Jan 24, 2021

Practical baby gifts every new parent will appreciate

Baby sleeping in a basket
Although babies may not look like they are doing very much, parenting a newborn is certainly not easy, especially for a first-time parent. For this reason, the best baby gifts are, above all, practical – those that make the little ones happy and the parents just a bit less sleep-deprived. Therefore, if you've got a baby shower coming up and you are clueless about what you should buy, we are whittling down a list of practical baby gifts for you that every new parent will appreciate.

Hands-free parenting
Certainly, mommy work doesn't end with entertaining, feeding, and lulling her baby to sleep. Many things are not baby-related, such as making meals, folding laundry, shopping for her family, working from home, or simply pouring a glass of water. Baby carriers help parents navigate their daily chores and multitask while still keeping their infant close and cozy at all times. Secondly, baby experts say that babywearing can help the baby's health and mood.

There are many baby carrier types, but thousands of parents reviewed a wrap carrier as the most comfortable option. Also, if you choose to buy a baby carrier as a gift, make sure it is made of a proper fabric that is comfortable and healthy for the baby, for instance, a stretchy blend of spandex and cotton.

A baby bottle sterilizer
Just like the name suggests, this device ensures that the bottles one gives to their baby are properly sterilized to avoid unnecessary bacterial infections. The best ones kill roughly 99,9% of bacteria in only a few minutes. If the new parent you are so carefully picking a gift for is not breastfeeding their baby, this device will certainly give them some peace of mind because they will know that the food their baby is ingesting is germ-free.

UV sanitizer
Keeping the germs at bay is made easier with modern-day technology devices. Although we don't think twice about washing our face and hands, spraying disinfectants on high-touch surfaces, etc., all these measures can be easily reversed simply by grabbing our keys, phones, baby toys, and all those other daily essentials that tend to be hot spots for germs. UV lights in a home sanitizer can easily and quickly disinfect all of those small items, bottles included.

Treat the mom
Most new moms get so wrapped up taking care of their tiny bundles of joy and completely forget to take care of themselves. As much as a spa day with a massage and full facial should seem like utter perfection, snagging some time away may be a problem. Still, there’s always a way around that. Bring the spa day or a yoga session to their home by getting them a body care kit, a gift basket filled with bath bombs and body scrubs, or a simple quality mat to do their yoga at home. Even a pair of silk satin pajamas can do wonders, as it will help her feel a bit more glamorous again.
A gift basket for body skincare
Gifts don't always have to be baby-related. It's not an urban myth: if mommy's happy, everyone's happy.

White noise and sound machines
First things first, getting your tiny human to nod off is not an easy task in itself. But once you manage to get them to fall asleep, the last thing you need are loud neighboring dog barks, urban traffic’s honking and sirens, or ringing phones to wake them up and get you right back where you first started. If the new parent doesn’t plan to make the baby’s nursery completely soundproof, these baby sound machines can be real lifesavers. These are designed to drown out all those sudden and startling noises and keep a fussy baby sleeping peacefully.

There are also so-called “Baby Shushers”, machines that use real human voices for soothing the little ones to sleep. These devices are perfect for time-strap parents that need as much precious downtime they can get.

Electric nail trimmer
A significant percentage of parents characterize nail trimming as one of the trickiest and most intimidating parenting tasks. Tiny toes and fingers, wiggling babies – sometimes this task seems next to impossible. In cases such as these, new parents are so thankful to product designers for making their life more comfortable. Electric baby nail trimmer kits come with various cushioned sandpapers and soft attachment pads that make your baby's mani-pedis tear and stress-free.

Nursery organizer and baby diaper caddy
The nursery organizer and baby diaper caddy are the next on our list of practical baby gifts because every new parent will appreciate a helping hand when the diaper time comes. These units, which can be attached to a changing station or a crib, help keep all of the baby's essentials, such as diapers, wipes, creams, powder, and wipes, close at mom's and dad's reach.

Comfy baby clothing
Next, onesies are a classic and a go-to gift for babies and newborns. In the starting days, there isn’t a piece of clothing that gets more use than onesies. There are so many options when it comes to style, design, colors, and sayings. And, these not only look adorable on babies but are also machine washable.
A baby in a white onesie
Baby onesies are a must-have, and therefore a gift you cannot go wrong with.

Baby food maker is one of the practical baby gifts
Baby food makers are the perfect gift for new moms and dads. These little machines can cook, steam, and puree fruit, vegetable, and meat in one easy step, producing meals suitable for babies. Using its various functions, you will be able to easily prepare healthy, nutritious, as well as tasty foods that are so much more affordable than shop-bought baby food.

Matching looks
Companies today are rolling out wide selections of ridiculously adorable mom and baby matching outfits. These include dresses, skirts, pants, and even shoes. So, when in doubt, twinning outfits for mom and the little one may be that perfect choice for not only fun but also a practical gift that new parents are bound to enjoy.

Baby nursery décor
Help create a perfect nursery space for the newborn. Add to the calming but fun atmosphere with a minimalist-inspired, gender-neutral mobile in the shape of a cloud hanging from the ceiling. Better yet, consider personalized baby gifts such as a baby calendar with the cutest images of the little one, or a customized growth chart with engraved markings and baby's name, or a fun saying. The options for practical baby gifts indeed are numerous, but every new parent will appreciate the customized one.

Photos used
https://pixabay.com/photos/basket-gift-baby-newburn-mouse-2924001/
https://pixabay.com/photos/cosmetics-gift-deco-decoration-bad-2389779/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/baby-in-white-onesie-lying-on-grey-textile-3845156/

Jan 9, 2021

How to Pick a Reputable Online Broker

image:pixabay.com/photos/stock-exchange-profits-boom-3087396

If you've decided to trade online, you shouldn't just pick the first brokerage firm you find via a Google search. There are a number of factors that you should consider.

Types of Online Brokers

There are different types of online brokerage firms that deal in specific types of markets and assets. The various types of online brokers are:
●    Full-service brokers offer a full range of investing advice and usually charge higher commission rates.
●    Discount brokers will usually not offer investing advice and charge lower commissions.
●    Stock brokers focus on stocks, exchange-traded funds, and mutual funds.
●    Foreign exchange brokers facilitate currency trading.
●    Commodity brokers offer futures, contracts for difference (CFTs), and other derivatives.

Why We Need Brokers

A brokerage firm is a conduit between the investor and the market itself. A person cannot just call up the New York Stock Exchange and place an order for 100 shares. It takes a brokerage firm to place the trade.

Investors who have little or no knowledge about investing should consider a full-service firm. A full-service firm will give advice, make investment recommendations, and place orders to buy or sell.

Those who are knowledgeable about stocks and investing may not want recommendations from investment advisors. But they still need a brokerage firm to make the trades with the exchange. These types of investors will most likely choose an online discount broker.

Most online brokers provide helpful information about investing like business and stock market articles, charts, and investing ideas. This is helpful for investors to make their own investing decisions.

Security

It is critical to work with a trustworthy broker. Trading of any asset is risky enough. You don't want to worry about your broker.

There are two major aspects of this: regulation and online security.

Regulation

In the United States, brokerage firms are regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Forex dealers are also regulated by the National Futures Association (NFA).

If the brokerage firm offers savings accounts, checking accounts, money markets, or CDs, make sure they are covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

All reputable online brokerage firms should be members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). If they are, it will be posted clearly for customers to see.

Online Security

You need your accounts and personal information secured. Be sure your broker offers:
●    Two-factor authentication.
●    Security questions and answers in addition to passwords.
●    Policies that forbid the selling of customer information.
●    Encryption to protect account information.

Commissions

Make sure to understand the broker's commission schedules on all types of investments you intend to trade, especially if you trade often.

Some online brokers offer free trades for only certain kinds of trades or assets. They might charge for others. So be aware of this.

If someone is planning to trade options, it is important to compare commissions. Some online brokers charge a commission plus a per-contract fee for options. Others will charge only a commission or only per contract.

The takeaway here is that commissions are often complicated. It's critical to understand them when choosing a broker.

Account Minimums

Some online brokerage companies have a minimum amount requirement, which can hinder the small investor. These minimums can range from $500 to $2,000 to open an account. Other firms might allow a lower minimum as long as you agree to deposit money on a regular basis or link your bank account to them. Not all brokerage firms have a minimum requirement, however.
Make sure to check for any and all types of fees other than commissions.


Trading Platform

A trading platform should be simple to understand and intuitive to use, especially for those new to investing and trading. This is where customers will buy and sell assets on their own.

Most trading platforms will also offer tools for investors. Some are quite simple like the ability to search for specific assets. Others are more complicated like analysis tools.

At times customers need to talk to a real person. All reputable brokers offer live help for customers to get help with accounts, trading platforms, and other questions.

Summary

Above all else, any broker you use should be suitably regulated and secure.

Beyond that, a good online broker should have competitive commissions and minimal if any additional fees. They should have a trading platform that works well for you. And finally, they should provide you with live customer support.

Read online reviews and check each online broker's reputation. Once you have narrowed your list of potential brokers, see if you can get a demo account and try them out.

Jan 7, 2021

Guide to Booming US cities for Women Entrepreneurs

Businesswoman carrying a blazer looking up
Many places across the USA offer a thriving environment for women in business. If you wonder which parameters are essential when searching for a perfect place for your star-up, look for:

•    Metrics
•    Friendliness toward new female entrepreneurs - business conditions, financing, office space availability, labor costs, etc.
•    Average revenue growth of women-owned businesses
•    Presence of women’s business centers
•    Industry variety for female-owned companies
•    Conditions for working mothers - the size of the gender wage gap and the availability of affordable child care

This article will present a few cities from different states that really stand out as booming US cities for women entrepreneurs.

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus offers a great central location, industry diversity, and young, educated coworkers. It’s a perfect place to start a small business because the state gives guidance and helps start-ups. There is also a Business Center of Ohio that works with businesswomen and continuously helps them grow. Encouraging counseling sessions connect female-owned businesses with resources and networking opportunities. You can have access to technical training, education opportunities, and workshops. Furthermore, The Women’s Small Business Accelerator of Central Ohio offers women entrepreneurs affordable, shared office space, coaching, and mentoring, as well as peer support.

Columbus has an attractive cost of living (lower than the state and national average), affordable housing, good schools, and a low unemployment rate. Moreover, beautiful bike and fitness trails connect the suburbs and downtown's riverfront park system, so your life outside of work can also be pretty amazing.

Denver, Colorado

Denver metro area has a very low unemployment rate for women. And we don’t mean only fast-growing job opportunities for female employees, but Denver also has a high percentage of women-owned businesses. There you can find an encouraging environment for female entrepreneurs. Many female-owned companies are in the scientific, technical, and professional services industries. Moreover, Denver's industry is concentrated in aerospace and bioscience, so it's perfect for entrepreneurs interested in these industries.

This city will offer you a lot of outdoor activities and an enjoyable lifestyle. To unwind from work, you can go on a mindful walk, skiing and hiking in the Rocky Mountains, but also biking and horseback riding. There is always something to do, from shopping and sports to art galleries and museums and not to forget - delicious food.

If you already know that Denver is the perfect city for you and your start-up and need to move to a better central location, fortunately enough, the city offers good local service. Local movers will give you a variety of options and follow your instructions. You need to decide how you want your relocation to be done, and flexible and adaptable moving companies from the area will know how to help you. They can easily comply with your schedule, meaning you won't lose too much of your precious time.
 
Denver landscape
Denver has a high percentage of women-owned businesses.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is one of the booming US cities for women entrepreneurs. There you can find a Women’s Business Center, offering business consulting, classroom training, and peer-to-peer learning for women in diverse stages of business management. Nashville’s unemployment rate is well below the US average. The city is affordable for living and has low taxes, making it an attractive place for anyone to start a business. You can make the most out of your education and have a good quality of life here, with many outdoor opportunities for relaxation.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles metro area has a high number of female entrepreneurs. Also, this city has more equitable pay between women and men than many others. Los Angeles is one of the best US cities for women entrepreneurs. Women in LA hold influential positions in the media and movie industry. There are endless possibilities for those ready to grow and improve their skills, expanding knowledge and experience. From fashion and beauty to art and interiors, women in LA create, collaborate, and achieve their goals.

If you decide to start your entrepreneurship here, you have good chances to succeed. For a fresh start, it's essential to reach the destination hassle-free. A professional moving company can help you in doing so, while you finish other important tasks. Leave the job of packing, cleaning, and storage to a reliable and experienced team, while you work on your business.
Buildings in Los Angeles, one of the booming US cities for women entrepreneurs
Los Angeles is one of the best US cities for women entrepreneurs

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This midwestern city is very supportive of women entrepreneurs. Milwaukee has several programs and training options to help female business owners grow their companies. The city provides business education, one-on-one assistance, direct loans, and capital and asset-building programs. Here you can have classes on everything you need for a successful start-up, from how to write a business plan and apply for a loan to developing projects and understanding cash flow. You can find support for every aspect of running a company, many networking events, etc.

Honolulu, Hawaii

This tropical city ranks very well in female entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it’s home to many women-focused business centers. Female entrepreneurs have all opportunities and help they need here, from business training, counseling, networking, and much more. A growing number of technology hubs are being formed in Honolulu. They provide women with a chance to find the financing they need. If you plan on opening a tech company with a focus on web, software, and mobile solutions, this city is ideal for you.
Buildings near the beach - Honolulu, Hawaii
Women have many opportunities and help with their start-ups in Honolulu, one of the booming US cities for women entrepreneurs.

Greensboro, North Carolina

Overall, friendliness toward new female businesses ranks very high in Greensboro. There are many programs to help women start and grow small businesses. The Startup Lab is designed for those looking to launch a business and striving to take their business to the next level. Within the Startup group, you can receive counseling on how to start a company successfully, define your customer base, and file taxes. For already established businesses, the Lab offers advice on how to increase your sales, expand your market, and get more clients. Programs are funded by the city of Greensboro and community partners.

Final thoughts

With an increasing number of innovative, inspiring women in the entrepreneurship world, we can conclude that we live in a great time. Besides these, there are many more booming US cities for women entrepreneurs, but this article would be a hundred pages long if we tried to cover them all. However, whichever city you choose, you can be sure you'll have plenty of opportunities and great help and support. So, good luck and start making your dreams come true.

Images:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-carrying-blazer-looking-up-on-sidewalk-2898062/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/snow-city-dawn-landscape-6034694/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-of-city-building-1049302/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/high-rise-buildings-near-beach-4601405/

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