Month: November 2017

The merger business deal between AT&T and Time Warner has solicited different reactions from various organizations as well as the government of the United States of America. The deal has also attracted the president’s attention, Donald Trump has publicly renounced commencement of any activities towards purchasing of Time Warner. In as much as the two companies have a consensus on ownership rights and even valued the company that owns CNN, HBO, TBS and the Warner Bros, the Justice Department remains adamant in legalizing the process. According to Makan Delrahim, the antitrust chief in the Department of Justice in the United States, the move suppresses rights of the consumers and cable service companies in the country. Basing on Delrahim’s arguments, AT&T purchase of Time Warner would monopolize the industry considering AT&T is a major player in providing satellite services for all cabling televisions and studios where Time Warner is a major player. The antitrust chief goes on to demonstrate how AT&T would impose absurd service costs to other cable distributing companies because they would own programs run by Time Warner. In the long run, the additional costs imposed on rival companies in the cable industry will be passed down to consumers in their respective monthly and installation fees.

Ideally, the United States administration should support the merge considering there is no direct rivalry between the two companies. However, President Trump’s dislike for CNN is evident after making public statements against the news network and on most occasions terming their broadcasts as fake news. The president went ahead and gave an affirmation to block any merging deal between the two companies demonstrating it as an extortion plot by the companies who intend to concentrate power Bayrock. President Trump’s passion in stopping the deal are feared to have interfered with the Justice department’s case against merging of AT&T and Time Warner. According to experts, the president’s public statements and blasts on CNN among other negative utterances against the deal might be considered personal hence undermining the legitimacy of the case. Moreover, there is no clear reason why the government is concerned with the deal considering President Barrack Obama approved a similar merger between Comcast and NBC Universal in 2011.

Other sources indicate that the Justice Department has no specific problem with the merge safe for antitrust concerns and policies which can be satisfied if the sale was on DirecTV or Turner and not CNN. However, it is not clear whether there is specific interest and issue that the government is concerned about or it is entirely because of its previous interaction with CNN considering the government is willing to collaborate with AT&T on other measures. Although democrats and consumer unions pose legitimate arguments in opposing the $85 billion deal between Time Warner and AT&T, they also indicate their concerns about the government’s involvement and describe the move as political.

On the other hand, AT&T argued that the deal is out of consumer concerns hence the strategy’s intention to reduce service fees. According to Randall Stephenson, the chairman and CEO of AT&T in his recent testimony in Washington, owning Time Warner offers AT&T the Internet option where after packaging, the video can be delivered through online platforms such as DirecTV hence cutting costs of setting up cables that Stephenson terms to be expensive. Several non-governmental organizations including consumer advocates have applauded the Justice Department for their move on legitimate grounds to stop the deal. Additionally, they have called on the Department of Justice to remain independent and disassociate their activities from political pressure. The consumer unions also portrayed their displeasure with President Trump’s harsh approach on CNN as a critic of his administration.…

Now that you have decided to seek assistance from a professional financial planner, you might be at a loss on where to start. There is an infinite amount of information on the internet, which can feel intimidating and overwhelming. Simplifying the process with an investment advisor silences the noise so you can focus on what applies to your financial position and goals.

Here are a few tips to help you decide and know how to look for what you need.

Determine Which Type of Advisor You Need

Since anyone can put on the financial advisor title, it helps to narrow the field of who practices in the industry. Generally, there are three basic types of advisors. How they get paid determines in which category they operate.

Commission-based advisors usually sell insurance, annuities and mutual funds. They receive a percentage for each financial product they sell to clients. Similar to commission earners are a new category known as fee-based advisors. They have a license to sell insurance or investments and receive a commission.

Most industry experts recommend hiring a fee-only advisor. Generally, you can receive comprehensive services for managing your assets as well as assisting you with financial planning. These advisors make money from flat fees. Some charge hourly rates or a percentage of the assets being managed.

Check Credentials and Experience

When you are looking at different advisors, make note of their certifications and licenses. The gold standard in the financial services industry is the Certified Financial Planner. Obtaining these credentials requires taking extensive course work, passing an exam and having several years of related experience.

You will want to know how long a prospective advisor has been practicing. Real-life experience with different financial situations enhances education.

Follow Advice from an Ethically-Sound Advisor

Check with industry associations and databases to find out if an advisor has legal and/or ethical marks against them. Check for investigations, bankruptcies and criminal charges. Any negative information is a red flag for how they will handle your personal finances.

In addition, advisors must disclose any conflicts of interests and disciplinary actions.

Liking and trusting your financial advisor is critically important, most offer a free initial consultation. Use that time to learn more about their practice, work habits and philosophies.

Trusting your finances to another person is a major decision. Their qualifications matter just as much as their style of doing business. Shop around and stick with people who have fulfilled certification requirements while also upholding solid ethical standards.…

Many people dream of working from home. It’s a convenient work arrangement that has the ability to save both time and money. Fortunately, working from home is filled with benefits. If you can fit your work life into your home life seamlessly, you can reap many of the benefits of the work from home experience. If you need some incentive to explore this arrangement, consider these three benefits.

No more Parking & Commuting Headaches

One of the most obvious benefits of working from home is the loss of the commute, the parking stress, and the cost of gas. This alone can easily put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket per month, depending on how far you have to travel and what the parking situation is. Even with new developments in parking, like the automated parking garage, this part of working outside the home can still be stressful and costly. When you make the leap to work from home, these worries are automatically vanquished.

Flexibility & Comfort

When you work from home, your day can start in your pj’s sitting at a desk down the hall from your bedroom. You no longer have to ponder what to wear or travel outside of the house on those cold winter days. You can wear whatever you want and take a few steps down the hall. You’re at work in minutes and your wardrobe is no longer an issue.

You Can be Close to Family

One major benefit for parents who decide to work from home is the ability to be present if their kids need them. If Timmy gets sick at school it’s convenient to go pick him up, without having to get clearance from work. You’re able to be there for your children and still get valuable work done. This arrangement can truly be a win-win.

If you could benefit from a work from home arrangement, take the leap. It will save you a ton of time and money, especially if you had a long commute and expensive parking fees. It will also be a beneficial arrangement if you have children. It allows you to be there when they need you the most, yet still fulfill your work requirements.

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