The world has witnessed countless spine-chilling terror attacks around the globe over the years. Travel may be the last thing on your mind, from the tragic Paris attacks to the Istanbul airport attacks to the Orlando shootings.
Safety is one of the most significant factors when planning your travel. The Global Peace Index gives you a measure of a country’s peacefulness annually. These findings are drawn based on factors like political unrest, the number of security personnel, nuclear weapons, level of international conflict, terrorist activities, and other metrics.
Here are the top 10 safest countries to visit this year!
Iceland has remained in the first position consecutively for six years. The country has managed to maintain low rates of homicide, terror attacks, and several convicts.
Moreover, it helps that the country is an island because islands are unlikely to have border disputes. Do you need more convincing to bathe in one of those hot springs?
People travelling to Denmark have very little to worry about crime or political instability. Did you know that a third of Copenhagen’s (the country’s capital) population commutes to work by bicycle?
No wonder this Scandinavian country is the happiest in the world!
Bordered by other safest countries, Austria scored high points on peaceful elections and low points on weapon imports. It’s a well-known fact that this landlocked country has had a relatively untroubled past.
Offering breathtaking views of the Alps and a rich cultural experience, it’s one of the top choices to visit this year.
Portugal is also a very safe country owing to its geographical location. The government is gorgeous and a relatively cheap place to travel to, making it a must-visit destination for all kinds of tourists.
Notable for its Velvet Revolution, this country scores low on violent crimes, making it a haven for travellers. At least now would you call it Czechia?
Known for its neutrality, the Swiss Federation scores low on domestic and international conflicts, making it an ideal destination for vacationers. Now, won’t you like some fine cheese and chocolate?
Despite being larger, this truly secular nation ranks way higher in harmony and safety than the United States. Canada is home to numerous beautiful lakes, and bilingualism makes it a great place to travel to.
Slovenia scores high marks for having an increased number of security personnel. This is especially great for travellers looking to explore the remote, offbeat places in the country. Also, how can you say no to some great wine?
Now that you know the safest countries globally, pick out one which interests you and travel without any tensions!
There was a time when international trips only meant visiting countries like the USA, Great Britain, and Australia, not to mention burning a BIG hole in that pocket of yours.
However, things are very different with the younger generation looking to travel big on a tight budget. Let’s look at some of the countries you can travel to on an Indian Passport and yet save enough to plan your next adventure!
You knew this had to be there, right! This destination is now tremendously popular amongst those looking to travel out of the country. If you’re a beach bum, love getting tanned, or would like to enjoy your food and drinks at a reasonable price and shop like crazy, this is the place you need to pack your bags and head off to!
One of the neighboring countries of India, Nepal, reminds you of snow-capped peaks and spirituality. If you love waking up to beautiful scenery and enjoying your hot cup of coffee on a cold winter morning, this is a place that will give you the same winter-in-Europe feeling.
But at just an unimaginable cheaper price! And did I mention you DON’T need a passport for this country?
Unfortunately, Bhutan is frequently overlooked because of its tiny size. However, it is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes.
Those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life can visit the meditative monasteries in the country to get in touch with their spiritual side. The best part is that one can travel to Bhutan via road!
Many Indians are unaware of this exotic island located in the Indian Ocean. With August being the best time of the year to visit this island, beach-lovers will be in for a visual treat.
Vietnam has recently started appearing on tourists’ maps as it is gaining popularity for its scenic beauty. With cheap shopping options and tropical flora and fauna to enthrall you, you can save more money by ditching the traditional hotels and opting for a homestay instead!
The land of volcanoes finds its way on this list because it deserves to be here! Lush forests and immense greenery for the nature enthusiast and excellent spas for those looking to spoil themselves, this is a country that will leave you yearning for more.
So start packing and head off to your chosen destination!
Sweden’s Scandinavian country has one of the best education systems globally, as rated by several independent organizations. Swedish universities welcome students from overseas and offer scholarships for promising students to cover their tuition fees; there are also government scholarships to help with the financial costs., if you are an EU citizen, then there are no tuition fees.
2. Sweden celebrates diversity and culture
Sweden celebrates diversity and believes that it benefits society to support other people’s culture, way of life, beliefs, and practices to have an inclusive society.
Many universities around the world, in essence, teach you how to think, but Swedish universities teach you how to be creative as well and question everything that you learn so that you develop your own opinions.
This way of thinking leads to innovation in the workplace, with Sweden ranking highly as one of the most innovative nations in the world.
3. Educational institutes offers life skills too
When you study a course in Sweden, it is not just about attaining enough credits to pass; it is about the process of education itself, reasoning, rationalizing, and applying these skills to the outside world. But Sweden itself is an appealing country to study, and it has public healthcare, high levels of wealth equality, and a strong sense of social justice.
It takes environmental concerns seriously, including investing in sustainable energy and reducing greenhouse gas, making it attractive for international students studying sustainable energy. It has attractive modern cities with a cycle path, pavement cafes, and stunning lakes.
4. Offer working opportunities for students
International students can work while they carry out their studies, with no limit to the number of hours. If you want to stay in Sweden after graduation and work then you can extend your residence permit for 6 months to give you time to find a job or even start your own business.
Once you find a job you can then apply for a work permit. Likewise, if you are studying for a master’s or Ph.D. and have lived in Sweden for four years on a residence permit, you can apply for permanent residency.
Swedish universities attract many overseas students drawn by the fantastic education system, scholarships, and great lifestyle.
Immigration consultants such as Career Overseas can help you with every aspect of applying for and planning your study in Sweden.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan for your future in Sweden.
Imagine studying in the most romantic country in the world as you look over at the majestic Eiffel Tower. France is a living dream for every international student, from museums to cafes to restaurants.
The education system is equally good and offers plenty of opportunities for international students right from the beginning of the second year.
Here are four reasons you should study in France:
1. Scholarships for international students
France is one of the very few nations with government scholarships for international students. Some scholarships waiver off only state fees, while some fund all your education.
Studying and living costs are cheaper than universities in the UK and USA. All courses in France are delivered in both English and France. Not all universities delivered courses in English earlier. Per the French government’s rule to increase the influx of international students, you can now take any English classes.
3. You will learn a new language
You will meet so many people throughout your degree and even make friends with the locals. This is your chance of learning a new language because why not? The French vocabulary is very similar to English, so you can easily grab French if you know your English well.
4. Best country for study
You might not know, but Paris beats London, Sydney, Boston, and other cities to become the best city for students. Even in modern-day France, you get to live in its past because of the beautiful French sculptures and buildings. And how can we forget the wine?
France lies in the center of Europe that means there are multiple flights and Euro Rail to travel all around the continent while you stay there.
And with so many good reasons, who wouldn’t want to study in France right?
a person or group who usually gives small personal loans
charges high rates of interest
take high risk
play a significant role in lending money to those people with less access to banking activities
offers loans to people who are unbanked or under-banked
also provides loans to those in situations where borrowers do not have a good credit history
sometimes lends money to people like gamblers and compulsive shoppers who get into debt
Amidst so many lending services provided and various options available, the decision of borrowing money from money lenders becomes quite challenging. Extremely difficult and straining at times.
So, to make your task easier, faster, and more efficient, we have come up with this list of things that you should know before borrowing money from money lenders. This will not only make you well versed when it comes to money lenders, but it will also make you more aware.
Hard money loans are for those in serious need of funds or need cash urgently.
When one needs to make, the purchase happen quickly.
Hard money loans are the next best option for those who do not qualify for any other form of loan or financing.
Buying an investment property
Flipping houses
Many hard money lenders in the United States claim to be the fastest and provide loans with zero percent down payment. However, one has to be cautious in these situations. Everyone has to be cautious in these situations.
What is a Hard Money Loan?
As the name suggests, hard money loans indicate the distinctive and hard feature of the loan, that is, using a tangible asset to back the loan’s value. So, if the borrower defaults on the secured loan, the lender will take over ownership of those tangible assets, hence, recovering the losses.
The concept of Hard money will become more clear further.
How hard money loan is different from a traditional loan?
Traditional mortgage and hard money loans are alike in terms of a secured loan. Both are secured loans, which implies that both are guaranteed by the property used to purchase.
The approval process of hard money loans is generally less stringent and very fast than a traditional mortgage or other types of secured loans.
Traditional lenders waste your time with long approvals.
Hard Money Lenders provide hard money loans to borrowers with alternative lending circumstances or those who need fast money. Nonbanks and private lenders employ alternative underwriting guidelines to fulfill this group’s aim. These are different when compared to those used for prime mortgages in the following terms:
require less documentation than banks
less likely to ask for credit score, Bankruptcy history and Foreclosure history.
This means that borrowers with a less solid credit history will have an easier time being approved for hard money loans. This is because their financial background is not a factor in qualifying them.
Moneylenders depend on borrowers’ equity as collateral.
hard money lenders claim the property if a borrower defaults
they can even force a sale of the property to recover the funds lost on the loan
Benefits of Hard money mortgages for borrowers:
immediate access to funds
the approval process is quick
involves less hassle
easier approval
faster funding, that is, getting you the money you need when you need it.
faster turn around time
Fewer qualification requirements
Drawbacks of Hard money mortgages for borrowers:
shorter repayment terms
higher interest rates
a certain amount of risk
more upfront costs (such as closing costs)
higher origination fees
requires a larger down payment (like more than 30%)
borrower’s house secures the loan
Looking at all the positives and negatives of hard money loans, it is advised that if one’s financial background and minimum credit score qualify for other forms of financing, one should consider going for those better options. This wise decision will cost less money in the long term! A hard money loan might turn out to be a financial disaster.
However, one can go for it when there’s an urgent need for money.
All in all, hard money loans are comparatively more expensive due to the high risk that the lender takes by offering the loan.
What do Experts have to say?
“Also, unlike a traditional mortgage, the value in a hard money loan deal is factored into the underwriting much more than the borrower’s credit score,” says Shipwash.
“Hard money lenders, the term “hard money lender,” is used to describe the entity outside a traditional bank or credit union that leads to an individual or business. A hard money lender is similar to payday lenders offering personal loans or title pawn lenders, without much oversight or regulation to adhere to”, says Bruce Ailion, a real estate attorney and Realtor in Atlanta. “Lenders can charge what they want for the risk they take in making a loan,” Ailion says.
2) Each lender has its qualification criteria
Each lender has its qualification criteria concerning autopay and loyalty discounts.
(For example, some lenders require the borrower to elect Autopay before loan funding to qualify for the autopay discount).
All rates are determined by the Mortgage Lenders and must be agreed upon between the borrower and the borrower’s lender that is chosen.
3) Sole discretion
All credit decisions, including loan approval, if any, are solely determined by Lenders. Lenders will conduct a hard credit pull when the borrower applies. Hard credit will have an impact on the credit score.
4) Lowest rate
Interest rate is a percentage of the principal of the amount loaned. It is the amount a lender charges a borrower. The lowest rate advertised is not available for all loan sizes, types, or purposes.
5) Steps of Loan approval
Hard Money Loan Rates: How is the approval process set for any loan breaks down to the following:
the lender reviews all the background information
the lender determines if you can reasonably commit to make the necessary payments.
In the case of a hard money loan, the lender does not dig into your financial background
A personal loan is a loan whose money is lent through a financial institution like a bank or an online lender, or marketplace.
This can be used to pay down credit cards, consolidate debt or cover a wide range of other expenses.
Personal loans have fixed monthly payments for a set period.
How is a personal loan different than a credit card?
Credit cards come with credit limits, introductory rates, or revolving balances. But, personal loans involve a fixed rate and payment that the borrower chooses upfront. Also, no additional interest will be added to the borrower’s loan once the borrower locks in.
Fee on personal loans
Fees on a personal loan include a variety of things like application costs, underwriting, funding and other associated administrative services.
The fee amount can vary from a money lender to a money lender. Also, it should be noted that an origination fee is generally deducted from the loan proceeds before the borrower gets the required funds in the bank account. This is usually between 1% and 8% of the loan amount.
For example, if one borrows $15,000 with a 5% origination fee, $750 would go to the fee, and one’d receive $14,250. If the lender one chooses charged an origination fee, be sure to consider it when choosing the loan amount — otherwise, one could end up with less money.
Plus point about personal loans:
The good news is that a personal loan can positively impact one’s credit by showing a history of on-time payments and reducing one’s total debt.
(as long as one doesn’t add a new debt, like increased credit card balances)
How Much Can You Borrow?
How do money lenders determine how much people can borrow?
Determining Factors:
the credit score
possible collateral
already-existing financial relationship with you.
7) Credit approval
Loans are subject to credit approval and sufficient investor commitment.
Various Credit:
Excellent credit
Good credit
Fair credit
Bad credit
No credit history Secured credit cards
A minimum credit score is needed to be on the safer side.
To qualify for an equity loan, the moneylender looks for the borrower with enough equity in their home: equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on your mortgage.
If you are in a situation where you don’t have a good credit rating, then getting loan approval, that too, a traditional loan, is next to impossible. However, when applying for a hard money loan, you are dealing with an individual or a group of lenders.
You will not be borrowing from the traditional bank anymore. Thus, there is no need to provide the money lender with a lot of information to approve the loan. They are not concerned with what credit score you have. They are just interested in taking high-interest rates, as long as you pay them on time.
8) Soft credit inquiry VS Hard credit inquiry
Checking one’s loan rate generates a soft credit inquiry on one’s credit report, visible only to that person. A hard credit inquiry, which is visible to the person and others and may affect one’s credit score, only appears on one’s credit report if and when a loan is issued to that person.
The loan APR will depend upon one’s credit score and other key financing characteristics, including but not limited to the amount financed, loan term length, and one’s credit usage and history.
Also, note that some companies may call themselves private lenders simply because they are privately owned. Like hard money lenders, you can also find them on the internet. Companies can close deals on various property types at competitive interest rates in the 48 states. Terms may vary from state to state.
The main point to keep in mind about a down payment is as follows:
up-front payment
initial partial payment
payment is made for the purchase of expensive products &/or services such as car, bike or a house
generally paid in cash or equivalent like a personal check, cashier’s check, credit card, or electronic payment
the remaining payment for the purchase of that expensive product or service is made with the loan amount.
reduces the amount of money you will have to borrow
the more you pay for the down payment, the lesser amount of the loan and lower the interest rate
10) Personal finance
Personal finance is the management of your own or your family’s finance. It includes saving moving, family loans, accounts, expenses, donations, tax, asset and liability handling, retirement planning, insurance, banking, budgeting, investing, estate planning and a lot more.
avoid taking loans as much as possible. A loan should always be the last option
spend less: there’s a hell of a lot of difference between getting wealthy and staying wealthy
invest wisely and compound your money
learn financial literacy: read!
the rich don’t work for money; money works for them
mind your finances and your own family’s
Know the history of taxes and the power of corporations
Don’t lose your mind: learn, observe, grow
know the difference between luck and risk
wealth is what you, by any chance, don’t see
Excellent books to read on personal finance:
the psychology of money by Morgan Housel
Rich dad poor dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Think and grow rich by Napoleon Hill
the little book of common sense investing by John C. Bogle
11) How to protect from scams?
Scammers often try to collect personal and financial information from consumers by pretending to be an employee or employees of philanthropic organizations, financial services companies, banks, private money lenders, or online lenders.
But one needs to be very cautious about providing personal information because this is very sensitive information, and its misuse or mishandling can cause great trouble in future.
There can be cases of Unsuccessful payment fees also.
What to do if you feel that the lender is doing something illegal or wrong?
Simple answer: Complaint! As soon as possible, without wasting any time.
risks that can be as high as in similar, other investment instruments like Mutual Fund, FD and Debentures.
the risk is diversified through very low amounts of lent
it does not affect portfolio returns
How did online money lenders come into the picture?
the covid – 19 pandemic brought in a new era of digital transactions
people don’t fear transacting online anymore
. During the pandemic, people have been relying on each other for emergency and unplanned expenses
And that is when digital transactions and online money lenders saw a boost!
Online money lenders are smart millennials who don’t have any complex rule books but have gadgets like smartphones and laptops.
What about Auto loans?
An auto loan has collateral, which means the vehicle’s value is the security for the money lender and that the money lender has protection against default. In other words, the money lender can seize the underlying asset, which means the money lender can take your vehicle.
One of the significant differences between auto loans and other consumer loans is that an auto loan is a secured loan that has to be used to purchase a vehicle.
On the other hand, other personal loans can be used to purchase almost anything in this world and are not that secure.
This is why interest rates on auto loans are generally lower than personal loans. This is because the lender is taking less risk, as they can seize the vehicle to recover the unpaid loan if the situation demands so.
The loans on cars are also fixed period loans. They are paid back over a specific period, for example, one, two, three, four or five years. Several consumer loans also have you (the borrower) choose a particular time of payback period.
Are you thinking about what you want to do once you get your bachelor’s degree? Doing a master’s degree or postgraduate diploma might not fit your family finances, but by not doing it, you are missing expertise.
Instead, you can take a break for a couple of years, save some money, and then start studying again.
Here are four reasons you should get a postgraduate degree:
1. You are missing on your expertise
Bachelor’s degree is elementary and gives you an idea of different possible expertise you can take up in the future.
Doing a bachelor’s degree will get you a job, but you won’t be able to choose where you want to work because someone of the same caliber is ready to accept the job.
2. Only a bachelor’s degree isn’t enough
You have minimal choices and knowledge. Apart from not getting paid enough, you will enter the organization at a superficial level, making it more challenging to reach the top.
Having one doesn’t make sense anymore in a world where people have over 50 educational degrees.
3. Earn better
A bachelor’s graduate in India barely makes Rs 500 a day. A postgraduate makes as much as Rs 2000 a day. I know you have to put in time and effort, which will reach the same level in two years if you put in work.
People with master’s degrees get better and quicker increments than people with bachelor’s degrees.
4. Meet your career goal
Moving up the career ladder is very difficult after a bachelor’s. Also, you are pushing yourself in the REAL world without knowing what to do.
You can’t utilize your knowledge to its highest abilities because people already know a lot more than you. Working under someone is a good experience, but I am sure you don’t want to do that for the best of your life.
So, now you can see why a master’s degree is essential. If you are a graduate, plan for your master’s degree. Find some of the best universities out there.
When Mondays become nightmares, and when the work deadlines consume your headspace, it’s time to accept that you don’t like your job.
Every weekend is about relief, but Sunday evenings turn melancholic as you have to visit that dreaded office again. Those faces, those files, that cubicle, every single aspect of your job seems to eat your happiness away.
You’re not alone. There are millions like you living helplessly trying to make sense of their jobs as they pay the bills. You can’t quit because there’s no Plan B at your disposal, so you just slog it off and try to make peace with your life, but all in vain.
So how do you make things easier for yourself? Quit and sit at home while living on welfare or facing the situation like the stoic hero you are? I guess the latter.
Here are some tips to help you tolerate that irritating job till you find something else.
1. Examine the scenario:
So what exactly bothers you at work? Is it the pay or the work environment? As soon as you’re able to analyze what truly is bothering you can easily address the problem and have a bearable stint at work.
You can work towards alleviating the cause of concern, so your life becomes much easier.
After analyzing the cause of your disinterest at work, you need to approach the problem head-on. Whether it’s an overwhelming workload or unfair wage, or an uncooperative co-worker, you need to communicate your struggles to a position of authority, so you no longer end up frustrated.
This is going to be difficult, but it is a necessary step. Nobody is going to automatically find out the cause of your frustration with the job. You have to go out there and communicate with your boss.
3. Switch Your Perspective:
Changing perspective about your job is something you must have heard like a thousand times now. But it is valuable advice and helps you in the long run.
Instead of being sour-hearted about your job all the time, just change your approach about that job and take it not as a tunnel of fire but a feat to accomplish.
It is important to vent about your job frustration else; you’ll just keep boiling with it all through your life. Share your concerns with your friends. This helps you get lighter.
But make sure you don’t rant on a social networking site or to a co-worker, as that can impact you negatively.
5. Give it your best shot:
Your frustration with your job will lead you to do the bare minimum, which will make your work suffer. So the better option to avail is to give your best efforts, and the resultant appreciation and incentive will motivate you to carry on with the job.
Mediocrity is a vice, and its presence will just dip your career graph. And any lackadaisical performance will just add to your hatred and frustration for the job. It might not change the work scenario but will make you a little happier and confident.
It is an honor and a matter of pride for any student to be a part of the Ivy League institutions. They have top-notch teaching facilities with an enviable reputation that will turn heads and give you countless job opportunities. You might even end up getting your dream job.
But getting in is no cakewalk. You have to be focused and driven, and ready to work relentlessly to crack the SATs and prepare an impressive profile.
This will help you get into an Ivy League college, which will definitely be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Be well-versed with extracurricular activities:
Whether it is a life-skills training or a writing program, just be involved in multiple disciplines because the Ivy League is looking for students who are all-rounders and not mere bookworms.
This will also help you in the long run and assist in your all-around development.
Apply for Internships in the Ivy League institutions:
Applying for summer internships in the institutions of your choice can give you a good application. Though an expensive option, this enhances your prospects of getting in later.
There are also 3 to 4-week courses you can apply for.
Set your goals straight: Nail the SATs
You should be fully prepared for the SATs as they are your gateway to Ivy League colleges. So you need to prepare well with mock tests and long study sessions covering everything in the curriculum.
Make sure you’re thorough with every module.
Community Service
Working for a humanitarian cause will enhance your application as social service is a prerequisite for universities in the US.
You can help teach underprivileged kids or be an assistant in an earthquake shelter- anything that shows you have not forsaken your humanity.
This will make a huge difference in the impression you make on them and enhance your prospects.
Just the thought of job interviews can give you sleepless nights. Will you get that dream job or not? What if you can’t answer questions? What if you say something stupid?
Well, breathe. We have a few pointers for you to help soothe your nerves before that really important interview.
The most important thing to keep in mind before appearing for an interview is that getting the job might become more complex unless you are calm and composed under the pressure situation.
Here are a few tips to follow:
Revise your questions:
You, of course, don’t need to memorize the answers to your interview because you do not know for sure what they will ask.
You can make a list of possible questions and think of some good clear-cut answers so you don’t fumble in front of the interviewers.
It doesn’t hurt to be a little prepared. Also, make sure you do your homework by researching the basic details about the organization where you have applied for the job.
This helps considerably in soothing the pre-interview anxiety.
Have a good night’s sleep:
Lack of sleep messes with your brain. Disturbed circadian rhythms can prove detrimental to your confidence, and you may not be able to answer all the questions with finesse.
So at least 8 hours of sleep is mandatory before the interview day.
Do a dress rehearsal:
Choose your outfit a day before and enact your interview process so that you feel at ease when you sit down for the interview on D-day.
Practice your sitting posture and your opening pitch.
Freshen yourself up and relax:
Don’t bombard your brain with crazy interview thoughts. Divert your mind, go for a walk, listen to good music, watch a movie or meet some friends.
Do something that makes you feel relaxed and gets your happy hormones kicking so that you’re in a good mood before the interview.
Follow all these tips before your interview and see for yourself how it helps.
Are you planning to go to a foreign country to study or work? Well, you will then have to give the TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language exam to prove that you know English well enough to communicate efficiently.
TOEFL isn’t about complex English that you read in period novels. The exam is very simple and tests the English that you use daily.
Here are four tips that will help you score high on your TOEFL exam:
The TOEFL exam judges your writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. The test is divided on that basis as well. If you are applying for a university, focus more on your writing and reading skills.
If you are applying for a job, focus more on your listening and speaking skills as you interact with co-employees and customers.
2. Set a minimum score in mind
If getting into university A requires you to have a score of 500, keep an ideal score of 600 in your mind. Don’t keep unrealistic scores like 650 or 750 because that will put immense pressure on you.
3. Converse in English
Every chance you get, converse in English. Learn five new words from the dictionary every day. When you make English a part of your daily life, you will find out your mistakes.
The words need not be anything big or scientific, but simple words that you didn’t know before.
4. Read for 30 minutes every day
Read loudly to know how you are pronouncing the words and maintain a good pace. You can pick up any random newspaper, novel, or magazine and set a timer for 30 minutes to read.
Make it a daily habit. Whenever you come across a new word, find the meaning. It will be fixated in your mind forever.
If you want to ace your TOEFL score, you need to follow these tips. Get started.
