Lifetime cost is the total amount of money that a good will cost a consumer over the entire course of ownership. This included related, add-on costs such as maintenance, fuel, insurance and so on. These costs can dwarf the actual purchase price of the item. Lifetime cost is also known as total cost of ownership (TCO), and it is a budgetary way to look at the expenses that go along with the purchase of an item. Continue reading...
The Pink Sheets used to be printed on pink paper and contained the bid and ask prices of penny stocks which were not listed on major exchanges. Today the Pink Sheets are operated online by OTC Markets Inc but fulfill the same role. The Pink Sheets will list penny stocks which may or may not be found on other micro-cap exchanges. To be listed on the Pink Sheets, there are no listing requirements, such as cap-size; companies must only file one form and which provides some current financial information, but update information may not be required as time goes on, and hence companies listed only on the pink sheets are considered the most speculative and risky equity plays an investor can make. Continue reading...
IRS Link to Form — Found Here Interest income, such as that paid in certain bank accounts and government bonds, will be reported to the taxpayer and the IRS by the payer of the interest income. Form 1099-INT is the form used by these businesses or entities to report the income. Interest income from bonds and interest-paying bank accounts, such as savings accounts, and certain investments, will be reported on Form 1099-INT. The payer of the interest will submit the form to the IRS even for very small amounts of interest payments. Continue reading...
A penny Stock is a term for equity shares valued below $5, many of which are not registered with the SEC and trade over-the-counter. They do trade on over-the-counter exchanges regulated by FINRA. Penny Stocks are equity in companies that may be small or have bad credit ratings, whose shares are priced below $5, per the SEC definition, but below $1 in the more widely accepted street definition. Because they do not have to observe all of the disclosure requirements of the SEC, there is not very much transparency about the companies or brokers issuing penny stocks. Continue reading...
Over-the-Counter securities transactions are done outside of formal exchanges, and the term could refer to private investments and contracts or transactions in unlisted securities, such as penny stocks. The major exchanges have requirements for being listed, pertaining mainly to the size of the company offering equity shares and the nature of the securities. Resources such as the Over the Counter Bulletin Board and "pink sheets" help to facilitate trades that cannot be performed on the largest exchanges, but there are several caveats to bear in mind. Continue reading...
IRS Link to Form — Found Here Form 1099-DIV is used to report dividend income and distributions from investments, and is usually filed by the company making the distribution. The taxpayer will only use the form as a reference for reporting on other forms, such as the Schedule B if the distributions are over $1,500. Mutual funds are a common source of the 1099-DIV, since they have to distribute their gains to shareholders every year. Continue reading...
A living trust describes a trust designed to transfer assets to beneficiaries upon the death of the owner/grantor, which is established during the life of the grantor. They can take several forms, but most common ones are categorized as either revocable or irrevocable. Living trusts have a similar effect to a Last Will and Testament, both being legal documents that stipulate how the decedent would like property to be divided amongst beneficiaries upon the death of the owner or grantor of the trust. Continue reading...
Point of Sale (POS) systems have become the cornerstone of modern commerce, transforming the way businesses operate and engage with customers. These intricate systems, a blend of hardware and software, not only facilitate transactions but also offer insights into market trends, inventory management, and customer behavior. From the traditional cash register to the sophisticated digital platforms of today, POS systems have evolved to meet the dynamic needs of retailers. They play a pivotal role in both physical stores and e-commerce domains, ensuring seamless transactions and providing valuable data for strategic decision-making. With innovations like Amazon Go redefining the shopping experience, the future of POS systems promises even greater convenience and efficiency. As technology continues to advance, POS systems stand as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between innovation and commerce, shaping the way we buy and sell in the 21st century. Continue reading...
The Federal Reserve banking system was created in 1913, the same year that income taxes were added to the US Constitution. 12 regional Fed banks were established, each of which plays a role in monitoring and implementing interventions to the flow of money in the economy. The Federal Reserve Bank is a 12-bank system in the United States that plays the role of the country’s central bank. Central banks in other countries are typically part of the government and print the actual currency, but in this case the Fed is independent of the actual US government, and the Treasury Department technically prints the money. Continue reading...
An uptick is an incremental increase in the trading price of a security. Uptick is a slight increase in the trading price of a security. The word comes from the "ticker price" of a stock, which used to be printed out on ticker tape from a printer connected to telecommunication lines which reported updates in trading information throughout the day. Now tickers run electronically across the bottom of television screens and so on. Continue reading...
In the dynamic world of stock markets, the carbon sector stands out as a unique and critical industry. This sector encompasses companies specializing in carbon-related products and chemicals, playing a pivotal role in various industrial and environmental applications. Activated carbon, a key product in this realm, is widely used for treating poisoning, purifying electroplating solutions, and removing pollutants. This article delves into six prominent players in this market: Clarivate Analytics (CLVT), Olympic Steel Inc. (KOP), Koppers Holdings Inc. (MT), Steel Dynamics (STLD), Olympic Steel, Inc. (ZEUS), and Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. (OEC), offering a comprehensive analysis of their financial health and market positions. Continue reading...
Unlock the secrets of Euro Notes! 🌍 Discover the rich history, denominations, and advanced security features of these essential symbols of European economic unity. Dive into the world of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 notes. 💶 #EuroNotes #CurrencyInsights Continue reading...
Renters insurance isn't just another policy; it's a shield for your cherished belongings in a rented space. Whether you're in an apartment, condo, or home, this specialized insurance offers protection against unforeseen damages or losses, from thefts to fires. But it's not just about possessions. Renters insurance also covers additional living expenses if a disaster renders your place uninhabitable. Ever wondered how it contrasts with your landlord's insurance? While the latter focuses on the building's physical structure, renters insurance is all about your personal items and potential liabilities. With options to choose between Replacement Cost Value or Actual Cash Value, you can tailor your coverage to your needs. In a world filled with uncertainties, renters insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring you're prepared for the unexpected. Dive in to grasp the nuances of this essential safety net for renters. Continue reading...
Bank fees are penalties or maintenance requirements that may apply to checking, savings, or money market accounts. Banks may charge fees for specific types of transactions, if a check bounces, or just a monthly checking account fee. There are many other types of fees and reasons for them. They may be penalties, such as an overdraft fee, or they may be customary for the kind of transaction or account being used. Continue reading...
In recent years, the financial world has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainable investing, with a particular emphasis on fossil-free portfolios. This trend is not only a response to increasing environmental concerns but also a strategic financial decision by investors who are looking for long-term, sustainable growth. In this context, let's delve into the details of some of the most notable companies leading the charge in fossil-free investing, and analyze their market capitalizations. Continue reading...
Unlock the world behind the lines! Dive into the intricate dynamics of barcodes, from their humble beginnings in the 1970s to their profound impact on today's commerce. Discover how these simple black and white patterns revolutionized business efficiency and their deeper symbolic meanings. Continue reading...
IRS Link to Form — Found Here The home office expense deduction allows people who work from home to take a tax deduction reflecting the loss of square footage in their home for the purpose of doing business there. The space must be used exclusively for doing business on a regular basis and it must be the principal place of business, not just a place to work outside of the actual office. Many people fail to file for the home office expense deduction because they believe it will be more trouble than its worth or that it may even trigger an IRS audit of their reporting. Continue reading...
In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age, companies entrenched in the website business are not just surviving; they're thriving. This sector, encompassing the development, design, and management of websites, along with the provision of essential tools and platforms for web and print publishing, has become a cornerstone of the global economy. With an average market capitalization of $41.1 billion across the theme, the financial magnitude of these entities is undeniable. From giants like Adobe (ADBE) with a valuation of $283.8 billion to emerging players, the diversity and dynamism within this sector offer a plethora of investment opportunities. This article delves into the intricacies of the top stocks in this vibrant sector, providing insights into their operations, market positioning, and future prospects. Continue reading...
Explore the evolving definitions of blue-collar and white-collar workers in today's dynamic labor market. This article unveils the historical background, the traditional distinctions, and the emerging trends that blur the lines between these classifications. Understand how technology, education, and societal shifts are reshaping these age-old concepts. Continue reading...