Start Early: Investment Tips For The Young Investor

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No one is ever too young to invest. The word “investment” can sound off as intimidating for many, but it is a start to having a future of financial freedom. Below are some investment tips young investors need to keep in mind.

Do not think of your savings account as a long-term investment.

Your savings may grow (at most) 1 percent per annum, but if you regularly withdraw from the account, the increment will not be felt at all. While having a savings account is highly encouraged for young investors, it is not a long-term investment strategy. Choose other channels like the stock market, insurance policies, or mutual funds for your future investments.

Take risks while you’re young.

Don’t be afraid to try things out. If you made a mistake while you’re young, you'd have more time fixing the problem as you get older (and wiser). However, if you’re going to try out new things when you’re older, there is much more at stake. Try out something that appeals to you, but make sure you do enough research.

Investing takes discipline.

Make sure you pay your bills and investments on time so you won’t have to worry about where to get funds. If you need to cut down on your expenses, think of it as delayed gratification.

Save for your retirement.

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“But I’m only 24 years old!” Well, your 65-year-old self will thank you for starting early. Enjoy the fruits of your labor when the time comes. It’s never too early to start saving for your retirement.

Fred B. Barbara started as a young investor. He began with a trucking company and grew his investments over time. Currently, Fred is a member of the board of directors for various companies. Follow this Twitter account for more investing tips.

Truck Record: Fundamental Facts About The Local Trucking Business

The trucking industry leads all means of domestic freight in the U.S. Its flexibility, relative cost-effectiveness, and logistical viability make it a staple to various industries that require transport of commodities. Here are some key trucking facts about the industry:

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The industry can keep up with U.S. economy expansion

In 2014, the top five issues facing the trucking industry were driver shortage, fuel cost increase, increased trucking demands, world trade expansion, and pricing power fluctuations. For the past several months, these issues have been gradually resolved or are currently undergoing significant improvements.

Female drivers on the rise 

The American Trucking Association reveals that there are approximately 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the United States. While this sounds big, it is not enough to cover all the transport needs of the country. Trucking companies have started tapping and accepting female drivers to cover up for the paucity. Approximately 6 percent of the current job pool is comprised of women.

The role of advanced technology

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As with other businesses, trucking companies have found the necessity to invest in modern technologies that include computers and the Internet. Other tools currently on increasing demand include GPS navigation, satellite radio, digital satellites televisions, and autonomous truck technologies. The latter allow drivers to use highway pilot mode and perform non-driving activities at the same time, giving them easier control for safety-critical functions in times of unavoidable traffic or environmental conditions.

Fred B. Barbara is an adept investor and entrepreneur, having grown his first trucking business into a fleet 150 vehicles strong. For more about his ventures, follow this Twitter account.

Strategizing for Business Growth: Approaches on Expansion

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Expansion is a common and often inevitable next step for thriving businesses. Because this move is primarily uncharted waters for new and growing companies, the risks inherent to it are usually great. However, when done the right way and with expert management, these risks could be turned into massive profits, sometimes multiplying the initial capital manifold. Below are a number of strategies for succeeding in business expansions:

1. Opening stores in multiple locations

Before considering opening stores in other locations, business owners must first ensure that growth and profit are consistent throughout the years. They must also look at the economic and consumer trends to determine if their brand or product has staying power.

2. Engaging in a franchise system

Expansion often means greater opportunities for stronger cash flow, which in turn attracts investors or franchise buyers. Franchising allows new business partners to be more involved in the operations but remain guided by the rules or business strategies of their mother company.

3. Product licensing 

This type of business expansion involves minimal risk. It is a low-cost tool for growth and has proven effective overall. Business owners can receive a continuous stream of profit from royalties and upfront cash given for the use of their branded products.

4. Government partnership

Having the government as a customer will surely yield great revenue because they are among the largest buyers of goods and services. There is a lot of work involved, but it contributes to the stability of the company.

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Fred B. Barbara is a skilled entrepreneur and investor who began his foray into business at the age of 18. He grew a small trucking company into a multimillion dollar enterprise and has gone on to triple that amount in the present through his investment expertise. Know more about him here.