If you’re in the number of traders that looking to make the next move in trading, then the MT5 trading platform may be just what you need. This convenient and user-friendly platform brings together the best aspects of automated and manual trading while still retaining many familiar features. 

We will discuss all that MT5 has to offer – from its general specifications right through to how it is used on a daily basis by traders worldwide. By preparing yourself with knowledge about this trading platform, you can elevate your skills considerably to help achieve better results in trading assets. 

What Is MT5?

The Metatrader 5 (shorted as MT5) is a powerful multi-asset platform that offers a range of innovative features and practical tools that are designed to enhance your overall trading experience. MT5 not only supports forex and other traditional assets but also cryptocurrencies – giving you more opportunities for success in today’s markets.

The platform offers unparalleled convenience, allowing you to trade from anywhere and on any device. With powerful features like trading robots, signals, and copy trading all available on a single platform – MT5 has made it easier than ever before to access the markets.

If you’re still looking for a reliable brokerage company, see FP Markets that trades on MT5.

How to use MT5?

There are 3 phases you should pass to use the Metatrader 5 in your trading processes:

• Learn about the features

As was said above, MT5 provides traders with a vast array of features and resources to enhance their trading experience. With 7 asset class types, multiple order types, automated strategies, and more at your disposal. Anyone can unlock the full potential of MT5 by being familiarized with all its functionalities. From indicators to graphical objects and market depth – there’s an extensive range for users to explore. 

Utilize the features of MT5 to master your trading strategies and gain an edge in the markets. 

• Create an account

Creating an account on MT5 is a simple and straightforward process that can help you take advantage of trading tools and resources. Once you create your account, you will be able to immediately set up your trading strategy across all major asset classes and manage risk with stop loss/take profit orders.

• Start trading

You can place your order and start trading after creating an account. With such a range of tools and resources available, MT5 presents an ideal trading platform that can take your trading career to the next level.

Well, now let’s take a closer look at how things are done.

How to trade stocks in MT5

Trading stocks on MT5 is a simple process so there is no need to be afraid as a beginner. Check out best mt5 forex brokers.

To get started, open the New Order window and select which stock you’d like to trade. Then set up your order according to the instructions given in ‘’How to Open a Position in MT5’’. Finally, make your decision – do you think that prices will go up or down? Once everything’s been configured correctly, click ‘’Buy’’ if it’s going upwards or ‘’Sell’’ if it’s headed downwards – and let the trading begin.

Conclusion

Overall, the MT5 trading platform offers lots of opportunities for investors and traders. It has a great charting system, and flexibility if users wish to customize their platform.

In the end, we would like to advise you to give MT5 trading a chance and stay confident. It will provide users with everything they need to know about investing and trading for high profits and great results.

 

Source

By Dan Padavona

Are you an aspiring horror writer eager to put pen to paper and create a chilling serial killer thriller? Writing a successful murder mystery novel is no easy task. It requires creativity, attention to detail, suspenseful pacing, and well-developed characters, all within the confines of one gripping story.

Luckily for you, I’ve written a lot of serial killer thrillers! So here are nine essential tips that will take your serial killer thrillers from average shivers to spine-tingling chills every time! Read on for advice on how to craft menacing villains, multi-dimensional protagonists, strong themes, and more.

1. Research, research, research

Researching before you start writing is the key to creating an authentic and gripping story. Whether you’re writing historical fiction or just want to capture the feel of a real-life serial killer, researching these notorious individuals and their crimes will give your story the extra layer of realism it needs.

Plus, there’s something undeniably fascinating about wading through archives, studying sources, and reconstructing what really happened. It almost helps to bring these cases back to life! So if you want to ensure your work has an unmistakable level of credibility and authenticity, conduct extensive research into all aspects of your serial killer’s behavior and modus operandi.

2. Create a strong protagonist

When you want to create a strong protagonist that people can relate to, you must ensure they’re a complex character. They should have different strengths and weaknesses that help you understand their motivations and personality. When it comes to an antagonist facing serial killers, this is especially important as they’ll be up against intense danger!

Your main character must have enough complexity to keep readers engaged and root for them in the face of danger. Think about how unique skills or personal flaws could help bring your main character’s narrative to life.

3. Develop a compelling villain

The serial killer that readers love to hate is a classic trope in storytelling, and for good reason. These characters captivate with their complexity. The serial killer must be skillfully crafted to effectively maintain audience interest. After all, an underwhelming imbalance between strengths and weaknesses will leave readers feeling unimpressed.

And a serial killer that’s all-powerful or overly sympathetic will come across as unrealistic or generic. In short, crafting a strong serial killer protagonist requires a dynamic mix of character strengths and weaknesses, presented authentically and engagingly.

4. Build suspense

Building suspense in your story can be done using various techniques, including slowing down the pace and burying crucial information. Serial killer stories are often driven by the slow unfolding of events, leading to unexpected twists and turns.

To create foreboding tension, you can introduce a macabre setting, add symbols that foretell what’s to come or simply hide vital aspects until key moments in your story. All these devices will keep your reader hanging onto every word and help you construct a story full of anticipation and excitement.

5. Use plot twists

Plot twists can be a fun and effective way to keep your serial killer fiction gripping and readers engaged. While serial killer stories often involve traditional tropes, transitioning up the ante with unexpected plot turns can make them stand out. With exciting concepts such as double agents, mysterious identities, or coups in far-off lands, serial killer fanatics are constantly on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what happens next.

Whether it’s a seemingly harmless teacher with a dastardly secret identity, an unknown syndicate weaving a web in plain sight, or politically charged serial killings by an unassuming figurehead, when used judiciously, plot twists can significantly broaden the horizon for serial killer fiction.

6. Pace your story

It is essential to pace your story appropriately, ensuring that action, dialogue, and description are balanced. Watching a serial killer’s escape from the police is exciting and thrilling while also providing juicy moments of dialogue and thought-provoking scenes of description. Wanting to give readers a respite from the action doesn’t mean you need to slow down the pace. Instead, you could use intriguing character backstories or flashback sequences to interweave between suspenseful scenes of danger.

Feel free to toy around with the pacing to ensure your story holds people’s attention. Switch between long and short scenes or include surprising revelations during fast-paced sections so that something new or unexpected draws readers in further.

7. Use multiple POVs

Using multiple points of view (POVs) for a serial killer story can add extra tension and complexity to your fiction. Rather than having the reader experience only one side of the narrative, switching between different characters allows you to explore the moral ambiguity that serial killers often bring in their wake.

Multiple POVs allow you to introduce another set of voices representing different parts of society and their reaction to serial killers, from law enforcement, victims’ families, and (perhaps even more chilling) the serial killer’s perspective. With multiple POVs, you can give readers an in-depth look into how serial killers become what they are, shining light onto the darkness that hides behind them.

8. Show, don’t tell

To write a serial killer narrative in an engaging way, it is important to remember to show rather than tell the story. Instead of simply telling readers about the serial killer’s next move. For example, vivid descriptive language should be used to transport readers into the world of the serial killer.

Use everything in the world of your story, from descriptions of gritty alleyways and crime scenes as they develop over time to facial expressions and body language that paint an eerie portrait of the villain. Through this technique, readers will become more immersed in your serial killer narrative and start anticipating what happens next.

9. End with a bang

When it comes to serial killers, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Readers will rely on you to bring about a satisfying conclusion to the story! Luckily for them, you have all the tricks in your toolbox. Crafting a conclusion that ties up all loose ends, connects pre-existing plot points, and leaves readers feeling content is essential.

That’s why you always provide plenty of resolution and closure, from checking off various clues from the serial killer’s game plan to having justice prevail over evil. Your goal is for readers to feel that their journey has come full circle and then wrap up with a bang!

Get writing!

Writing a serial killer thriller novel can be an enjoyable and  daunting task. But by utilizing the nine tips in this blog post, you will have all the necessary instruments to create an outstanding serial killer thriller novel of your own, captivating readers from start to finish.

Remember, serial killer novels are unique in that they require masterful characterization and plotting, and there is something that many avid thriller authors love about such a challenge. With practice, time, and effort comes skill. Take pride in what you write. If you’re inspired by the idea of writing suspenseful stories that keep readers on their toes, you can become a successful novelist in no time!

Best of luck with your future writings!

About Dan Padavona

Dan Padavona is a hugely popular author in the mystery and thriller genres, well-known for his captivating and immensely popular serial killer series. Among his notable works are The Wolf Lake series, The Logan and Scarlett book series, The Darkwater Cove series, The Scarlett Bell series, and The Dark Vanishings series. It’s fair to say that he knows something about writing serial killers.

With an impressive track record of success, his novels have consistently ranked high in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook formats, with many appearing in the top 20. In 2016, the first book of his gripping Dark Vanishings series was recognized as a finalist for the eFestival of Word’s Indie Novel of the Year award. It’s no wonder that he’s been hailed as one of the most thrilling writers to burst onto the scene in recent years.

Saving money is among your top priorities as a student. Whether you live on campus, rent an apartment, or stay home, you must plan your budget wisely to cover everyday expenses. That includes unexpected home repairs.

Your landlord or college will handle most repairs, but you’re responsible for them if you live at home while studying. The question is, should you take the DIY road or call a professional?

It depends on the project. For instance, should you meddle with electrical wiring yourself? Not the best idea safety-wise. You could also cause further damage and more expensive repairs.

DIY projects are cheaper, but hiring a pro is sometimes a no-brainer. 

When can you roll up your sleeves to fix something, and when should you leave it to the experts? Here are several common home repairs to give you an idea.

Fixing broken appliances

Many people try to fix a broken microwave, refrigerator, garbage disposal, or other appliances independently. It seems reasonable when trying to save money.

However, it can be dangerous if you’ve never done it before. It can also cost you more because you could make matters worse. Maybe a particular part needs replacing, and your tackling damages the entire appliance.

As the experts at Fixd Repair (https://www.fixdrepair.com/tx/dallas-appliance-repair) say, some “signs of appliance damage or defects might be less obvious and vary based on the appliance type.” 

The best way to fix a broken appliance is to call a professional with the necessary skills and expertise. They’ll inspect it to diagnose the problem and either repair it or recommend a cost-effective solution.

Repairing a leaking kitchen sink pipe

A leaking pipe under the kitchen sink can drive you nuts – assuming you hear constant dripping sounds and don’t see water pooling everywhere.

The good news is you can fix it yourself. For instance, a minor leak might only require tightening a loose slip nut, replacing old gaskets, or coupling them with hose clamps. That’s a walk in the park. Even if a leaky P-trap is the culprit, you can install a new one without professional help.

Find how-to guides and video tutorials online, get the proper tools, and roll up your sleeves. Call a professional for more significant problems like leaky pipes inside the wall.

Replacing a faucet

Replacing a malfunctioning or worn-out faucet can be a piece of cake, depending on the type.

Center set faucets have a spout and one or two handles on a single deck plate. Replacing them requires only a basin wrench and an adequate monkey wrench.

Widespread faucets don’t have a single unit; the sprout and handles are separate. Installing them isn’t too complicated, but they have more hose connections. Leaving it to a professional makes more sense.

Patching holes or cracks in drywall

Unsightly cracks or holes in drywall might be the least of your worries when navigating finances in college. However, patching them yourself is an excellent way to refresh your home while saving money.

You’ll only need a spackle knife and wall putty to patch the holes or cracks, sandpaper to smooth out the walls, and a primer to remove lumps and prepare the walls for painting.

If you need to tape, mud, or replace drywall because of more sizable holes, hire a professional who can do it flawlessly.

Regrouting tiles in the kitchen or bathroom

Regrouting ceramic tiles is more affordable than replacing them. The best part is you can do it yourself.

After removing the old grout, wiping down the surface, and mixing the new grout, apply it with a putty knife and spread it across the tiles with a grout float. Smooth out the lines with a grout finishing tool and wipe everything down with a damp sponge after 24 hours.

It takes time, especially since you must wait for the new grout to dry, but it’s straightforward. You can find helpful video tutorials online to see how the professionals do it.

Repairing light fixtures

Hiring an expert is your best bet if you wish to remove your light fixtures for minor repairs or replace them because of worn-out switches or sockets. Electrical wiring, remember? Changing a light bulb is one thing; removing a light fixture exposes you to potentially dangerous voltage.

Saving a few bucks with a DIY project isn’t the best idea here.

Conclusion

Fixing stuff around your home (or dorm if you live on campus) doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a fun and rewarding adventure.

When you finish a DIY project and step back to admire your work, you’ll get a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. There’s something satisfying about working with your hands, promoting creativity and mindfulness.

However, trying to save money with a complex DIY project might cause more expensive repairs or put you in danger. Be wise and know when to call the experts.

When it comes to heading to a Uni, the last thing you think of is the appliances you will need there. When it comes to cooking, you do not always have a lot of options. But one cannot expect to cook a lavish meal with a few broken pans and pots. When you head to the university with the right appliances, it will keep your hunger at bay and will raise your spirits. It might even inspire you to cook on days when you do not enjoy outside food. It gives a sense of home while saving you money. 

Moving from home to the university can be exciting, it is a chance to meet new people and gain knowledge about life. If you are going to the university anytime soon, there are essential appliances you need to carry with you. Once you check with the university about the cooking gadgets or electronics you are allowed to bring, you might want to go through the list of appliances ideal for your time at the university. Here’s a quick guide for you. 

•  Countertop microwave 

There will be days when you will crave home-cooked food or the dining hall will be closed and you are studying with your best friend but craving popcorn, this is when a countertop microwave will help you. Look for a convenient and affordable microwave oven with a smart sensor. It should not be too large or too small. Do remember to buy appliance warranty for any appliance you purchase. Having a microwave with a smart sensor will make it easy to adjust the cooking time and it will automatically stop based on the steam that your food releases. You do not need to spend a lot of money on the microwave, just look for something convenient and easy to use. 

2. An electric kettle

University days are all about having tea and coffee while you study late at night. If you are a hot beverage lover and do not have a stovetop, having an electric kettle will save the day. Look for a stainless-steel cordless kettle at a fair price. It should have multiple heat settings for steeping tea and should be light in weight. 

3. An instant pot 

If you are looking for one item that can replace multiple pots, get your hands on an instant pot. Nothing can compare to it in terms of the versatility and convenience it offers. When in the university, convenience is everything. An instant pot will save you time and space. You do not want to cook up a storm and then end up cleaning the mess for hours when the project deadlines are approaching. This is why an instant pot is a must-have. It can cook anything from chicken wings to a cake. 

4. Pan 

A pan is the hottest cookware everyone owns. It is a sign of adulting and if you are ready to get your hands dirty in the kitchen, you need a good pan. Look for a simple and ceramic-coated nonstick pan that can easily make stir fry, omelets, and pasta. You do not need a lot of pots and pans in the room, hence, look for one that is a combination of all the different pots and pans you might have at home. 

5. Personal blender 

Having a blender can change your life since it is an answer to all your smoothie cravings. Get a personal blender with variable speeds that can easily blend even when the ingredients are tough. It should give you a consistent texture but look for an affordable model that gives results. Do not spend a lot of money on the blender since you do not want an expensive blender when it comes to dorm room living. 

6. An egg cooker

If you love having eggs for breakfast, you need to get an egg cooker that does hard-boiled eggs just right. It can be difficult to cook eggs in a dorm room and an egg cooker can solve your problem. It will save you time and energy while giving you eggs that are ready for the weekend brunches or salads. It also comes in a small size so that it is easier to store in a dorm room. 

While you look for appliances for your university life, do not forget to carry food storage containers to pack and store your food. Look for the ones that can keep the food fresh and are designed for microwaving. These are a few appliances that are essential to make your university life comfortable and convenient. Whether you enjoy cooking or not, it helps to have the essentials with you so that if you ever need to prepare something for yourself or your friends, you can do it with ease. 

 

Sometimes, you might be in a bad mood or feeling depressed in the present moment. This state where you are unsure if it is depression or just a bad time at school can be characterized as a depression funk. This feeling is not good, and you can lose concentration at school. For this reason, you may know a way to cope with funk or how to get out of a funk.

What is Depression Funk?

As much as there is no official medical funk definition, it is a period where as a student, you can say I am not feeling like myself. Most students always feel something is off, but they have yet to distinguish it.

To gain valuable insights, we can consider a 2013 study that described funk as a period where you slowly start experiencing mental distress, but it is yet to be considered clinical depression. As such, it can be considered pre-depression or early stages of depression.

While you are in a funk, you can expect to have a depressed mood, a bad mood, and feel sad. Students often get into a funk because of school work, issues with family members, and the environment they are in at the time.

How Long Does a Funk Last?

Most students do not like being in a funk. It makes them to keep feeling anxious, the mind wanders, and so much more. That is why some might ask, how long does a funk last?

A funk will not last forever. It can often go away on its own or worsen where it can progress, thus the need to seek a professional mental health expert.

It is estimated that funk will not continuously last the whole day for two weeks, even for students. So, what would make you feel like you are in a funk? Here is what most students might experience.

• Fatigue

• Lack of concentration in class

• Overeating

• Irritable moments throughout the day

• Insomnia

• Poor appetite for some students

• Feeling of sadness

Tips for Students to Get Out Of Depression Funk

Health Canal talks so much about mental health benefits, thus the reason we also have to look at how to get out of depression funk. This ensures you have better health and can keep learning better at school.

Connect with the surroundings

You have no idea just how much fresh air can help alleviate the funk in you as a student. Take a short walk after classes to clear your mind and deal with negative emotions. Spend time outdoors in classrooms and practice deep breathing to feel relaxed. Being in touch with the sounds of birds or the feeling of fresh air through a deep breath can help in moving forward from a moment of funk.

Incorporate movement in your life

Positive psychology encourages us to flourish better from major depression and bad life by embracing more physical activity. Sitting in class the whole day can sometimes take a toll on a student. That is why after school, get into a school gym for a quick workout, and it can help relieve the feeling of sadness or when you feel stuck.

Have a nutritious diet

Those who have been depressed before just know that when you are sad, it is time to soak yourself in comfort foods such as chips and chocolate. However, are they good for your well-being? It is best to stick to healthy food options and mindful eating to enjoy food. You would also feel better generally when you have healthy foods from the school canteen or at home.

Stay away from social media

When someone experiences clinical depression, sometimes it is because of social media. School performance pressures can make some people feel they are not doing enough with their lives. Getting onto social media can even make it worse. You can get out of a funk by temporarily quitting social media. Students often experience improved concentration span and motivation once they stop checkout everyone on social media. You just have an easier life, generally.

Seek professional emotional support

The school can have a mental health expert such as a school counselor. Talk to the counselor if you feel like the negative feelings are overwhelming. The idea is to talk to someone and get help before the funk is now clinical depression.

Parents can also take the student to a medical doctor for additional health checkups as there can be something that keeps triggering depression funks all the time.

Conclusion

As much as funk is not a major depressive disorder; it can affect how you feel emotionally and lead your life. If not handled properly, then you might get clinically depressed. So, as a student, look at the bigger picture and get professional help if things are getting worse. We have given you tips to follow; go through them and see how they can improve your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I stop being in a funk?

Sometimes understanding that it has just been a bad day can help you stop being in a funk. We also recommend that you get into physical activities after school to get your mind off the feeling of sadness.

2. How do you lift a mood down?

Hug classmates to make both of them and you feel good. You can also listen to upbeat music or watch some comedy TV shows to have a good laugh and forget about feeling sad.

3. What causes a funk?

For most students, it would be a subject or topic you can barely understand in class that triggers a funk. Or, it could be that you were late to class and missed out on a lot. This makes you feel like it is a bad day already, and it might not be worth continuing with the other lessons of the day.

If you are a pet parent, you know how important it is to store your pet food in the right way that is why more pet parents are choosing the best dog food storage container and bin. Not only does this help to preserve the freshness and quality of the food, but it also helps prevent contamination from pests and other environmental factors.

Pet Food Storage Solutions and Containers

Dog Food Storage Lids: These are a great way to store your pet’s food properly without worrying about pests getting into the container and spoiling it. Keeping your dog food fresh with these lids can also prevent moisture from building up and mold from growing on food that is left open.

Pet Food Container with Flip Top Lid: Another great solution for storing dog food, this lid allows you to easily open or close the container in seconds when you’re ready for a quick snack or meal for your pup. This lid has a built-in magnet that is designed to hold the lid shut when closed and to stay open while you open it. This is a great solution for containers with an attached lid that are difficult to keep closed.

Pet Food Container with Drawer: These storage solutions provide a secure place in your pantry or kitchen where you can store any type of pet food, whether it’s for your dog, cat, bird, or other small animals. The drawers are designed with shallow depth, which is great for smaller containers of pet food.

Dog Food Container with Container Lid: This is a great option for storing bulk dog food in any size container. This lid has a handle on the top side of it that allows you to carry the container without worrying about the lid falling off or getting stuck to itself. It fits snugly onto your container, providing an airtight seal that keeps pests out and your dog’s food fresh and safe from contamination by oxygen or water.

Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Pet Food Container or Bin for Your Furry Friend

Choosing the perfect pet food container or bin for your furry friend is an important decision. It can help keep your pet’s food fresh and safe from pests and other contaminants. With the right pet feeder bin, you can also save time and money by buying in bulk and storing it properly. Here are some essential tips for choosing the best large capacity pet feeder bins for your furry friend. We will look at factors such as capacity, material, design, ease of cleaning, and more to help you make the right choice.

• Capacity: The first and most important thing when you’re looking for the best large capacity pet feeder bins is to choose a bin that has enough space for your pet’s food. This will ensure that the food lasts longer and there are no issues with spoilage. A large capacity pet feeder bin is usually larger than 6 gallons, so it should be able to hold your dog’s or cat’s daily food requirements. Some models may be too large for smaller dogs, so it’s best to measure the size of your dog before buying a bin. If you plan on purchasing two bins, make sure they are the same size.
• Material: Most large capacity pet feeder bins are made out of plastic, steel, or stainless steel. If you choose a metal feeder, make sure it is stainless steel to avoid rusting – dogs and cats are notorious for leaving their food everywhere! Some plastics may be more resistant to breaking or cracking than others. Stainless steel models can often cost more but they provide strong durability and rust resistance.
• Design: There are many different design options when looking for a large capacity pet feeder bin that includes the style of the lid, the size of the bin itself as well as height. Some bins offer easy-to-clean designs, such as a removable top or bottom, while others have more complex designs.
• Food Container: A food container is recommended for larger dogs that are always left to eat all day. They are made to keep your dog’s food fresh and prevent waste build-up inside the bin. Some people choose to feed their dogs from a bowl, but many find it easier with the help of a durable and easy-to-clean container.

How Much Should a Pet Feeder Cost? All pet feeders vary in price. Generally speaking, the more advanced your bin is, the more it will cost. For example, if you’re looking for high-quality stainless steel construction with a locking lid and silicone gaskets, you may have to spend $100+ on a bin. On the other hand, for $20 or less you can get plastic bins that will work well for your dog or cat’s needs as long as they have sufficient food and water. If you plan on feeding your dog or cat from a bin, make sure to measure their food and water requirements so you can buy the appropriate size for them.

Conclusion: The Benefits of Storing Your Dog’s Food in Airtight Containers and Bins

Keeping your dog’s food fresh and safe is essential to their health and well-being. Storing your dog’s food in airtight containers and bins is a great way to keep it safe from pests, moisture, and other contaminants. Not only will this help keep your pet’s food fresh for longer periods of time, but it can also help you save money by preventing spoilage.

Benefits packages play an important role in the decision-making process of an employee on whether or not to join a particular organization. The more benefits a company offers, the more chances of them attracting the right talents. We’re aware of the common benefits provided by most companies. But there are also some unusual benefits to add to that list. These benefits are targeted towards specific employees and might or might not apply to all, so an employer can offer them as flexible or optional benefits. But this can also make an employee feel more included, which will affect their performance and loyalty towards the organization.

Below, we have listed seven additional benefits you can offer to your employees for a better work-life balance.

Adult and Family Care

More companies are providing adult care as a benefit. Employees with adults in need of care or disabled family members can easily ensure work-life balance and proper care for their family members and can focus on work. It reduces stress for the employees and improves their performance and job satisfaction, and they also become more loyal to the company. Apart from attracting and retaining the right talent, the employer also reduces absenteeism by providing this benefit.

Along with adult care, some companies also provide backup care for children. Some employers might offer one or both of these options for their employees.

Home Warranty and Other Services

As an employer, you can choose to cover the cost of a home warranty for your employees. This will ensure smooth replacement or repair of their home appliances or home system. Similarly, you can also cover a portion of their home insurance.

Apart from these, you can also cover cleaning and general home maintenance costs for the employees. If they want to invest in a home security system, the company can pay for it. If an employee is renovating their house, the company can bear the partial cost or up to a certain amount.

As an employer, you can choose to provide a combination of a few of these benefits. A home warranty depends on the type of property and the existing coverage, so the employee should consider whether they want to get this benefit before opting for it. Going without a home warranty can be an expensive gamble because home insurance doesn’t necessarily cover the same things. Are home warranties worth it?  Data seems to suggest so, especially if your home and / or appliances need some love. 

Life and Disability Insurance

This benefit attracts and retains the right employees if the workplace is hazardous. Life insurance accumulates over the tenure of the employee and is paid out when they pass away. It can cover the funeral cost or any outstanding debts. The dependents of the deceased employee can also use the amount as their income source.

Disability insurance is paid to employees who sustain an injury at the workplace and are unable to work. The amount covers their treatment expenses and living costs until they can return to work.

Employers can offer both of these benefits as a bundle or offer either. Employees can choose one of these options as a flexible benefit or have only one option available depending on their job type.

Adoption Assistance and Pet Insurance

Adoption assistance benefits cover the cost of adoption – including traveling, legal fees, and any other costs of adoption for employees who are in the process of adopting a child. The company can bear costs for each expense or can provide a one-time cash amount to cover all these expenses. This benefit removes extra expenses and the employee can focus more on the process.

Similarly, many companies provide pet insurance as a benefit to their employees. The company pays a certain amount to the employee to cover all medical and vaccination costs of the pets, or they bear the cost for these individual expenses. Both these benefits help with employee retention and increase job satisfaction in employees.

Wellness Programs

Employee wellness programs promote a healthy lifestyle for employees. A company encourages it by either making work more flexible for their employees or providing separate programs and activities that ensure better health conditions. Employers can create flexible schedules for all their employees and let them pick flex hours. They can introduce entertainment options for their employees and provide nap breaks. A dedicated nutritionist can determine the meals and individual employees can get consultancy from them based on their health conditions. Employers can also build gyms inside the facility and encourage employees to work out.

Student Loan Repayment Assistance

Students who join the workforce after graduation can benefit greatly from this type of assistance. If an employee has withstanding student loans, the employer can pay a lump sum to pay off a portion of it or can offer to pay off the entire loan.

This benefit attracts the best talents and retains them up until the loan has been paid off completely. This also increases employee job satisfaction and retention rate.

Personal Development Opportunities

Many employers offer personal development opportunities and programs for their employees through courses, training, and conferences. They can also provide education opportunities and fund higher studies that will benefit the career of the employee. It opens the path to new opportunities for the employees, but at the same time, also sharpens their skills in a way that greatly benefits the present company. A good training package can attract the right talent to the company. In fact, many candidates ask about personal and career development programs and opportunities during the hiring process so that they can opt for a job that lets them grow.

Employee benefits are an integral part of a compensation package and a company must prepare them with care and attention to be able to hire the right candidates. Employee retention also depends on it, so the company should handpick a few additional benefits and target them toward specific employees to increase their job satisfaction and loyalty.

Sellers on Amazon have a unique line of credit through Amazon Lending. This novel lending option has been a favorite among businesses operating on the Amazon online marketplace, and the numbers vouch for the same. The program started in 2011 and passed $3 billion in loans. Over 20,000 businesses on Amazon have taken benefit of this program. The statistics also show that more than 50% of these businesses have gone on to take a second loan from Amazon. 

The loan process and other details

The process is simple. The program is invitation-only, where Amazon invites established businesses on their platform for loans. The purpose of the loan is to buy more inventory to sell on the marketplace. Amazon has all data metrics at its disposal and based on these metrics, it decides which business to invite for the loan. The email invitation is sent by Amazon to the seller to notify that the seller is eligible for a loan from Amazon Lending.

The loan that Amazon Lending provides range from $1000 to $750,000! The invitation mail mentions the offer from Amazon that includes all details like the amount offered, repayment terms, etc. The seller may accept the loan in its entirety or even in part. Of course, the seller can also refuse the loan. The terms are also flexible. The seller can tailor the terms of the loans that suit both Amazon Lending and the seller. The speed of disbursement is quick. Once the loan terms and amount are finalized Amazon Lending typically deposits the amount in the seller’s bank account within a day or two.

What are the Pros and Cons of a loan from Amazon Lending?

As with all loans, Amazon Lending loans have their pros and cons. A seller must evaluate these properly before deciding to opt for a loan. Even the tenure of the loan, interest rates, and loan amount must be considered upon understanding all factors. We will list the pros and cons of a loan from Amazon lending.

Pros.

• The first benefit of the program is the smooth application process. A typical business loan would require a long and hectic process that will include gathering various tax and credit reports. With Amazon Lending, one can accept or deny the loan offer. This makes the loan-getting process extremely simple. The other things are already with Amazon because the seller has been registered with the platform for a considerable time.
• Amazon lending offers interest rates typically lower than market rates. Typically the maximum interest rate a seller will expect to pay is 16% which is considerably lower than market rates. The maximum borrowing amount is also high, with a cap of $750,000. However, the actual maximum limit of the amount you can borrow is decided on the metrics of the business on Amazon, so this can vary significantly.
• Loans are saturated with fees. These include origination fees, application fees, prepayment penalty fees, closing fees, etc. Amazon lending does not charge any origination fees or prepayment penalty fees. Sellers do not have to pay any additional amount if they pay off their loan before the end of tenure. The seller saves money in the long run because of this.

Cons.

• The use of the loan is only for inventory optimization. It means the money can not be used for anything else. The loan can only be used for increasing or restocking the inventory on Amazon. 
• The seller’s inventory will be at risk if there is a loan default. Amazon can claim the stock and use it to offset any loss they incur due to the loan.
• The repayment term for these loans is shorter than for regular business loans. This makes the monthly payments high. Depending on the sales, the monthly payments can eat into the profit substantially if the amount is not sustainable as per the business’s sales volume and profitability.

So, you can see that based on all that has been discussed before, the Amazon lending option may be a bit more tricky than expected. Whether you should opt for Amazon lending for your business. Careful consideration of all factors will help you achieve your answer. However, the pros will mostly outweigh the cons if you have a clear business plan to avoid defaulting on the loan and make enough money to sustain the monthly installments.