Top Jobs for Stay at Home Moms

Becoming a stay at home mom does not mean you can’t (or shouldn’t) keep your career skills updated. As your children get older, you may have more time to embark on a part-time business venture. You might even feel the need to make additional money to contribute to the household budget. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of opportunities available for you.

With the popularity of the internet and teleworking, flexible work opportunities are in demand more than ever. The key to finding jobs that are flexible enough to meet your requirements is knowing where to look. Here is a list of top jobs for stay at home moms.

Sell Goods Online

The internet commerce industry is buzzing with people who buy unique goods from individual sellers. If you are creative, you can sell your goods on Etsy. This is an online market place in which sellers market their unique goods for a profit.

If you have yet to hone your creativity, you can sell goods on Ebay, Craigslist or Amazon. The good thing about these sites is you do not have to make your items. You can easily set up an account and start selling things that you no longer need. Popular items that sell quickly are cell phones, books, electronics, clothing, hand bags and shoes. Although Ebay and Amazon charge fees, Craigslist is free.

Begin a Freelance Business

Freelancing will enable you to provide your skills and services to a business and individuals for a fee. Popular skills include website development and content writing. Make a list of your skills, build an inexpensive website, and market your services in local classifieds.

Provide at Home Day Care

If you enjoy working with children, you could start a small day care business in your home. There are plenty of parents in your neighborhood who would benefit from a convenient day care center.

Another thing you can do is provide “date night” child care services. This option is more flexible than providing child care on a daily basis. Parents who are not able to go out would jump at the chance to use your services.

Write and Monetize a Blog

Blogs have become a popular way to connect with a community of like-minded individuals. They have also become tidy little profit centers. One thing to note is that blogging is not a get rich quick endeavor. It takes commitment and time to build a following that will enable you to make money and sustain that profitability over time.

Provide Tutoring Services

Schools have become more crowded. As a result, students are falling behind in their classwork. The tutoring industry is booming because the changes in the curriculum are causing more students to need help each year. Popular subjects include test-taking skills, mathematics, reading science and writing. You could also tutor adults in college courses or GED training.

Prepare Documents for Individuals

Consumers are becoming more independent with the wealth of information that is available on the internet. Instead of paying attorneys to prepare documents, many people are seeking the services of document preparation services.

Popular documents that can be prepared without the assistance of an attorney are Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms, divorce papers, living trusts, articles of incorporation and green card forms.

It is easy to learn how to prepare these documents. You can get plenty of information from online videos or books.

Enroll in a Direct Sales Program

The direct sales industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. There are plenty of opportunities to sell profitable goods that appeal to many people. You can sell items such as cosmetics, legal plans, body wraps and jewelry. Before you enroll in any program, look at the requirements carefully.

It has never been a more exciting time to work from home. By conducting research, you can easily find an opportunity that works for you.

Business Loans: Which Is Best for Your Company?

If your business is in need of more money in order to grow, you may find yourself in a position to take out a business loan. However, before you sign on the dotted line with the first financial institution to offer you cash, it is important that you take the time to consider many factors when determining where to get your business loan. Getting the right loan helps ensure you don’t overpay and you find the loan that makes the most sense for you and your business. Here are some factors you need to consider when determining what company is right for your business loan.

The Interest Rate They Are Offering

When you are taking out a business loan, it is extremely important to pay attention to the interest rate that a financial institution is offering you. There are many factors that affect the interest rate, such as current market interest rates and how risky the institution thinks it is to lend to you. It may take some time, but it is always advised that you take the time and compare the rates that are offered to you by at least three financial institutions. This helps you feel out what current rates are and helps you find a company that is offering you a fair rate.

The Amount of Money They Will Loan You

Another factor that you need to consider when taking out a business loan is how much money the financial institution is willing to lend you. Just because you walk in and ask for a certain amount does not mean that they will give you that amount. Some may give you a fraction of the amount of money you need. Unfortunately, if they are not willing to give you the full amount you need, the loan may not allow you to purchase the items you need or pay the bill you need to pay. As such, it is always worth your time to find out what the maximum amount of money that they are going to loan you will be.

If the Loan is Against Your Business or You Personally

Many business owners do not realize that a good portion of business loans, especially for those that involve newer businesses, require you to take out the loan in both the business name and your personal name. The reason for this is that if the business defaults on the loan, the bank can come after you and your assets personally. This helps decrease the likelihood of you defaulting on the loan. However, it is extremely risky to you personally to take out a business loan that could result in you having to file bankruptcy or losing your home if your business goes belly up before the loan is repaid. As such, pay close attention to this aspect of a loan and what is being required of you.

How the Loan is Paid Back

If you have never taken out a business loan before, you may not realize that it can work a bit differently than a personal loan. While some traditional loans allow you to make a fixed payment monthly, others take a percentage of your sales, either that are deposited in your bank account or from your credit card sales. There are pros and cons to both methods, so make sure you do your research and find out how the loan gets paid back.

If the Loan is Secured or Non-Secured

The last thing that you need to pay attention to when taking out a business loan is whether the loan is secured or not. If the loan is secured, you may need to put up collateral, such as business merchandise or vehicles or buildings the business owns. If the loan is not secured, you do not have to offer up any collateral.

Taking out a business loan can be ideal if you need cash to get you through a couple of slow months or need the money to increase the inventory for your business. However, taking out the wrong loan can be detrimental to your business. Always pay close attention to the interest rate a financial company is offering your business, how much money they are willing to loan, who the loan is against, how the loan is paid back and whether the loan is secured or not.

How to Get Your Credit Score Healthy in 3 Years

Your credit score is an important part of your financial life. People with high credit scores get better interest rate offers on loans and credit cards and also have an easier time renting apartments. If your credit score isn’t as high as it should be, you can work to raise it, but it won’t happen overnight. Here are some things you can do to get your credit score healthy over three years.

Check your credit report for errors

If your credit score is lower than it should be, it might not even be your fault. Creditors and credit bureaus sometimes make mistakes when they are recording information about your account. Take advantage of the free credit reports you are entitled to each year from the three major credit bureaus. Once you get them, look for major errors that can affect your credit score, such as accounts being reported past due when they are current or open accounts being reported as closed. If you find any errors, dispute them right away in writing to both the creditor and credit bureau.

Cure any defaults and past-due accounts

Nothing hurts your credit score more than not paying your bills on time. And the farther behind you get on paying your credit accounts, the worse off your score will be. If you have past-due accounts, bring them current as soon as possible. And if you have any accounts sent to collections, pay off the amount as soon as possible. Such black marks will stay on your credit report for up to seven years, but over time their importance in figuring your score will diminish, and if you bring them current right away, in three years their effect on your score should be minimal.

Pay down debt

Even if you make all your loan and credit card payments on time, those accounts can still hurt your credit score if you carry a lot of debt. After late payments, carrying too much debt is the factor that most hurts your score. Credit bureaus look at something called your credit utilization ratio. It measures how much of your available credit is used each month. You want to keep that ratio below 30 percent, meaning if you have $10,000 of credit available, you should keep your ongoing balance below $3,000. Keeping your debt levels low also saves you money because you don’t pay as much in finance charges.

Don’t open and close too many accounts

When you are offered a new credit card, the temptation is always there to take advantage, whether it’s a store brand card that will get you a discount, or a new card offer in the mail that will get you rewards. You want to be careful about opening too many accounts, however. Opening a bunch of accounts at once can lower your credit score slightly, and having too much available credit can make you look risky to potential lenders. On the other hand, you don’t want to close accounts if you don’t need to, especially if they are ones you have had for a long time. Closing an account does nothing to remove any negative information, and you will lose the positive history of that account over time.

Use your credit responsibly

The best way to get your credit score healthy is to always use the credit you have responsibly. Don’t open too many accounts, don’t get behind on payments and don’t run up a huge pile of debt. If you do so after you have worked hard to rehabilitate your score, your work will be for naught, and you will have to start over again.

What the Analysts Predict about BIDU Stock Price

As questions about the Chinese economy have grown bigger over the course of 2015, one of the most obvious problems for analysts has been trying to make sense of where stocks that are outside the circle of China’s most trouble sectors might be headed. One of the most important questions is: where is Baidu’s stock price (Nasdaq: BIDU) headed? Baidu has long been the dominant search engine employed by Internet users in the world’s most populated country and second largest economy. It’s not highly leveraged, and it doesn’t have ties to sectors such as real estate, exports or construction that are likely to suffer the brunt of any economic downturn in China. Where do analysts see BIDU’s stock price going over the coming months?

The consensus among stock market rating analysts is that BIDU is somewhere between an “overweight” and a “buy” rating. While BIDU did receive several downgrades over the summer of 2015, these downgrades typically moved it from a “buy” to a “hold” rating, and there are currently no major analysts who have BIDU listed as a “sell” rating stock.

According to MarketWatch, a total of 31 analysts have a rating listed for Baidu’s stock. Of these, the majority, 20 of the 31, are either a “buy” or a “strong buy” rating. One is considered an “overweight” rating, 9 are “hold ratings and one is an “underweight” rating.

Analysts who support BIDU feel that company’s greatest strength lies in its current financial situation. The company is not heavily leveraged, and shows robust growth in revenues. Internet and tech stocks in emerging markets have been attractive to investors and remain so, as the penetration of Internet usage in countries such as China still remains fairly low compared to Western economies.

The biggest concern held against BIDU is the company’s spending on search advertising. However, in its August 31, 2015 upgrade of BIDU from a “hold” to a “buy” rating, analysts from Jefferies said that these concerns have been overstated and are already likely to have been priced into the value of the stock.

BIDU stock has traded between $100 and $250 over the last 52 weeks. The stock’s value recently has hovered around $150, attracting additional interest from buyers who feel it may be oversold. With a price-to-earnings ratio of around 24, BIDU is considered by most analysts to have a lot of room for further growth, especially for a tech stock whose future is still seen to be ahead of it.

Analysts on either side of the argument do, however, recognize the strong headwinds that are facing the larger economy in China. It remains reasonable to assume that BIDU’s stock price will be restrained at least somewhat by events in China going forward. One of the more interesting speculations about the stock’s future arises from questions about how China might elect to cope with the current economic downturn. There is a scenario where the Chinese government begins to abandon high-growth models and begins to focus on improving internal consumer markets over export and manufacture. In such a scenario, it would be expected the stocks like BIDU would see a benefit from increased consumption and a more stable long-term economic outlook.

The range of one-year price targets by analysts for BIDU stock goes from $150 to $268. The consensus one-year price target is currently around $210 per share. The consensus earnings forecast envisions some drop in earnings, but the company’s overall financial situation is still considered strong. Likewise, many analysts feel that these concerns are already priced into the current valuation of BIDU stock.

What Is the Best Credit Card for Making Large Purchases?

Many people don’t have a lot of extra money in the bank for large purchases, but sometimes it needs to be done. Whether your old lawnmower finally died or you need to finance the high cost of dental work, it’s a good idea to look at the available options. Depending on your situation, making the purchase with a certain type of credit card can save you a lot of money.

Cards with Zero Interest

Occasionally, credit cards offer customers the chance to make purchases and pay zero percent interest for a certain period of time. This can work well for someone who’s had a sudden expense and wants to pay it off in just a few months. Simply purchase with the card, then divide the total amount into manageable monthly payments.

With these types of offers, though, it’s essential to read the fine print. After the incentive period, the interest rate will likely jump to a much higher amount and it’s important to know how much you’ll be paying if you haven’t paid off the debt before the rate goes up. Additionally, it’s common for the zero percent introductory rate to end immediately if you don’t pay your bill on time.

Deferred Interest Cards

Similar to zero percent interest cards, some credit cards offer deferred interest on large purchases. This is especially true on the purchases made with store credit cards. In this case, you have a certain grace period where you won’t have to pay interest.

However, it’s important to note that interest sometimes accrues during this grace period. If you don’t pay off all of the balance before the grace period is over, you could find yourself suddenly facing hundreds of dollars’ worth of interest charges. This will be a nasty unexpected expense, so you really want to know what you’re getting into when choosing this type of card.

Low Interest Rate Cards

The higher the interest rate, the more money you’ll pay overall for whatever you’re purchasing. When you know that you have to make a big purchase, try to use the credit card with the lowest interest rate possible. This means that more of your money will go toward paying down that principal debt and you’re losing less money to interest.

Pay attention to whether the interest rate is variable, though. Sometimes company will change the rate when you’re not looking, and it could be months before you realize you’re paying a lot more than you thought you were.

Rewards Cards

Cards that offer rewards could be a smart option for those who are looking for a bit of a kick-back when making their purchase. These cards typically offer bonuses like cash back, miles that can be rewarded for travel, or points that you can use to redeem for gift cards or other perks from a company you like. When the purchase is big enough, the rewards you earn could be significant. A large purchase could also bump you into the next tier of service, earning you special rewards that only go to select customers.

However, these types of cards often come with annual fees. If you already have the card and enjoy the benefits you receive from using it, go ahead and make your big purchase with it. However, you may not want to apply for the card simply because you’re making a big purchase. High annual fees aren’t a smart move when you don’t plan to use the card often.

Finding the right credit card for a big purchase is a personal decision. Some people may want to avoid paying interest, while others may want to get a bonus from their purchase. No matter which camp you fall into, it’s important to consider the ramifications of whatever card you choose to use. Go into the purchase with a strong understanding of how much you’re going to end up paying in the long run.

Disney Gift Cards: A Great Gift For Your Friends and Your Budget

Gift-giving often feels more difficult than it should. It can be a challenge to pick out that perfect gift, and a tight budget can make the experience even more stressful. Luckily, the rise of gift cards has considerably eased the gift-giver’s burden. There is one card in particular that is especially versatile and well-received: the Disney gift card.

According to Travel and Leisure, Disney parks consistently take up four spots on a list of the top 20 most-visited attractions in the entire world. The OC Register reports that 16.2 million people visited Disneyland in 2013 – and that’s just one park and one year!

Disney is much more than just a theme park, a TV station or a production company; it is truly an institution and a worldwide obsession. In many families, a love of all things Disney is a tradition passed down from parents to children and eventually to grandchildren. For this reason, a Disney gift card is a great gift choice for so many people of all ages.

Budget-Friendly Options

There are roughly 200 brick-and-mortar Disney stores in North America, and an extensive website full of Disney products to choose from. A gift card recipient has many options for redemption and can pick out a gift they will truly enjoy. For budget-minded gift-givers, you can give as much as you can afford and no matter the amount, you can still be confident your gift will be appreciated and be exactly what the recipient wants.

Disney Parks

Whether you have the means and desire to fund an entire Disney trip for your loved ones, or simply want to add to their enjoyment of trip they have already had planned for months, Disney gift cards are an easy and convenient way to fund great memories that will last a lifetime. Disney gift cards can be used to pay for travel or souvenirs in the many gift shops available at all Disney parks; it’s entirely up to you!

Dine With Disney

Not only can your friend, family member or co-worker use their gift card to buy clothes, toys or other goodies at any Disney store, or help pay for their next Disney adventure, but they can also dine in style on your Disney dime. Most restaurants within Disney parks will accept the gift card as payment for meals, but always encourage your gift recipient to call ahead or check the Disney gift card website for specific details when they know where they’d like to spend the funds.

Flexibility Is Magic

When you consider all the possible ways to spend this gift card, such as those listed above, you can see the many benefits to this gift option. This versatile card gives both the gift-giver and recipient enormous flexibility, and helps ensure everyone will have a positive experience. For the giver, there is no pressure to spend a lot of money, but there is also the ability to go all out and really spoil the recipient.

You can load $20 on the card and know your loved one will be able to get a new shirt, DVD or decorative item for their room that is exactly to their liking because they get to choose it themselves. Or, if money is no object and you really want to impress, you can treat someone you care about to a few days of magical memories by taking care of hotel stays, park tickets and even meals. This type of flexibility makes the Disney gift card an excellent choice to meet your gifting needs at any price point.

Between the popular television shows, the lovable movie characters, the iconic songs and the thrilling theme parks, almost everyone has something they love about Disney. A gift card that will help them fulfill their Disney dreams is almost certain to excite all kids and kids at heart.

What are the Best Business Cards For Small Business Owners?

If you’re a small business owner, then business credit cards can be extremely useful. However, you’ll want to make sure you choose the right card.

A business credit card can give you a useful line of credit, which helps you pay for business expenses without any upfront cost, but it also gives you a powerful rewards program. You can earn rewards points or cash back on the purchases you make with your card.

These days, you’ll find that many companies are offered an introductory 0 percent APR on all purchases made with a business credit card. This enables you to make some large purchases using the card while avoiding huge interest payments.

As a business owner, you know that cash flow is important, and by avoiding interest payments on large purchases, you get to keep the cash flowing.

Many small business credit cards also allow you to get smaller cards that have adjustable limits for employees. The cards discussed below have been chosen based on their interest rates, fees and features.

Ink Cash Business Credit Card

You can get this card from JPMorgan Chase. It’s the top rated card on our list and offers great cash rebates. During each year you hold the card, you can earn 5 percent cash back on cable services, telecom services and office supplies.

You can earn 2 percent cash back on the first $25,000 spent on gas and dining. On all other purchases, you can earn 1 percent cash back. For the first 12 months, the card comes with a 0 percent APR.

After spending $3,000 during your first three months after opening the card, you can earn a $200 bonus. There is no annual fee with this card.

SimplyCash Business Card

Issued by American Express, this card actually comes with a limited time offer, which gives you a $250 statement credit after spending your first $5,000 on qualified purchases.

To get this bonus, you must spend $5,000 within the first six months of opening the card. This card lets you earn 5 percent cash back on purchase made for wireless telephone services and US office supply stores.

You also get to choose a category that lets you earn 3 percent cash back on all purchases from your chosen category. The cash back is capped at a maximum annual purchase amount of $25,000, so after you’ve spent this amount, you won’t earn any more cash back until the next year.

The SimplyCash Business card lets you earn 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. For the first nine months, you can enjoy a 0 percent APR, which rises to 12.24 to 19.24 percent afterwards. There is no annual fee for this card.

Capital One Spark Cash for Business

If you choose to get this business credit card from Capital One, you can get a $500 cash bonus if you spent $4,500 during the initial three months after opening the card. All other purchases can net you 2 percent cash back.

The cash back that you’re able to earn with this card never expires, and the amount you can earn is unlimited. There is no initial fee, but afterwards, you’ll have to pay $59 per year to hold the card.

Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express

Here is another great business credit card for personal business owners. If you spend $5,000 during the first three months of having the card, you can get 25,000 rewards points.

You can earn one point on virtually all purchases and can choose select categories that will get you up to three points per purchase on products purchased from select categories. The initial fee is $0. After the first year, you’ll have to pay a $175 annual fee.

These are a few of the best business cards for personal business owners. Some of them offer better features than others. You’ll have to decide what card works best for your business and unique situation.