Money

Selling off a junk automobile to a business that advertises with offers like we buy junk cars Miami is an excellent way to realize a disused vehicle’s true worth and earn a profit. After all, what we might think of as rust bucket may still hold some value to some. From gearheads and mechanics who are looking for their next big hotrod project or automotive enthusiasts expanding their car collection, you’ll be surprised at the number of people who will pay top dollar for a car, regardless of its condition. So, in the interest of getting the most money out of it, here are some tips that you should consider.

1. Have the vehicle’s value appraised and evaluated

They say that knowledge is power. And this statement holds true, especially when it comes to junk cars. So, before you place an ad for the vehicle’s sale, it’s a general rule of thumb to have the vehicle’s value appraised and evaluated. After all, potential buyers will undoubtedly have questions to ask regarding the automobile. And there’s a good chance that they’ll commit to the purchase if you can provide the answers that they are looking for. More importantly, you won’t risk underselling the car, and as a result, maximize the vehicle’s profit potential.

1. Get some offers first before committing to a buyer

One of the reasons why junk cars are usually undersold is that a lot of people tend to go for the first offer that comes their way. Instead, take the time to get some bids first before deciding. After all, it’s unlikely that you’ll see a decent profit if you stick with a single offer. And the right buyer can make all the difference in getting a small profit. As tedious and time-consuming as this might be, you’ll be surprised at how much you can potentially earn by doing so.

1. Use the social media platform as leverage for exposure

To sell any item, creating exposure is necessary, and this includes junk vehicles too. As such, it makes sense to utilize social media as this platform will not only allow you to generate awareness to a broader market. But more importantly, you won’t have to pay for any additional fees or costs. Best of all, it requires little more than taking a few good pictures and a brief description of the vehicle, which will not only save you time but money as well.

1. Make sure that you have all the necessary documentation

When it comes to junk cars, a lot of people overlook their documentation. However, not only can this affect the asking price of the vehicle but also the transfer of ownership as well. So, before you place an ad for the automobile, make sure that you have all the necessary documents on hand. It will save you a lot of trouble.

In many ways, earning money from a junk car is similar to selling a relatively new vehicle for a profit. The key lies in taking the time to research and making sure that no stone is left unturned. And with the tips listed above, not only will you guarantee a quicker sale, but you’ll increase your chances of getting a lot more money for the automobile too.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/old-truck-dodge-rust-rusted-truck-176581/

 

According to a recent study, so many people that take out loans are confused by APR (annual percentage rates) that it is costing consumers the equivalent of R3,579,000,000 each year.

The study, discussed on MoneyWise, found that one in five (21%) of successful loan applicants received an APR higher than the initial rate advertised. On average, the loans were 2.4% more expensive. This is because consumers are not really getting to grips with the terminology of the loans and don’t look into the small print of the finance options thoroughly enough. Paul Went comments, “The research shows that many consumers feel that the marketing of loans is at best confusing and at worst misleading.”

There seems to be two main problems which comes from the research – the first is that some loan companies advertise ‘teaser rates’ which are not representative of what the consumer can actually receive. Companies need to be clearer about what they are advertising. The second is that people are simply not understanding APR and do not do the right sums before applying. APR is confusing in itself because it is an annual rate; it shows what the loan would cost you if you borrowed that sum of money over a year – but this is confusing as many personal loans are designed to be repaid in just a few months.

To help combat both these problems so that you apply for a loan which is more transparent, some companies have tried to simplify their advertising and their application processes. For instance, Wonga famously added the ‘slider feature’ to their website many years which allows people to see how much they could borrow and for how long, totalling exactly what it will cost them (including interest and fees.) Simply slide the bar up and down to see how a shorter term would cost you less than if you borrowed for longer. The site now also features an updated calculator to reflect their personal loans that last up to 6 months.

In essence, the research shows us that consumers need to be intelligent about what they are applying for and clued up in terms of loan terminology. You’ll see terms like ‘repayment period,’ ‘interest,’ ‘balancing payments’ and ‘fixed interest.’ If you do not understand what you are reading, there are plenty of handy online guides which can help you decipher what is being said.

 

 

Leather is one of the most durable materials around, so you can expect leather items such as furniture, shoes, bags, and clothing to last a long time. The leather itself is expensive, but vintage leather even more so. That is why if we own a vintage leather sofa set or any other leather products for that matter, we should know what to do and what not to do so that it lasts a long time.

Do use it sparingly

Vintage leather is old leather, so if you can, use your vintage furniture sparingly. If you have another couch in the living room that is not leather, use it more often. Reserve your vintage sofa for special occasions. It may not be a practical tip, but you can preserve it that way.

Do clean it regularly

Do not wait long to clean your furniture. Although leather repels pet dander, dust, and dirt, it is not advisable to let them settle on the material for long. A soft cloth should be enough to wipe dust and pet dander away. If there are any spills, blot them with a dry and clean cloth.

Do put a cover over it

Although a drape can ruin the look of the furniture, it will significantly help in preventing scratches on the surface. Choose a color that matches the color of the furniture, so that it doesn’t look too out of place. Putting a cover over your leather furniture will provide a barrier against sharp objects, spills, oils and scratches.

Do stretch out any creases

Expect to have wrinkles in your furniture from years of use. If applying a leather cleaner or protector, stretch out the creases before application. This will allow you to reach all the surfaces without missing any.

Do seek the help of a professional

If you are unsure about how to care for your vintage leather, you can seek the advice of a professional. They will tell you how best to care for it, and what steps you can do to make it last longer.

Don’t expose it to direct sunlight and heat

Heat makes leather dry out and crack. Placing it under direct heat or sunlight shortens its life. Do not place your furniture by the window, or near a fireplace.

Don’t use harsh chemicals

Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your furniture. It will only worsen the situation and damage it.

Don’t use sharp objects near it

This is a pretty obvious one. Sharp objects may not only scratch the leather, but they can also poke holes in it, which can get bigger over time.

As vintage leather is costly, you might as well do everything you can to take care of it, so you get the most bang for your buck. As years go by, vintage leather gets more expensive, so if your furniture is well taken care of, you can even sell it for more money in the future, should you decide to do so.

To read more on topics like this, check out the money category

With new tax codes on the books, many Americans are wondering how it will affect their tax refund. According to recent IRS statistics, the IRS saw a decrease in the number of returns that were filed while taxpayers saw an increase in their refund amount compared to 2018. With the tax laws always changing, it is important to stay up to date with the IRS filing guidelines, so you know what to expect for the next tax year. Optima Tax Relief reviews how the next year may compare and how to maximize your tax refund.

Deduction Changes in 2019

With several tax changes taking effect this year, it is important to research what deductions you qualify for because your money is important. One option is consulting with a qualified tax professional before filing your tax return. Some of the 2019 tax changes include:

• Higher threshold for medical expense deduction
• Elimination of the alimony deduction
• Higher contribution limits for certain retirement accounts
• Higher limits for HSA contributions

Check Your Withholding

With sweeping tax code changes last year, many Americans experienced frustration regarding the filing process, despite a slightly higher refund overall. A new W-4 form will be used starting in 2020, an attempt to modify worker’s withholdings to prevent racking up a tax bill at the end of the year. Taxpayers are encouraged to take a closer look at employer withholdings to ensure a refund, rather than a tax debt at the end of the year. You don’t have to wait to check if your current withholding is enough. Use the IRS Paycheck Checkup tool to ensure you are on track for 2019.

By taking advantage of qualifying deductions and adjusting your withholding, your refund for this next year could increase significantly.

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The beginning of 2019 was a difficult time for many as the nation faced the longest government shutdown in the history of the United States. With the furlough of thousands of federal employees, many branches of the government were not operating at full capacity. The IRS was no exception. The timing couldn’t have been worse — the shutdown occurring at the peak filing time along with confusion surrounding the recent tax code overhaul. Optima Tax Relief investigates just how the IRS was affected during the shutdown and how to prepare yourself if it occurs again.

The Overall Impact

The primary impact of the shutdown was the complete lack of assistance from the IRS. Millions of phone calls went unanswered as Americans scrambled to figure out how to file and how much they owed. For those callers who did get through, they reported excessively long wait times, some waiting more than 80 minutes. An audit prepared by the National Taxpayer Advocate revealed that there were more than 87,000 amended tax returns that were never processed during the shutdown, delaying payments that created a substantial economic effect.

Less Returns Filed

As a result of the chaos caused by the shutdown, fewer Americans filed their returns on time. Data released by the IRS showed that there were 12 percent fewer returns filed, and the agency had processed fewer returns overall. It isn’t surprising that many gave up due to the frustration felt when trying to navigate the new tax changes with little to no guidance from the IRS.

Optima Tax Relief Explores Preventing Future Issues

According to an article by the New York Times, one of the most significant issues that were highlighted during the shutdown is the outdated technology used to record taxpayer accounts. The IRS cites the lack of government funding as the reason they are unable to upgrade this technology. Despite the lack of federal technology upgrades, Americans can take action to prevent future filing issues. By consulting with qualified tax professionals, you can remove the confusion surrounding filing your tax returns. After experiencing the lack of available tax advice from the IRS, it is crucial to have a secondary source of tax information.

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You worked hard to sell your house finally. You spoke with different people and dealt with real estate agents. After a long time of waiting and negotiating, you finally found the right buyer and got a handsome profit out of your decision to sell. Alternatively, you might have sold your property to a wholesale real estate buyer. Simply typing “sell my house fast” into Google search or any other search engine will give you plenty of options for companies that will give you a reasonable offer, and a quick deal.

After the sale, you will have a considerable amount of money on your hands. You need to be cautious in determining what to do with it, so you won’t regret not having priorities. These are some tips to follow after closing the deal.

Keep a copy of all documents

Any transaction you make with the buyer needs to be on paper. You also need to sign these documents. Keep original and authenticated copies of all the papers since you will need them in the future. You might have to use them in order to use any online tax calculator plus use them for for tax purposes and other legal matters. You will be in trouble if you don’t have a copy of the documents.

Keep proof of improvements

You need to keep a copy of all the changes you did to the house before selling it. You can use it as proof that you already sought the appropriate permits and services before selling the property. If the new owner experiences problems, it might have something to do with the quality of the service provided. They might need to contact the company that did the repairs and maintenance.

Invest your money wisely

You need to put the money you gained out of the sale to good use. You can purchase a new property elsewhere if you think that’s the wisest use of your money. Find a property that is perfect for your needs. You sold your house for specific reasons. You don’t want to consider selling again soon because you don’t like the new property you purchased.

If you don’t intend to buy a new house soon, you can look for an investment that will increase your money after some time. Avoid keeping your money in a checking or savings account. They won’t grow your money even after saving it there for a long time.

Make sure that you select the best firm for investments, so you won’t lose your money. Look for reliable companies with years of experience in the industry, so you’ll feel confident that they will grow your money.

Rent a place

Now that you are out of your house, you need to consider where to live. You don’t need to buy a new property right away. Take your time to search for the next place to live so you won’t regret buying it. There’s no shame in deciding to rent a house first while you decide which property to purchase. You can stay there if you’re comfortable and move out when you’re ready.

To read more on topics like this, check out the money category