August 2022

A New Global Food Crisis Is Imminent: Do You Know How to Prepare?

As the flood of troubling news continues to stream from the mouths of our leaders and the news tickers on our computers, we have yet one more catastrophe to worry about, a global food crisis.

Recently, the UN warned of the potential of a “food price shock” if prices continue to climb. The reasons for the increased upward pressure on prices is varied, ranging from the cost of oil and fuel, floods down under and record breaking heat waves in Latin America.

During the most recent food crisis of 2008, we witnessed rioting and unrest in more than 30 countries, and things could get much worse this time around. Already, the price of the typical “basket of food” as determined by the UN is above the peak levels of the 2008 crisis and the USDA hasn’t helped with their recent announcement that global harvests of key crops are being revised downward. This downward revision has resulted in the prices of future contracts for the commodities to rocket skyward, further pressuring food prices to increase.

With so many of the causes for the impending doom being related to natural occurrences, it doesn’t appear that there is an easy fix for the situation. It is up to each individual and family to take the necessary precautions to ensure that they are prepared for any eventuality.

In developed nations, we stand a much better chance of weathering this storm without the devastating loss of massive numbers of lives, but pain will be felt, even if that pain means paying $10 for a gallon of milk. If we are prudent, however, we should at least give thought to preparing for the worst.

So what is the best strategy to ensure that you and your family skirt this disaster? Maybe the LDS food storage theory is the way to go. Let me preface this by saying, I am not a member of the LDS faith and have no preference for what anyone believes, however, I also know that if someone has a good plan, and has already worked out all the kinks, then why re-invent the wheel.

Food storage is essentially the stockpiling of all of the food essentials required to feed you and your family for a set length of time. In most instances the recommended time-frame is one year, but beginning with a three month supply and adding to it is a great way to start.

To begin with, when you go to the market you should buy double the amount of items that you use most commonly. You will also want to start your three-month supply with those items that you use on a daily basis, in order to ensure that they do not spoil before they are used.

You will also want to spend some time re-arranging your shelves so that you can employ a FIFO (First In First Out) system. In this system, you always ensure that …

One of the most significant benefits of utilizing a tax solution for your small business is its time savings. When you are running a business, time is money, and any time you spend on the administration of taxes will equate to less money being made. Hiring tax preparation services Sarasota, FL, to handle all aspects of taxes for your small business will free up valuable time to concentrate on your core competencies. Here are some advantages of hiring a tax service for your small business.

Tax Planning Strategies

Whether you’re running a sole proprietorship or running a larger business, there are several tax planning strategies that you can implement to reduce your tax bill. The most common of these is the cash method of accounting, which requires businesses to recognize income and expenses when they occur. However, it can lead to some interesting tax planning strategies. Some businesses will accelerate income while deferring expenses. In addition, those in the lowest tax bracket will want to defer income until the following year.

One of small business owners’ most common mistakes is not understanding the difference between net and gross income. While both are important, knowing which is more beneficial is vital. A business owner may try to collect payment when the goods or services are delivered. Unfortunately, it is not always the most tax-efficient approach. If the costs of making the product or service are higher than the cost of the sales, the business will lose money. Therefore, it’s important to understand these two figures’ differences and plan accordingly.

Recordkeeping

While many small business owners are concerned about how they can keep track of business records, there are some recordkeeping advantages to consider. One of these advantages is that businesses don’t have to keep records in one particular way. Instead, they can use either a manual or computerized recordkeeping system.

Keeping accurate financial records is an integral part of running a successful business and one that can be a bit tricky. Proper recordkeeping will give you peace of mind while monitoring your progress towards your goals. Furthermore, it will save you time and money. You can use recordkeeping solutions to streamline these tasks in today’s business world. A business should record all financial transactions, offline and online, on paper and electronic media.

Receipt Tracking

There are many benefits to receipt tracking in tax solutions for small businesses. For example, receipt tracking is a key feature that allows the finance department and management to get a big-picture view of a company’s expenses. This information allows them to make informed decisions regarding business expenses and maximize tax deductions. Therefore, it is important to choose software capable of large housing amounts of data that is easy to use. The system should also include features that allow for easy categorization.

Most small businesses require detailed records and receipts, and tracking these can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Receipt tracking software makes this task much easier and takes the burden off of your shoulders. In addition, …

Mini Storage Units – Advantages and Importance

Self storage units are very useful especially when you have a small apartment or business place and you need to keep your surplus belongings and inventory items of your business. You have to store these things away but at the same time you also need to have access to the items as and when you need them. These are very useful at the time of moving your house or selling it. If you have to keep your office belongings at the time of moving your office, self storage are found functional.

Depending on your requirements and the time period for which you wish to keep your belongings help you decide the size of the self storage unit. If fact, you can keep any item for as long as you want and you can be completely assured of the safety and security of your belongings. There are many advantages of using these self storage units. You get separate storage facility and access to your goods anytime you need them.

You have more space in your house and at the same time you can keep your possessions in a safe place. Otherwise you could have kept them in a storeroom or garage where they might be left dumped. This actually needs to early wear and tear of the things and insects and damaging animals self invite themselves in such places. In self storage units, the company takes care that the units are free from damaging insects and animals.

If you need a small place, as there are few things that you need to keep, mini storage are best option. There are some mobile storage unit also and they can even deliver your goods at your doorstep also. Usually the companies that provide mini storage units for the convenience of the people, they provide you with the help of CCTV, which is activated for 24 hours. Select the mini storage units that provide you with offside units so that your documents and property is saved at times of fire and also provides you with the facility to lock the area on your own.…

Earn Extra Income Through Personal Finance Techniques

There are many advantages to having other sources of income. With the economy as it is these days, you can never really tell how long you could be financially stable. In this article, you will learn about some personal finance tips to help ensure that you could sustain the family’s needs even during tough times.

Before delving further into tips on your finances, let us first go through the benefits of having other income streams besides your main job. Here’s a quick list:

A� When another economic downturn comes and you lose your job, you will still have some income. It may be lowered, but at least it won’t totally disappear.

A� Other income streams can also help you get to your financial goals sooner.

A� They can give you financial freedom.

A� They can provide you with enough leverage and flexibility. You can afford to not be totally dependent on your job and be in a more powerful position to decide on many things.

Now, are you already convinced that having other income streams is beneficial? If yes, then let’s move on to the techniques you have to learn. With these personal finance tips, you can start earning extra in no time.

First, you have to think of what you love to do. It is only when you work on something you are passionate about can you give your all without reservation. Besides, when you are doing something you love, it would feel more like you’re engaged in a hobby and not a taxing job.

Second, focus on what you are good at. Every person has his or her own special skill or talent. Think of yours and focus on it. This way, you won’t have to exert too much effort being good at something you’re truly not.

Third, practice more patience. Bear in mind that you can’t always see results right away. In fact, more often, you have to wait before the fruits of your labor become apparent. Nothing in this life is easy. If you want something, work hard for it and learn how to wait.

Fourth, be committed. Not all your plans would work. If some fail, don’t lose focus. Stay committed all the time.

Finally, embrace diversity. Even if your first plan succeeds, don’t stop there. Keep looking for other ways to spice up your business endeavor.

These are five fantastic personal finance tips you should always keep in mind. With them, you will never go wrong!…

The Most Convenient Storage

Storage units are beginning to transform into much more convenient areas for storing items for either domestic or business purposes. UK storage companies were often large warehouses with several floors and corridors which users had to travel down in order to safely store their belongings. However, storage companies are now slowly starting to adopt the American method of unit storage. This is a much more convenient, particularly for storing large items such as, furniture, machinery and vehicles, as you can drive right up to your unit and collect or drop off your goods.

These storage units are also featuring a high level of security, with 24/7 CCTV cameras, intruder alarms and secure gates. You will also be given a pin code for your particular unit, which you can access 24 hours a day. It’s not to dissimilar to a rented garage, only with high tech security, great value for money, and a clean and dry unit to safely store your belongings.

Perhaps you are downsizing your home and don’t want to part with all your furniture, or maybe your moving abroad for some time or going travelling. These units are great way of storing any items, large or small. Perhaps you don’t want to part with all your old school work, storage units can provide a great area for storing documents, as many will feature racking systems; however you are also welcome to bring your own shelves or filing systems. When selecting your unit, you will be given the choice of a single, double or extra large double unit, featuring extra large access doors, ideal for storing machinery and other particularly large also often come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to suit your needs and requirements.

Many unit companies also offer packing supplies, which can be extremely useful in helping you with your move. These include storage and archive boxes, bubble wrap, adhesive tapes, pallet wrapping and padlocks for your unit, all excellent quality and available at a small charge. Many unit storage companies are also now offering insurance at a small charge, ideal for expensive items, although this is not a must have, as all storage units offer high quality security systems.

Self storage units are also ideal for businesses as well as domestic use. Unlike the traditional storage warehouses, the new system offers storage for businesses with no commitment, meaning you can change to a smaller or larger unit at any time depending on your business needs. Many self storage companies are even now offering distribution services and will even take deliveries on your behalf. Choosing unit self storage for your business is a great way of storing extra stock and making more space in your offices. Many businesses are also now using this system for exhibition equipment, due to the units ease of access and value for money.

Although these new storage units are created with a do it yourself, easy access approach, there are always friendly and reliable staff …

Storing Food Safely: What You Need to Know

In today’s economy, many of us are looking to do more with less – and many of us are eating out less often, making meals at home and making the most of leftovers. Home cooking can be healthier as well as more economically sound – but only if you play it safe. Here’s a guide to using food safely, storing it effectively and knowing when to say goodbye.

According to the FDA Web site, , there are 76 million annual cases of foodbourne illness, 325,000 people hospitalized with foodbourne illnesses, and 5,000 deaths from foodbourne illness. Thus, knowing basic food storage and preparation safety truly is a matter of life and death. How can you keep your food fresh and healthy?

Practice safer shopping

For safer eating, the FDA advises you to start at the store:

Don’t buy food in bulging or dented cans or jars with the safety seal on top already popped.

Look around the store. Do employees use safe food handling practices? Does the store look and smell clean?

Check expiration dates and check eggs to make sure none are cracked.

Put frozen foods, meats, poultry, fish and eggs in the shopping cart last.

Refrigerate perishables within two hours of purchasing them – if they sit out any longer the food may be warm enough for harmful bacteria to multiply.

Smarter storage strategies

Although you should make sure that your fridge is at 40 degrees or below (use an appliance thermometer to check), not all areas of your fridge are the same. Milk can go bad and lettuce can freeze to a useless icy mess all in the same fridge. It’s all about knowing what to store where:

Fridge door: Ideal for condiments, salsa, salad dressings and tomato sauce – not milk, cheese or cold cuts.

Freezer door: Flour, nuts, frozen fruits and vegetables.

Crisper drawers in fridge: Good for vegetables and fruits that need refrigeration such as apples and bell peppers.

Top shelf of fridge: Best for prepared foods and salads, cooked meat and poultry (which you should use or toss within three days).

Cheese drawer: Best for cheeses because it is more humid and a little warmer than the rest of the fridge since the cold air doesn’t circulate through it.

At the same time, there are some fruits and vegetables that should not go in the fridge at all including bananas and avocadoes. For the reason why and for more about valuable storage strategies like those listed above, see this helpful article from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette or the FDA’s recommendations about safe food storage.

Making your own food, stretching your leftovers and buying in bulk are all excellent ways to save money and eat better, too. Just make sure to do it safely!…

How to Use Your Savings to Save Yourself From Debts

So how do we eliminate or reduce debts? For purpose of this discussion, we talk about debts that are concerned with consumers. Studies have shown that savings and investments are vague subjects for many people. This could be the very reason why so many people are in debt nowadays. If you are a college student thinking being in debt is a nonsensical idea, then you better think about your student loan. That itself is a debt you have to settle when you graduate!

Thankfully, we have knowledge from financial experts. They say that reducing these dreadful debts are is possible by using your savings. How is this possible?

When you have the savings or cash reserve, you are able to settle your debts. What kind of debt can be so disastrous, you might ask? Well, the answer is common; credit card with very high interests and car loans. When you expend your savings to save yourself of a debt, you are doing yourself a favour. Even if your savings are gone, at least you have reduced the culprit, debt.

The problem is that even though you have investments and assets that earn you a good return on investment (‘ROI’), chances are the rates are not high enough to cover the interest rates (caused by loans, mortgages, etc.). A simple calculation can be made this way. Most credit card loans are as high as 12%. Can your assets and investments top that 12% every year without fail? Even the most experienced hedge fund managers cannot promise you that.

Many people really think that they are great an investing, and that they can make a fortune at it. Truth to be told, they still have consumer debts that are yet to be settled. In the world of investment, higher rate of return means higher risks most of the time. The question is, are you willing to do this? Statistics have shown very little people succeed this way. Slow and steady is the way to go.

When you do decide to use your savings to cover your loan expenses, always make certain that you have enough cash at hand. Calculate how much cash you must have in order to survive for, say 3 months, 6 months or even a year. Being in a position of having temporary money interruption is always better than not having money at all permanently. You should also know that when you use your savings to pay credit card bills, the card balance can go back up in a financial pinch.…