3 steps to prepare for your child’s university education abroad

3 steps to prepare for your child’s university education abroad

Every parent wants the best for their children. For most parents, an ivy league education abroad is what they would like for their child – and who should blame them? Studying abroad not only lets your child grow and expand their worldview, it also gives them the international exposure that makes them appealing to large global employers.

If studying abroad is your dream for your child, these tips can help you on the path to realizing it.

Prepare your child

You need to train your child beforehand to be self-sufficient enough to handle him/herself away from home. Be sure that you’re raising an individual that can cope when they are thousands of miles away from family and friends, in a country and culture they are not used to. Teach your child problem-solving skills to enable them to resolve any issues that may arise confidently, and you can rest easy knowing they have things under control.

Scout for schools

When your child is maybe in junior secondary, you may want to start doing your research for the right university. Ask family and friends who either studied abroad or have their children in schools abroad. Get firsthand testimonial of the schools and determine if any fits your child’s needs.

Search the web to explore more options and where need be, email or put a call across to the school for additional inquiries.

This is also the time to find out what it will cost you – from tuition to living expenses.

Start saving

Sending your child to a school abroad will cost you a considerable amount of money. If your child still has a lot of years before his/her university education abroad, great! It means you have some time to save up for it.

An education plan helps you save and invest your money for the duration of time you need to prepare for your child’s university education abroad – this ensures that you have the amount you need plus interest to cater to your child’s fees especially because the cost will increase with time.

Research shows that this increase is roughly about N1, 800, 000 for a decent private primary education, and another N5, 100, 000 for a private secondary education – a cost that is bound to rise year after year. Now add to it the cost of a university education abroad and you’ll agree that early planning is necessary.

Get an education plan

As you start out making this important decision for your child’s future, keep your eyes on the adult they’ll become tomorrow and smile knowing this step you are taking today will make it possible.

 

Up next: Look out for our article on ‘Preparing your child for a university education in Nigeria’

 

 

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4 health checks as you turn 40

4 health checks as you turn 40

Gone are the days when age 40 was associated with a mid-life crisis –  40 is now touted to be the new 20. It’s a milestone worth celebrating, but as you get closer to that age, here are four tests experts recommend you take:

Cancer screening

With the spate of deaths attributed to cancer, it is no surprise experts consider getting screened early a necessity. They advise that not only should cancer screenings be a part of regular check-ups, you should start as early as in your twenties.

Some screenings such as those for breast and cervical cancer should be done more frequently, while colon cancer testing and prostate, are necessary when family history or other factors indicate their likelihood of occurring.

The reason for this is to catch cancer in its earliest stages and begin aggressive treatment options in time

 

Diabetes check

Diabetes is a common life-long health condition and a disease you should test for. Recent surveys s reveal that millions of people die from diabetes every year – one reason to take it seriously.

Because middle-aged and older adults have been reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be at the highest risk of developing type 2 diabetes, you should go for a regular insulin and sugar level test as you edge closer to age 40 just to be on the safe side.

 

Eye exam

Even if your eyesight is good, routine eye exams are recommended for overall health. Eye doctors check for eye diseases and when noticed early, can be treated accordingly.

 

Heart examination

Heart disease is not something to take lightly. According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women.

For this reason, regular blood pressure checks are important because high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, heart failure and stroke. Ensure you have your cholesterol and glucose levels examined because when high, they could also lead to heart disease.

 

With health, we never expect anything to go wrong but it’s best to avert impending issues. With life, the same thing applies-  averting future financial issues for those you love can be as simple as getting the right plan early enough. Check out available plans here.

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5 Rainy Season Tips to Remember

5 Rainy Season Tips to Remember

Is the rainy season officially here? You are probably wondering. We are not certain too, but the rains are definitely pouring down more often these days and it looks like a good time for a few pointers as to having a safe and pleasant rainy season.

1. Lock windows &fix leakages
Nothing is as unnerving as returning home from a hard day’s job to meet a flooded house, wet floors and soaked sofa. Assumptions can be dangerous, always double check that your windows are locked before you leave the house. If you have noticed or suspect any leaks, it’s best to fix it now before the rains become more frequent.

2. Dry clothes only when you are home
No one enjoys having wet laundry for days on end. Apart from unpleasant damp and moldy smell, it could sometimes result in stains and a need to rewash. It is best to do your laundry only when you are home for extended hours.

3. Have an umbrella and sweater on hand
Sometimes, the rain can choose to surprise us, best to be ready for it with a portable umbrella and a sweater (consider neutral colours like black and grey). No one enjoys catching a cold. If you have children, consider leaving a sweater in their back pack as well.

4. Prepare for power interruptions
Rains are more often than not accompanied by power interruptions, especially the windy and thunder wielding types of rain. This could be a good time to buy an Inverter or ensure the one you have is in good shape. You could also service your generator and provide it good protection from the rain.

5. Stock up on teas and beverages
A hot drink can sometimes help balance the cold weather that is often the aftermath of rain, especially for the younger ones. A hot cup of coffee can set you up for work on a rainy day and a cup of hot chocolate can complete the mood if you are under the covers at home.

One thing to remember is that seasons are transient, that is why we must prepare for them. The dry season will be here in no time. Hence, as you enjoy the cool of the rainy season, prepare for the dryness of harmattan. This applies to your finances as well, today is the perfect time to start saving for the rainy day or the dry season perhaps. Explore investment opportunities here.

What do you like best about the rainy season? Will you be planting a garden or anything of the sort? Which of the seasons do you prefer? Tell us in the comments, we’ll be glad to read from you.

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My dream wedding

My dream wedding

Typically, when do people start dreaming about the wedding of their dreams?

That moment when your heart stops as it realizes it has found permanent connection with this person and forever is a huge possibility? Perhaps the day after he pops the question, or she screams yes? Maybe much longer, before you even catch the glimpse of the one.

Your wedding is arguably the most capital-intensive party you will ever throw, the expenses are endless. Many have found themselves in an endless pit of unpayable debt all in a bid to get married in style. Others have emptied their accounts and started their new homes on shaky financial ground. Does it have to be that way though?

The average lady has a picture of her dream wedding way before wedding bells ring. The average man might not particularly have a clear picture, but he looks forward to this all-important event and hopes to be able to splurge to his heart’s content. Truth be told, there is no problem with dreaming. As a matter of fact, everyone deserves the wedding of their dreams and everyone can have the wedding of their dreams, if they plan for it.

So, when is the ideal time to start planning? Hmmm, what about right now?

Yes, you are still in school and your wedding is the least of your concerns. Now is the best time to start. You can invest as little as one thousand Naira weekly. Set a goal on your PayDay Investor app, and just forget about it. Imagine how much you would have seven years later when you are finally ready to marry, accrued interest & all? That would be the most pressure-free wedding ever.

Maybe you are many steps ahead, serving your fatherland or at your first job. Bae is still in hiding and you have more pressing needs. But you know what they say, love happens when you have other plans. You should consider the ARM Life savings plan. Just set a direct debit order to save five thousand Naira monthly and take your mind off it. With the sum assured and interest accrued, you will be more than prepared for your big day by the time your investment matures.

It could also be that you are way past the stages described and bae has not only put a ring on it, you already have a date, few months away. It’s not too late. The ARM Money Market Fund is perfect for short and medium-term goals. You could open one and start investing towards your Honey Moon and take that off your worry list.

And if your wedding already happened and you are recovering from the staggering expenses. Take a cue from experience and start preparing for expenses ahead. Babies are expensive, and the interesting part is, their expense is recurring, best to be prepared. Our Education Plan is definitely a step in the right direction if you are looking forward to blissful parenting.

Key takeout, whatever stage you are in life, plan well and the next stage would be significantly easier.

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Paying rent and housing inconveniences

Paying rent and housing inconveniences

The events from last week Saturday reminded me of why I want to get my own house.

“Ferix! Ferix!” The baritone voice of my annoying neighbour Okwudili boomed. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, yawned and got up from the bed grudgingly. Nene, my wife opened her eyes in time to silently urge me out quickly before the man’s incessant shout wakes our 3-month-old daughter.

When I got to the door, I angrily drank in Okwudili’s stout frame clad in loose camouflage shorts and white vest struggling to break free of his protruding stomach. “Ferix, I’ve been calling you since. Abeg come and move ya car, I want to drive out” he said without a single care in the world.

“But I asked you to park inside yesterday evening and you said there was no need because you were not going anywhere today” I responded, now obviously livid.

“So, somebody cannot change his mind again? Please come and remove ya car let me go out” he spat out then turned and walked away.

“You need to stop this nonsense o Okwudili… and by the way, my name is Felix, not Ferix” I called out after him. He marched on like I hadn’t even spoken.

I was angry. No, scratch that. I was infuriated.

If it wasn’t somebody waking us up at unexpected hours, it was another playing loud music and disturbing the baby, not to mention those who leave the pumping machine on till the water runs over and floods the entire outdoor space. Just last month, my car had borne the brunt of Okwudili’s fight with Baba Feyi. After so much begging, I let the huge dent they left on my car slide.

Now, I’m fed up. Nene is as well, and she didn’t mince words when she made it known.

“Felix, you and I need a quick solution to this issue. It’s either we use the money we’ve been accumulating in our savings plan to get an apartment with just two tenants or we start building on that our land around Amuwo Odofin. If you’re not tired of this madness, my dear I am” she said. My wife Nene doesn’t talk much, so this long sentence drove home her point.

My dream

I have always wanted something small and fancy – just appropriate for my small family. I had dreamed of a bungalow in a serene vicinity with 4 rooms and enough outdoor space to accommodate our love for fitness.

Our kids loved to play as well, a spacious compound would be just ideal for them. This dream has, however, remained a dream for too long.

It was time to put actions behind the dream. I had started a savings plan for this purpose five years ago and it has reached maturity.

I picked up the phone and called my architect friend Dipo. The plan for the bungalow must start coming alive now because, by the end of next year (all things being equal), we need to be in our own home. It may be more responsibility, but I think I’m done paying rent and housing inconveniences.

 

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How helpful are personal loans & cash advance options?

How helpful are personal loans & cash advance options?

It feels like a cold drink after a day in scorching hot sun, promising immediate relief and resolution of the situation that had you confounded. You have an emergency that requires finances. And just when you were about to go insane with worry, you discover the amazing option- personal loans & cash advance. Wow, the world is not a terrible place after all. In a matter of minutes, the paper work is done, your phone is beeping with the alert and you can finally smile at your mechanic, landlord, child’s school principal, doctor or whoever it is you need to pay to settle the emergency. Looks like a great story with a happy ending, right? Let’s find out.

How do personal loans & cash advance work?
It depends largely on the organization issuing the loan. If it is a bank, it will be required that you have an active account with them. Preferably, your salary account. That way they can ascertain your credit worthiness and process payment from source. If it is a microfinance bank, credit house or other such financial institutions, you will need to supply proof of employment and a few other documents. Although the loans often do not require collateral, interest rates will apply.

Pros of personal loans & cash advance
Speed & ease of access– these loan options are everywhere, and they are easy to access. Barring any complications with your documents, they can be processed within a few hours.

No collateral– you would most likely not be required to sign off your car, house or any assets as collateral. The loans are awarded based on employment status and ability to pay back.

Easy payment plan – the loan is often spread over a period, could be as long as 12 months, reducing the effect on your wallet.

Cons of personal loans & cash advance
Exorbitant Interest rate– The interest is often extremely high, sometimes well over 40%. This means you pay much more than you borrowed and would be tied down for a longer time. This interest sometimes accrues, meaning the longer you take to pay, the more you have to pay.

Incapacitated finances: Since you would be paying the loan over time, it means your purchasing power will reduce during that period as you would have to do without a substantial chunk of your income. Unfortunately, your needs will not understand that you are repaying a loan. The bills will come in as usual. This would imply that you might end up needing cash advance/payday loan every other month.

Limits your planning abilities; since your income is losing a substantial chunk, you would have no choice but to settle immediate needs with whatever is left. Consequently, you will be unable to save for major projects or invest for the rainy day. This could easily lead to financial stagnancy.

Puts you at greater risk – Things sometimes take turns we do not expect, having a loan around your neck could make such unexpected occurrences even more complex. God forbid a downsizing at the office affects you or your spouse falls ill and is unable to work for a while. Apart from the worry of managing slim resources to get by, you would also have to worry about the loan you are servicing. Health emergencies or accidents could also occur which could lead to more loans, bad financial decisions, and a vicious cycle of financial woes.

What’s the best option?
Loans are beneficial when the capital raised is invested for greater returns than the interest on the loan. If you truly desire financial freedom, your answer lies in proper financial planning and budgeting. These will ensure that you are not only able to live comfortably through the month but also have something stored for emergencies and other projects.

Four Quick steps to financial freedom
1. Have a budget- a budget is not negotiable, it helps you balance your needs vis a vis your income and plan your spending accordingly. We discussed budgeting in greater details here.
2. Live below your means- Don’t spend as much as you can afford or more than you can afford. As much as you can, spend a little less than you can afford to. That way, you can live comfortably without running into financial trouble.
3. Get a financial plan- What stage are you in the financial lifecycle? Do you have dependents? What is your financial growth plan. What financial choices suit your current stage? What investment opportunities should you be interested in? A sound financial plan will put all these in perspective. Talk to an advisor here.
4. Save/Invest consistently; saving is good as it ensures you have a nest you can fall back on during emergencies. Investing is however the real deal as the money doesn’t just sit cozy in an account, it gets to work and brings you more money. That way you get more in your reserve. Explore investment opportunities that require as little as 5,000 Naira here.

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Oya, let’s run!

Oya, let’s run!

I am in the fight of my life. No, jokes apart, this is me literally defining my future and it is funny how a run could seal my fate.

I saw Mercy for the first time on my way to work while she did her morning run. It was still a bit dark, but what I saw in her caught my breath and had me running after her in my suit and backpack.

When I finally got close enough to signal to her, she took away her earpiece and I realized she didn’t even hear me calling.

Plenty phone calls, dates and day-dreams later, I can confidently tell you that she is the one for me. My family have heard so much about her that now, I think I may put a ring on it.

But Mercy, my darling headstrong and strongly opinionated Mercy is putting me on high jump. She is very conscious about her health and even the future- hence any man that would be ‘hers’ must be at par with her on both levels.

First, she made me start upping my contributions to my Retirement Savings Account – says even if we don’t end up together, I’ll at least remember her when I’m enjoying my retirement (who wants to end up without her? *scoffs*). Now, she wants me to get on the healthy train.

Me? I don’t even have time for all these fitfam wahala or eating healthy ish – I have one life o jare and I plan to enjoy it. But the problem is, I can’t enjoy it without Mercy.

Mercy has suggested that I start small on the fitness matter. She registered both of us for the Run For The Future run/walk slated for April 14 and has now told me to start doing what she calls ‘practice runs’ just to prepare.

I know she means well for me but this one is double wahala – I’m stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea here. On one hand, I’m scared of losing her if I bolt from this run, on the other hand, I’m afraid I will not complete the race on that day and disgrace myself in front of Mercy.

Having weighed my options, I’d rather do a half-run than lose Mercy. But this half-run thing is not even a palatable option – so I guess I better hit the road for the practice run. I might just build enough endurance before the run day to avoid the shame of stopping half way.

Oya o, let’s run!

 

Wakanda person hasn’t registered to Run For The Future yet?

Register Now!

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Source: Articles

In the news: Nigeria to issue N150bn green bonds in 2018

In the news: Nigeria to issue N150bn green bonds in 2018

PUNCH

Petrol demand hits 50 million litres daily, NNPC incurs N24bn monthly as subsidy

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation on Sunday announced that it was spending N774m daily (about N23.99bn monthly) as subsidy on the 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit consumed across the country.

Nigeria’s economy recorded N22.1tn trade in 2017 —NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics on Saturday released Nigeria’s trade statistics for the 2017 fiscal period with the country recording an increase of N5.5tn in trade from N17.3tn in 2016 to N23.1tn.

Oando minority shareholders accuse SEC of cover-up

Minority shareholders of Oando Plc under the aegis of the Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria have submitted a fresh petition to the House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market and other Institutions, accusing the Securities and Exchange Commission of shielding Oando Plc from probe.

Amend SEC law to ensure proper IST funding

The Chairman, Investments and Securities Tribunal, Mr. Siaka Idoko-Akoh, has appealed to the National Assembly to amend the Securities and Exchange Commission Act to guarantee proper funding of the tribunal.

Thailand to establish rice mills in Nigeria – Minister

The Federal Government on Sunday announced that Thailand had commenced moves to establish rice mills in Nigeria.

THISDAY

Nestle to Pay N22.7bn Final Dividend as Profit Jumps by 325% to N34bn

The Board of Directors of Nestle Nigeria Plc has recommended a final dividend of N21.798 billon or N27.50 per share for the year ended December 31, 2017. This will bring the total dividend to N33.687 billion or N42.50   per share for the year.

Investors Invest N39bn in Equities on Positive Sentiments

Renewed investors’ confidence in equities boosted the value of trading by 79.7 per cent to N39.087 billion last week up from N21.740 billion the previous week.

VAIDS: Adeosun Asks Taxpayers to Demand Written Notices from Tax Officials

The  Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has advised taxpayers to demand for written notices when they receive phone calls from tax officials. The admonition was in response to the activities of some fake tax officials purporting to be officials of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS).

GUARDIAN

15 new airlines seek operating permits as business booms

About 15 new private and commercial airlines have applied for operating permits as the demand for air travel steadily rises in the country.

Oando announces delay in release of full year 2017 result

Oando Plc has announced that the 2017 full year result will be delayed due to request by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), to undertake a more detailed review of the company’s results.

VANGUARD

Nigeria to issue N150bn green bonds in 2018

Following increased calls for climate funding, Mr Ahmad Salihijo, a technical assistant to the Minister of Environment, said the ministry planned to issue N150 billion green bonds to the public.

Foreign investors inject $10.6bn in I&E in 2 months

Foreign investors have injected $10.6 billion into the economy  through the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window since the beginning of the year, even as they intensified demand for Nigerian Corporate Eurobonds listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

NAICOM directs weak insurers to seek mergers, acquisition

National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, has called on weak insurance companies to seek opportunities for mergers or acquisition.

BLOOMBERG

Nigeria’s Sticky Inflation Threatens to Frustrate Rate-Cut Hopes

Governor Godwin Emefiele said last month the Central Bank of Nigeria may reduce its benchmark from a record-high 14 percent before July if inflation drops closer to single digits. But with fuel costs surging and government spending swelling before next year’s election, he may struggle to reach that threshold at a time when the pace of price growth is still just over 15 percent.

 

 

 

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Source: Articles

Downtown studio by Freggy

Downtown studio by Freggy

Unlike most people, I don’t have a deep story about how I have loved photography or dreamed of owning a studio from my mother’s womb. I didn’t know anything about cameras till my early 20s. I do not have an uncanny sense for nature or unusual moments. I am a regular guy who just wants to make money. Naturally, my initial approach was to go to school. I got a degree in Biochemistry just because that was the available course. I wasted a couple of months looking for a job but when I could no longer take my mother’s incessant ‘the idle hand is the devil’s workshop’ rants, I started following our neighbor uncle Greg on his photography assignments.

He seemed to be doing OK for himself, his children were in good schools and he drove a good car, even got one for his wife. From helping with carrying his bulky bags to cleaning his equipment, I graduated gradually till I began to take shots. Soon, he could send me to represent him at events and I would deliver a good job. My real love for photography began on the day one of the clients I went to shoot gave me a check to deliver to Uncle Greg. It ran into hundreds of thousands, for a job that took barely three hours, where I was even served a sumptuous meal and an opportunity to groove a little. That’s the kind of life I want, where I am making a lot of money from having a nice time.

It was not long before I started taking up jobs for myself. I soon realized that shooting pre-wedding pictures is my favourite thing. Apart from the fact that brides are usually eager to pay for anything that will make their big day look good, the drama and adventure give me a special thrill. Couples are increasingly becoming more daring, they want shoots under the sea, or on top of a tree, some even want to replicate Wakanda. Love just makes you do crazy things.  It is becoming increasingly difficult to find natural locations for all the ideas a 21st century bride had. What I need is a studio where I can use dramatic backgrounds to simulate reality or recreate ambience via editing.

Getting a studio is capital intensive. Apart from the cost of the shop/office, there is the cost of decorating, equipment and maybe even a staff to man the place when I am unavailable. That’s why I downloaded PayDay Investor, an investment app that not only helps you put money aside consistently but actually invests the money on your behalf. Super cool right? I created my goal on the app- My studio and instructed it to invest 50k for me every week. It’s been five months now and the value of my investment is amazing. I am already searching for the perfect location for my studio. At this rate, in about four months’ time, Downtown studio by Freggy should be ready to roll.

Watch out for me guys, very soon the baddest prewedding photos that will break the net will have my signature-@FreggyShotIt

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Source: Articles

Man’s got to be hot!

Man’s got to be hot!

You’ve seen Baba Seyi almost every day since you moved to your new street. Each time you see him, you silently ask yourself where his children are. At over 70-years-old, Baba Seyi is living in penury.

How could a man so well-spoken and so educated live in a one-room apartment with barely enough food for a three-square meal you wonder. When John, your oversabi neighbor who is always looking for opportunities to share gossip told you Baba Seyi worked 15 years in a bank, your mouth stayed open in shock for 20 minutes.

You pity this old man but inside, you reject his fate.

You want to be like Mr. Femi Wole – that equally older dude who lives near your younger sister’s fiancé in Lekki. The old guy had retired but is balling like kilode. He even just returned from a one-month holiday in the Bahamas and is planning a welcome party. That guy is living the life.

You so badly want to live the life when you get to his age. “Haba, ‘man’s got to be hot’ even in old age na”.

But when you think of the human hair you often have to buy for bae, the car loan you need to pay back, the new suits you buy from that Instagram vendor with every new stock arrival, your constant upgrade of mobile phone to the latest edition, your weekend splurge with the boys and the subscription to the most expensive DSTV bouquet  (that you really don’t need) monthly, that little mocking voice within screams “Man’s not hot” .

When you hear that sentence, you cringe. Whether someone says it to another in passing, or you see it written somewhere or even hear it in a song – it just serves as a reminder that you have no plans for your tomorrow.

You know you need a plan, so you decide to ask Mr. Femi, the happening retiree the way to go. He tells you he not only had a Retirement Savings Account (RSA) when he was young, he also cut down on too much frivolities just, so he could make Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) to his retirement account. You thank him, nod your head and smile.

Finally, you have the secret to a balling life. You open and enter your gate with a swagger, laughing out loud not minding that Mallam Aliyu, your gateman was staring at you like you need a trip to ‘Yaba left’.

You turn to him, give him a wave and say under your breath “Man’s hot today but man’s tomorrow will definitely be hot”. Then just to make sure that annoying little voice heard you, you say it one more time – this time louder.

The next day, you reach out to your Pensions Fund Administrators with only one goal- to start making consistent additional contributions to your Retirement Savings Account.

Ah, tomorrow is sure looking good!

 

Let’s make your tomorrow look good. Get in touch with us via 0700 CALL ARM or email [email protected]

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Source: Articles