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5 Must Haves for your volunteer/Intern and gap year trip

Article by Zablon Mukuba

When you are off to your long and exciting trip abroad, there are some important things you should carry with you. These things are essential to make you be able to enjoy your vacation. These things are useful for international volunteer s, gap years, international interns and tourists. They are important for the experienced travelers and for the first time travelers. They are practical equipment that everyone who travels should have. There is much more to get for your adventure abroad but I think these are things that you must have when you leave your home country:1. Cell PhoneMobile phones are very important in this day and age. You will need to be in communication with the people who are around you and family and friends who are at home.. Some mobile companies from your country allow you to use your number in which ever country you are in. Although it might be expensive to some it’s advisable to use the local mobile carriers. Most countries, including third world countries, have a suitable infrastructure for communication. There are many mobile or cell phone carriers. Many of the networks in Africa are GSM, GPRS, EDGE enabled. When traveling there carry a phone that is SIM enabled. Before travelling find out which mobile carriers are available, and what technology they use. Also inquire on the payment plans, like pay as you go etc. If you can’t get a mobile phone that you will be able to use in your destination country, there should be low cost mobile phones that you can buy there2. LaptopsIf you are planning to go for a long vacation, like a volunteer vacation or intern work placement and gap years. Laptops come in handy especially when you want to communicate with your family at home and the people who are with you. Laptops come in handy when you want to keep your work private. There are many internet devices that are low cost which one can purchase in the host country. Although the internet speeds won’t be as fast as what you are used to, it’s available in most countries at low cost. As you will be taking many photos having a laptop is handy as saving them will be easy. You will not run out of space. During those long hours where you have nothing to do, you can watch a movie or listen to songs. While you carry your laptop don’t forget to carry a multi plug that is appropriate for that region. Sometimes an adaptor is needed so that you don’t burn your laptop with too much electricity. 3. Mp3 player, hand held devicesThanks to Steve Jobs we have iPods, ipads and many mp3 players. Some of these devices come with large storage (some go up to 80 Gb), and some are able to play videos or movies on them. These come in handy when you are on transit. When you are waiting in the airport for your next flight, or during those long flights. Books are good to carry but during turbulence and bumpy rides it’s hard to read. And with audio books you will not need to carry the book itself. Whether you travel by road, air or by sea the Mp3 players will help the time move along faster. Also they are good in some instances you might be in a place where there are electricity interruptions. Other devices you can carry along with you are portable devices like PSPs, and Nintendo DS. If you are into video games carrying handheld devices help a lot to pass time.4. MedicineIf you have a medical condition, whether it is serious or mild, it’s advisable to carry your own medication. When you are in a third world country the medication that you might need might not be available. Or the one that is there might have negative side effects. Make sure you also carry double the medication that is prescribed, in case something happens and you lose the first prescription. If you are a female traveler, there things you will not find available in third world country, like make up and things that are essential to you. When travelling make sure you carry enough medication to get you through the vacation.5. GlassesIf you wear glasses or contact lenses, carry an extra pair. During your trip you might accidental loose them, or break them. Replacing glasses takes too long and even though you could be the most careful person something could happen and you lose them. Having an extra pair helps in such situations.

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Tags: Haves must trip volunteer/Intern year

Business Financial Assessment is must before heading for a credit.

Article by Macro Business

Owning a business is not easy. Entrepreneurship has its problems, and a critical–and sometimes fatal–one for small businesses can be the lack of access to the financial resources to keep the dream going. One of the most common oversights is being inadequately prepared with financial information The more information you provide up-front, the easier it will be for your lender to assess your situation and help you secure the future of your business with the right financing tools.

There are three major reasons why businesses require small business fundingthe first and most common reason is to purchase assets. A loan to acquire assets could be for buying short-term, or current, assets–such as inventory–and would be repaid once the new inventory is converted into cash as it is sold to customers. The second reason is to replace other types of credit. For example, if your business is already up and running, it may be time to take out a bank loan to repay the money you borrowed from a relative. Or, you may wish to use the funds to pay suppliers more promptly to get a discount on the price of the merchandise. The third reason is to replace equity. If you wish to buy a partner’s share in your business but you don’t have the cash to do it, you may consider borrowing.

Regardless of where you seek funding–from a bank, a local development corporation, or a relative–a prospective lender will review your creditworthiness. Understanding the steps that are required to obtain instant business credit can help you properly prepare for the meeting with your selected financial institution.

First and foremost, lenders evaluate the quality and reputation of you and your management team. That means learning not only about the intricacies of your business, but taking the time to get to know you as an individual as well. A complete and thoroughly documented loan request including a business plan will help the lender understand you and your business. Your professional advisors have a stake in the success of your business, and your lender should respect the expertise each brings to the table. It is always beneficial to bring one or more of your trusted advisors to the bank meeting.

Use the initial meeting as an opportunity to learn about each other and your expectations for the future. Lenders strive to develop a solid partnership that will last for many years, rather than a one-time deal. One of your best resources down the road is a banking partner that understands your business inside and out, and that will support you through tumultuous business cycles.

Lenders review a comprehensive picture of your business fundamentals, with a bias towards the balance sheet and cash flow statements. The lifeblood of your business is your customer so let your lender know about your clientele – including their purchasing habits and your plan of action in serving their needs. And, if you plan to expand into new markets, discuss your procedures for account screening and collection. Now you are ready for the million dollars question – how much money will you – and can you – borrow? It is always wise to make sure you come to the meeting with an amount in mind, as well as a detailed account of how the funds will be used. This would help meet up yours business plans in long term.