admin 0 Comment

Managed IT in Williston, North Dakota

Williston, North Dakota, has been transformed from a sleepy town to the fastest-growing small centre in the US. With the shale-oil boom, it has the highest average wages and the worst housing shortage in the country.

It is a place where long-time residents and newcomers have an uneasy relationship. The influx of people is forcing the city to build a $57 million high school and expand Mercy Medical Center, its hospital.

Cost-Effectiveness

When you consider that most IT problems take time to resolve, and that time spent on fixing them often causes more problems than they fix, it’s clear why so many businesses are opting for managed IT. Using a service provider means you don’t have to hire full-time IT staff or pay for software licenses and hardware upgrades, so your cash flow remains steady.

A recent study by IDC showed that organizations that used a managed IT Williston service experienced productivity increases of up to 42 percent. That’s because when you have a well-supported IT infrastructure, your employees can focus on their core jobs and grow the business at the same time.

A good managed IT service williston provider will have a mix of fixed and variable cost structures that make it easy for businesses to manage their IT budget. That way, they’re always paying the right amount of money each month without compromising on service quality.

Safety

The city of Williston is proud to be home to a number of high-quality restaurants and local businesses. It also boasts a number of awe-inspiring attractions including the Williston Falls, the largest natural waterfall in the state. In fact, Williston is home to more than a dozen water parks, making it the epicenter of North Dakota’s outdoor recreation industry. The most popular of these, in terms of visitors, is the Williston Falls, which draws a crowd of about half a million each summer.

The city is also home to a number of museums and cultural offerings, which are a must-visit for any visitor who wants to make the most of their time in Williston. In particular, the Williston Museum of Art is a must-see for its large collection of fine works of art, while the eloquently named Williston Library is a veritable treasure trove of books and periodicals for bibliophiles and non-bookshelf readers alike. Among the many museums in Williston, the most interesting are those dedicated to the arts and sciences.

Flexibility

With a diverse set of services, service contracts, hierarchies, billing structures, and multi-level SLAs, it is vital to be able to adapt the ITSM toolset you use to match your requirements. It is particularly important when providing managed IT services to small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who can often see a drastic change in their workloads during times of growth or downsizing over the life of the contract.

For example, when Plymouth University rolled out a new ITSM toolset to manage the computing, storage, and network infrastructure for its 30,000 students and faculty members, they needed to be able to add and amend IT services as required. They also wanted to provide a scalable ITSM toolset that was easy to use, and which was capable of handling the full range of service contracts and hierarchies they had at hand.

With the right technology partner, SMBs can take advantage of flexible managed IT services to keep their networks running smoothly without having to hire extra staff. In the end, it is often cheaper and more efficient for SMBs to outsource these tasks to a third party IT support company that handles all of the management, monitoring, and security for them.

Innovation

Innovation is a vital part of any successful business. It’s a must in order to compete with the competition and stay ahead of the pack. A top-notch managed IT company will be able to provide you with the latest technology and services to keep your business on the leading edge of your industry.

A well-planned and executed managed IT strategy can make all the difference in your day to day operations and help keep you one step ahead of the competition. From a proactive approach to computer maintenance and security to the latest in cloud computing, you can rest assured that your technology will be up and running at all times. Thankfully, there are many providers in Williston that will be able to handle your tech needs. You can browse ClearlyRated’s database of top notch IT companies to find the perfect fit for you and your business.

The best thing about a Managed IT plan is that it’s designed to be cost effective without sacrificing performance or quality. Our team will work with you to create a custom plan to meet your unique needs and budget.

admin 0 Comment

Contract Manufacturing Solutions in San Diego, CA

If you’re a business in San Diego, CA, you’re probably looking for contract manufacturing solutions. Luckily, you have plenty of options at AP Precision.

Ajinomoto Althea

Ajinomoto Althea Contract Manufacturing in San Diego is a new facility that is now up and running. It is designed to provide HPP and antibody drug conjugate manufacturing for a variety of products.

The new facility is located near the company’s other facilities in San Diego. Specifically, it is located at 6175 Lusk Blvd. This location has areas dedicated to purification, formulation, and sterile fill and finish.

With this new facility, Althea has created a streamlined, safe, and high quality supply chain service that will allow for a more simplified approach to the manufacturing of drugs. In addition, it will help to alleviate the lead times between project kickoff and fill date.

Currently, Althea’s contract manufacturing business is experiencing strong growth. The company has invested in automated quality systems, increased its visual inspection suites, and expanded its formulation technology platform. As a result, it expects strong growth in the future.

Althea also offers other services, such as protein engineering, gene expression analysis, cgmp plasmid and protein production, quantitative PCR, aseptic vial filling, and regulatory support. It also operates WindRose Analytica, a platform for cytotoxic analysis, and provides predictive drug response services.

Bioserv Corporation

Bioserv Corporation is a contract manufacturing firm located in San Diego, CA. The company’s core competencies include aseptic and non-aseptic filling, packaging and distribution. They also provide biotechnology reagents, medical diagnostics, and medical device products.

Bioserv is an FDA inspected facility specializing in a number of medical device manufacturing and reagent production processes. Aside from their high-volume filling and finishing operations, they also offer the requisite filtration, kitting, and labeling services. Their facility is over 35,000 square feet and can handle small batches with aplomb.

In addition to their facilities, Bioserv Corporation also offers their clients a range of technology transfer and validation services. In fact, their state of the art laboratory is equipped with the latest in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and clinical laboratory equipment. Combined with their experienced team, they’ll make sure that their clients’ products are produced in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

For example, the company partnered with Advantar Laboratories in order to provide their customers with the best of both worlds. Through the partnership, both companies will be able to meet their clients’ critical timelines while providing them with the requisite quality services and expertise.

NextPharma

NextPharma is a contract manufacturing company that offers services for the pharmaceutical, biologics, and medical device industries. They offer a wide variety of packaging solutions.

NextPharma has a state-of-the-art facility for medical device manufacturing in San Diego, California. This facility is ISO 13485:2003 certified and is a key player in the biotechnology industry. The facility includes a Class 100 filling hood and multiple clean room suites. It also offers lyophilization and other related services.

NextPharma is a global contract manufacturer of liquid and semi-solid dosage forms. Their expertise lies in sterile and non-sterile liquids, pellets, and cytotoxics. They offer a full range of services, from product development, analytical testing, and stability testing to manufacturing and packaging.

As of March 2011, the company had 1,200 employees working in nine facilities, serving over 200 customers worldwide. In February, NextPharma expanded its European operations with a new cold chain facility in Werne, Germany.

NextPharma has a proven track record in almost all of the pharmaceutical technologies that it offers. A particular strength of the company is its ability to produce high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients for pharmaceutical companies.

California Manufacturing Technology Consulting

If you are a manufacturer, you should consider using California Manufacturing Technology Consulting services. This organization offers free consulting to small businesses in Nevada County, CA, to help improve their productivity and competitiveness. The company is funded by federal grants, and is designed to help manufacturers achieve global competitiveness.

These services include quality management, energy management, lean manufacturing, information technology, supply chain management, and distribution & logistics. It provides a variety of resources to California manufacturers, and enables them to expand their businesses, increase job creation, and drive market growth. In fact, the company reports that its services have helped over 31 manufacturers across California, from San Francisco to San Diego.

CMTC’s services focus on the unique needs of small and medium sized manufacturers. This includes the implementation of new technologies, improving productivity, and driving technological adoption. They also provide resources for market expansion, product development, and operational performance. Many of these services are available at no charge to manufacturers, and are designed to increase global competitiveness.

admin 0 Comment

Solar Power

Solar Power is becoming increasingly popular as a way to reduce energy costs, increase sustainability, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. In this blog post, we will explore the basics of solar power, from understanding the benefits to the types of solar systems and costs associated with them. We will also discuss how to choose the right system for your home or business. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of solar power and how to choose the right system for you.

Understanding Solar Power Basics

When it comes to renewable energy, solar power is always a popular choice. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but solar power also offers many benefits that make it a great option for your home or business. In this section, we’ll explore the basics of solar power and help you to understand why it might be a good choice for you.

First and foremost, solar power is renewable – which means that it doesn’t contribute to the pollution problem that we face today. Instead, solar energy helps us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which are harmful to the environment in many ways. Additionally, solar power is cost-effective when compared to other forms of energy. For example, installing a small system can pay for itself in just five years!

Solar systems also have a long lifetime – typically around 25 years – which makes them an long-term investment. Plus, there are government and industry payment incentives available for those who choose to go solar. This means that you can save money right away by switching to solar power!

In terms of maintenance requirements, most systems require little more than occasional inspections and lubrication. However, if you ever experience any problems with your system please don’t hesitate to call one of our experts at 1-800-411-4205 for assistance. We want you to have the best possible experience with your new Solar system!

Last but not least, cost considerations are important when making the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy like solar power. For example, installing a small system can be cheaper than replacing an older heating or cooling unit with something more environmentally friendly like renewables.. So if you’re thinking about making the switch – now is the time!

Benefits Of Solar Power

There are many benefits to solar power, making it a great choice for those looking for an environmentally friendly power source. Solar power is renewable and sustainable, meaning it does not create any pollution or waste. It also has a low maintenance cost compared to traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels. Solar panels do not require oil or gas to run, making them an environmentally-friendly option for countries with limited resources.

Solar power is also reliable – even in regions with poor grid infrastructure – making it a good choice for people who need reliable electricity. Plus, solar panels can be integrated into homes in a variety of ways to create increased property value. In fact, studies have shown that solar-powered homes are worth up to 30% more than traditional homes!

Solar power also reduces the impact on the environment by generating electricity without polluting the air. Additionally, solar systems can help communities in developing countries by providing them with an affordable and reliable energy source. Solar panels can be installed on schools and hospitals so that they’re always operational during times of emergency or crisis.

Lastly, solar power creates jobs for local communities as well as reduces dependence on foreign fuel sources. This makes solar power one of the most sustainable forms of energy out there!

Types Of Solar Systems

The sun is the source of all life, and it’s also one of the most powerful sources of renewable energy on Earth. Solar power is growing in popularity every year, as people become more aware of its many advantages. Solar power is green energy, meaning it doesn’t produce any harmful emissions. It’s also a renewable source of energy, which means that it can be used over and over again without depleting its resources.

There are several different types of solar systems that you can install on your property, depending on your needs and preferences. We’ll discuss each type below and show you some examples to get an idea of what they look like in action.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels: Monocrystalline solar panels are the most common type of solar panel on the market today. They’re made from a single block of silicon crystal that’s cut into small pieces known asmodules. These modules are then coated with a layer of photovoltaic material and glued together into rows or columns. Monocrystalline solar panels are good for medium to large-sized systems due to their high efficiency ratings and affordable price tags.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Polycrystalline solar panels are also made from a single block of silicon crystal, but they’re cut into much smaller pieces called wafers. Wafer-based solar panels have higher efficiencies than monocrystalline panels because they absorb more light per unit area. However, they’re less efficient when it comes to sunlight that’s scattered throughout the sky – this is why they’re typically used for roofs rather than walls where most sunlight falls. Polycrystalline solar panels are usually less expensive than monocrystalline panels, making them a good choice for smaller systems or applications where cost isn’t an issue.

Thin Film Solar Panels: Thin film solar cells use a different technology than either monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells called dye sensitized solid state (DSSS). DSSS cells use tiny sheets of photosensitive material that absorbs light instead of traditional crystallized PV materials like silicon crystals or cadmium telluride (CdTe). This makes them better suited for applications where direct sunlight isn’t available such as inside buildings or under trees because they don’t require direct exposure to sunlight to operate correctly. They’re also cheaper to produce than other types of solar cells, making them an attractive option for low-cost installations. However, their efficiency falls short compared to other types.

Different Solar Panels And Their Advantages

There’s no doubt that solar power is on the rise, and for good reason. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that doesn’t produce any pollution, and it has several advantages over other forms of energy. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity, and they come in many different shapes and sizes. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the different types of solar panels and their advantages.

First, we’ll discuss how solar panels work and the different types of solar panels that are available on the market. Next, we’ll look at the advantages to using solar power in your home. We will also cover how to install solar panels in your home, as well as various incentives available for doing so. After that, we’ll go over maintenance requirements for solar panels and discuss their cost effectiveness. Last but not least, we will discuss how adding solar energy to the electric grid can have environmental benefits as well as benefits for your wallet. So if you’re thinking about adding solar power to your home or business – don’t wait any longer!

Costs And Financing Options For Solar Power Systems

There are many benefits to installing a solar power system, and the cost of doing so is slowly dropping every year. In fact, if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the long run, a solar power system is a great option. Here are four reasons why you should consider installing one:.

1. Solar power systems provide numerous benefits over other forms of energy, including being environmentally friendly and reliable.

2. The costs of solar power systems have been dropping significantly in recent years, making them more affordable than ever before.

3. There are several financing options available for solar power systems – from government and private loans to tax credits – which can make the installation process easier on your wallet.

4. Owning a solar power system has many advantages over renting or buying from an energy company – from the financial security that comes with owning something to the reduced environmental impact that comes with producing your own electricity instead of relying on external sources. When it comes to choosing a contractor for your installation, be sure to do your research and pick someone who is experts in this field! After all, your home deserves only the best care when it comes to its most important investment – your family’s safety and comfort!

admin 0 Comment

San Diego Foundation Repair

The San Diego Foundation Repair industry is booming, especially with all the new developments happening in the area. One of the things that makes it so exciting is the variety of foundation repair services that are being provided. These include seismic retrofitting of older homes, unlimited drilling, water damage in crawl space foundations, and settlement issues with a home. In addition, homeowners are able to get coverage for these repairs through their insurance.

Water damage in crawl space foundations

Water damage in crawl space foundations in San Diego is a common problem. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it more likely that a home will experience this kind of damage.

Fortunately, the issues that arise with water leaks are fixable. Typically, a sump pump will be installed to redirect the water away from the house. But the amount of moisture that enters the space can increase the cost of repair.

To prevent this from happening, you need to find the source of the problem and correct it. For example, if you are aware that rainwater runs off the roof, a sump pump may be able to prevent it from entering the crawl space.

Alternatively, you can choose to encapsulate the area, which is a waterproof barrier that covers the entire crawl space. This can be a challenging job, but it is one that is worth the effort. If you don’t have the experience to do it yourself, you can hire professionals to do it for you.

Seismic retrofitting of older homes

An earthquake retrofit is a great way to protect your home. It reduces the risks of damage and injuries. In fact, it can also add value to your property.

Retrofitting your home can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars on repairs after an earthquake. However, you need to find a qualified contractor for the job.

Many older homes were built before building codes were created to handle seismic forces. Older homes can suffer significant damage during an earthquake, which can cause the house to fall off the foundation. With an earthquake retrofit, your house will be strengthened and prepared to withstand an earthquake.

To begin, you’ll need to identify the type of your home. For example, if your home has a basement, it’ll need more work than a house that doesn’t have a basement. Another factor that affects the cost of a retrofit is the size of the house. If your home is big or has a large number of rooms, the cost will be higher.

Coverage by homeowner’s insurance

If you live in San Diego, California, you can purchase earthquake insurance for your home. These policies pay to rebuild your property at current market prices. They also offer liability coverage for injuries that occur on your property.

While the amount of coverage may vary from company to company, it usually includes at least three things. This includes the dwelling (your house), personal property and liability. The amount you are covered for depends on the size of your dwelling, the replacement value of your possessions and the amount of liability you purchase. In addition, the policy can offer additional living expenses, which reimburses you for extra costs if you are unable to live in your home.

A standard home insurance policy typically starts at $250,000 for a single-family home, and increases with the level of your coverage. Some companies have a higher limit, and others can provide you with coverage for several homes. Your homeowner’s insurance can protect you from floods, earthquakes, fires, and other hazards.

admin 0 Comment

Tips For Buying a New Air Conditioning Unit

San Diego Air Conditioning: Whether you’re moving into a new home, or you’re a longtime resident, there are a few tips to keep in mind before you purchase an air conditioning unit. These tips will help you find the right unit, and keep it running smoothly.

Repair or replacement?

Whether you are looking for San Diego air conditioning repair or a new unit, you should look for an experienced HVAC company. These companies are well-versed in the local microclimate and can provide top-of-the-line solutions. They should also employ licensed, certified technicians who have up-to-date industry training.

Having a reliable HVAC system can help reduce symptoms such as heat sensitivity and allergies. You should also install a programmable thermostat to avoid the system from being on when you’re not home. It’s also a good idea to seal ducts.

Another way to keep your home cool is to close curtains and blinds. Also, keep your thermostat set to a cool temperature. It’s important to change your air filters regularly. This will ensure that your equipment is running efficiently.

Preventive maintenance improves daily performance

Investing in preventive maintenance can improve the daily performance of your San Diego air conditioning systems. In the long run, these maintenance procedures will save you money. They also help to ensure that your building systems remain in good working order.

A preventive maintenance program should include goals and measurements. This will allow you to evaluate the program’s impact and help decision makers see how effective it is. It’s also important to keep goals and priorities in mind when creating schedules.

Use an IAQ preventive maintenance checklist to record the actions taken. It can help to minimize mistakes and gather support for future activities. It can also be a training tool for new staff members.

A preventive maintenance plan should also include lists of equipment and run schedules. These lists can help contractors to implement the plan.

HVAC needs are shifting in SoCal

Adding air conditioning to your home will improve your quality of life and add value to your property. It’s also a good idea to install a good air filter to reduce dust, bacteria, and allergens.

The most efficient HVAC system will cost 10-20% more than a standard model. While it may take a few hours to install, you’ll be rewarded with effective heating and cooling for years to come. You may also want to consider switching to a greener heating and cooling solution, such as an electric furnace.

Although San Diego has not seen a heat wave for decades, we have seen a lot of heat over the past few years. As a result, many residents are feeling the need for air conditioning.

The best HVAC systems are also the best way to save money. For example, you may be able to get a discount on your heating bill if you switch from gas to electric. You may also qualify for rebates if you buy a new Energy Star rated system.

Military members, firefighters, teachers and seniors

Using the services of a San Diego HVAC company for your home or office is a great way to ensure you’ll be cool and comfortable all summer long. You’ll find that these companies offer a host of amenities and services to ensure your comfort is top notch. Some of the amenities include installation of solar power systems, hybrid and ductless systems, and even UV light air purification systems. Most HVAC companies offer a lifetime warranty on all installations, so you won’t have to worry about your system failing on you.

You’ll also find that many of these companies offer discounts for certain groups, such as military personnel and seniors. This means that you can expect to save a bundle while saving the environment at the same time.

Alternative heat systems replace conventional heaters

Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing one, replacing your conventional heaters with an alternative heat system will make a big difference in your energy bills. There are several different types of heat systems, each with its own benefits and disadvantages. You should consult an expert to select the best option for your situation.

If you live in a warm climate, air source pumps are the way to go. They’ll provide a lot of cooling power, but little heat. If you live in a cooler climate, a heat pump can be your best option. They’re more expensive than air source pumps, but they’re more energy efficient. You can even purchase a ductless heat pump for your home.

Whether you’re building a new house or remodeling your existing one, replacing your conventional heating system with a ductless heat pump will save you a lot of money. According to a study conducted by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, a ductless heating system can save you up to $948 per year.

admin 0 Comment

Choosing a Roofing Company

When it comes to estimating the cost of a new roof, San Diego roofing companies must consider several variables. Resilient Roofing President Seth Larson explained why the price of a new roof varies so dramatically from project to project. If you’re interested in learning more about San Diego roofing contractors, read on.

Choosing a reputable san diego roofing company

When choosing a roofing company, consider the experience of the company. It is always better to work with a company that has been in business for many years. You’ll have a higher chance of getting quality work, and you can trust that the company you choose will stick around for many years. Choosing a company that is new to the area can be risky. Make sure you check their references and make sure they have all the proper licensing and insurance. It is also important to be proactive if something does not seem right.

The internet is an excellent place to find a local contractor. A quick search should turn up a number of roofing companies in San Diego CA. Before hiring a roofing company, make sure that the company has a valid license to operate and adequate insurance. This will ensure that you are not responsible for any damage or injury that occurs during the installation process.

RSI Roofing is a San Diego roofing company that has been in business since 1993. They are licensed, bonded, and insured, and offer a variety of services. The company is also committed to giving back to the community and picks a charity to support each year. Moreover, RSI Roofing also offers a 24-hour emergency leak call service.

When hiring a roofing company, it is vital to check out their previous work. Ask for references from their previous customers. This way, you’ll be able to get a good idea about the quality of their services. You should also ask about their experience and make sure they’re licensed and bonded to ensure the safety of your home and family.

Resilient Roofing is another San Diego company that provides residential and commercial customers with excellent roofing services. The company offers a variety of services, including roof repair and replacement, and is able to handle any type of roofing system. They also provide emergency services and use climbing cables and safety harnesses to keep employees and customers safe.

Choosing a reputable san diego roofing contractor

When it comes to a new roof, you want to choose a reputable San Diego roofing contractor who is experienced in the field. This way, you can be sure they follow building codes and safety guidelines. You also want to make sure you are hiring a licensed contractor who carries workers’ compensation insurance.

Choosing a roofing contractor who lives in your city is also a smart move, because it will be easier to reach them if there’s a problem. This way, you’ll avoid additional expenses for fixing up the work. While it might seem like a hassle, hiring a reputable San Diego roofing contractor will give you peace of mind and prevent you from having to deal with expensive mistakes after the work is complete.

Resilient Roofing specializes in residential roofing solutions. It offers a variety of roofing services, from repair and installation to emergency services and skylight installation. Their contractors are licensed and fully insured. The company’s staff will inspect your roof to determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. They will use thermal imaging equipment to make sure your home’s roof is safe.

When it comes to choosing a roofing contractor, make sure he or she is licensed, insured, and bonded. You can easily check the contractor’s license status online. A good contractor should also be willing to give you a warranty for their work. Even premium roofing systems can suffer damages if not installed properly.

In San Diego, you can find a number of local companies that provide a wide range of services, from roof repair to complete replacement. Some of them even offer solar solutions and other home improvements. Another option is a family-owned business based in the city. The company provides residential and commercial roofing services and is a certified Owens Corning Preferred Contractor.

It is also important to ask a contractor for a portfolio of previous work. This will give you an idea of the quality of work they’ve done in the past. Asking for a list of previous customers will allow you to compare the contractor’s work with those of other clients.

admin 0 Comment

How Should You Invest Extra Cash?

If you find yourself with extra money at the end of the month or quarter after all of your expenses have been paid and you’ve made your regular retirement account contributions, congratulations! Now for the next question: should you be investing the extra cash, and if so how?

Following is a look at some of your options to help you decide the best course of action for your situation. But first, make sure that it is indeed excess cash and there aren’t any hidden or forgotten expenses lurking. If there are, devote the excess funds to these expenses first.

Establish an emergency fund. A study recently conducted by the Federal Reserve found that four out of 10 Americans don’t have enough money in savings to cover a $400 unexpected expense. This drives home the importance of establishing an emergency savings fund you can easily tap when unexpected expenses arise, such as a car or appliance repair.

Everyone’s situation is different, but many financial experts recommend saving up between three and six months’ worth of living expenses in case of a financial emergency. This would likely be enough not only to cover an unexpected repair, but it could also help tide you over if you lose your job or experience a significant reduction in income.

Keep your emergency cash in an FDIC-insured savings account, like a bank or online money market account, so you can withdraw funds quickly and without penalty when they’re needed. You won’t earn much interest but that’s not the goal with emergency savings. The most important thing is that the funds be kept safe and liquid.

Save for a short-term need. In addition to an emergency savings fund, you might also establish a savings fund for specific upcoming need. A car is a good example.

Instead of financing your next car, you could use extra cash to start a car savings fund. For example, let’s assume a monthly car payment of $400. If you put this much money in your car savings fund each month, in five years you would have $24,000 saved up to buy your next car. This could be enough money to buy a quality, low-mileage used vehicle or it could be a hefty down payment on a used vehicle, thus lower your car payments significantly. Beyond that, being able to pay cash means you have on less thing to haggle over when buying your car.

Invest in alternative investments. There’s a whole universe of investments that go beyond stocks, bonds and Treasury issues. Known as alternative investments, these include real estate, art and collectibles, hedge funds, private equity, precious metals, commodities and cryptocurrencies, among others.

Alternative investments can provide more diversification to your portfolio. They usually have a low correlation with traditional investments so they can help smooth out portfolio volatility. Some alternatives can also provide a hedge against inflation and a safe haven during times of economic uncertainty. As your net worth grows, alternatives can help you spread your assets out among a wider range of different types of securities, thus reducing volatility. One note of caution when it comes to alternatives – they are typically less regulated and can be more complex than investing in stocks and bonds. So, before you invest in alternatives, make sure you have a clear understanding of the investment.

Beef up your retirement savings. It’s never a bad idea to devote extra cash to a long-term financial goal like saving for retirement. If you haven’t maxed out contributions to your IRA, 401(k) or other retirement savings account for the year yet, consider putting your extra cash toward this.

In 2021, you and your spouse can each contribute up to $6,000 to a traditional or Roth IRA (or $7,000 if you’re 50 years of age or over), up to $13,500 to a SIMPLE IRA (or $16,500 if you’re 50 years of age or over) and up to $19,500 to a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan (or $25,500 if you’re 50 years of age of over). If you own a business or are self-employed, you can contribute up to $57,000 (or 25% of compensation) to a SEP IRA.

Pay down debt. If you have high-interest outstanding consumer debt, paying this down may be a wise use of excess cash. But how should you prioritize paying down debt vs. saving or investing the money? Start by comparing the carry on your debt to what you could earn by saving or investing the funds.

For example, if you’re paying 19.5% interest on outstanding credit card debt, it’s pretty obvious that you’ll be better off paying this down than putting excess cash in a money market account earning less than one percent. But the answer isn’t as obvious if you’re trying to decide whether to pay down a 30-year mortgage with a low interest rate or invest the money for the long term, where it could generate a higher return than you’re paying in mortgage interest.

It often comes down to how you feel personally about debt. Some people just have an aversion to borrowing money and want to avoid debt or pay it down as quickly as possible regardless of what “the numbers” say. On the flip side, leverage can be a powerful financial tool if it’s used wisely and responsibly and you’re comfortable owing money.

As fee-only financial advisors, we can help you analyze these and other options and make the best decision regarding what to do with excess cash based on your situation. Book an introductory call with us or send us an email if you’d like to talk in more detail.

admin 0 Comment

High-3 Salary

How to Calculate Your FERS Pension and Disability Benefits

As a federal government employee, you have access to the Federal Employees Retirement System, also called FERS for short. This system includes a pension as well as disability retirement program.

What is Your High-3 Salary?

To determine your FERS pension and disability benefits, you’ll start by making a calculation that’s referred to as your high-3 salary. This is the highest average basic pay that you earned during any three consecutive years while working for the federal government.

Basic pay includes your base salary plus any salary increases you receive from which retirement deductions are withheld, as well as shift rates and locality pay. It doesn’t include overtime pay, bonuses, military pay, cash awards, holiday or travel pay, or cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). The amount of your basic pay is indicated on your Standard For 50 (SF50) and your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).

For most federal government employees, the highest three years of basic pay are the last three years that they work. In this case, go back three years from the date of separation to determine the starting date for your high-3 salary calculation. If you have had breaks in service, the three years don’t have to be continuous — you can join two or more separate periods of service together.

For example, let’s say you plan to retire on April 1, 2021, and have worked for the federal government continuously since then. If the past three years were your highest earnings years of basic pay, the starting date for your high-3 salary calculation would be April 1, 2018. If your basic pay during these three years was $70,000, $75,000 and $80,000, then your high-3 salary would be $75,000.

Determining Your Pension and Disability Benefits

Once you’ve calculated your high-3 salary, you can determine the amount of your pension and disability benefits. The FERS pension calculation is as follows:

High-3 Salary x Years of Creditable Service x % Pension Multiplier = Annual FERS Pension

If you’re under age 62 on the date of separation or 62 years of age or over and have less than 20 years of federal service, your pension multiplier is 1%. Assuming a $75,000 high-3 salary, your annual FERS pension would be $14,250 with 19 years of service.

However, if you’re 62 years of age or over on the date of separation and have 20 or more years of federal service, your pension multiplier is 1.1%. Assuming a $75,000 high-3 salary, your annual FERS pension would be $16,500 with 20 years of service.

The pension multiplier is the same (1.1%) for the FERS disability calculation if you’re 62 years of age or over on the date of separation and have 20 or more years of federal service. But if you’re under 62 years of age when you begin receiving disability benefits, you will receive 60% of your high-3 average salary minus 100% of your Social Security benefit for any month when you’re entitled to receive Social Security benefits during the first 12 months. After this, you will

receive 40% of your high-3 average salary minus 60% of your Social Security benefit for any month when you’re entitled to receive Social Security benefits.

Once you turn 62, your benefit will be recomputed using an amount that essentially represents the benefit you would have received if you had continued working until the day before your 62nd birthday and then retired under FERS.

How to Increase Your Pension Benefits

The best way to increase your FERS pension benefit is to continue working past your earliest eligibility date for retirement if you’re able to do so. This will increase both your length of service and your high-3 salary.

Going back to our hypothetical example, let’s say this individual worked five years longer, giving him 25 years of eligible service. This also boosted his high-3 salary to $80,000, thus increasing his FERS annual pension benefit to $22,000.

Don’t miss this critical point: By working an extra five years, this individual increased his FERS annual pension benefit by $5,500. If he spends 20 years in retirement, this adds up to an additional $110,000 in pension payments.

Plan Carefully

Your decision about when to retire will have a lasting and long-term impact on your retirement finances. So give this careful thought and plan to spend time crunching some numbers before making a final decision. Book an introductory call or send us an email if you’d like to talk about your situation in more detail.

https://www.minervaplanninggroup.com/2021/01/28/how-to-calculate-your-fers-pension-disability-benefits/

admin 0 Comment

San Diego Window Replacement Companies

Among the greatest investments you can ever make for your house in San Diego would be to fully replace your old, drafty doors and windows. Together with the suitable new doorways and doors, your house will certainly benefit from improved energy efficiency and increased property value. And even better, gorgeous new sliding glass doors and window replacements can decorate and improve your unique home design for a long time to come. Obviously, to find the perfect match, you’ll have to hire San Diego windows replacement specialists that are skilled in fitting all types of windows and doors. So how can you select the ideal company?

– First, look at the standard of the work. A fantastic firm will show off its extensive range of imported and local windows, windows and shutters so it is easy to compare quality and prices. Furthermore, trustworthy window replacement San Diego companies have their own showrooms where you are able to see and measure each of their products and then discuss the project . You may bring your own samples and have them quantified by a local San Diego technician. The most reputable companies also have highly trained technicians who understand how to properly fit each product.

– Next, look at the window replacement San Diego price list. Compare the characteristics and materials used for each product, as well as the installation expenses. Ensure the price list includes the installation fee, which is typically not included in the initial quote. It’s normal for some companies to bill additional installment fees if labor is added on to the bill. Start looking for a house window replacement price that doesn’t include additional hidden fees.

– Check the warranty policy. Your San Diego window replacement window installers’ guarantees will usually cover any defects in workmanship and materials used throughout the installation procedure. However, it is important to be aware that the best warranty is no guarantee you won’t encounter difficulties. It is also important to know what the window installers will do if there are flaws or if the job is not done correctly.

– Always inquire about renewal references. Fantastic window replacement San Diego firms should have the ability to offer you three renewal references. Ask about these references from several different companies. When you contact the references, ask about the installation process, quality of workmanship, the durability of the windows and terrace doors, and if they’d recommend the firm for your next installment. This will give you a good idea of the quality of the work the business provides.

– After you receive your three references, then take the time to call each one. Only accept renewal quotes that include a private phone number, or a site link that you may use to request a written quotation. Ask for a renewal price that contains a guarantee on all of vinyl replacement windows installations, the substances used, the amount of labor charged, and the length of the guarantee. All these are the only elements of a fantastic vinyl window installation which needs to be included in a renewal price.