Amos

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How To Invest In Gold

Throughout history, few investments have rivaled gold in quality as a hedge against nearly any reasonably hassle, from inflation, to economic upheaval or currency fluctuations, to war.

When you accept finance in gold, don’t prohibit yourself to merely shopping for physical gold, like coins or bullion. Alternatives to take a position in gold embrace shopping for shares of gold mining firms or gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs). you'll additionally invest in gold by mercantilism choices and futures contracts.

How to Invest in Physical Gold

Investing in physical gold may be difficult for investors additional familiar with mercantilism stocks and bonds on-line. once it involves physical gold, you’ll typically be interacting with dealers outside of ancient brokerages, and you’ll seemingly have to be compelled to get hold of storage and procure insurance for your investment. The 3 main choices to take a position in physical gold area unit bullion, coins and jewellery.

Gold Bullion

When the majority accept finance in gold, bullion is what they suppose of—big, shiny gold bars latched away during a vault.

Gold bullion comes in bars starting from a number of grams to four hundred ounces, however it’s most ordinarily obtainable as one- and 10-ounce bars. as long as the present gold worth is around $1,900 per ounce (as of Sept 2020), this makes finance in gold bullion an upscale proposition. and in contrast to stocks, there’s extremely no thanks to get a aliquot share of a gold bar.

Due to gold bullion’s high worth, it’s particularly necessary to use a respectable dealer and to get hold of delivery—with insurance—or to dole out for storage at an oversized vault or during a safe deedbox.

If you decide on to take a position in gold with bullion, it’s additionally a decent plan to remain up up to now on the worth of gold, thus you'll choose the correct time to buy—most dealers update their costs supported current spot costs.

Gold Coins

The most common gold coins weigh one or 2 ounces, tho' half-ounce and quarter-ounce coins are obtainable. Collectible coins, like South African Krugerrands, Canadian Maple Leafs and yankee Gold Eagles, area unit the foremost wide obtainable variety of gold coins. Some dealers even sell blanks and broken or worn coins.

Gold coin costs might not entirely align with their gold content, though. In-demand collectable coins ofttimes trade at a premium. A one-ounce yankee Gold Eagle coin, for instance, retails for simply over $2,000 in period 2020. That’s nearly a five-hitter markup over a comparable quantity of gold bullion.

You may be ready to notice higher deals on gold coins from native collectors or pawn outlets, however it’s still generally safer to create purchases employing a respectable, licenced dealer.

Gold jewellery

You may additionally value more highly to get gold you'll wear—or that somebody once wore however has been damaged—in the shape of gold jewellery. finance in gold jewellery, however, carries several risks that finance in pure gold doesn’t.

First, you have got to use caution regarding jewellery purchases as not all secondhand jewellery is sold by respectable dealers. Not solely will genuineness interest you—but it'll additionally interest anyone you are attempting to sell the piece to. This makes it crucial you purchase investment jewellery from a respectable dealer and procure the maximum amount documentation as potential.

Second, you’ll pay some quantity of markup supported that company designed and made the jewellery. this might be anyplace from 2 hundredth to over 3 times the valuable metal’s raw price.

You’ll additionally wish to bear in mind of your jewelry’s purity, or what share gold it's. Gold purity is calculated supported karats, with twenty four karats being 100% gold. Lower purity decreases your piece’s soften price, or the raw price of your jewelry’s parts if it were thawed into pure gold.

Invest in Gold by getting Stock in Gold Miners

Investing within the stock of firms that mine, refine and trade gold may be a far more simple proposition than shopping for physical gold. Since this suggests shopping for the stocks of gold mining firms, you'll invest victimisation your business relationship.

Some of the foremost widespread stocks during this sector include:

Newmont business firm. (NEM). Newmont is that the world’s largest gold company, headquartered in Colorado. It operates mines in North and South America similarly as continent.

Barrick Gold business firm. (GOLD). This gold mining large is headquartered in Toronto and operates in thirteen countries round the world.

Franco-Nevada business firm. (FNV). Franco-Nevada doesn’t own any gold mines. Instead, it buys the rights to royalties from different gold miners.

Keep in mind, though, that the shares of stock of gold firms area unit correlate with gold costs however are also supported fundamentals associated with every company’s current profit and expenses. this suggests finance in individual gold firms carries similar risks as finance in the other stock. Single stocks might expertise a definite level of volatility and don't offer you with the protection of heterogenous funds.

Invest in Gold ETFs and Gold Mutual Funds

Investing in gold ETFs and mutual funds will offer you with exposure to gold’s long stability whereas providing additional liquidity than physical gold and additional diversification than individual gold stocks. There area unit a variety of various sorts of gold funds. Some area unit passively managed index funds that track business trends or the worth of bullion victimisation futures or choices.

The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD), for instance, holds physical gold and deposit receipts, and its worth tracks the worth of physical bullion. VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX), on the opposite hand, may be a passively managed fund that tracks Associate in Nursing underlying basket of stocks of gold mining and purification firms.

Gold mutual funds like Franklin Templeton’s Gold and Precious Metals Fund area unit actively managed by skilled investors. These funds aim to beat the returns of passively managed index funds. In exchange, they charge comparatively high expense ratios.

Just keep in mind, like gold stocks you aren’t shopping for gold, simply paper that's in theory backed by debt or equity of mining firms or futures and choices contracts for physical bullion. this suggests the worth of gold mutual funds and ETFs might not entirely match up with the value of gold, and these investments might not perform constant as physical gold.

Use Futures and choices to take a position in Gold

Of all the ways that to take a position in gold, the riskiest is mercantilism futures or choices contracts, a type of speculative finance. Futures and choices area unit derivatives, which means their price is predicated entirely on the worth of Associate in Nursing underlying plus.

A derivative instrument is Associate in Nursing agreement to shop for or sell a security for a collection worth on a definite date, in spite of the present market conditions. Associate in Nursing choices contract, meanwhile, is Associate in Nursing agreement that offers you the choice to shop for or sell a security if it reaches a definite worth on or before a definite date.

In order to take a position in futures or choices, you wish Associate in Nursing account at an internet broker that gives these vehicles. several on-line brokerages allow mercantilism in these securities, however they will need account holders to sign further forms acknowledging the danger of finance in these derivatives.

Once you’ve established a business relationship to trade choices or futures, you'll get and sell them directly via the platform. Most platforms charge a commission for all choices and futures trades that varies supported the amount of contracts you purchase or sell.

People who value more highly to invest in gold via choices or futures contracts have to be compelled to actively monitor their holdings so that they will sell, roll over or exercise their choices before they expire sorry. additionally, every of those choices includes a definite degree of leverage, or debt, by default, thus investors World Health Organization overuse them and skill market losses will see their losses mount quickly.

Should You Invest in Gold?

If you’re involved regarding inflation and different calamities, gold might give you Associate in Nursing finance cover. tho' within the shorter term it may be even as volatile as stocks, over the terribly long run, gold has control its price remarkably well.

Depending on your own preference and ability for risk, you will value more highly to invest in physical gold, gold stocks, gold ETFs and mutual funds or speculative futures and choices contracts. in spite of the shape of gold you decide on, most advisors suggest you portion no over 100% of your portfolio to that.

Any type of finance carries risks. Gold isn't any completely different. however the individual gold market isn’t forgiving and takes a protracted time to find out. This makes gold ETFs and mutual funds the safest selection for many investors trying to feature a number of gold’s stability and sparkle to their portfolios.

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What are Shiba Inu coins?

Shiba Inu coins were supported in August 2020 by associate degree anonymous person going by the name of Ryoshi, believed to be primarily based in China.

According to the coin's web site, it's “a decentralized acculturation token that evolved into a vivacious system.”

The token began as a production from Dogecoin, the additional thought memecoin that was created as a sarcastic defy bitcoin.

Shiba Inu, named once the japanese dog bred, started off commerce low however picked up pretty quickly. It even surpassed Dogecoin, earning it the nickname of ‘Dogecoin killer’.

It was listed on the most important crypto exchange platform Coinbase on Gregorian calendar month sixteen 2020, and is currently used for payments by some sports groups and theatres.

Why did the Shiba Inu coin value go up?

Shiba Inu has been standard amongst crypto fans for many months currently. This latest leap came once Elon Musk tweeted an image of his Shiba Inu puppy Floki during a Tesla. Yes, you browse that right.

Because they're less established, altcoins just like the Shiba Inu token ar simply swayed by tiny market changes, news stories or the social media activity of school billionaires.

This isn't the primary time a Tweet has accomplished the worth of crypto.

The Tesla founder and Chief Engineer at SpaceX has shifted the worth of bitcoin, the foremost established coin there's, varied times.

At the beginning of 2021 Musk additional #bitcoin to his Twitter bio and therefore the value of bitcoin rose nearly two hundredth - from $32,000 to just about $38,000 - during a few hours.

Similar bursts happened once he Tweeted regarding Dogecoin. Equally, he caused a slump in price once he aforementioned “bitcoin is BS.”

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How do NFTs work?

NFTs area unit a part of the Ethereum blockchain (Image credit: Ethereum)

NFTs area unit a part of the Ethereum blockchain in order that they area unit individual tokens with additional info hold on in them. That additional info is that the vital half, that permits them to require the shape of art, music, video (and thus on), within the variety of JPGS, MP3s, videos, GIFs and a lot of. as a result of they hold price, they will be bought and sold-out similar to alternative styles of art – and, like with physical art, the worth is basically set by the market and by demand.

That's to not say there is only 1 digital version of AN NFT art obtainable on the marketplace, though. In a lot of constant approach as art prints of an imaginative area unit created, used, bought and sold-out, copies of AN NFT area unit still valid elements of the blockchain – however they're going to not hold constant price because the original.

And don't go thinking you've got hacked the system by right-clicking ANd saving the image of an NFT, either. will not|that will not} cause you to a have as a result of your downloaded file won't hold the data that produces it a part of the Ethereum blockchain. create sense?

Where am i able to purchase NFT tokens?

Beeple's Everydays – the primary 5000 days at Christies sold-out for $69.3 million (Image credit: Christie's)

NFTs may be bought on a spread of platforms, and that you select can depend upon what it's you would like to shop for (for example, if you would like to shop for baseball cards you are best heading to a website like digitaltradingcards, however alternative marketplaces sell a lot of generalised pieces). you'll have a pocketbook specific to the platform you are shopping for on and you may got to fill that pocketbook with cryptocurrency. because the sale of Beeple's Everydays – the primary 5000 days at Christies (above) proved , some items area unit getting down to hit a lot of thought auction homes, too, thus these are also price observance out for. just in case you uncomprehensible it, that Beeple piece was the one that went for $69.3 million.

Because of the high demand of the many styles of NFT, they're usually free as 'drops' (much like in events, once batches of tickets area unit usually free at completely different times). this implies a fanatical rush of eager consumers once the drop starts, thus you'll have to be registered and have your pocketbook topped up previous time.

Here could be a list of websites that sell NFTs:

OpenSea

SuperRare

Nifty entree

Foundation

VIV3

BakerySwap

Axie Marketplace

Rarible

NFT panopticon

NFTs are creating waves as in-game purchases across completely different video games (much to the, erm, delight of fogeys everywhere). These assets may be bought and sold-out by players, and embrace playable assets like distinctive swords, skins or avatars.

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What is an NFT?

An NFT is, in essence, a collectible digital quality, that holds worth as a style of cryptocurrency and as a style of art or culture. very similar to art is seen as a value-holding investment, currently therefore square measure NFTs. But how?

First, let's break down the term. NFT stands for non-fungible token – a digital token that is a kind of cryptocurrency, very similar to Bitcoin or Ethereum. however not like a regular coin within the Bitcoin blockchain, AN NFT is exclusive and cannot be changed like-for-like (hence, non-fungible).

So what makes AN NFT additional special than a mine run crypto coin? The file stores additional info, that elevates it higher than pure currency and brings it into the realm of, well, anything, really. the categories of NFTs square measure super-varied, however they might take the shape of a bit of digital art or a music file – something distinctive that would be hold on digitally and be thought of to carry worth. basically, they're like all different physical showpiece, however rather than receiving AN oil painting on canvas to hold on your wall, as an example, you get a JPG file.

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Retirement Calculator How Much Will It Cost You To Retire

Many people have imagined a secured future by the time they have reached their retirement age. However, only a few have truly worked out the estimated amount of that they need to hit the sack happily. This is because most people are not aware about the importance of using retirement calculators. With retirement calculators, you can easily foresee the probable amount that you will earn by the time you retire. In this way, you can easily plan the necessary savings that you have to make to achieve your desired amount in the future. Getting to know how much to save to arrive at your desired amount is easily computed on a yearly investment. From there, you can work towards a more achievable goal. The computation, however, is greatly dependent on several factors. It does not necessarily mean that using retirement calculators will guarantee your future. Here is the list of the items that you have to consider when using retirement calculator: 1. Your present age and your desired retirement age This will greatly affect the results in the retirement calculator. The available years from your current age up to your desired retirement age will determine the amount of savings you have to accumulate in order to reach your goal. For instance, if you have lesser years to save, then your retirement calculator will tell you that to invest more money if you want to retire with considerable amount of disbursements. 2. Life expectancy Your expected life expectancy will also affect the result in your calculator. 3. Inflation rate 4. Total Social Security Disbursements 5. Rate of ROI (return of investment) These are just some of the probable factors that you have to consider when using retirement calculators. All of these things will have individual effects on the results. In the end, people tend to mix everything up and errors on computations are expected. Financial experts recommend some feasible solutions to avoid possible confusions and errors in using the retirement calculator. Here’s how: 1. Be careful in choosing factors Some people tend to choose some factors when using retirement calculator. Any considerable errors in the selection will constitute clear negative effects on the results. Hence, it is important to be cautious in choosing a particular factor. Try to give some allowances as well. For instance, if you will be using the “rate of return of investment,” it would be better if you will use a lower rate than what the current or even the best possible rate available. Things like this will not put your computation in a negative light. 2. Do not stop at a single computation Experts recommend that you evaluate the factors that you have used during your first computation. Keep in mind that these factors may vary as the time pass by. Hence, it is best that you keep up with the flow. 3. Experiment Do not stop from where you have started. In order to reach your desired retirement goal, it is best that you experiment on the variable factors that will greatly affect the results. For example, inflation rate is highly changeable. Hence, experimenting on its different rates will provide you considerable low and high rates. 4. Always seek a professional Do not depend on the tool alone. It is always important to seek the help of a professional. In this way, you can understand the use of retirement calculator better. Knowing its pros and cons will help you understand the viability of retirement calculator. In turn, securing your future will be relatively easy.

[amosratnam]

Tips for Forex Trading Beginners

Before you start something new, begin with the fundamentals. Let’s look at trading tips every trader should consider before trading currency pairs.

1. Know the Markets

We cannot overstate the importance of educating yourself on the forex market. Take the time to study currency pairs and what affects them before risking your own capital; it’s an investment in time that could save you a good amount of money.

2. Make a Plan and Stick to It

Creating a trading plan is a critical component of successful trading. It should include your profit goals, risk tolerance level, methodology and evaluation criteria. Once you have a plan in place, make sure each trade you consider falls within your plan’s parameters. Remember: you’re likely most rational before you place a trade and most irrational after your trade is placed.

3. Practice

Put your trading plan to the test in real market conditions with a risk-free FOREX.com practice account. You’ll get a chance to see what it’s like to trade currency pairs while taking your trading plan for a test drive without risking any of your own capital.

4. Forecast the “Weather Conditions” of the Market

Fundamental traders prefer to trade based on news and other financial and political data; technical traders prefer technical analysis tools such as Fibonacci retracements and other indictors to forecast market movements. Most traders use a combination of the two. No matter what your style, it is important you use the tools at your disposal to find potential trading opportunities in moving markets.

5. Know Your Limits

This is simple yet critical to your future success: know your limits. This includes knowing how much you’re willing to risk on each trade, setting your leverage ratio in accordance with your needs, and never risking more than you can afford to lose.

6. Know Where to Stop Along the Way

You don’t have time to sit and watch the markets every minute of every day. You can better manage your risk and protect potential profits through stop and limit orders, getting you out of the market at the price you set. Trailing stops are especially helpful; they trail your position at a specific distance as the market moves, helping to protect profits should the market reverse. Placing contingent orders may not necessarily limit your risk for losses.

7. Check Your Emotions at the Door

You have an open position and the market’s not going your way. Maybe you could make it up with a trade or two that don’t fit with your trading plan...just a couple couldn’t hurt, right?

“Revenge trading” rarely ends well. Don’t let emotion get in the way of your plan for successful trading. When you have a losing trade, don’t go all-in to try to make it back in one shot; it’s smarter to stick with your plan and make the lost back a little at a time than to suddenly find yourself with two crippling losses.

8. Keep It Slow and Steady

One key to trading is consistency. All traders have lost money, but if you maintain a positive edge, you have a better chance of coming out on top. Educating yourself and creating a trading plan is good, but the real test is sticking to that plan through patience and discipline.

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Explore

While consistency is important, don’t be afraid to re-evaluate your trading plan if things aren’t working like you thought. As your experience grows, your needs may change; your plan should always reflect your goals. If your goals or financial situation changes, so should your plan.

10. Choose the Right Trading Partner for You

It’s critical to choose the right trading partner as you engage the forex market. Pricing, execution, and the quality of customer service can all make a difference in your trading experience.

FOREX.com is a worldwide leader in currency trading and offers competitive pricing, great customer service and helpful guides and tutorials so you have a wide range of tools to start forex trading.

[amosratnam]

Make money with google opinion rewards

Google Opinion Rewards is a rewards-based program developed by Google. It was initially launched as a survey mobile app for Android and iOS developed by Google. The app allows users to answer surveys and earn rewards.

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Lifestyle Inflation: More Money, Same Problems

There’s a new villain in town, and it’s attacking the lower, middle and upper classes.

It’s called lifestyle inflation, and it doesn’t care how much money you make—it can still find you.

What Is Lifestyle Inflation?

Simply put, lifestyle inflation happens when you increase your household spending as your income grows. A little raise here, a bonus there and pretty soon your lifestyle begins to expand to match those zeros on your paycheck.

It’s easy to get caught up in lifestyle inflation. After all, you’ve earned that car upgrade, designer handbag and luxury vacation—right? Not so fast . . .

If you’re spending all the extra money you’re making, it’s nearly impossible to get ahead—no matter how much income you bring in.

Lifestyle Inflation Can Affect Anyone

A 2017 GoBankingRates study found that 57% of Americans have less than $1,000 in their savings.(1) Shockingly, even families earning upwards of $500,000 a year can still end up with little to no savings.(2) Lifestyle inflation could be to blame for this lack of savings. With many people choosing to keep up appearances rather than stash money away for a rainy day, it’s easy to see how.

📷

Start budgeting with EveryDollar today!

So, where is their money going instead? The common culprits are likely hefty mortgages and childcare costs, not to mention extras like vacations, fine dining, and a new wardrobe to match every season. But when your lifestyle is inflated, it can cause you to live paycheck to paycheck, to stay in debt, and to have little (if any) money left over to save for the future.

Millennials fresh out of college can fall into the trap of lifestyle inflation too. Thanks to their newfound jobs, they’re enjoying a regular income and the opportunity to eat something other than frozen pizza every day. But the next thing you know, they’ve given into the pressure to live 25 years ahead of their earnings by taking on a brand-new $20,000 car loan to match their $30,000 starting salary.

How to Avoid Lifestyle Inflation

Don’t take on new debt because you can “afford” it.

How many times have you heard someone say, “I just got a raise at work . . . now I can afford that new car (or furniture set or latest tech gadget etc.)”?

Newsflash: Just because you can “afford” the monthly payment on something does not mean you can truly afford to buy it. The interest alone could make you pay far more than the original sticker price.

Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses.

Just because your son’s friend is taking karate, art and horseback riding classes doesn’t mean your son needs to do it too. You’re still a good parent if your child’s only extracurricular activity is swim lessons at the community pool. Really!

Your neighbors might have gone on a 12-night European cruise, but that shouldn’t make your road trip or staycation any less enjoyable. It’s like Rachel Cruze says in her best-selling book Love Your Life, Not Theirs, “Too many people allow cultural expectations and other people to dictate their own values and family priorities.”

As if it isn’t hard enough to hear about these stories from neighbors, coworkers and friends, we now have a front-row seat to see it all too—thanks to social media. Scrolling through a news feed makes it easy to take a peek into someone else’s life and compare yourself to their highlight reel.

Don’t fall into the trap of letting the way others spend their money dictate the way you spend yours. The truth about the Joneses is that they’re probably broke and busy trying to keep up with someone else.

Do make a budget.

The key to winning with money is simple: Budget!

It’s important that you do a zero-based budget every month, before the month begins. Having a zero-based budget (where your income minus your expenses equals zero) can keep you from living beyond your means. With your budget in place, you’ll know exactly how much you can spend and keep lifestyle inflation at bay!

You might think a budget is restrictive, but it actually gives you permission to spend money . . . on those things you’ve already budgeted for, that is. And what happens when you want to make a purchase that isn’t in the budget?

Instead of relying on a credit card or loan to “afford” a splurge, stash away small amounts of cash over time. That way you can truly afford those lifestyle items you want. And you’ll be able to pay for them in cash!

Instead of increasing your lifestyle when your income grows, increase your contributions to your financial goals! Leave Lifestyle Inflation Behind and Go After Your Goals!

Throw that extra money at the smallest debt on your list (Baby Step 2), use it to build up your emergency savings (Baby Step 3), or put it toward paying off your home early (Baby Step 6).

Using that bump in pay toward your next Baby Step can set you up to win now and in the future. Getting out of debt means you’ll have even more money in your pocket (bye-bye monthly payments!). Then you can focus on saving, investing, and becoming a millionaire who isn’t even the slightest bit tempted by lifestyle inflation.

And yes, even successful millionaires need to live on a budget too.

If you’re ready to kick lifestyle inflation to the curb, start your first budget with our free app EveryDollar. You can create your first budget in as little as 10 minutes!

-credit to author Ramsey Solutions

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Quantum Computing

What Is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing is an area of computing focused on developing computer technology based on the principles of quantum theory (which explains the behavior of energy and material on the atomic and subatomic levels). Computers used today can only encode information in bits that take the value of 1 or 0—restricting their ability.

Quantum computing, on the other hand, uses quantum bits or qubits. It harnesses the unique ability of subatomic particles that allows them to exist in more than one state (i.e., a 1 and a 0 at the same time).

KEY TAKEAWAYS Quantum computing is the study of how to use phenomena in quantum physics to create new ways of computing. Quantum computing is made up of qubits. Unlike a normal computer bit, which can be 0 or 1, a qubit can be either of those, or a superposition of both 0 and 1. The power of quantum computers grows exponentially with more qubits. This is unlike classical computers, where adding more transistors only adds power linearly.

Understanding Quantum Computing

Superposition and entanglement are two features of quantum physics on which these supercomputers are based. This empowers quantum computers to handle operations at speeds exponentially higher than conventional computers and at much lesser energy consumption.

The field of quantum computing started in the 1980s. It was then discovered that certain computational problems could be tackled more efficiently with quantum algorithms than with their classical counterparts.1

Quantum computing could contribute greatly in the fields of finance, military affairs and intelligence, drug design and discovery, aerospace designing, utilities (nuclear fusion), polymer design, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data search, and digital manufacturing.

Its potential and projected market size have engaged some of the most prominent technology companies to work in the field of quantum computing, including IBM, Microsoft, Google, D-Waves Systems, Alibaba, Nokia, Intel, Airbus, HP, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, SK Telecom, NEC, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Rigetti, Biogen, Volkswagen, and Amgen.

40% Percentage of large companies planing to create initiatives around quantum computing by 2025, per Gartner.2

Quantum Computer vs. Classical Computer

Quantum computers process information differently. Classical computers use transistors, which are either 1 or 0. Quantum computers use qubits, which can be 1 or 0 at the same time. The number of qubits linked together increases the quantum computing power exponentially. Meanwhile, linking together more transistors only increases power linearly.

Classical computers are best for everyday tasks that need to be completed by a computer. Meanwhile, quantum computers are great for running simulations and data analyses, such as for chemical or drug trials. These computers must be kept ultra-cold, however. They are also much more expensive and difficult to build.3

Classical computing advances include adding memory to speed up computers. Meanwhile, quantum computers help solve more complicated problems. While quantum computers might not run Microsoft Word better or faster, they can run complex problems faster.

For example, Google’s quantum computer that’s in development could help with many processes, such as speed up machine-learning training or help create more energy-efficient batteries.2

Quantum computing has a number of other applications, including securely sharing information. Other methods include fighting cancer and various health concerns, such as cancer and developing new drugs. As well, quantum computers can help improve radars and their ability to detect such things as missiles and aircraft. Other areas include the environment and using quantum computing to keep the water clean with chemical sensors.4

Google, in 2019, proved that a quantum computer can solve a problem in minutes, while it would take a classical computer 10,000 years.5

Real-World Example of a Quantum Computer

Google (GOOG) is spending billions of dollars on its plan to build its quantum computer by 2029. The company has opened a campus in California, called Google AI, to help it meet its goal. Google has been investing in this technology for years. As well, so have other companies, such as Honeywell International (HON) and International Business Machine (IBM). IBM expects to hit major quantum computing milestones in the coming years.

While some companies have built personal (although expensive) quantum computers, there is still nothing available on the commercial side. And there’s interest in quantum computing and its technology, with JPMorgan Chase and Visa looking into the technology. Once developed, Google could launch a quantum computing service via the cloud.2

Companies can also gain access to quantum technology without having to build a quantum computer. IBM plans to have a 1,000-quibit quantum computer in place by 2023. For now, IBM allows access to its machines if they’re part of its Quantum Network. Those that are part of the network include research organizations, universities, and laboratories.6

Microsoft also offers companies access to quantum technology via the Azure Quantum platform. This is unlike Google, which doesn’t sell access to its quantum computers.6

Quantum Computer FAQs

What Company Was Known as "Quantum Computer Services, Inc?”

America Online (AOL) was formerly known as Quantum Computer Services Inc. AOL first started as Quantum Computer Services in 1985. The company was started by employees from the Control Video Corporation (CVC).7

How Do You Build a Quantum Computer?

Building a quantum computer takes a long time and is expensive. Google has been working on building a quantum computer for years and has spent billions of dollars. Google expects to have its quantum computer ready by 2029, although IBM hopes to have a 1,000-quibit quantum computer in place by 2023.

How Much Does a Quantum Computer Cost?

To build, quantum computers still cost billions. However, China-based Shenzhen SpinQ Technology plans to sell a $5,000 desktop quantum computer to consumers for schools and colleges. Last year, it started selling a quantum computer for $50,000.8

How Fast Is a Quantum Computer?

A quantum computer is many times faster than a classical computer and even a supercomputer. Google’s quantum computer, Sycamore, is said to have performed a calculation in 200 seconds that one of the world’s fastest computers, IBM's Summit, would take 10,000 years to solve.9 IBM disputes this claim, saying it would take 2.5 days-still more than 1,000x slower than Google's quantum machine.10

The Bottom Line

Quantum computing is different from classical computing in how it operates and what it's used for. Quantum computing uses qubits, which can be 1 or 0 at the same time, while classical computers use transistors, which can only be 1 or 0. As a result, quantum computing is much more powerful and can be used for big data analysis or simulations. However, there has not been a commercially developed quantum computer yet.

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Internet Banking The Pros And Cons

Only a few years ago the concept of online banking seemed like a dubious one – concerns about security and computer glitches were enough to put most people off. But with the continuing success of flagship companies like Cahoot, Egg and Smile, more and more of us are choosing to do business over the net. Sophisticated technology means that your information is well protected, and an online account offers several advantages over traditional banking. Anytime, anywhere The convenience of being able to log on and carry out transactions at any hour of the day or night could be a welcome alternative to visiting the bank on your lunch hour. No queues and no bank holidays mean the customer has even more control over their finances. Plus, your account information is displayed as a clear overview – no more riffling through mountains of old bank statements to find the info you’re looking for. Get higher Because online banks don’t have the overheads of running branches, they can pass on the savings to the customer, and offer better rates of interest on your money. Not only do they offer substantially more interest on your current account but there are also loans available with very low APRs that will save you money in the long run. Safe and secure Some experts consider internet banking to be even more secure than traditional methods – you won’t have pieces of paper with sensitive information lying around, and there’s no danger of your business being overheard by other bank customers. Check that the site is secure whenever conducting business online, never send passwords or account information in emails, and be sure to log out when you’ve finished your session In the past there have been a few cases of computer glitches revealing customers’ personal information, but these have been relatively minor and as internet banking becomes more popular, systems are likely to become more secure than ever. Technophobes probably won’t enjoy banking online. You do need to make sure your computer’s security system is sound, and that you have privacy for your session. Some people may miss the face-to-face contact of their local branch, and most will choose a combination of online banking, phone banking and branch visits. As internet banking becomes more established, it’s likely most of us will end up conducting at least a proportion of our business online, and you could find switching on to the new banks well worthwhile.

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Finding Keywords

Are you a new webmaster? And looking for a niche place in the cyber world? Or simply looking for a great rating among the search results of major search engines like Google, Yahoo or MSN? In any case, you must indulge in finding keywords. Yes, by finding keywords, that are apt and according to your niche market, you will certainly be able to improvise on your search engine ranking. The purpose of searching keywords is to find out the exact phrases that are requested by people in the searches carried in the major search engines. If your website has the relevant information about the most searched terms and keywords, your website would be rated higher by the major search engines. The entire process of improving search engine ranking for a website is a wide process and is called search engine optimization. Finding keywords is one of the most important parts of search engine optimization. To start the keyword search for your website, make a list of the keywords related to your website. You can easily find the keywords by using online keyword services. One popular keyword service provider on the web is word tracker. Using word tracker tools and services, all you have to do is to type a keyword and wait for the list to appear on the computer screen. And you will you have a direct access to hundreds of keywords related to the keyword you have typed in the box. For instance: your website is a website that markets and promotes skin products. Type the word “skin” and you will have all the top keywords related to skin. The keywords will be something like: skin care, oily skin, skin diseases, skin products, animal skin and so on. Now you have to select the relevant keywords for your website. You cannot choose animal skin for your site which caters specifically to the human skin cosmetics and skin care. Yes you can include the keywords like skin care, skin cream, dry skin, oily skin and many others. You have a number of keyword services and tools that can help you find the most searched keywords for your website. While you select the keyword with the help of these tools, you will also come to know how many number of times the keyword has been searched on the internet. Let us go back to skin example: suppose you select dry skin, you can also track the exact number of times “dry skin” has been searched on the internet. The number can be some thousand times. Incase you choose “dry skin type”, the number of searches can be less. So, you are suggested to select the keyword with a higher search count first. Another tricky method of finding keywords is to keep an eye on your competitors. Look at the meta-tags of your competitors’ website. The meta-tags are a good source of significant keywords. You can also seek help from your customers regarding the keywords they use in their search. Having a weblog page in your website is also helpful in tracking the keywords. Each weblog page has a link which shows the keywords being used to search your page. Once you have the right keywords in hand, you can hit the market with the most relevant and desired information on your website.

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5 Steps To Goal Setting Success

Goal setting is the true secret to success in any area of life. But although setting a goal may seem simple, achieving it is usually another question altogether. Why is that? Because you will never achieve your goals unless you: (1) know exactly what you want, (2) are passionate about your goal, and (3) have a solid, realistic plan of action. This is what marks the difference between nebulous dreams and wishes – and truly achievable goals! Many obstacles and challenges will fly right in your face when you’re going after a goal. Here are 5 time-tested methods that will help get the success you deserve. 1. Know exactly what your goal is Your first job is to discover exactly what your goal is. What will achieving that goal really look like? Be as specific as possible about exactly what your desired end result is. Your success will be a measure of your clarity – since an achievable goal plan cannot be created around a nebulous “dream.” If your goal is to create a more successful business, what will that look like? Are you thinking in terms of simply hiring someone else to give you more free time? Are you looking for a very specific monthly profit? Or can your goal be best expressed in terms of a certain lifestyle? Regardless of what you want, the best way to get it is to first clarify exactly what you want in as much detail as possible. This can be hard work. But without a clear mental picture, you’ll never have the focus required to achieve your goal. 2. Be willing to pay the “entry fee” Success takes dedicated planning and effort. In a way it’s like building a house. In the beginning all you have is a rough concept. Then you develop a complete set of plans – and you immediately move closer to success. The same is true of creating a better lifestyle, or a more successful business. But there’s always an *entry fee* to be paid for success. The entry fee? Creating more success in your business may mean less recreational time. Writing your own book may require less TV. Being closer to your children may require adjusting your work or social activities. It’s the “full glass” deal. If your life (your time) is already full to the top, there’s no room for something new. The entry fee is carving out the time to create that something new. 3. Focus on your goal every day I’m sure you probably want to achieve your goal as fast as possible. That’s why clear mental focus is so very important. Consistent daily focus is absolutely necessary to “burn in” the new neural pathways you need to create your new goal. Without daily focus, the old mental habits that have kept you from your goal will continue to take over. This happens automatically – since these old habits replay 24/7 deep in your subconscious mind. The only way to override subconscious anti-success messages is to consciously focus on what you DO want – and build new neural networks! That’s why success is an every-day event. Re-commit to your goal every day. Don’t let your goal take a back seat to the daily tasks and distractions that will try to take over. Life WILL try to get in your way. Just get, and stay, on course every day. Focus on your goal, and on success! 4. Get passionate One of the most powerful tools in your “success tool box” is having real passion for your goal. Why passion? Because intense passionate desire for your goal will help you burn in those new neural pathways even faster. Many, many scientific studies have shown that intense emotion (passion) is a key success tool. PLUS (and this is really a *big* plus), intense passion will also help you rapidly override any inappropriate old “failure messages” stored in your subconscious mind. 5. Take consistent action In many ways, actually taking action can be the most difficult step. Successful goal achievement is built by taking one small action after another. The word is ACTION! If you commit to take at least one small action each day, your actions WILL add up and make a difference. So avoid sitting back waiting for that big second when everything will magically “just happen.” You CAN

create whatever you want in life. The secret is to determine exactly what you want, then pursue it passionately. But remember — in the end, only action counts! You can’t just dream about it! You have to DO IT!

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The Power Of Podcasting What Exhibitors Need To Know

What’s the most precious commodity in the world? Nope. Not gold. Not platinum. Not uranium. Not diamonds. The most precious commodity in the world is not something you can mine, or harvest, or hoard in safety deposit boxes. The most precious commodity is something you have an almost endless supply of. Major industries go out of their way to get it from you. Entire trades have sprung up for the sole purpose of enticing you to part with yours. What is this precious thing? Why, it’s your attention. I’m hoping by this point that I have yours. Capturing the attention of today’s mass-media savvy consumer is quite a trick. Consider the competition: streaming video on the desktop computer, television shows on your cell phone, video game consoles that allow you to play with competitors halfway around the world. How in the world are you going to get a consumer who has all of these entertaining options available to pay attention to your products and services? Enter the podcast. Podcasts are audio or video files distributed over the internet. Listeners download the files, and either play them on the computer or a listening device, such as an I-Pod. Podcasts can be on any topic — there are regular podcasts devoted to life in Iceland!– and any length. Some are a few minutes, others go for over an hour. Podcasts have two distinct traits that will appeal to exhibitors: 1. They allow the listener to multi-task: Many of our clients are busy, busy people. They may not have the time to sit down and read a magazine article, much less the new book you’ve just authored. Yet they can listen to your podcast while driving to work, going for the morning jog, even while working on some less-vital aspects of the day’s paperwork. 2. The feed the societal need for self improvement: Podcasting offers listeners the experience of attending a one-on-one lecture with some of today’s most foremost experts. Listeners who want to advance their careers, improve their health, or do a better job raising their kids are natural audiences for podcasting. Podcasting can play an integral role in your development as an Expert. Regular podcasts that share industry information, insights, advice, and guidance will create the impression that you’re someone the public can turn to. This is an ideal time to display your expertise and speak directly to the topics that are relevant to your market and target audience. Considering the low cost of podcasting — you can get up and running for a few hundred dollars — can you afford to forgo this opportunity? To be an effective podcaster, remember the four C’s. Your broadcasts must be Concise, Chatty, Clear and Consistent. Concise: Each podcast should have a clear focus. Pick one point you want to concentrate on and select your material to support and illustrate that point. It is better to offer several short, clearly focused podcasts than one, long, rambling, self-indulgent diatribe. Chatty: Make your material engaging. That might be difficult, especially if you’re talking about estate planning or tax avoidance strategies, but it’s necessary. Use real life examples and simple language to communicate your points. Listeners will tune out jargon, dry statistics, and ‘academic-speak’. Clear: Once upon a time, politicians and thespians used to train by speaking with a mouth full of pebbles. The thought was that if one could make oneself understood even under those circumstances, clear speech would present no problem if one were unimpeded. I’m not recommending you start putting rocks in your mouth. However, make an effort to speak clearly. Listeners won’t value what they can’t understand. Consistent: You can podcast monthly. You can podcast weekly. You can even — if you’re brave and have the time — podcast daily. It doesn’t really matter, as long as you pick a schedule and stick to it. Blow off your listeners at your peril. If there’s no material when they expect it, they won’t come looking twice. Once you have your podcast up and running, remember that you have to promote it. Link to it from

your website, add info about your podcast to your signature files, and include a mention in your print advertising. People won’t listen if they don’t know the podcast exists!

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4 Tips To Build A Successful Portfolio

Walking through the financial maze of stocks, bonds and mutual funds can be quite a challenge. American Century Investments offers the following tips to give you the know-how on building a profitable portfolio. * Know your goals. Consider how much money you’ll need for your children’s education or your retirement. Whatever your vision for the future might be, set your goals and develop a concrete plan for meeting them. * Define your investment time horizon. If you’re not planning on retiring anytime soon, you might want to have a portfolio that includes more long-term investments. If retirement is just around the corner, consider a more conservative approach. * Determine your risk tolerance. Figure out your risk comfort level and compare that with what you can afford. In general, the longer you have to invest, the bigger risk you can take. * Consult a professional. In order to avoid financial pitfalls later on, it is often wise to seek professional guidance when putting together a portfolio. “Recent research shows that investors continue to grapple with some of the most basic investment concepts, suggesting a greater need for financial advice and guidance,” said Doug Lockwood, a certified financial planner. To help investors meet their financial goals, American Century Investments has developed On Plan Investing, a program designed to help investors build and maintain diversified investment portfolios – at no additional cost. Combining educational tools, advice, market insight and investment products, On Plan Investing helps investors develop a personal investment strategy, whether they are new to investing, seeking guidance but still want control over their investment mix, need help positioning their portfolios with a long-term perspective or need help understanding how the markets work.

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Life Advice Looking Through A Window

Living in today’s metropolitan world of cellular phones, mobile computers and other high-tech gadgets is not just hectic but very impersonal. We make money and then invest our time and effort in making more money. Does it end? Not usually because we are never satisfied. How many times have we convinced ourselves that if only we had some more money, life would be so sweet? But then, after receiving a substantial raise, we realize that it wasn’t enough and that we need more? What Should You Do? I have read many books on life such as Robin Sharma’s Monk says this and the monk says that, and they all seem to say that money is not necessary. But it is. Can you do without cash and a lot of it? I know I can’t. So, I went to the neighbourhood Rabbi and asked for advice that will help me find my true way in life. The rabbi nodded and took me to the window. “What do you see?” he asked me. Promptly, I answered, “I can see people walking to and fro and a blind man is begging for alms at the left corner.” The Rabbi nodded and guided me to a big mirror. “Now look and tell me what you see?” “I can see myself,” I man answered. The Rabbi smiled. “Now you can’t see anyone else. The mirror and the window are both created from the same raw material: glass, but because on one of them they have applied a thin layer of silver, when you look at it all you can see is your own reflection.” The Rabbi placed his arm on my shoulders. “Compare yourself to those two pieces of glass. Without the silver layer, you saw the other people and felt compassion for them. When you are covered with silver, you see only yourself.” I looked at the Rabbi and stared. “I don’t understand.” The Rabbi continued. “You will become someone only if have the courage to remove the silver covering over your eyes in order to again see and love others.” He patted me on my back and sent me on my way. I have thought of what he said and come to the conclusion that he had a point. Yes. We need money and we should not aim to lead a moneyless existence; its pointless and will only cause us and our families many heartbreaks in the future. Instead, I suggest that we should follow the advice the Rabbi gave me. When we approach life through a silver covering, all we are able to see is ourselves. But discard that covering, and you will be able to see and feel everyone else. In life, we are allowed to and should be able to look at both kinds of mirrors, but we should remember that a mirror reflects only us; a window is the door to compassion, health and true wealth. In other words, seek wealth by all means, but don’t let it dissuade you from life, people, children and the poor and needy.

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Choosing A Stockbroker

It is true that even though you can choose your own investments you must still use a stockbroker to execute the orders. You do not have to rely in their advice though it may be helpful. You can make your own selections but you will still require their services to invest. There was a time when you had no choice about the type of stockbroker to utilize. There was only one type of broker, the full service brokers, and they controlled the market. The commissions that they demanded for their services were very high but this was the industry standard. This contributed to the notion that the stock market and stock market investment were beyond the means of the average person and only for the very affluent. The initial loss of control of the market by these full service brokerages occurred in 1975 and discount brokers emerged. They charged a fraction of the fees the full service brokers did and as such were a big hit on the market. They offered the same great services but were affordable to the average individual as the cost were significantly lower. Another great innovation was the introduction of the internet. This was a great innovation as there was greater trading efficiency as a result. The overall effect of all the changes on the stock market was that individuals now had access to a ton of information that was never accessible to them previously. It is a debate however whether these avenues have in fact enhanced investments and made better investors. In the case of persons that do their homework and seek out the truth behind the hype the answer is a definitive yes. The investors out their can now choose the type of broker they require from the range available. There are four categories of brokers. These are the discount/online broker, the discount broker that provides advice, the full service broker and the money manager. The discount/online broker is basically an order taker. They do not offer advice and will not tell you when to buy or sell a stock. There may be research available and other account management tools but the choice of investment in the stock market is entirely up to you. The variation of the discount/online broker that assists customers is the nest type. They do not offer full consultation services but will have more research than order taking sites. They will offer newsletters and investing tips but most likely not recommend particular stocks. You are not totally on your own with this option but you will still need to do a lot in terms of deciding on the best stock investment. The full service broker will provide recommendations on specific stocks and the broker will also access your financial situation to determine your needs and investment options. This service is suitable for the investor that does not have the interest or time in making their investment decisions. The money manager is made for the investor with a hefty investment sum. This broker will handle only significant portfolios and will invest and manage the entire account for a percentage of the assets under investment. This option can be expensive but very worthwhile in the long run. Whichever option that you choose make sure it suits your purpose and that you are covered by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Ask about backups and other options in case of technical problems and ensure that your broker has your best interest at heart.

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What Our 7 Billion World Population Does

There is a finite number of people in the world – about 7 billion. No business or government can have more customers than the world population. So what do world’s people do every day?

And there is a finite number of hours in a day – 24. No one can extend them. Our lives are also finite – about 78 years, if you average all lives in the world today. Knowing what the people of the world do with their time can help you use your time more productively. And if you are an entrepreneur, use this knowledge to make something all these people would want.

Here are some fundamental truths you learn about the world:

People Sleep 1/3 of Their Lives

The one activity people spend the most time on is sleep. If you live 78 years, 28.3 of those you will be asleep. So what? If your startup finds a way to improve sleep, your customers will be using your product every day, for 1/3 of their lives. If you improve the quality of their sleep, help them get rid of nightmares, you can say you have served humanity well.

People Spend 6 Years of Life Unhappily-  Doing chores.

Who likes doing chores? A startup that mops your floor, washes the dishes, etc. could save you 6 years of life.

People Spend 9 Years Entertaining Themselves.

If people play almost as much as they work even though they are getting paid for work but not for play, there is something that can be done to make work more fun. This starts with education – a person who loves their job often finds it as satisfying as playing. But not everyone does. Far from that. It does not have to be this way if you help more people find the job that they would really like.

Almost Half of World Population Don’t Have a Job

The largest single group of people, kids, are too young to work. How will our world change once these kids grow up in a few years and add almost two billion brains to the global workforce? Will the price of labor go down? Will they be doing new jobs that don’t exist yet? Or will they even have any skills that would make them employable?

Every Fifth Human is Still Farming

Having a job was not always the default way to make money. 100 years ago farming was the default thing to do in life. Today every fifth human is still doing it. It makes sense because someone does need to grow the food we eat. But as more robots drive agricultural growth, humans could not and would not want to compete. So what will they do?

Almost Half a Billion Entrepreneurs

If having a job is the current default way to make money, you have got to ask what will be the next? One group of humans stands out – the 400 million entrepreneurs. These are anyone from a fruit stand entrepreneur to a founder of a bank. One thing they have in common is that they did not look for a job, they created one for themselves. This is likely the future way of living. Most people who can create a job for themselves will, and others will look for one. Of course the world will not look like 10 billion one-person startups, but the ratio we see now will change.

What Can You Do Today?

These images are a snapshot of the world today. It will not stay this way. So if you are learning something, getting a degree, building a startup, or getting a job, a  good question to ask is: Am I learning and building for tomorrow’s world or for today’s?