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Building On A Difficult Terrain

Adjusting the house to the landscape is the first task to be solved when building on difficult terrain. If your block of land has slopes up to 20{4917788a0bd7aa7369c2a945027b4fe6c9853cda4150a24fe1255b18ce3083dc} – it's rather regular terrain. The difficulties start to appear on slopes that are steeper than that.

Main problems can be divided into 3 categories:

1) Some additional research to determine the danger of dirt slipping down should be done

2) The foundations and plumbing will require some additional work

3) Some additional work to level the soil might be necessary

And of course any of above translates into additional expenses.

If the allotment is in a real danger of soil slip, for example the soil has a steep rocky slope underneath and gets lots of rainfall or has ground water – it makes no sense to build on it.

However, if that's not the case, then building on steep slope might produce very interesting output. History has many examples of people, who had to deal with difficult conditions, created the most magnificent structures, some of which we can still see in these days. They include the Machu Picchu city in Peru, great castles of Europe, Svan's watchtowers in high mountains of Georgia, and fort Metsada in Israel.

To make the idea of ​​building on difficult terrain a reality, several things need to fall together:

1) The wish to build on this particular block of land and the ability to finance the process

2) A talented architect and engineer who can fit the house into the relief while making it secure, safe and sound

3) Qualified builders who can implement everything according to the plans

So what are the advantages of building on a slope? First, nothing compares to the panoramic view from your terrace. Also, it is possible to create several levels: the garage on the upper level, the bedrooms and living areas below and the back yard and garden on the lowest level. The best thing about this setting is that the road and the driveway – with all the noise and the dust – are left on top, while the house is located below. More of the house is now exposed to the sun light. The garden can have many picturesque features such as little terraces, steps, miniature walls, cozy spots.

The whole presence of the house is improved, as this unique facade is created. The interior of the house benefit from larger windows and various open staircases, they look "weightless" and mix in harmony with the nature.

Another issue to address is the soundness of the house built on a slope. In many ways it depends on the soil underneath the foundations. If the soil is mostly sand or mud, then it makes sense to create terraced foundations, made of concrete bands and retaining walls, anchored in the soil.

If the foundations are to be built on rocks, concrete piles are better. The necessary diameter of a pile for 2 -3 level house is 35 – 40 cm, …

How to Get Scooter Financing For Good and Bad Credit

With gas prices increasing many Americans are looking to scooters as a way to protect their pockets against the price of gas. While finding a fuel efficient alternative is a good decision, many scooter buyers are not protecting their pockets when it comes to scooter financing.

There are many options available when financing a scooter including credit cards, manufacturer low payment promotions, installment personal loans and financing for bad credit applicants. Educating yourself about the various types of scooter loans is important before you make a financial decision.

Here are some tips for you to follow:

1. Do not shop for a scooter that is too expensive: Today there are scooters that cost as much as $ 9000, but shopping for one of these scooters makes little sense if you can not get approved for financing.

Therefore, it is a good idea to shop online, and at your local bank for a scooter loan before you enter the showroom.

2. Watch out for low payment promotions: Manufacturers often entice you into buying a scooter with low payment promotions which structure payments as low as $ 39 for 2 years.

Low payment promotions look enticing, but are a very bad financial decision for you.

Fundamentally with low payment promotions you are only paying off the interest on your loan each month and very little is going towards the principal on your scooter.

Worse off at the end of the promotion your payment will double and your interest rate could increase to as high as 22.9{4917788a0bd7aa7369c2a945027b4fe6c9853cda4150a24fe1255b18ce3083dc} annual percentage rate.

3. Get an installment loan: Most low payment promotions mentioned above are on a manufacturer credit card.

Opting to get scooter financing with an installment loan is a much more wise decision.

With an installment loan the lender can not increase your interest rate or payment and your scooter will be paid off at the end of the term.

4. Consider a personal loan: If you walk in your bank and ask for scooter financing the bank may not have such a product.

Therefore you will likely have to ask your bank for a personal loan, which is basically a simple interest installation loan that can be used for recreational items.

A personal loan is a great way to finance your scooter and is much safer than a credit card or low payment manufacturer promotion.

5. Read the fine print: As your parents probably told you make sure you read the fine print before signing any loan document. Definitely do not enter a loan contract that you do not understand.

6. Do not borrow more than you can afford: There is little reason to purchase a scooter to save on gas if you borrow more than you can afford.

Borrowing more than you can afford will put you in a risky financial position. You must consider the cost of insurance, registration, maintenance and gear and choose a scooter that fits your budget.

7. Avoid zero down payments loans: Trying to secure scooter financing …

Cash For Clunkers Pros and Cons

I’ve done some research across the Internet and gathered a list of Pros and Cons regarding the “Cash For Clunkers” program. I made a list for the individual who’s considering buying a car through the program, and also a list for the “Collective Soul”, for us to consider the overall impact in the universe, as described in this article.

So far the Pros and Cons add up to this: Individual: 4-Pro, 6-Con. Collective Soul: 6-Pro, 12-Con.

INDIVIDUAL:

Pros

1. $4,500 + other incentives you may be able to save a lot of money on a new car purchase, if you push for more incentives besides just the $4,500.

2. Less Gas. You could save a lot of money at the pump.

3. Cut down on repair costs.

4. Environment – your driving will cause less pollution.

Cons

1. Insurance – it usually costs more to insure a new car.

2. New Debt – it is wise to go into more debt in your financial situation?

3. Wasted parts – your old car will be destroyed. It’s questionable whether or not some of the parts will be recycled.

4. Value added to your old clunker. The used car market may heat up due to decreased supply. It’s possible that your used car may be worth more than the voucher after the trickle-down of this Cash for Clunkers program.

5. More gas. You might be inclined to drive more knowing that your car gets better gas mileage.

6. Comfort Zone. You KNOW your old car. And you know what repairs you’ve done to it and what’s likely to go wrong.

FOR THE COLLECTIVE SOUL:

Pros

1. Increases sales at auto dealers.

2. Surge in new-car sales to consumers who would not otherwise purchase at this time. For the upper and middle income people with good enough credit to get a car loan, gives them a down payment.

3. Old vehicles are typically less fuel-efficient than their modern counterparts, so removing them from the road and replacing them with newer cars would likely decrease individual owners’ and the nation’s consumption of oil.

4. Old vehicles typically do not run as clean as new vehicles, so removing and replacing them on our roads would likely decrease vehicle exhaust emissions, lessening the impact on the environment.

5. Old vehicles were not held to the same crash and safety standards as new cars are held to and tend to be less safe in an accident. Replacing them with newer vehicles could lead to fewer injuries and fatalities in automobile accidents.

6. Automakers are struggling right now, especially domestic automakers. Providing a financial incentive to buy new cars would likely lead to increased car sales, which would generate revenue for the automakers and help them weather the economic downturn, while stimulating the economy at the same time.

Cons

1. Artificial, unsustainable boom in auto sales.

2. Crushing those older running autos makes those parts and vehicles harder to get, and consequently more expensive.

3. Many companies build …

5 Best Books on Wealth Ever Written

1. Think and Grow Rich

Originally published in 1937, this classic best-seller is undoubtedly one of the best books on wealth ever written. This book helped millions of people around the world to achieve their dreams. The author, Napoleon Hill spent a lifetime doing research on successful, wealthy and most powerful people on earth, including Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, John D. Rockefeller and Charles M. Schwab. In this book, Napoleon Hill revealed his wisdom of research in the form of ‘thirteen steps to riches’ that will change your life.

2. The Richest Man in Babylon

Published in 1926, this classic is considered as one of the most inspiring books on wealth ever written. Beloved by millions, this timeless classic holds the key to all you desire and everything you wish to accomplish. This is the book that reveals the secret to personal wealth. This is the book that holds the secrets to acquiring money, keeping money, and making money earn more money. Countless readers have been helped with this famous book. This book offers an understanding of-and a solution to-your personal financial problems that will guide you through a lifetime.

3. Rich Dad Poor Dad

Rich Dad Poor Dad is the single best personal finance book ever written and has been a best-seller for many years. Have you ever wanted to know why the rich get richer and the poor get poorer or why many highly educated people struggle financially all their life? Then this book will give you the answers. This book will show you how rich, middle-class and poor people spend their money. In this book, the author Robert Kiyosaki gives you some excellent advice that can change your life.

4. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

This book has appeared on the New York Times best-seller list and was #1 on the Wall Street Journal’s business-book list. In this outstanding book, the author T. Harv Eker teaches you how to think and act like a rich person. According to T. Harv Eker if you think like rich people think and do what rich people do, chances are you’ll get rich too! Using the principles he teaches, T. Harv Eker went from zero to millionaire in only two and a half years. He believes that the key to attaining great wealth begins with thinking because thoughts lead to feelings, which lead to actions, which lead to results. A must read book on wealth creation.

5. The Millionaire Next Door

Millionaires are too often stereotyped as having extravagant lifestyles and irresponsible fiscal habits. But, the truth is more than 99{4917788a0bd7aa7369c2a945027b4fe6c9853cda4150a24fe1255b18ce3083dc} of millionaires are hard working, methodical savers and investors. In this best-seller, the authors: Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko reveal that most of the millionaires are remarkably frugal and careful with their money. Most of the truly wealthy in America do not live in Beverly Hills or on Park Avenue – they live next door. They are the people who own the dry cleaning business, the …

Statutes in U.S. Healthcare System

The healthcare field is the subject of a host of federal statutes, regulations, guidelines, interpretive information, and model guidance. There are a considerable number of statutes and regulations that have an impact on the delivery of healthcare services. A statute is legislative enactment that has been signed into law. A statute either directs someone to take action, grants authority to act in certain situations, or to refrain from doing so. Statutes are not self-enforcing. Someone must be authorized to do so to take action. A statute may authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to take action, and it is up to the department to implement the law. Regulations, or rules, are made by administrative personnel to whom legislatures have delegated such responsibilities. It is a tool for developing policies, procedures, and practice routines that track the expectations of regulatory agencies and departments. The statutory and regulatory requirements are subject to judicial interpretation.

A very important element of healthcare management is to understand the key regulatory environment. One government statute that effects patient healthcare is the Anti-Kickback Statute. The Medicare and Medicaid Patient Protection Act of 1987 (the “Anti-Kickback Statute”), has been enacted to prevent healthcare providers from inappropriately profiting from referrals. The government regards any type of incentive for a referral as a potential violation of this law because the opportunity to reap financial benefits may tempt providers to make referrals that are not medically necessary, thereby driving up healthcare costs and potentially putting patient’s health at risk. The Anti-Kickback statute is a criminal statute. Originally enacted almost 30 years ago, the statute prohibits any knowing or willful solicitation or acceptance of any type of remuneration to induce referrals for health services that are reimbursable by the Federal government. For example, a provider may not routinely waive a patient’s co-payment or deductible. The government would view this as an inducement for the patient to choose the provider for reasons other than medical benefit. While these prohibitions originally were limited to services reimbursed by the Medicare or Medicaid programs, recent legislation expanded the statute’s reach to any Federal healthcare program. Because the Anti-Kickback statute is a criminal statute, violations of it are considered felonies, with criminal penalties of up to $25,000 in fines and five years in prison. Routinely waiving copayments and deductibles violates the statute and ordinarily results in a sanction. However, a safe harbor has been created wherein a provider granting such a waiver based on a patient’s financial need would not be sanctioned. The enactment of the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) added another level of complexity to the Anti-Kickback statute and its accompanying safe harbors. HIPAA mandated that the OIG (Office of Inspector General) furnish advisory opinions to requesting providers that are either in an arrangement or contemplating an arrangement that may not fit squarely within the law. For a fee, the OIG would analyze the arrangement and determine whether it could violate the law and whether the OIG would impose sanctions …

Equity Financing: The Accountants’ Perspective

Growing up it has always been said that one can raise capital or finance business with either its personal savings, gifts or loans from family and friends and this idea continue to persist in modern business but probably in different forms or terminologies.

It is a known fact that, for businesses to expand, it’s prudent that business owners tap financial resources and a variety of financial resources can be utilized, generally broken into two categories, debt and equity.

Equity financing, simply put is raising capital through the sale of shares in an enterprise i.e. the sale of an ownership interest to raise funds for business purposes with the purchasers of the shares being referred as shareholders. In addition to voting rights, shareholders benefit from share ownership in the form of dividends and (hopefully) eventually selling the shares at a profit.

Debt financing on the other hand occurs when a firm raises money for working capital or capital expenditures by selling bonds, bills or notes to individuals and/or institutional investors. In return for lending the money, the individuals or institutions become creditors and receive a promise the principal and interest on the debt will be repaid, later.

Most companies use a combination of debt and equity financing, but the Accountant shares a perspective which can be considered as distinct advantages of equity financing over debt financing. Principal among them are the fact that equity financing carries no repayment obligation and that it provides extra working capital that can be used to grow a company’s business.

Why opt for equity financing?

• Interest is considered a fixed cost which has the potential to raise a company’s break-even point and as such high interest during difficult financial periods can increase the risk of insolvency. Too highly leveraged (that have large amounts of debt as compared to equity) entities for instance often find it difficult to grow because of the high cost of servicing the debt.

• Equity financing does not place any additional financial burden on the company as there are no required monthly payments associated with it, hence a company is likely to have more capital available to invest in growing the business.

• Periodic cash flow is required for both principal and interest payments and this may be difficult for companies with inadequate working capital or liquidity challenges.

• Debt instruments are likely to come with clauses which contains restrictions on the company’s activities, preventing management from pursuing alternative financing options and non-core business opportunities

• A lender is entitled only to repayment of the agreed upon principal of the loan plus interest, and has to a large extent no direct claim on future profits of the business. If the company is successful, the owners reap a larger portion of the rewards than they would if they had sold debt in the company to investors in order to finance the growth.

• The larger a company’s debt-to-equity ratio, the riskier the company is considered by lenders and investors. Accordingly, a business …

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Entrepreneurial Business Structure

What is a business structure?

A business structure relates to how the business is organised with regards to who makes the decisions and instructs which part of the business. Often drawn as a diagram, it shows the relationship between decision maker(s) and different departments within the business.

The entrepreneurial business structure

In the entrepreneurial business structure, any decision that needs to be made is made centrally, either by one person or at head office, the results of which are then communicated to workers. This is the most ‘rigid’ of organisational structures, as workers have little to no say or input in the decision-making process, instead having to just follow any orders that are issued.

The entrepreneurial business structure is most commonly found in sole traders with just a few employees, or in organisations which have to make decisions quickly such as publishing where there is often precious little time available to discuss things in meetings when there is a deadline that has to be met. In this instance, somebody has to make a decision quickly without having to discuss or justify it.

For a sole trader, they are often the only owner of the business, and so what they say goes. Because they own it, nobody has the authority to block or delay their decision. Whilst many may invite advice from the people they employ, they will often have an idea in their minds already about what they would like done, and so will probably just make the decision straight away themselves.

Advantages of the entrepreneurial business structure

The main advantage of the entrepreneurial business structure is the ability to make decisions quickly. Without lengthy meetings and discussions, or proposals sat waiting for approval, decisions can be made pretty much instantly and changes put into place. This allows businesses to quickly adapt to any change in market conditions. It is also a leadership style which is used by governments in emergencies, with virtually all countries having laws in place which allow legislation to bypass parliament or equivalent bodies and be enacted when speed and response time is top priority.

Another advantage is that it is one of the least expensive business structures available, and in most cases will be the cheapest option. This is because there are no layers of middle managers to pay or maintain (e.g. company cars).

Thirdly, everybody knows who is in charge and who they are accountable to, removing the chances of confusion being created if different department heads asked for different things from workers (e.g. the head of the production department asks workers to improve the quality of the product by spending more time on each, at the same time as the head of the finance department asks for increased output to generate more revenue).

Disadvantages of the entrepreneurial business structure

Despite its advantages, there are a number of disadvantages to the entrepreneurial business structure.

Because of its autocratic nature, with workers being told what to do with no input on the decision, there is …

How To Start Or Buy A Restaurant With No Money

So many people wish to start or buy a restaurant but don’t bother to push through with it because they don’t have enough cash. Not having enough cash to open a restaurant is not something that should stop you from realizing a dream. It is possible to start a business even if you only have very little money or no money at all.

There are things you can do to finance your dream business. Some veteran restaurateurs are able to open new restaurants, even if they have more than enough money. Ever heard of the expression “use other people’s money?” We can teach you how to buy a restaurant or start one from scratch on borrowed money. You will also learn how you can get that loan you need to capitalize your new business.

The first thing you need to do is to write a business plan. Writing a business plan not only makes it easier to plan your restaurant business, it is also needed in case you have to borrow money from a bank. Lending firms will require a business plan that shows that you can make your restaurant lucrative. Your lenders will want to see from your written plan that you know what your are getting into and that you have a solid strategy that will work.

Visit banks and lenders to apply for a loan. Bring copies of your business plan and other financial info. You will need to fill up application forms and give your financial details when you get there. Prepare a list of your assets and liabilities, these will tell your banker your net worth, which they also need for your application. Work with banks that will likely approve loans for small businesses. Apply for a small business loan.

If you plan to buy a restaurant, set aside 20{4917788a0bd7aa7369c2a945027b4fe6c9853cda4150a24fe1255b18ce3083dc} of the total value of the business you intend to purchase. Some banks will still prefer that you pay a portion of the whole amount. If you don’t have enough money saved up for the 20{4917788a0bd7aa7369c2a945027b4fe6c9853cda4150a24fe1255b18ce3083dc} down, you may try to get a home equity loan to get the value you need. Banks will want to see that you have your own money invested in the business to assure them that you will work hard to make the business work.

Another way to get money to buy a restaurant is to borrow from friends or relatives. You should still make it a legal business arrangement bound by a contract. Many friendships are ruined when this is taken for granted. Insist on binding your loan and repayment scheme with a legal contract even if some friends or family members don’t want to.

Get investment partners to raise capital. When choosing partners be sure that you don’t just get along personally but more importantly, that you and your partners have the same business goals and outlook. Once you find ideal business partners, discuss how work will be divided or how many percent in profits each partner gets. …

MBA Online – How To Choose The Right School

Fortunately, you can get your MBA online.

There are many reasons to get your degree through the Internet. For example, you can study at your own home and you will not have to move somewhere else. You may also have more freedom to continue working at your job and spend more time with your family and friends. For many people, studying through an Internet program is a great option.

When you study for your Masters in Business Administration, you will learn many different valuable skills. For example, you can learn about finance, accounting, management, human resources, and marketing. Some programs will allow you to specialize in a single area, while others may have a more broad approach.

When selecting a school through the Internet, there are several things that you will need to look for. One of the most important features to look out for is accreditation. You should not attend any school unless it has been fully accredited and you should ensure that your chosen program is also accredited.

To ensure that you select the best school for your needs, you should look at the types of classes that are on offer. Try to select a school that teachers classes which interest you. You should also research what the learning experience will be like. Find out what kind of technology is used to deliver your lectures and if the schedules are flexible.

You can learn a lot by getting your MBA online and get an edge over your competition in the job market. Be sure to consider all of your choices before choosing a school. …

Technical Writing – What’s the Difference Between Business Writing and Technical Writing?

There are a number of books, programs, and classes out there today offering to teach “technical writing.” Some of these are excellent; prepared by industry veterans who know what they’re doing. But some others are basically rehashing old “business writing” concepts and techniques under the guise of “technical writing.”

“So what?” you may ask, which is a fair question. And here is the answer: if you are seriously considering to go out there and find yourself a job as a “technical writer” then you need to have at least one technical document prepared according to industry standards and expectations. Business writing in general will of course help you communicate better and conduct your business more efficiently. That’s why it’s a good thing. But when it comes to finding a technical writing job, business writing won’t help you much. No recruiter will accept a business writing sample as a proof of your technical writing skills, especially in the hi-tech sector where I’ve been working for over 10 years now.

Business writing is all kinds of copy generated to administer, communicate with and control others in a work environment. It covers all office communications, and topics like how to write a memo; how to write an e-mail; how to prepare a report; how to write meeting minutes; all kinds of business letters, etc.

While helpful, such knowledge will not be enough to find a job in the highly competitive field of modern technical communications. Instead, what you need to learn is the kind of documentation generated every day in such hi-tech industries as software, hardware, networking, telecommunications, manufacturing, chemicals, finance, defense, etc.

Does your instructor help you learn what a “scope” document is, for example, and how it is written? How do you prepare and write “release notes”? What’s the crucial difference between an “interface guide” and a “procedural guide”? Do you know how to write a QCP for a defense contractor?

There are many other similar topics that a beginner needs to learn to prepare him or herself for a great career in technical writing. Once you know the crucial difference between “business writing” and “technical writing,” you can make a better decision as to which questions to ask before buying a technical writing book or registering in a technical writing program. That way you won’t waste your time, money and energy on a product or a program that won’t help you reach your main goal. As always the case, knowledge is power in this particular issue as well.…