7 Questions to Ask when Reviewing the Annual Budget

By definition, the annual budget outlines a company’s projected income and expenses for a twelve-month period. The process of making an annual budget involves balancing the company’s sources of income against its expenses.

Preparing a robust annual budget is the first step. Having the Board or other key people review it is important to your progression. You see, your annual budget will help you adjust to unexpected transitions and to determine how your company has performed.

On that note, here are seven questions to consider when reviewing the annual budget.

#1: DOES THE BUDGET REFLECT THE COMPANY’S MISSION ACCURATELY?

Assess the budget with the company’s mission in mind. Determine if the annual budget sends a signal that reflects the company’s overall intention and purpose.

#2: DOES THE SPENDING ALIGN WITH YOUR OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES?

Is your company investing in the right things or are you wasting hard-earned money? Know the returns based on your expenditures. Your annual budget must match your strategic plan.

#3: WHAT EXPENSES AND POTENTIAL INCOME ARE INVOLVED WITH UNEXPECTED EVENTS?

Unforeseen events such as the COVID-19 pandemic posed an economic toll to many businesses all over the world. If there are other unexpected events that may occur in your industry, what expenses and potential income are involved? Analyze the possibility of travel costs, advertisement fees, or medical bills.

#4: WHERE ARE THE REVENUES PROJECTED TO COME FROM?

The reliability and competitiveness of your revenue streams dictate the degree of diversification that your company needs. A diversified base for creating income allows a company to stay stable, flexible, and more protected from economic and environmental fluctuations.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#5: DOES SPENDING ON SALARIES AND COMPENSATION ACHIEVE YOUR STAFFING OBJECTIVES?

Does your compensation strategy match well with your company’s values? Identify whether the hiring manager or the Human Resources department is doing its best to keep and attract the most talented employees. Moreover, you must determine if you can afford to replace the employees who left.

#6: DOES THE BOARD REGULARLY RECEIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THAT CONTAIN BUDGET INFORMATION?

Help the board members arrive at a robust annual budget by sending out financial statements regularly. These statements should be reviewed during board meetings to ensure that all the board members are aware of the profit-and-loss performance.

#7: WHICH POLICIES APPLY TO THE BUDGET REVISIONS?

Mid-course adjustments are common in many companies. Is your senior management allowed to make and approve these adjustments or do significant revisions require board approval? How flexible are the company’s policies on budget revisions? Perhaps, requiring board approval on significant revisions can be efficient to the internal control.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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7 Interesting Things You Can Make in a Portable Blender

When we think of blenders, we often think of smoothies. But did you know that you can make many more interesting foods with a good blender, such as baby food and cocktails?

Here are 7 ideas of what you can make with your blender, so get ready to take yours on a spin!

1. Iced Coffee

Starbucks may be great, but nothing beats your own homemade version, taste- and money-wise! Brew your coffee the night before using good quality coffee beans and leave it to cool overnight. Pour it into your blender along with ice in the morning to whip up the perfect iced coffee.

2. Milkshake

You don’t need a milkshake maker when you’ve got a blender. Use any basic milkshake recipe, add your favourite flavoured ice cream and toppings such as chocolate syrup or Oreo cookies to make a delicious shake that’ll bring all the boys to the yard. Don’t forget to finish off with whipped cream and cherry on top!

3. Baby Food

A blender that you easily bring around like the Aura Portable Blender can double up as a convenient device for pureeing baby food on the go! Make a carrot puree for a healthy, smooth snack high in vitamins and beta-carotene. Thin up the consistency by adding liquids (water, fresh breast milk, or formula). You’ll want to stick to simple, single-ingredient purees at first before trying combinations to enhance flavour and likeability.

4. Cocktails

There’s nothing quite like a bar-quality cocktail after a long work day, or mixing up a fun party drink at a picnic. Impress your friends with your own blended piña coladas and margaritas, and experiment with different fruit flavours!

5. Pudding

Whip up a silky smooth pudding in no time by mixing it up with a blender! Try recipes ranging from chocolate peanut butter banana puddings to vanilla chia seed puddings that make a great breakfast or dessert.

6. Protein Shakes

Looking to bulk up or hit the gym? Make a delicious and energy-charged protein shake with protein powder, or with natural ingredients like banana, soy milk and chia seeds. Again, the Aura Portable Blender is perfect for this since you can make your shake at the gym and drink it straight from the jar.

7. Smoothies

Lastly, we’re not forgetting the crowd favourite smoothie! You can make virtually any recipe you want and add healthy ingredients like kale, fruit or yoghurt. A smoothie not only makes a convenient filling breakfast on the go, but also helps with counting calories, weight loss goals and achieving a healthier lifestyle.

Top Recommendation: Best Portable Blender in Singapore

Ready to start making your own blended creations? It’s important to choose a blender that’s portable, powerful, and designed to handle food safely. This way, you can make everything on the go and get the most use out of your blender. We’ve personally tried and tested many blenders and our handpicked top favourite is the Aura Portable Blender which works with all the recipes above.

Photo credits: Aura Portable Blender

Our Aura Blender Review:

The Aura Portable Blender offers the best value for money. It comes in a handy travel size that fits in a bag, works wirelessly, and is rechargeable. It has a powerful motor and is incredibly fast – being the fastest portable blender currently on the market – which means it can handle any task with ease. It’s also made of lightweight & durable borosilicate glass, a safer option for food preparation compared to plastic blenders. We highly recommend this blender as it suits various budgets, performs excellently for multi-functional use, and is of very high quality.

The Aura Portable Blender comes with free delivery & returns, risk-free money-back guarantee, and 1-year warranty. To find out more, visit their website directly at the links below:

Singapore: https://aurablender.com.sg/

USA & International: https://aurablender.com

This is an independent review by Money Digest. We did not receive any sponsorship and the article does not contain any affiliate links.

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6 Benefits of Ergonomic Chair in the Workplace

What is the solution to reducing the rising sitting and postural-related issues? Ergonomics!

“The number of employees suffering from back, neck and shoulder complaints caused by sitting and postural-related issues has continued to rise.”

– Mark Barrell and Levent Caglar of Boss Design

Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between workers and their working environments. It involves designing or adjusting workplaces, products, systems to fit the people who use them. It helps organizations through providing productive workspaces and introducing ergonomic tools such as the ergonomic chair.

Like budgeting, one size does not fit all when it comes to chairs.

Ergonomic chairs are ordered to suit an individual’s preferences and allow an elevated level of adjustability to help support the tasks at hand. These chairs often include features that are designed to encourage more movement such as adjustable arms, seat height adjustment, or lumbar support. To know more about the benefits of an ergonomic chair, continue reading.

#1: PROMOTES GOOD POSTURE

One of the postural-related issues that employees experience after long hours at work is back pain. Traditional chairs do not have the back support that ergonomic chairs can provide. You see, ergonomic chairs are built to prevent discomfort and promote better posture. These chairs provide spine support, pain relief, and flexibility to prevent unhealthy positions and unusual strain.

Using an ergonomic chair can help you achieve comfortable postures at your workstation without having to worry about experiencing lower back pain. Moreover, many ergonomic chairs come with adjustable armrests, which allows you to rest your body comfortably.

#2: IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY

Choosing office furniture that is ergonomically designed can have a significant impact on employee happiness and productivity, according to previous studies.

As the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration reveals, ergonomic furniture showed a direct link to heightened efficiency by reducing the risk of musculoskeletal conditions. As such, utilizing the power of ergonomic chairs can help increase the potential for profit.

#3: INCREASES LONG-TERM SAVINGS

Investing your money in ergonomic chairs can save you money in the long run. This may be hard to believe, but it is true. A one-time investment in ergonomically designed workplace furniture ensures durability and assurance of quality. You will be given a warranty period to test the furniture and to determine whether the chair is suitable for the user.

#4: PROVIDES FLEXIBILITY

Employees come in all shapes and sizes. Thus, investing in furniture that can be adjusted to their specifications can help keep everyone in the workplace comfortable and productive.

For instance, workers who are petite can benefit from an armless ergonomic chair with a small seat and high back. This will help support their natural posture.

#5: INCREASES BLOOD CIRCULATION

In a 2010 study, researchers found that prolonged sitting can increase the risk of heart disease, poor blood circulation, and back pain. It is recommended to track how long you have been seated and to try to vary your position every 30 minutes.

The American Heart Association further reports that any movement that raises our metabolic rate above the normal stationary resting rate (i.e., during sitting) can have profound long-term health benefits and reduce the chance of illnesses.

#6: OFFERS A VARIETY OF FEATURES

When it comes to ergonomic chairs, you will be delighted to know that there are a range of options available commercially. The adjustable features of these chairs help alter its physical characteristics to suit your working preference and body type.

For instance, you need to look for chairs that allow adjustments such as seat height, back recline, adjustable armrests, adjustable tilt tension, and seat depth.

There are a lot of ergonomic chair brands out there. Thus, you need to have a list of features that you are looking for. Watch the short video below to be guided when it comes to setting up an ergonomic workstation.

Sources: 1 &

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Affordable Lighting Options For Your Home

If you are just moving into a new home, you should make sure that you use the right lighting options for your new home. If you are going to install lights in your home, you should make sure that you know what you are doing. Remember that you will be moving to a new home, and you should make sure that the area is as well-lit s possible. Here are some affordable lighting options for your new home.

1. LED Lights

When it comes to illuminating your home, there are few more efficient than LED lights. The best thing about LED lighting is that it gives off a very crisp and efficient glow.

LED lights are known as light-emitting diodes, and are known for being a great deal more efficient than other lighting methods. They also come in various shapes and may come in both bulb and strip forms. If you want to create designs for your home using LED lights, you should try out Elstar LED strips. The company is one of the best  LED strip suppliers in the world and is well-known for creating top-quality LED strips, at the best prices possible.

The true beauty of LED lights is their versatility, and ability to last longer than other lighting methods. If you want other LED options, you should try out Matchsourcing. The company is more than capable of giving you the best lighting sources in the market. 

2. Fluorescent Light

If you want to use a more generic yet effective lighting method, you should use fluorescent lights. This type of light is gas-powered and is a very stable type of lighting. They are usually used for more general uses. You should take into account though, that fluorescent lights are not as potent as other lights and runs out faster than LED lights. You should also remember that fluorescent light contains a small amount of mercury gas that could damage your nervous system. If you are going to use this type of lighting, you should be as wary as possible.

3. Neon Light

Neon lights are a great lighting option if you want to decorate specific areas of your home. The best thing about neon lighting is that they are very easy to customize.

The best thing about neon lights is that they could be mixed and matched to form beautiful patterns. While neon lights were originally very expensive, they have become very affordable. There are now companies that create electric neon lights that could be cut up into strips, and formed into many shapes. However, if you are going to create these shapes, you should make sure you follow the right safety precautions. Make sure that the strips are not leaking or cracked. 

You should also wear rubber gloves when you install these lights because these gloves will help protect your hands from electrical shocks. Aside from wearing the right equipment, you should also make sure to close your main power source.  You don’t want to install your lighting options, only to get electrocuted because you left your power source open.

4. Metal Halide Light

This lighting method makes electric arcs go through a gaseous mixture of vaporized mercury and metal halides. While this type of light does not last as long as LED lights, they have a brighter and more efficient glow compared to normal lights. Their glow often has a cooler color and temperature. They are very popular lighting methods because they are very good at controlling temperatures.

5. High-Intensity Discharge Light

If you want lights that are as bright as possible, you should use a high-density discharge light. The best thing about high-density discharge lights is that they are very efficient at turning electricity into lights. This type of light is also one of the longest-lasting.

If you are going to use high-density lights, you should use them to light up your yard, or basement, or the largest rooms in your household. This type of light is very bright and is efficient when it comes to power consumption.

6. Incandescent Light

This type of light is the most common kind of light. If you are going to use incandescent lamps, you should remember that they are not as efficient as LED lights, and tend to produce more heat. They are also not as efficient as LED lights when it comes to energy consumption. If you are going to use incandescent lights, you should remember that this kind of light, is very cheap, and available across the market. 

Conclusion

When you are going to move to a new place, you should make sure that you know what type of lights to use.  If you are going to choose lights though, they should be as affordable as possible. Here are some affordable lighting options that you should use. 

 

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Cosmo Quantum: A Hands-Free Water Filling Station For Modern Homes

Do you know, as per WHO, around 4,85,000 diarrhoeal deaths are reported each year across the globe just by drinking contaminated water? Yes, these facts are alarming. Dirty water can give birth to plenty of health issues, which no one wants. But we all know how beneficial it is to keep drinking water the whole day long for a healthy lifestyle. Some people believe that half of the physical health problems get cured by drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day.

Earth is 96% water, but still, it lacks drinkable water. But the modern world has come up with plenty of inventions that make your tap water potable. Cosmo Quantum is a new-age technology that provides safe and clean water for better health.

The market has many options for you to choose from, but why put money into this particular water purifier? You have landed at the right place if you also have this question. Jump into the pool of every information you should know about making a purchase.

Why Invest In Cosmo Quantum?

A bucket filled with tap water can contain a bucketful of pollutants and bacteria. There is no hiding from the fact that water pollution increases with each passing day. Furthermore, in most households, it is the primary source of water, which is why it is pivotal to have a potential water purifier. Cosmo Quantum brings the benefits of many water dispensers in one, and here are some of them.

·         Cost-Efficient

Purchasing a pocket-friendly water purifier with all new features is what everyone seeks so that they can invest in other kitchen appliances. You can have safe drinking water at your home with this money-saving purifier.

Unlike other dispensers in the market, this one does not require any additional maintenance as it has the feature of self-cleaning. Furthermore, you will be free from paying any yearly maintenance or servicing fees.

·         Modern Design

When we hear modern technology, the first thing that comes to mind is time because this world is busy. So, what if we have appliances that help save time. You might be wondering how is this possible? Well, the fantastic features of Cosmo Quantum can help.

It saves you from boiling water when you wish to drink hot water, or it can provide you chilled water anytime. The purifier gives you the freedom to set the temperature to cold, hot, lukewarm with just a touch.

It has a sleek and glossy design with minimalistic colors that fits every interior flexibly. In addition, there are touch screen panels, which are smooth to operate and make your experience worth every penny.

·         Space Efficient

The luxurious German design of this water dispenser makes it highly suitable for compact spaces. It is one such minimalistic appliance that comes in an anywhere-to-fit structure. If your place is tight, it will easily fit and make your room look breathable. You can de-clutter your kitchen by removing kettles, water pitchers and tumblers.

·         Eco-Friendly

There are plenty of home appliances that utilize energy more than they require. But the new world is coming up with high energy-saving technologies that serve as an excellent solution to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

The Cosmo Quantum water purifier utilizes just a sufficient amount of energy to work. It automatically turns to energy-saving mode when not in use, making it an eco-friendly product.

·         Better Health And Skin

Who does not wish to have skin free from wrinkles and pimples? The answer is everybody wants! Hydration is one of the crucial factors determining your health and skin. More the hydration in your body, less the wrinkles you will face. Drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day ensures your skin has sufficient moisture, boosting your elasticity.

Clean water results in a better mood, flushing out toxins, regulating body temperature, and much more. Furthermore, this water purifier kills 99.9% bacteria making sure to uplift your health in all ways possible.

How Is Cosmo Quantum Different From Other Purifiers?

·         Tankless Instant Water

When you step out in the market to find a water purifier for your home, you will get to see two types, one with the tank and one without. The dispensers with tanks store the water in a tightly sealed container after completing its filtration.

On the other hand, tankless water purifiers are the ones that instantly filter. It provides you with potable water without wasting time. It is cleaner and safer as water is not being stored for a long time. In short, tankless water dispensers make a better option.

·         Supply Alkaline Water

In Cosmo Quantum, you get the highly preferable option of alkaline water. It is the hydration that everyone requires if they invest in a water purifier. The studies suggest that alkaline water is better for health than ordinary water. It has higher pH than regular water, making it very helpful for neutralizing acid in the bloodstream. Moreover, the studies also indicate that alkaline water slows down bone loss.

Here are some other benefits of alkaline water:

  1. Contains Anti-oxidant properties
  2. Better for teeth health
  3. Detoxifies Body
  4. Boosting exercise efficiency
  5. Improving mood
  6. Maintains good body weight

·         Filter Change Indicator

One more unique feature you enjoy in this water dispenser is an indicator for changing the filter. It alarms you to renew the filter timely for the smooth running of clean water.

Conclusion

The world is struggling for potable water, and Cosmo Quantum brings a perfect solution for this problem. For every household, these water dispensers encourage a bucketful of good health. The latest technology also serves as a friendly option for nature. The compact German design makes it easy to install and convenient to fit. All these features are in just one home appliance, so what are you waiting for?

Get your skates on towards Cosmo Quantum showroom or shop online at waterdispensers.com.sg. They are just a call away from providing you with the safest water to drink. Ring them, and they will get back to you within operational hours: 11:00 – 17:00.

Reference Links

https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-alkaline-water

waterdropfilter.com/blogs/buyers-guides/unveiling-the-truth-about-ro-tank-vs-tankless-which-wins

https://www.zerobonline.com/five-reasons-to-invest-in-a-ro-water-purifier/

 

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