Florida’s SR 22, F44 and SR 21 – What Differences Do These Requirements Make

Economy, , , , ,

Not all motorists in the US are familiar with SR-22, a DMV legal requirement, which a car insurance provider must submit to the agency on behalf of a client. A SR-22 is typically connected to license reinstatement proceedings, serving as attestation that an errant driver has a new and adequate car insurance coverage. In Florida, the state DMV or FLHSMV, may lift a driver license suspension but will require more than just a SR 22.

The Significance of SR 22 is Not All Encompassing

Have awareness that the submission of a SR 22 is significant and is not enough as basis for the approval of a driver license reinstatement. The significance of SR 22 is not comprehensive and not all-encompassing, especially if the events surrounding the suspension had resulted in dire consequences.

First off, if the driver has been criminally charged and sent to prison, he or she must first pay the penalties ordered by the court, and complete the jail time handed down by the judge as punishment. After which, the driver must also complete the probation period under the supervision of a parole officer.

In some cases, an errant driver may be charged for a mere misdemeanor. Request for the lifting of license follows only after the driver has completed the number of hours required for a court-ordered community work. Here, the low cost of the SR 22 is not connected to a conviction.

A Closer Look at the FDHSMV Requirements for Driver License Reinstatement

Like other states, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), may reinstate a driver license after all penalties have been paid and jail time and probationary period have been served and completed. The submission of an FR 44 will be required if the traffic offender was charged or incarcerated for DUI or Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or prohibited substance.

The FR 44 is a document attesting to the financial capability of the jailed driver to actually pay for and keep an SR 22 car insurance policy current and active. In Florida, the insurance company from whom the convicted driver purchased a new car insurance will also submit the FR 44 documentation.

Floridians understand that the related car insurance coverage referred to as SR-22 insurance, comes with additional charges. Moreover, it’s well understood that such car insurance policies have higher interest rates.

Yet many have the misconception that some Florida insurance companies offer cheap sr22 insurance coverage. However, the misconception stems from the fact that some SR 22 are cheaper because they are connected to license suspension meted as punishment for minor but repeated traffic violations. In some cases, a comparatively cheaper SR 22, may be required from individuals found guilty of not paying child support.

The Misconception about SR 21

Another misconception relates to Florida’s SR 21. This document is required during investigations of a car accident and not as part of license reinstatement proceedings. Florida’s traffic authorities require the submission of SR 21 as proof that the driver responsible for the car accident has adequate car insurance coverage. Otherwise, the driver involved will be charged with an additional traffic violation: Driving Without Insurance (DWI).

Ecommerce – Achieving Economic Growth in a New Business Landscape

Economy & Politics, , ,

There is no doubt that ecommerce has reached a level of popularity that spurred economic growth and spawned innovations that changed the business landscape. As a result, governments have to catch up with ecommerce laws and regulations for protecting consumers amidst the tightening competition between online entities.

The ecommerce experience equates to convenience, cost reduction and empowerment to choose the best products from sellers and service providers endorsed by consumers. Despite persistent inflation, the rate by which ecommerce has been growing on a global scale, is on track to surpass the projected sales of $1 trillion at the end of year 2022.

Lately in the US, the increased incidences of gun violence, mass shootings, road rages, unprovoked attacks and unexpected flash floods have been posing as post-pandemic growth barriers for brick-and-mortar stores. Moreover, avoidance of additional expenses in light of rising prices is another reason why the buying public prefer to order or shop online.

Businesses Respond by Reducing Complexities of Online Transactions

Opportunities to increase their market share have been motivating online sellers to reduce the complexities of transacting business online. Business-to-business (B2B) players are in fact attracting new and existing customers with streamlined processes that reduce the challenges posed by conventional trade cycles.

The direct-to-consumer (DTC) approach has been driving ecommerce growth, as this sector is expected to generate about $103.4 million in 2022 through drop-shipping method. Here all that a seller has to do is to maintain a website that serves as a channel for processing retail sales, without need to stock merchandise as physical inventories. The DTC approach fulfills orders by purchasing the goods from a distributor or dealer and have it drop shipped directly at the doorstep of the customer.The efficiency of these online channels has also spurred growth in the ecommerce realm. Increased job and business opportunities are present in the fields of IT services, SEO and digital marketing, as well as website design and development. These entities provide the ecommerce elements that can influence the decisions of online consumers when choosing a seller or online store that can potentially become a regular supplier.

Staying Alive Amidst Massive Number of Ecommerce Sites

Market reports have it that currently, there are as many as 12 million or even up to 24 million active ecommerce websites operating globally. An online commercial outlet therefore can easily get overshadowed or lost among the multitude, if its website was not developed and designed to face tough competitions.

SEO strategies and aesthetic features are not enough in order to stand out and be selected above the rest. Once a new customer arrives at a website, how the site functions and behaves in response to actions launched is important. Features such as having a navigable graphic user interface, multimedia content, virtual shopping cart, accessible extensive payment options and such other applications that create an experience similar to using a computer-based program, all add up as factors that add value to shopping or transacting business online.

If you’re looking for an expert provider of ecommerce website development services. This web developer has earned acclaims for building beautiful platforms capable of quickly achieving ecommerce goals using customer-centric applications like Shopify, Drupal, BigCommerce, WooCommerce and.Magento development,

Credit Union : Accessing Low Cost Funds in Times of Crisis

Economy, , ,

Economies on all global fronts are experiencing record high inflation rates as the post pandemic period took a turn for the worse when Russia invaded Ukraine. As employers struggle to keep their business afloat, employees on the other hand, rely on their credit union to help them face financial challenges. Even better still is that not a few of these credit organizations are now using online banking apps.

Actually, a credit union is not the same as a trade union or labor union, but basically works more like a bank. It’s a non-profit fund raising organization that aims to pool money by way of deposit contributions coming from union members. As such, a credit union serves only the needs of members, especially as a source of low cost loanable funds.

Any income derived from loans extended to members will either be distributed as dividends or be used in furthering the services being provided to union members. A board of directors decides on how surplus money collected from loan availments, will be allocated or spent.

An example of credit union spending deemed necessary is the development of an app that enables members to access their union bank account online. Similar to how online banking works, a credit union app permits members to quickly check their account balance, make online payments or to transfer funds to accredited payment processors and other financial institutions.

Generally, credit unions do not fail because fund management is carried out with a great deal of transparency. More so, if members use their credit union app to constantly check their account balance. Readers seeking for more information about online banking will find additional resources at Afri Bank Online. As it is, the focus of discussion in this article is about credit unions and their significance to low and middle income employees during times of economic crisis.

What Exactly Does the NCUA Guarantee?

The National Credit Union Administration or NCUA is the credit union counterpart of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), which offers protection on bank deposits.

If unfortunately a credit union goes bankrupt, the members who still have balances in their personal account can claim and receive the amount from NVAC, provided a claimant has already settled any outstanding loan or liability with the credit union.

The NCUA guarantees deposit amounts of up to $250,000 only. This denotes that members whose credit union deposit exceeded $250k at the time of the union’s bankruptcy, can only recover up to 250K.

The US Congress created the NCUA as guarantee of protection to members. The federal government supports credit unions because they encourage wage earners to save money for future emergency, without need to withdraw their union savings or borrow money from commercial lenders.

However, since the NCUA guarantees only up tp $250.000, it would be advisable to maintain a deposit balance of $250K or below. A worker can simply join another credit union and maintain another deposit account. The NCUA insures deposit balances up to $250,000 per institution and not on a per person basis.

Hertsmere’s Forthcoming Real Estate Developments Making Borehamwood the Best Place to Live In

Economy, , , ,

Borehamwood has been in the radar of Britons looking for a place where they could purchase a home they can call their own now that they’re mortgage-ready. Apparently, the announcement made by the Hertsmere Borough Council last September  has heightened their interest in Borehamwood. The Council revealed that they have already drafted a regulatory policy to support the 850-home community that The Wrotham Park Estate intends to build in Borehamwood.

According to the proposal that Bidwells and Woolf Bond Planning submitted to the Council in behalf of The Wrotham Park Estate, the plan is to develop a new local community that comes complete with a country park, a village centre,and most important of all, provisions for the future constructions of an on-site college that will operate in conjunction with the Elstree Screen Arts Academy

House hunters who are looking to buy their own home but on a limited budget are now all eyes and ears about the The Wrotham local community development project after learning that of the 850 housing provisions, about 350 units will be provided as low-cost homes.

Ever since home-buying trended in the UK due to the Stamp Duty Holiday promulgated by the government early this year, Borehamwood Estate Agents have had their hans full in helping buyers find their dream home in Borehamwood. Although the Stamp Duty Holiday ended last September 30, 2021, many apartment and public housing dwellers have decided to pursue plans of buying a home, preferably outside but near the Greater London Area while mortgage rates are still low.

Borehamwood became the likeliest place for many as it’s takes only 25 minutes or so to reach London by train. Moreover, earlier news about other real estate development and construction projects indicate a promising economic outlook in the borough.

Hertsmere’s Economic Outlook Makes Borehamwood the Best Place in which to Buy a Private Home

Other real estate development projects in the offing in Borehamwood includes the construction of a sizeable studio complex in the borough called Hertswood Studios . After all, Borehamwood and its twin-borough Elsetree have gained popularity as The Home of Film and Television,” for being the favorite on-site locations of film and TV show studios.

The future Hertswood Studios complex gives a promise of providing new jobs estimated to contribute at least £1billion to Hertsmereshire’s local economy. The proposed studio complex includes the construction of a hotel to accommodate arriving film stars and film crew members, as well as tourists who enjoy becoming part of the live audience during taping of TV shows.

The development schemes for both the residential and commercial sectors are likely to produce a highly sustainable economic growth in Hertsmere developments that incorporate plans to integrate energy-efficient designs, renewable power sources, and high quality landscaping.

Pandora Papers Call Attention to Secret Trust Accounts in US-Based Tax Havens

Uncategorized, , , , ,

The investigative journalism report called “Pandora Papers,” called attention to the role played by tax havens in the tax evasive-nature of offshore investments. However, the many discussions clamoring for further investigations about the tax evasions via offshore investments, should not overlook the fact that tax evasion by way of secret trust accounts and shell companies is also rampant in the U.S.

After all, not a few states in the U.S. have been offering lower, to no tax at all, as a way of attracting wealthy families, and big corporations, including financial institutions to do place their assets and do their business in their respective state.
Similar to the low or no tax incentives offered by offshore tax havens, several states in the U.S. are also allowing investors to shield their wealth from public scrutiny by using shell companies in hiding their identities.

While Biden’s Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was able to convince members of the G20 group to push for a minimum global corporate tax of 15% to end the international tax competition, the actual implementation still depends on legislative action that will be taken by each country.

If so, will the US-based tax havens be compelled to impose at least 15% tax on all revenues earned in their jurisdiction? Will they be barred from allowing the licensing of shell companies being used as tools for financial secrecy?

What Did the Pandora Papers Reveal about the US-Based Tax Havens

The “Pandora Papers” also revealed the number of secret accounts held in trust in the states of South Dakota, Delaware and Florida.

While South Dakota seems to be a small rural jurisdiction that rarely makes headlines for financial news, the Pandora Papers released by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) had a lot of financial secrets to reveal about South Dakota’s role as enabler of tax evaders.

South Dakota is in fact harboring 81 secret trust accounts, which is twice more than the 37 secret trust accounts held by Florida and the 35 held by Delaware.

According to the explosive ICIJ, a company known as South Dakota Trust Company LLC, even boasts of managing $100 billion in assets belonging to more than 300 centimillionaires and 100 billionaires. including international families based in 54 countries

Among the political figures using South Dakota’s secret account is Ecuador president Guillermo Lasso, and family members who inherited the secret trust account of former Dominican Republic vice president, Carlos Morales Troncoso.

As of 2019, more than 100 trust companies act as administrators of secret trust accounts in South Dakota, which has a combined worth of $3.8 billion.

The report revealed that Delaware, Pres. Joe Biden’s home state is requiring payment of some business tax and substantial fees, but is likewise allowing secrecy of financial accounts. Leaked documents linked to corporate organizations show how international earnings are transferred to a single Delaware account registered under the anime of a shell corporation.

These are only examples that show how not all questionable financial deals are linked to offshore investments; or why not all offshore investments placed in tax havens are of dubious nature.

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Slow Road to the Reformation of AU’s Banking and Financing Industries

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It’s been 2 years since the Royal Commissioner Hayne submitted a report containing 76 recommendations of changes in the banking and financial services sectors. The changes are actually reforms that require legislation of laws to ensure that the culture of greed for profits, will no longer have precedence over the financial safety and wellbeing of Australian consumers.

The year-long hearings of the Royal Commission presided by Commissioner Kenneth Hayne unraveled billions of dollars worth of money stolen from consumers by way of unauthorized onerous charges and sale of millions of worthless products perpetuated through the participation of several banks and financial institutions.

Although it ended the careers of the board chairs and top executives of prominent Australian banks and financial companies like National Australia Bank, Westpac Banking Corporation and Australian Mutual Provident Society, just to name a few, little has been done to address the ill practices pervading in Australia’s financing systems.

While about a third of Commissioner Hayne’s recommendations are now supported with laws, most have been ignored and abandoned. Parliamentary action was supposed to have begun in 2020: but delays transpired as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In May of the said year, it was announced that legislations that would have addressed the problems that led to the financial scandals, will have to take a backseat. The parliament had to pass legislations for addressing the economic problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now that the country has moved on, consumer groups are calling attention to the slow progress of legislations that will put more teeth in Australia’s banking and credit laws. More so now that many of the country’s citizens are facing financial difficulties to which safe and affordable lending options are of utmost importance. Reports have it that there is currently a concerted effort by lobbyists of banking institutions to delay the implementation of Commissioner Hayne’s remaining recommendations.

According to Lenar Anderson, “most people think that the government has already addressed the problems in the banking and financing industries. Ms. Anderson, a consumer advocate who herself lost thousands of dollars resulting from unauthorized bank charges taken from her bank account said that the average Australian consumer thinks that the government has already instituted corrective solutions.

The general consensus among consumer groups is that many in the finance industry are still behaving badly.

Consumers are Advised to Enter Financing Deals Only with Licensed Dealers

Most of the malpractices discovered pertained to selling of products on finance, which were facilitated by retailers and dealers not licensed to offer credit facilities and car loans. Under Australia’s National Credit Policies, lenders and all those offering financing products and services are obligated to ensure that consumers entering into financing deals will not be put in conditions that will result in financial distress.

Inasmuch as finance brokers are likewise required to obtain an Australian Credit License when offering to broker financing deals on behalf of consumers, those looking to apply for a car loan should not readily agree to what car dealers are offering as financing facilities. To stay on the safe side, consumers should first determine other car loan options available to them.

National Loans Australia for one, has a free-to-use online Loan Pre-Approval tool at their website, https://nationalloans.com.au/car-loans/ . Those who would be interested to pursue plans of applying for a car loan as a means of buying a new car, would be better protected against unscrupulous lenders by taking on the financial services of National Loans Australia. This licensed team of financial experts gives assurance that they are committed to work in behalf and for the benefit of customers, and not in the interests of potential lenders

Economic Reports Indicate Signs of Recovery in UK’s Economy

Economy, , , ,

The latest economic report of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that in February, the UK showed initial signs of recovery by way of a 0.4% growth. The securities and investment market is also manifesting positive results, as leading investment managing firm BlackRock, noted that UK investors have been driving growth in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), which are securities that rely on price performances of a particular commodity, sector or a particular asset.

Sectors that Exhibited Growth in February 2021

The ONS February 2021 economic report released only this April, indicated that even as the UK is still in the grips of a national lockdown, some sectors demonstrated resilience.

The construction industry exhibited the highest improvement, to which new projects, as well as job contracts for repairs and maintenance yielded a 1.6% increase. The services sector, mostly in consumer-facing services, reported growth of 0.2% but at an amount that is still a little below pre-pandemic figures.

The country’s GDP output though, remained at 7.8% below the value reported in February last year, since wholesale and retail sales growth was minimal. Nonetheless, the production sector posted growth of 1%, as manufacturing companies contributed a 1.6% increase.

Why Investors are Shifting to ETFs

According to BlackRock, the ETF’s indexing approach to investing helped their clients build portfolios that are more efficient and nimble. At a time when businesses in the country were challenged by regulations, fee compression and centralisation of business models, ETFs remained steadfast as lucrative investments.

The resiliency of ETFs was tested by the market turmoil created by the 2020 pandemic crisis, giving wealth investors more reasons to increase, if not shift some of their investments into ETFs. Moreover, the number of ETFa listed in the London Stock Exchange has increased to as many as 1,200, providing investors with a broad selection of choices with which to build their portfolio.

How Can Digital Wealth Management Companies Help UK Investors

Today, those who have less time to constantly review and monitor price trends and product performances are using the services of digital wealth management companies known as robo advisors. In addition to their expert financial advisers, these companies provide their clients a platform that enables them to gain access to a wealth of information about the diverse range of investment assets available in the financial markets. However, not all robo advisors have uniform fees, as well as have similar approaches in providing their financial services.

If by chance, you are one who is currently looking for a technology-enhanced wealth management service provider, Ask Trader dot com, through a team of analysts, provides a review of financial services providers who offer trading advice, investment management services and automated platforms specializing in stocks, ETFs, forex, and cryptocurrency.

A good example is the website’s Net Wealth review, which checked out as an FCA licensed digital wealth management company. However, a closer loof by the Ask Trader Team of Analysts shows that the downside to using the financial services of this robo advisor is that clients cannot trade or manage their own portfolio. Moreover, unless a client’s fund is part of the Netwealth Network, the minimum investment required per investor is £50,000.

Thailand Continues to Rely on Tourism for Economic Recovery

Economy, Politics,

Even if Thailand was able to effectively prevent the virus from, the country is still at risk of experiencing a record-high economic decline due to travel and tourism disruptions. While a proposal for legalization of online gambling was put forward as a fresh source of revenue, the country’s economic recovery program remains focused on travel and tourism.

Since October 08, 2020, Thailand re-opened its doors to international tourism to which new Special Tourist visas are being issued. The visas are special because they will enable visitors to stay up to nine months. Acceptance of online applications begun last October 01 and will be ongoing up to September 2021.

Initially, approved Special Tourist visas will be valid for 90 days, but are renewable and can be approved for extension twice — up to a maximum of nine months. However, international tourists have to observe quarantine measures by staying for 14 days in a state-accredited facility quarantine protocols before they can go sightseeing.

Who are Eligible to Apply for Thailand’s Special Tourist Visa?

Only foreign nationals of countries deemed as low risk territories are eligible to apply for the Special Tourist visa.

In addition, those with approved visas must be able to present a negative result from a coronavirus test taken within 72 hours before arrival in Thailand, as well as provide proof that they have booked accommodation. Moreover, visitors planning to enter the country can only do so by taking chartered air flights or private jets.

The Special Visa is different from the proposed ‘Safe and Sealed’ travel scheme that is still being considered. This proposal puts forward recommendations of allowing foreign visitors to fly directly to Phuket and take their 14-day quarantine period at a designated beach resort. The scheme though would still require the visitor to take a test before setting off for Thailand, and if negative would take another test after the 14-day quarantine before traveling around the island. Should the visitor/s desire to leave Phuket and continue their vacation in the mainlands, they would have to take another test.

Thai MPs Recommendation to Legalize Online Gambling Met with Orders for Crackdown

In the latter part of August, 2020, MP Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, leader of the Thai Civilised Party floated the idea of looking into the legalization of gambling as an alternative source of government revenue. The Thai politician rationalized that while there are many online gambling websites catering to Thais as online recreation, the government does not get to collect any revenue in the form of taxes, which the MP estimates could amount to as much as 5 to 6 million bahts annually.

MP Mongkolkit asserts that will take some time before it can fully bring the much needed revenue due to the worsening COVID-19 crisis. Whereas the online gambling operations poses as an untapped source of potential revenue that can speed up the country’s economic recovery.

However in September, as an apparent response to such proposal, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ordered the Minister of Digital Economy and Society Minister to launch a crackdown on online gambling. As a result, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are now under orders to block the foreign gambling websites from accessing Thai’s local networks.

Most Thai gamblers are not as worried though because their favorite online casinos, like 918kiss, can be accessed by way of mobile application that works outside of a public network.

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