Make Money Teaching English in Japan: Is it Worth it to be an Eikaiwa Teacher

by Arbitrage Bands | in Education, Save Money | on April 6, 2018

What teachers abroad can make varies according to the school or company they work for, but most places offer a very standard 25,0000 yen per month. This is equivalent to roughly $2,500.00 per month in the USA.

How Much can a Teacher Make Working in Japan?

Is this a living wage in Japan? That too, depends on the situation. A single person living in subsidized housing makes more than enough over the course of a one year contract. Living expenses in subsidized company apartments should not be more than 5,0000 to 6,0000 Yen per month, and utilities will probably be around 2,000 per month.

This leaves plenty to live on each month. Some English teachers in Japan are even able to bring money home after their year contract. Here is a comparison of overseas teaching salaries by company.

What Standard of Living Can be Expected?

For those who are single, and don’t have any bills to pay back home, Eikaiwa teachers can live very comfortably in Japan. The income level will allow those teaching in Japan to go out socially, take a few trips, and buy some luxury or commodity items. The compensation is comfortably middle class.

After a year, however, this begins to shift somewhat. The longer instructors stay in Japan, the more bills they have. For instance, after a year, residents are expected to pay into the national healthcare system. They may also be expected to pay for city and prefecture taxes. As foreign workers acquire more things, they may also find that there are bills to go along with them. A phone contract will be a must, as well as internet access. Raises as an English teacher in Japan are not very frequent, so people who are working in Asia longer will need to learn to balance a budget a bit differently during a long stint working abroad.

Can English Teachers in Japan Make Money?

Absolutely! It may mean giving up frequent sightseeing trips, or not going out to eat often, but on the wage of an Eikaiwa teacher, those working overseas will easily be able to save money if they choose to. They can also wire money home to pay bills, help family members, or take care of debt back in the teacher’s home country.

What English teachers can expect to earn working abroad in Japan will vary depending upon placement, and the company they work for. The standard of living will be different in each area. Do plenty of research before leaving, and find out what each particular company is like. Ask teachers who have previously had a chance to teach English overseas what their experience was.

22 Dec

Debt Solutions Where Over-60’s can be Debt-Free: Retired People can Overcome Financial Difficulties and Personal Debt

by Arbitrage Bands | in Debt, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management | on December 22, 2017

A 2009 Prudential survey showed that over-60’s are set to receive a retirement income of £17,779 per annum in 2009. Given that the average income for working people is £24,908, this means that retired people will receive 29 per cent less. This sudden reduction in income can make paying household bills more of a challenge and is the primary reason for personal debt.

What Debt Solutions are Available for Over-60’s?

It is important to choose the right debt solution and this will depend upon how much personal debt over-60’s have. Retired people owing in excess of £15,000 are likely to find that an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or personal bankruptcy is preferred for becoming debt-free. Over-60’s with more modest personal debts will find that a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or Debt Relief Order (DRO) are more effective.

Should Over-60’s Pursue an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)?

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding debt solution that allows over-60’s to become debt-free in just 60 months. At least 75 percent of creditors, in terms of value, must vote in favour of the IVA. An IVA is only suitable for dealing with serious personal debts over £15,000 and represents the principle alternative to personal bankruptcy. It is a debt solution that is normally only pursued by over-60’s that own their own home.

Personal Bankruptcy for the Over-60’s

Personal bankruptcy is the best known debt solution. It allows over-60’s to become debt-free in just 12 months, provided that speculation isn’t the primary reason for their personal debts. Whilst it can help over-60’s balance household bills, it isn’t the right debt solution for home owners. Retired people that own a home may be better suited by an Individual Voluntary Arrangement.

How Debt Management Plans can Help Over-60’s with Financial Difficulties

A Debt Management Plan is a way for over-60’s to manage household bills and overcome financial difficulties. Debt Management Plans help debtors reduce monthly repayments to ensure that retirement income meets all essential outgoings without creditor harassment. Retired people must have a minimum of three creditors and be in a position to contribute at least £100 each month. It may be possible to stop further charges and interest accruing on any personal debts.

A Debt Relief Order Can Help Over-60’s Become Debt Free

Debt Relief Orders are a new government debt solution designed to help over-60’s become debt-free in just 12 months. It is a debt solution for retired people on low incomes. A Debt Relief Order is only suitable for individuals that have a disposable income of less than £50 per month and assets valued at under £300. An intermediary, who is a qualified debt counsellor, will help over-60’s with the necessary paperwork.

Financial difficulties and personal debts may seem overwhelming, but there are debt solutions available to help over-60’s manage household bills. An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or personal bankruptcy allows over-60’s to become debt-free. Others may wish to manage personal debts with a debt management plan or Debt Relief Order. Always consult a qualified debt counsellor before proceeding with any debt solution.

08 Dec

Choice of Savings Accounts: Banks Provide Deposit Accounts to Suit Individual Circumstances

by Arbitrage Bands | in Banks, Individual Savings Accounts, Save Money | on December 8, 2017

With lending institutions in Australia competing for the consumer dollar, there are many different types of savings accounts offered. The choice of account mainly depends on the personal circumstances of the depositor. Therefore, researching the various types of accounts available should be undertaken as a part of establishing a savings plan.

These are some of the basic accounts that are offered. There could be slight variations to these by the banks or other institutions to create a point of differentiation.

Limited Access Accounts

These are accounts where funds can only be accessed via the internet or by automated telephone banking. However, they are ideally suited for those who live in outback areas and do not have easy access to a bank. Features and benefits include:

No monthly service fee
High interest, calculated daily, paid monthly
No minimum balance
No minimum transfers
No fixed investment terms
Same day access to funds online or automated telephone banking

Accounts with a Bonus for Non-withdrawals

This type of account is useful when saving for a special goal within a limited time frame. The special feature of this account is the payment of a bonus interest rate, above the base rate, each month in which the following conditions are met:

Deposit a specified minimum each month, and
No withdrawals in that month.

This account, whilst it may help to accelerate the rate of saving, it is also very restricting in terms of access to the funds.

High Balance Savings Accounts

For those customers who are able to maintain a high balance in their savings accounts, banks may offer additional incentives such as:

No monthly service fees
Tiered interest rates on balances with higher balances rewarded with higher interest rates
No restrictions on withdrawals

Term Deposits

These accounts are ideal for securing savings for a set period. Features and benefits of term deposits may include:

No monthly service fee or establishment fee
High fixed interest rate on specified minimum balances. The higher the balance, the higher the interest rate paid.
Fixed investment terms. The term can vary from one month to several years.
Interest paid monthly, annually or at maturity. Again, the interest rate is slightly higher if paid at maturity than if paid monthly.

For example, a Term Deposit of $5,000 for 5 years with interest paid at maturity will be paid a much higher interest rate than a term deposit of $5,000 for 2 years with interest paid monthly.

With the variety of savings accounts being offered by the banks and other institutions choosing one to suit an individual’s specific circumstances and requirements is not difficult. It just needs some due diligence.

06 Dec

How to Open a Bad Credit or Non-status Basic Bank Account Online

by Arbitrage Bands | in Banks, Finance | on December 6, 2017

It isn’t just undischarged bankrupts that experience difficulty opening a no credit check bank account, so do discharged bankrupts and people with bad credit. This is because banks credit score applicants and then proceed to cherry-pick future customers.

Despite the fact that the banking community seems happy to exclude potential customers who’ve experienced past credit difficulties, the government doesn’t see things the same way. All major UK banks are now obliged to offer all applicants – regardless of credit score – the opportunity to open a basic bank account online. This is to prevent widespread financial exclusion.

What Do Basic Non-status Bank Accounts Offer Customers?

You can open a basic bank account with bad credit online with no credit checks even if you’ve been rejected elsewhere. This enables you to deposit cash, pay-in your monthly wages, setup direct debits and arrange standing orders. You’ll also be able to use online banking.

This is a no-thrills basic bank account so you won’t be offered a chequebook or overdraft facility. This is to prevent customers with financial difficulties getting into further debt. Some financial institutions will allow you to open a basic bank account with debit card (Visa, Solo or Maestro).

Open a Non-status Bank Account with Bad Credit Online at Natwest

If you want to open a bad credit basic bank account without visiting or calling your local branch, you should consider the Natwest step account. It’s not for those who are currently insolvent, but discharged bankrupts can open a basic bank account online. However, you need to provide a certificate of discharge.

The account has all of the standard features and comes with a solo debit card. As is the case with this type of account, there are counter restrictions. However, you can withdrawal funds using your ATM card and have full access to online banking. Your account may be upgraded after a period of 6 months.

How to Open a Basic Bank Account Online

Opening basic bank accounts with debit card online is remarkably easy. While some banks prefer you to visit your local branch, this isn’t the case for all of them. You’ll just need to answer a few simple questions, enter your personal information and submit your application.

Due to money laundering rules and regulations, you’ll be required to provide two forms of identification to open a basic bank account online. You’ll need proof of address (photo copy of your driving licence or utility bill) and proof of signature (photo copy of your passport).

23 Oct

Landscape a Yard with Thought and Save Money

by Arbitrage Bands | in Money Making Ideas, Save Money | on October 23, 2017

Landscaping a yard seems like a huge task, but like most projects, dividing into manageable segments works. Some yards already have trees and buildings in place, and these are not obstructions, but are building blocks or starting points for the landscaping plan. Develop a plan with flowers, shrubs, walkways and water sources around construction and trees.

Start a Landscaping Plan on Paper

Freezer paper is a good size to work with for a landscaping plan, and using the dull-finish side makes writing and drawing easier. The shape of the paper should approximate the lot shape, with an outline of the boundaries of the property. Draw the approximate shape and scale size of the house and outbuildings, as these are permanent structures that develop the starting points for a landscaping plan.

Since building construction is usually rectangular and square, landscaping looks best with curves and flowing lines.

Consider the Property Use

Locate flower beds that need water near hoses or water access, and design a landscape with walkways where they are needed for access from front yard to back, or from side to side. Design the landscaping plan with consideration for guests and family as well as for privacy and beauty.

Plan for Flower Beds

Designate significant areas to flower beds, since these areas include shrubs and plants that may get large. Flower beds should be at least five feet deep, and larger is preferable. Use the landscape paper plan to designate an approximate area, and mark the physical area with a garden hose to separate a flower bed from grass. Flour or spray paint is a good marker for flower beds before work with the shovel and hoe begins.

Work One Area at a Time

Select one flower bed or area to work, and define the work area as well as the plant selections. Larger plants or shrubs go in the back, and the design should be balanced but not symmetrical. Take all grass out of the flower bed area, and use it in a low spot. Place a divider between the grass and flower bed and amend the soil with potting soil or compost to make it higher than the surrounding grass. Plant the flower bed sparsely before starting another area of the landscaping plan.

Plan for Continuity and Curb Appeal

Use some of the same flowers and shrubs in several of the flower beds to develop continuity throughout the yard. A good landscaper will plant vegetation in groups, not rows, with groups of three, five, and seven flowering plants together.

The homeowner can be a landscaper with no license requirement, and with some thought, can create a more usable landscaping plan than a professional. A homeowner knows the use of the property and can develop a design that has beauty and appeal with less cost. Landscaping on a budget can become a reality for the homeowner.

04 Oct

Money Saving Tips for Weddings: Inexpensive Ideas for Venues, Bouquets, Catering, Gowns, and Favors

by Arbitrage Bands | in Emergency Fund, Financial Planning, Money Saving Tips for Weddings, Save Money | on October 4, 2017

Have you ever seen Father of the Bride? In this sweet but disturbingly materialistic movie, the bride’s father is horrified because his daughter wants a dream wedding that will cost the family over $100,000. After several temper tantrums by her father, the bride investigates cheaper wedding possibilities. Dad finds his little girl asleep on the couch, where she has been reading a bridal magazine article about how to throw a wedding on a budget. Suddenly, he sees the “error of his ways” and declares that he will let her spend whatever she wants on her wedding.

Bully that! Brides and grooms who live in the real world have to worry about house payments and credit card debt and the like, and money saving wedding tips are a necessity. Here are some great ways for you to save money on your big day.

Wedding Venues

You can save a good deal of money by finding a beautiful location that has escaped the notice of all the local bridal magazines. In addition, you can save quite a bit by getting married on a less popular day or during an “off-season” month. Here are some tips on how to find inexpensive ceremony and reception locations.

Catering

For many couples, catering is the most overwhelming expense, especially if you’re having a big wedding and have lots of hungry mouths to feed. Spend time shopping around for a reasonably priced caterer that suits your needs. Consider alternatives to the traditional sit down dinner, including unusual ideas such as an appetizer party or a brunch. In addition, consider cutting back on alcohol, which can eat up quite a bit of your budget. Here are some pros and cons to several wedding reception food options.

Wedding Gowns and Attire

Go ahead and be a princess for a day– but why spend a fortune when it’s easy to do it for less? Here are some tips on finding inexpensive wedding dresses and attire.

Flowers and Bouquets

Floral shops make a living by convincing couples that huge quantities of beautiful flowers are necessary expenditures on your wedding day. Don’t let them suck you in to their sales pitches and stick with a reasonable floral budget. In addition, with a little work, you can do some of the flowers yourself. With a minimal amount of craftiness, you can make your own silk flower bouquets, and you’ll get to keep the bouquets forever. You can also save money by arranging your own wedding flowers.

Wedding Favors

Giving your guests little presents is a sweet idea, but there’s no need to hand out Oscar-caliber celebrity gift baskets. To find inexpensive favors, be wary when dealing with companies that specialize in such things. Consider other alternatives, like purchasing something cute from a dollar store. Here are some unique and creative ideas for wedding favors that don’t cost a fortune.

Don’t fall into The Father of the Bride trap. The wedding industry wants you to think you have to spend a bottomless pit of money to have a beautiful and meaningful wedding, and that simply is not true. Do some research and use your imagination, and you can find some inexpensive alternatives to pricey expenditures.

01 Nov

Ways to Save More Money: The Best Tips to Increase Savings

by Arbitrage Bands | in Financial Planning, Save Money | on November 1, 2016

Whether the goal is to pump up the savings balance to qualify for a loan or to transfer a lump sum into the retirement account these handy tips are sure to provide the intended boost.

Track Expenses to Visualize Money Spent

When monthly expenses are abstract figures that are not tied down to a budget they can really run wild. Taking a note of everything spend for a determined period can help to streamline spending. Two to three months is usually sufficient to find a spending trend. Once the figures are on the page, it becomes easier to identify the money pits instead of asking at the end of every month “Where does all the money go?”

Pack Lunches from Home to Cut the Food Bill

Taking lunch to work can significantly decrease the amount spent on meals for the week. Spend some time putting together a meal plan and then shop around it so it becomes easy to make lunch, because no time is wasted deliberating over what to make in the morning.

Travel in Off-Season to Pay Less for Vacations

There are ways to save on every aspect of life. Instead of paying high rates during the peak traveling season, plan vacations for the off-period. Usually there are great deals to be had on everything from airfare and accommodation to tours at the destination.

Reevaluate the Cable Package

Paying for only basic cable and then downloading movies for an in-house movie night can result in big savings at the end of the month.

Exercise for Free and Save on Gym Membership

Gym memberships can be expensive, especially if they are not being fully utilized. There are many ways to get a good workout for free. Try taking a walk around the block or maybe using public walking trails if they are close by. Alternatively, a one-time investment in a series of Yoga DVDs and an exercise mat may be cheaper than spending money on a monthly gym membership.

Give the Shopping Cart a Once Over to Save Big

This may seem silly, but before heading to the checkout counter, stop to give the shopping cart a critical once-over. The purpose of doing this is to examine if everything in the cart will actually be used, will serve the intended purpose and is the best price. If these three requirements are met then proceed with confidence to pay for the items.

It can be difficult to find new ways to save, especially when money is tight, but there are always options. A little creativity and a lot of discipline can go a long way in the quest to increase the balance of a savings account.

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