Gold prices have been on an amazing run in 2020. It has surged from USD 1,550 to reach USD 1,800 (Source: goldprice.org) in November 2020. Increasingly, investors also recognise the importance of having gold in their portfolios. When it comes to gold investments, investors are spoilt for choice since there are various platforms available in the market. We researched across the various platforms to determine the most cost-effective and efficient way of investing in gold.
Comparison of Various Platforms for Gold Investments
Here is a comparison of the common platforms available for gold investments on key metrics such as transaction fee, storage fee, etc.
Everest Gold
Everest Gold’s digital trading platform is the first-of-its-kind to introduce real gold bullions broken down into digital gold units called Everest Gold Units (EGUs), that allows gold investors to trade from as low as 0.01grams. Every EGU is 100% backed by real gold and matched on a 1:1 basis. Investors can accumulate their EGUs and exchange them for physical gold.
The minimum capital to trade starts from USD 0.60, the equivalent of 1 EGU, making it highly affordable for everyone. Moreover, its users enjoy fairer prices without paying high premiums commonly levied by retail banks. Fees are non-existent since there is no transaction fee and storage fee. The combination of no fees and fair price offers investors the chance to maximise their profits. This stands in steep contrast to transaction and storage fees typically charged by retail banks and bullion dealers.
Everest Gold platform is also highly accessible and allows investors to trade gold 24/7 on the mobile app. Such instantaneous liquidity is another attribute not usually offered by traditional retail banks and bullion dealers.
Everest Gold is available for download on Android, iOS and accessible from desktop.
Many of us spend a good chunk of our mornings to sending and reading emails. Surely, email-related tasks are permanently part of our to-do lists. However, do you do it with confidence and proper etiquette?
#1: REMEMBER THAT EVERYTHING IS DOCUMENTED
As writing emails become second nature to us, we sometimes forget that our work email is not always private. Remember that your work email technically belongs to the company. It can be fully monitored. In the age of fast-paced social media, an unpleasant email can easily spread out in a matter of seconds. You will not be able to retract a statement that fast! So, be professional at all times when you are using your work email.
Work emails are part of your company’s formal written records. Sometimes, these records can be used as admissible documents in the court. Those emails can be shared as a part of any legal proceedings and can be used directly against you. Thus, you must be careful in writing emails that contain sensitive information or commentary about other employees or clients.
#2: SET A REALISTIC TIMELINE FOR DEADLINES
We all have different work habits and some people do not have a sense of urgency when it comes to completing deadlines. Instead of writing “The deadline is tomorrow at 10:00 am!”, you may write something similar to this: “When can you get this done?” You may also write how much you will appreciate it if he or she can finish the draft today because you will have enough time to discuss necessary changes before the tomorrow’s deadline.
Help your co-worker see that you cannot extend or push deadlines because of him or her. We all exhaust our resources to meet the deadlines. It is only fair for others to do the same. Asking about the person’s timeline can instill responsibility because he or she knows that there is someone waiting for his or her output.
#3: HEAD STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
When giving out suggestions, you may write: “I think maybe we can…” This statement does not exude confidence and assertiveness. Instead, you may write: “It will be best if we can…” The second statement gets straight to the point too.
Everyone is busy, including you! It is best to get your point across as early as possible. Start the email with a quick and friendly greeting to address the person. Then, follow it up with the request or issue that needs to be addressed. “Input needed for project X by Tuesday (December 1), at 3pm”, writes Employee A. This message will alert the reader right away. Do add supporting details in bullet points or separate paragraphs so that no part of the request or issue is left out.
#4: STOP APOLOGIZING IN EMAILS
Refrain from starting a message with “sorry to bother you…” The act of sending an email entails a small intrusion on the reader’s time. If you really need to communicate via email, keep it short and concise. You do not need to apologize for sending out important matters. Moreover, apologizing throughout the email takes away the main idea of your message and diminishes confidence in you as the sender.
#5: DO NOT SPAM YOUR CO-WORKERS
As said above, everyone is busy. Please do not spam your co-workers with multiple emails every time you have a new idea. Keep a running list of the things you need to discuss or to ask to your co-workers. Then, send the list once a day. Saying that “it can be easier to discuss this in person” is better than re-writing an email for an hour with multiple threads.
Spare your energy to productive matters. Have a quick chat with the primary person over a cup of coffee. This way, you will be able to get your point across efficiently and you will be able to receive feedback at a faster rate.
#6: FORWARD NECESSARY EMAILS
Save your reader’s time and energy by using the “forward” button exactly where you are in the conversation. By doing so, your reader will immediately spot the message that you want him or her to see. Your reader will avoid shuffling through a pile of previous messages too! Furthermore, you can write: “let me know if you have questions” upon sending.
Monopoly is a board game that has been causing family feuds since 1935. Monopoly was first marketed in 1935 during the Great Depression. It was an instant success and became a best-selling game in United States. Since then, over 275 million game sets were sold worldwide.
What is amazing about Monopoly is its ability to mimic financial scenarios in real life. On that note, here are four valuable real-estate and finance lessons that you can reap from the game.
#1: ALWAYS HAVE CASH ON HAND
In Monopoly, having cash enables you to purchase properties and pay fees for unlucky turns. You may need to shell out some cash to pay an opponent or to pay for a “Chance” card. It is important to always have cash on hand whenever you play. Do not spend all your money in one go!
In a similar way, you must spare some cash for unforeseen situations. The game teachers us about the importance of budgeting and saving money. You need to save enough money to cushion the blow of rough times, such as during this pandemic. Establish your emergency fund by identifying your current financial standing. It is best to build a fund that can cover about six months’ worth of your living expenses.
#2: DIVERSIFICATION IS IMPORTANT
Let us go back to the game itself. If someone lands on your property, you will earn money. Players usually buy multiple spaces or properties around the board to increase their chances of earning money. Chances of earning are slimmer if you only have a few properties on the board. The same can be applied in real life.
You need to diversify your portfolio and scatter it throughout the different possibilities in order for you to maximize your earnings. Instead of putting everything in a single basket, make sure to diversify your portfolio with bonds, stocks, and so on.
#3: PLAY THE LONG GAME
Being patient is essential whenever you play Monopoly. You see, the game continues until there is a last man standing (i.e., the other players have gone bankrupt). Much like the game, you are playing for the long haul. Meeting your financial goals is a journey and not a sprint.
Whether you are saving up for your 2021 vacation or your upcoming retirement, you need to be patient. There will a be a few bumps and celebrations along the way. For instance, you may pay off your student loans first before purchasing a car. Setting up a new business venture will also take time and involve a lot of ups and downs. Ultimately, your hard work will help you achieve your goals.
#4: EXPENSIVE IS NOT ENTIRELY THE BEST
The most expensive assets may not always be the best decisions. Most Monopoly players want to earn the Park Place and the Boardwalk since they have the biggest payouts. However, they are also the most expensive pieces to maintain. Many people lose at Monopoly by using this strategy because they do not pay attention to the overall cost. Instead, they only pay attention to the cash flow.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
Those who win at Monopoly are the ones who focus on the value gained for the price paid. You will not win by merely owning the most expensive assets. You will win by making the most money. In investing your money in the real world, you will win by selling high and buying low. Zeroing your attention to the most expensive assets may set yourself up for losses.
We know how 2020 has been a challenging year for many of us. You’ve done well so pat yourself on the back. Why not take this year-end gifting period as a chance to reward yourself and your loved ones?
Nespresso is sweetening up our upcoming holidays with exclusive offers on coffee machines and accessories. The Nespresso Festive Sale is the perfect time to pick up a coffee machine to savour high-quality cafe-style beverages from the comfort of your home. Also, you get to save more time and money in the long run than getting that daily takeout from cafes. A cup of coffee from cafes will usually cost you about $7.50 on average, but you can enjoy café-style coffee at home with Nespresso from only $0.70 per cup!
Whether you’re looking for black coffee espresso machines or one to enjoy coffee & milk recipes with, Nespresso has a range of options for you. Gifting is easier on the pocket with this ongoing promotion.
Nespresso Original Line
With so many different coffee machines Nespresso offers, we understand how difficult it can be to decide which one to purchase. To make it simple for you, we will start by introducing to you the Nespresso Original Line machines to bring you the classic Espresso experience, be it for a range of Espresso and Lungo-based (40ml – 110ml) coffee or milk recipes.
Essenza Plus
For black coffee lovers, we recommend the Nespresso Essenza Plus in limousine black or cherry red.
The Nespresso Essenza Plus is an excellent addition to any home cafe. Enjoy four different beverages, from an espresso (40ml), a lungo (110ml), an americano (150ml), to americano XL (200ml) for long cup lovers. It even has a hot water function. Coupled with its smart reordering system at the touch of a button, you will never suffer a day without caffeine.
If the Nespresso Essenza Plus isn’t quite your cup of coffee, that’s fine. Enjoy 10% off other coffee machines including the Inissia, Pixie, and Citiz with an additional $30 off when you purchase 50 coffee capsules.
Creatista Plus enables you to create latte art coffees like Flat White or Latte Macchiato at home using the automatic steam pipe. Easily create textured milk set to your preferred temperature for your adventurous latte art creations. Furthermore, it also has a timeless stainless steel finish that fits any home kitchen. Use the intuitive user interface to guide you on aspects regarding coffee preparation, adjusting different temperature and milk froth settings.
Apart from the Creatista Plus, single touch coffee and milk machines like the Nespresso Lattissima range, and coffee and milk frother bundles like the Inissia & Aerocinno3 Milk Frother Bundle, or Essenza Plus & Aeroccino3 Milk Frother Bundle are all going at 15% off! Take an additional $30 off your total bill when you bag home 50 coffee capsules.
Nespresso Vertuo Line
Nespresso has also recently launched its new Vertuo line, which features an innovative Centrifusion™ brewing technology and 27 entirely new coffee blends. Vertuo offers a full range of coffee styles with five cup sizes from a short Espresso (40ml) to a large cup of Alto (414ml).
If you’re unsure which to pick, you can take a short quiz to find out if you’re a match with the Nespresso Original or Vertuo series.
Usual Price: $398 Purchase 50 Vertuo coffee capsules for an additional $30 off
The VertuoPlus Premium Titan is easy and effortless to operate. Featuring a capsule lever that opens and closes at a touch, and a smart system that automatically recognises the coffee blend you select. It sets the optimal coffee extraction parameters for an aromatic and full-bodied coffee, topped with generous, silky crema.
Relish limited-edition coffees & benefit from 20% off selected accessories
With the festive season around the corner, why not bag home some limited-edition Italian coffees that will delight your guests during your home celebrations?
Inspired by the traditions of Italy, Nespresso’s Variations Italia coffees are a homage to genuine Italian hospitality, celebrating those warm, soft-hearted moments spent with loved ones during the holidays. This year’s coffees are influenced by the traditional Italian flavours of regional sweet treats, including hazelnut cake and Amaretti.
Nespresso is also giving us 20% off selected accessories. Now’s a great time to pick up some Nespresso cappuccino & espresso cups, VIEW mugs, cube dispensers (capsule holder), and discovery boxes. Complete your very own Nespresso coffee experience at the comfort of home.
Purchasing Nespresso Products
Shop online at nespresso.com or on the Nespresso mobile app. Alternatively, you can also choose to drop by any Nespresso Boutique or selected electronic and departmental stores. Locate a store near you today!
Here’s wishing you a blessed Christmas and joyful year to come.
It comes as no surprise that today’s workforce is constantly changing and adapting with the needs of our environment. Technology-driven careers are becoming more and more in-demand these days. No matter which field you choose to take part in, having certain skills can increase your likelihood of success.
Consider sharpening these coveted skills:
#1: CLOUD COMPUTING SKILLS
Who does not know the Cloud? Almost all our data are stored in the Cloud. Cloud computing allows access to data storage, software applications, and other services powered by the Internet. Skills in Cloud computing are sought after due to the increasing number of companies that switched its business functions to the remote servers.
Cloud computing requires technical skills to ensure data security, to perform migrations, to negotiate terms with Cloud service providers, and to implement the best practices throughout the process.
#2: ANALYTICAL REASONING
Analytical reasoning is the ability to make sense of the data gathered and to uncover insights that can help business decisions. You already utilize analytical reasoning in your day-to-day lives. Detecting patterns, observing people, brainstorming, interpreting data, making decisions based on several factors, and integrating new information are all required in shaping one’s analytical reasoning.
People who have strong analytical reasoning skills are assets to the company as they investigate the problem and find solutions in an efficient manner. They understand the situation first before making decisions and taking necessary actions to help achieve the company’s goals.
#3: MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
As smartphones and other mobile devices become the center of our communication an job processes, the industry for mobile application development continues to thrive. More and more businesses have converted their consumer experiences and internal processes digitally. Thus, people with experience and knowledge in app development are in-demand.
Mobile app development is a set of procedures involving programming and creating applications or designing software for fast-operating mobile devices. Because apps are so common, you can find plenty of tutorials and classes for app creation. Check out coding boot camps to kickstart your app development career.
#4: PEOPLE MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Despite the technological advancements and the social distancing restrictions posed around the world, people management skills help strengthen the business. Strong people management skills involve building relationships, keeping the team on track, increasing the team’s morale, and helping others achieve their goals.
People management includes the use of both soft and hard skills. We need people who can help us deal with work stress and empathize with us, especially during this challenging times.
#5: UX DESIGN SKILLS
User experience design is essential in making the digital world work for us. UX design is important because it aims to fulfill the people’s needs. Moreover, providing positive experiences to the clients can increase the likelihood of them coming back to the website itself. You can find an increasing number of opportunities in this field. If you want to gain advantage in this field, you can enroll in an online degree program led by UX experts.
#6: SEO/SEM MARKETING SKILLS
Digital marketing (SEO/SEM marketing) help increase the visibility or the web presence of companies and start-ups. People who are experts on the field can help blossoming online retailers to get noticed. Being noticed and having more site traffic leads to increased customers and revenue. Many companies are realizing the importance of digital marketing and are regularly looing for people with strong SEO/SEM marketing skills.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
Try exploring the digital marketing courses available at Google Digital Garage. Most of them are free!
