audience will not have to wait for what you have jotted things on the page.

- To give it more professional look, you should keep one page blank at least between each written page. In this way, extra information like comments of your audiences can be added.

- If you wish to draw diagram or chart, you can make light pencil outlines on the pages in prior; hence, this marks and lines can be seen by your audiences. Thus your charts and diagrams will look more professional.

- Ensure that, your conclusion page appears at the end of the flip charts, so that you can easily turn the pages.

- Each page should contain enough space for key points; some additional points can be added as you go through.

- Mainly you should use big letters but not the capital letters so that your audience can read your writing.

- Your text should be in dark colors something like, blue and black.

- If you wish to write on the flip chart while discussing with your audience, do stand one side, so that your audience can view what you have jotted down.

- After your presentation gets over, go through the pages of flip charts; make some notes based on points. Give information to those people who were present with you.

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About The Author
Flip Charts - Target Office Products is UK based leading office furniture suppliers with some of the most need Office Products like Adhesive tapes, Books and Pads, Catering, Papers, Pens/Pencils & Writing Supplies, Computer Accessories & Media Supplies, Desktop accessories, Envelopes and Files and Pocket Binders. We supply all discount office furniture products, business stationary and bulk & cheap office supplies in UK.
The author invites you to visit:
http://www.targetofficeproducts.co.uk
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/business_and_finance/article_16058.shtml

Ferrari 458 Italia Manettino, Launch Control and Interior

The 458 Italia is equipped with a racing manettino switch leading toward more sporting set ups and giving the driver a wider selection of electronic controls parameters. The ICE setting saw in the F430 has been removed, while the CT setting has been added in order to deactivate the traction control and at the same time maintain the stability control. There are five different manettino positions and conditions: Low Grip, Sport, Race, CT and CTS. Low Grip setting provides maximum grip under all driving conditions, and it is particularly suited for low grip surfaces. The emphasis is on comfort and stability without compromising the handling. Sport is the best setting for day to day driving and guarantees great safety under good grip. Race is particularly suitable for track driving providing maximum performance and stability in optimal grip situations. CT helps the driver improving his driving skills in safety, by keeping active the stability control. It allows over-steer right to the edge of the car’s limits and guarantees enhanced driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel, particularly on the track. Under CTS setting, both stability and traction control systems are deactivated, giving the driver maximum freedom and control on the track. No electronic systems intervene on the vehicle stability with the exception of E-diff3 and ABS.

On the 458 Italia, the driver can decouple the suspension damping from the electronic configuration selected on the manettino. The suspension decoupling button offers improved “filtering” of uneven road surfaces in order to improve performance and handling on uneven broken surfaces, such as the ones at the Nürburgring race track.

The launch control button is instead designed to offer the best possible acceleration from standstill. It delivers the maximum possible torque to the ground and prevents wheel spin as the car accelerates away. Its activation is indicated in the instrument panel. To start using the Launch control, the manettino must be selected on race, CT or CTS setting. With the car still at standstill, the driver then needs to put the gearbox in manual, selects first gear, pushes the launch control, presses the accelerator pedal and then releases the brake pedal.

The stylistic interior choices developed by Ferrari Centro Stile reflect a functional, ergonomic cockpit design. The driver is set in the center of a streamlined and intuitive layout, which is very much in line with the marquee’s signature styling cues.

by : Passione Rossa
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_5472.shtml

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About The Author
As every new Ferrari, the Ferrari 458 Italia has a unique design approach and technology innovations to achieve indisputable performance and driving experience. Inquiry about the Ferrari 458 today at Authorized Ferrari dealers.
The author invites you to visit :
http://www.ferraribeverlyhills.com