#there is still more to worry about beyond this in terms of upcoming finances and feeling the need to work for money as much as i can since

[heliophaestus]

.

[eruden-writes]

Intentions - Part 3 (alien x human)

Summary: In the future, humans are nearly universal surrogates and Earth has taken to profiting off the ability. However, while humans can intermix with aliens, it doesn’t mean it’s without complications.

When Taliyra signed up to be a Companion to an alien, she had expectations. Mainly a lot of sex in an attempt to conceive an alien baby. What she didn’t expect was her counterpart to be so distant and - for lack of a better term - relatively hands off. For all intents and purposes, Khravel seems completely disinterested in her and will not hold a discussion to explain why.

After four months of this behavior, she’s had enough. Confronting Khravel, she gives him an ultimatum: either he sits down and talks with her about what the problem is or she’s going back to Proxypanion and requesting a transfer.

---

First - Previous - Next

---

Taking another deep breath, Khravel pushed off from the wall and made his way back to his quarters. He tried to turn his mind toward his work; political machinations, moving finances, potential hiccups in the day-to-day life of the planet. A nagging itch still prickled beneath his fore-thoughts, faint memories of Taliyra’s gasps and movements, the brief feel of her against him, her pleading. His partially sated need sparked through him, already wanting more, but he silenced it.

He was determined not to hurt Taliyra, or anyone, the way he had hurt Avry. And that was the end of it.

—

“Miss Deyva, what a surprise! What brings you to the office wing?” The Tivikonian receptionist roused Taliyra from her mental psyche-up as she approached Khravel’s office. She paused right in front of the reception desk, blinking as she looked to Mx. E’verra.

Unlike the homier styles of the residential wing, the business wing served explicitly functionality. Tall windows lined many of the walls, overlooking the surrounding city and beyond. Constant reminders of what everyone within those walls were working to protect. Screens interspersed on the walls, rotating information including project timelines, schedules, upcoming public events, and accolades for particular employees.

Taliyra had barely realized she had gotten so close – to the point where she had to be buzzed in by the receptionist – since she was going over her script to Khravel.

Focusing on E’verra, she realized they smiled at her in a tense and confused sort of way. Right, she couldn’t just waltz into his workspace. He could be taking a video call or overlooking confidential documentation. The receptionist was sweet and well-mannered, in Taliyra’s experience, though prone to anxiety and stress. Their four hands fidgeted as they stared at her, projecting their numerous worries through actions.

“I’m sorry, I was deep in thought,” Taliyra sighed and shook her head, rubbing her temple. That morning, she had already spent time journey to and discussing options with a case manager at the ProxyPanion office on Tivik. Her mind still sloshed with the details and new questions that the meeting had presented. One thing had not changed. “I need to meet with Khravel.”

“Oh! Delegate Iedro has a meeting in about forty-five minutes, but I’m sure he can squeeze you in before then.” Something in Mx. E’verra loosened and, though their expression waffled between surprised interest to uncertainty, it did settle into something akin to decisiveness. Scurrying back to their desk, they hit a button. The doorway in front of Taliyra buzzed, before humming open. “Go ahead. Three doors down and to the right.”

With a grateful smile to Mx. E’verra, Taliyra strode through the doorway and down the hall. She hadn’t expected it to be difficult to gain access to the more restricted areas. The knowledge she was Khravel’s Companion was well-known and their arrangement gave them much leeway. Which was likely why so many emotions had fluttered over E’verra’s face before letting her through.

It wasn’t long before she found Khravel’s door, his name displayed on the inlaid screen. Beneath his name, the words ‘available’ flickered in various languages. Taliyra hit the touchpad by his door, requesting entry. She held her breath for a second, before another buzz answered and the door slid open.

As Taliyra stepped over the threshold, she eyed his office. It was a large room with a high ceiling and dangling lights. His desk sat at the far end, right in front of a huge shelf inlaid into the wall. Knickknacks, memorabilia, moving photographs, and more filled the shelves. But it was all organized clutter. The whole place was clean, save for his desk where multiple tablets were strewn, along with a huge-to-humans coffee cup. And it infuriatingly smelled like him. She hadn’t quite nailed down the aroma, but it reminded her of coffee and something rich, deep, heady.

Khravel himself sat at ease, his body leaning toward the right where an elbow braced his wait on the chair arm. His other right hand pressed to the side of his face as his upper-left held the tablet and lower-left tapped a rhythm on the other armchair. He was angled in such a way, she could see his long legs were crossed one over the other.

He didn’t even look up from whatever he was reviewing. “Yes?”

Squeezing her hands tighter together, Taliyra willed her voice to remain steady. “I need to talk to you.”

He was not expecting her, of all people. Khravel’s reaction was automatic. His body stilled in such a way, it was as if he was instantly paralyzed from her very words. After a breath, his eyes angled toward her though the rest of him did not move. “What?”

“I need to talk to you,” Taliyra repeated, her hands still folded in front of her. Straightening her back and rooting her stance, his reaction only solidified her resolve.

“It couldn’t wait until later?” He still didn’t move, though he did set his tablet aside. His brain was having a difficult time processing this turn of events. Taliyra was here. This was not her quarters. This was his office. He had a job to do, but she was here. And that stirred something sharp and hot deep within his loins.

Fuck, he had played himself, hadn’t he? He’d conditioned his body to rouse whenever she was around and now that’s how it reacted in her very presence. Even in his office.

“No, it cannot wait,” she bit out the words, though her tone remained professional.

Khravel’s jaw worked back and forth as he and Taliyra locked gazes. He could just send her away, tell her not to bother him during his work time. It would have been that simple. But she set her jaw and leered at him with such determined fire, it was hard not to crumple beneath the look. Heaving a sigh, he grudgingly waved a hand toward the empty chair across from his desk. “What is it?”

Taliyra remained standing, hands still folded in front of her. “I spoke with the local ProxyPanion office, requesting a re-assignment.”

His eyes widened a sliver, but he didn’t say anything. He knew she had gone to the office, simply due to the security detail he had following her whenever she went out, but he’d assumed it was a typical check-in. However, unlike her casual wear or even the nightly gauzy dress, she currently sported a three-piece navy blue dress suit, with deep blue blazer, vest, and skirt coupled with a white button-up. Whatever she had discussed with ProxyPanion representatives, it was not some idling updates.

For the life of him, he couldn’t not imagine how it’d feel to pop the buttons off her vest and blouse, hike her skirt high as he bent her over a desk. Like his body, Khravel clamped down on those thoughts, refusing to let them get further.

“They’ve filed my complaint and said to give them an update in two months. If nothing changes, if I have the same complaints, then they will be reassigning me elsewhere.” She barreled on as guilt pinged through her, watching Khravel’s reaction. Too fucking bad, another part of her thought. He brought this on himself. Which turned her thoughts, and words, toward a curious path. “However, this is the second time a Companion has been reassigned under you which is not a good look for Tivik. According to the representative I spoke to.”

He’d never told her about Avry. He’d assumed Taliyra was simply told. It would make sense to prepare a Companion before shipping them off to an alien planet, right? Judging from her suspicious look, that was not the case. The fact she was his second Companion, and he was one of the few to spearhead Companion industry on Tivik, made his failure with Avry burn all the hotter.

If he lost Taliyra, he would still have a third chance, but after that… well, he’d have to reapply for consideration. Since he was a higher-up, him losing the permission to have a Companion could paint the whole planet poorly. All current Companions on the planet could be revoked. It had happened to other planets, after all. Khravel held himself still again, his mind battling carnal reactions while trying to figure out the best conclusion to this interaction.

“This leads me to believe you are particularly terrible at sex and need lessons or something else is going on here.” Taliyra narrowed her eyes, frustrated at his lack of reaction. Shaking her head, knowing her own anger got the best of her with her earlier words, she sighed, “Either way, we have two months to fix this.”

“What exactly are your complaints?” His fingers returned to tapping, although it was a heavier agitated drum this time. He couldn’t help but stare at her in that dress suit, see himself unbuttoning the vest or hiking that skirt up. An unhelpful path of thought. It wasn’t going to aid him. He tried to shove it aside, only to be met with more intense images of popping the buttons from her blouse and bending her over his very desk.

“The sex is unenjoyable and you refuse to communicate with me.” The heat was rising in the room and she couldn’t be bothered to soften her accusations. The steady way he watched her aggravated her, while simultaneously making her lower tummy tighten. Instead, she raised her wrist and typed in a communique to Khravel on her tech gauntlet. Sending over the data the ProxyPanion office has given her, she asserted, “Research on the efficacy of surrogates between Terran and non-Terrans tend to highlight how enjoyable relations tend to beget better results.”

Khravel’s own wrist tech pinged in response, receiving the data she had sent. However, he didn’t even look at it. He just steadily stared at her, his jaw tight. Bruised ego and guilt threaded through his thoughts, but his words took on a harsher edge as he asked, “Do you believe barging into my office, during my workday, to accuse me of being bad at sex was your best option?”

---

Next

If you like my content, please consider supporting me on:  *:･ﾟ✧ Patreon or  Ko-Fi *:･ﾟ✧

[danielarzani78-blog]

Purchasing Automobiles

You will also discover that the automobile transportation prices are usually higher on a per-mile foundation for shorter distances shipping service, while they're cheaper for longer trips.  Electric automobiles still have a very long way to go before they get to the mainstream marketplace.  The vehicle removal provider in Gold coast can supply you reliable services of successful removal as well they pay you a nice volume.

Automobiles Explained

Frequently the rotors might appear somewhat warped because of scarring, not enable them to be smooth again they'd need to be resurfaced. Our group of Kia Certified technicians can assist you with everything from a simple oil change to a critical issue by means of your drivetrain or engine. If your engine appears to be taking more time to warm up, it might be the fault of a poor car thermostat. Most modern vehicles marketed towards the normal consumer has some kind of power steering installed. One of the most frequent is using silver-plating for brass or copper electrical connectors. If you are thinking about about the scrap metal that's lying on your garage then there's no need to worry. New Ideas Into Automobiles Never Before Revealed It is possible to select spare parts depending on the model of tractor. The awful alternator diode can produce the circuit charge notwithstanding once the motor is closed off, and you wind up toward the start of the day with an automobile that won't begin. Now, the engine is in its idle speed, and can't pull the automobile up the slope in the event the clutch is engaged. Unfortunately, you could need to try out numerous O-rings before you discover a pair that work. However, a bigger wheel rotation will cause more side forces on the tires, which may damage them. But a bigger opening and a decrease loading lip could have make it even more practical. New Ideas Into Automobiles Never Before Revealed Windshields serve an extremely important purpose in automobiles, though many drivers don't know about this reality. The conditions and length of the warranty are based on the mileage of the vehicle at the moment you purchase it. The automobile continues to develop at an extremely quick pace. Another is if you want to overtake a vehicle quickly. You don't want to get an over priced vehicle simply because you became so eager. Also it is very efficient. The Chronicles of Automobiles Technical problems can arise in nearly every automobile, even in Chevrolet automobiles, even if they've been performing quite efficiently from quite a while. We're the type of Charlotte, NC used car dealer that will help you decide precisely what you're searching for. Speak to us with any questions regarding your next traditional automobile. Our on-line inventory is perpetually being dated with listings of vehicles offered in our showroom, for instance, new Kia models. Numerous car brands are sold in the united states by number of car dealers based on the requirements of individuals. Whether you're simply purchasing a vehicle or truck or trading in your previous vehicle, we will come across a financing plan which works for you! You don't need a license or insurance to operate a vehicle on private property. Our service department provides the parts and accessories your Fiat should remain safe on the street for a lot more years to come. Now let's find your ideal vehicle. Automobiles Features Transporting a car isn't an overly complicated procedure, even though it might appear like that from the outside, especially in case you've never done it before. We take every step to make sure your vehicle receives the very best service possible. The towing industry is a quick growing industry in the United States of america. I also had to get in touch with Kia customer affairs to acquire my money reimbursed on account of their trip interruption policy and finally have a case manager for it. If you would like to locate an excellent mechanic you must look about and check their qualifications and accreditations. Our finance team is here to help you through the full auto loan procedure, and we work hard to locate the finance option that's perfect for you! Want to Know More About Automobiles? Never go beyond your financial plan just because plenty of individuals are bidding for that specific motor vehicle. There are many vehicle removal businesses in the Gold coast of Australia which help in disposing of all the junks in 1 go and you're ready to make a very good amount of money in return. There are lots of available approaches to purchase cheap cars which are still in relatively good shape. You are also able to get a quote instantly here. Kia has been quite successful worldwide particularly in the previous few years and now it's heading our way. For lots of people, purchasing a vehicle is among the priciest purchases they will make. The Automobiles Pitfall The automobile is just one of the most fascinating devices that an individual can own. Based on the amount of complaints and the degree of risk from non-collision car fires, it's reasonable to conclude that more Kias and Hyundais will catch on fire, resulting in fatalities or serious injuriesif they haven't done so already. Listed below are the primary causes of urban sprawl. Issigonis was attempting to get the best space efficiency in a little vehicle. Both engines are fine in the majority of daily driving situations, but you will need to plan ahead of time and dig in the accelerator for quicker passing maneuvers and merges. We've got a couple easy elements which make pricing easy. What the In-Crowd Won't Tell You About Automobiles Nevertheless, later it was sold out. But if there's a big obstruction in the street, you may want to slow down to walking speed, and this also requires engaging the clutch when in 2nd gear. Likewise if your automobile isn't in running condition, that ought to be mentioned also. Unfortunately, you could need to try out numerous O-rings before you discover a pair that work. However, a bigger wheel rotation will cause more side forces on the tires, which may damage them. In reality, the entire intention of the gear box is to ensure the engine works in the power band in any way times. Want to Know More About Automobiles? It's also beneficial to have a whole shipping timeframe in mind if you should vehicle shipped by a particular date. The term can be extended to lower monthly payments, or you'll be able to pay a bit more to shorten the length of your loan. If you have something else in your mind, like starting your own company, then you need to definitely go ahead with your plan with the right research. Our dealership is composed of real folks who are devoted to excellence and who stand behind their word. Obviously, a new car may not be in the cards for everybody at this very moment. FIAT of Clear Lake specialists are here in order to answer your questions regarding the FIAT 500. Definitions of Automobiles In order to look for items in the collection that you'll need to search the catalog or ask a librarianfor support. Any individual or entity operating under the conditions of dealerships or franchise and engaged in the selling or distribution of automobiles is an automobile dealer. There are a few vendors, who also specialize in providing customized products in accordance with the specifications and drawings given in the buyers. New Ideas Into Automobiles Never Before Revealed We also carry a page devoted to everything you might want to understand about Auto Transport here. Find out more about why you must choose National Transport here. Automotive technology proceeds to move forward into the upcoming huge innovation. To acquire extra details on Boydstun kindly look at Storage Googleapis Hence, besides providing you premium high quality exhaust system auto parts, the shop also provides great Auto Parts Discount deals for every single replacement and aftermarket automobile part you buy. Quality Service Center Our FIAT of Strongsville dealership in the Strongsville area provides a massive inventory of vehicles and the services necessary to look after your car or truck. To begin with, by offering an amazing choice of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep RAM and FIAT parts for you to select from when maintaining your vehicle. You don't need a license or insurance to operate a vehicle on private property. Our service department provides the parts and accessories your Fiat should remain safe on the street for a lot more years to come. Certified Mitsubishi automobile Service Every vehicle needs routine maintenance and at times it requires an unfortunate body restoration. Automobiles - Is it a Scam? One of the chief choices you will have to make when shipping an automobile is what kind of transport you require, which boils down to what kind of trailer is necessary. In the past couple of years the usage of stainless steel for automobiles has increased. Gamma-Butyrolactone has been utilized in the production of small capacitors and batteries. The main reason why rotors were drilled in the very first place was supposed to alleviate the gas that was created while the pad material began to breakdown (burn). One of the most frequent is using silver-plating for brass or copper electrical connectors. Among the more prevalent forms of alloy that's used for corrosion resistance is stain less steel. Automobiles - Is it a Scam? You have to obtain all of the necessary documents and license number to be certain your vehicle follow all legitimate policies while it's on road. Recyclers collect used ATF so that it doesn't become leaked into the surroundings. The towing industry is a quick growing industry in the United States of america. Not to mention you are spending a lot less, and gaining about 5 decades of warranty in contrast to the competitors. Only once you hire an automobile removal business in Gold Coast you have the chance to earn some money out of it. Come to see our BusinessLink team prepared to serve all of your business requirements. New Ideas Into Automobiles Never Before Revealed It's utilised to prevent the vehicle from unwanted damages. Those who suffer injuries because of defective windshields might be eligible for financial damages. It is one of the most important inventions ever created by man. When any of these pieces are faulty, the general security of the vehicle comes into question. The primary gauges are large, easy, and simple to read. A comparatively rare site on the street. The Automobiles Game In general, approximately 20,000 models are made in a specific calendar year, with the normal manufacturing run for someone model more than a five year period rarely exceeding 1000. The growth of external combustion engines is detailed as a member of the history of the vehicle, but often treated separately from the growth of true cars. The prevalence of the electric car was hampered by too little battery-charging infrastructure. If you opt to use these kinds of mechanics you're at risk since if they damage your car you will need to fork out the costs yourself. We've got a couple easy elements which make pricing easy. Want to Know More About Automobiles? The next time you drive just look around. You will spare a bundle if you purchase a Russian pair in comparison to a German one. If you're thinking about buying a used vehicle, you've come to the perfect spot. You are able to pick distinct and high quality of pats online. I figured this is the type of job that would be accomplished by laser-eyed Terminator robots all over the world. We are going to work with you to make sure that your needs are satisfied and that you stay informed during every step of your automobile shipping experience. Automobiles at a Glance If you are not able to find an appropriate vehicle, please get in touch with us immediately, as we may well have one arriving within a day or two, or we'll have the ability to locate one for you quickly. It is regarded as the birth year of the modern car. You shouldn't operate the vehicle just in the very first gear. You don't want to get an over priced vehicle simply because you became so eager. Also it can be easily navigated through traffic. Who Else Wants to Learn About Automobiles? Generally speaking, cutting rotors is just a band-aid. In the past couple of years the usage of stainless steel for automobiles has increased. As an example, the very best batteries can store just a small percent of the energy of a gallon of gasoline in the exact same volume. Most modern vehicles marketed towards the normal consumer has some kind of power steering installed. So by way of example if there's a problem with your brakes they can provide you advice on whether you want to replace the brakes, brake discs or brake pads. When you're deciding on the sort of alloy that you're going to opt to utilize it's important to pick the best one. Automobiles: the Ultimate Convenience! Even when you are below the typical factory warranty, a Mopar Vehicle Protection Plan can boost your coverage. Find out more about why you must choose National Transport here. Automotive technology proceeds to move forward into the upcoming huge innovation. Napleton Automotive has existed since 1931! New Holland Tractor Spare Part provides a best remedy to clients. They are mostly preferred by people as they are faster mode of transportation and more comfortable than any other vehicle. If you go to our West Palm Beach dealership for your auto sales needs you are certain to obtain an outstanding vehicle at a good price and you'll get amazing customer service from our specialists. Our service department provides the parts and accessories your Fiat should remain safe on the street for a lot more years to come. Now let's find your ideal vehicle. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Automobiles A good deal of accidents happen because of the conditions of the highways that are visited. Sexual languages like private pieces of sexual actions are prohibited on this wiki. Listed here are the principal effects of urban sprawl. The prevalence of the electric car was hampered by too little battery-charging infrastructure. The growth in popularity of the automobile allowed cities to sprawl, therefore encouraging more travel by car causing inactivity and obesity, which then can result in increased probability of a wide range of diseases. We've got a couple easy elements which make pricing easy. A Startling Fact about Automobiles Uncovered Many O-rings available on the market are sub-standard regarding quality. Nowadays, many suppliers are providing large quantities of spare parts with good quality to clients. A massive portion of Hyundai positioning their company on the market has been their capacity to support themselves. The Basic Facts of Automobiles It is possible to select spare parts depending on the model of tractor. The awful alternator diode can produce the circuit charge notwithstanding once the motor is closed off, and you wind up toward the start of the day with an automobile that won't begin. Now, the engine is in its idle speed, and can't pull the automobile up the slope in the event the clutch is engaged. No matter what kind of auto you might be interested in, while it's a bigger model that has lots of cargo space, or a new FIAT convertible which has a smooth design, or perhaps you're seeking that sporty ride for weekend driving. Thus, a compact sports car is going to have much lower drag when compared with a van for exactly the same velocity. In reality, the entire intention of the gear box is to ensure the engine works in the power band in any way times.

The Tried and True Method for Automobiles in Step by Step Detail

You have to obtain all of the necessary documents and license number to be certain your vehicle follow all legitimate policies while it's on road.  Recyclers collect used ATF so that it doesn't become leaked into the surroundings. Many automobile industries have a tendency to concentrate on identifying customer demands and fulfilling their requirements.

I also had to get in touch with Kia customer affairs to acquire my money reimbursed on account of their trip interruption policy and finally have a case manager for it.  Our finance department can adjust variables to be certain that your loan will fit the way you live.  Come to see our BusinessLink team prepared to serve all of your business requirements.

[cassatine]

Wait, I've been reading your posts on Macron (I'm not really well-versed in the nuances of French politics, so I may be getting something wrong here) but it seems you're saying that he's acting like a dictator, refusing to cede power, using the army to maintain his control... but when that scottish blogger cybersmith said it, you said that was wrong. Is Macron a tyrant or not? (also, I hope yor okay, some people have been hurt)

Yeah huh what “that scottish blogger” actually said, and I quote:

Does it not alarm you that Macron has announced his intention to rule your homeland and countrymen in perpetuity as an eternal dictator, even going so far as to proclaim himself a manifestation of divinity? Or do you still find this preferable to the possibility of a (humanely implemented) regime change carried out by concerned neighbour-states?

and

I did warn you about Macron. Now he has openly declared his intention to rule France as an immortal god-king.

and

He… Literally compared himself to a pagan sky-father. I’m not being a conspiracy theorist. He makes no secret of it now that he has won the election.

and

As a French person, would you be in favour of a New Reconquista to rescue the lands of Europe from Illuminati-Backed Jihadism? I am planning to ask my MP to bring this up on the House Of Commons (because of the upcoming GE in the UK) but it occurs to me that such an endeavour would necessarily start in France, and I hadn't discussed this with any French People. Do you think foreign intervention -from the Occidental nations that yet remain free- will be necessary to unseat the vile Satrap Macron? 

and, from an unanswered ask because I HAVE FUCKING LIMITS.

When I pointed out that your country would be better of under a monarch, or with externally-imposed regime change, you scoffed at me. Now the aspiring god-king is readying his merciless troops to slaughter your countrymen, cementing his iron rule with a mortar of blood and tears. I was correct, from the very beginning.

I mean I don’t want to sound mean, anon, but there is a difference between "Macron & his gvt are flirting with authoritarianism by exploiting the weakness of the Vth Republics institutions and of representative democracy because he’s fucked, with on one side a population that doesn’t want his reforms and on the other the private interests that helped him get where he is (+the actually hard-to-avoid obligations that come with being part of the EU)" and "immortal god-king” bullshit. 

I bolded the important parts. Look, what Macron & co are doing is gaming the system, so to speak (see first bolded part), and not to establish some kind of dictatorship headed by an immortal god-king or whatever, but because overall the french are chauvinists attached to their conception of social and economic justice who have been noping in the face of unchecked neoliberalism, and that’s no good for das kapital. Macron’s doing exactly what’s been done by many others -- he went from banking to public service, and he probably intends to go back to banking, and the point of his public stint isn’t politics or even ruling or power, it’s to enact reforms benefitting his class and open the door wide to that unchecked neoliberalism the general public doesn’t like much. His plans for Europe are in the continuity of this. 

But the thing is, Macron didn’t really do anything our previous gvts. didn’t do (beyond not bothering to hide his class disdain, which certainly helped to get people against him. most politicians at least have the sense to use lube before fucking us over, but his party is amazingly shitty on that end), he’s just... accelerated the cadence. And sure he got where he is and did what he’s been doing not without some very illegal shit, but mostly because systemically the conditions were already there for him or someone like him -- there’s this old joke that everyone here knows and that says it all: we don’t have a president, we have a king.

Now don’t get me wrong, what’s going on here is shitty, and I’m afraid because it’s far from over, but we still have quiiite a way to go before dictatorship (we do have counterpowers, even the Senate got in on it), and I hate to admit it but if Macron’s refusing to step down of like, his own initiative, there is no ongoing procedure or motion or whatever that would obligate him to. As to the army, that shit is scary af but again, there’s a nuance to make -- although I’m really fucking scared that they might end up firing on people during protests and the communication around their deployment at the last protest was abysmal, the gvt. doesn’t want them to fire. I’m afraid it will happen not in the sense that they will be ordered to fire, I’m not quite there yet, but in the sense that the Sentinelle (the concerned unit) are not trained for crowd control. The gvt. also doesn’t want to use them outside of the specific context of GJ protests (and yknow, their actual duties). The Sentinelle people are an anti-terrorism brigade, and calling them specifically is part of the ongoing effort to depict GJ as... well, terrorists, or at the very least definitely dangerous. 

It was also a gambit. They’re still hoping they’ll find THE thing to keep the GJ home, and the fact that they’re down to waving the threat of the army around (and again, I Worry, but that’s what putting the Sentinelle specifically where the GJ are not supposed to protest amounts to, abysmal communication notwithstanding) when people are already aware protesting might kill them (because it happened!!), among other ugly consequences is scary af, yes, but it’s also a sign that the gvt.’s options to maintain itself have dwindled something crazy. You call the army when you’re losing control, not when you have it. 

Because again, our man Manu is kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, he’s got the GJ and little popular support, and an actual politician would have to factor that. But on the other hand, that boy owes. He owes to those who helped put him where he is to defend their interests and who keep helping him so that he keeps doing exactly that. He can’t give the GJ what they want without losing that support, he can’t leave without losing that support, and without it he’s just plain fucked. 

So basically we’re in a complicated situation! The specters of full-blown authoritarianism, plutocratic dictatorship, and who knows what other horrors loom on the horizon. But so do others, like the specter of our victory, and now that we’ve seen it...

The thing is that we’ve won a huge battle already, because Macron was supposed to deliver a success story. He was supposed to reform the unreformable! To maintain the oh so practical ‘populism’ (ie. the far right and the left -- it’s not quite the same here as in the US, but we’re seeing a similar displacement of meaning wrt. the left, the far left and the ‘center’) vs ‘liberalism’ (ie. unchecked neoliberalism basically) pseudo-opposition, in which one is the only solution to the other, the only alternative! He was supposed to be the youthful, energic face of progressism, a Mozart of finance who would deliver where traditional politicians couldn’t. He was supposed to unite ze french beyond political and social divides (and he kinda did do that, ironically enough), and a bunch of shit besides. 

We fucked that up, and we fucked it up good. Most of the merit is his, though -- he got us to the current situation. He got us to people asking for his head (metaphorically), but more than that, he got us to realize what’s become a slogan: fin du monde, fin du mois, même combat -- end of the world, end of the month, same fight, and he got us talking about the relative merits of participative and representative democracy and how our institutions should work and for whom because collective intelligence is actually a thing and we realized he is a symptom and it’s the root we need to go after. Not that no one knew it before, but the trajectory from protests against an oil tax to the protests we have now, that’s a victory unto itself.  

Anyway, I forgot the point somewhere, but overall, going from the symbolic “jupiterian presidency” WHICH IS WHAT TCS WAS REFERRING TO FFS to the painfully literal “Macron has announced his intention to rule your homeland and countrymen in perpetuity as an eternal dictator, even going so far as to proclaim himself a manifestation of divinity“ etc etc is still a really bad take (and I’m not Going There but “New Reconquista” is not an innocuous term). Reality is weird and shitty enough as it is, thanks.

[whittlebaggett8]

Wall Street is worried that Tesla’s going broke yet again, Defence Online

caption

Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

source

NTB Scanpix/Heiko Junge/via REUTERS

After two profitable quarters in a row, Tesla is once again in financial trouble.

The company has guided down first quarter expectations, and analysts are worried about margins on the new Model 3.

Plus, the company has taken on more debt and has a $566 million bill to pay in November.

Just over a month after Tesla CEO Elon Musk told investors that the company would be profitable going forward, its finances are once again the subject of Wall Street’s most intense scrutiny. Tesla skeptics see blood in the water, while the company’s supporters (still optimistic for the long term) have resigned themselves to yet another nail-biter of a year.

Of course, Wall Street being what it is, all this inevitably meant there would be a gentleman’s wager (for charity, of course). And so there was.

“If Tesla reports even one profitable quarter in 2019 (defined as ‘Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders’ from the 10Q/10K above zero), I will make a donation in the amount of your wager to a charity of your choice,” investor Whitney Tilson wrote in an email to clients and friends. (If you took this bet, feel free to reach out to this correspondent at llopez@businessinsider.com.)

Tesla’s 2019 was not supposed to look like this.

In 2018, it achieved a somewhat steady (though below promised) production of the Model 3, its lower-priced sedan that was supposed to bring electric vehicles to the everyman. The company had two consecutive quarters of profitability for the first time in its history (third quarter and fourth quarter). And in March, it defied its critics and paid off a $920 million loan.

The good times did not last.

At the end of February, Musk shocked the Street when he announced that, to sell the standard Model 3 at about $35,000, it would have to close many of its stores and sell cars mainly online. To analysts all over Wall Street, that was a distress signal.

And looking forward through 2019, it’s unclear who or what could come to Tesla’s rescue.

Questionable margins, questionable demand

“International deliveries have begun and are not progressing without some delays; when combined with our expectation that Model S/Model X deliveries disappoint (we lower our 1Q19 delivery forecast), we now expect a meaningful working capital headwind in 1Q19 – and for quarter-ending cash to come closer to the $2bn mark,” the Goldman Sachs analyst David Tamberrino wrote in a note to clients on Wednesday.

It sounds like a lot, but Tesla has some hefty bills to pay and plans to execute. The company needs about $1 billion to $1.5 billion to just run itself, according to analysts. That means having cash come in as soon as possible is paramount.

The company’s recent moves have some worried. For even the most optimistic analysts, Tesla’s rush to the standard Model 3 and move to online sales was a sign that demand for higher-priced, higher-margin versions of the car was all but spent. Over at the investment bank Cowen, the analyst Jeff Osborne called the move a ‘”Hail Mary” and said he also saw it as a sign that Tesla was unsuccessful at reducing Model 3 production costs.

It’s unclear what kind of margins (or loss) Tesla is making by speeding up the release of the standard Model 3. Musk was adamant about not answering questions about that in a call with reporters earlier this month. More optimistic analysts, such as Emmanuel Rosner at Deutsche Bank, say that Tesla’s cost-cutting effort will still result in a 25% margin by the end of the year.

“We believe Tesla management has a reasonably good handle on its cost trajectory, so whether Tesla can indeed achieve its 25% gross margin target before the end of this year may largely depend on the trim mix of Model 3 demand,” Rosner told Business Insider in an email.

In other words, if people trick out their standard Model 3s with extras, Tesla might be able to make its margins. If not, who knows.

In the meantime, we know there isn’t a lot of cash coming in at the moment. Musk went back on his promise to continue the company’s profitability and told shareholders that the first quarter would not be profitable. Musk said this was a result of one-time charges and challenges of getting cars delivered to China and Europe.

It’s all in the timing

So maybe 2019 is a soft year for Tesla- so what? It’s just one year. Plus, auto sales around the world are declining, so everyone is in trouble. US sales saw their worst February since 2015, and even sales in China are contracting. Every carmaker is going to feel the burn – this is why GM keep tens of billions in cash on their balance sheet. Cars are a cyclical business.

In contrast, Tesla is entering this downturn without much of a cushion to speak of.

According to government filings Tesla just raised around $520 million from a syndicate of Chinese state banks in order to build a third Gigafactory in Shanghai. The funds can only be used to build the Shanghai factory, and the loan will mature on March 4th of next year. That means Tesla has a short time to turn this factory, and this money, around.

In the same filing, Tesla told investors that it added another $500 million to an asset-backed revolving credit facility it has with Deutsche Bank. It extended the maturity date for that now-$2.425 billion loan to July 1, 2023.

So just as Tesla paid its $920 million loan on March 1, it added another $1 billion in debt to its balance sheet.

In November Tesla has another big bill to pay too – $566 million worth of convertible debt related to the company’s takeover of SolarCity back in 2014. The price at which this debt converts into stock is $759.36 – a price the stock has no hope of touching where it sits now at around $275. So Tesla will have to pay this bill in cash.

A Tesla spokesperson insisted that the company does not “expect any changes in our ability to service debt obligations.” Moody’s, on the other hand, published a recent note that described Tesla’s credit profile as “strained” due to “ongoing operational missed steps and strategy reversals over a short time period.”

The proof of Moody’s point is in the numbers. From year to year, the company’s expenses have ballooned beyond what it has been projecting. This is important to note as it plans to begin manufacturing Model 3s in China before the year is out and Model Ys in the US in 2020.

Here’s how Tesla’s projections have played out over the 2 years:

Tesla’s 2017 annual report projected contractual obligations of $5.6 billion in 2019.

Tesla’s 2018 annual report, however, projected contractual obligations of $8.1 billion in 2019.

The lion’s share of that $8.1 billion comes from purchase obligations, here’s how those projections fared:

In 2017 the company projected that 2019’s purchase obligations would come to about $2.7 billion.

In 2018 that number exploded to $4.8 billion.

This is an indication that the Model 3 has been more expensive to build than Tesla thought. In its filings, Tesla notes that purchase obligations include “any additional amounts we may have to pay vendors if we do not meet certain minimum purchase obligations.”

On Thursday, Tesla rolled out the Model Y, a crossover SUV built from the Model 3 platform. Tesla said that the two cars share 70% of parts (something the company tried and failed to achieve with the Model S and Model X, which share less than a third of their parts). Tesla reportedly also has yet to figure out exactly where it’s going to build the Model Y, which is scheduled for production in 2020.

Gene Munster of venture capital firm Loup Ventures says reservations for the Model Y won’t impress, coming in much lower than the Model 3’s 325,000 reservation in a week. He estimates there will be about 175,000 Model Y reservations two weeks after its unveiling. This is considering the fact that Model Y production is a year and a half away and lots of die hard Tesla fans got a Model 3.

In fact, cannibalization is on more than a few people’s minds.

“In our view, the recent announcement by Tesla of its upcoming Model Y unveiling event was perceived negatively by the market, partly due to concerns that Model Y could cannibalize current Model 3 sales given the general industry shift from sedans to trucks/SUVs,” Rosner told Defence Online before the unveiling. “Therefore, any announcement by Tesla that addresses these concerns could be positive for the stock.”

But they were not addressed at Thursday’s unveiling, and on Friday when the market opened Tesla’s stock was down almost 4%.

Have any experience working for Tesla or with Tesla as a supplier? Contact me at llopez@businessinsider.com.

The post Wall Street is worried that Tesla’s going broke yet again, Defence Online appeared first on Defence Online.

from WordPress https://defenceonline.com/2019/03/15/wall-street-is-worried-that-teslas-going-broke-yet-again-defence-online/

[phynxrizng]

DAILY ASTROLOGY REPORTS AND HOROSCOPES FOR 4-19-17

ASTROLOGY TOOLS FREE NATAL CHART REPORT ABOUT CONTACT Astrology Cafe Daily Astrology

DAILY ASTROLOGY TODAY MONTHLY Astrology of Today – Thursday, April 20, 2017

Apr 19, 2017 by ANNIE LEAVE A COMMENT



The Moon is in Aquarius. The Moon is waning and in its Waning Gibbous phase until 5:56 AM, after which the Moon is waning and in its Last Quarter phase. The Last Quarter Moon occurs at 5:56 AM. The Sun spends its first day in Taurus (the Sun is in Taurus from April 19-May 20). Retrograde Mercury enters Aries today (Mercury is in Aries from April 20-May 16). Pluto stations and turns retrograde today (Pluto is retrograde from April 20-September 28). Mercury is retrograde (Mercury is retrograde from April 9-May 3). Venus is in its post-retrograde shadow until May 18th. Times are EDT. Horoscopes Aries



With Pluto reaching its yearly retrograde station today, dear Aries, your long-term goals may require some reconsideration or review. There can be the need to make some changes to your approach to career matters or goals. You may need to take a hard look at business, finances, or intimate relationships now. This cycle lasts until late September. While pressures and fears can be magnified this week as the cycle begins, once you grow accustomed to the shift, you’ll get the chance to detach and observe just enough to gain a better perspective. Also today, retrograde Mercury moves back into your sign where it will spend the remainder of the retrograde period (until May 3rd) and beyond (until May 16th). Some personal plans may stall in the upcoming two weeks. Decisions may not be easy during this period, but you’ll do well for yourself if you give yourself room and space to get to conclusions.

Taurus

Pluto begins its yearly retrograde period today, dear Taurus, a cycle that lasts until late September. This can be a time for returning to previous studies or update your skills. Partnerships require more thought or strategy. While you’re taking matters to heart, you are less inclined to take action and more inclined to reflect on matters related to relationships, your educational path, a long-term project, and opinions or beliefs. Also today, retrograde Mercury moves back into your privacy sector after spending some time in your sign. While the Sun is newly in your sign and you have more clout and personal presence, there can be some mystery surrounding you. Decision-making may be particularly challenging but simply requires more time. Your mind may be looping back to the same old problems. Some of the decisions made and projects started in March can come up for review now.

Gemini



Pluto stations today as it turns retrograde, dear Gemini. This is a yearly cycle that lasts several months – this year, until September 28th. If power dynamics are complicated in a close relationship or if you are concerned about money or loyalty, you may feel these things more intensely this week. Health and work matters, especially related to questions of control or fear, can also come into focus now. However, this magnification is temporary, and for the remainder of the retrograde cycle, you are in a good position to review health and wellness programs, financial commitments, intimate relationships, and work projects. Collecting information and research are highly favored now. Also today, retrograde Mercury retreats into your social sector where it will remain for the rest of its retrograde cycle (until May 2nd) and beyond. Communications with associates, groups, and friends can be subject to misunderstandings. You may be returning to old problems with friends or reconsidering certain projects now. New approaches are necessary for old problems, and while a resolution is not likely to come until May, you can lay some groundwork now.

Cancer



Pluto is retrograde starting today and lasting until September 28th, dear Cancer. This week as the shift occurs, there can be some magnification of problem areas, particularly related to difficulties with trust or control issues in relationships. In fact, there are many changes this week that can be confusing at times. However, as you grow accustomed to this shift, you’ll be in a good position to detach yourself a little from matters to gain a clearer, more objective perspective. There may be some reason to review love or partnership. There is a tendency to cling to old patterns or to examine the past rather than to push forward into all-new territory. Today, retrograde Mercury moves back into your public and professional sector, and it’s important to pay more attention to what you’re communicating, particularly in public or professional settings. You may be too quick to jump to conclusions, but keep in mind that information is likely incomplete.

Leo



Pluto is retrograde almost half the year, dear Leo, and begins its yearly retrograde today, dear Leo. With the shift itself, problems are magnified this week, mainly related to Pluto-touched areas of your solar chart: work, routines, health, family, and home. However, going forward and as you grow accustomed to this energy, you’re in a good position to review and reassess these things. You take on a more detached, observational role and this puts you in the position to see where you may have been tripping up. Research is favored. You might also consider loosening some of the control you want over your routines and work. Also today, retrograde Mercury re-enters your adventure and learning sector, and this can prompt some delays or review of recent decisions related to education, publishing, and travel. Returning to old studies is possible now. Be vigilant about communicating prematurely about matters for which you don’t have all the facts. Mercury will continue here until May 16th but is retrograde only until May 3rd.

Virgo



Pluto is now retrograde until late September, dear Virgo, and with the station happening today, there can be a temporary magnification of problems, complications, and fears related to Pluto-touched areas of your solar chart. These include romance, creativity, recreation, communications, and transportation. Pressures will subside going forward, and in fact, you’ll get to the point where you’re significantly detached enough to gain a better perspective. This way, you can more clearly see where fear may have been tripping you up. Also today, retrograde Mercury returns to your intimacy sector where it will stay until May 16th. While Mercury is still retrograde (until May 3rd), you are likely to go over financials or intimate conversations that you thought were final but now need more attention. If problems are re-emerging, then it’s time to look at them a little differently, perhaps by seeing more details or looking at the larger perspective. After the retrograde cycle, you are in a better position to make decisions.

Libra



Pluto’s station today can have the effect of temporarily magnifying problems, dear Libra, and particularly fears or worries related to finances, family, security, and home. However, the retrograde cycle itself, lasting from now until September 28th, is a favorable period for gaining a clearer perspective on these matters. You have a greater ability to detach yourself enough to observe how you’ve been approaching these things, and this can release some of the pressure. It also helps you make plans to improve matters. Also today, retrograde Mercury retreats into your partnership sector, and a relationship issue that you thought was resolved may re-emerge. This is a better time to look back, review, and reflect rather than make new commitments or seek out answers from others. Delays can be irritating but might also (eventually) lead to more clarity. Even if some communication channels seem less effective now, this can motivate you to find new and creative ways to get your message across.

Scorpio



Pluto, your ruler, turns retrograde today, dear Scorpio, and this year, will remain retrograde until September 28th. In a general sense, this is a period of reflection and for searching deep within for answers. You can look at your life through different eyes now, mainly related to your manner, appearance, image, communications, and studies. Self-observation skills increase as you take on a more observational role. This is a great time to take a break from pushing yourself too hard on a mental level – overthinking things or pushing to do your best will not help you if you are close to overload, so it’s time to de-emphasize these things for a while. Also today, retrograde Mercury returns to your health and work sector today, alerting you to projects or programs that require a second look. Delays are possible now, but could also help you get something right before moving ahead. There may be the need to review, redo, or double check your work. Mercury will remain retrograde here until May 3rd, and then will turn direct and continue its transit until May 16th.

Sagittarius



Pluto is now retrograde until late September, dear Sagittarius. This yearly cycle prompts you to review and observe your financial affairs, attitude towards money, what and who you value, and self-worth. There can be some matters to handle from the past that need your attention or feelings of guilt to manage. While this week can involve some magnification of fears or worries related to money and security, the retrograde cycle itself is very useful once you’ve grown accustomed to its energies. With less pressure on you to control or micromanage your practical affairs, you may be able to make better plans and decisions. Also today, retrograde Mercury returns to your sector of entertainment, recreation, romance, and creativity. Mercury will stay in this area until May 16th but will end its retrograde on May 3rd. You may be returning to old problems or reviewing recent decisions in these spheres of life now. Misunderstandings and delays are possible, but you can also get the chance to see these matters in a new way. From May 3rd, you’ll gradually see forward motion in your plans.

Capricorn



Pluto begins its yearly retrograde cycle today, dear Capricorn, and while it spends many months of any given year in retrograde, you are more affected by this cycle than many signs because Pluto is currently transiting your sign. The shift itself can act to magnify problems, fears, and concerns, but this is temporary. After this subsides, it’s a great cycle, lasting until September 28th, for observing, detaching, and reviewing your approach to life, friendships, and group connections. If you’ve been over-controlling things, you’re more likely to see this now and want to take some of the pressure off. Also today, retrograde Mercury returns to your sector of home and family. This has the effect of stimulating the need to make contact with family and reorganize your home life. Until May 3rd while Mercury is still retrograde, you may need to deal with misunderstandings and delays related to these efforts, however. These things may be frustrating at times, but they can also save you from making rash decisions. From May 3-16, blockages tend to lift, and you gain more clarity about family and domestic matters.

Aquarius



Pluto begins its retrograde cycle today, dear Aquarius. Because of the station itself, there can be some magnification of worries, ambitions, and fears related to Pluto-touched areas of your chart — focus on unresolved matters of the past, career, and reputation. Once the intensity of this directional shift subsides, you’ll more clearly see ways to benefit from this cycle that lasts until September 28th. You get the chance to review, observe, and understand some of your deepest fears, control issues, and guilty feelings that may have been working against you while you were in active mode. You now get the chance to work on problem areas and healing. As well today, retrograde Mercury returns to your communications sector, and you may be revisiting recent decisions and projects. Matters surrounding studies, transportation, and essential communications can involve some confusion, delays, or backtracking. Aim to be a little more vigilant about what you put out there in your communications, as the chances of being misunderstood run high. However, this can be a good time for doing some catch-up work.

Pisces



With Pluto now retrograde, dear Pisces, long-term goals may be up for revision until late September. You may be looking to the past for answers a little more frequently, but you also get the chance to see your approach to friends and goals in a new light. If there have been problems with control, resentment, or fears of loss, then you are now in a better position to gain perspective. Problem areas may feel intense or magnified right now, but going forward as you grow accustomed to this shift, you’ll see clear benefits from taking some of the pressure off. It’s a useful time for examining your fears, resentments, or self-destructive tendencies after a period of being on auto-pilot. Also today, retrograde Mercury returns to your finance sector, prompting a review or reconsideration of money or business matters. This can be a good time for finding lost items or discovering information that you may have missed the first time around. While Mercury will transit this sector of your solar chart until May 16th, it will be retrograde only some of this time – until May 3rd.

*Remember to read horoscopes for your Ascendant sign and Sun sign. If you don’t know your Ascendant sign and know your birth time, you can look it up here.

If Your Birthday is April 20th, If Today is Your Birthday full horoscope here.

Astrology of Today – The Details: If you’re astrologically inclined and interested in the details of the Astrology of today, here are some of the factors considered in the forecasts (for the astrology of the week, see This Week in Astrology):







Date & Time: Apr 20 2017 0:00 am Event: Moon in Aquarius Description: The Moon in Aquarius This is generally a good time for social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group, and networking. A change of pace refreshes. Hobbies, clubs, and groups may demand attention now. It is time to build networks and cooperate. Humanitarian pursuits are highlighted.

Date & Time: Apr 20 2017 5:38 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Chi Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting Chiron Hurt feelings may be opportunities for healing. Now is the time for building bridges, not burning them.

Date & Time: Apr 20 2017 6:48 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Ven Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting Venus Relationships may be subtly strained or unsettled. Try to relax and not obsess. Restlessness can lead to poor choices or overindulgence. Show restraint and reap the rewards.

Date & Time: Apr 20 2017 7:14 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Sat Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting Saturn We could feel burdened, restricted, or limited during this brief influence. We could be feeling a little down on ourselves, excluded, or lonely. There can be some awkwardness or stiffness and difficulty showing affection and feelings. Patience is a virtue right now; otherwise we might succumb to feelings of frustration and sadness. All good things come to those who wait.

Date & Time: Apr 20 2017 2:50 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Jup Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Jupiter We want to do good and to honor our inner code. We don’t sweat the small stuff right now. We are generous with our energy, time, and money. A great time to take up new feel-good opportunities. Show your confidence and optimism and reap the rewards.

Date & Time: Apr 20 2017 1:53 am Event: Tr-Tr Sun Cnj Mer Description: Transiting Sun Conjunction Transiting Mercury This is an auspicious time for communicating and writing. Assert yourself with clarity.

Date & Time: Apr 20 2017 1:37 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mer Cnj Ari Description: Transiting Mercury Entering Aries Become an independent thinker. Be assertive, not aggressive. Think up new ideas. Enjoy those flashes of intuition.

Date & Time: Apr 20 2017 8:48 am Event: Tr Plu R Description: Transiting Pluto Stationary

Strong Signs, Elements, Modes TAURUS STRONG Stable and enduring, strong values, unyielding, earthy, acquisitive, strong desires. Can be stuck, stubborn, overly possessive, self-indulgent. AQUARIUS STRONG Humanitarian, innovative, group conscious, progressive, serving others. Can be rebellious, eccentric, aloof, emotionally superficial, overly extroverted. PISCES STRONG Compassionate, sensitive, self-sacrificing, gentle, intuitive. Can be escapist, impractical, hyper- sensitive, gullible.

BALANCE OF ELEMENTS

FIRE WEAK We are not very goal-oriented right now, or motivation to pursue our goals may be waning/lacking. Changes feel overwhelming. Enthusiasm may be low, we argue less, and we think more than we take action. EARTH STRONG We are especially in touch with the physical world. We consider what we’ve learned and experienced in the past in order to make the most of the present. We can be cautious, practical, and possibly unimaginative. We are deliberate and can pace ourselves well. We need hands-on experience and are not impressed with theory as much as we are with results. Routines are tolerable and comforting.

BALANCE OF MODES

FIXED STRONG We are thinking about the long view, seeking out security and stability rather than change. We may be committed, focused, resistant to making changes, and stubborn.

LUNAR PHASE: THIRD QUARTER Moon from 90 to 45 degrees behind the Sun. We have strong beliefs and are likely to put them into action. We have the wisdom to know when to act, but sometimes can be inflexible.

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on April 20th: Note that when an aspect is applying, it has not yet happened but is within orb – it’s pending. When an aspect is separating, it has already happened/perfected and is moving away from the aspect. Depending on the speed of the planet/body involved, the aspect will have perfected, or will perfect, in a matter of hours (often the case with the Moon), days, months, and possibly years in the case of the very slow-moving outer planets and bodies.

Note that the Moon moves at a rate of approximately one degree every 2 hours, so that if an aspect involving the Moon is applying and has an orb of 5 degrees, the aspect will perfect (be exact) in about 10 hours. If the Moon is separating from an aspect with an orb of 2 degrees, it has already formed said aspect approximately 4 hours ago (since the following are positions at noon today, then it would have occurred at about 8 AM today).

**I suggest paying close attention to applying  aspects. The energy of the aspect builds as it gets closer to exact. Once an aspect involving inner planets has happened, it’s over.  Separating aspects are good to know for context, but in terms of energy that is with us today, applying aspects are most important. (This is the case for daily astrology influences involving inner planets, which pass quickly, and not natal astrology aspects, which are with us for a lifetime).

THE MOON

THE MOON IN AQUARIUS You feel secure with intellect rather than emotions. You may be aloof from emotions, or distrust emotions as irrational and unpredictable. You may have viewed your mother as emotionally erratic.

16TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS Part of Body: Lymph vessels of left lower leg Sabian Symbol: A big-businessman at his desk.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON TRINE JUPITER Orb 1°30′ Applying We can be motivated to honor our inner code. We don’t sweat the small stuff right now. We are generous with our energy, time, and money. A great time to take up new feel-good opportunities. Show your confidence and optimism and reap the rewards.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN TAURUS You are a reliable and solid individual. You have a strong need for stable routine and security. You can be stubborn. Others can rely on your down-to-earth nature.

1ST DEGREE OF TAURUS Part of Body: Throat, gullet Sabian Symbol: A clear mountain stream.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN CONJUNCTION MERCURY Orb 0°42′ Separating Thoughts and communications about ourselves and our goals. We are expressing ourselves confidently, directly, and clearly.

TRINE SATURN Orb 3°07′ Separating We are taking pride in our responsibilities or performance. This can be a time of steady progress and increased self-discipline. We are more inclined to humble ourselves to authority or good advice, and tend to employ traditional methods.

CONJUNCTION URANUS Orb 5°55′ Separating You are a rebel but also a leader. You are innovative and original. Others may see you as arrogant, wilful and disruptive at times. Life will be full of surprises. Politics, science or computing appeal to you.

MERCURY

MERCURY IN TAURUS You place importance on traditional knowledge. You learn in a slow, methodical and hands-on manner. You stick to old ideas and may fear having to learn anything new.

1ST DEGREE OF TAURUS Part of Body: Throat, gullet Sabian Symbol: A clear mountain stream.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY TRINE SATURN Orb 2°25′ Applying We are cautious, careful, tuned in to details, and rely on common sense at this time.

CONJUNCTION URANUS Orb 5°13′ Applying You have an incisive and ingenious mind. Your thoughts and speech are erratic and inventive. You enjoy progressive topics. Your opinions may be ahead of your time.

VENUS

VENUS IN PISCES You yearn to merge and be at-one with your partner. In fact you want to be at-one with the universe. You also enjoy sharing inspirational activities with your partner, ranging from listening to beautiful music to visiting an art gallery.

28TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Phalanges of left foot Sabian Symbol: A fertile garden under the full moon.

ASPECTS OF VENUS SEXTILE MARS Orb 2°01′ Separating You have the opportunity to blend your charm and assertion. You can be both gentle and strong.

SQUARE SATURN Orb 0°11′ Applying Lack of spontaneity when it comes to expressions of affection and the pursuit of pleasure, likely due to insecurities or fear. We may be reserved, withdrawn, cautious, and tight with money and/or feelings. Feelings of being alone and not getting what we want/need can be experienced now.

CONJUNCTION CHIRON Orb 0°38′ Separating You have a childlike innocence in your personal relationships, which makes you vulnerable to emotional pain. You fear commitment and rejection. You may experience pain in early relationships, but this pain is usually healed giving you insight and wisdom in later personal relationships. You see the beauty in people who have been cast aside by others, and develop the ability to be a teacher or healer in intimate relationships.

MARS

MARS IN TAURUS You have strong personal desires, although you will usually follow a reliable course of action in attaining those desires. You are stubborn if opposed.

30TH DEGREE OF TAURUS Part of Body: Trapezius muscle Sabian Symbol: A peacock parading on an ancient lawn.

JUPITER

JUPITER IN LIBRA You have a strong concern for justice. You are a diplomatic teacher, and express your spiritual values in your relationships.

17TH DEGREE OF LIBRA Part of Body: Suprarenal arteries Sabian Symbol: A retired sea captain.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER SQUARE PLUTO Orb 2°45′ Separating You will need to learn to have confidence in yourself even when life deals you a few blows. You range from over confident to completely lacking in confidence. The truth lies somewhere in between.

SATURN

SATURN IN SAGITTARIUS Saturn in Sagittarius asks us to take on the responsibility of living according to our personal truths and principles, and to be loyal to these. This is a time for turning a critical eye to those beliefs and principles that don’t accurately reflect our authentic selves. (December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, then September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017)

28TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS Part of Body: Right leg muscles Sabian Symbol: An old bridge over a beautiful stream.

ASPECTS OF SATURN TRINE URANUS Orb 2°47′ Applying You have a talent for investigation. You look at new ideas and are able then to put them into action. In business you achieve much in your own independent way.

SQUARE CHIRON Orb 0°49′ Applying There can be fears now of not being competent or effective enough to meet our responsibilities, or we could find it hard to strike out on a unique path, again due to fears or insecurities. The desire to break from the status quo is strong, but we may not have the necessary confidence to do so. We may have difficulties empathizing with others and understanding ourselves.

URANUS

URANUS IN ARIES The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong during this cycle. (May 27, 2010, to August 13, 2010, then March 11th, 2011, to May 15, 2018, then November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019).

25TH DEGREE OF ARIES Part of Body: Sternocleidomastoid muscle Sabian Symbol: A double promise reveals its inner and outer meanings.

NEPTUNE

NEPTUNE IN PISCES A long-term influence in which fantasy, imagination, compassion, and spirituality are in stronger focus. (April 4, 2011, to August 4, 2011, then February 3, 2012, to March 30, 2025, then October 22, 2025, to January 26, 2026)

NEPTUNE IN THE 8TH HOUSE You feel at one with others and have the ability to transcend daily life through metaphysical pursuits. You may easily sense emotional undercurrents.

14TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Right cutaneous veins Sabian Symbol: A lady in fox fur.

PLUTO

PLUTO IN CAPRICORN Tests of our boundaries; breaking down and rebuilding structures and rules. (From January 25, 2008, to June 14, 2008, then November 26, 2008, to March 23, 2023, then June 11, 2023, to January 20, 2024, then September 1, 2024, to November 19, 2024).

20TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN Part of Body: Tendons of right knee Sabian Symbol: A hidden choir singing.

Chiron, Major Asteroids, and Moon’s Nodes: in Sign and in Aspect CHIRON

CHIRON IN PISCES

Strong awareness of our own vulnerabilities and humanity stimulates compassion for others. (April 20 to July 20, 2010, then February 8, 2011, to April 17, 2018, then September 25, 2018, to February 18, 2019).

27TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Phalanges of right foot Sabian Symbol: A harvest moon.

VESTA

VESTA IN CANCER

You are committed to your family and loved ones, especially when they need you. However, you may withdraw like a crab into your shell if you feel hurt by those closest to you. You enjoy working with those close to you.

27TH DEGREE OF CANCER Part of Body: Nipples Sabian Symbol: A furious storm rages through a residential canyon.

PALLAS

PALLAS IN ARIES You have a keen intellect with the ability to come up with exciting, new ideas. You are also happy to risk putting your new ideas into action.

8TH DEGREE OF ARIES Part of Body: Cheekbone Sabian Symbol: A woman’s hat with streamers blown by the east wind.

JUNO

JUNO IN CAPRICORN You want a partner who you can respect, and who respects you. You seek long-term commitment and may marry later in life.

18TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN Part of Body: Ligaments of right knee Sabian Symbol: The union jack flies from a new british destroyer.

CERES

CERES IN TAURUS You feel cared for when loved ones give you a sense of stability and security. You like to be touched and stroked and nurtured in practical ways. You also like to show others you care through practical means.

27TH DEGREE OF TAURUS Part of Body: Atlas Sabian Symbol: An old woman selling beads.

THE NORTH NODE

THE NORTH NODE IN VIRGO

This is a quest to become dedicated to the service of others. You will need to overcome the tendency to daydream and feel overwhelmed and to put your compassion and wisdom to practical use for humanity.

2ND DEGREE OF VIRGO Part of Body: Small intestine Sabian Symbol: A large white cross stands alone on top of a high hill.

Sabian Symbol:

THE SOUTH NODE

THE SOUTH NODE IN PISCES

This is a quest to become dedicated to the service of others. You will need to overcome the tendency to daydream and feel overwhelmed and to put your compassion and wisdom to practical use for humanity.

2ND DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Left calcaneum Sabian Symbol: A squirrel hiding from hunters.

*** CONJUNCTIONS TO SELECT FIXED STARS ***

Transits Apr 20, 2017 – Event Chart

Aspects to Sun 00°Ta45 +11°44′ Cnj 00°Ta38 MIRACH In harmony to be receptive

Aspects to Mer 00°Ta02 +12°55′ Cnj 00°Ta38 MIRACH In harmony to be receptive

Aspects to Mar 29°Ta27 +20°35′ Cnj 00°Ge13 ALCYONE Mystical but judgmental.

Aspects to Ves 26°Cn29 +25°19′ Cnj 26°Cn01 PROCYON Short lived opportunities

Aspects to Jun 17°Cp20 -07°49′ Cnj 16°Cp52 RUKBAT Steadiness and strength.

Aspects to Cer 26°Ta21 +17°17′ Cnj 26°Ta24 ALGOL— Female passion and intensity.



Share this:EMAILFACEBOOKTWITTERTUMBLRGOOGLEREDDIT Filed Under: DAILY ASTROLOGY, TODAY Tagged With: APRIL 20  Leave a Reply   Search the site ... Search CAFE ASTROLOGY

Cafe Astrology Home

Cafe Astrology Free Reports RECENT

Astrology of Today – Friday, April 21, 2017 Astrology of Today – Thursday, April 20, 2017 Astrology of Today – Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Astrology of Today – Tuesday, April 18, 2017 Astrology of Today – Monday, April 17, 2017 IN THIS POST

Full Moon‌ Last Quarter Moon‌ Mercury is retrograde‌ The Moon is waning‌ PREVIOUS

April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 March 2014 TAGS

April 3 Jupiter Neptune transit Mars-Pluto transit Mars Ceres transit Mars Chiron transit Mars Jupiter transit Mars Neptune transit Mars Pluto transit Mars Saturn transit Mars Uranus transit Mercury Chiron transit Mercury Jupiter transit Mercury Mars transit Mercury Neptune transit Mercury Pluto transit Mercury Saturn transit Mercury semi-square Venus Mercury sextile Saturn Mercury square Jupiter Mercury square Mars Mercury square Neptune Mercury square Pluto Mercury Uranus transit Mercury Venus transit October 6 Sun Chiron transit Sun conjunct Mercury Sun Jupiter transit Sun Mars transit Sun Mercury transit Sun Neptune transit Sun Pluto transit Sun Saturn transit Sun sextile Saturn Sun trine Saturn Sun Uranus transit Venus-Mars transit Venus Chiron transit Venus Jupiter transit Venus Neptune transit Venus Pluto transit Venus Saturn transit Venus sextile Uranus Venus square Saturn Venus Uranus transit  SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL

Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts by email. Email Address Email Address

Subscribe CURRENT PLANETARY POSITIONS

4/20/2017 10:59:11 AM

Sun 00°  Taurus 50' 08" Moon 16°  Aquarius 10' 34" Mercury 29°  Aries 59' 21" R Venus 27°  Pisces 27' 14" Mars 29°  Taurus 31' 21" Jupiter 16°  Libra 37' 58" R Saturn 27°  Sagittarius 37' 23" R Uranus 24°  Aries 50' 01" Neptune 13°  Pisces 25' 29" Pluto 19°  Capricorn 23' 55" R Chiron 26°  Pisces 48' 30" TrueNode 01°  Virgo 31' 01" SUBSCRIBE TO BLOG VIA EMAIL

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address Email Address

Subscribe

CATEGORIES

 ARCHIVES

 April 2017 M T W T F S S « Mar 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 COPYRIGHT © 2017 · ASTROLOGY CAFE (2014-2017)

[khalilhumam]

Act Now to Preserve Development Gains in a Post-COVID World

New Post has been published on http://khalilhumam.com/act-now-to-preserve-development-gains-in-a-post-covid-world/

Act Now to Preserve Development Gains in a Post-COVID World

Even as COVID-19 rages on, it is important to think about how the world will look after the crisis subsides—especially in the poorest countries. But policy choices in international development—amidst a litany of competing priorities—will be much harder after the pandemic. A few targeted actions now, backed up with commensurate resources, can help ensure the developing world gets back on a path to shared prosperity sooner rather than later. First, the COVID-19 crisis has painfully brought home the consequence of decades of underinvestment in global health security. Fixing this will require additional resources, both human and financial, in every developing country. But pandemics are just one example of a “global public bad”—a shared problem that requires action by all countries for an effective solution. Containing climate change is another under-resourced priority and one where the path of global carbon emissions will be decisively influenced by the policy choices made in developing countries.  Tackling these and other “global bads” must become a higher priority for the international development agenda.   Second, important as these shared problems are, they will come on top of the need to sustain support for the traditional development programs that have all been set back by the economic recession accompanying the pandemic. Reversing a decade of steady progress, as many as 100 million more people have fallen into extreme poverty, those who live on less than $1.90 a day. And many more will live precarious lives just above this line, ready to vent their frustration and despair in ways that can destabilize whole societies. Catching up the 1.5 billion children who have missed out on school this year is not just about learning—it is also ensuring that their childhood is not cut short by starvation, early marriage for girls or child labor forced by poverty. And beyond preventing bad outcomes, development policymakers must also keep an eye open for new opportunities that offer hope for the future. The pandemic has shown that distance need not be a barrier where digital technology enables teleworking or telemedicine. Similarly, the move to reduce the concentration of global supply chains and manufacturing offers potential opportunities for developing countries that have so far been on the outside of the global economy. But to take advantage of these opportunities they will need to invest urgently in upgrading their digital and physical infrastructure and improving the business environment. That too will require additional resources.     Third, while the development agenda will be larger, funding for development will be more constrained after the pandemic. The run up in debt to tackle the immediate impact of the crisis will leave most developing countries with little fiscal space for increased investment. A few, where debt has become unsustainably large, will also be mired in complicated processes to restructure or write down part of their debt. Development aid from rich countries will be constrained by their own fiscal problems and economic slowdown. Strikingly, in this year of crisis, funding commitments from the world’s aid donors so far are down by one-third! The multilateral development banks (MDBs) also risk reverting to a period of lower activity after using up much of their lending capacity in the immediate response to the crisis. Finally, mobilizing private funding for long term development proved harder than expected even before the COVID-19 crisis and this will only worsen as country risk profiles deteriorate and private financiers become more risk averse in the aftermath. The development challenge is clearly daunting, but there are actions that the international community can and should take now to ease the burden for recovery in developing countries.

Enable the timely launch of necessary but complex initiatives in 2021 by preparing now. It is virtually certain that in 2021-22 a substantial number of developing countries will need to restructure their debt.  Organizing debt restructuring for one country is a long and complicated process; it will be much more so when the process needs to cover many countries and includes private and official creditors with varying interests and constraints. Starting the necessary preparatory work now will save on the many months it will take to develop and agree on the relevant operating framework. Another area where preparatory work should start now are proposals to ensure that the IMF and the MDBs have the financial capacity to provide the necessary support to emerging market and low- income countries beyond the immediate crisis phase. If these agencies do their job right, their current financial capacity should be mostly used up by the immediate crisis response. However, the recovery in developing countries will be a multi-year affair and depend on continued financial support and safety nets from these agencies for at least the decade to come. The G20 finance ministers should give political direction on these more difficult initiatives.    

Shift the development conversation from advocacy of specific programs to how to expand the overall resource menu while still being prepared to make tradeoffs. The upcoming gatherings of world leaders at the UN this month, World Bank/IMF in October and G20 in November will likely all be presented with papers on the importance of protecting or increasing spending on programs in health, education, nutrition and food security, infrastructure, combatting climate change, supporting SMEs, fostering digital technology and a host of other important and valuable initiatives. While each of them will make a compelling case, the task facing the beleaguered policymaker in most developing countries is how to allocate very limited resources to advance progress across the development spectrum. The conversation in the international community could usefully focus more on helping her to make these difficult choices.

Spending money now to contain the crisis is the best investment in reducing the need for funding later. Common sense dictates that the worse the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 are in developing countries, the bill for reconstruction will be disproportionately higher. Thus, any international agency that is holding its support back now to ‘keep its powder dry’ for later has not only got it wrong but is making the job harder. Similarly, holding back lending to these countries now because of worries about how sustainable their debt will be after the crisis is only likely to worsen their economic situation and future capacity to service loans. Cutting back bilateral assistance this year—as the UK, Australia and other leading donors are planning to do - is equally short-sighted. This is the time for all funders to stretch their balance sheets and help to contain the damage.

While the COVID-19 crisis requires an immediate critical response, we cannot be short-sighted. The vital first step is to invest and act now. If we neglect development issues as they only grow more severe before our very eyes, the crisis could lead to a lost decade for development and untold misery for billions of people.

[scannerly]

Journal: August 14, 2000

• Buy 200 shares of Pixar Animation Studios (PIXR) at a limit of 33 3/4.

To infinity and beyond with Pixar Pixar Animation Studios (PIXR) is a stock sitting where no one can get it. Even if analysts or portfolio managers like the long-term story, the Wall Street Marketing Machine will not allow them to buy it.

The problem? Pixar's next feature film will not be released until November 2001 -- a full two years after the last, "Toy Story 2." No matter that the first three releases -- "A Bug's Life," "Toy Story," and "Toy Story 2" -- establish Pixar as a 1.000 batter later in the season than any other major studio before it. No matter that Pixar promises at least one theatrical release per year from 2001 on, and has beefed up its talent pool with the likes of animation guru Brad Bird. For Wall Street, this is a timeliness issue.

Not for me. As I discussed back in my Aug. 3 entry, even for a growth company, only a tiny fraction of the intrinsic value of a company results from the next three years. Heck only a fraction of today's intrinsic value depends on the next 10 years. The key is longevity -- will Pixar be around and making money 10 years from now . . . and beyond? Certainly.

In part, I get this confidence from CFO Ann Mather and CEO Steve Jobs, as well as the talent that Pixar seems to attract. The teams that created the first three hits are still around for the next four that are already in production. During the most recent conference call, Steve Jobs prefaced his remarks with the declaration, "I am a forward looking statement." No doubt, Steve.

Animated cash flows But I would never invest in this company if I couldn't see the financial kingdom behind the magical one. And I do. Pixar is generating cash at such a rate that it is building its new Emeryville digs out of cash flow -- with no financing -- and still laying down cash on the balance sheet. At present, cash on hand tops $214 million. Jobs is a fan of cash flow and cash strength because he thinks it helps him negotiate with Disney. "Hey, if you don't want a piece, we'll just finance it ourselves ... " Whatever the reason, I like cash too.

The next year and a half will include the driest quarters Pixar will ever see. Still, Pixar sees the coming pay-per-view release of "A Bug's Life" generating gross revenues of 15-20% of worldwide box office receipts before Disney takes a cut. And "Toy Story 2" will go into home video release this October, generating about 35 million in unit sales over its lifetime at a higher average selling price than originally forecast. Helping to generate enthusiasm for this release -- and to help cement the evergreen nature of the "Toy Story" characters -- will be a new "Buzz Lightyear of Star Command" television show, which debutsthis fall as part of Disney's 1 Saturday Morning program.

These are additional revenue phases for established assets. To believe in Pixar as an investment, one has to believe in the evergreen nature of its creations. Pixar's full product life cycle, managed correctly, can be extremely long. And as Pixar releases more films, more life cycles are put into play, overlapping and creating smoother and larger earnings streams.

Pixar is guiding us to earnings of $1.30 this year, but it is likely we'll see earnings exceeding $1.35. History tells us Pixar's free cash flow runs quite a bit higher than its net income. That's how cash on the balance sheet jumps $17 million in one quarter despite net income less than half that. As an enterprise less its cash, the price of Pixar is currently trading at about 21 times accounting earnings, but only about 14 times free cash flow. Earnings will fall next year, and the stock is heavily shorted in anticipation. It's not like me to say this, but getting into the quarterly accounting minutiae here is a bit counterproductive. The business plan is intact and there is a working program for creating brand equity.

For instance, every one of those 35 million copies of "Toy Story 2" home video product will feature a trailer for next year's "Monsters, Inc." Kids will be watching this over and over again. And when "Monsters, Inc." comes out on video, will it have a trailer for another upcoming release? Of course. And will these products ultimately end up on pay-per-view? Of course. Pixar's catalogue itself creates lead-ins to new product success.

Concessions from Disney? In 2004, Pixar will release its final film under the distribution agreement with Disney. This agreement is an onerous one that Pixar agreed to when it had much less success under its belt. Currently Pixar only gets 50% of the gross revenues of its product after Disney deducts the costs of its distribution and marketing. Disney's claim on distribution and marketing fees is such that the entire domestic box office for a film can mean no profits for Pixar. Already Pixar is of sufficient strength to extract a much more lucrative deal from Disney. After a few more blockbusters, Pixar will be in a position to restructure a new agreement with tremendous implications for Pixar's bottom line.

The key is that any additional concessions from Disney should flow nearly untouched to the bottom line. An additional concession of 20% of profits after distribution costs should result in roughly a 40% boost to Pixar's operating income from a given film. Knowing this, we can estimate that in 2005, we should see a big boost to Pixar's income and at the minimum rejuvenation of its growth rate. Pixar's cash earnings over the next 10 years alone could approximate $30-$40/share in present value. And the profits should not fizzle too much even after 10 years. Of course, this is very rough because we do not know what the new Disney contract will bring. But I like it when my margin of safety does not require a calculator.

The risk is that the films flop. If this were Fox, I'd worry. I'll try to buy 200 shares at a limit of 33 3/4.

[maritzaerwin]

16 SEO Best Practices 2020 : The Do’s and Don’ts of SEO Writing

When it comes to SEO writing in 2020, things will change in a great manner and in case you are not preparing now, you won’t be able to keep up with the times.

The good news is that the SEO trends next year display the clear search engine priority for the content that fulfills every particular need of the lead generation company. The major change to SEO in the upcoming year will be the development of voice search as 50% of all online searches will be voice-based by 2020.

With the help of voice search on the desktop or Smartphone, it is still good enough to have the links appear on the very first page of Google search results. 

Let’s dig deeper and find out the 16 DO’s and DONT’s for SEO writing in 2020 :

1) DO NOT Ignore the Relevance of Keyword Research

Keyword research is one of the most beneficial parts of the content strategy which can help you in targeting the right audience and optimizing your website. This further builds links and helps in developing content for your audience or any online marketing campaigns.

For the campaign pieces, blogs, white papers, and service pages, etc., all the keyword research is done by following the SEO guidelines to identify what keyword phrase will likely to bring in relevant traffic for your website blog.

Some DONTs you should not forget : 

Don’t forget to use the keyword in the title tag.

Don’t forget to use the keyword in the meta tag.

Don’t forget to use the keyword with significant variations in the text.

Don’t forget to promote your blog.

2) DO Make Your Content In-depth

Rather than publishing the half-baked blog posts twice in a week, produce a thoroughly-researched article that could leave a great impact on a great number of the audiences. As lack of right information will slower down customer engagement and further result in low ROI.

People love stories and that is why you should share the experiences as it will build authority and trust.

Never forget that Google wishes to display the most effective content for a search query. This is the major reason why you should invest an ample amount of resources and time in generating the content that can cover your target audience’s pain points.

In case the content can offer answers to the queries of users, it will bring the best results. 

3) DO Write Quality Content

In case you look closely at the major writing trends in SEO, one thing is common for all i.e., maintaining content quality. Irrespective of how instant your site loading time is, how well the keywords match the user intent or how cool the videos look, there is no way that you will have a good rank if the content is not good.

It is suggested to publish less in case you do not have the budget or time to generate sufficient content.

In today’s intensely competitive market, the quality of your content matters more than ever. 

Please note that quality has nothing to do with the flashiest user-interface or the most impressive graphic design. It refers to replying to the right queries as well as offering useful, top-quality information to the reader.

4) DO NOT Imitate Your Competitors

Mostly in this situation, people take the help of live chat to interact with the customer and to solve their queries. You can only provide value for your business if your voice for the writing words is unique and creatively different and original. There are a lot of writers out there in the market who copy as well as rewrite blog posts throughout the industry, from the digital marketing world to finance to motorcycles to biohacking to real estate. 

In terms of writing, the only time you must pay heed to the customer’s competitors is for the keyword rankings as well as top linking sites. You should provide your writers with the guidelines required to produce something which will rise above proverbial noise. 

5) DO Rewrite

Write. Read. Edit. And then rewrite. Repeat.

During the rewrites, eliminate anything unimportant, as well as simplify things. While guiding the writers, instruct them to outline and then blow out the very first draft without having to worry about sloppiness, spelling, or grammar issues.

Never forget that magic happens at the rewriting stage. However, do not forget that the aim is not to edit the written piece to “perfection” as it will lead you to be extra cautious about everything as well as you won’t be able to deliver the content on time.

  6) DO NOT Forget to Be Exceptional

Always keep it in mind that the only method of dominating the digital world is by creating an exceptional service or product, as well as remarkable marketing. Now, this also refers to the creation of exceptional content writing. 

You should leave no stone unturned in making each word count for producing a remarkable piece of content.

In case something doesn’t add value or make sense (also called “fluff”), do not show reluctance in killing it and creating something new, or rewriting the existing piece. Put an equal amount of energy into your every written piece, be it the 160-character Meta description, 250-word product copy or 2000-word blog. 

7) DO Master the Art of Patience

Needless to say, patience is the basic driver for achieving success in any sector, from building the business to relationships and, specifically, for writing. It takes time to write good content and for that most of your time includes editing.

This is the major reason why you should learn patience for editing, rewriting, and editing as much as needed, to become a much better writer. Moreover, perfectionism is procrastination. 

8) DO NOT Ignore the Significance of Headline

The headline of your content comes under the category of the most relevant elements of writing. Put a lot of time into producing the headline just like you do while creating every piece of your content.

Always use the target keyword and do not forget to appeal to the emotions.

Ensure the fact that while doing content writing, you do not make your headline an afterthought but offer it the much-deserved creative energy. 

9) DO Learn the Science Behind On-Page SEO

It will help you in easing up things for your company, whether you have the SEO team or not. It is suggested to learn about the internal linking structures for passing the link equity to those pages which you wish to highlight for both search engines and readers. 

Format the on-page SEO for including the same in snippets, like: 

Utilizing bullet points.

Breaking-up the written piece into various headings.

Focusing upon sentences or words with italics or bold. 

In addition to this, in case you are working on blog or page content, you must learn how to write exceptional meta descriptions.

They can assist you in backing up that equally amazing headline you wrote and as a result of which, the agency or business you are associated with will start loving you more. 

10. DO NOT Become Irregular

Your Company should keep uploading the schedules for the blogging campaigns in a consistent manner. In case you are doing 3 blogs weekly, they must be scheduled at the same time on the same day as per the analytics of when that site usually gets the most traffic.

The same rule applies to all the writers out there. You must train yourself for writing every day at the same time, and your creativity/mind will adapt to it instantly and ultimately, the flow of words will turn out to be seamless. 

There is no denying the fact that average writing cannot build loyalty and without loyalty, you won’t be able to make your mark and will remain just another online writer.

As the SEO trends get continuously updated in 2020 as well as beyond, you will also be required to empower the writing skills as much as possible. 

 11) Do Use A Tool to Avoid Content Embarrassment

You should always keep track of what you are writing. Right from the keyword research to sending blogs, you should use tools to avoid silly mistakes.

Always use keyword analytics to identify the right keyword and to improve the efficiency of the content.

Use Grammarly or any tool to check the grammar and spelling of the content and help you in writing content faster and better.

As it is always tricky to identify plagiarism in the content, choosing an online tool to check the plagiarism of the content can help you without any error.

Alexa, Moz, and Hubspot are also a few other tools that will help you in making the right decision to write content that could fit best in the category you are writing.

12) Do Not Hesitate to Write Without Any Delay

Don’t ever feel afraid, stressed and uninspired while writing a blog, this may reduce your productivity. There is no waiting for the right time for writing content with perfection and creativity. This is the only time, time to research, time to explore and time to start writing content without procrastinating.  

Points to help you gain self-confidence while writing:

Just Start Writing now, the words will flow itself.

Do not repeat the patterns of writing, stand and move to refresh your mind and once you are ready, sit down and start writing again

Set a deadline for yourself to increase your writing speed.

Don’t just be perfect; write content with full imperfection to train yourself to write better content next time.

Choose a goal to avoid any difficulty while researching the content you are interested in writing.

Find a location where you can best use your mind and write content with full interest and dedication.

13) Do Not Get Affected With the Criticism

A good writer should always understand the difference between good writing and bad writing. Good writing is not always about appreciation and perfection, you should always take the criticism with full positivity and learn from those mistakes to go the extra mile which many people will not take.

Do not back step to rewrite the content if demanded by the clients and choose to be different. To become a good writer and to become a professional, one should be humble and one should have the willingness to listen and accept change.

14) Do Not Forget the Interest of the Audience

Writers these days just focus on SEO and forget to gain the attention of the audience. This is not right to ignore the reader’s interest and write only to please the search engine and run behind Google ranking.

One should always make a strategy that focuses on both SEO as well as caters to the interest of the audience. An SEO strategy will help you in identifying the required content which helps you in Google ranking and with the help of that content one must write content that should be a great read for the audience.

15) Do Not Forget to Add Images While Writing Your Blog

Adding relevant images on your blog post not only makes your writing look attractive but also makes it easier for the readers to understand what exactly you are trying to deliver. Attractive images drive the reader’s attention and help you in engaging more audience which further helps you have huge traffic and more social engagement.

 Things you should take care while posting an image:

Find a photo that fits best with the content.

Share live, experienced pictures.

Edit downloaded photos and give credit.

16) Do Write Using ART (Authority, Reputation, and Trust):

It is very easy for readers to recognize fake and trash writing. It is very important for the writer to gain complete and true knowledge about the topic he is writing. If you want to write content with ART, you have to read daily and follow their lessons.

You have to write with full authority to build a reputation in the industry and gain trust from the audience.

The post 16 SEO Best Practices 2020 : The Do’s and Don’ts of SEO Writing appeared first on CareerMetis.com.

16 SEO Best Practices 2020 : The Do’s and Don’ts of SEO Writing published first on https://skillsireweb.tumblr.com/

[foxthoughtsanddreams]

>February 2020 - Gemini

Welcome to Aquarius season, dear Gemini!

Welcome to Aquarius season, Gemini! The sun is shining in an adventurous sector of your chart, inspiring you to travel and take on exciting new studies. You’re feeling energized at school and may even be working on getting something published—and as it happens, Aquarius season is a brilliant time for you to get your work out into the world. Love and money planet Venus is currently in Pisces, bringing you blessings in your career—people are finding you especially glamorous, and rewards and recognition are coming your way! This is especially the case when Venus connects with power planet Pluto in Capricorn on February 2, which finds you gaining access to some hard-to-get resources. Someone may write out quite a big check in your name—just make sure you understand what strings may be attached!

Your ruling planet Mercury enters dreamy Pisces on February 3, finding you feeling rather poetic. Mercury is usually all about facts and details, but in Pisces, Mercury cares about fantasy, feeling, and intuition. This is a great time for you to connect with the public because you’re really understanding what your fans are craving from you. Just keep in mind that a Mercury retrograde is coming up this month, so many of the plans and conversations that you have will be reworked, renegotiated, and possibly delayed. But before the retrograde, Venus also connects with taskmaster Saturn in Capricorn on February 3, making this a great day to discuss plans for the future and possibly set some things in stone. If you’re looking for someone who will invest time, money, or energy into you, now is the time to brainstorm what your terms will be.

Bullet journaling could be helpful for brainstorming your plans and goals for the future.

Speaking of poetry...why not read a beautiful collection this month?

Before you finalize any commitments, check back in with yourself through a little meditation.

Your intuition is especially sharp and you’re brewing up innovative ways to reach out to the public and conduct your work as Mercury connects with electric Uranus in Taurus on February 5. This is a fantastic time to take a risk. Should things not go as planned, you could actually use the upcoming retrograde to your advantage to try again! Two days later, you’re making a big impression in your social circle as Venus enters fire sign Aries on February 7. Venus in Aries is a great time to introduce yourself to new people and connect with groups or organizations you’re excited to join—you’re going to see an uptick in your popularity! In your romantic relationships, this is an excellent time to reconnect on an intellectual level. At work, you may find that payoffs for your achievements continue to roll in.

The full moon in Leo lands on February 9, bringing a conversation that’s been brewing to a climax. Full moons are high in energy, and Leo is all about drama; expect this to be a passionate evening, especially compared to how people love to play it cool during chill Aquarius season. And because Leo rules the heart, share what’s been on yours—especially since full moons are all about release.

In a similar vein, the moon is in sexy Scorpio, a water sign that loves to share a secret, on Valentine’s Day. Perhaps use the full moon’s energy to reveal something powerful to someone you care about. Even if the answer you receive isn’t what you want, it will be valuable to have that information. And Gemini, believe this: You can handle any heartbreak! Love will find its way to you, if you want it. This Valentine’s Day will find you and your partners learning more about one another's routines and habits, too.

On February 16, Mercury retrograde begins and action planet Mars enters Capricorn. Mercury brings you delays and miscommunications while Mars ushers you to cut ties and handle debts. Because of this combination, there are a few things you’d be wise to do: First, avoid starting new projects. If you must work on something, pick up a project that was previously on the back burner. Second, archive social media posts that show you with an ex—you don’t need the world to see you two sharing a birthday cake in outdated clothing! Third, avoid making important purchases or announcements, traveling, or signing contracts. Instead, take stock of your debts, taxes, inheritances, and any other issues concerning shared financial resources. Fortunately, Mars in business-savvy Capricorn will help you sort all that out, despite Mercury’s backward motion.

If you feel a little lost when it comes to managing your finances, take advantage of online courses that can give you a solid understanding of what you need to know.

Aside from archiving old photos, a short break from social media could also be good for your mental health. Charge your devices and leave them untouched for a morning or evening.

Throughout this retrograde, don’t forget to take time to focus on self-care. This deck of cards is filled with prompts that can help you make that a daily priority.

Pisces season begins on February 18, finding the sun illuminating the sector of your chart that rules your career and reputation—the same sector Mercury retrograde is rolling through! You’re reflecting on what you want your legacy to be, and a powerful day to attract the attention you’re looking for arrives as lucky Jupiter in Capricorn connects with Neptune in Pisces on February 20. This may also find you receiving assistance beyond what you thought was possible: Dreams are coming true, so make big requests! Just be sure you understand what strings are attached, similarly to how you did earlier this month.

Warrior planet Mars connects with rebel Uranus on February 21, followed by the sun connecting with Uranus on February 22, helping you find an unexpected way to smooth something awkward over or cut yourself loose from it altogether! The new moon in Pisces arrives on February 23, marking the beginning of a fresh start in your career—but you might feel insecure because you aren’t sure what the future holds. Remember: Mercury is retrograde and things are being reworked. Now is the time to imagine, rather than know, the future! The more creative your imagination can be, the better. Also during this new moon, Venus squares off with Jupiter, drawing plenty of attention your way and perhaps even finding you being lavished with many gifts. The mood is over-the-top and generous!

This necklace has a subtle message about living in the present.

If you’re still fretting about the future, write out your worries in a letter to your future self. You’ll likely be surprised when you reread them later down the line.

Burn some incense in your living space to help clear negative energy that you’d like to leave in the past.

The sun connects with Mars on February 24 and meets Mercury retrograde on February 25, bringing you a boost in confidence and a key insight concerning your career and life in public. Mercury retrograde connects with Mars on February 26, helping things speed up, but not necessarily clear up. You still may find that things need to be reworked in the future. A quick fix may come on this day, but its permanence is not guaranteed.

Venus squares off with Pluto and Mercury retrograde connects with Uranus on February 28, finding you thinking back to February 5. A breakthrough idea comes to fruition and unexpected meetings take place. You may need to be mindful about shady or jealous people or groups, however. If you’re not feeling comfortable with the crew of people you’ve been spending time with—perhaps you don’t share the same values, or maybe they expect you to participate in an unfair exchange—now is the time to trust that instinct. If someone offers you something at this time, ask what the cost is. While some people are altruistic when it comes to offering favors, many are not.This month, you need to be smart about these exchanges. Good luck this month, Gemini, and see you in March!

[thereallaptoplf]

Webull Review: Free Trades From a Robinhood Competitor

Webull isn’t your grandfather’s broker — for one thing, it’s commission free. It also offers technical analysis, educational courses, and a robust trading platform… all on a mobile app. If this sounds appealing, keep reading our Webull review for more information.

Unlike other free competitors such as Robinhood, Webull is geared toward intermediate and advanced traders. But that’s not to say novice traders can’t learn how to use this platform too. However, anyone who uses Webull should be comfortable with technical analysis — the research you’ll find here definitely isn’t watered down.

This Webull review will explain everything you need to know about the platform before signing up. Webull is currently offering a free stock to users who create a new account, plus another free stock when you make your first deposit of at least $100.

Sign up now to take advantage of this special offer.

What Is Webull?

Once upon a time, investors had to visit or phone an actual stock broker to place a trade. Today, much of the market’s trading is done online.

With the Webull app, you can trade at your own pace and save a ton of time and money. The online format also allows brokerages to run with less overhead, removing the need for commissions. Beyond its trading tools, Webull also provides more advanced tools to help you reach your investment goals.

Webull was founded in 2016, so it’s a relative newcomer. Its headquarters are located right on Wall Street in New York City.

Although the company doesn’t have brick-and-mortar branch offices like a traditional broker, it’s just as secure. The platform is registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer, and its extended SIPC coverage gives you protection for up to $500,000, or $250,000 for cash claims.

Beyond standard SIPC and SEC coverage, Webull users are protected by an additional policy from the Apex Clearance Corp. This insurance covers the application for up to $150 million total, although this is limited to $37.5 million for individual investors and only $900,000 per user in cash.

Webull Review: How Does It Work?

Webull users can view and manage their accounts from either a computer or the mobile app, which is available on iOS and Android. You won’t be charged for commissions, fees, or your initial deposit, and there’s no minimum balance unless you’re trading on margin.

These costs alone could substantially impact your earnings with another investment platform. Schwab, for example, charges $4.95 per trade. Free online trading is a great way for new investors to get started.

That said, FINRA and the SEC charge extremely small trading fees on all transactions. These costs represent a fraction of a percent and are the same across all platforms. Webull doesn’t earn any income on SEC or FINRA charges.

The entire service runs online, so you can make changes at nearly any time. Webull users can trade within business hours or during pre-market (4-9:30 a.m. Eastern) or after-hours (4-8 p.m.).

Since Webull is free to use, you can try the application out for yourself before making a commitment. If you feel comfortable with its features, sign up today to earn a free stock.

Although Webull isn’t the easiest trading platform to use, its signup process is very straightforward.

Webull Review: Pros

Free trading is a draw on its own, but that’s not all that Webull offers. In fact, the application provides tools that match or even exceed those of some paid platforms. These are some of the most noteworthy features available that we found when working on our Webull review.

Market Data

Updated information is critical for success as an investor, and Webull gives you the data you need to make informed decisions. Every user has access to real-time market information along with analyst ratings and the full financial calendar. You’ll also be able to view any upcoming IPOs and other events.

Basic market data is free for every Webull user, although you can pay for additional insights.

Webull provides more technical indicators than most other online investing platforms. These might be difficult to understand if you’re new to trading, but they’re incredibly valuable for experienced investors. Access to technical indicators is one of the top benefits of Webull compared to its competitors.

Webull users have access to real-time information on more than 25,000 stocks across more than 90 regions. You can also track roughly 3,000 commodities, 1,000 currency pairs, and 100,000 funds, although real-time data for these is not currently available.

Once you grow more comfortable with Webull’s market data, you can create your own information settings. Users have the ability to set up automatic stock alerts via either email or text. You can receive notifications for any stock on your watch list, and Webull makes it easy to configure alerts based on your preferences.

Customizable notifications allow you to stay updated on major changes for a variety of stocks, and you won’t have to worry about missing the latest developments.

Webull’s Help Center can answer most of your important questions.

Free Stock

Webull’s free stock offer gives you an immediate return on investment before you even start trading. The free share is guaranteed to be worth at least $8 and ranges up to $1,000.

Plus, once you deposit at least $100 into your Webull account, you’ll score an additional free stock. If you take advantage of that offer, you’ll have generated a return of at least 16% on your first $100.

You might not think of $100 as enough to begin investing, but the truth is that you can get started with a small initial deposit. The important thing is to continue contributing to your account and growing your portfolio. An additional two free stocks put you that much closer to your investing targets.

Margin Trading

Webull offers low-cost margin trading with no monthly fee and financing rates as low as 3.99%. While you won’t be able to margin trade bonds, mutual funds, or other investment options, you can use these features on a wide range of stocks.

Webull’s margin trading tool allows you to invest with more than the balance in your account, potentially leading to larger gains (or larger losses). Users can margin short sales for up to four times their account balance on same-day trades, or twice the balance if the trade is held overnight

Keep in mind that Webull requires users to maintain a minimum balance of $2,000 in order to access margin trading. You can turn your existing account into a margin account as long as you have at least $2,000.

Furthermore, the 3.99% rate is available only for users with account balances over $3,000,000. If you’re trading less than $25,000, for example, you’ll pay 6.99% in interest. Rates continue to decrease as you invest more money. Keep in mind that margin trading is worth it only if you can beat the interest rate with your return.

Users with at least $25,000 in their account can also access unlimited day trading.

Education

Webull provides features and analytics, but it also offers educational materials that allow users to learn more about investing. If you’re interested in day trading, for example, you’ll have access to an informative course to help you get started. Webull’s educational tools are one of its top selling points, especially for less experienced investors.

Trading Simulator

One of Webull’s most unique and valuable features is its robust trading simulator. This gives you the ability to run a trading account without investing any money. You can use a simulated account to experiment with new strategies without taking on any additional risk. Simulation tools are especially hard to find with a free brokerage.

Webull Review: Cons

Although the app offers a variety of helpful tools, while writing this Webull review, we found some limitations that new users should be aware of. These may not be relevant for every investor, but you may prefer another platform if any of these things could affect your investing experience.

Limited Customer Support

Customer service is important for any investment platform. Aside from a Help Center data base and an email address, there’s no option to phone a living, breathing representative.

Although that’s a negative when compared to the white-glove service you get from more traditional brokers like Schwab or Fidelity, it’s par for the course with younger, free platforms.

However, truth be told, when working on our Webull review, we found answers to all of our pressing questions in the Help Center. Between this informative feature and email support, customer service should be adequate for most users.

Narrower Investing Options

The Webull app allows you to trade most stocks, but it offers a smaller range of choices compared to some alternatives. Mutual funds, one of the most popular options for long-term investment, aren’t supported. You also won’t find bonds, or stocks with a share price of under $1 (penny stocks).

While these limitations don’t affect users who simply want to trade stocks on the major exchanges, it’s an important limitation if you’re looking to make other investments.

On the other hand, Webull does offer support for a growing range of investments. You’ll soon be able to invest in Canadian stocks, futures, cryptocurrencies, commodities, options, and more.

That said, the application itself currently isn’t available in Canada. Today, you can access it in the U.S. and U.K., although Webull doesn’t specify which other countries it supports.

  Although Webull itself doesn’t charge regular fees, you’ll still need to pay just a tiny fraction to regulatory agencies.

Less Flexibility

Webull has both a website and a mobile app, but you’re required to trade on the app. The website doesn’t offer trading support, although it does give you access to live quotes. The app is available on both the App Store and Google Play.

Trading with the Webull app is relatively simple, but it’s tough to manage an entire investment account on a mobile device. You’ll probably end up switching between the website and app for different functions, which makes it less convenient than some competitors.

This issue is compounded by the fact that the mobile app is somewhat confusing. The website is significantly easier to navigate, so using the app for every transaction is a major inconvenience.

No Expert Portfolios

Some investing applications give you the option to invest in pre-made portfolios developed by experts. Unfortunately, Webull doesn’t provide any expert portfolios, which makes it less approachable for new investors. Pre-made portfolios help you diversify and minimize risk without having to do all the research yourself.

If you feel confident in your ability to build a portfolio, the lack of expert portfolios won’t be an issue. On the other hand, pre-built options make it much easier for new investors to get into trading. You should consider using another platform if you want to invest with a pre-built portfolio.

Tricky to Use

Webull gives you all the investing tools you need to succeed, but it can be overwhelming for new users. If you don’t have experience investing, it may be tricky to figure out how to use Webull’s vast array of features and information effectively. With that in mind, the application may be best for experienced traders.

Furthermore, the application itself has a slightly confusing design, and you’ll need time to learn how it works. Don’t expect to understand everything as soon as you download the app. Understanding all of its features will involve some trial and error, especially if you’re new to investing.

That said, you’ll get a lot out of Webull’s data once you’re used to its interface. The application looks sleek and modern, and its learning curve is less steep for those who are accustomed to investing. Experienced traders will feel at home using either the Webull app or website.

Webull Review: The Bottom Line

Webull is an extremely popular trading application, and its range of features make it perfect for more experienced investors. New traders might find it more confusing than some other services. In addition, casual users may prefer to use an online broker that sticks to more basic functionalities.

That said, Webull’s educational tools will help you learn quickly if you’re willing to put in the time.

Sign up for a few different sites to see which service you’re most comfortable with. You can register for Webull without depositing any money, so there’s no risk involved.

You can also transfer your balance from another brokerage account to Webull if and when you want to switch.

If you’re interested in investing, you should start trading now to start earning gains as soon as possible. Some people think they don’t have enough to make investing worthwhile, but you can start trading with $100 or less. As long as you continue to make contributions, your portfolio should generate significant returns over time.

Sign up for Webull today to open a new investment account and earn up to two free stocks.

from https://moneydoneright.com/webull-review/ from http://thereallaptoplifestyle1.blogspot.com/2019/10/webull-review-free-trades-from.html

[awesomecolorfulcollectorwombat]

Saving Your Retirement From A Stock Market Crash

New Post has been published on http://iwebhostingreviews.com/vexx/saving-your-retirement-from-a-stock-market-crash/

Saving Your Retirement From A Stock Market Crash

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. The advice given below is not a financial advice, even though my excitement might make it look like such. In fact, what follows below are just my thoughts, those of an ordinary person who works hard and tries to save and invest as sensibly as he can.

I received a call from a 59-year-old gentleman, a distant relative, yesterday. We have not met in the past two decades, so the sudden call was surprising. But it was not after the first minute of our talk when he asked, “I’ve heard from your aunt that you work in the stock market. I wanted to discuss my investments. Can you please help?”

“Hmmm… sure,” I said, almost sensing that he wanted to discuss his stock portfolio with me. But he started talking about his upcoming retirement – planned for 2019 – and about a plot of land sitting in his hometown waiting to build his retirement home next year.

He said he had been saving and investing as much money as he could for his retirement and for building this home. He had almost 90% of his money invested in stocks and equity funds, a lot of those bad decisions – and mis-selling by his advisor and broker – as I realized on knowing his portfolio. The stock market’s recent volatility – and especially in the banking and finance space, where my uncle is invested heavily – has made him lose around 30% of his portfolio value in a span of just a few weeks.

Now, this discussion is not about banking and finance stocks, how good/bad they are, and how quick/long they would take to recover. This discussion is about lessons from how my uncle’s retirement seems to have gotten compromised at least for another few years, thanks to the decline in his stock portfolio less than a year from his retirement, and how you may avoid a similar fate when you stare your own retirement on the face.

My uncle told me how the recent dip in his portfolio brought back some painful memories, like from 2008, when he had seen his retirement portfolio lose around 50% value. At the time, while he was more than a decade away from retiring, the decline in portfolio value was still a significant portion of his total family savings.

He now worries it will be harder to recover another big loss so close to retirement. “It’s impossible to try and time the market,” he told me. “To sit there and watch your investments fall apart is hard, but if you take it out and it goes up, that’s not good either. It’s hard!”

* * *

I am not a financial advisor, but when people ask me how much money they should invest in stocks versus other avenues like bonds and fixed deposits, etc., my response is consistent – “It depends on when you need the money.”

My general rule of thumb is that any money that you need in less than three years (maybe five years, if you so want) must be protected as far as the core capital is concerned. You are not seeking growth here but safety. And thus, this kind of money may be kept in liquid funds, fixed deposits, and some part cash. Don’t invest this money in the stock market, because if the tide turns for the worse during this period (like it had done for my uncle), your financial life and retirement may get compromised.

Any money you need between the third and fifth year from now may be invested in stocks/MFs versus bonds/FDs in a ratio of 50:50 (again, choose your own ratio based on your comfort levels).

This leaves us with money that is needed beyond the next five years. This may be invested fully in equities. History has proven that equity returns improve with an increase in holding periods. So, the probability is on your side when you invest your long-term money (needed beyond five years) in equities.

You may also divide this long-term money into two separate buckets. The first bucket could be the money you need between the fifth and tenth years of your retirement, say between 65 and 70 years of age (assuming you will retire at 60). This money could be invested in high-quality, well-diversified mutual funds or high-quality, stable businesses that provide not just the possibility of some growth but, more importantly, capital preservation.

As for the second bucket of your long-term money, which you will require beyond ten years from retirement, you can be more aggressive and invest that part in high-quality mid- and small-cap stocks and/or funds. Here, the risks you take will be higher than the first bucket, but the probability of growth is higher too. Just that you must ensure that you don’t buy businesses that may lose you capital permanently here too. This is a non-negotiable, even when you extend your investment horizon.

The idea of such allocation across buckets is that the more time you have before you need the money, the more aggressive your investment strategy. You may probably live another fifteen to twenty years or more after you retire, leaving you more than enough time to ride out not one, but multiple stock market crashes. So why not take advantage of the potential time on hand?

However, that’s not a mandatory thing. As Warren Buffett has said, “It’s insane to risk what you have for something you don’t need.”

* * *

Let’s move ahead from the allocation part to a bit about cash flows.

Having enough cash on hand to avoid withdrawing funds during severe market declines can be reassuring to people in or close to retirement. That means if you are three years away from retirement, a good rule of thumb will be to keep one year of expenses out of the market and then increase that for every year closer to retirement you get.

So, by the time you retire, you will have three years of expenses as cash in hand. Combining this with the allocation part mentioned above, keep this cash safe in liquid funds, fixed deposits, and some part cash.

I am assuming here that we don’t have a period of negative equity returns that extends beyond three years. So, with three years’ cash in hand and the market crashing around the time you retire, you don’t need to touch that money and can live off the cash. And replenish the three-year buffer every year.

(All that I have mentioned above assumes that active income stops coming in after you retire, which is true in most cases. But then, starting a part-time work or a second career that does not take a toll on your time and can be managed easily is a great idea. Just ensure that you don’t become a full-time investor.)

* * *

If you’ve still got more than a decade to go before you retire, you can follow the above-mentioned rules too. Both in terms of allocation and cash flows. Just that you can be more aggressive in terms of allocation to (high-quality) equities, as doing so would likely increase the long-term growth potential of your savings – which could increase your chances of achieving a secure retirement even more.

Also, save more, especially if you’ve been delaying it and effectively relying on market gains to compensate for your savings deficit in recent years. Markets have no obligations to carry your bidding.

When you save more, you create for yourself a buffer to deal with big declines in the stock market and your portfolio value and raise the chances of success back to where it was before the market setback.

The bottom line is this: You can’t predict when a bull market will stumble or know for certain how severe the ensuing bear market will be. No one can. But giving your retirement planning a stress test before the market slumps and thinking rationally about how to react will put you in a much better position to weather any crisis than making decisions on the fly while you’re under duress.

Hope this makes some sense.

Related Posts:

No Related Posts

[smartwebhostingblog]

Saving Your Retirement From A Stock Market Crash

New Post has been published on http://naturalanxietyremediestips.com/saving-your-retirement-from-a-stock-market-crash/

Saving Your Retirement From A Stock Market Crash

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. The advice given below is not a financial advice, even though my excitement might make it look like such. In fact, what follows below are just my thoughts, those of an ordinary person who works hard and tries to save and invest as sensibly as he can.

I received a call from a 59-year-old gentleman, a distant relative, yesterday. We have not met in the past two decades, so the sudden call was surprising. But it was not after the first minute of our talk when he asked, “I’ve heard from your aunt that you work in the stock market. I wanted to discuss my investments. Can you please help?”

“Hmmm… sure,” I said, almost sensing that he wanted to discuss his stock portfolio with me. But he started talking about his upcoming retirement – planned for 2019 – and about a plot of land sitting in his hometown waiting to build his retirement home next year.

He said he had been saving and investing as much money as he could for his retirement and for building this home. He had almost 90% of his money invested in stocks and equity funds, a lot of those bad decisions – and mis-selling by his advisor and broker – as I realized on knowing his portfolio. The stock market’s recent volatility – and especially in the banking and finance space, where my uncle is invested heavily – has made him lose around 30% of his portfolio value in a span of just a few weeks.

Now, this discussion is not about banking and finance stocks, how good/bad they are, and how quick/long they would take to recover. This discussion is about lessons from how my uncle’s retirement seems to have gotten compromised at least for another few years, thanks to the decline in his stock portfolio less than a year from his retirement, and how you may avoid a similar fate when you stare your own retirement on the face.

My uncle told me how the recent dip in his portfolio brought back some painful memories, like from 2008, when he had seen his retirement portfolio lose around 50% value. At the time, while he was more than a decade away from retiring, the decline in portfolio value was still a significant portion of his total family savings.

He now worries it will be harder to recover another big loss so close to retirement. “It’s impossible to try and time the market,” he told me. “To sit there and watch your investments fall apart is hard, but if you take it out and it goes up, that’s not good either. It’s hard!”

* * *

I am not a financial advisor, but when people ask me how much money they should invest in stocks versus other avenues like bonds and fixed deposits, etc., my response is consistent – “It depends on when you need the money.”

My general rule of thumb is that any money that you need in less than three years (maybe five years, if you so want) must be protected as far as the core capital is concerned. You are not seeking growth here but safety. And thus, this kind of money may be kept in liquid funds, fixed deposits, and some part cash. Don’t invest this money in the stock market, because if the tide turns for the worse during this period (like it had done for my uncle), your financial life and retirement may get compromised.

Any money you need between the third and fifth year from now may be invested in stocks/MFs versus bonds/FDs in a ratio of 50:50 (again, choose your own ratio based on your comfort levels).

This leaves us with money that is needed beyond the next five years. This may be invested fully in equities. History has proven that equity returns improve with an increase in holding periods. So, the probability is on your side when you invest your long-term money (needed beyond five years) in equities.

You may also divide this long-term money into two separate buckets. The first bucket could be the money you need between the fifth and tenth years of your retirement, say between 65 and 70 years of age (assuming you will retire at 60). This money could be invested in high-quality, well-diversified mutual funds or high-quality, stable businesses that provide not just the possibility of some growth but, more importantly, capital preservation.

As for the second bucket of your long-term money, which you will require beyond ten years from retirement, you can be more aggressive and invest that part in high-quality mid- and small-cap stocks and/or funds. Here, the risks you take will be higher than the first bucket, but the probability of growth is higher too. Just that you must ensure that you don’t buy businesses that may lose you capital permanently here too. This is a non-negotiable, even when you extend your investment horizon.

The idea of such allocation across buckets is that the more time you have before you need the money, the more aggressive your investment strategy. You may probably live another fifteen to twenty years or more after you retire, leaving you more than enough time to ride out not one, but multiple stock market crashes. So why not take advantage of the potential time on hand?

However, that’s not a mandatory thing. As Warren Buffett has said, “It’s insane to risk what you have for something you don’t need.”

* * *

Let’s move ahead from the allocation part to a bit about cash flows.

Having enough cash on hand to avoid withdrawing funds during severe market declines can be reassuring to people in or close to retirement. That means if you are three years away from retirement, a good rule of thumb will be to keep one year of expenses out of the market and then increase that for every year closer to retirement you get.

So, by the time you retire, you will have three years of expenses as cash in hand. Combining this with the allocation part mentioned above, keep this cash safe in liquid funds, fixed deposits, and some part cash.

I am assuming here that we don’t have a period of negative equity returns that extends beyond three years. So, with three years’ cash in hand and the market crashing around the time you retire, you don’t need to touch that money and can live off the cash. And replenish the three-year buffer every year.

(All that I have mentioned above assumes that active income stops coming in after you retire, which is true in most cases. But then, starting a part-time work or a second career that does not take a toll on your time and can be managed easily is a great idea. Just ensure that you don’t become a full-time investor.)

* * *

If you’ve still got more than a decade to go before you retire, you can follow the above-mentioned rules too. Both in terms of allocation and cash flows. Just that you can be more aggressive in terms of allocation to (high-quality) equities, as doing so would likely increase the long-term growth potential of your savings – which could increase your chances of achieving a secure retirement even more.

Also, save more, especially if you’ve been delaying it and effectively relying on market gains to compensate for your savings deficit in recent years. Markets have no obligations to carry your bidding.

When you save more, you create for yourself a buffer to deal with big declines in the stock market and your portfolio value and raise the chances of success back to where it was before the market setback.

The bottom line is this: You can’t predict when a bull market will stumble or know for certain how severe the ensuing bear market will be. No one can. But giving your retirement planning a stress test before the market slumps and thinking rationally about how to react will put you in a much better position to weather any crisis than making decisions on the fly while you’re under duress.

Hope this makes some sense.

[lazilysillyprince]

Saving Your Retirement From A Stock Market Crash

New Post has been published on http://naturalanxietyremediestips.com/saving-your-retirement-from-a-stock-market-crash/

Saving Your Retirement From A Stock Market Crash

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. The advice given below is not a financial advice, even though my excitement might make it look like such. In fact, what follows below are just my thoughts, those of an ordinary person who works hard and tries to save and invest as sensibly as he can.

I received a call from a 59-year-old gentleman, a distant relative, yesterday. We have not met in the past two decades, so the sudden call was surprising. But it was not after the first minute of our talk when he asked, “I’ve heard from your aunt that you work in the stock market. I wanted to discuss my investments. Can you please help?”

“Hmmm… sure,” I said, almost sensing that he wanted to discuss his stock portfolio with me. But he started talking about his upcoming retirement – planned for 2019 – and about a plot of land sitting in his hometown waiting to build his retirement home next year.

He said he had been saving and investing as much money as he could for his retirement and for building this home. He had almost 90% of his money invested in stocks and equity funds, a lot of those bad decisions – and mis-selling by his advisor and broker – as I realized on knowing his portfolio. The stock market’s recent volatility – and especially in the banking and finance space, where my uncle is invested heavily – has made him lose around 30% of his portfolio value in a span of just a few weeks.

Now, this discussion is not about banking and finance stocks, how good/bad they are, and how quick/long they would take to recover. This discussion is about lessons from how my uncle’s retirement seems to have gotten compromised at least for another few years, thanks to the decline in his stock portfolio less than a year from his retirement, and how you may avoid a similar fate when you stare your own retirement on the face.

My uncle told me how the recent dip in his portfolio brought back some painful memories, like from 2008, when he had seen his retirement portfolio lose around 50% value. At the time, while he was more than a decade away from retiring, the decline in portfolio value was still a significant portion of his total family savings.

He now worries it will be harder to recover another big loss so close to retirement. “It’s impossible to try and time the market,” he told me. “To sit there and watch your investments fall apart is hard, but if you take it out and it goes up, that’s not good either. It’s hard!”

* * *

I am not a financial advisor, but when people ask me how much money they should invest in stocks versus other avenues like bonds and fixed deposits, etc., my response is consistent – “It depends on when you need the money.”

My general rule of thumb is that any money that you need in less than three years (maybe five years, if you so want) must be protected as far as the core capital is concerned. You are not seeking growth here but safety. And thus, this kind of money may be kept in liquid funds, fixed deposits, and some part cash. Don’t invest this money in the stock market, because if the tide turns for the worse during this period (like it had done for my uncle), your financial life and retirement may get compromised.

Any money you need between the third and fifth year from now may be invested in stocks/MFs versus bonds/FDs in a ratio of 50:50 (again, choose your own ratio based on your comfort levels).

This leaves us with money that is needed beyond the next five years. This may be invested fully in equities. History has proven that equity returns improve with an increase in holding periods. So, the probability is on your side when you invest your long-term money (needed beyond five years) in equities.

You may also divide this long-term money into two separate buckets. The first bucket could be the money you need between the fifth and tenth years of your retirement, say between 65 and 70 years of age (assuming you will retire at 60). This money could be invested in high-quality, well-diversified mutual funds or high-quality, stable businesses that provide not just the possibility of some growth but, more importantly, capital preservation.

As for the second bucket of your long-term money, which you will require beyond ten years from retirement, you can be more aggressive and invest that part in high-quality mid- and small-cap stocks and/or funds. Here, the risks you take will be higher than the first bucket, but the probability of growth is higher too. Just that you must ensure that you don’t buy businesses that may lose you capital permanently here too. This is a non-negotiable, even when you extend your investment horizon.

The idea of such allocation across buckets is that the more time you have before you need the money, the more aggressive your investment strategy. You may probably live another fifteen to twenty years or more after you retire, leaving you more than enough time to ride out not one, but multiple stock market crashes. So why not take advantage of the potential time on hand?

However, that’s not a mandatory thing. As Warren Buffett has said, “It’s insane to risk what you have for something you don’t need.”

* * *

Let’s move ahead from the allocation part to a bit about cash flows.

Having enough cash on hand to avoid withdrawing funds during severe market declines can be reassuring to people in or close to retirement. That means if you are three years away from retirement, a good rule of thumb will be to keep one year of expenses out of the market and then increase that for every year closer to retirement you get.

So, by the time you retire, you will have three years of expenses as cash in hand. Combining this with the allocation part mentioned above, keep this cash safe in liquid funds, fixed deposits, and some part cash.

I am assuming here that we don’t have a period of negative equity returns that extends beyond three years. So, with three years’ cash in hand and the market crashing around the time you retire, you don’t need to touch that money and can live off the cash. And replenish the three-year buffer every year.

(All that I have mentioned above assumes that active income stops coming in after you retire, which is true in most cases. But then, starting a part-time work or a second career that does not take a toll on your time and can be managed easily is a great idea. Just ensure that you don’t become a full-time investor.)

* * *

If you’ve still got more than a decade to go before you retire, you can follow the above-mentioned rules too. Both in terms of allocation and cash flows. Just that you can be more aggressive in terms of allocation to (high-quality) equities, as doing so would likely increase the long-term growth potential of your savings – which could increase your chances of achieving a secure retirement even more.

Also, save more, especially if you’ve been delaying it and effectively relying on market gains to compensate for your savings deficit in recent years. Markets have no obligations to carry your bidding.

When you save more, you create for yourself a buffer to deal with big declines in the stock market and your portfolio value and raise the chances of success back to where it was before the market setback.

The bottom line is this: You can’t predict when a bull market will stumble or know for certain how severe the ensuing bear market will be. No one can. But giving your retirement planning a stress test before the market slumps and thinking rationally about how to react will put you in a much better position to weather any crisis than making decisions on the fly while you’re under duress.

Hope this makes some sense.

[hostingnewsfeed]

Saving Your Retirement From A Stock Market Crash

New Post has been published on http://naturalanxietyremediestips.com/saving-your-retirement-from-a-stock-market-crash/

Saving Your Retirement From A Stock Market Crash

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. The advice given below is not a financial advice, even though my excitement might make it look like such. In fact, what follows below are just my thoughts, those of an ordinary person who works hard and tries to save and invest as sensibly as he can.

I received a call from a 59-year-old gentleman, a distant relative, yesterday. We have not met in the past two decades, so the sudden call was surprising. But it was not after the first minute of our talk when he asked, “I’ve heard from your aunt that you work in the stock market. I wanted to discuss my investments. Can you please help?”

“Hmmm… sure,” I said, almost sensing that he wanted to discuss his stock portfolio with me. But he started talking about his upcoming retirement – planned for 2019 – and about a plot of land sitting in his hometown waiting to build his retirement home next year.

He said he had been saving and investing as much money as he could for his retirement and for building this home. He had almost 90% of his money invested in stocks and equity funds, a lot of those bad decisions – and mis-selling by his advisor and broker – as I realized on knowing his portfolio. The stock market’s recent volatility – and especially in the banking and finance space, where my uncle is invested heavily – has made him lose around 30% of his portfolio value in a span of just a few weeks.

Now, this discussion is not about banking and finance stocks, how good/bad they are, and how quick/long they would take to recover. This discussion is about lessons from how my uncle’s retirement seems to have gotten compromised at least for another few years, thanks to the decline in his stock portfolio less than a year from his retirement, and how you may avoid a similar fate when you stare your own retirement on the face.

My uncle told me how the recent dip in his portfolio brought back some painful memories, like from 2008, when he had seen his retirement portfolio lose around 50% value. At the time, while he was more than a decade away from retiring, the decline in portfolio value was still a significant portion of his total family savings.

He now worries it will be harder to recover another big loss so close to retirement. “It’s impossible to try and time the market,” he told me. “To sit there and watch your investments fall apart is hard, but if you take it out and it goes up, that’s not good either. It’s hard!”

* * *

I am not a financial advisor, but when people ask me how much money they should invest in stocks versus other avenues like bonds and fixed deposits, etc., my response is consistent – “It depends on when you need the money.”

My general rule of thumb is that any money that you need in less than three years (maybe five years, if you so want) must be protected as far as the core capital is concerned. You are not seeking growth here but safety. And thus, this kind of money may be kept in liquid funds, fixed deposits, and some part cash. Don’t invest this money in the stock market, because if the tide turns for the worse during this period (like it had done for my uncle), your financial life and retirement may get compromised.

Any money you need between the third and fifth year from now may be invested in stocks/MFs versus bonds/FDs in a ratio of 50:50 (again, choose your own ratio based on your comfort levels).

This leaves us with money that is needed beyond the next five years. This may be invested fully in equities. History has proven that equity returns improve with an increase in holding periods. So, the probability is on your side when you invest your long-term money (needed beyond five years) in equities.

You may also divide this long-term money into two separate buckets. The first bucket could be the money you need between the fifth and tenth years of your retirement, say between 65 and 70 years of age (assuming you will retire at 60). This money could be invested in high-quality, well-diversified mutual funds or high-quality, stable businesses that provide not just the possibility of some growth but, more importantly, capital preservation.

As for the second bucket of your long-term money, which you will require beyond ten years from retirement, you can be more aggressive and invest that part in high-quality mid- and small-cap stocks and/or funds. Here, the risks you take will be higher than the first bucket, but the probability of growth is higher too. Just that you must ensure that you don’t buy businesses that may lose you capital permanently here too. This is a non-negotiable, even when you extend your investment horizon.

The idea of such allocation across buckets is that the more time you have before you need the money, the more aggressive your investment strategy. You may probably live another fifteen to twenty years or more after you retire, leaving you more than enough time to ride out not one, but multiple stock market crashes. So why not take advantage of the potential time on hand?

However, that’s not a mandatory thing. As Warren Buffett has said, “It’s insane to risk what you have for something you don’t need.”

* * *

Let’s move ahead from the allocation part to a bit about cash flows.

Having enough cash on hand to avoid withdrawing funds during severe market declines can be reassuring to people in or close to retirement. That means if you are three years away from retirement, a good rule of thumb will be to keep one year of expenses out of the market and then increase that for every year closer to retirement you get.

So, by the time you retire, you will have three years of expenses as cash in hand. Combining this with the allocation part mentioned above, keep this cash safe in liquid funds, fixed deposits, and some part cash.

I am assuming here that we don’t have a period of negative equity returns that extends beyond three years. So, with three years’ cash in hand and the market crashing around the time you retire, you don’t need to touch that money and can live off the cash. And replenish the three-year buffer every year.

(All that I have mentioned above assumes that active income stops coming in after you retire, which is true in most cases. But then, starting a part-time work or a second career that does not take a toll on your time and can be managed easily is a great idea. Just ensure that you don’t become a full-time investor.)

* * *

If you’ve still got more than a decade to go before you retire, you can follow the above-mentioned rules too. Both in terms of allocation and cash flows. Just that you can be more aggressive in terms of allocation to (high-quality) equities, as doing so would likely increase the long-term growth potential of your savings – which could increase your chances of achieving a secure retirement even more.

Also, save more, especially if you’ve been delaying it and effectively relying on market gains to compensate for your savings deficit in recent years. Markets have no obligations to carry your bidding.

When you save more, you create for yourself a buffer to deal with big declines in the stock market and your portfolio value and raise the chances of success back to where it was before the market setback.

The bottom line is this: You can’t predict when a bull market will stumble or know for certain how severe the ensuing bear market will be. No one can. But giving your retirement planning a stress test before the market slumps and thinking rationally about how to react will put you in a much better position to weather any crisis than making decisions on the fly while you’re under duress.

Hope this makes some sense.

[sunshineweb]

Saving Your Retirement from a Stock Market Crash

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. The advice given below is not a financial advice even though my excitement might make it look like such. In fact, what follows below are just my thoughts, those of an ordinary person who works hard, and tries to save and invest as sensibly as he can.

I received a call from a 59-year old gentleman, a distant relative, yesterday. We have not met in the past two decades, so the sudden call was surprising. But not after the first minute of our talk when he asked, “I’ve heard from your aunt that you work in the stock market. I wanted to discuss my investments. Can you please help?”

“Hmmm…sure,” I said, “almost sensing that he wanted to discuss his stock portfolio with me.”

But he started talking about his upcoming retirement – planned for 2019 – and about a plot of land sitting in his hometown waiting to build his retirement home next year.

He said he had been saving and investing as much money as he could for his retirement and for building this home.

He had almost 90% of his money invested in stocks and equity funds, a lot of those bad decisions – and mis-selling by his advisor and broker – as I realized on knowing his portfolio.

The stock market’s recent volatility – and especially in the banking and finance space where my uncle is invested heavily – has made him lose around 30% of his portfolio value in a span of just a few weeks.

Now, this discussion is not about banking and finance stocks, how good/bad they are, and how quick/long they would take to recover. This discussion is about lessons from how my uncle’s retirement seems to have gotten compromised at least for another few years, thanks to the decline in his stock portfolio less than a year from his retirement, and how you may avoid a similar fate when you stare your own retirement on the face.

My uncle told me how the recent dip in his portfolio brought back some painful memories, like from 2008 when he had seen his retirement portfolio lose around 50% value. At the time, while he was more than a decade away from retiring, the decline in portfolio value was still a significant portion of his total family savings.

He now worries it will be harder to recover another big loss so close to retirement.

“It’s impossible to try and time the market,” he told me. “To sit there and watch your investments fall apart is hard, but if you take it out and it goes up, that’s not good either. It’s hard!”

* * * I am not a financial advisor, but when people ask me how much money they should invest in stocks versus other avenues like bonds and fixed deposits, etc., my response is consistent – “It depends on when you need the money.”

My general rule of thumb is that any money that you need in less than three years (maybe, five years, if you want so) must be protected as far as the core capital is concerned. You are not seeking growth here, but safety. And thus, this kind of money may be kept in liquid funds, fixed deposits, and some part cash. Don’t invest this money in the stock market, because if the tide turns for the worse during this period (like it had done for my uncle), your financial life and retirement may get compromised.

Any money you need between the third and fifth year from now may be invested in stocks/MFs vs bonds/FDs in a ratio of 50:50 (again, choose your own ratio based on your comfort levels).

This leaves us with money that is needed beyond the next five years. This may be invested fully in equities. History has proven that equity returns improve with an increase in holding periods. So, the probability is on your side when you invest your long-term money (needed beyond five years) in equities.

You may also divide this long-term money into two separate buckets. The first bucket could be the money you need between the fifth and tenth years of your retirement, say between 65 and 70 years of age (assuming you will retire at 60). This money could be invested in high-quality well-diversified mutual funds, or high-quality, stable businesses that provide not just the possibility of some growth but more important capital preservation.

As for the second bucket of your long-term money, which you will require beyond ten years from retirement, you can be more aggressive and invest that part in high-quality mid and small-cap stocks and/or funds. Here, the risks you take will be higher than the first bucket, but the probability of growth is higher too. Just that you must ensure that you don’t buy businesses that may lose you capital permanently here too. This is a non-negotiable, even when you extend your investment horizon.

The idea of such allocation across buckets is that the more time you have before you need the money, the more aggressive your investment strategy. You may probably live another fifteen to twenty years or more after you retire, leaving you more than enough time to ride out not one, but multiple stock market crashes. So why not take advantage of the potential time on hand?

However, that’s not a mandatory thing. As Warren Buffett has said, “It’s insane to risk what you have for something you don’t need.”

* * * Let’s move ahead from the allocation part to a bit about cash flows.

Having enough cash on hand to avoid withdrawing funds during severe market declines can be reassuring to people in or close to retirement.

That means if you are three years away from retirement, a good rule of thumb will be to keep one year of expenses out of the market and then increase that for every year closer to retirement you get.

So, by the time you retire, you will have three years of expenses as cash in hand. Combining this with the allocation part mentioned above, keep this cash safe in liquid funds, fixed deposits, and some part cash.

I am assuming here that we don’t have a period of negative equity returns that extends beyond three years. So, with three years cash in hand and the market crashing around the time you retire, you don’t need to touch that money and can live off the cash. And replenish the three-year buffer every year.

(All that I have mentioned above assumes that active income stops coming in after you retire, which is true in most cases. But then, starting a part-time work, or a second career that does not take a toll on your time and can be managed easily, is a great idea. Just ensure that you don’t become a full-time investor.

)

* * * If you’ve still got more than a decade to go before you retire, you can follow the above-mentioned rules too. Both in terms of allocation and cash flows. Just that you can be more aggressive in terms of allocation to (high-quality) equities, as doing so would likely increase the long-term growth potential of your savings — which could increase your chances of achieving a secure retirement even more.

Also, save more, especially if you’ve been delaying it and effectively relying on market gains to compensate for your saving’ deficit in recent years. Markets have no obligations to carry your bidding.

When you save more, you create for yourself a buffer to deal with big declines in the stock market and your portfolio value and raise the chances of success back to where it was before the market setback.

The bottom line is this. You can’t predict when a bull market will stumble or know for certain how severe the ensuing bear market will be. No one can. But giving your retirement planning a stress test before the market slumps and thinking rationally about how to react will put you in a much better position to weather any crisis than making decisions on the fly while you’re under duress.

Hope this makes some sense.

The post Saving Your Retirement from a Stock Market Crash appeared first on Safal Niveshak.

Saving Your Retirement from a Stock Market Crash published first on https://mbploans.tumblr.com/