July 2022

Benefits brokers are constantly scouring the marketplace looking for better benefits that they can offer clients. They are looking for better and more competitive health insurance plans, and better dental and vision options. Even things like pet insurance and long term disability cover are on the table. But are they missing it? Perhaps they are.

Traditionally, employers have looked at benefits from the standpoint of “what can we offer our employees?” They have expected their brokers to go out and find attractive benefits they can turn around and use to recruit and retain employees. But maybe there is a better way. Perhaps better employee benefit are customized benefits.

A Matter of Perspective

What this post is proposing is simply a matter of prospective. In other words, do employers look at benefits from the perspective of what they can offer, or do they look at it from the employee’s perspective? The employer that adopts the latter perspective doesn’t start by commissioning the benefits broker to go find new and improved plans. Rather, the employer goes directly to employees to ask what it is they want.

It is becoming increasingly more obvious that today’s workforce doesn’t have the same priorities as its predecessors. For example, we now know that employees are willing to give up precious benefits and salary just for the opportunity to continue working remotely. Such an idea would have been unthinkable 40 years ago.

Benefits are changing because employee perspectives are changing. The question for employers is whether their perceptions are changing as well. If they continue to view benefits the way companies did back in the 1980s and 90s, they run the risk of never truly giving their employees the best benefits possible.

Employees Want Customization

As a general agency serving thousands of benefits brokers around the country, Dallas-based BenefitMall insists that employees want more customization in their benefits packages. They say that employees want the ability to pick and choose from a basket of options to create benefits that meet their individual needs.

BenefitMall’s proposal is backed up by a 2017 survey conducted by LIMRA. The survey revealed that a surprising 73% of American workers want the ability to customize their benefits packages. Employees are no longer content to be told by their employers what they need. They want the freedom to make that decision for themselves.

Compensatory and Non-Compensatory Options

Dig into the details of what employees are saying and you discover that health insurance and a retirement plan are not the be-all and end-all of the modern benefits environment. Such compensatory benefits are still important to people. But so are non-compensatory benefits. Employees are also interested in:

• a hybrid work model
• flexible scheduling
• childcare assistance
• access to mental health services
• financial management help.

There are many ways to implement a customized benefits package. An employer could survey workers to find out what they want, then work at providing the most requested options. Employees could pick and choose up to a certain dollar amount.

Another option, for companies with fifty or fewer employees, is to offer a defined contribution benefits plan whereby the employer contributes a flat amount that employees can take directly to the marketplace to procure their own benefits. Defined contribution plans are not wildly popular, but they are out there.

It is clear that employee perceptions of their benefits are changing. Companies looking to compete for talent could probably use a new perspective as well. Perhaps the best employee benefits are not measured in terms of monetary value. Maybe the best benefits are those that can be customized by employees.

Since the rise of KuCoin, it has become one of the most popular crypto platforms in the world. However, there are always some security doldrums that KuCoin had to face, especially in the beginning of this crypto giant. Shortly KuCoin began to thrust forward with an outstanding array of stunning features. 

An Optimum Software Is Required

You have to design software that helps users to trade at their ease. Perhaps KuCoin has been able to develop a robust system that is helping everyone to build a secure career in trading. Currently, trading is a global endeavor, which is why people are gathering around the KuCoin empire. 

KuCoinhas enabled a rigorous security system, arguably the best crypt feature. You can not bet on the fast-speed security features of the KuCoin exchange., Previously crypto empires have been known for success in their optimum growth. Since the rise KuCoin, it has changed the way of trading for every novice and professional trader. 

Short security features and another benison at KuCoin KCS always produce a successful result. Perhaps every trader at KuCoin is pretty happy with a significant part of security. We are moving towards a robust crypto trading future where security will be the most crucifix matter for every outlet. 

Some Recent KuCoin Marvels

Recently KuCoin has suffered from a drastic security issue that cost millions. However, with the help of fellow exchanges has been able to recover from that crucifix monetary loss. KuCoin has brightened the security aspects that are giving an easement. 

Since the epic launch of the latest NFT version, KuCoin security has become more viable than ever. It is essential to rethink security solutions because they always back up your funds in your most challenging times. We live in an age where scientific surprises are just everyday glasnost. However, technology has always helped KuCoin recover from all the virulent issues it faced in the worst times. 

The Blockchain Brilliance

Perhaps business empires always rely on the highest level of technology. Blockchain technology is probably the most feasible part of crypto trading. Crypto drives to deal with heaps of money because they help customers trade continuously. Recently, KuCoin has discovered some of the unique gaming enigmas at the outlet, gaining an immense reputation. 

The most mesmeric thing about the security of any trading outlet is the account credentials. Without the proper knowledge of account credentials, you can not proceed ahead because they are the building blocks of any crypto exchange., Today, we are seeing a mesmeric change in Blockchain technology, giving every trader a massive chance to trade under all circumstances. 

Perhaps there are very few things that can perplex you in trading, and security is one of them. Recent changes in crypto assets have made the stock market much more competitive. Since prices rise in ETHUSDT and BTCUSDT, a significant slump of avaricious traders has gathered around them. 

The Latest Stock Demands

As we focus on the best technology for safety in crypto, we have to consider the Blockchain aspect. The latest artificial intelligence has made us a complex of creativities. Perhaps there are very few that can outdo the latest modes of Blockchain technology. Today, the most feasible thing in crypto is constant upgrading, which is essential. However, some other aspects are helpful too. 

We have already heard about the most powerful technology features, such as impeccable Artificial Intelligence. We are dealing with an age of scientific miracles. Perhaps no crypto outlet is free from virulent security threats, but the shades are always towards those who have already suffered from the ferocious jaws of scams.

Technology is changing the speed at which things work. When we think of availing of personal loan, the first thing that comes to our mind is going to the bank, filling out hours of documents and application forms, and standing in a queue at different lanes to get approval. This process is tedious and quite time-consuming. With the development in technology, applicants can avail of the loan directly from the comfort of their home with a few clicks on the screen. As a result, more and more people are now taking online loans when needed. 

Some of the advantages of using online loan app are:

• Fast Processing

As compared to the traditional system, using online loan apps, users can get the loan approved in a matter of a few clicks once the issuer verifies the documents. It has been noted that processing online loans takes a few minutes, while it takes a few hours for some people. The online loan app specifies what documents would be needed at the start of the process so that the user can get all the required items in one go.

• Better Availability 

Users can easily get the loan facility by downloading the application from the playstore. Making an account on this application is quite easy and fast and does not require any technical expertise. This makes online loan appa much more attractive to a new generation as they need not spend time at banks by going to various counters to get small information about documentation and other things.

• Better Loan Options 

Users can see all the loan options for them on their phone screen and need not go through lots of pages to understand the requirement and issues related to each loan option. Users can avail any amount of loan that can be sanctioned to them, starting from as low as INR 5000. 

Similarly, users also have an option to pay back the loans in EMI in a period of 3 to 5 years or more, depending upon the issuer. The issuer decides the maximum loan amount once the documents are verified by their team.

• No Usage Bar 

In traditional loan processes, users should specify the purpose of taking the loan to the bank. Loans taken through online loan apps do not need any justification. Users can use this money for their business or personal use as a medical emergency or buying some property as well.

• Better Support from the Issuer 

Traditional banks work only during a limited time of the day, hence, customer queries can only be handled during this time. However, with online loan apps, users can ask the support team any query whenever they want, and assistance is provided at any point of the day. If the query is not resolvable by a simple chat or call, the issuer’s team makes a ticket of the same and reaches out to the candidate in less than 24 hours. 

• Fewer Physical Documentation 

With banks, users need to keep all the documents pertaining to the loan safely with them as this would be needed at any time for the bank if there is any query or during the end of the loan tenure. With the online loan apps, all the documents are in electronic format, which the users receive through the mail and can be downloaded “n” a number of times as well.

• Faster Transfer of Amount to the Account 

Even if the loan is approved traditionally, the amount takes a few days to be credited into the user’s account, which might not be the desired thing in terms of emergency. Using an online loan app, once the loan is approved, the amount gets credited instantly into the user’s account within a few minutes. This helps the users in times of emergency.

Online loan apps are all-time preferred as they save time and money for both users and the issuers. However, users should read loan-related documents properly before availing of any loan and check the legitimacy of the platform. There are several online loan apps, and selecting the right one will help the user at all times for a smooth transition on availing of a loan.

Although nobody would literally keep their money under their mattress, many people inadvertently do something similar. At The DI Wire, we are here to inform our readers about the best alternative investments that will bear fruit in the long run.

When people keep money at home, they will lose money eventually because it does not gain any interest or profits. It also loses its buying power because of inflation and other factors.

This is why people created banks and savings accounts because idle money earns us interest. Other people consider money market funds, CDs, or bonds, as alternative investments, but like bank interest, it sometimes does not make much money.

The DI Wire discovered that most people lose more money on house equity. While we can agree that a house gains value with time, it is not 100% that the house is an asset.

Robert Kiyosaki defined an asset as something that adds money into someone’s pocket, while a liability takes away money. Using this definition, we classify a permanent residential home as a liability because the homeowner has to pay monthly mortgage fees, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

On the other hand, a rental house or apartment brings in a steady monthly income, making it an asset. However, since people can sell their homes after paying the mortgage, we can refer to it as an investment.

With that logic in mind, we must determine whether the investment is worth it. The best way to assess the performance of a real estate investment is using return on equity. This shows the percentage return the house gives in relation to its equity.

Unlike other investments, people get alternative investments like real estate using leverage or loans. Therefore, we need to calculate how much money the house is making on the down payment, the equity. Let’s calculate the annual ROE of primary residents with and without mortgages to make it easier for our readers.

Let’s take the first example where we buy a house for $200,000 cash, and the house increases its value by three percent, or $6,000. To determine the return on equity, we divide the increased value by the equity, the initial $200,000 investment.

This gives us a three percent return, which we don’t find very exciting. However, it is not that bad when we consider other benefits like living in your own home and having the freedom to do whatever you want in the house.

In our second example, we buy a house with the same price on a mortgage and pay a $40,000 down payment. By the end of the year, the house will have increased its value by $6,000. When we divide the increased value, $6,000, by our initial investment, $40,000, it gives us a 15% return. The main point here is that the lesser money we invest in real estate, the higher the returns.

Since we found that many people get an alternative investment for long-term benefits, we decided to take the two houses and calculate the return on equity after ten years. Since the house goes up by three percent or $6,000 a year, this makes it $69,871 after ten years. When we divide this by the initial investment, we realize a 34.94% return on equity.

When we buy the house on mortgage, pay the same down payment, and pay our monthly mortgage fees accordingly, our principal goes down by $38,369. We add this to the original down payment since it’s the money we have added to the investment over ten years.

Therefore, to get the equity, we divide the property’s increased value by the sum of our investment, $78,369, and we have an 89.16 return on equity. These examples show that, in the short or long run, having high home equity benefits the bank and is not a wise financial idea.

According to our experts, here are some ways our readers can access and use home equity:

• Home Equity Line of Credit
• Cash-out refinance
• Interest-only mortgage

The DI Wire experts also add that the amount of money an investor accumulated depends on:

• The amount invested
• The period of investment
• The return the money yields
• The amount of taxes paid

Your go-to source for news on investments is The DI Wire. Since its founding in 2013, it has aided numerous individuals looking to explore the finance and investment fields.

Since the start of COVID-19 and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, many countries worldwide have been experiencing high inflation. The DI Wire will walk you through understanding inflation, its causes, and potential investment opportunities in these trying times.

What is Inflation?

The deliberate rise in the cost of goods and services is known as inflation. Inflation can affect almost any good or service, including necessities like housing, food, healthcare, and utilities. Each unit of currency purchases fewer goods and services as the general price level rises, decreasing the purchasing power of money. Hyperinflation happens if the situation is not controlled.

Causes of inflation

The increase in the money available is among the significant causes of inflation. The government occasionally prints more money in response to pandemics like COVID-19. The currency then loses value as a result.

Understanding the three inflation types is necessary to know for investing purposes.

• Demand-pull inflation

This type of inflation happens when the amount of money in circulation increases, causing a demand for goods and services that may exceed an economy’s ability to supply.

It is evident if consumers have extra money, they will want to spend it. Since suppliers want to make profits, they won’t hesitate to sell goods to the consumers, and when goods and services are limited, the cost rises.

The US is currently experiencing a supply chain issue. Job seekers are becoming more selective about job responsibilities as a result of benefits granted to the unemployed. As a result, prices and wages are rising.

• Cost-push inflation

This inflation is brought by an increase in the price of labor costs and particular raw materials for specific goods. As a result of the high cost of production, the consumer will pay more for goods and services.

The demand for goods does not change, but the supply decrease due to higher production costs. Prices for goods and services frequently impacted by this kind of inflation include oil and natural gas.

• Built-in Inflation

The built-in rate of inflation is based on expectations for future inflation rates. The employees expect their pay to increase at the same rate as the increase in goods and service costs.

As a result of this kind of inflation, people start saving money to avoid buying supplies. This makes the supplies scarce, leading to price increases. Inflation will then make the saving of money useless.

The Stock Market and Inflation

Most people are unsure of where to begin when making investments in stocks. A stock is a type of security that grants an investor a portion of a company’s ownership.

You can opt to buy a small amount of stock or a number of them. The quantity of stocks you purchase is referred to as shares. An increase in the stock price increases the value of your share.

Value stocks perform better during periods of high inflation, while growth stocks perform better when inflation is low. The stock market is a massive network of economic exchanges where buyers and sellers exchange stocks. The market will have all the information you require regarding the companies selling stocks and price setting.

Investing During Inflation

It is common to experience hesitancy while making investments during an inflationary environment. You must abide by these basic guidelines for successful investments.

• Setting goals

You should have specific objectives before making an investment in any business. You should consider your motivations for purchasing stocks. Knowing your objectives will help you decide what kinds of stocks to buy and what time frame you should expect returns.

• Research on admirable businesses

Since stocks are the best investment, don’t just buy stocks in any company. Ensure your chosen company can raise product prices as raw material and supply costs rise.

Food and oil companies are among the best to invest in. If you are unsure of the company, you should seek advice from financial experts.

To carry variations, you should have a variety of companies at your disposal. After settling on a particular company, do more profound research on it. You must know crucial details like management and the business’s revenue stream.

• Wait in cash

After researching the various businesses, you can invest in, keep an eye out for buying opportunities. To prevent missing the opportunity, make sure you have cash ready.

• Buy stocks on sale

Although the return on investment in stocks cannot be guaranteed, purchasing them during a sale will increase the chances.

Great stocks rarely go on sale, but when they do, they offer the chance to purchase businesses with high intrinsic value for up to 50% off. This means you can buy the stocks low and sell them at a higher price.

The best time to buy stocks is when major players begin to sell off because the overvalued market will then be at a low price.

Summary

Stock investing requires endurance and a high level of risk tolerance. Be sure to consult with financial advisors and thoroughly research the company you intend to put money into before buying any stocks. Businesses with superior management and funding sources provide better security for your investment. The DI Wire comes in handy if you need insights into such matters.