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  • What is Your Trading System Testing Approach Really Costing You?

    What is Your Trading System Testing Approach Really Costing You?

    Smart trading technicians will test their systems completely before using them in any sort of live production environment. Of course, building a trading platform that excels in the market will require a lot of uptime and a likelihood of failure that is as near to zero as possible. For years, techs used a variety of tools to test the different components of their platforms across every aspect of the order workflow.

    However, many modern testing tools for infrastructure essentially point to solutions that are focusing on a particular part of the picture overall. In today’s competitive and complicated trading environment, this approach is simply not the most efficient way to manage an entire landscape. The idea of a trading system as just a single management layer is no longer relevant as you have multiple testing solutions and trading systems operating in the same space, creating an incredible amount of complexity.

    The “ad hoc” testing approach

    Firms need to be able operate and control a highly disparate platform. They must be able to test and manage on an enterprise scale, produce validation of test results that can be audited, and embrace a wide set of testing agents and tools at the same time. Not surprisingly, this is far easier said than done.

    Over time, trading operations have evolved into complex networks with various applications using different technologies combined into one trading infrastructure. Testing has evolved in a similar ad hoc way, and this has resulted in many firms lacking the wide-view perspective or a thorough testing strategy, relying instead on an array of different testing agents and resulting in questions about the system’s reliability.

    Change is long overdue

    The fragmented approach that many firms use today is inefficient, expensive and onerous, and it could also be dangerous in the new regulatory climate that has been emerging. While innovations such as post trade FIX have made regulatory compliance easier for many firms, it does not address other areas of MiFID II, which also requires that firms certify that their algorithms have been properly tested to ensure they do not contribute to or create disorderly conditions in trading before being used in a live market.

    Errors can be very expensive, and a trading system failure can have a devastating impact on a firm’s reputation. It can also lead to personal repercussions for executives, systemic issues in wider financial markets, and increased scrutiny from regulators. Clearly, this is one area of the financial sector where a new advancement makes a big difference, just like post trade FIX did.

    A standardized, enterprise-wide approach to your firm’s testing can improve the availability of consistent and reliable data for IT performance, which justifies the capital investment needed for it on its own. In addition, such a move can boost the quality of your trading operations, lower costs and help you to head off some of the new regulatory challenges that may be just around the corner.

  • Moshe Strugano Review about Finance Herald in German

    Moshe Strugano Review about Finance Herald in German

    Financial trading is all about buying and selling of financial instruments such as shares, Forex or bonds in the expectation of earning a huge profit from the market. Investors always have the intention to buy low and sell high whatever the instrument they have chosen to trade. Selling an instrument for a smaller amount simply refers to an investor’s loss.

    Many companies, individuals, and institutions take a deep interest in financial trade to earn profit from buying and selling the financial instrument for a different period. It clearly reflects that the prices of those instruments vary according to time and liquidity. It is a volatile market that brings more opportunities for earning the profit in a short period of time, though included a big risk.

    Risk is the main factor to all types of financial trading, regardless of what financial instrument you are looking to trade, who you are or where the trade is taking place, balancing possible profit beside risk is what the actual trading is.

    Before stepping into the field of trading, I have read many times about Finance Herald in German in business magazines and the internet. I was quite impressed with their services and payouts that they mentioned in the advertisements. One day while reading an article on binary options trading, I decided to trade online and the next thing which I need was a binary broker. I thought Finance Herald in German could be the right option for my business, as I was impressed with them.

    However, before making any final decision, it was important for me to understand their terms and conditions with other procedures. I contacted them and asked for the process; everything that they told me was satisfying my needs. The agent includes that they are offering the best trading software in the market with unique options, advanced and tested strategies, effective tools, etc. I found everything as per my knowledge and created an account with them. When it came to depositing, I started with $300, the software started sending me trading signals and alerts on market trends via email.

    During my first trading deal, I made a profit of $800. With more confidence, I made a second trading deal and gained $1200. Now, my account balance has become $2100. I was quite excited and eager to make more trades. When I was going to put third trade, I got a message from Finance Herald in German that there is not enough balance in my account. When I log in my account – I was completely shocked!! There was only $40 in my account. Where the money has gone..?? How they can take my money..?? I called their customer support team and asked for the money. The member asked me to give some time and after examining the account details, he will contact me back. After three hours, I got a text that they have credited $1000 to my account. But, what about the remaining amount. Impatiently, I call them again, but no one picked my call.

    Immediately, I withdraw all money and delete the account. After baring a big loss, I won’t suggest Finance Herald in German to any trader. Don’t trade with them… It is a big fraud… Your money will not be secure with them. Anytime, they can cash out your money and won’t give it back.

  • 7 Strategies to Reduce Credit Card Debt

    7 Strategies to Reduce Credit Card Debt

    We are a society of consumers.  The average American household is over $100,000 in debt. Gradually, the mentality has changed from ‘saving towards’ to ‘paying off’, allowing creditors to take advantage of individuals with eyes bigger than their wallets. We eat nice dinners, take luxurious trips, and add to our wardrobes.  But at what cost? I want to tell you the story of a man digging out of credit card debt.

    This is my story.  In less than five years, I have paid off $20,000 in principal debt to credit card companies and creditors.  My balance sheet still isn’t clear, but I am confident my experience will benefit other debtors. The nuances of credit and debt are complicated, but the basics can be digested in a matter of minutes.  Take the time to wrap your head around these seven strategies to reduce credit card debt.

    #1 Make a Debt Reduction Plan

    If you’re serious about freeing yourself from credit card debt, paying down debt has to be the priority.

    Calculate Your Timeline

    Unlike a loan, credit card debt doesn’t have a repayment timeline built in.  It is essential that you set one for yourself. Set your own minimum monthly payment (higher than the required one) and use a debt repayment calculator to project when you will be free of credit card debt. [Alternately, you can enter your $0 balance deadline and have the calculator show you how much to pay off every month.]

    Earmark Money from Each Paycheck

    It is a mistake to pay off your credit card after you have handled other expenses.  Once you have decided how much to pay each month, make your credit card payment an automatic deduction from your checking account.  You’ll be forced to budget around your debt-reduction priority.

    #2 Pay Off Debt Before You Save or Invest

    Financial strategy is ultimately up to you, but I advise against continuing serious savings/investment while you are trying to pay down your credit card debt.  It’s all about the math. If you’re earning 4% interest on $20,000 investments while simultaneously paying 12% interest on $20,000 debt, you’re losing money. Unless your investment has a specific purpose that requires immediate action, I suggest focusing your financial attention on paying off credit card debt.

    #3 Identify High Interest Balances (And Attack Them)

    In order to minimize interest payments (and ultimately how long you’re in debt), concentrate on paying off debtors that are charging you the most interest.

    Pay More Than Your Required Minimum

    Credit card monthly payment minimums are set slightly higher than the amount of interest charged that month, so paying them addresses very little of your principal debt (the balance you eventually need to decrease to 0). Increasing your monthly payment above the required minimum begins to drastically cut your total amount of interest paid.

    Focus on Credit Cards with High Interest Rates

    While it may be tempting to pay off credit cards with higher balances, you should focus on the ones with higher rates.  Assuming you’re going to make the same payment amount, hacking away at the principle that is charging a higher percentage will save you money.

    #4 Investigate any Penalty Interest Rates

    Like their credit report, most people don’t take the time to read their entire credit card statement.  You should.

    When you do, you may see various interest rates being charged to different portions of your balance (some much higher than others).  Often this is a result of penalties (from payments dates), overdrafts, or cash advances.  These penalty interest rates can be up to three times your normal purchase rate.

    It is critical to reduce this high-interest debt by paying more than your monthly minimum.  

    You will simultaneously reduce the amount of debt accruing interest and the aggregate (whole) interest rate you are being charged.

    #5 Consolidate Your Debt

    Debt consolidation can be a real ‘out-of-the-frying-pan’ proposition.  Read carefully to avoid getting in more financial heat than you were in before.

    Beware Credit Consolidation Offers

    If you’re in debt like me, you get a lot of mail from agencies who claim to be able to consolidate your debt and reduce your monthly payments.  Avoid these.  While they are probably not illegal and not necessarily a scam, they often come with hidden clauses than may affect what you owe (and your credit score) in ways that are not initially apparent.  Trusted financial institutions are more reputable sources of information regarding debt consolidation.

    Consider 0% APR Credit Cards

    Some credit cards entice borrowers with offers of 0% APR (interest) for an initial period of time.  This allows you a break from high interest to reduce the principal of your debt. Make sure to read the fine print regarding any balance transfer fees and the interest rate after the duration of the 0% promotion. Be aware that credit cards may decline you, even if they have previously sent you correspondence containing language like ‘You Are Approved’. Do your diligence and read up on some of the best credit cards from Chase and other reputable lenders.

    Credit Cards with Rewards

    Many credit cards also offer members rewards like travel benefits and cash back.  Since you’re focused on debt reduction, I don’t recommend lavish personal spending.  However, if you make reimbursable charges for work, certain personal credit cards can generate benefits that will help you save money and pay down balances.

    #6 Monitor Your Credit

    The G.I. Joe cartoons that I grew up watching taught me that ‘Knowing is Half the Battle’.  I can attest to the fact that knowledge (in this case self-knowledge) is your most powerful tool for financial salvation.

    Study up on Your Credit Report

    Your credit report is way more than your score.  Your credit report has a lot of substance to inform your journey out of credit card debt.

    While debt usually has a negative affect on your credit score, debt and credit do not necessarily have an inverse relationship. I had a lot of credit card debt but a pretty decent credit score because I was making my monthly minimum payments.  Your credit score is a measure of ‘how you handle debt’. Put another way ‘are you a good borrower’?

    One of the biggest credit score factors is the percent of your total revolving (e.g. credit card) credit you are currently utilizing.  For example, someone with $20,000 total credit and a $5,000 balance (25% utilization) looks much better to potential lenders than someone with $10,000 total credit and a $5,000 balance (50% utilization).  For more info on credit scores and reporting, read up on some bonafide financial journals.

    Don’t Pay for Credit Monitoring

    There are plenty of great free credit monitoring services.  Don’t use a site that charges you a monthly fee.

    #7 Don’t Backslide  

    Don’t Confuse Credit with Money

    It is a big mistake to think of a credit card with a $10,000 limit the same way you’d think of $10,000 in your checking account.  Don’t get excited about freeing up credit and then spend it. Keep on track.

    Downshift Your Lifestyle

    It’s time to pay the proverbial Piper.  If you’re like me, you indulged in some luxuries above your pay grade when you were racking up that credit card debt.  While you’re focused on reducing your debt, you won’t be able to spend the same. Fear not, there are plenty of free and cheap distractions to keep you busy between scrupulous analyzing your credit reports and credit card statements.

    The Take-Away: Avoid Credit Card Debt

    In my experience money might not be able to make you happy, but debt sure can make you miserable. Since paying off over half of my credit card debt, I feel better.  I’m confident about the financial future of my family and generally more optimistic.

    I’m not saying don’t use credit cards.  Credit cards can be a fantastic tool for making specific purchases as long as those purchases are within your budget to pay off.  Keep in mind that a balance on your credit card only accrues interest if you fail to pay the card off entirely every month.

    Take some advice from a Prodigal Son and stay out of credit card debt.  If you do find yourself there, do your homework and start chipping away at the balance.  Debt reduction can be a lot of work, but it’s always attainable with the right attitude and coaching.

    A firm believer that freedom of information improves business, travel and life, freelance writer Ben Lovell is committed to sharing best practices.  Read more of his articles at the Gothic Optimist.

  • Financial Steps – How to Secure your Financial Future

    Financial Steps – How to Secure your Financial Future

    Financial security is essential for both future life and peace of mind. Even though the world has almost recovered from the last economic crisis, nothing is certain. It is essential to have healthy personal finance to deal with future uncertainties.

    Whether you want a secure retirement or pay off all your debts or simply want to create a great financial health, developing good habits is essential. The best news is that you can achieve your goals without sacrificing what you love.  By taking some financial steps to safeguard your future you can ensure your financial security before turning 30 years old.

    Here are some easy steps you can take:

    1. Mind your Expenses

    When it comes to creating a secure financial future the first thing people think about is saving more. This isn’t always the case. Before saving, you should first start with the list of your expenses. Cutting down your unnecessary expenses can have a huge impact on your finances. Make a list of all your expenses both small and big. This will give you an insight in to your financial situation. Now decide what expenses to get rid of. It could be that extra cup of coffee you can make at home or eating more meals at home. Choose your expenses wisely and soon you will see the difference.

    1. Savings

    After taking care of your expenses the next step is obviously saving money. Savings are of many kinds. For instant, saving for your retirement, buying a house or car, paying off debts and loans are some of the type of saving you commonly see. What you need is a plan to prioritize your savings. Decide what is more important to you. For any person who is in their 30’s needs to start investing in their retirement plan. For you your retirement saving should be the top most priority. This is the time when you can save more and secure your financial future.

    1. Always Have the Records

    It is essential that you know how much money you have both in terms of currency and properties or anything. You should have a balance sheet stating your incomes, debts, expenses and net worth. This will provide you with a clear picture of where you stand financially. The balance sheet will help you design your future course. Include everything so that you reap the benefits in the future. It’s better to face the reality than ignore it for present convenience.

    1. Take Care of your Debts

    Debts are the single big reason for worry and stress for many adults. Over the years people may acquire different kinds of debts. Not paying them in time can create a huge debt problem for you. So, it is essential that you take care of your debts.

    One of the best ways to deal with debts is to deal with them as soon as possible. The first step is to stop adding to the debt. The next step is to plan a strategy to pay off the debt. Use a debt repayment calculator online to determine the best course. You can also consult the experts to find the best course. Try to make bigger contributions so that you can pay off your debts fast.

    1. Use your Credit Cards Wisely

    Did you know that credit cards debts are one of the most common types of debts? Credit card gives you the power to purchase things, but it can be very dangerous as well. So, it is important that you use it wisely. Credit cards can also be a lifesaver when it needs to be. For example, in medical emergencies you can use the credit card money to pay the bills. Likewise, you can use the credit card for other emergencies as well. Keep the credit cards for things you need urgently.

    Using the credit cards for mundane things will only add to your debts. This should be included in some of the financial steps to safeguard your future.

    1. Your Lifestyle

    Your lifestyle plays a bigger role in your financial health. Everything you do right from the food you eat to clothes you buy reflects your lifestyle. In order to create a healthy financial future you need to consider your present lifestyle. Does it add to your debt? Is it a hindrance towards your financial goal? These are the questions you need to ask yourself. If your lifestyle is posing a threat to your financial health than you need to figure out how you can make changes and make your financial future your first priority. A simple lifestyle change can have a huge impact on your overall finances.

    Conclusion

    It is essential to take some financial steps to safeguard your future. Managing your finances effectively will reflect the kind of life you are going to lead in the future.  Make sound choices and ensure that you your future is secured.

     

     

     

  • How to Choose the Best Insurance Company in the USA

    How to Choose the Best Insurance Company in the USA

    Insurance companies in the USA come in various sizes and with diverse insurance policies. Once you have decided to buy a policy, you can choose from large companies with millions of insurance policies a year to smaller ones with only few hundred policies.

    When looking for insurance companies in the USA, the important thing is to find the company that is reliable and fits your requirement. Insurance companies are generally in great health and have the resources to match your needs. Even then you need to find the company that you can trust on. You also need to keep in mind that there are fraud companies too in the mix.

    Finding the right insurance company is essential. This article will help you find the best insurance company with some helpful tips:

    Know What you Want

    Whether you are looking for auto insurance, life insurance, health insurance or any kind of insurance, know what exactly you want. There are plenty of insurance companies in the USA offering all kinds of insurance. When looking for a reliable company, look for the kind of coverage you are looking for. Are you are looking for some affordable, bare-minimum insurance coverage or a full-scale coverage that takes care of everything. Look for specific coverage points or amenities that meet your specific requirements.

    Do your Homework

    Insurance companies are generally in great health with excellent coverage offers that can meet any requirements. Nevertheless, it’s your job to find out as much as you can about the company. Doing a little homework never hurts. Before you make the big purchase, make sure that you know important things about the business. Asking about the insurance companies is one of the best ways to determine whether the company is any good or not.

    Check out a Insurance company’s ratings

    An insurance company’s ratings are one of the important things that say where the company stands in terms of reliability, quality of services, performance and other things. If you want to determine the financial health of accompany look at the ratings. You can try some of the best online platforms that rate companies like the Angie’s List, Moody’s and A.M. Keep in mind that everyone has different rating system. So compare the ratings of the company on different websites and see which one has the best ones.

    Largest Insurance Companies In The USA

    Insurance companies come in all sizes. The large companies offer more policies and have been in the business for a long time. For a company to grow and make its presence felt in more than one state, it has to be in the game for long. Some of the insurance companies have been in the business for more than 200 hundred years. One of the advantages of hiring a large and experienced company is that they have the resources unmatched by smaller companies. This type of companies also has the expertise in understanding the complexities of the insurance business.

    Benefits Of The Smaller Companies

    Large companies are great for buying policies with all their benefits, but that is not to say that smaller companies are not good enough. Small insurance companies may have the same kind of experience and expertise only that they prefer operating locally.  Sizes do not tell about the quality of the service. It’s the previous customers that can tell you about the experience. Smaller companies too come with plenty of benefits.

    Reputations Matters

    The reputation of any company matters when it comes to considering them for buying an insurance policy. A good company will definitely have a good reputation. Bad news or negative things do surface from time to time. It’s the way the issue is handled is what matters the most. When you are looking for an insurance company make sure to check of any complaints against company. Any compliant against the insurance companies are regulated by the department of insurance. You can visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners searchable database for finding any complaint against the said company.

    Compare the Quotes

    High price doesn’t always guarantee high quality. Comparing quotes from different insurance companies is one of the best ways to find reliable and affordable ones. Some of the company do offer discounts and reward programs, so consider opting for them. Insurance companies can accommodate a wide range of budget. You can still get a great deal for a price that you are willing to pay. So, look out for the special offers and programs to grab the best deal.

    The Bottom-Line

    In the end it is important that you find the best one from the many insurance companies in the USA. Narrow down your search with these important points and you will be able to find the best deal easily.

  • Benefits of systematic investment plan

    Benefits of systematic investment plan

    When we think about SIP, It means systematic investment plan, at that time we must go through all these important points so that we can get necessary valuable information to get the things done. As we know that investment is required for all people for their future needs, now a days situation is like that, there is problem and problem as population of the world is also rapidly increasing. So people must think about that about their financial goal. They must set their goal according to their  life.

    1. Saving Convenience

    Not everyone has a large sum of money lying around just like that. With the SIP, you have the option of investing small amount of money regularly. This is convenient for many people. Because of this convenience SIP gives the power of saving to people. You don’t have to wait until later to invest money. SIP allows you start investing money in mutual funds as soon as possible.

    2. Cost Averaging

    One of the key benefits of the systematic investment plan is that investors don’t have to worry about the timing the investments. Since the investments are in the form of small amount in regular intervals it reduces the risks of losing the investment money to any market speculations. You as an investor don’t have to worry about the share prices or internets. Depending on the market fewer units are bought in a declining market and larger units are bought when the market is at healthy state.  SIP works in automatic market mechanism which saves so much time and stress. Even though SIP doesn’t guarantee profit, it protects your investment from suffering in a volatile market.

    3. So Easy to get Started With

    Starting with the systematic investment plan isn’t that tough. You can open an account online and start investing your money in the mutual fund schemes. Just go to the website where SIP is offered and register. All you will need to do is fill out some forms and make sure you have the required funds for the transactions to take place. It takes less time to get started. Now that everything has become so convenient with online transaction, you can easily handle your SIP.

    4. SIP Disciplines you

    Making regular investment is the kind of discipline that will help you in the long run. You can start with small amount as early as possible and build a wealth over the time. With regular savings, you will develop a good habit that will also help you in managing your finances more efficiently.  Moreover, investing your hard earned money in small amount is much better than investing a large sum of money.

    For anyone who isn’t comfortable with investments, SIP offers a more reliable, flexible and comfortable investing system.

    5. Helps in Creating a Robust Financial Plan

    Since systematic investment plan is transparent, offer high returns and is very tax efficient, it has proved to be one of the best financial plan for individuals and family. SIP is the perfect tool you need to ensure that money goes into right investment and helps you create a very healthy financial situation for the future.