What You Need to Consider When Franchising Restaurants

Reading Time: 3 mins

The great thing about the business world is it presents many opportunities you can pursue if you want to become an entrepreneur. There’s franchising in the case of aspiring restaurateurs who are unsure about taking risks with new concepts.

Starting a venture with an already established restaurant in your area can be a great idea if you are passionate about cooking but lack experience or insight in the food industry. 

But how beneficial franchising is, and what are the things to consider? Before you look for steps on how to open a franchise restaurant, keep reading first to know more about what franchising is all about and what to keep in mind before deciding to go for it.

• Why Franchising Is For You
• The Biggest Factors To Consider In Going For Franchising
• The Final Thing To Consider

 

Why Franchising is for You

In 2021, McDonald’s was the most franchised restaurant in the United States. KFC followed at number two, and Burger King claimed the third spot. All three are among the most famous fast-food restaurants in the world. And since everyone recognises them, they make for an excellent franchise business. 

The most significant benefit of franchising a restaurant is riding on the success of your restaurant’s name. You’re extending the reach of your restaurant’s brand in places where may not be present otherwise. In addition, you’re catering to an existing following as long as you’re in the right location. The address of your franchise almost always guarantees an influx of customers. 

 

The Biggest Factors to Consider in Going for Franchising

So, should you franchise a famous fast-food restaurant and call it a day? Well, you can. But consider these factors first before proceeding: 

Demand in Your Local Market

There is no easy way to open a restaurant. First, you need to know if people in the area are looking for the product you’re offering. Sure, franchise restaurants have an established following, but those loyal customers may not exist in your area. You might end up with an out-of-place restaurant that’s doomed to close in a few months. 

Your Budget

The easiest way to enter the food industry is to franchise a fast-food restaurant. Unfortunately, the cost for opening a franchise restaurant differs per model and on its size. You also need to watch out for different expenses like royalty fees, training, and equipment outside the initial cost. 

Always stick to your budget. Big fast-food restaurants could be profitable in the long run, but you need to assess if you can get it in the first place or if it’s worth taking debts or loans. 

Track Record 

Franchising a restaurant not as big as the fast-food giants is not a bad thing so long as there’s demand in your area. Still, you’ll need to do in-depth research on the restaurant’s track record. 

Don’t be blinded, too, by cheap franchising opportunities. Look closer at why it’s cheap and how the restaurant performed before. 

The Competition

What does your restaurant offer differently? This question still needs to be answered even if you’re franchising. You may have a restaurant with an excellent track record. Still, there may be competitors in your local market that offer something better. This should be a factor in your market research.  

Franchisor Restrictions

Restrictions are common when franchising a restaurant, especially if you’re trying to acquire one with a high profile. Check first and see if you’re comfortable with all of the franchisors’ regulations you need to follow. If not, you can go with your concept or look for another franchise restaurant. 

 

The Final Thing to Consider

Franchising a restaurant is an excellent way to enter the food industry smoothly, especially for aspiring restaurateurs. However, if you’re planning on opening a franchise restaurant, consider the many factors needed before proceeding.

Finally, how your food will make you and people happy is another thing you should consider when opening a restaurant. If food is your passion, make sure what you’re offering is close to your heart.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. 

The post What You Need to Consider When Franchising Restaurants appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Fifty Four Thousand Dollars a Year Selling Poo!! Yes Really

Reading Time: 3 mins

It seems you can sell most things for a bit of money, but… selling your poo? Here at MoneyMagpie, we are constantly looking for ways to make a bit of extra cash. Some are pretty standard (selling CDs), others are more unusual (from your Orgasms). This definately falls into the latter catagory.

Fecal Matter Transplantation

It does sound a bit far-fetched but seriously, FMT or Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, is a therapy involving the insertion of fecal matter from a healthy person into the gut of a sick one to treat gut microbiome-related conditions.

Fecal transplants are being used to treat long-term and chronic illnesses such as Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Autism and Obesity. Some donations are being taken in by stool banks but most are being harvested online globally.

Not everyone can sell their poo, as there are provisos set in place in order for people to donate: you must have regular bowel movements that meet a list of criteria; you must live a healthy, low-risk of disease lifestyle, and have no history of the illnesses FMT is used to combat. In fact only 2 per cent of people that apply get selected. So this is a competitive business.1 in a 1000 get selected and it is purely down to the luck of your gut.

How do I go about selling my poo?

In truth it is not that easy. Start by googling FMT and find someone looking for donations. OpenBiome and Centre of Digestive Diseases are a good place to start. They will then ask you to fill out a questionnaire. Once you have done that they will make clear what comes next. If accepted you will need to adhere to a whole food, high fibre diet and commit to a healthy lifestyle that promotes wellbeing. You would also have to undergo regular stool, blood and COVID-19 screening. All necessary training and education will be given to successful applicants and reimbursement for services provided.

You might make a good FMT Donor if you:

• Are Aged between 16 and 60 years old
• Pass a healthy, well-formed bowel motion each day
• Can deliver your donation to the Centre within 2 hours of collection
• Are in overall good health and have a BMI within the healthy weight range
• Have no medical conditions, chronic or acute illnesses
• Are not on any regular medications
• Are willing to participate in regular health checks and undergo screening investigations.

How much do they pay?

Apply here with OpenBiome. They offer $40 per stoo and although this is a worldwide standard they have nearly doubled that to $75 “due to the difficulty of finding the quality of donor we need”. If you’re donating one sample each day it totals to $27,000 a year. The whole process — including shipping — should take less than 30 minutes.

OPenBiome’s website states that “If a donor is willing to mix their stool with an anti-freeze and then split it up into smaller pieces/doses we’ll pay $150. This amounts to $54,000 per year if you do this every day.

If you’re willing to encapsulate the stool we will provide simple instructions and tools to do so, and pay $5 per capsule. Since a single stool sample could be made into a hundred or so capsules it could amount to $500. However, please don’t expect the market to have enough demand to absorb 100 capsules per day.

The prices above are just our recommendation. Donors are welcome to charge what they feel their time and stool are worth, keeping in mind that higher costs may result in less demand.

Also, you can get a $300 sign up bonus if you use this link for the donor screening questionnaire and list “makingsenseofcents” under “How did you hear about us.”

Another company doing this is Centre for Digestive Diseases.

 

The post Fifty Four Thousand Dollars a Year Selling Poo!! Yes Really appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Make Money From Old Video Games

Reading Time: 4 mins

Clearing your clutter can be hard especially when you’re looking at everything you’ve spent money on. But we are here to make it easier for you by showing you how to make money from your old belongings. Today we want to share with you how to make money from your old video games. We’ve told you how to make from old CDs, VHS tape and cassettes so it’s only fair video games get mentioned. Keep reading to find out how to collect and sell video games as well as the big players when it comes to earning money.

• Collecting Video Games
• Selling Video Games
• Big Players

Collecting Video Games

Most people nowadays tend to have some form of games console – anything from a Nintendo switch to a vintage N64. There’s a big range of consoles and games that appeal to most people across the globe. With the Video Gaming Industry estimated to be worth around $178.73 Billion in 2021, it is clear to see that people are putting their money into it. It grew by 14.4% from 2020 and it is predicted to be worth $268 Billion by 2025 so it seems to be the perfect time to get investing.

 

Like with most things, nostalgia plays a part in the popularity of gaming but there is always interest from younger audiences – so what should you be investing in? Well, that’s up to you – you could go for vintage games or maybe just start collecting what you like to play. The market is unpredictable, something you deem to be a popular game might have fewer cartridges purchased so it may be worth more in the long run.

Selling Video Games

There are a lot of choices when it comes to selling video games so we’re going to give you the run-down on your best options.

 

eBay

eBay is a good choice when it comes to selling anything on the internet – it’s easy to join, easy to sell, easy to make money. You have the option to sell your games individually or as a collection, the choice Is up to you.

 

Music Magpie

Music Magpie allows you to type in the barcode of your game to find out how much they’ll pay you for it. All you have to do then is post it off to them and wait for the money to appear in your bank account. This is easier than selling on eBay, but you might not make as much money.

 

Car boot sales

Maybe your games aren’t worth loads – but don’t despair. You can still get some of that cash back by selling at car boot sales. You can sell job lots or individual games – either way, you’ll recuperate some losses.

 

Big Players

We’ve put together a list of the top 5 most expensive games s

old at auction just in case you have any lurking in your attic.

 

Nintendo Campus Challenge

Made for Nintendo systems, this game was designed to be played on college campuses. With three games in one, it works as a triathlon. It was designed to be a marketing tool to sell more consoles and encourage competitive gaming. It sold in 2009, at an American auction for $20,100.

 

PowerFest ‘94

Again, this game was designed for a gaming competition. 4 teams competed to get the highest score possible on three Nintendo games. Originally 35 cartridges were produced but only 2 remain. Whilst they are yet to be sold, one seller is asking for $25,000.

 

Air Raid

Made for Atari 2600, this unique T-Shaped cartridge game was released on January 1^st, 1982. Similar to space invaders, users fight in the skies to defend the earth from invaders. In 2012, a copy of the game sold for a whopping $33,433.30 – worth checking your attic for.

 

1990 Nintendo World Championships

Another competition game, this game was produced in 1990, with a limited run of 116 cartridges. 26 of the 116 were encased in gold with the remaining in the traditional grey. In 2014, a gold cased game sold for $100,088 on eBay.

Sealed Super Mario Bros

Made for the original Nintendo, this sealed copy of Super Mario Bros, from 1985 is the most expensive video game ever sold. You can get your hands on it for an eyewatering $2,000,000! This copy has its extreme price tag due to it still being brand-new and a “limited print run”.

Why not have a look through your loft now you know how to make money from old video games!

The post Make Money From Old Video Games appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Curry’s Offer Cash for your Trash

Reading Time: 2 mins

Currys has this week launched a ‘Cash for Trash’ trial scheme whereby customers can take their unwanted or unused electronic items to their nearest Currys store in exchange for cash, a voucher or trade-in deal.

What Exactly do we do?

Select what items you want to dispose of and take them to your local Currys store. Currys adds that if the item has a trade-in value, you might be able to trade it in for a higher value product, cash or a Curry’s voucher, which tech like TVs and small domestic appliances can be traded for hundreds of pounds off new products at Currys: currently £100 off any TV over £1,000 and up to £40 off selected small appliances for a traded old gadget.

Lindsay Haselhurst, chief supply chain officer at Currys, says, “We are already helping thousands of customers recycle unwanted tech every day. But Cash for Trash aims to take it to the next level.

This trial is all about making recycling easy and rewarding. We’re urging the nation to look in drawers, under the sofa and up in the loft – as these unused tech devices that have seen better days could be repaired, rehomed, or recycled into something new.

What items are they taking?

They really are accepting any tech, bought from anywhere, even if it’s broken – “it might look like trash, but it isn’t to us.” They say.

A recent poll by Currys via YouGov showed that cameras, speakers headphones, hairstyling products, old landline phones, and white goods are lying around unused and could be traded in for cash or discounts, or at least saved from becoming future landfill. Many people do not know how to get rid of these items safely or at all, and could be missing out.

You can also get rid of unwanted items by donating them not for money, but to help schemes like ComputerAid, which had projects around the world that ‘help bridge the digital divide.’

Where else can you take your unwanted electrics?

Other ways to get cash for things like smartphones, satellite navigation systems, speakers, headphones, laptops and cameras include CeX, Cash Generator and MoneyMyTech: the latter website gives people the chance to sell certain unwanted tech goods by reviewing a quote they’re offered, and completing a sequence of steps.

We offer you a guide to is another way of getting cash for your old unwanted CDs here, while WeeeCharity is a not-for-profit UK charity that recycles nearly every kind of electrical item, regardless of condition, and provides them to businesses, consumers and education facilities in need of them.

Where is my nearest Currys?

Once we have decided what we want to take, literally just take the items to your nearest Currys store. Find out where it is here.

The post Curry’s Offer Cash for your Trash appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

10 ways to make extra money

Reading Time: 3 mins

With the cost of living rising, we want to share with you 10 ways to make extra money. From house-sitting to making and selling NFTs, this article will cover it all. So keep reading for 10 ways to make extra money.

• House sitting
• Buy to Sell
• Cash in your gadgets
• Hampers
• Make Money Busking
• Make Money Selling Photos of Yourself
• Make Money Selling Personalised Items
• Make Money as a Film and TV Extra
• Make Money with an NFT
• Make Money Buying and Selling Lego

House sitting

Looking for a little weekend side hustle? Maybe the chance to visit somewhere new? Why not try your hand at house sitting – with the bonus of pets to look after. Trusted Housesitters is a great service for this. Just sign up on their website, complete the verifications and get applying for jobs across the globe.

 

Buy to Sell

Buy to sell is a simple concept. You buy items to sell for a profit. There are lots of ways to do this, for example, Yes I Want It and MenKind are great places to buy items from when they’re on sale. You can then sell them to others via eBay or Facebook marketplace. You can also check out our article on flipping pallets for more information.

 

Cash in your gadgets

Sell on your old laptops and computers and gain some of your expenditure back! Cash In Your Gadgets will even arrange a free pick-up slot for you. All you have to do is tell them the serial number and its condition and they’ll give you a quote. Even if your device has been through it, if it turns on you can still get some money.

Hampers

If you’re crafty and like to create, why not try your hand at making and selling hampers? From chocolate to stationary the options are endless. Check out Paperchase for stationary to add to your hampers as well as supplies to make them.

 

Make Money Busking

Are you a musician looking to make a little extra? Maybe you should give busking a try. Whilst income from busking can vary, it could still add a few extra pounds to your pocket. Read the full article here.

 

Make Money Selling Photos of Yourself

Most people love a good selfie photoshoot, so why not put those images to good use? Selling your photos can be a lucrative way of earning money on the side, especially when you sell them as stock images. For a full run down read the article here.

Make Money Selling Personalised Items

Have always dreamt of having a side hustle? Well, this could be the one for you. This article tells you all about what you can personalise, where to sell and even includes a personal success story.

 

Make Money as a Film and TV Extra

If you’re looking for a flexible source of income why not try getting work as an extra. You don’t have to have any training to be an extra just some good pictures to send to an agency. Read this article if you want to know if you’ve got what it takes to be a TV extra.

Make Money with an NFT

NFTs are big on the internet – and for good reason, they can reel in a lot of money. If you have the time, you can even create your own to sell to those looking for digital art. Check out our how-to guide here to make some extra money.

 

Make Money Buying and Selling Lego

Lego – some people see it as a children’s toy, others an investment but most people tend to have some in their attic. This article will talk you through the ins and outs of Lego collecting and most importantly selling. Those bricks could soon stack up into serious cash.

The post 10 ways to make extra money appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

3 Side Hustles That Can Make You More Money Than Your 9-5

Reading Time: 3 mins

It’s possible that you’ve considered quitting your 9-5 job because it doesn’t pay much despite your dedication. However, when you examine this option closely, you quickly realize your resume determines your fate. You’re likely to get a similar wage at your next job since businesses hire based on previous work history.

You need to find a side hustle so lucrative that reporting to work would cost you money. Of course, don’t quit your job right away. If your side hustle doesn’t work, you won’t go broke. If it does, you can leave on good terms.

Most side hustles are merely ways to make extra money, but a few are extremely lucrative. If you succeed at Amazon FBA, pallet flipping, or stock investing, you can make more money in less time than your job.

• Start An Amazon Business
• Make Money By Pallet Flipping
• Investing In Stocks
• You Can Make Big Money Through Side Hustles

Start an Amazon FBA Business

Selling products on Amazon FBA is an exciting business model. You can start it cheaply and have your own store, shipping labels, and customer service. According to Amazon’s reports, an average FBA seller earns between $1000 and $25,000 per month. 

Your first step is to choose a product in high demand that has low competition. As a beginner, start by selling an item with a lower price point for higher margins.

Once you’ve decided what to sell, determine how much inventory you need. Your decision will depend on how many hours you want to put into the business. Some people prefer low  inventory, others prefer more products.

Since you can’t devote your full attention to your Amazon business, partner with a shipping agency. Since they will oversee the shipping, you can focus exclusively on selling your products.

If you manage your own shipping, you can be crippled by a problem like Amazon FBA stuck shipments. Stock shipments get stuck in customs when the seller has no direct or indirect representatives. By partnering with a shipping agency with a proven record of first-time clearance, you will avoid business problems caused by your shortage of inventory.

 

Make Money by Pallet Flipping

Pallet flipping is a way to make money by buying, selling, and reselling inventory packed in pallets. The low startup costs and high profit margins make it one of the most popular businesses in recent years. You can earn as much as $3,000 by flipping one pallet.

This business can be done on a small scale as a side gig or on a large scale as a full-time venture. Most people think it’s a complicated business, but with the proper attitude and knowledge, it can be easy. A straightforward way to do it is by selling your own pallets and keeping the profits.

 

Investing in Stocks

You should focus on passive income strategies. Dividends are a safer way to make money than trading stocks because market movements can’t be predicted. According to a Forbes article on amateur investors, one beginner who got investing advice from a popular investing website increased her stock portfolio by $69,000 in two years.

Stocks aren’t for everyone, but there are many ways to invest in the financial market, like ETFs or mutual funds. Since investing comes in many forms, do your research before deciding what will work for you.

Here are a few things you should know about investing in stocks as a novice:

• Assess your risk tolerance
• Research the diverse types of investments and their risks and benefits
• Determine what type of investment strategy is right for you
• Find a financial advisor who can mentor you

 

You Can Make Big Money Through Side Hustles

Most side hustles don’t pay very much, which is why few people pursue them. For instance, dog walking will only pay $150 to $200 per week. Although there is nothing wrong with earning an extra $500 to $1,000 a month from a side hustle, the ones covered here will make you wonder if you even need a corporate job.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. 

The post 3 Side Hustles That Can Make You More Money Than Your 9-5 appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Starting an Ambulance Service: A Step-by-Step Guide

Reading Time: 3 mins

Starting an ambulance service business can be an enriching venture, but it also carries a certain amount of risk. This article will help you assess those risks and rewards and decide whether or not this is the right business for you. We’ll cover everything from licensing and permits to marketing and staffing so that you can make an informed decision about your future in the ambulance service industry! We will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to get started in this exciting industry!

• Step By Step Guide

Before we find out how rewarding the ambulance service business is, let’s start by looking at the risks associated with it.

One of the most significant risks of starting this type of business is the cost of getting started. Ambulance services can be expensive to set up, and you’ll need to have a good amount of startup capital to get your business off the ground. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of licensing and permits, as well as the costs associated with marketing your company. We’ll cover all of these in more detail in our guide later on!

There are also other risks to consider when starting an ambulance service business, such as liability issues and potential lawsuits from customers and workers who have been injured, both of which can be very costly if they happen. Staff should undergo a CAPCE refresher course as often as recommended by their state requirements.

If these risks seem like too much for you, you have not considered the rewards associated with starting an ambulance service business!

The ambulance service industry is a very lucrative market, and there are several reasons why this type of venture would be profitable for your company. You’ll have access to customers who need transportation services on short notice or even during emergencies when other options just aren’t available; this means that by providing these services, you’ll be filling a need in your community.

In addition to being a necessary service, ambulance transportation is also considered an essential part of health care. As such, it’s heavily subsidized by both state and federal governments. This means that you’re likely to see a good return on your investment as long as you provide quality services at a competitive price.

Ambulance services have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many new companies entering the market. The industry is growing at a rate of about three percent annually – which means there’s plenty of room for expansion.

Now that we’ve looked at the risks and rewards associated with starting an ambulance service business, it’s time to take a closer look at the step-by-step guide on how to establish your own business.

 

Step by step guide

The first step in starting an ambulance service business is obtaining a permit from your local government agency that oversees health care facilities (such as a health department). The requirements for this will vary depending on where you live, but it’s usually not difficult – just make sure to research what type of license is required before you apply!

Once your application has been approved and you’ve received all necessary permits, it’s time for marketing! This includes creating a website with an easy-to-use interface so patients can schedule appointments online (and pay through PayPal or credit card), posting flyers in local businesses and hospitals, and sending out press releases to local media outlets.

Now it’s time to staff your ambulance service business! You’ll need drivers, EMTs, and other support personnel. Start by advertising for these positions on job boards (such as Indeed) and social media sites (like LinkedIn). You can also offer sign-on bonuses and other incentives to attract the best employees.

Once your business has grown enough to cover overhead expenses (including salaries), you can start thinking about expansion! This may include hiring more staff, purchasing new ambulances, and so on…But before you do any of that — make sure you’ve considered how much growth is realistic for your company over the next few years.

Running an ambulance service business can be a very rewarding experience, but it’s vital to assess the risks before making any decisions. By following these steps, you can make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right venture for you!

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.

The post Starting an Ambulance Service: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

10 Ways To Make Money From Your Trash

Reading Time: 3 mins

We love a good spring clean at MoneyMagpie but before you throw out your trash, read through this article. Below you’ll find 10 ways to make money from your trash from selling laptops to empty boxes. Have a look and add some money to your pockets.

• Sell your old laptop
• Sell old aluminium cans
• Sell your old sofas online
• Recycle your ink cartridges
• Make money selling empty boxes
• Sell your old games consoles
• Recycle your old phones
• Sell old books
• Sell old Cassette tapes
• Sell old CDs 

Sell your old laptop

Sell on your old laptops and computers and gain some of your expenditure back! Cash In Your Gadgets will even arrange a free pick-up slot for you. All you have to do is tell them the serial number and its condition and they’ll give you a quote. Even if your device has been through it, if it turns on you can still get some money.

 

Sell your aluminium cans

If you’re partial to a can of coke, why not collect your empties. Whilst it is easier to just throw them in the recycle if you collect your cans, you make a bit on the side. Sites like Think Cans are a good place to start with this – it can help direct you to your closest can recycling centre.

Sell your old sofas online

There’s nothing people hate more than having to hack up a sofa to take it to the tip. So if it’s in a good state why not sell it online – websites like gumtree or Facebook marketplace are a great place to start.

 

Recycle your ink cartridges

If you still have a printer at home – you’ll know how expensive they are to buy. But what if I told you that you can make money from reselling the empties. The Recycling Factory offers this service, if you input your ink cartridge type, they’ll tell you how much you can earn.

 

 Make money selling empty boxes

In this article, we discuss how you can make money selling your old designer boxes. Increasingly, people are hunting out old designer boxes and bags as interior décor or props for photo backdrops. Read the article here and see if there’s any money to be made.

Sell your old games console

If you like to keep up to date with the latest tech, you’ve probably got an old games console hanging around, collecting dust. Why not sell it on, sites like musicMagpie will purchase your old consoles off you. You can get a decent amount of if they are in good working order.

 

Recycle your old phones

Much like laptops and games consoles, old phones can bring in an extra few pounds. If you update your phone every few years, chances are you have a couple of spares around the house. Services like Envirofone will buy these off you to put some extra cash in your pocket.

Sell old books

Before you take your books to the charity shop or throw them in the recycling, take a minute to read this article. You might have a first edition hiding on your bookcase so think twice about just giving them away. And those old uni textbooks will still be worth a lot so consider selling those on your local university buy and sell page.

 

Sell old Cassette tapes

Maybe you’re doing your spring clean, and you’ve found a collection of old cassettes, don’t throw them out, price them up! With 90s nostalgia coming back those old tapes might be worth something. You can read our how-to guide all about cassettes here.

 

Sell old CDs

Whilst some people have fully moved to the online world of streaming, there is still money to be made in that box of CDs you have. Check out this article for the best places to sell them and see the big sellers at the moment.

The post 10 Ways To Make Money From Your Trash appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Investment Articles Round-Up

Reading Time: 4 mins

It is the start of our Spotlight on Investing month here at MoneyMagpie, so we’ve compiled an Investment Articles Round-Up to get you started. From the basics to different types of investing, this is a great place to start. So keep reading, we hope you enjoy our Investment Articles Round-Up.

• The Basics
• Cryptocurrency
• Commodities
• Gold and money metals
• Other

The Basics

What Those Confusing Investing Terms Really Mean

If you are brand new to investing or just want a refresher – start here. We’ve covered all the jargon that surrounds investing in this article. You can get to know the difference between dividends and volatility, and all the other confusing terms.

 

Where to Invest in 2022

We are well into 2022 now so why not learn about where you should be investing this year. From cash to property to commodities, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for.  From CEO Jasmine’s tips to those of financial experts, this article will tell you where to put your money this year.

 

Three Easy Ways to Start Investing (When You Don’t Know How)

If you’re new to the investing game, then you’ll definitely want to check out this article. It talks you through 3 easy ways to get in the investing game! From stocks and Shares ISAs to the basics of cryptocurrency investing, you’ll find it easy to get started.

Cryptocurrency

How Not To Lose Money On Crypto and NFTs

CEO Jasmine Birtles recently held an Instagram Live with experts Boaz Shoshan and Gary Nuttall. They discussed how not to lose money on crypto and NFTs. You can read the summary here or head over to our YouTube to watch the whole thing!

 

Why Are You Buying Crypto? Do You Know What You’re Doing?

So, are you buying crypto but not really sure what you’re doing? Well, you should check out this article. It teaches you where to start when it comes to cryptocurrency and gives you some handy types to get started.

Commodities

How to Invest In Commodities And Why You Should Right Now

So, you’ve got the basics down and now you’re looking at how to diversify your portfolio. Why not try your hand at investing in commodities. This article talks you through what commodities are, the different types and everything in between.

Gold and money metals

Investing in Gold and Other Money Metals

Read up on our podcast all about how to invest in gold and other money metals. CEO Jasmine Birtles was joined by Karina Hicks from The Royal Mint to discuss easy ways to invest in metals.

Other

How To Make Money As An Angel Investor

We’ve all seen an episode of Dragon’s Den and wondered if we could be like them. Well, the answer is yes, we can. Read through this article to find out all about angel investing. From what it is to the possible risk, the full guide is here as well as an interview with an angel investor. Have a read and see if it is up your street.

 

Work Out What To Invest In Using the Factor Investing Strategy

If you want to learn about the Factor Investing Strategy then you should start here.  This in-depth guide will take you through everything you need to know step by step. You can learn all about it and see if this style of investing is for you.

 

How To Invest To Beat Inflation

In January, our founder, Jasmine Birtles, held a webinar about how to invest to beat inflation. You can read the summary or watch the full webinar on our YouTube channel.

 

You Can Beat Warren Buffett With One Of These Funds

We’re big fans of Warren Buffett here at MoneyMagpie, so we want to teach you how to be as good an investor as him. This article discusses which funds have beaten Buffett as well as how to beat him in your investments.

The post Investment Articles Round-Up appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Experts suggest when to turn your heating off

Reading Time: 4 mins

With energy bills increasing and many of us worrying about the daily costs of living, experts are suggesting we should turn off our heating by the end of March. The exact date? 27^th March, the same day our clocks go forward, and British Summer Time begins.

The soaring costs may mean you are already turning your heating off, and instead, wrapping up as warm as you can. The heating may well only be coming on for a few hours a day, or only put on when it’s needed. But if your heating is set to come on automatically, it may be worth considering expert advice.

Central heating experts at PlumbNation have revealed their top tips to cut your heating bills and combat the rising prices.

• Jordan Chance
• Jasmine Birtles
• Top tips to save on your bills

 

Jordan chance

Jordan Chance, heating expert from PlumbNation says:

“Spring is just around the corner, and as the weather gradually begins to turn warmer, more and more people are keeping their heating on for shorter amounts of time. With the cost of living rising across the country, including higher energy price caps, many Brits will be feeling the financial squeeze. Although there is no single temperature at which you should turn your heating off, many aim for the time when clocks go forward, which this year falls on 27th March.

“While many may be waiting for the temperature to change, there’s no specific temperature at which you should be turning off your heating, as it will depend on how well insulated your home is. Well insulated homes will retain their heat even when temperatures are low into the early spring, but every home will be different.”

 

Jasmine birtles

Jasmine Birtles, founder and CEO of MoneyMagpie.com says:

“It’s handy to have a recommended date to turn off the central heating but with the vagaries of the British weather, and our own individual needs, no one needs to be strict about it. Sometimes you can have weeks in February that feel like spring and then snow in April, so even if 27th March is ‘recommended’ it doesn’t have to be a law! No one should have to shiver. 

“You could use this date as a handy way to save money if you can manage during an April cold-snap to keep warm with blankets and hot water bottles, but if it’s too uncomfortable then just switch the heating on for a day or so here and there, or even just a few hours to take the chill off, to make sure you’re warm and healthy.”

 

top tips to save on your bills

The experts at PlumbNation have also provided some top tips to save money on your heating.

Upgrade your thermostat

Older models of thermostats can degrade over time, which may lead to delays in your boiler switching on, or your home being heated at a far higher temperature than required. Upgrading yours could provide greater accuracy, preventing wasted energy and saving you money.

Stop draughts

Preventing heat from escaping through unwanted gaps is one of the cheapest ways to save energy and money. Identify any problem areas in your home, where draughts are causing issues. These areas could include doors, windows, chimneys and floorboards. Block unwanted gaps by using draught-proofing strips around your windows and doors.

Add an extra layer

If you are able to walk around your home in shorts and a t-shirt in the middle of winter, your heating is on too high. Turn your thermostat down and put on a jumper! Adding clothing layers will insulate your body and make it easier to regulate your body’s temperature. The less your heating is on, and the lower your thermostat, the more money you will save.

Turn your Thermostat down

An excessive heating bill can be easily rectified with the ‘step-down’ challenge. Turn your heating down by just 1°C and you could save up to 10% on your heating bill annually. It is also important to avoid classic thermostat ‘faux pas’. Contrary to popular belief, turning up your thermostat does not heat up your room more quickly!

Clean Your Radiators

If you haven’t cleaned your radiators in a while – or ever – it’s time to do it! A build-up of dust not only affects your health and allergies, but your heating bill. Layers of dust in your radiator can prevent heat from escaping effectively, meaning your radiators will have to work harder to warm your room.

Bleed Your Radiators

Bleeding your radiator is essential to improve efficiency of your radiator. This is because air that’s entered your heating system will be removed. The quickest way to check if air has entered your heating system is to turn your central heating on. Feel your radiator. If the radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top this is a sign air is present.

Get Your Boiler Serviced

If your boiler is old, there’s a strong chance it won’t be working as efficiently as it once was. Defective boilers can increase your heating bill massively. This is because they need to work significantly harder to heat your home. Try to get your boiler serviced every 12 months to ensure that your boiler is running efficiently and safely.

The post Experts suggest when to turn your heating off appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Get paid to try perfume

Reading Time: 2 mins

Do you have a nose for fragrance? Are people always complimenting you on your scent? You may be perfect for a job as a perfume tester. Yes, that’s right – try perfume for money!

If you enjoy smelling great and always know when someone is wearing a new fragrance, you may be just the person The Fragrance World is looking for. You may even be known as somewhat of a fragrance connoisseur in your social circle,

This is the perfect role for someone who always takes a bottle of perfume with them on the go and knows their gardenia from their daisy, their cinnamon from their spice.

Summer is approaching, and The Fragrance world need you. They need your feedback on their new fragrances. Perfumes and aftershaves smell different on everyone and change even more in the warm weather. That’s why they need feedback on their latest fragrances – they are fully aware different people enjoy different smells!

Some of these fragrances are not even on the market yet – so you would be getting an exclusive whiff of some of their newest launches. Imagine that – getting to smell an iconic and glorious scent before the rest of the world. This feedback will help The Fragrance World determine which smells are likely to sell well, and which will become summer bestsellers amongst their customers.

Within this role, you will score and give feedback on different components of the fragrances sent to you, such as how long the scent lasts, what you like and dislike about them and more. They are hiring two recruits for this role, and each Fragrance Tester role will last 6 months.

How to apply

If you think you have what it takes, you can apply here. You must be over 18 to apply and must be open to sharing your feedback to The Fragrance World in written format. You must be a resident within the UK. Please be aware this is not full-time employment.

You will be paid £100 for your time and will be sent monthly fragrances over this time. You will be allowed to keep the fragrances you receive too!

Entries close on April 15^th 2022. The lucky winners of this opportunity will be announced April 18^th 2022. Any applications submitted after the given deadline will not be accepted.

Are you ready to smell like summer? Want to bring a burst of fragrance to every room you enter? Apply now! Receiving £100 to wear perfume for 6 months and being able to keep the fragrances you receive seems like a fab opportunity to us!

Apply on The Fragrance World website, here.

The post Get paid to try perfume appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

All the things you can do if you can’t pay your energy bill

Reading Time: 4 mins

In the current financial climate many people can’t pay their energy bill and many of us are falling behind with payments.

Payment Plans and Supplier Support

First of all, if you fund yourself in this situation, the best thing to do is to get in touch with your supplier: regulator Ofgem makes sure your supplier helps you: most usually with an affordable payment plan. Also it’s good to know that under recent pandemic regulations, your supply will not be cut off if you fall behind on your payments.

As well as a payment plan review, you may in certain circumstances be able to arrange reduced payments or a payment holiday.

If you prepay your energy bills, similarly your supplier can help, including £5 of emergency credit on both your gas and electricity meter, accessible by entering the card or clicking a button when the option pops up – this will have to be repaid when you top up.

Friendly credit also means you won’t be cut off if your credit runs out on evenings, weekends and bank holidays when the shops are closed.

If you can’t afford to keep the meter topped up, you may be eligible for additional support credit (or extra support credit): again, contact your supplier. This may also apply to the vulnerable: pensioners, disabled customers or those with a long-term medical condition.

Ofgem has introduced protective measures to ensure customers have access to discuss this kind of help with their supplier, on a case by case basis.

If you outright can’t pay your energy bill, you may also be eligible for hardship funds, depending on your circumstances and ability to pay. Again, get in touch with your supplier to begin the process.

 

Charitable Trusts

There are also many charitable trusts and funds offering schemes and grants to help with your energy costs, faulty or old boilers, or to help make your home more energy-efficient.

A good starting point is the British Gas Energy Trust as they’ll help support not just their own customers, but those with any supplier.

There’s also more specific customer help from: EDF Energy Customer Support Fund / E.on Energy Fund / E.on Next Energy Fund / Ovo Energy Fund/ Octo Assist Fund / Scottish Power Hardship Fund.You may need to get help applying to these schemes as they can be fairly complicated procedures. Most require you to have spoken to a debt advisor and worked out your income and expenditure in detail, ready to present your case. You can get help from some charities to do this.

Government Support

Some good recent news is that households in England, Wales and Scotland can claim up to £350 of Government support this year, including an automatic £200 discount on your bills; while next year will see a £40 per year levy added to bills to help repay the discount.

If you’re in council tax bands A to D, there is a council tax rebate coming into place soon, and also help being put in place for those who don’t qualify for this.

If you have a standard credit meter, the Warm Home Discount is a £140 rebate applied to your electricity bill between October and March. If your energy supplier is part of the scheme, you’ll br notified of how this will be applied to you.

Another way to save on bills is to pay by monthly direct debit, which earns interest on overpayments for the supplier, and assured them you’re a regular payer: it could also save you up to £90 a month.

Finally, it’s worth noting that doing things like leaving electrical products on standby, or the heating on all day, actually drives your bills up, so look around you home and see where you can cut costs by switching things off and carefully regulating your output.

What Jasmine Says

MoneyMagpie’s Jasmine Birtles says, “If you can’t pay your energy bill firstly don’t feel alone – you are one of many in the country who are really struggling to pay. Secondly get in touch with your energy provider immediately. They all have sections of the business that are there to help people who can’t pay their bills for one reason or another. It’s possible that they will be able to reduce your bill or spread it over a longer time period to enable you to pay. Also they might put you on a meter so that you only pay as you use the energy. This can help you with budgeting although the downside is that it tends to be more expensive than being on a contract.

“Also there are some energy-related benefits that you may be entitled to. Use the benefits calculator at Entitledto or Turn2Us to see if there’s anything you could apply for and also speak to your local Council to see if they have any hardship grants that could help you get over this particular financial pressure.”

MoneyMagpie also take a look at all the other things you may be eligable for financial help with here.

The post All the things you can do if you can’t pay your energy bill appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

7 ways to make money online

Reading Time: 3 mins

Making money online is the dream for many people. It’s the perfect way to make some extra cash or even to quit your day job and work from home. But it can be tough to know where to start. There are so many options, and it can be hard to figure out which ones are legitimate and which ones are scams.

Here are seven ideas to generate some money online, some of them more traditional than others, but all have the potential to help you earn a little extra cash in your spare time.

• Online surveys
• Sell your stuff
• Online business
• Odd jobs
• Spare room
• Online tasks
• Rewards credit card

 

1. Take online surveys

There are several different ways to make cash online, but taking online surveys is one of the simplest and most straightforward methods. All you need to do is sign up for survey panels, answer a few questions about your demographics and interests, and start taking surveys. In return for your time, you’ll earn cash or gift cards.

Most survey companies pay anywhere from $0.50 to $5 per survey, so it’s easy to earn just a little extra money each month just by answering some questions about the products and services you use every day. And since there are so many different survey companies out there, you can easily find one that accommodates your specific interests and needs.

Plus, many survey companies offer sign-up bonuses, so you can start earning right away. Just be sure to take a look at the terms and conditions carefully before signing up since some survey companies require that you complete a certain number of surveys or meet a minimum earnings threshold before you can cash out.

 

2. Sell your stuff online

If you have any old clothes, furniture, or other items lying around your house that you no longer use, why not sell them online? There are dozens of websites and apps that allow you to sell your stuff quickly and easily, and most of them don’t charge a fee to list your items.

In fact, many of these websites will even pay you for shipping costs, so it’s essentially like getting free money for stuff you were going to throw away anyway.

 

3. Create an Online Business

If you have some skills or knowledge that you can share with others, why not start your own online business? There are a number of amazing platforms and tools that make it easy to create a website or online store, and there are countless tutorials and articles that can help you get started.

Of course, starting an online business takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but if you’re willing to put in massive time and effort, it can be a very rewarding experience. You’ll likely want to have some knowledge of branding and marketing. However, if you are a newbie, there are tools online that can help, such as this brand names checker or various online marketing guides.

 

4. Do odd jobs online

If you’re wanting just a little bit of extra cash, why not do some odd jobs online? There are dozens of services, websites, and apps that allow you to offer your skills to others, and most of them don’t charge a fee to join.

You can offer anything from writing and editing services to design work, to web development, to pet sitting.

 

5. Rent out your spare room

If you have an extra room in your house that you aren’t using, why not rent it out on a short-term basis? There are a number of sites, apps, and platforms that allow you to do this, and most of them don’t charge a fee to join.

You can rent out your room for anything from a weekend getaway to a month-long stay, and you can usually charge whatever price you want.

 

6. Do online tasks

Several websites and apps allow you to do small tasks in return for cash or gift cards. These tasks can include anything from taking surveys to watching videos to completing simple errands.

Most of these tasks pay very little, but they can add up over time.

 

7. Use a rewards credit card

If you want a way to earn some extra money without doing much work, you can try a rewards credit card. These rewards cards allow you to earn points or cashback on every purchase, which can add up over time.

Just be certain that you pay your bill in full each month since carrying a balance will end up costing you a ton more in the long run. And be sure to compare different cards to find one that offers the best rewards program for you.

There are a number of different ways to make money online, and the options listed above are just a few of the most popular. So if you’re looking for a little extra cash, be sure to explore all of your options and find the method that best suits you.

 

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.

The post 7 ways to make money online appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

How to make money from your orgasms

Reading Time: 4 mins

Over 18 topic ahead. Has subjects which some readers may find offensive and contains reference of a sexual nature. 

Last week, I was watching Naked Attraction on Channel Four and a woman said that she makes her money by “being paid to orgasm.” Like many viewers, I was immediately intrigued by what her job entailed! Was this a fun way she referred to her career in sex work or was it something else? The guest then went on to say to host Anna Richardson: “I’m used to nudity because I’m a sex toy specialist,” to which I started wondering, are there other ways that people can be paid to orgasm? So I got my MoneyMagpie hat on and did my research.

The short answer is … yes there are. And for this round up I am not including sex work – digital or otherwise. So if le petit mort is something that you rather enjoy … look no further.

1. Sex Toy Specialist

Let’s start where we learned about this with a specialist in sex toys. The woman on the show actually had a pretty niche adult-industry career opportunity and it actually requires a very specific set of skills.

From our research it seems there are two main ways you can make money testing sex toys; one is to get a job working directly for a manufacturer or you can set yourself up as a blogger and reach out to get paid for your reviews.

According to Red-light Network, “In 2020, the British online adult store Ricky offered the ultimate lockdown job for sex toy testers. This went viral in the UK and, with local and national newspapers spreading the word, the position was filled pretty quickly. Offering £100 (roughly $137) per sex toy tested, even if you only achieved one per working day this would equate to an annual salary of around £26,000 (approx. $36,000).

Freelancers, however, have to be more creative with how to earn their money by offering a featured review on your blog or via YouTube in exchange for cash can either be paltry or lucrative depending on how much traffic you receive. Many seem to actually get paid in sex toys, so it isn’t a great source of financial gain.

2. Scientific Studies

The Observations and Research in Gender and Sexuality Matters (O.R.G.A.S.M) Human Sexuality Lab in the department of Psychology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University was initially developed by Dr. Cory Pedersen in 2007 and became its established and productive form in late 2011. They have since become devoted to exploring the psychology of issues in human sexuality such as sexual orientation, commercial sex, and atypical sexuality in an effort to disseminate knowledge about these important topics in our society.
This scientific endeavour often have several requests for participants in research and offer bonds as reimbursement for your participation.

Another rather niche example is that of a woman who monitors orgasms in an MRI scanner. She is both a scientist and sex researcher, and to get paid for this job you need to be at doctoral or PHD level and the paid studies are very rare. This may not be the easiest or quickest route to devoting your life to orgasm.

3. Artistic Endeavours.

These can vary greatly in terms of how you class ‘art.’ One such project is called Beautiful Agony, a paid subscription website featuring head shots of user-submitted videos showing the participant having orgasms, without providing any visual description of what technique is being used, or revealing anything below the neck and upper chest. Each video submitted receives an upfront fee.
The site also specifies that they “pay contributors royalties for each view of their content, in addition to generous upfront shoot fees, and the system also allows contributors to earn cash for referring customers, and other contributors, to our sites.” The site also specifies that this is ethical erotica and zero nudity is shown and they are interested in submissions from people who have no experience at all in the adult industry. You must obviously be over 18 to partake in this project because although no nudity is shown it is of an adult nature and consent and legality of participation is important.

Images of Beautiful Agony are used by the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam in their exhibition Teen Facts about puberty.

4. Psychological studies

Psychological study

There are constantly requests for couples or otherwise to take part in psychological studies regarding sex. Most of these are via survey so not the most fun, but for twenty mins the average pay is about £20. Lots here https://ift.tt/YASfO9w.
The other would be to physically take part in a psychological study

 

The post How to make money from your orgasms appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

All the things you can get financial help with

Reading Time: 2 mins

Financial Help

Claimants of Universal Credit could be due thousands worth of extra financial of extra help, but may not be aware of it.

Low income Brits are struggling with their household budgets in the face of rising costs – from household bills like gas and electricity to food and general cost of living – but they could get up to thirty different kinds of assistance.

Universal Credit claimants almost doubled during the pandemic to 6 million Brits, and more than a third of these are working but claiming from the Department for Work and Pensions because their income is not high enough on its own. Benefits than can be claimed include Council Tax reduction.

Shockingly, 15 billion pounds of benefit money is lost every year by not being claimed, with pensioners missing out the most. More than a quarter of million older people also don’t claim Housing Benefit which could save them £4,000 per year.

A complete list of help available…

Experts say one of the main problems remains that there is a stigma attached to asking for help, although people may genuinely not be aware that this help is available. So here’s a list of benefits you could be claiming to help you through hard times, each one is linked to more information:

• Reduced council tax bills
  Capped water bills
  Half price bus
  Discounted rail fares
  Free or discounted gym membership
  Help with new job costs
  Warm Home Discount Scheme of £140 off fuel bills
  £25 in Cold Weather Payments
  Free or cheap broadband from TalkTalk, Virgin Media and BT
• Free prescriptions for people with zero income or those on a low income
  Free dental treatment
  Eye tests and discounted glasses
  Free school transport
  Free school meals
  Discounted childcare costs
  £150 towards school uniforms – dependent on the local authority
  £1,200 free cash as part of the Government’s Help to Save scheme
  Food vouchers for kids as part of the Healthy Start scheme
  Maternity grant up to £1,000
  Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000) to make changes to a home
  Homeowners can apply for up to £10,000 to pay for a boiler
• Homeowners can get help to pay for double glazing as part of the Green Homes Scheme
  Up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments
  Free wigs or fabric support provided by the NHS
  Free health travel costs
  Help with housing costs
  Help with funeral costs
  Bereavement support payments

The post All the things you can get financial help with appeared first on MoneyMagpie.