Data Management – Is the Payoff Near
2012 May 17 by Peter
Using ‘Big Data’ Can Net You Big Payoffs
In today’s world, it’s impossible to get away from data. Bits of data are everywhere – in the grocery store and in historical crime data. They are also behind the gadgets we use each and every day.
In fact, there’s so much data, it’s hard to know what to do with it all.
But there is a silver lining on the horizon. There’s a Big Payoff when you learn how to analyze the Big Data that’s out there for your benefit.
So what exactly is Big Data? In short, the phrase refers to dynamic trends in technology that help the world make better decisions.
Think of the microscope – a tool that allowed the world to measure things like never before, says Erik Brynjolfsson, an economist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management. Learning how to analyze and measure data is the equivalent of the profound effect and opportunities the microscope created.
Twitter hashtags, Facebook wall posts and Google queries are all types of data now being used to measure people’s behaviors, feelings and desires in real time. Continue reading »
Retirement Savings to Annuities – Does it make sense?
2012 May 10 by Peter
Considering Annuities? Ask Your Advisor
When finances get tight, as they do in economies and markets like these, you may wonder if you should move a portion of your retirement savings to annuities. Depending on your individual financial circumstances, it may make sense to talk to your advisor about the topic of an annuity.
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company. In exchange for making a payment to the company now (either as a lump sum or in installments), you are guaranteed a stream of income at some point in the future.
Annuities offer many benefits. For example, if you pay a lump sum to the insurance company for your annuity, not only will you be guaranteed monthly checks for life but you will start receiving those checks immediately. Best of all, your checks will arrive regardless of how markets perform.
Continue reading »
Tricks to the World of Online Sales
2012 May 7 by Peter
How Online Calls to Action Translate Into Offline Sales 
All businesses need an online storefront that shifts visitors into customers with a decisive call to action. A call to action shakes your site visitor from a passive web surfer to an active participant interested in your business.
And with online shopping positioned as one of 2011′s market success stories, despite the tough economy, it’s clear that competitive businesses need a solid online strategy that includes a call to action.
Engage customers proactively
A call to action isn’t just about selling online. It’s about understanding that most customers research their purchases on shops’ websites before they buy, either online or offline. Small businesses can take advantage of this by engaging prospective customers proactively.
Instead of just having an informative website, have your site work for you 24/7 by baiting customers with irresistible hooks. Continue reading »
Dental Insurance to Protect Your Teeth Pays
2012 April 30 by Peter
Why it Pays to Visit the Dentist
Studies have shown that more than 30% of Americans do not visit a dentist regularly.
While that may save them a few dollars, nearly 60% of these individuals are likely to have untreated tooth decay.
In addition to giving you pearly white teeth, properly caring for teeth and gums is important for a variety of health-related reasons.
For example, regular dental care can help in reducing the presence of infection-causing bacteria. Proper care of your teeth can also help to prevent tooth decay or loss, gingivitis, and plaque. An excessive buildup of plaque can cause pain and even bleeding. Left untreated, infection could potentially move into your jaw and become a very serious condition.
Similar to regular health insurance policies, dental insurance requires the payment of a premium in return for covered services.
Most dental plans typically cover annual teeth cleanings and checkups as well as certain types of X-rays.
There are two specific types of dental insurance: Continue reading »
Insurance Annuities Gain Appeal in Volatile Times
2012 April 26 by Peter
Why Annuities Are Appealing in Tough Economic and Volatile Times
The latter part of 2011 and early part of 2012 have been dominated by what investment pros call risk on/risk off, which is just another way of saying volatility.
The markets have been up and down like a roller coaster. And in this kind of environment, fixed annuities may be particularly appealing.
As you probably know, an annuity is a contract with an insurance company. It can be purchased with a lump-sum payment or on a periodic basis. Either way, the money that is invested in the annuity is guaranteed to earn a fixed rate of return throughout the so-called accumulation phase of the annuity. Later, often when you retire, the annuity pays you back.
Fixed annuities – which are often used by people who are about to retire and need help stabilizing income from their investments – can be very appealing in volatile markets. Continue reading »
