Author: jackmartin

Everyone knows what a mortgage is, but not everyone knows how a reverse mortgage works. A reverse mortgage is a loan taken against the equity of a home. It is a very specialized type of loan that is not the best fit for everyone. Reverse mortgages are reserved for homeowners that are 55 and older. The homeowner and lender will agree on an amount for the reverse mortgage, and this loan will have no monthly payments. The loan will be paid as a lump sum when the homeowner sells the home or passes away. Reverse mortgages are commonly reserved for homeowners hoping to supplement their retirement income because their largest asset is their home.

Should You Get a Reverse Mortgage?

            As stated above, a reverse mortgage is built for a very specific group of people. Understanding what you are looking for, what getting a reverse mortgage means, and possibly exploring other loan options is a great way to determine if a reverse mortgage is right for you. Here are some helpful things to note about a reverse mortgage:

What Type of Loan Is It?

Reverse mortgages act like typical loans because the reverse mortgage also requires a lender. Most reverse mortgages are done through the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Many factors will go into how large of a loan you can be given but are predominantly affected by your age, home value, and how much equity you have in the home.

In 2022, the FHA raised the reverse mortgage limits to $970,800. This is the maximum a lender can estimate your home value as the national HUD HECM limit. There are rarely any reverse mortgages that high because reverse mortgages are generally less than 80% of a home’s value. To qualify for the maximum loan, you would have to be an ideal candidate with a home valued upwards of $1.028 million. Lenders will often offer a larger loan the older you are and if you have considerable equity in your home.

Reverse Mortgages are Reserved for a Primary Residence

Reverse mortgages can only be done on a primary residence. Reverse mortgages cannot be taken out on investment or vacation homes. This means that the homeowner must live more than six months out of the year at this home.

You Are Still Responsible for Other Home Fees

Taking a reverse mortgage out does not mean you are no longer responsible for your home. Fees associated with owning a home, such as a homeowner’s insurance and property tax, still need to be paid. If your lender believes you will run into financial issues in the future, they may take it upon themselves to reserve a part of the reverse mortgage for paying these fees.

There Are Options for Payments

You have options when it comes to receiving your payment. The four primary ways are:

Lump-Sum: Choosing this option means that you want to receive the payment upfront. You will receive slightly more than half of the sum when the loan is approved and the remainder in twelve months following the first payment. This method also allows for a fixed rate if you forgo the second half of the loan.

Tenure Payment: This option will provide you with monthly payments that have been agreed upon by you and your lender indefinitely. This type of plan generally ends when you leave home or pass away. It has an adjustable interest rate.

Term Payment: This option also has an adjustable interest rate, but payments are typically larger than the tenure payment. An agreed-upon amount of monthly payment AND time frame is discussed.

Credit line: This option is similar to a credit card, and you can draw on the loan as needed; and this method also uses an adjustable interest rate.

You also have the option to mix and match the above options.

High Age Requirement

Unlike most loans, a reverse mortgage has a high minimum age requirement. Up until 2021, homeowners had to be 62 to receive a reverse mortgage loan, and the age was recently changed to 55. Since reverse mortgage loans are reserved for older homeowners who would like to stay in their homes, it is not a viable loan option for younger people.

Should You Get a Reverse Mortgage?

            The information above is far from sufficient to help you make this choice, but it can help you decide if you should consider it. Calling a lender or financial institution may be the best course of action if this article has piqued your interest.

 

 

In the New Year, a lot of people make resolutions with the right intentions but many often fall by the wayside as the year passes. Forming resolutions is only the first step towards achieving a healthy life but it is not all. You must have a standard to work toward and you will be able to achieve the goal. Over the past two years, we have realized that nothing is as important as good health and if you do not pay attention to it, you may end up regretting the decisions you made. Being healthy is not as difficult as it sounds. You must take the right step to improve your health in 2022. Here are a few steps you must consider.

1. Reduce weight

 If you are overweight, losing only 10% of the bodyweight will have several health benefits, including a low risk for cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis as well as sleep apnea. You can determine your ideal weight through the calculation of your body mass index. When the BMI is higher than 25, you must make a serious effort to lose weight by cutting the calories and working out regularly. Do not aim to lose weight rapidly as it will not keep it off unless you follow an exercise program with caloric restriction. It is not healthy to diet for a few weeks and reduce weight rapidly because you will gain weight in the same fashion after you stop dieting.

 2. Engage in physical activity

It is important to try to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity like walking, running, or cycling on most days of the week. It could be one long period of activity or bouts of different activities a few times a week. You could choose to walk for 15 minutes twice a day and go swimming for 30 minutes on the next day. Engage in any physical activity you enjoy but it should amount to at least 150 minutes of activity every week.

3. Eat and sleep well

Diet and sleep have an important role to play in your body. You must try to consume at least five to six servings of vegetables and fruits every day. Try to limit snacks and sugary drinks and avoid trans fats. Make it a point to read the labels before you buy anything from the supermarket. Start your diet with a healthy breakfast that includes fruits and plan your meals in advance so you do not consume snacks middle of the day. Additionally, have a sleep schedule and always stick to it. Set a fixed time to sleep and follow it, try to avoid the screen at least 1 hour before your bedtime. You can use the blue light blocking light bulbs to create the right ambiance in the bedroom. If you have difficulty in sleeping, try melatonin.

4. Quit tobacco and limit alcohol

 Do not start smoking and even if you do, you should make the right efforts to quit. It is the worst health habit and will do no good to your health and body. It is never too late to stop smoking as it will reduce the risk of heart problems. You might find it difficult in the beginning but you should attempt. If you have a habit of alcohol consumption, limit it to no more than one drink in a day because alcohol can increase the risk of cancer and lead to liver problems.

5. Take care of your skin

You can increase the vitamin D levels in your body without increasing the risk of cancer. This can be done by limiting the sun exposure to no more than 20 minutes every day. No matter the season, sunscreen is important. Try to avoid the midday sun and protect your skin with a shirt, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Excess exposure to UV rays can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.

6. Supplement with vitamins

 After the age of 30, all of us need supplements and it is important to have the right balance in your body. You can get a blood test done and based on the results, take the right vitamins. You can consume vitamin B12 and D3 regularly to protect yourself from developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. Some people may also need to take omega 3 every day for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, do not take any supplements until you have had a blood test and the results show a deficiency. You can also speak to a professional for the right dosage.

7. Socialise

It helps to be a part of a social group, club, or even volunteer to keep your body and mind active. Try to keep your brain engaged in any form. You can include activities like sudoku or crossword puzzles in your routine. Try to learn a new language or pursue a hobby to keep the mind sharp.

These are a few ways you can improve your health this year and for the years going forward.

 

If you are considering grad school, congratulations! Furthering your education is a big step, and it is one that comes with many benefits. With that said, investing in higher education is a major decision, and it comes with significant sacrifices.

Given the fast pace of modern society and the ever-changing lifestyle patterns of families and households, flexibility is a major selling point for many students when they are thinking about a career change or going back to school. For this reason, an MBA program is a common choice. If you are looking at this academic track, take a look at these five questions to ask about a potential program.

1. What Are the School’s Specializations?

While there are similarities across the many MBA programs out there, you can expect the specializations that each offers to be different. Whatever your personal business interests are is usually the best determinant for figuring out what you want to specialize in. Make sure to speak to advisors in multiple specializations so you can compare options.

2. Where Is the Location of the MBA Program?

Another important question for a potential MBA program is about the location. How close (or far) is it from where you live? Are you considering online? For many schools, there are also multi-location options across regions as well as hybrid class formats. Think about your personal commuting resources, preferences and whether you would like to move somewhere new.

3. What Teaching Styles Can You Expect?

When it comes to grad school, teaching styles can greatly vary from instructor to instructor. Inquiring about this when you talk to an advisor can give you some insight into what you might expect from a particular program you are considering. Ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes to get a feel for how different instructors teach. Some schools also have video recordings of class sessions available.

4. What Will Curriculum Look Like?

Just like specializations vary for MBA programs, so do the curriculums. While there are some core classes that you will see across most programs, it is particularly important to pay attention to the more unique offerings that might fit your future goals. If you are looking for a particular class and do not see it, ask an advisor about independent study options that might work as an alternative.

5. What Is the Program’s Acceptance Rate?

One more MBA program question worth asking about is the program’s acceptance rate. In addition, consider the overall acceptance rate of the school, too. This inquiry is not to give you anxiety but to give you a clearer picture of expectations before putting time and money into an MBA program application. Be sure to compare the acceptance rates across different schools to get a more complete picture.

Completing an MBA program has many benefits, but getting there is not a walk in the park. Because of the time, money and effort necessary to complete a graduate degree, asking yourself questions like these can give you a better idea of what you really want to do going forward.

 

Modern technology has become a game-changer in almost all aspects of human life. Business transactions have not been left behind, especially after the invention and introduction of crypto-currencies. Most businesses today are adapting to digital money, eliminating the need for cash and bank transactions. That is why you should not miss out, considering that there are many online platforms where you can register, sign in, and start using cryptocurrency in your company. It is also crucial to read the information below explaining why you should consider using digital currency.

Faster And More Straightforward Transaction Processing

Making or receiving payments in your business using cryptocurrency, for instance, Bitcoin is just a matter of transferring the payment from one online wallet to another. The good thing is that you do not have to make trips to the bank. You can conduct the transaction using only a smartphone, tablet, or computer. All you will need is access to a reliable internet connection. This convenience is one of the reasons why most enterprises have chosen the digital currency route. Fraud cases are pretty low when using digital money, and you can expect little to no wrangles with your clients, partners, suppliers, and everyone else in your business.

Funds’ Security Is Top-notch

Cases of stolen money from companies and businesses have become rampant in today’s corporate world. Some entrepreneurs have lost massive amounts when transacting using cash or via the bank. Unfortunately, others have lost their businesses due to such monetary losses. It is pretty hard to find yourself in such situations with cryptocurrency. Several factors guarantee this security. First, cryptocurrency is decentralized money, meaning that no bank controls it. Additionally, it uses blockchain security and cryptography, making it one of the most secure payment methods.

 You Can Enjoy Pretty Low Transaction Charges

One of the primary goals of your business should be the reduction of expenses, leading to profit maximization. If you cannot achieve that, you might be doing zero work in whatever industry your enterprise operates. One of the significant expenditures that bother many business people is the money they pay to transact using cash or through the bank. Fortunately, sending or receiving digital money, such as Lithium, Bitcoin, or Ethereum, can cost you anything from a few pennies or less to a few dollars in transaction fees. As such, you and your customers do not have to spend more money on conducting business. This convenience can make your company grow and attract and retain more clients.

It Allows You to Grab Online Investment Opportunities

Unlike liquid cash, you have an investment opportunity with digital money, considering it is an investable asset. Some, such as Bitcoin, have been doing exquisitely well over the last few years. Their values are pretty high, giving you a fair chance to make substantial profits. However, do not be blinded by the possibility of striking a jackpot with cryptocurrency. You need to understand the market and never forget that there are some volatility and risks you will have to deal with.

Easier International Payments

If you have cash, you can only make or receive payments locally. Some banks are doing all they can to ensure smooth transactions across borders. The main problem here is that the processing of such transactions can be a headache, and it may require you to present different documents. On the flip side, making or receiving across-border payments is easy with crypto. There are no limitations, sanctions, hefty charges, or tensions between countries.

If you want to run a successful enterprise, you must be updated on the current trends, especially when it comes to financial matters. Cryptocurrencies have been there for a while now. Experts in the digital world predict that these monies will be there for many years to come. It is time to take advantage of that.

 

The Nordic region is home to some of the world’s most beautiful resorts. Those who are looking for a relaxing vacation in this region will have no shortage of places to choose from and the hardest part of all is zeroing in on the one that most closely aligns with the client’s specific needs. Fortunately, the narrowing down process is much easier than most Norwegian residents (and visitors) may realize.

First of all, the region is jam-packed with great choices. The activities and accommodations that these locations have to offer are top of the line and second to none. There is also no shortage of reasons to visit Norway, as the gorgeous midnight sun and breathtaking fjords provide some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region. Wildlife aficionados are sure to have a great time, as well as those with a serious interest in Viking lore.

In order to enjoy a truly unforgettable experience, it is important to learn as much as possible before it is too late. By taking the time to find out as much as possible about the following resorts, a Norwegian resident or visitor is able to find the vacation experience that most closely aligns with their personal values. This guide is here to serve as a valuable tool to all those who would like to learn more.

Farsund Resort

At Farsund Resort, there are 121 rooms located across 35 hours, providing visitors with a wide range of places to choose from. Each room comes with its own bathroom and those who would like to catch and grill their own fish will often choose this resort for obvious reasons. Farsund Resort is a popular choice for people of all backgrounds as well. Couples will often flock to this location, as well as businesses that are looking to take their seminars to a whole new level.

Fishing and boat rental is always available. The conference area provides an awesome setup for companies that wish to impart new wisdom to their workforce. The restaurants, activities, and experiences that Farsund Resort has to offer will make visitors want to book a return trip as soon as possible. It’s a fisherman’s paradise, but that does not mean that there is nothing else to do. Visitors can also head to the swimming area or take a nice, relaxing stroll on the nearby hiking trail.

Radisson Blu Resort Trysil

Meanwhile, there are others who are all about skiing when they visit Norway. It’s a common reason to vacation in the region and that’s where the good folks at Radisson Blu Resort Trysil come into play. This is one of the largest ski resorts that Norway has to offer, providing visitors with the chance to enjoy easy in and easy out access to all of the terrain that they have on hand.

Cross-country skiers will enjoy the miles and miles of track that Radisson Blu has in store for them. Meanwhile, there are 31 lifts and 67 slopes for the downhill fans. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and golf are just a few of the additional activities that visitors will have the chance to enjoy. Rooms, suites, and apartments are on hand, allowing vacationers to choose the option that works best for them.

Norefjell Ski & Spa Resort

As the leading option for those who seek a spa vacation in Norway, Norefjell Ski & Spa Resort occupies a unique place in the public consciousness. It’s been considered the top spa resort that Norway has to offer for many years now and that shows no signs of changing anytime soon. There is more to this location than just the spa, though, which is something that is important to bear in mind.

This gorgeous setting gives visitors the chance to stay right on the ski slopes, so they do not have to waste any time traveling back and forth. The onsite restaurant has a varied menu and there are all sorts of other activities to enjoy. The climbing wall, skating rink, and swimming pool provide a number of interesting challenges for visitors to embrace as well.

Son Spa

Located a mere 40 miles from the Swedish border, Son Spa is a great location. Visitors will be amazed by the seaside views that they are able to enjoy. Son Spa even comes with its own marina and beach. The spa area is spread across two floors that occupy roughly 6,500 feet of space. There are so many services to choose from, including an indoor heated pool, indoor hot tub, outdoor hot tub, and sauna.

The rooms are spacious, late-night drinks are available and local points of interest are also close by. Those who wish to visit Moss Airport Rygge and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have every opportunity to stop by while they are staying at Son Spa.

Norway: Offering Top Notch Resort Experiences

Norway is one of the world’s most breathtaking countries, serving as one of the best vacations that the Nordic region has to offer. All of the spectacular sights make for a unique experience that visitors will not soon forget. By taking the time to learn more about each of the aforementioned resorts, Norwegian residents and visitors are able to create the vacation that they have always dreamed of.

 

As you grow your business or pursue your digital transformation initiative, you’ll need to add a few more chairs to the leadership table to support your new needs.

Especially when it comes to technology it can be hard to know what you need — do you need a CIO? A CTO? A director of IT?

At the end of the day, you need someone who can leverage technology to support your business strategy. Whoever you hire should be able to think holistically about the business as well as specifically about the technical logistics of digital tools.

For most business leaders, thinking about technology, digital transformation, and IT in the correct way can be the biggest challenge. By explaining a few disciplines within the digital technology space, you can get a better idea of what to expect from your IT strategy.

CTO: Chief Technology Officer

Generally speaking, CTOs focus on more customer-facing technologies. 

Their goal is to improve your product or offering, whether by improving the product itself or by improving the buying, ordering, and delivery experience around the product. Though customer-facing, these efforts must be connected and informed by the greater business strategy and competitive advantage.

The technology implemented by the CTO should support a specific competitive advantage.

For instance, when Domino’s pizza started its digital transformation in 2008, the bulk of its technology investments supported the convenience of ordering and delivery, because that’s the advantage Domino’s competes on.

It would have been a miss if Domino’s had focused its technology on making Michelin Star-quality pizzas, because Domino’s knew its customers weren’t buying Domino’s for quality.

Domino’s developed tools for engaging with customers digitally with its online order tracker, mobile app, and ordering integrations across new digital channels and platforms. Additionally, Domino’s built an internal GPS system for its delivery drivers. These tools fall squarely within the CTO realm.

CTOs have a very technical skillset. It’s common for a CTO to have a background in software development or engineering. Appropriately, CTOs are responsible for managing the developers, vendors, and engineers who build new customer-facing technologies and perform research and development. CTOs may consult several departments to learn more about the customer experience and how customers are interacting with the business and prodUct.

Success for CTOs lies in the top line. CTOs constantly think about how to tap into new markets or out-maneuver the competition to increase sales. They also track the performance of the internal development team, usually by how quickly they can build and implement a new feature.

CIO: Chief Information Officer

CIO focus on internal processes, including IT.

Anything that falls into the realm of managed IT is the responsibility of the CIO. This includes cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, reporting, automation, data storage, CRMs, ERPs, to name a few. At its core, the CIO’s job is to manage and optimize the tech infrastructure that the business needs to operate.

For example, Vudu Consulting an IT strategy and consulting firm based in Oklahoma City, helped a client in the oil and gas industry move from a weekly reporting interval to hourly interval. Access to real-time information helped Vudu’s client lower the cost of a barrel of oil from $36 to $6. This type of project would fall to a CIO role.

The CIO is also responsible for the business’s IT strategy, that is, how the business uses technology to empower each individual business unit from finance to legal to HR. The IT strategy provides a framework for measuring the performance of individual business units and the business as a whole.

Your CIO implements processes for managing your company’s data and gleaning actionable insights from that data that result in more streamlined processes and lower costs. Usually, these efforts alone are enough to achieve a digital transformation that revolutionizes a business.

CIOs may have a less technical skillset. A CIO may have a background in computer science or IT management, but they must be good project managers and good communicators in order to facilitate cohesion across several departments. The CIO looks at the big picture to prioritize IT initiatives and make sure all internal systems work together coherently. The CIO manages the different IT groups working to sustain your digital infrastructure.

Success for CIOs lies in the bottom line. The ultimate goal of a CIO is to maximize the ROI on its systematic investments. Their work can help increase the efficiency of the business’s workflow and give business unit leaders and C-suite executives better information with which to make decisions. They make it easier for team members at all levels to achieve maximum productivity.

Which one do you need for your digital transformation?

Whether you need a CTO or CIO depends on your digital transformation goals. One sure way to fail in your digital transformation initiative is to expect your IT team to do everything. If you don’t have a clear, concise business strategy in place, you may want to create one before making such an important hire.

 

If you do have a clear, concise business strategy, what problems do you expect your CIO or CTO to solve? What challenges does your business face? What does digital transformation mean for your business, specifically?

You probably need a CIO if:

• You want to optimize your internal process, workflows, and infrastructure, or if your goal is to meet compliance requirements by your industry. 
• The value driver is access to data, automation, and reporting, then a CIO may be more helpful.

You probably need a CTO if: 

• You’re looking to enhance the customer experience by creating new digital products or offerings.
• The value drivers in your company sit within the product you offer your customers and how you offer it to them, a CTO may align with your needs.

Of course, if your business has value drivers that fall in each camp, you may need both. The data and insights typically provided by a CIO may inform what type of products the CTO should create. When the CTO launches a new product, the CIO will help structure internal processes to support that new product.

If hiring two new C-suite-level executives is cost-prohibitive, you could consider using an IT Consultant to advise you on how to meet your immediate needs and discern how to prioritize in-house hiring.

Many companies combine these roles, even bestowing a combined title of CITO. It’s true that the line between customer-facing innovations and internal processes can be blurred, and your business model may allow one person to straddle both positions. However, you should be realistic in how much you expect one person to accomplish, and you should equip them with the budget, staffing, and trust they need to fulfill both roles successfully.

You may have noticed the proliferation of new technology roles in the business world — like Chief Digital Information Officer, Chief Security Officer, Chief Digital Technology Officer. As technology becomes more and more of a strategic necessity for businesses, the more splinter roles will appear to accommodate the widening scope of digital. At the same time, these leaders will more and more have to work laterally to support the business and IT strategies.

Alignment above all

At thE end of the day, you make a hiring decision to meet the needs of your business. No matter what role you end up hiring for, there are a few key qualities you should expect from a worthy candidate.

• Your candidate should have a mind for business strategy beyond their niche, specialty, or department.
• Your candidate should be a good communicator who works to understand other business units and can help assist with the change management process that comes with any digital transformation.
• Your candidate should have the organizational and project management skills to scope and execute a project effectively.
• Your candidate should have the acumen and professionalism to provide value at the leadership table.

Every part of your business uses technology to some extent. The age of break/fix IT management is over. Your CIO or CTO will either help or hinder your business — there is no in-between.

 

The name you give your business is vital to its success, but it is surprisingly difficult to come up with a good name just by brainstorming. If you’ve tried, you know it’s true. To give yourself a creative springboard for naming your business, you can use Namify’s free online business name generator to instantly see dozens, or hundreds, of high-quality name possibilities — all inspired by your own keywords and filters.

Your Business Name Can Make or Break You

How important are business names? They can make or break your business. Jeff Bezos originally planned to call his company “Cadabra.” After someone thought he was saying “Cadaver,” he switched to thinking he’d call the company “Relentless.” People told him that didn’t seem very friendly, so he ended up going through the dictionary till he got to “Amazon,” which sounded big and started with “A.” Good call!

A now-famous shoe company was known as Blue Ribbon Sports during its early years. When the time came to rename the business, the boss wanted “Dimension Six” — which the staff pointed out was “unspeakably bad.” Fortunately, an employee literally dreamed up a much better name the night before the deadline: “Nike,” the goddess of victory.

Google originally called itself “BackRub.” You’re probably grateful that you don’t have to “backrub it” every time you search online. On the other hand — and this is the point — Google might never have become the leading search engine if it hadn’t changed its unattractive business name.

Your Business Name Should Speak to Your Customers

When you use the Namify business name generator, you can easily browse through column after column of unique names that nobody at your company would have come up with in a million years, and which may instantly knock your current favorite candidates out of the field of consideration. This is the kind of power you want in your corner when you are trying to find the right name for your business to communicate to your ideal customers.

For a personalized list of business name possibilities, Namify’s business name generator lets you search using multiple keywords. This helps ensure that your target customer and your company name are in sync. You can also generate names using selected categories (such as fashion, green energy, or consulting) and filters (such as how many words and how many characters you want your business name to have).

Your Business Name Needs a Domain Name

The perfect business name isn’t perfect unless there’s a matching domain name. The suggestions presented to you by the Namify business name generator have already been prequalified as having domain names available.

The wide range of site extensions these days makes finding an appealing business name/domain name combo much more doable, enjoyable, and affordable than it used to be. Your business name URL can end in .store, .fun, .tech, or many other easy-to-remember extensions.

There are millions of business names already in use, but there are many more great ones waiting to be discovered. You can give yourself a serious headstart by letting Namify’s business name generator give you some suggestions.

 

For stores that would like to open up new markets in the health and fitness genre of products, there is the standard path of stocking and selling brand-name supplements and additives. However, because of the level of marketing and build-up in these products, the profit margins for retail sellers can be thin. That ends up requiring a retailer to spend a lot of energy, valuable shelf space, and bulk cost on product that barely breaks even and helps pay the rent. Instead, a far more viable alternative that gives access to many of the same supplement products and ingredients can be made via private label.

Financial Impact Differences

Custom supplement product lines essentially give retailers a direct path to supplements and ingredients that are just as viable for customers and provide the same health benefits as brand-label versions. However, for the retailer, the profit margin difference is considerable. Rather than having to pay for someone else’s overhead and marketing costs per bottle or container, the retailer is selling their brand with a direct supply from a custom supplement manufacturer.

Far More Market Efficiency Possible

Custom supplements are just as effective as the brand-name versions, with additional benefits of a wider range of product variations that retailers can access. Rather than being limited to just the product line produced by a brand name, private label supplements allow retailers to cater far more to their local customers and match cost to market far better. For example, a retailer may be in a location where the average customer is generally older. Supplements for joints, clarity, immunity, and bone density may be far more popular as a result. General brand names may have these products, or not, hit or miss. With private label supplements, the retailer can order exactly what their customers are asking for every time.

The beauty of flexibility possible with custom label supplements is made possible by suppliers who provide access to formulation engineering teams. Because of this possibility, retailers large and small can tailor their inventory to what works for their specific customer market versus an estimate of a regional one, which is oftentimes inaccurate. That includes both vitamin products, supplements, additives, mixtures, and enhancers. The wide range of what is possible allows retailers to provide the same advantage of multiple brand names all in one inventory and collection of products versus having to order from multiple suppliers and different pricing schemes.

No Operations are Too Small

Small businesses and start-ups benefit greatly from custom label production because the channel backs up the business with inventory access that is typically only available with larger operations working with larger middleman distributors who carry multiple brands. Instead, as mentioned above, startups and small businesses get the same selection from one source instead of getting lost in pricing schedules that eat away at thin profit margin. This is a critical difference for small businesses as so much of the profit earned per sale matters for cash flow and making overall breakeven targets to be able to grow further.

Even greater flexibility is possible with small runs. While not being available with larger brand names who push smaller orders to distributors who then add markups, small businesses and startups can take advantage of supplement trial runs that allow for considerable market testing and product viability for new mixes and variations specific to a given local market. This allows startups and small businesses to develop market niches for unique supplement products that would not be possible relying on regular brand supply lines.

There’s no question that private label supplement support is a big breakthrough in the health industry. The real question is how many new operations and savvy current ones will take advantage of the medium to broaden their market offerings, specifically those in demand from their local customer base.

 

CoolSculpting: How much fat can you lose? CoolSculpting is also known as cryolipolysis, is a fat-reduction procedure. It works by causing fat cells in certain places of the body to freeze. In the cosmetics sector, non-invasive treatments are becoming the new big thing. The ability to improve our appearances without undergoing surgery allows us to do so without disrupting our everyday lives or spending tens of thousands of dollars.

Going to plastic surgeons like Sadeghi CoolSculpting weight loss targets parts of the body where it is more difficult to eliminate fat through diet and exercise, similar to liposuction.

What is Coolsculpting?

CoolSculpting is a branded, FDA-approved method of cryolipolysis fat removal.

Frozen temperatures are used in CoolSculpting and other kinds of cryolipolysis to break down fat cells. Other cells are not damaged by cold in the same way as fat cells are, therefore there should be no harm to the skin or underlying tissue.

The practitioner vacuums the skin above the fatty tissue into an applicator that cools the fat cells during the operation. The cold numbs the region, and some people claim to sense a cooling sensation.

The average CoolSculpting session lasts around an hour. Because there is no injury to the skin or tissue, there is no recuperation period. Some patients experience pain at the CoolSculpting treatment site, comparable to what they may experience after a strenuous workout or a small muscle injury.

It may take 4–6 months for fat cells to exit the body after the operation. During that period, the fat area will shrink by an average of 20%.

How Effective Is CoolSculpting?

The success rate of CoolSculpting and other kinds of cryolipolysis is quite high. They are excellent in removing fat from specific parts of the body, and they have fewer adverse effects than other operations like liposuction.

Though this technique can remove fat from certain locations, it is not a miraculous cure, and patients should not expect full-fat removal. The operation will not work for everyone, and some people may have more severe adverse effects.

Other variables, such as lifestyle, may also play a role. While receiving CoolSculpting, a person who continues to eat an unhealthy diet and is inactive will see less fat removal.

Similarly, CoolSculpting is unable to tighten loose skin. After the treatment to remove the fat, a person may have extra skin if the skin has stretched around the fatty buildups.

What are the Benefits of CoolSculpting?

1.   CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat-loss procedure. There is no need for anesthesia, and there are no incisions. As a result, CoolSculpting is one of the most effective and cutting-edge methods of fat removal. You won’t have to deal with any outages or recovery time.

CoolSculpting works by sucking in the fatty bulges you wish to get rid of with an applicator. It gives that region a cold feeling, which kills fat cells. You will be able to resume your usual daily routine once your therapy is completed. Some folks even opt for CoolSculpting during their lunch hour.

2.   Confidence Booster

A CoolSculpting procedure can improve the way you feel and look in your clothes. You’ll be happier if you feel good about yourself, and this will show in the way you carry yourself. You’ll carry a pleasant attitude wherever you go, and your personal life will improve.

Having more confidence has several advantages. Your mental health has a greater impact on your physical health than you may realize. Mental health is equally as vital as physical health, and accepting yourself as you are is the first step toward a happier, more optimistic mindset.

3.   Safe and FDA-approved

The FDA has also approved CoolSculpting as a safe technique. The temperature of the cooling employed throughout the operation is exact and regulated. Prior to applying the applicator, a gel is used to shield the skin from cooling, preventing any skin or nerve damage.

Because no incisions or cuts are done, you won’t have to worry about the negative effects that come with surgery. This implies there will be no infections or other issues. This is a significant medical advantage since you are not endangering yourself in the future.

Thinking of having CoolSculpting done?

CoolSculpting can help you achieve your objectives of being healthier and more contoured. CoolSculpting is a fat-reduction treatment that should not be utilized in place of diet, exercise, or other weight-loss approaches. CoolSculpting produces natural-looking outcomes with no scarring. Patients are more likely to adopt healthy living practices after seeing their bodies in better form.

 

The website Leafipedia.net is known for blogging about unlicensed and fake THC cartridge brands. They just announced a major upcoming upgrade for January that will allow their visitors to report into a database unlicensed THC cartridges, and also comment about them. At the moment their current reporting system isn’t the most user-friendly, but all of these changes in January 2022, with the possibility of before.

With THC cartridges skyrocketing in popularity over the past few years, more and more unlicensed, counterfeit cartridges are being produced. These counterfeit cartridges can have severe health ramifications and have been linked to sickness, and in some extreme cases, death. New and veteran smokers alike can fall prey to these counterfeits, with smokers in non-legal states being especially vulnerable. They are often very similar in packaging and hard to tell without close inspection, something that isn’t always an option when purchasing, especially in non-legal states.

It didn’t take long for the fake cart market to take off, as concentrates became increasingly popular, and more states chose to legalize marijuana. This left many people who want to legal buy THC cartridges in envy, as others from legal states enjoy high-quality options from reputable companies. With the lack of a legal distributor, the counterfeit market took advantage of the situation and began using well-known brands to market their inferior product. These cartridges are often much lower quality and carry some extreme health risks. These carts can be filled with harmful chemicals and additives, in an attempt to fabricate the look and taste of the original product.

Report Unlicensed THC Carts

Luckily, the people over at Leafipedia.net are developing a reporting system that allows users to easily report any unlicensed, counterfeit carts that they come across. Once a report is made, it will be added to the database where people can comment on. Before this, it was solely their staff reporting unlicensed THC oil carts such as Glo Carts, and fake Runtz carts.

Huge communities on reddit inspired Leafipedia

Smokers over at Reddit, the popular social media site, can often be found in threads asking about the legitimacy of their carts. There is even a board dedicated to spreading information about fake carts called r/fakecartridges, /cleancarts, where users discuss fake cartridges they have encountered. While information can often be found, it is hard to verify and search through the many posts to find the specific information that you are looking for. The smokers over at Reddit and all over the world will benefit from a detailed database of all the known counterfeit carts. With the report system that Leafipedia.net is developing you can find all the information about cart legitimacy in one place.

Leafipedia.net needs your help in adding to the list of illegitimate THC carts. Perhaps you or a friend have recently purchased some carts that you find questionable. Having a reliable database of fakes will deter people from falling victim to the same fraudulent and potentially dangerous THC vape carts. It always pays to be safe and sure, so when purchasing carts that don’t come directly from a licensed dispensary, you should always do what you can to verify the legitimacy of your cart.

A few notable cartridges that are very popular in the counterfeit markets that should be mentioned here are the Runtz brand and the Raw Garden brand carts. Many have probably come across these brands, as they are two of the most popular and recognizable brands to date, making them the perfect carts to counterfeit, as they are constantly in high demand. Keep an eye out for these brands in particular and be wary of anyone claiming their legitimacy. Leafipedia.net has detailed information on the differences and telltale signs of counterfeits from these brands and many more.

In a perfect world, there would be no counterfeit carts, and marijuana would be licensed and legal in all parts of the world, but until then help keep yourself and your fellow smokers safe by playing a part in the building of a database of known counterfeit THC carts. This ground effort is the first of its kind and is being led by the owners over at Leafipedia.net, who are dedicated to keeping your smoking experience safe and healthy. Visit their website to make a report, view the current listing of suspect fake THC carts, and stay informed. With THC carts becoming increasingly popular, the counterfeit market will likely remain active for the foreseeable future. Don’t put your health at risk smoking something that is unverified, and be sure to speak out on any carts you encounter that you find were suspect.

At the end of the day we all want a clean and safe smoking experience, and with your help, Leafipedia.net hopes to make that a reality.