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NEW ZEALAND’S WEED REFERENDUM

Marijuana referendum in September

Whatever your attitude to weed you have the opportunity to have your say in the referendum on the legal status of marjuana. I think this is the most applicable description of the weed referendum because if enough voters say yes to it, there will be so many restrictions on its use that for some folk who have no respect for the law it will be business as usual.

As I understand it, if passed, it will mean users of this drug will be able to grow a maximum of two plants for their own use but will not be allowed to sell it.

It will be available for medicinal purposes through pharmacies but the question is “Where are they going to get it from?” and “How many people would be prepared to pay pharmacy prices when they may be able to get it from their neighbour at a fraction of the price?”

My view on all this is, you cannot have one rule for one group of people and another rule for everyone else.

I also wondered if this referendum is an attempt to get the young to cast their vote because voter turnout among the young is quite low.

If there is an improved turnout among the young then it is likely this government will be returned to power.

Why?

It is because they are more likely to vote for the greens and guess who is responsible for the referendum?

The greens of course.

I have never smoked weed even though I have had the opportunity to. I guess I am not a people pleaser.

But my view is that if you want to do that kind of thing then it is your choice but I don’t want to breathe in that stuff so don’t do it near me.

Here are a couple of ebooks about marijuana which were sent to me from Family First which are educational and designed to help New Zealand voters make an informed choice in the referendum which will be included with the voting papers at the general election which takes place 19th September.

Marijuana-Facts-Teens-Need-To-Know-NIDA

Marijuana-Facts-Parents-Need-To-Know-NIDA

www.robertastewart.com

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COOL HEAD NEEDED DURING THE MARKET SLIDE

Important not to panic during sharemarket downs

The markets will be on a rollercoaster ride for the duration of coronavirus, it is important to keep a cool head and not rush into a decision which could undermine future returns on your investment.

It is all down to your risk tolerance. Those who have invested in more conservative funds may be less affected by the falls in the markets but in the long term lack of exposure to risk will prove costly.

Companies connected to tourism will be most affected by the coronavirus outbreak and these include hotels, airlines, and airports. 

Of these I think airport stocks when they bottom out will be a good buy with Auckland Airport being worth a punt. The airport is not going anywhere anytime.

Some of the markets were down by 3% this week; this sounds a lot but it all depends on how much you have in your retirement fund, (Kiwisaver in NZ). 

Here is a table;

INVESTMENT 3%+ 3%-

$1000 $1030 $970

$5000 $5150 $4850

$10,000 $10,300 $9,700

$20,000 $20,600 $19,400

$30,000 $30,900 $29,100

$40,000 $41,200 $38,800

$50,000 $51,500 $48,500 

The ups and downs of the sharemarket become more noticeable as your retirement fund balance grows. In New Zealand, the government’s contribution of $520 per annum to your kiwisaver will help offset losses as will your employer’s contributions which are 3% of your gross income.

When your balance drops by say 3% then your balance needs to grow by more than 3% to regain those losses.

On the news this week, financial expert Sam Stubbs made the point that in 1918, I think it was, the sharemarket dropped by 11% yet was up by 13% a year later, and it was the same with Sars and 9/11.

If you are investing in individual companies in the market then it will pay to invest in companies least likely to be affected by Coronavirus such as power companies such as Genesis, Mighty River Power, and Meridian Energy. Everyone uses power so they are worth investing in.

Companies to avoid are those connected with the tourist industry but I think Auckland Airport when they bottom out are worth a punt.

Most people do not have the means to invest in individual companies but there is an option for doing just that and it is with sharesies where you are able to dripfeed money into the sharemarket. You can start with just $20 and invest $10 at a time. With Sharesies you can invest in managed funds or individual companies. 

Sharesies is an excellent way for youngsters and the not so young to get some practical knowledge of the markets. There is no substitute for hands on experience when investing.

You can join Sharesies here; https://sharesies.nz/r/377DFM

And my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

This article is the sole opinion of the writer and is not intended as financial advice.

www.robertastewart.com

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10 sites where you can sell your skills

Sites where you can sell your skills

Do you have some skills which others are prepared to pay you money for?

We often take our own talents for granted and not realise that our skills are a potential goldmine because there are others who are prepared to pay money for something which we can do well. 

On the internet your market is global and there are lots of sites where you are able to offer your services.

Check out this list.

  1. Fiverr

This is a very popular site. It started off as a site where gigs were offered for $5 US but now you see gigs offered for $1000+. This is a great site to find some cheap jobs which require technical skills such as website design, logo design etc.

www.fiverr.com

  1. Zeerk

This site is much the same as fiverr where you offer your skills at whatever you are good at.

www.zeerk.com

  1. Digital Point

This site has a different kind of format from Fiverr and Zeerk in that it is a bit like a classified site where you offer articles, ebooks, and your computer services for sale.

www.digitalpoint.com

  1. Freelancer

Another site where you are able to sell your skills

www.freelancer.com

  1. The Free Ad Forum

This one is similar to digital point in that it is like a classified ad site where you are able to offer your skills/services. It is a US based site.

www.thefreeadforum

  1. Adland Pro

This site is like thefreeadforum and is also US based but you are still able to place ads on the site even if you are from New Zealand.

www.adlandpro

  1. Craigslist

This too is a US based site but if you are from other countries, you can still join as each country has there own section but that does not mean you are not allowed to offer your services to people from other countries. I find that the volume of ads from countries outside the US is a lot less.

www.craigslist.org

  1. Task Army

This site is similar to Fiverr and Zeerk in that you offer gigs for sale. It is worth a try.

www.taskarmy.com

  1. Ebay

Ebay is more than just an auction site. It has listings from members offering skills such as logo design. There may be an opportunity for you on the site to offer your particular skill.

www.ebay.com

  1. Gigbucks

Another site similar to fiverr and zeerk were you offer your skills for x amount of money.

www.gigbucks.com

Whatever skill you have it is always a good idea to upskill in order to add extra strings to your bow but that does not mean you should try to be skilled at something you are not naturally gifted at. It is all a matter of digging for gold in your own back garden rather than in your neighbours.

www.robertastewart.com

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https://forms.aweber.com/form/72/892285272.htm

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SAVING FOR WHATEVER

Saving for whatever…

Written by R. A. Stewart

Establish your savings goal. Are you saving for your retirement, a new car, a deposit for a home or whatever. This will be the determining factor when choosing where to invest your money. It is important to note that you can have several different savings/financial goals at the same time with a different type of investment with each goal. 

For example, you may have a short term goal to pay off your TV set, a medium term goal to save for your car, and a long term goal to put away money for your retirement.

Your financial goals should be split up into three categories; short term, medium term, and long term.

The category will determine where it is best to place your money.

  1. SHORT TERM

Oncall-6 months

This is money on standby and used for general household bills such as power, car running expenses rent, and so forth. 

Where to keep this money; Ordinary savings account or bonus bonds

  1. MEDIUM TERM

6 months-3 years

This is money being saved for a car, appliance, overseas trip.

Where to keep your money; Bonus Bonds is a good option but mutual funds is an option but invest conservatively. 

There are a number of managed funds which are cropping up and you do not have to have much to get started with them. A good one for the beginner is sharesies (in NZ). If you are from another country there will be companies similar to Sharesies you are able to invest with.

  1. LONG TERM

3 years+

Saving for a house deposit and building a nest egg for your retirement are examples of long term goals.

Where to keep your money; kiwisaver is an ideal investment to drive you to your savings destination because the incentives will help your savings grow.

Some tips.

Pay off debt first because if you are able to pay off a debt where you’re paying say 10% interest on the debt then the interest saved from the paid off debt is just as if you had been paid the 10%; as the saying goes, “A dollar saved is a dollar made.”

Stuff happens in life where circumstances change therefore you need to be prepared to be flexible.

Take a long term view of your investments. It is time and not timing which is the key to investing. As you gain more experience with investing, your risk profile will improve.

Read all you can about finance and the sharemarket. Knowledge will help you overcome your fears when investing.

PLEASE NOTE; The information in this article is the writer’s opinion based on his experience. If you require financial advice see your bank.

www.robertastewart.com

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BENEFITS OF JOINING KIWISAVER

The advantages of joining kiwisaver

Kiwisaver is New Zealand’s retirement scheme. As a savings tool, it is a no brainer for ordinary New Zealanders who want a more prosperous future. There are numerous advantages in joining kiwisaver. If you are not from New Zealand, your country’s own retirement scheme will have its incentives, so it would pay to do your research and check them out. If you are a resident in New Zealand, here are the main reasons for joining kiwisaver.

1. The annual tax credit of a maximum of $520 will help boost your savings. This is paid out in July and to receive this full amount you must invest at least $1040 in the previous 12 months. For example to receive the $520 in July 2020, you must deposit $1040 into kiwisaver between 1st July 2019 and 30th June 2020. If you deposit less than $1040 during this period your tax credit will be 50% of your contributions.

The government contribution is tax free!

If I told you it is possible to make 50% profit on your investment, what would you be thinking? Perhaps you would be sceptical and wondering if its too good to be true. Yet it is true that the government’s contribution to your kiwisaver account is tax free.

2. The employer contributions of 3%. 

Again this is money available but only if you have joined kiwisaver.

3. You are able to use a portion of your kiwisaver funds to help purchase your first home. There are rules surrounding this. I believe that you have to have been enrolled in kiwisaver for at least 5 years. If both husband and wife are both in kiwisaver, this can be a big help toward getting your first home.

4. Another advantage of having your retirement funds in kiwisaver compared to other types of investments is that if you need to go on income support then money earned by your kiwisaver account will not affect your benefit whereas any income derived from investments such as dividends from shares and fixed term interests will affect your benefit. It must be stressed that it is not the amount of savings in these investments that is of concern but the income from them.

5. Your savings with kiwisaver are locked in until you reach the retirement age of 65; this means that there is no temptation to dip into your savings, however, there are some circumstances where you may be able to access your funds prior to your 65th birthday. They are;

(a) To use the money for a deposit on your first home (conditions apply)

(b) Undue hardship

(c) Terminal illness

(d) A condition which makes it unlikely that you will live beyond 65. 

6. If you die an untimely death your kiwisaver funds can pay for your funeral. It is important though to make sure you have a will otherwise lawyers fees will take up a good percentage of your estates finances.

www.robertastewart.com

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INTERNET PENFRIEND CLUBS

Online friendship/pen pal clubs

There are a lot of ways to contact others online, some free, others require some kind of subscription. It is best to check whether how many members they have in the country you are seeking pen pals before committing yourself to joining, however, some of these clubs cost nothing to join, so you can sign up and see what happens. 

Global Penfriends

This one is based in Scandinavia but is a worldwide site with a large number of members from most countries. It does not cost a lot for a full membership. Global Penfriends cater for both email & snail mail pen friends. Check it out on

www.globalpenfriends.com

Interpals

Another internet penpal club, Interpals is relatively easy to sign up, and has a good selection of people to choose from.

www.interpals.net

International Penfriends

This club is based in Finland but does cover all countries. I have been a member of this club. How it works is that you supply a list of countries you are seeking penfriends from and they will send you people to write to. I also received letters from those who received my details from the club.

www.ipfworld.com

Kawasaki Penfriends

As its name suggest Kawasaki Penfriends is based in Japan. It is useful for those who want to learn Japanese. Most of the ads are from Japan with a sprinkling of listings from other countries. You are able to place an ad every month in their newsletter.

http://kawasaki-int.net/japan_penpal/

Penfriend Club

This is a club with a worldwide following. I have never joined but it does not seem to be any worse or better than any of the others

www.penfriend-club.com

Letter Exchange

This club publishes a print version of their magazine which you can obtain by paying by paypal. Single copies are also available.

www.letter-exchange.com

Penpal World

A good selection of members to choose from and easy club to join.

www.penpalworld.com

Sassociations

Sassociations has an email and snail mail part to it.

www.sassociations.net

Christian Cafe

This is not a penpal club but rather a dating site, if you are looking for someone. Check out the link below;

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=30609&u=2162440&m=6244&urllink=&afftrack=”>

www.penpalling.wordpress.com

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ONLINE SELLING SECRETS

www.robertastewart.com

Online auction selling secrets

I have been selling my unwanted items on the New Zealand auction site trademe for years; here are my best tips to get the most out of online selling. These are equally applicable to Ebay which I also use.

The headline

Be prepared to change the headline if something does not sell. A different headline may show up in the site’s search engine when previously it didn’t. If for example you are selling a book and use the book’s title as the headline you could instead use the author’s name as the headline.

The photo

Make sure the photo you are using to sell the product perfectly represents the item and is of good quality (the photo)

Shipping costs

Items that do not include a shipping cost do not sell as well as ones which do. There really is no excuse for not letting potential customers know how much the item will cost to ship.

Auction or buy now

Should you place a “buy now” option on your site? The answer is a “yes” because it gives potential buyers the opportunity to purchase immediatel, and when they have the money ready to pay for the item. This may not be the case if they receive an unexpected email to let them know they have won the auction; one which they had not budgeted for.

Placing feedback

Don’t be in too big of a hurry to place negative feedback on someone because other customers will see this and be reluctant to do business with you. I only place unfavourable feedback in exceptional circumstances. Some people who receive a bad feedback will retaliate by giving you bad feedback so be wary of this. It will affect your rating and may cost you. The alternative is to not leave any feedback on anyone you are not happy with.

Selling ebooks?

For goodness sake make it easy for customers to download an ebook if you are selling them on ebay. Some sellers make the process of download so complex that it would challenge the mentality of Einstein. This is the biggest problem I have experienced when purchasing ebooks from ebay. Just send me the PDF thank you.

Auction sites

www.ebay.com

www.trademe.co.nz

www.tripleclicks.com/11663993

www.amazon.com

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9 ONLINE CLASSIFIED SITES

9 online classified sites

Written by R. A. Stewart

There are a number of online classified sites where you are able to post your particular ad at no cost; many are worldwide sites with a section for every country in the world. Here are the ones I know of;

Adlandpro

More than just a classified site, adlandpro has a lot more content than the others. It is more popular in the US than anywhere else.

www.adlandpro.com

Adpost

I find this an easy site to post on to and you can post ads to any region from anywhere in the world.

www.adpost.com

Classifieds (UK)

This is a UK based site.

www.ukclassifieds.co.uk

Craigslist

This site is popular in the US where it originates from but does have a section for all countries

www.craigslist.org

Freeads

A UK classifieds site.

www.freeads.co.uk

Gumtree

Gumtree is more popular in the UK than anywhere else but like the others has a section for every country and is widely used.

www.gumtree.com

Locanto

A site which originates in China where it has a higher following than anywhere else.

www.locanto.com

Loot

This is a London based classifieds site; they have a printed publication available or they did have one last time I was there in 2013. THe Heathrow airport is where you will find a copy if they are still in print.

www.loot.com

US Free ads

As its name suggests is a US based site.

www.usfreeads.com

www.robertastewart.com

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ATTENTION ALL BUSINESSES!

Attention all Brick and Mortar businesses!

DO YOU HAVE SUFFICIENT INTERNET EXPOSURE?

Whether you like it or not, it is essential that you have sufficient exposure on the internet otherwise your competitors will be taking your potential customers.

So if you are someone who has just moved into your town searches online for say a hairdresser, plumber, mechanic, or dentist, or whatever business you are involved in, will they find your business listed?

There are so many ways to get noticed online, the ones I know of are listed below;

1. Set up a facebook page

This is easy enough to do, it takes a bit of practice though to work your way through all of the steps; if you do not have the know how there are services out there who will set up a facebook page for you.

2. Set up a twitter account

Setting up a twitter account is quite easy, the one thing I like about twitter is that it is so easy to send tweets. I write my tweets on a word document the night before and simply copy and paste them when tweeting.

3. Set up a linkedin account

Linkedin is a good site to network with other like minded people, it is a site where you are able to write out your CV for potential employers to see. I use linkedin to post articles I have written though.

4. Set up a blog on wordpress or blogger

You are able to set up a free blog on wordpress.com or blogger.com; these are ideal for those with limited technical know how and once you get a bit more tech savvy, you can set your own website up. I have several blogs on these platforms plus others on other free site building platforms. I also have my own site.

5. Get listed on yelp.com

Yelp is becoming more popular as a review site; how it works his customers list the businesses by placing a review about them then it is up to the business to claim their business on yelp.

6. Post articles on ezinearticles.com

ezinearticles.com is one of the most popular article sites on the net. A lot of businesses write articles about the business they are interested in; let’s say you own a hotel, then you could write helpful articles about the hospitality/tourism industry with a link at the bottom of the article to your hotel’s website.

There are lots of other ezines; one is hubpages.com which like ezinearticles has a lot of information.

7. Set up an autoresponder

An autoresponder allows you to send numerous emails to your list of subscribers plus you can do a whole lot of other stuff. AWEBER, Get Response, and Mailchimp are three of the most popular autoresponders; I use Aweber, they have an excellent system and helpline if you get stuck. You can sign up for aweber below;

Aweber has the right tools for your email marketing campaign

Aweber is an auto responder which enables you to send messages to your list of customers. With Aweber you are able to collect email addresses of those who have signed up to your list. 

What I enjoy about Aweber is their very good support system. If I am unable to figure something out then I just send an email to the aweber support. Very happy with the service I have received.

www.aweber.com/aweber-shopify.htm?id=499027

www.robertastewart.com

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FREE BLOGGING PLATFORMS

Best free blogging platforms

Ready to start your own blog? Here I will take a look at several blogging platforms which I am using and tell you about my experience with them. All of these are free to use, however you do have the option of upgrading which will give you more options.

WordPress

There is www.wordpress.com and the paid version  www.wordpress.org but this concerns the free version wordpress.com. I have found this a very easy platform to use but you have to get your head around their system and that takes practice. WordPress has an excellent support system where you email them if you cannot get your head around some of the technical stuff. Some of my wordpress.com sites are;

www.greymouthelimblog.com www.christiancapers.wordpress.com www.penpalling.wordpress.com www.myhighlandgames.wordpress.com www.livingstoneresearch.wordpress.com www.ourbackyardcricket.wordpress.com

Weebly

This is another free site and one where I have a number of websites. It has a different kind of system from wordpress so it is just a matter of trial and error in order to figure things out. The support system is not as good as that offered by wordpress but if you just good search any question then you may get the answer you are looking for.

Some of my sites on weebly are;

www.familytreenz.weebly.com www.penpalsnz.weebly.com www.coxandlane.weebly.com 

Blogger

This is the easiest way for the beginner to start a blog, all you need is a gmail address and you are away. Some of my sites on blogger are;

www.freejennifer.blogspot.com and www.erincaffey.blogspot.com

Wix

This site is a bit more complicated than the others but once you get your head around it, you are able to build some professional looking websites. I have used this site and find it a bit more technical than the others.

Other blogging platforms

simplesite

yola

squarespace

www.robertastewart.com