Author: Igor

  • Refreshing Your Wardrobe for 2022

    It’s the start of a new year and many of us are looking for areas of our lives that we can improve to make day to day life easier or more enjoyable for ourselves. Of course, there are countless areas you can focus on, from improving your diet to implementing more exercise, following a new career path – the list goes on. If you want a simple change that will leave you feeling great, you might want to consider setting yourself the goal of updating your wardrobe. This can build your confidence and help you to be comfortable in what you’re wearing. Here are a few suggestions that can get this journey off to the best start!

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    Be Sustainable

    Perhaps one area you should focus on most when updating your wardrobe is choosing sustainable clothing options. Right now, fast fashion is being widely engaged with – and it’s not hard to see why. People are embracing low cost clothing options that can be delivered the next day. People are also looking for options that can be worn once and then thrown away in a bid to always wear something in social media photos. Of course, it’s important to remember that this is not a good option for the environment, for those making the clothes and more. Instead, it’s much better to choose sustainable clothing options that aren’t going to have a negative impact on the planet and people in more vulnerable situations. Look out for sustainable clothing brands, vintage options and second hand items.

    Prioritise Quality Over Quantity

    Quality should be key when choosing items for your new wardrobe. Having good quality clothes means they will last the test of time, allowing you to wear them time and time again. Not only is this more sustainable, but it will also save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to regularly replace clothes. Something like a ribbed fisherman’s sweater and a good pair of boots could last you many winters to come.

    Buy What You Love

    All too many people buy clothes based on the price tag, rather than the clothes they really want. Often, if possible, it’s better to save up and invest in something you really want. This will see you get better use of your money, as you’re more likely to wear the clothes often and for longer. Chances are, you’ll eventually find a few different brands that you love and return to time and time again.

    Take Things in Stages

    It’s much more affordable to refresh your wardrobe one step at a time rather than trying to replace everything at once. This way, you can build your wardrobe one step at a time, helping you to spread the cost and avoiding issues where you may wipe out your disposable income in one fell swoop.

    Updating your wardrobe will take time and you may find that you simply add a new item or replace an item here and there. Hopefully, some of the information above will help you on your journey!

  • The Importance of CFO Services for Small Business

    Many things set Fortune 500 and established corporations apart from struggling firms. And just so you know, this is not just about the ability to make sales or generate revenue.

    Many startups and even struggling firms make sales but they are not living the corporate dream. One of the major reasons for this is the lack of expert financial guidance. Many of them do not have a Chief Financial Officer to steer the course of business as it concerns finances.

    This is very essential and is why every business needs to make the most of a chief financial officer. If you are interested in knowing what these professionals do, you can visit: https://www.investopedia.com/

    This article will shed light on the role of a CFO, especially for small businesses. This is very important as these businesses are usually the ones that miss out on the benefits of engaging these experts. You are advised to keep reading especially if you run, own, or work in a small firm.

    How a Chief Financial Officer’s Role will Benefit Small Businesses

     By making the most of capable CFO’s, small businesses are likely to benefit in the following ways:

    Analytics

    In simpler terms, this is about due reporting. Many businesses are unable to make informed decisions not because they are not willing to take the right actions. More often than not, the problem is that they do not have a good picture of where the company stands. This is especially as it concerns finances.

    Well, this problem will be resolved if/when a CFO is brought on board. The practice of giving periodic financial reports of the company’s state will help. A CFO will ensure that the reports are presented promptly. This is so that important actions will be taken when the need arises.

    Transparency and Accountability

    The hope is that business grows in leaps and bounds. But as this happens, several changes need to be made to adapt to the new normal.

    Some practices worked in the early stages but they would not work as the business grows. For instance, the bookkeepers are often given more than just bookkeeping roles to handle at the initial business stages.

    At this stage, this does not seem like a problem as there is little to be done. However, the structure has to change as growth sets in. By and large, there is a need for transparency and accountability of the highest order.

    This is so that financial loopholes will be avoided and checks & balances created at the very least. This is a possibility when a Chief Financial Officer is brought on board to help out.

    Proper Financial Management

    If your business will thrive or even survive in the long run; bills have to be paid, invoices filed, payments received, salaries paid, payments processed – promptly. All these have to do with a business having a healthy and well-managed financial structure.

    Fortunately, a good CFO can help you achieve these financial goals. For more on how this financial expert can help achieve this, you can click here.

    Speaking of financial management, working with a good CFO also helps you to make decisions out of foresight. This is about planning for the future. This helps especially when it is time for business scaling. It would be possible because previous financial data will be studied and analyzed to make future decisions.

    Sourcing for Capital 

    There is nothing wrong with sourcing for capital to grow a business. You should even know that many of the large and well-established corporations do this. However, it is difficult for many small businesses to raise the needed capital because of an unclear financial picture.

    With a capable CFO, your financial information will be clearly outlined. This includes the growth experienced and how your business is creditworthy enough to get the needed capital. In other words, raising capital is easier with a CFO on board.

    Various Forms of CFO Services for Small Businesses

    As explained earlier, many of the established corporations understand the vital role of these experts. This is why many of them hire them on a full-time basis.

    However, the case is somewhat different with small businesses. The cost implication of hiring a full-time CFO is one of the reasons for this.

    But even at that, some of these businesses have their ways of enjoying what these experts have to offer. Generally speaking, this is by outsourcing the CFO services as this turns out to be more cost-effective. Some of the ways these small businesses make use of CFO services include:

    Consultancy System

    This expert can go as far as acting as the CFO on an interim basis. However, s/he is involved with a clear mission to help the company.

    This might be to see them through a phase of transition financially and even managerially. The professional helps by offering due reports needed to make informed decisions.Another role this consultant plays is setting up procedures to help the business. In such cases, having an expert consultant can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these processes.

    Virtual Professionals

    As the tag “virtual” implies, these professionals are not stationed physically in the business’s location. However, they make the most of digital technology to help in several ways possible. It could even be as much as helping daily.

    You should know that this option is very cost-effective. It has also proven very effective for many small businesses in need of this service.

    Conclusion

    Other than the two kinds that you have right above, there are at least 3 others. These are – single source, consortiums, and staffing firms. As you consider engaging one of these organization, choose one that it local to you may be your best move. While they can operate remotely, one that is local can operate both remotely and also be able to make the occasional physical appearance. If therefore you operate your business in a city like Sacramento, you can carry out a search for Sacramento CFO services to see local options you can choose from.

    What Chief Financial Officers bring to the table will benefit even small businesses in lots of ways. We have shed light on this here and hope that you make the most of their services when the need arises. However, you also need to identify and work with the capable service providers in this line of work.

  • Remote Work Trends in The Future | What Will Happen?

    Many years earlier, many employers believed it would be a distraction if they worked from home. With advanced technology and COVID-19 worldwide, working remotely is in demand. However, since technology has advanced, remote work and many businesses have boomed. It is now common for employees to work from home.


    Featured image by Sigmund on Unsplash

    Workers Have The Desire And Flexibility To Remote Work

    What are remote entry-level jobs that employees do today? One entry job is being a writer. The truth is that being a writer is a good start when working from home. Even if you do not have a writing degree, you can still do this from home.

    A writer creates independent jobs for the best locations, regardless of whether you work as a freelancer or a single employer. Always have a good Internet connection and a word document.

    Remote work is ideal if you are a Remote Software Engineer

    Software engineering is a wide-ranging field that includes web development, mobile app development, and more that aids companies to improve their advertising.

    Software Engineers can earn a good salary depending on their experience and working part-time or full-time. A software engineer is easy to get into for remote work. A demand to be a software engineer is on the rise.

    Being a web designer is a great career to get involved in if you enjoy working on web pages for other people. With fast and ideal web design software, you still need some experience learning how to create web pages for clients, but this field is suitable for remote work trends in the future. You can work remotely as a freelancer, agency, or business organization. Online Full Stack Developer courses are also easier to find nowadays so getting certified is more accessible to everyone.

    Project managers are in the top ten in remote work for a good work environment. Suppose you want to work as a project manager. In that case, you can be assigned to multiple teams, supervise large projects, and be responsible for project timelines, so projects are complete on time without delay.

    A Project Manager can make a good salary, but good communication and organization are required. If you have good communication skills, this is a good fit.

    Remote Work Is Growing

    Since COVID-19 has changed the way we work, working remotely is growing all the time.

    Working from home is now the new normal for many people. Employees like new schedules since it provides flexibility instead of being inside an office five days a week. Employees who work at home can desire to continue their schedules since they have more freedom and say than before.

    Over seventy per cent of employers say that remote work has created more time to focus on their work without distractions and without using their vehicles to drive to their job. Most feel very little pressure and are relaxed when working.

    Conclusion

    With remote work trends becoming ideal in the future, there are many benefits that employees like as we move forward. Not just with freedom, but many workers today can enjoy working more or whenever they can than before. Also, scheduling work and spending more time with family are important.

     

    About the Author

    Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.

     

     

  • Chiang Mai City Guide | How to Explore Like Locals

    For most people planning a tour or vacation, Thailand is always on the top of the list. For so many years, the number of tourists flocking the country has always gone up. Thailand has a favourable climate, tropical beaches, fantastic food, and vibrant life. The most common city receiving tourists in Thailand is Bangkok. Bangkok is a busy city offering lively nightlife, a beautiful panorama view, cultural festivals, good food, and luxury shopping outlets. However, Chiang Mai is a place for a person who loves quiet life.

    Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand. It is not as busy as Bangkok and Nakhon. Instead of heavy traffic, Chiang Mai offers beautiful scenery with misty mountains, hills, and historic temples. The city has so much to offer that people who have been there always look forward to going back. If you Chiang Mai is a great tourist destination if you plan to travel to a new place and a famous destination to teach English in Thailand. Here is a Chiang Mai travel guide for you.


    Featured image by Adli Wahid on Unsplash

    A Guide to Chiang Mai

    1. Climatic conditions

    Chiang Mai has favourable temperatures all around the year. However, it is essential to note that temperatures can go slightly higher than average during summer and lower during the winter. That is because the city is 700 meters above sea level. Expect rains between May all through to October. Even then, you can plan a tour of this fantastic city any time of the year. Remember to pack a jacket if you plan your vacation in the winter.

    2. Accommodation

    When people plan on a vacation, accommodation is one of the determining factors in where to go. Accommodation in Chiang Mai should not give you sleepless nights. There are excellent and affordable hotels near the airport and the train station. If you love nature more, you can book hotels near or along the banks of the Ping River.

    3. Meals

    One of the most frustrating things is to travel somewhere and find meals you have never seen before or those you do not take at all. Remember, not everyone likes trying out different foods in the first instance. Chiang Mai considers every visitor, and they have restaurants that have different varieties of food where everyone can fit in. local cuisines, international cuisines, and vegetarian diets are all available in the city. Try the Khao Soy. You will love it.

    4. What to remember about Chiang Mai

    The nature in the city is something to behold. Being surrounded by hills and mountains gives you the need to appreciate natures’ beauty. Chiang Mai also offers you the opportunity to trek, cycle, and zip line. If you love kayaking, then this is a destination that you should consider going to. Lying by the Ping River and watching as the sun sets is something you do not want to miss.

    5. Costs

    Everything in Chiang Mai is affordable. The food, the accommodation, and the shopping. If you want to hire a tour guide, it will not cost you much compared to other tourist destinations in other parts of the world. Hiring a tour guide will help you know and visit many places, know their language and see things from the locals’ perspectives.

     

    About the Author

    Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.

     

  • 4 Tips for Improving Your Posture

    Our posture has a profound effect on various parts of the body, usually the spine, shoulder, neck, and legs. Improving your posture can save you a lot of pain and agony in the future. This article will focus on helping you improve various aspects of your posture for better health.

    Stand Straighter

    A common concern for those with a bad posture is how to correct their standing posture. Your standing posture is very noticeable and should be the first thing you should try to correct, as doing so solves many other issues.

    The common advice is to stand straighter, but what exactly does this mean? To help you visualize what, doctors recommend thinking of it like being pulled upwards by a string. In this posture, your head is straight, your spine follows its natural curvature, and you do not have to strain your neck and shoulders.

    Start by relaxing your shoulders and then moving them back. Keeping your feet slightly apart but not quite shoulder width, pull your abdomen inwards. Remember to distribute your weight evenly between your two feet and not tilt your head in any direction. 

    Now relax your knees, keep your feet straight and hold this posture when you stand. Doing all this regularly should help improve your standing posture.

    Do Some Exercises

    One of the best ways to improve your posture is doing exercises that correspond with your posture. For example, if you often find yourself slouching in a chair, that could mean tension in the muscles causing you to seek a more comfortable posture. Sitting up and regularly doing back extensions, planks, and bridges can help with this.

    If your bottom sticks out while you stand, that shows your spine is not curving correctly, a condition known as hyperlordosis. Core strengthening exercises, thigh stretches, bottom contractions, and hip flexor exercises can help. Also, be conscious of how you stand and try to make a conscious effort to stand straighter.

    Jaw posture is not something many people think about, but how your face rests can profoundly affect how you look. There are common exercises for correcting jaw and facial posture, and this post covers several exercises that can help improve both.

    Sit Better

    With many people working in an office or sitting down, it is easy to get into bad habits that lead to the wrong sitting posture. You can correct this by doing a few things, starting with adjusting your chair and desk heights. You should adjust both such that your feet lie flat on the floor and your arms are at 90 degrees with your body. Also, ensure your seat is straight and your back is resting fully on the back of the chair.

    To avoid bending forward or slouching, move your seat forward until you are in an optimal position. If you work with a computer, adjust the monitor’s height until your eyes are straight, and you can see every part of the monitor without too much strain.

    Remember to always keep your shoulders straight and your neck, back, and shoulder muscles relaxed, especially if you sit for long periods.

    Change Your Sleeping Posture

    Most people do not think about their sleeping posture. Bad sleeping posture is a cause of back pain and not getting enough sleep. Start by getting a firm mattress that offers adequate support. Test it out first to ensure you get one that is just right for you.

    Try to sleep on the side or back as these positions are better for your body and get a pillow that supports the shoulders and head.

    When you think about improving your posture, look beyond your standing or sitting posture. How you sleep and the types of exercise you do also profoundly affect your posture.