One of the most cost-effective ways of investing in the Italian real estate market is buying a fixer-upper property.When investing in a ruin, it is possible to spend $175,000 on the purchase and renovation, then flip the property for twice as much when work is completed.Apart from the impressive return on investment, the other advantages…
Rising income inequality is starting to hit home for many American households as they run short of places to reach for a few extra bucks. As the gap between the rich and poor widened over the last three decades, families at the bottom found ways to deal with the squeeze on earnings. Housewives joined the…
With the end of the year just days away, some small businesses may be putting the final touches on their health care plans for 2014. One option they no longer have is to quickly sign up online for the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace. Created under the Affordable Care Act, the SHOP exchange…
Early retirement often seems impossible. It’s difficult enough these days to retire at age 65, so the thought of retiring early is a pipe dream for most people. Yet somehow this dream has become a reality for some diligent savers. In extreme cases, a few people have retired at an age when most of us…
It’s counter-intuitive: This time of year we should be taking time to enjoy life, but for many entrepreneurs, it’s the busiest season of the year. And that’s not just for those who work in retail. We’re busy with holiday party obligations, buying client gifts, volunteering, sending cards…the list goes on and on. I’m in favor…
Whether you are partial to iOS, Android or even BlackBerry for your mobile computing needs, you’re likely faced with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to apps. To put it in perspective, Apple announced in October that its App Store now boasts 1 million apps. And the average U.S. smartphone user downloads 25 apps and spends two hours daily using…
Let’s face it: roaches are gross. Which is precisely the reason why we’re using them to illustrate the importance of getting a yearly inspection performed. There are far too many technical aspects for one simple list, but the major things to look out for are easy to check.Make a routine for yourself and keep a…
Holiday shopping season is in full swing, and smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices once again top many shoppers’ gift lists. Given how expensive many popular gadgets have become, one big question many shoppers are facing is whether or not to tack on an extended warranty to protect themselves should their electronic devices come to…
Are your passwords as strong as they can be? For many users, self-created passwords are not nearly as secure as they should be. Trustwave, a Chicago-based information security firm, recently revealed that a massive security breach compromised nearly 2 million websites and social media accounts in more than 100 countries. In the breach, 1.58 million website login…
The last quarter in the U.S. property market has been marked by increased demand for office, retail and related commercial real estate. This development is based on the indicators of economy, employment rate, occupancy, and rental rates. And the trend is expected to continue in 2014.One area from the investor’s perspective is that of real…
