Are ISAs Still Worth It?
As the new year draws ever nearer, many households are using the allure of a fresh calendar to consider a fresh start for their finances.
After what has been an undeniably difficult year for the vast majority of families across the country, it is only right that many are seeking to regain control of their financial situation in the new year.
There are many ways in which this can be done, but almost all of them require some knowledge or learning about our country’s financial system, and the various boons that may or may not be available to us through certain schemes or financial products.
The ISA is one such financial product – or rather, a family of such financial products –, and is commonly misunderstood or even overlooked by people seeking to re-address their household’s financial situation. ISAs have seen their praises sung many times over in newspapers and on TV, but are they still worth it? And how might they be?
The Types of ISA
First, it is important to understand that ISAs come in numerous different shapes and sizes, each of which can offer something unique to you as a saver. Knowing the difference between them, and knowing how best to utilize them, is key to getting the most out of them.
The most common form of ISA used is the cash ISA, which essentially acts like a regular savings account. The core USP of the Cash ISA is that any interest earned within it is exempt from taxation. For many, this means little; there is a Personal Savings Allowance that enables you to ‘earn’ up to £1000 in interest annually tax-free. However, as you start to accrue more savings, and thanks to compound interest, this can soon wick away savings you could otherwise keep.
There is also the Stocks and Shares ISA, which offers the same protection but instead from Capital Gains Tax, on stocks and shares traded within it. Here, the tax exemption makes more sense, as bigger stock market ‘wins’ can bring big influxes of capital gains.
One of the most useful ISAs, though, is the Lifetime ISA, or LISA. LISAs are limited-access but provide a 25% bonus annually on up to £4000. The caveat is that the bonus can only be received if the money saved is spent on a first home, or on retirement.
Protection from Failure
All ISAs – at least, all that are offered legally – are FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme)-compliant. This means that in the event of a banking institution going bust, the value of the money saved is protected up to £85,000. As such, ISAs are no less safe than any other savings account and offer more in return.
Key Considerations
In order to make the most of ISAs, you need to understand some of the central rules around using them. For one, there is a cap on how much you can store away in ISAs annually; at the time of writing, it is £20,000 per year. For another, you can only have one of each type of ISA, and each balance contributes to your personal ISA allowance.
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Consideration For Choosing Or Comparing Credit Cards
Choosing the right credit card, also known as charge plate or plastic money, is an important decision that can offer valuable perks, financial flexibility, and benefits. In this article we’re going to be assessing a number of factors with the aim of making the right decision while choosing the card. Consideration will be given to payment flexibility and terms, credit card types, network, and terms and conditions. Lastly, thoughts will also be given to its universality. Comparing Credit Card Payment Flexibility and Terms and Terms There is not an iota of doubt on the fact that credit cards have offered innumerable benefits to people. Amidst their different facilities, flexibility is undoubtedly one of them. It has undoubtedly provided the necessary convenience to people. We shall compare payment flexibility and terms associated with plastic money. To get information on comparing credit cards visit: https://moneywise.com/. Analyzing Payment Flexibility Options Across Credit Cards Some cards have a flexible due date that suits your financial situation and allows you flexibility in managing payments. We all know that the management of payments is indeed one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face in their day-to-day lives. Another form of control offered by other cards is the adjustment of minimum payment based on financial capacity. Other flexibility options on the block are the allowance to select how often you make payments such as monthly, bi-weekly, etc. Evaluating the Importance of Payment Terms The impact on payment scores positively influences your credit score, while late payment significantly affects your reputation. Payment terms influence interest accrual on the outstanding balance, so it shouldn’t be ignored. Fees and penalties are imposed based on payment terms; it’s why it is important to adhere to due dates. Responsible Credit Card Usage for Optimal Payment Terms Timely payments help in maintaining optimal payment terms that affect your financial standing positively. Also, note that if you maintain a low monetary utilization ratio by not exceeding your threshold, your payment management terms will be effectively enhanced. Related: Credit Card Frauds And What You Can Do To Avoid Them Comparing Credit Card Type and Network Plastic money, as a versatile financial tool, offers a variety of benefits depending on network affiliation and types. Understanding Credit Card Types Credit cards have undoubtedly revolutionized the entire payment system. They not only helped with the quick transfer of money but also facilitated business development. However, we understand the different types of credit cards in this section. · Secured: This card type is good for people rebuilding their credit card history. It requires a security deposit. · Unsecured: These are the most common types used to cater to a wide range of financial needs and require security deposit. · Reward: Rewards or incentives such as cashback, points, or miles depend on your spending pattern. You will find different reward offers from different providers. You should therefore choose one that suits your lifestyle. For example, you can compare Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred to see what each offers before making a choice. · Student: These types are designed for students to help them establish their credit history. These card types have lower monetary limits. Analyzing Different Credit Card Networks Different types of plastic money are available in the financial market. The main ones are - · Visa: This option is versatile with extensive network offerings. It is widely accepted globally and caters to various consumer needs. · Mastercard: This option is also accepted globally and comes with different beneficial offers and perks that make it a popular choice among consumers. · American Express: This premium credit card type is favored by customers seeking rewards and luxury. The American Express is also known for its exceptional customer service. · Discover: Discover doesn’t have any annual fees and is good for individuals looking for straightforward rewards such as cash-back rewards. Comparing Terms and Conditions of Plastic Money Plastic money has ushered in a revolution in the entire circle of the payment system. However, we try to understand some of the ways through which the entire payment system. Different financial organizations have their own terms and conditions for their credit cards. Terms and conditions are laid out guidelines and rules governing the operations and responsibilities of both the issuer and cardholder. Key Comparison Factors Interest rates, credit limits and penalty charges are some of the critical terms and conditions to watch out for when signing up for the plastic. You should carefully note the penalties imposed for late payments, exceeding the threshold, or other infractions. Making Informed Decisions Based on Terms and Conditions Before committing to terms and conditions you’re encouraged to read it thoroughly. By comparing these terms with those across multiple offers, you’re likely to find the best suited for you. Assessing Credit Card Versatility: International Use Plastic money offers flexibility and convenience for transactions worldwide as a financial tool because of its ubiquity and its technological integration. They facilitate seamless currency conversion, allow for online transactions and, above all, enjoy global acceptance providing a comfortable payment option for travellers. Comparing Plastic Money Networks for Global Usability American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Discover are common monetary instruments that have gained extensive worldwide acceptance and used globally for transactions by travelers. This has made them the preferred choice for many individuals the world over. Merits and Demerits of Using Credit Cards Internationally Convenience, a secure way of making purchases and the accrual of rewards and benefits are some of its advantages. Drawbacks such as incurring foreign transaction fees and exchange rates, which may not be favourable may be applied by the plastic money companies. You can read this article to learn more about this international type of payment. Conclusion With comparison from the standpoint of information, one can make choices that best align with one's lifestyle and financial goals. However, a good understanding of its diverse landscape, terms, conditions, and other factors is crucial to making the right choice. The right card is the key to optimizing your financial experience while traveling or making international purchases. Read Also: The Amazon Store Card All You Need To Know About California No Credit Check Loans: A Solution For Those With Poor Credit Home Credit: Information, Eligibility Criteria, Interest Rates, Review & More
Oct 20, 2023
Stakeholder Vs Shareholder: Differences, Functions, Importance, And More
Stakeholder vs shareholder: What is the difference? - You will come across both these terms in the world of investing. There are stakeholders and shareholders in a corporation. While their names might look similar, their functions within a company are not. All shareholders of a company are its stakeholders, while all stakeholders are not necessarily shareholders. Shareholders own stock, while all stakeholders do not own stock. In this article, you will learn about the differences between shareholders and stakeholders. However, before that, we will give you a general overview of both these terms and their significance in the context of investing. Apart from that, we will also discuss the importance of both these roles in a business, as well as the major functions that these roles require. Hence, to learn more, read on through to the end of the article. Stakeholder Vs Shareholder: A General Overview According to Investopedia, “A stakeholder is a party that has an interest in a company and can either affect or be affected by the business. The primary stakeholders in a typical corporation are its investors, employees, customers, and suppliers. However, with the increasing attention on corporate social responsibility, the concept has been extended to include communities, governments, and trade associations.” In general, stakeholders have a vested interest in a company’s performance. Stakeholders can affect or can be affected by the performance of a corporation. Stakeholders include investors, shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers, governments, trade associations, or communities. Hence, you can see that the stakeholders of a business can be both inside and outside of the organization. On the other hand, according to Squareup.com, “The dictionary definition of a shareholder, also known as a stockholder, is a person who holds at least one share in a company. They’re not the same as a stakeholder though – this is someone who has an interest but doesn’t necessarily hold shares. Being a shareholder confers certain rights and responsibilities such as voting rights and the right to receive dividends if the company makes a profit.” You can see from the aforementioned definition that a shareholder owns a part of a public company through shares of stock. A shareholder is a stakeholder, but a stakeholder is not always a shareholder. A shareholder is not part of the day-to-day operations of the business, as these functions are the responsibilities of the directors, management, and employees of the company. [N.B.: If a shareholder owns more than 50% of the stock of a corporation, then he is a majority shareholder. However, if the shareholder owns less than 50% of the stock of a corporation, he becomes a minority shareholder.] The Importance And Functions Of Stakeholders According to the Corporate Finance Institute, “A stakeholder is a party that has an interest in the company’s success or failure. A stakeholder can affect or be affected by the company’s policies and objectives. Stakeholders can either be internal or external. Internal stakeholders have a direct relationship with the company either through employment, ownership, or investment.” Stakeholders are basically those people who affect the company, or the company affects them. These people have a “stake” in the company’s success and failure. A shareholder can also be a stakeholder. However, a stakeholder is not always a shareholder. Here are some common examples of stakeholders of a company: ● The employees of the company ● Customers of the company that rely on the company’s ability to provide services ● Shareholders of the company. ● Suppliers and vendors of the company ● Community members who feel the impact of the company’s decisions ● Other promotional activities of the company, including partners in events, promotions, etc. The Importance And Functions Of Shareholders A shareholder is an institution, company, or individual that owns at least one share of the company. The company’s growth offers profit to the shareholders. Hence, shareholders are also stakeholders by default. The success of the business interests shareholders since they want to receive the greatest possible return on their investment. When the company performs well, the stock prices and dividends go up, which increases the value of the shareholder’s stocks. Shareholders also have the right to exercise a vote and affect the company’s management. These people are the company’s owners and are not liable for the debts of the company, as the company is a corporation. To have shareholders, a company or a business venture needs to become a corporation by filing articles of incorporation. Stakeholder Vs Shareholder: Major Differences The following are some of the key differences between a stakeholder and a shareholder: StakeholderShareholderThey are bound to the company for the long term and are interested in the actions and success of the company.They might not have a long-term need for the company.A stakeholder can have an ownership stake in the company.Shareholders can own a part of the company by purchasing stock.The day-to-day decisions of the company impact stakeholders. The actions of the stakeholders also impact the company’s growth.The day-to-day decisions of the company might not impact shareholders. Depending on their relationship with the company, shareholders and stakeholders might have competing interests. For example, shareholders might want a company to maximize its profits by keeping its wages low or using less expensive manufacturing processes. However, this is not good news for employees and the customers of the company. Both stakeholders and shareholders are important for a corporation. However, if business ownership and management are ethical, they understand that a shareholder’s short-term profit goals might not be a good thing for the company in the long run. Hence, they resort to the Stakeholder Theory. Wrapping Stakeholder vs shareholder - Hope this article was helpful to make you understand the differences between these two terms. You can see from the article that all shareholders of a company are stakeholders. However, all stakeholders are not necessarily shareholders. When a company is public, shareholders own stock of the company through shares. On the other hand, a stakeholder just wants to see the company grow and prosper in the market. Other than stock performance, a stakeholder can also have other reasons to see the company grow. In most cases, stakeholders are often part of a company for a long time. Do you have more points to add? Share them with us in the comments below. #Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Any investment decision you make is at your own risk, and you should consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. This site may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Get High With Business Articles Let's Check Out!! What Is a Bear Hug? Let’s Discuss The Benefits Capital Expenditures – Definition, Types, Examples, And More What Is An Endowment? – Working, Purpose, Types, And More
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Marginal Cost: Definition, Formula, Examples, And More
Every production in a business has a certain level of expected output. However, in most situations, there is always a change in the quantity of the desired output for the business. This results in an increase or decrease in the total production cost. This change in cost is known as marginal cost. This is a term that is used in economics and managerial accounting. It is a variable unit that depends on the inclusion of resources to enhance production or service. In this article, you will learn about marginal cost and how it works in the world of accounting. Apart from that, we will also share with you how marginal cost works for businesses, especially during the accounting processes, where we will give you the formula to calculate it. Next up, you will learn more about this term with the help of a simple example. Finally, we will discuss the major benefits of marginal cost. What Is Marginal Cost? According to Investopedia, “In economics, the marginal cost is the change in total production cost that comes from making or producing one additional unit. To calculate marginal cost, divide the change in production costs by the change in quantity. The purpose of analyzing marginal cost is to determine at what point an organization can achieve economies of scale to optimize production and overall operations.” Here, if the marginal cost of the business to produce one more unit is lower than the price of each unit, it gives the business an opportunity to make a profit. The business will be able to maximize its profits to the point where its marginal cost matches its marginal revenue. Read More: What Is Continuity In Business, And Why Is It Important? What Is Marginal Cost Formula? The increase in the total expense that is required to manufacture one additional product is the marginal cost. Hence, you can measure the marginal cost by determining the changes to what expenses are incurred for manufacturing one additional product. Here is the formula for calculating marginal cost: Marginal Cost = Change in Total Costs / Change in the Quantity of Production How Does Marginal Cost Work? According to Wall Street Mojo, “The marginal costing technique is crucial for any business aiming to optimize the production of goods or delivery of services. The concept technically means extra costs added to the production cost due to additional unit(s). It helps companies determine the selling price of a product or service. Furthermore, they can estimate the desired output by understanding marginal and sales costs.” Any manufacturing business uses the marginal cost factor to isolate the level of optimum production. Apart from that, manufacturers also examine the cost of adding one more unit to their schedules of production. There are situations manufacturers face during production where the benefit of producing one more unit and generating revenue from that product will bring down the overall production cost of that product. If the business wants to optimize its costs of manufacturing, it would need to find that point or level as quickly as possible. The marginal cost in production basically includes all the costs that vary with the change in the production level. Let’s say a company builds a new factory entirely so as to produce more goods. The cost of building the new factory is considered as the marginal cost. The company that is looking to maximize its profits will try to produce up to a point where the marginal cost of the company is equal to the marginal revenue. An Example Of The Working Of Marginal Cost Both fixed costs and variable costs are part of the production. The fixed cost is the one that does not change with an increase in the level of production. Hence, the business spreads out the same value over more outputs as the production increases. On the other hand, the variable cost is the one that changes with the change in the variable output. Hence, when the business produces more units, the variable cost of the production will increase as a result. You can understand this better with the help of an example: Let’s consider a company XYZ which makes pencils. Each requires $0.75 of wood and lead. Here, wood and lead are variable costs. The pencil company also has to spend $1000 on fixed costs every month. If XYZ makes 500 pencils per month, then each pencil takes $2 of fixed costs ($1000/500 pencils). Hence, the total cost per pencil would be $2.75, where $2 is the fixed cost per pencil and $0.75 is the variable cost of one pencil. Hence, the marginal cost of the company XYZ goes up as a result. What Are The Benefits Of Marginal Cost? The following are the major benefits of calculating marginal cost: Knowing the marginal cost and marginal revenue of various product lines will allow the company to concentrate resources on products where the difference is higher. The business can focus on manufacturing individual units with maximum returns rather than investing in less successful goods. The business gets an idea when it is no longer profitable to manufacture additional products. It also helps the business to take on additional or customer orders. However, there are some limitations of marginal costs as well. According to Indeed.com, “The limitation of marginal cost is that in real-world examples of the calculation, some costs aren't easily discernible as fixed or variable, such as overhead costs, which can sometimes be in either category. This can cause some issues with the calculation since variations in how people separate values can change the outcome of the formula.” Read More: Business Continuity Plan – What Is It, And How Does It Work? Wrapping Up You can see from this article that marginal cost is one of the most important terms in accounting. It is the increase or decrease in the total cost of production of the business mainly due to the changes in the quantity of the output that the business desired beforehand. By calculating marginal cost, businesses can optimize their production through economies of scale. Managers can use marginal cost to make decisions related to resource allocations, optimize production processes, control manufacturing costs, streamline operations, and many more. Do you have anything more to add on how to use marginal cost? Share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comments section below. Read Also: Market Orientation - What is It, And How Does It Work? 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What Is Monopolistic Competition? – Examples Of A Monopolistic Competition
Monopolistic competition exists when the companies offer competing products that are not close substitutes for one another. The barriers in the process of entry into this competition are low. The decisions of any firm do not directly affect its competitors. An example of a monopolistic competition is huge. The competing companies, in most cases, differentiate themselves on the basis of pricing and market decisions. It prevents the new competitors from entering into the industry. You must ensure that you follow the correct process in this regard. Restaurants, hotels, and electricity supply boards are some of the common examples of a monopolistic competition. You must go through it in more detail to have a clear insight into it. When you buy an LLC, it can also distinguish your firm from the others. What Is Monopolistic Competition? Monopolistic competition is a market formation that constitutes elements of both monopoly and perfect competition. In this type of market, there are many sellers offering differentiated products or services to consumers. Examples Of A Monopolistic Competition There are several examples of a monopolistic competition that you must know when you want to grow your business. Some of the core examples of the monopolistic competition are as follows:- Fast food restaurants. Apparel Industry. Personal Care products. Automobile Industry. Coffee Chains. Soft drinks. Technology Gadgets. Characteristics Of A Monopolistic Competition There are several characteristics of a monopolistic competition that you must know at your end while attaining your business goals with complete ease. Some of the core features that you should consider are as follows:- 1. Many Sellers There are numerous firms operating in the market, each producing similar but differentiated products or services. This high number of firms results in a degree of competition within the industry. 2. Product Differentiation Firms produce goods or services that are similar but not identical. They differentiate their products through branding, quality, design, advertising, or other features. To create a uniqueness in the eyes of consumers. You can get more understanding of it once you follow the examples of a monopolistic competition. 3. Low Barriers To Entry & Exit New firms can enter the market relatively easily. While some barriers, such as brand loyalty, advertising costs, or product differentiation, exist. They aren’t significant enough to prevent new entrants from competing. 4. Non Price Competition Firms compete not only on price but also on product differentiation, advertising, customer service, and branding. This non-price competition allows firms to attract customers without solely relying on lower prices. Network marketing can be a business model for monopolistic competition. 5. Partial Control Over The Price Unlike perfect competition, where firms are price-takers, firms in monopolistic competition have some control over the price of their products. However, they are constrained by the reaction of consumers to price changes. The price differentiation here plays a vital role in the process of brand differentiation. 6. Independent Decision Making Each firm makes independent decisions regarding pricing, production, and marketing. Strategies based on its perceived market demand and unique product attributes. You need to understand the reality while making independent brand decisions for your product and services. Examples of a monopolistic competition can be of great help to you. 7. Selling Cost Firms incur costs for advertising, marketing, and creating perceived product differentiation. These selling costs contribute to non-price competition and are essential for firms to distinguish their products in the market. 8. Imperfect Information Consumers may have imperfect information about the differences between products. It allows firms to create perceived differences through marketing and advertising strategies.You need to get through the complete process that can assist you in meeting your brand requirements with ease. 9. Limited Market Power While firms have some degree of market power due to product differentiation, it is limited. Consumers have options and can switch to similar products offered by other firms if prices or quality differ significantly. You can follow the examples of monopolistic competition to have a clear understanding of it. Pros & Cons Of Monopolistic Competition There are several pros and cons of monopolistic competition. You must understand the process that can make things easier for you to know the details of the competition. Some of the core Pros and Cons of Monopolistic Competition are as follows:- Pros Of Monopolistic Competition There are several pros of monopolistic competition that you must know at your end to have a clear insight into it. Some of the pros of it are as follows:- 1. Incentive For Innovation Firms in monopolistic competition continuously innovate and differentiate their products to attract customers. This drive for innovation leads to the development of new features, designs, and better-quality products over time. 2. Consumer Choice Consumers benefit from a wide variety of product choices and options. Differentiated products cater to diverse consumer preferences, allowing individuals to choose products that align with their specific needs and preferences. Here your contribution margin matters a lot. 3. Non-price Competition Firms compete not only on price but also on factors like quality, design, branding, and customer service. This encourages firms to focus on improving product quality and providing better customer experiences rather than solely engaging in price wars. Cons Of Monopolistic Competition Along with the pros, there are several cons of monopolistic competition as well. You need to be very careful about it while going through the cons of monopolistic competition. 1. Excessively High Cost Firms in monopolistic competition spend significant amounts on advertising, branding, and product differentiation. These selling costs can be substantial and may lead to higher prices for consumers. 2. Less Price Sensitivity Consumers might be less sensitive to price changes due to perceived product differentiation. This can result in firms having some pricing power, leading to higher prices without a significant loss of customers. Final Take Away Hence, if you want to overcome the monopolistic competition concept, then you must follow the examples of monopolistic competition. You must get through the details of the monopolistic competition to have a clear insight into it. You can share your views and opinions with us in our comment box. Feedback from the readers helps us to draft better content for you next time. Try to help us in this regard. Delve Into More Business Articles!! Sabbatical Leave: What Is It, And How Does It Work? What Are Distribution Channels In The Context Of Business? What Is Wholesale Distribution? – Importance, Benefits, And Examples
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