Truckers drive thousands of kilometers every month to supply freight across cities and towns, but delayed payments can seriously hamper their productivity. Freight bill factoring takes invoices for the loads that truckers supply and pays them right away, so that they don’t have to wait for their payouts. Though the process is highly effective, frauds relating to freight bill factoring have also become common. So, here are some lesser-known facts about freight bill factoring frauds: Submitting fake invoices Software programs generating invoices may not always have filters to differentiate genuine invoices from fake ones. So, there have been cases where a fake invoice quoting a much higher amount than what is payable has been passed on to invoice factoring companies. Such activities become even more difficult to track if the fake invoice is from a regular client. For this reason, employees in freight bill factoring companies should closely monitor the invoices through a standard process to avoid such illicit activities. Sending invoices before the freight is supplied If truckers send in their invoices before the freight is delivered, there is no guarantee that they will supply the freight to the destination. Invoicing companies should have strict protocols that prevent truckers from sending in paperwork before the freight is delivered to the locations.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps help save money. People often use these apps to buy expensive products while paying for them later in smaller installments. Since there are many BNPL apps out there, finding one is easy. However, individuals must pick the right option for the best benefits in the long term. Those who find it hard to decide can consider these five most popular apps to save money. Affirm With numerous BNPL plans, Affirm is a top choice among those looking to save big. Its standard pay-in-four plan with zero interest is particularly popular among shoppers. Aside from this, monthly plans such as three-, six-, 12-, and 60-month repayment plans are also available. All of these have interest rates ranging from 0% to 36% APR. Besides, the app has partnerships with some of the most significant online and offline retailers, which makes it more attractive to consumers. The best part is that one does not have to pay fees to use Affirm! Sezzle Sezzle is great for those looking for BNPL apps that offer flexible payment plans. It lets customers push payments and get two extra weeks to pay back. Moreover, the first reschedule for every order costs practically $0.

Online trading is one of the easiest way s to invest money. People can make a lot of quick money in the stock market if they invest in certain stocks at the right time and sell their shares at the right time. Those who are new to stock trading and online stock trading can use a few tried-and-tested tips to increase their income through the stock market. Tips for beginners 1. Selecting the right online broker As anyone with experience investing in the traditional stock market will attest, the broker plays a key role in the buying and selling process of shares. This is why beginner investors must choose an online broker with all the support and tools to match their needs and help them quickly get their money in or out of the stock market without taking out a large commission. Essentially, beginner traders must choose brokers prioritizing customer support, trade minimums, educational resources, and account management. Online broker platforms, where everything is streamlined, easy to navigate, and has the scope of teaching novice traders something new, can be invaluable for beginners. In the digital age, brokers may no longer be people but instead apps. Choosing between these trading apps must be done based on their experience, reputation, credibility with clients, and a sense that they will always keep things transparent and communicative for beginner traders.

While many individuals grow up understanding the importance of savings in financial security, unplanned emergencies can arise, leaving them in need of urgent funds. When facing situations like home repairs or health emergencies, cash loans emerge as a convenient solution. But before one signs any agreement related to cash loans, it is important to learn about the borrowing process and its associated factors in detail to make informed decisions regarding one’s financial security. Determine how much is needed One of the most common mistakes people make is borrowing more than they require. For instance, if one only needs $5000, they take $10,000 as a cash loan only because it’s available. While this could help have additional funds at the ready, one should remember that the more they take out, the higher the interest rate on the loan. So, it is advised to take only the amount one needs. Take time with research It is easy to rush into taking a cash loan during an emergency. But to get the best offer, one must always take and do the necessary research. The first option on the internet may or may not be the best choice. The person taking the cash loan must thoroughly consider various lenders and narrow the options before making a final decision.

Entrepreneurs who want to turn their ideas into full-blown, successful ventures often look for grants to make that happen. As rewarding as applying for a grant can be, many applicants face pitfalls that can diminish their chances of securing funding. Additionally , with many individuals applying for grants , the process has become highly competitive. This also means that aspiring entrepreneurs cannot afford to make mistakes during the application process that could jeopardize their chances of success. Poor research When applying for a grant, one needs to do thorough research on potential lenders, including their priorities and requirements. Applying for grants that are not aligned with the organizational goals, needs, and values should be avoided. As an aspiring entrepreneur, it’s important to steer clear of funding partners with unrealistic or incompatible expectations. Doing adequate research will help increase one’s chances of securing funding. Failing to include supporting documents When one applies for a grant it is important to include supporting evidence to back any business idea. If one is unable to provide the documentation necessary to confirm and validate the proposal, grant reviewers may not consider the application. Not introducing oneself and the venture It is a common mistake to assume that the funder has read about the venture before speaking to the potential entrepreneur.

Life after retirement can be financially challenging as one no longer receives a fixed monthly paycheck. That’s why i ndividuals must plan properly and invest in the right schemes early on. An annuity ensures guaranteed returns or income to individuals during their retirement years. But that does not mean one can sign up for any plan in the market. Individuals must take some time to research while keeping a few important things in mind. Future financial needs The most important factor to consider when investing in annuities is one’s future financial needs. Individuals must ask themselves what their lifestyle will be like after retirement and what kind of expenses they will have to meet. Based on this, one can decide how much to invest in an annuity plan and when to start withdrawing . If someone cannot determine their future financial needs, they can consult a financial expert for guidance. Although the professional may charge a fee, they can help one assess their needs and pick the right annuity, which is very important. Current financial situation Before purchasing an annuity, individuals must also assess their present financial situation. If someone has outstanding credit and finds it hard to meet expenses, they should consider waiting a while before buying an annuity.

401(k) plans are among the best ways to save for retirement. Employers provide this benefit to their employees during their tenure in an organization. A 401(k) plan involves employees adding a certain amount to an account that grows tax-free over time, alongside contributions from their employer. However, certain mistakes like prematurely withdrawing funds or not checking the balance regularly can affect the benefits associated with one’s 401(k) plan, Using the funds early Employees tend to have access to their 401(k) fund. Accessing the fund before they turn 59 and a half years old means a 10% penalty will be levied above the income tax owed to the distribution. Employees in desperate need of money can withdraw it through hardship withdrawal schemes or loans, which also come with added fees. Because of these reasons, exhausting the funds of one’s 401(k) plan earlier than scheduled negatively impacts their long-term savings potential. Switching jobs before becoming vested in one’s 401(k) Several employers add matching funds to an employee’s 401(k) along with the employee’s contribution. This double saving gives employers an added incentive and motivation to save more money. The matching amount is usually a percentage of the employer’s contribution. So, for example, if an employee contributes 8 percent of their salary to their 401(k) fund, then if the employer agrees to match up to 50% of this amount, the employee will receive a periodic contribution of 4% of their salary as the employer contribution.

A no-fee prepaid debit card is a type of debit card that provides more advantages than the typical prepaid debit card. The key benefit of this card is that users can load and use their money without paying any fees. Additionally, these cards also help limit one’s spending, thus preventing any potential financial crisis. However, one downside to this card is that some stores and service centers may not accept it. Features of no-fee prepaid debit cards Prepaid debit cards provide users with exclusive access to credit. People owning these cards can repay this used credit within a stipulated amount of time. The workings of a prepaid debit card differ slightly from that of a standard debit card. A normal debit card is used to withdraw money from one’s savings account. On the other hand, prepaid debit cards allow users to load money into their cards through several monetary avenues. Unlike a regular debit card, a prepaid card is not linked with its user’s savings bank account. In that sense, this card functions a lot similar to credit cards issued by banks. Additionally, prepaid debit cards come with several added fees, such as an activation fee, a card loading fee, a monthly fee, a fee for withdrawal from out-of-network ATMs, and a general withdrawal fee.

With cashless economies becoming the norm, debit card transactions have increased exponentially, and almost all major retailers across the country accept debit cards as a mode of payment. Their ease of use with other benefits and cashback options add to their appeal. Debit cards can also be used to withdraw cash instantly, which is especially useful when cash payment is the only option. Having the right debit cards is the key to enjoying maximum benefits. Empower Debit Card The Empower app, powered by AI and cutting-edge technology, has made finance management a breeze. It helps individuals with every aspect of financial planning, from investment and retirement to health savings. The company offers a cashback debit card, which provides 1% cashback on the first $1,000 spent using the debit card every month. Also, those who register for the card can additionally open a savings account. With the Empower Referral Rewards Program, one can receive a credit of $5 upon referring a friend to Empower. U.S. Bank Visa® Debit Card The U.S. Bank Visa® Debit Card has emerged as a popular, convenient option for users as it is accepted by millions of retailers in the country and has flexible autopay and recurring payment options.

For centuries, gold has been a sought-after possession. Today, it is also a sound investment option for both conservative and risk-taking investors, as the metal has intrinsic value and is accepted as a legitimate high-value asset across the world. From diversifying the portfolio to making long-term safe investments, gold can be a beneficial and relatively safe investment option. But, if one’s not familiar with the market, one could make costly mistakes while investing in gold. Common mistakes to avoid 1. Overlooking associated costs When one thinks of gold investments, they might only imagine buying and stocking up gold bars, gold coins, or jewelry. While the metal itself is a legitimate investment option, physical gold comes with a 10% production cost. Then there are also safety and storage concerns associated with gold as well as transaction fees. 2. Not exploring all options Many think of gold as a physical asset, but gold investment goes beyond that. Those strictly interested in gold investment and not personal use are better off buying ETFs (exchange-traded funds), which track gold prices, or gold mining stocks. With these options, the investor holds shares of gold mining companies that can be bought or sold on stock exchanges.