Why You Need a Jones Act Lawyer For Maritime Accidents

Maritime accidents usually cause severe mental and bodily injury. Whether you're working on a barge, sea vessel or oil rig, there are many factors that can lead to an accident.

Employees who work on boats or oil platforms are covered by The Jones Act law. This law covers workers should they become injured on maritime or sea-based jobs. The Jones Act allows workers to file a claim to receive compensation for their injuries as many of these injuries are caused by employer negligence.

This type of case is very hard to prove and it is up to your attorney to prove the employer was negligent in providing a safe working environment. This type of work can be dangerous regardless of the environment provided so this is why it's important to hire an experienced Jones Act lawyer that has handled multiple cases and knows what to expect from the heavy hitting defense team and potential jurors that will review the case details should the defense refuse to settle.

Generally speaking, a successful plaintiff under the Jones Act can win the following sorts of damages:

   1. Wages lost from the time of the injury to the time of trial;

   2. Wage loss in the future;

   3. Medical expenses in the past and in the future; and

   4. Pain, suffering, and mental anguish in the past and in the future.

Without a doubt, the most important element of any Jones Act case is the measure of future wage loss. Obviously, seamen who have been on the job for a long period of time can earn a very good living. If an injury physically prohibits the worker from returning to work on a vessel, the difference between the earnings of the worker before the injury and after the injury are determined and then multiplied by the worker's expected work life. For example, if a seaman that was making $80,000 a year is injured and can only return to work to a job making $10,000 a year, the worker has a $70,000 a year wage loss. If the worker is twenty-five years old, his work life may be 35 years, and the future wage loss is a very significant amount. Federal law provides that any award for future wages must be reduced to present value and reduced further for the taxes the seaman would have to pay on his wages. That means an economist must calculate what sum of money paid today would deliver a stream of payments into the future equal to the amount the worker could have earned if he stayed on the job. Punitive damages are not recoverable in any maritime case.

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Tradesmen In New Zealand And Consumer Rights

Finding a Tradesmen In New Zealand is quite easy, but you will first need to know your legal rights as a N.Z consumer.When Looking for a Tradespeople N.Z there are many resources you can choose from. If you are unfamiliar with your rights as a consumer then doing a little research on the legalities is a good place to start.

Ministry Of Consumer Affairs

There are a few things you need to know about New Zealand Trade Laws and a good place to start your research is New Zealand Ministry of Consumer Affairs, they have all the information you need concerning your rights. On the site simply Enter the trade person you require and you will be able to find out all you need to know about hiring That person, and your legal rights as a consumer. Below is the information they provide:

CGA - A Guide for Tradespeople and Service Providers.

Consumer Guarantees Act - A guide for Tradespeople and service providers.

Services covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Goods covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act.

This should be all information you need to know concerning your rights as a consumer there is a wealth of information on this site created by the New Zealand Government. This is where one should start, the legality side of it then you be well prepared before hiring anyone.

Searching Online:

My trader is another good site that will let you browse through their directory for Free to search for Tradespeople. They also allow you to look through the reviews that consumers have written about their experiences with previous Tradespeople. Another site is called Master Trade which offers the same features with a huge directory of Tradespeople to choose from.

Certified - Qualified

Always make sure the Tradesman is a Certified N.Z Tradesman.You may find that some builders are masters at their trade and have been doing it for years. But if they are not qualified buy getting qualifications either through doing an apprenticeship or certified courses this means they are not under N.Z Trade Laws and may cause you problems in the long term.

Previous Work

You are now able to search online to see weather they are Qualified licensed building practitioner. The Certified Builders Association of New Zealand (CBANZ) Which up holds all N.Z Trade Laws in which only Qualified and Certified Tradespeople are Registered. Before they do any work always make sure to check their,Back Ground (Previous Work Experience) Current Qualifications, And weather Registered with the CBANZ.

Estimate:

Asking for an estimate means that he will give you a price on what he or she thinks it may cost. At the end of the day. When the Job is completed the actual cost may differ, but to be fair the price should only be a little over the estimation price that was discussed.

Quote:

On the other hand a Quote is a Set Price that a he will give you when the job is done or completed, including labor and materials. If you choose to agree with that Quote then he cannot charge you more then the agreed price, to be on the safe side it is best to get the Quote written on paper.

There is plenty of information Online, or in your local Directory, even word of mouth. It's always good to do your research before hiring tradespeople weather in New Zealand or abroad, it may save you a lot of money down the road when it comes to that final Bill.

US Supreme Court Confirms Right For Third-Parties to Bring Retaliation Claims   Top 5 Questions For Those Injured On The Job   Members' Voluntary Liquidation Vs De-registration   Guide to Oklahoma Workers Compensation Benefits   Labor Unions   

Think You're a Victim of Workplace Bullying?

If you think you are the victim of workplace bullying you can feel as though you are isolated and alone, having to sort out all the problems yourself. You may feel you've done something to deserve the actions, or that perhaps it is just their management style and you're with someone who is a strong leader, and all you need to do is pull your socks up and live with it.

However if you're feeling panicked, or worried before you go into work, or you feel a surge of adrenaline every time you need to talk to the person the behaviour is stemming from, then you are most likely being bullied and need to address it before it affects your work, your health, and the overall well being of not only you, but everyone you come into contact with. When your life is negatively impacted it begins a ripple effect. You may find that others in your company are also being treated a similar way by the same manager or boss, and it's endemic at work.

It's really important to collect and collate all the information of any incidents, from recollections of what has happened to copies of emails and any written notes. Most bullies are very good at hiding evidence and not making anything too overt, which often adds to the problem as you feel you can't pin down exactly what is going on. Writing down events helps build a case should you need to go to mediation, or even court.

It's a good idea to read up on why people do bully. Learning to read those behaviours and why people do it helps you to become more attuned to what is going on and how to best manage it. Some people are more likely to be targets than others. If you've got abuse or hurt in your background you can often be more of an easy target and also often less likely to report it. Education helps you start to stand your ground a little more confidently.

Most companies have policies on how to best deal with workplace bullying including who to contact and how to report it. It's a good idea to ask to see the cope of this policy, especially if the person you directly report to is the person causing the problem. Once you have a plan of action you'll be ready to face your bully and do something to solve the problem.

US Supreme Court Confirms Right For Third-Parties to Bring Retaliation Claims   Top 5 Questions For Those Injured On The Job   Members' Voluntary Liquidation Vs De-registration   Guide to Oklahoma Workers Compensation Benefits   Labor Unions   

Left Handedness & Power Tools

Many people associate left-handedness with creativity and success. Even though by many estimates only 10% of the population is left-handed, nearly half of America's Presidents in the past century have been left-handed. Many of history's greatest artists and thinkers have been left-handed as well.

Despite these positive associations, left-handed people are at a much greater risk of injury from power tools and large machinery. Many people are aware that scissors, computer mice, can openers, and many other common tools are often more difficult for left-handed people to use. But power tools and hand-operated machines often pose challenges to left-handed use as well.

Although it's possible to be seriously injured by scissors, the risks posed by power tools are often much greater. To make power tools easier to control, companies sometimes design handles and grips that fit snugly into a right hand. But if a left-handed person attempts to use such a tool with their left hand, it can be much more difficult to control than a tool without a molded grip.

Sometimes left-handed workers learn to use tools with their right hands. Although this can help, many left-handed people find it very difficult to use tools with their non-dominant hand. In some cases, even tools that are molded to fit the right hand can be very dangerous if used this way by left-handed people.

It can be difficult to find left-handed scissors and guitars. Left-handed power tools and machinery can be even more difficult to locate, so many employers do not account for the possibility of left-handed employees. Some may not realize how dangerous tools can become if they are used in the wrong hand, or are just unwilling to accommodate.

The increased risk tools pose for left-handed people leads to many injuries every year, some of them severe. Over the years, left-handed workers who have been injured have won lawsuits against negligent employers. If you have been injured because of difficulty using right-handed tools, and think your employer or former employer might be to blame, you may be able to win damages.

The Milwaukee personal injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, SC have helped numerous clients win damages because of workplace injuries. To speak to an experienced understanding personal injury lawyer, contact Habush Habush & Rottier, SC today for a free consultation.

US Supreme Court Confirms Right For Third-Parties to Bring Retaliation Claims   Top 5 Questions For Those Injured On The Job   Members' Voluntary Liquidation Vs De-registration   Guide to Oklahoma Workers Compensation Benefits   Labor Unions   Are All Your Workers Correctly Insured Under Workcover?   

Tough Times Hurt More Than Just the Bottom Line

In the current harsh economic climate the one thing on everyone's mind, both business owners and individuals, is money. Cash flow, debt repayments and investment losses to name just a few, along with "how we are going to dig ourselves out of this financial rut that we are stuck in?"

And yes, whilst money is most definitely the main concern here, a recent statement by Dr Simon Moss from Monash University highlights the fact that we must try to not let our financial worries impact on other areas of the business.

Understandably, executives and business owners across Australia, and indeed around the world, are becoming increasingly stressed about how to handle the "money" side of things. On top of that, another thing to be aware of at times such as these, is that it is only human nature that we are more likely to make the wrong decisions when put under pressure.

Dr Moss says that stress causes the shut down of the mechanisms in our brain that help to provide a broader perspective and insight when addressing a problem or making a decision.

Consequently, decisions that are made during a stressful time can potentially have a long lasting and damaging impact on a business.

Essentially, these decisions are seen to be made with the business's short term survival in mind, and without necessarily pausing to consider how they might affect the company's long term goals and intended direction.

Bad or wrong decisions that are made in stress and haste can result in unfavourable situations such as reduced productivity or progression, unhappy employees, poor recruitment choices or below average customer service standards. This could be due to the fact that a majority of executives and business owner's attention is focused on how to just stay ahead.

It can be seen that in uncertain times, employees respond better to leaders and managers who aim to provide guidance and vision, rather than emotion-driven "quick fixes". It is important that managers learn to trust their intuition when making theses important decisions. They have got to their current position based on their business acumen and skills and should rely on that accrued knowledge to get them through the tough times. If nothing else, admitting that they do not have the ultimate solution and seeking further advice in order to arrive at a conclusion will be better regarded by all those involved in the long term future of the business.

The Quinn Group provides legal, accounting and financial planning advice to businesses and individuals. As well being a Chartered Accountant and practicing lawyer, the Director, Michael Quinn, also acts as a consultant, coach, educator and mentor. If you would like professional advice on the best decisions for yourself or your business in these tough times please contact us on 1300 QUINNS or click here to submit an online enquiry.

US Supreme Court Confirms Right For Third-Parties to Bring Retaliation Claims   Top 5 Questions For Those Injured On The Job   Members' Voluntary Liquidation Vs De-registration   Guide to Oklahoma Workers Compensation Benefits   

Super Co-Contributions - Maximize Your Super Fund and Secure Your Financial Future

With recent events across the globe emphasising the volatility of the international financial market it is perhaps some timely advice that consumers make a move to not just focus on the immediate effects of the current downturn. It is important that, in times such as these, that we continue to also look to the future in an attempt to make personal financial decisions that will have a long-lasting impact and can potentially secure our financial future.

One area in particular that taxpayers should be considering, and that can potentially make tens of thousands dollars difference in numerous years time, is superannuation. By taking full advantage of the Government's Superannuation Co-contribution initiative Australian taxpayers can be proactive in securing their financial future.

Changes to the co-contribution eligibility criteria will see even more taxpayers able to receive the benefits of the scheme, even if they were not eligible prior to 1 July 2007.

In broad terms, you are eligible to receive the Government superannuation co-contribution if:

o you make personal, after-tax contributions to a compliant super find or retirement savings account (RSA) by 30 June each financial year; o you have a total annual income of less than $60,342, which is indexed annually; o 10% or more of your total annual income is from eligible employment, running a business or a combination of both; o you are less than 71 years old at the end of the relevant income year; o you do not hold a temporary resident visa; and o you lodge an income tax return in the relevant financial year.

After 1 July 2007, the criterion has been changed such that self-employed sole traders and partners in a partnership may now be eligible to receive the co-contribution from the Government. Additionally, you must provide your tax file number to your super fund in order to receive the co-contribution and both the low and high income thresholds will be indexed annually in order to accurately reflect national changes in average wages prices.

Currently, the maximum income threshold that is required in order to qualify for the Government co-contribution is indexed at $60,342.

Total income is defined by salary and wages and net business income as well as interest, rent and dividends and reportable fringe benefits and as a result to may not be the same as our taxable income amount.

An additional benefit for taxpayers that makes the co-contribution scheme even more appealing, is that there is no application process required. So long as you make personal, after-tax contributions to your super fund or RSA before 30 June and lodge your income tax return you will receive your required amount of co-contribution, provided that you meet the other criteria items.

Your super fund report will report the amount of your personal contributions to the tax office and upon the lodgment of your annual tax return your eligible co-contribution amount will be calculated and credited to your super fund. It is important to be aware that if you fail to provide your fund with your tax file number then personal contributions will and cannot be accepted and you could forfeit any co-contribution eligibility as a result.

Superannuation co-contributions are just one way that taxpayers can actively take steps to ensure financial security for their future. At The Quinn Group, our team of expert accountants can provide you with a range of individually tailored financial strategies that can help you to create a secure financial future for you and your loved ones. If you would like more information on making the most of your super fund or for advice on any other accounting or financial matter you can contact us by calling 1300 QUINNS or click here to submit an online enquiry.

US Supreme Court Confirms Right For Third-Parties to Bring Retaliation Claims   Top 5 Questions For Those Injured On The Job   Members' Voluntary Liquidation Vs De-registration   Guide to Oklahoma Workers Compensation Benefits   Labor Unions   

Banner Advertising Essentials - Easy Ways to Promote Your Business Online With Banner Advertising

If you want to set up a business with a quick return of investment which does not cost too much, requires minimal manpower (if you are frugal and patient enough, you can learn all the facets all by yourself and not need any external help at all), and a business that can be set up and managed right in the comforts of your own home (or apartment, or pad, or wherever you are), then indulge in an online niche business.

But before doing so, you have to learn the trade first, know the basics of the business, and then observe and learn the strategies and online tactics being applied by those already deemed as successful in the online business.

First off, determine what you want to market, know your product's marketability, identify the specific demographics that may need your product (the item that you choose need not be a popular item, in fact, products that are not currently the "rage" means little or no competition at all), and ascertain as to how to reach this market.

When you have done all this, then it is time to know what internet marketing tool would be best used as your advertising front and you may begin banner advertising.

Just like the billboards you see around you, online or virtual banner advertising reaches a great number of people and is less costly than the other internet advertising strategies. The trick in your success is to know which website to put your banner ad on.

All logic points to the fact that you should look for a site that has a connection with the product that you are trying to market and that is where you place your banner advertisements. For example, if you are selling bags and women accessories, you may want to place your banner advertisement on popular networking sites and other websites frequented by women say for example online female magazines.

The moment they grow interest on your banner and click on it, then they get transported to your domain.

After you have spotted the website or websites that you think would create the most online traffic for your own website, the next thing to do is know that site's banner size and other advertisement placement requirements or you may end up making the wrong-sized banner.

Get the feel of the site where you are about to place your banner ad on and design your banner in such a way that it conforms to the design and feel of the site, not something that sticks out like a sore thumb. Also make sure your ad is placed above the fold. This is extremely important so that people will see your ad right away.

Using Banner Advertising to Get Website Traffic in a New Market - How to Find the Right Sites to Use   Banner Advertising Strategies to Use If You Are Starting Out - 3 Costly Mistakes You Need to Avoid   What is Banner-Advertising?   Banner Advertising Secrets You Can Use to Get More Traffic - How to Find the Most Profitable Sites   How Can Quick Cash Concept Assist With Remarketing?   Getting Banner Traffic in Niche Markets - Why You Should Always Avoid These Types of Sites   

Banner Advertising Secrets You Can Use to Get More Traffic - What to Do When You Can't Get Visitors

One of the biggest problems that people have when they are trying to make a lot of money from banner advertising in the market that they are working in is the fact that they can't figure out how to get people to click on their ads and come to their site. You have to realize that if you can't get people to click on your ads you are going to go broke using this source. In this article I want to show you exactly what you need to do when you can't get more visitors.

Why Most People Fail At Banner Advertising...

One of the problems with banner advertising is the fact that you can lose a lot of money using it if you don't know what you are doing. The problem that a lot of people have when they are using this source in the market that they are in is they don't think you need to do a lot of work.

Most people simply slap ads up on sites all over their market and hope for the best! You have to realize that if you do this you are going to get visitors to your site but you are going to lose a lot of money in the process. Not only that, if you focus on getting your ads on the wrong site, you might not even get visitors to your site. So make sure you focus on doing the right things or you are going to waste a lot of time and money when you use this source in your market.

You can get a massive amount of visitors to your site and make a lot of money but you also have to realize that there is a barrier to entry that you have to climb over before you start making money.

Here Is What You Need To Do When You Can't Get Visitors To Your Site...

First - You have to make sure you focus on testing your ads using the Google Content Network.

The reason that you are going to want to do this in the market that you are working in is because if you test your ads you will be able to increase your click through rate. Google AdWords has a great platform for testing your ads to see which ones are going to give you the most amount of visitors.

Second - You have to make sure you are using the right product.

If you are trying to sell something that no one wants to buy in your market, you have to realize that no one is going to click on your ads and you are not going to make any money.

So make sure you are focused on selling what people are looking to buy!

Using Banner Advertising to Get Website Traffic in a New Market - How to Find the Right Sites to Use   Banner Advertising Strategies to Use If You Are Starting Out - 3 Costly Mistakes You Need to Avoid   What is Banner-Advertising?   Banner Advertising Secrets You Can Use to Get More Traffic - How to Find the Most Profitable Sites   

How to Fix a Long Distance Relationship - Here's the First Thing to Do

Love will conquer the distance. Isn't it an interesting thing to know that love can do something that is unbelievable, such as maintaining a stable long distance relationship with your boyfriend? But, why the last time you call your boyfriend, he didn't answer? Why he didn't reply to your text messages and emails? Is there something wrong with him? Is he beginning to pull away from you?

Various thoughts will start to fill your mind with assumptions and guesses. Though not all of them are true, there is still a big possibility that your boyfriend is cheating on you over there. Well, you can't see him and what he's doing, right? That's why it's possible that he's cheating. But, stop your bad thoughts for a while. If you've been having a bad long distance relationship with your boyfriend, then it's time for you to ponder, not to assume what might be happening to him.

You know, this will help you to calm down. When you have a difficulty in maintaining your long distance relationship, then it's time to change your strategy. Why? That's because you can't do the same thing and expect different result. For instance, if you've been trying to call him all day, every hour, then you should stop it right now. If you've been sending numerous emails to him during the past three days, then stop it right there. Let the things melt. Let the things take its course.

You need calmness. Remember that you don't need to do something in order to accomplish something. Sometimes, doing nothing will help you to accomplish everything. That's why you need to wait, and see how things are going. Wait for a few days. Don't do anything. Don't send him texts and don't call him.

Will it help you to accomplish things? Of course, by stop doing whatever you are doing right now... by stop being needy toward him, he will come to you. Think about it in his perspective. He has seen many emails and missed calls from you in the past few days, and now he doesn't see any of it. What will he do? Of course, he will wonder why you aren't sending any more messages to him. And if you keep waiting long enough, he will eventually call you just to know what's going on. At that time, you'll finally talk with him.

You'll talk heart to heart... trying to figure out how to fix your long distance relationship.

Surviving Long Distance Relationships - Keeping the Love of Your Man   

How to Fix a Long Distance Relationship - Here's the First Thing to Do

Love will conquer the distance. Isn't it an interesting thing to know that love can do something that is unbelievable, such as maintaining a stable long distance relationship with your boyfriend? But, why the last time you call your boyfriend, he didn't answer? Why he didn't reply to your text messages and emails? Is there something wrong with him? Is he beginning to pull away from you?

Various thoughts will start to fill your mind with assumptions and guesses. Though not all of them are true, there is still a big possibility that your boyfriend is cheating on you over there. Well, you can't see him and what he's doing, right? That's why it's possible that he's cheating. But, stop your bad thoughts for a while. If you've been having a bad long distance relationship with your boyfriend, then it's time for you to ponder, not to assume what might be happening to him.

You know, this will help you to calm down. When you have a difficulty in maintaining your long distance relationship, then it's time to change your strategy. Why? That's because you can't do the same thing and expect different result. For instance, if you've been trying to call him all day, every hour, then you should stop it right now. If you've been sending numerous emails to him during the past three days, then stop it right there. Let the things melt. Let the things take its course.

You need calmness. Remember that you don't need to do something in order to accomplish something. Sometimes, doing nothing will help you to accomplish everything. That's why you need to wait, and see how things are going. Wait for a few days. Don't do anything. Don't send him texts and don't call him.

Will it help you to accomplish things? Of course, by stop doing whatever you are doing right now... by stop being needy toward him, he will come to you. Think about it in his perspective. He has seen many emails and missed calls from you in the past few days, and now he doesn't see any of it. What will he do? Of course, he will wonder why you aren't sending any more messages to him. And if you keep waiting long enough, he will eventually call you just to know what's going on. At that time, you'll finally talk with him.

You'll talk heart to heart... trying to figure out how to fix your long distance relationship.

Surviving Long Distance Relationships - Keeping the Love of Your Man   

Advantages of Online Commodity Trading

Traders today can profit from online commodity trading. Although this is relatively new form of trading commodities, more and more traders are trying to explore possibilities of gaining considerable income from it. Online commodity traders are able to transact through their online brokers. Traders who are thinking of cost effective means of making trading transactions may try this type of trading. They also have the chance to trade on their own though they have to pay some rates for commissions.

Having sufficient sources of information is one of the advantages that traders have when they engage in online commodity trading. They are also guided with tutorials as well as with webinars in order for them to get a good grasp of the procedures that they need to follow when they perform their trading activities. Traders may also consult with their brokers especially about their concerns regarding their online commodity trading. Traders have to be equipped with sufficient knowledge on how the commodities market operates and how the exchanges work.

Traders are provided by their brokers with trading platforms. This gives them the advantage of trading at real time and their transactions are executed without too much problem. Traders do not have to worry about commissions because they are generally low and they may also incur lower overhead expenses. With these advantages, traders may be able to explore other options that they have.

Online brokers will also provide their traders real time information on quotes and access to charts with indicators. This will greatly help them in analyzing the market conditions that are affecting the commodities that they are trading. Traders have the advantage of being provided with the necessary information that they need in order to make their trading profitable. Those who are able to manage their trading accounts and activities properly may be able to attain the profits that they have aimed for.

Although online commodity trading also poses some risks just like any other forms of trading, people may be able to decrease their risks especially if they are well-informed and if they have analyzed the market correctly. Traders should also be aware about their trading activities so that they do not commit the error of over-trading because of the possible losses that they may incur. Traders need to discipline themselves especially if they decide to engage in online commodity trading.

They also have to be keen about impulsive trading which could lead to financial problems in the future. If traders are able to overcome these obstacles, they may be able to achieve their financial goals through online commodity trading.

Beaten Bean Bulls   A Stylish Study of Price   Trading Knowledge For Success in the Futures Market   Understanding the Basics of Futures Options   

Common Terminology in Futures and Commodities Trading

While at a coffee shop with friends, one turns to you and says, "I just went LONG in Lean Hogs off a confirmed swing bottom." What did he say? He went "LONG" in a hog off a swing in the bottom?"

For those of us who trade, we instantly know what was just said. By going "LONG", this person BOUGHT (or is a BUYER) in the Lean Hogs futures market. His decision to do so was based on his determining that Lean Hogs had made a bottom and was now moving higher, thus 'confirming' the bottom.

The term LONG is very common in trading circles. It simply means that you took the BUY SIDE of the trade (every trade has two sides, the one who SELLS and the one who BUYS). You believe the market is going to go UP, so you decide to BUY, thus going LONG.

The term SHORT is the opposite of LONG. When you go SHORT, you are a SELLER in the market. In trading Futures and Commodities, you can just as easily SELL first to open the position SHORT, in hopes the market is going to go down. Later, you can then close your position with a BUY.

When you BUY to enter a position, you are LONG. But when you BUY to exit a position, because you SOLD first (went SHORT), you are simply out of your position.

When you SELL to enter a position, you are SHORT. But when you SELL to exit a position, because you BOUGHT first (went LONG), you are simply out of your position.

When you are out of all your positions, you are considered FLAT.

MARGIN is a term used in reference to the amount of money you have available in your trading account that can be used for trading. Brokers require that you have a certain amount of capital available for each contract you trade, in the event that the trade does not go in your favor. A MAINTENANCE MARGIN is the minimum margin you must have in your account for each futures contract you enter into.

BULL MARKET refers to a period when prices are rising. A BEAR MARKET refers to a period when prices are declining.

COMMISSIONS are the fees you pay to the broker for executing your trades.

HEDGING is the practice of offsetting your risk in the actual commodity by taking an equal but opposite position in the futures market. For example, a Farmer who grows Wheat has inherent risks to his crop. By the time he goes to market, prices could have dropped. To protect himself, he can take a SHORT position in the Wheat futures. If the price of Wheat drops by the time he goes to sell his crop, he losses in the actual crop, but he gains in the SHORT futures position, thus offsetting his losses. If the price of Wheat instead moves higher, he gains in the higher prices he is able to sell his Wheat for, but losses in his SHORT futures, again offsetting each other.

DELIVERY refers to the transfer of the actual commodity from the seller of a futures contract to the buyer of the futures contract. Most traders do not take delivery, but will close out their position by FIRST NOTICE DAY.

FIRST NOTICE DAY refers to the first day that a notice of intent to deliver a commodity can be made by a clearinghouse to a buyer of a futures contract.

These are some of the terms you can expect to hear among traders of Futures. There are a few others, less used. And if you trade Options on Futures, you have a whole set of terms such as PUT, CALL, In-the-Money, Out-of-the-Money, etc.

Before engaging in futures trading, take the time to learn the language. This way, there will be no mistakes in communication between you and your broker, and it helps when sitting around with traders at the coffee shop.

Beaten Bean Bulls   A Stylish Study of Price   Trading Knowledge For Success in the Futures Market   Understanding the Basics of Futures Options   

A Guide To Un-Leased Mineral Owners

The issue of mineral rights that deal with leasing land containing minerals is not something that should be taken lightly. There is a lot of work that is involved in creating documentation dealing with this issue. Some of the activities that go on when making the documentation include:

- Background and history checks of the land - Creating legal and financial grounds for lease agreement

Before you issue a go-ahead for your land to be used for exploring oil and gas, you have to consider very many issues.

The legal aspects of the lease are what form the major component of the minerals rights. Thorough checks have to be done to know who really owns the minerals. This is because there is a possibility that you could be the surface owner while the mineral's rights belong to someone else.

Truth be told, the legal words that are used on the lease can really confuse you. This is why it is highly recommended that you get legal advice from a well-established lawyer. It would be better to use a lawyer who has specialized in mineral rights transactions. This is so because they have the necessary experience in handling such matters and will advise you in the best possible way. A general lawyer may just explain to you the legal jargon used but the one who specializes with mineral rights transaction would be better poised to make you understand about the lease. Do not try and handle the lease contract on your own as you can easily be ripped off.

One of the things about mineral rights is that there are two types of owners: the surface owner and the mineral owner. This means it possible for you to be the surface owner but not the mineral owner. This can be very confusing. Nevertheless, each owner has certain rights that have been stated in the law. It would be good to know which owner you are. In whichever case, you have certain rights and benefits you will enjoy if minerals can be found on your piece of land.

The contract that outlines the mineral rights is the most important document. It is this document which outlines the activities to that will be carried out on the piece of land. It is strongly recommended that both parties have their lawyers present when drafting up the contract. The contract should be beneficial to both parties.

It is possible for disputes to arise in the future but amicable solutions should be found so that both parties can benefit.

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Ways To Sell Silver Bars

Silver is a profitable investment. Many are attracted to invest in silver because it is cheaper than other types of venture like stocks, bonds, gold and platinum. Moreover, silver has many uses. According to research, the demand for silver in 2009 rose significantly. Forty percent of the total requirement for silver goes to industrial applications like jewelry and bullion coins. Silver come in various forms and sizes. One of the most well known forms of this precious metal is silver bars.

Silver bars are available in two weights - the 10oz and the 100oz. They can be readily poured into molds. Though, it is rare, silver may also come in 1oz and 5oz bars. They are called bars because they are uniform in shape and they are rectangular in form with rounded edges. It is important to note that when it comes to silver and other precious metals, people always measure them in Troy Ounces. Then again, people often mistake them as regular ounces. Always remember that troy ounces are relatively larger than regular ounces.

The thing with silver bars, they are impossible to ship around! However, may investors are still attracted to these precious metals because it is a tangible source of investment. Having that said, some, people are really not bothered even if they a couple of dollars for shipping. Furthermore, if trading this metal, remember that there are people selling and fake silver bars and coins. Those in the precious metal industry must know how to master the art of trading this precious metal in order not to be ripped off its true value. If you have silver bars in your possession and you wish to sell them and earn extra cash, here are a few tips:

Sell Silver Bars Online Just like with other forms of silver like jewelries and coins, you need to determine first the value of your bars before you put them up on sale. You can check out the prices of silver bars online and compare it with your rectangular item. Also, be certain that you pick a reputable site to advertise your items. eBay is a good website to promote items because there are plenty of people who use this site to buy and sell all sorts of products. Moreover, you need to have a good picture of your bars so that interested buyers will see what you are actually selling. In ebay, people can bid on items. You can get a good bid for your precious bars just try to be patient.

Visit Your Local Pawns Your local pawn shop not only buy gold but silver as well. If you will sell your silver bars be sure that you are aware of the spot price of silver. You save on shipping fees if you will be selling your items to pawn. The only catch is that pawns tend to haggle and they may offer you low price for your silver piece. If you are not in a hurry to sell your silver bars, you can visit different pawns in your area and check which one can offer you the best price.

Consult With A Dealer Dealers can be your best bet if you want to sell your silver bars at a good market price. You can find local and online dealers who may be interested in your items. Usually, they pay high for popular brands.

Silver bars are very volatile especially when the economy is unstable. You may want to try providing a high market value for your silver because the demand for this metal is also high. Check out your competition rates to be sure that your price is reasonable.

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Cash for Gold - Should You Sell Now?

Many individuals are getting cash for gold and they are doing so because right now, the value of this precious metal is the highest it has been at in a long time. It is a precious metal. This means there is a limited supply of it in the world. As a result, the value is high as people want to own it. However, in recent times, there has been an increased demand for it and other precious metals, including platinum, silver and titanium. The reason is simple. These metals are always worth something and while the value of currency continues to buckle, these values tend to remain higher long.

Is Now the Time to Sell?

In recent years, many investors have moved on from stocks and bonds and moved into buying this metal instead. The reason is because the current crisis in the stock market and economic conditions globally has caused the value of various currencies to fall. Investors want to protect their fortunes form this type of loss and therefore they have sold off those stocks and purchased metals instead. It makes sense, but only until the market begins to turn and then it is time to sell.

Many people believe that getting cash for gold right now is a good thing. It could be true. If you own old jewelry or other items in your home and you want to make a profit from it, then turning it into money is the route to take. As the value of it continues to improve, gold is likely to become even more desirable. The more people that want it, the higher the value of it will be. If you sell it while the value is at a high price, you can count on getting the results you want in a nice turn around for your investment.

Making It Work

In order for you to get the highest amount for your items, be sure to turn to a reputable provider. He or she will buy from you, assuming the quality is there. In this case, it is often the quality of the metal as defined by the carats and size. This information differs from one piece to the next. However, the more of a pure form of gold that you have, the better it is.

Getting cash for gold is a must for those who want to make their old items worth something again. However, every situation is very different. You will want to look for a buyer who has the ability to give you a fair price while also ensuring that now is the best time to sell. To know that, you will need to have some idea what is happening within the market.

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