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How do customs brokers help your business grow?

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International trade dates back to the biblical times when caravans went covering miles of scorching desserts and freezing night falls to trade their goods. In recent times the complications of long trade routes and harsh weather and climate have subsided, but they are replaced with an equally pressing matter; Customs. Customs procedures are a very important part of the supply chain. Therefore, the distribution task must be carried out by personnel with experience in the field.

A correct study of each case allows companies to save time, costs and problems. The greater the specialization of the company dedicated to international transport, the greater personalization it can contribute to specific cases. Apart from the general controls followed worldwide in all customs, each country has its restrictions, documentation requirements, and tax rates.

There are several issues you have if you’re new to the import and export business. The best way to have a smooth hold in your newly started venture is to take help from a proper customs brokerage. It’s easy to get panicked when you face the ever-changing customs of different countries having different rules and regulations. A customs broker can be very useful to tackle all the documentation problems you might face.

The most frequent problems which occur when exporting or importing merchandise is:

  • The type of merchandise or the declared value does not correspond to what is transported.
  •  Due to random inspection, if they detect fraud in the declaration of the merchandise, you will have to pay the corresponding penalty to withdraw your merchandise from customs.
  • If the merchandise is illegal in the country of destination, the embargo is carried out.
  • The invoice does not contain INCOTERM. The INCOTERM determines the obligations and costs borne both the buyer and the seller in an international trade transaction and must appear reflected in the bill.
  • The sales invoice includes VAT. It is quite common for invoices to include VAT if the sale was made within the country. However, it is not appropriate to apply VAT to goods destined for export — errors in the original documentation.
  • If there is an error in a certificate, license, or authorization required for the type of product or by the destination where you send the merchandise, the correct version will be required.
  • Absence of original documentation.

These issues are very likely to occur, and they might sway you away from the field of international trade. Exporting and importing goods is a business that earns $1.2 trillion annually. Employing the services of a customs broker is a very wise choice for your young business.

How the custom agent facilitates the shipment of goods to companies?

The customs agent is responsible for the management of merchandise to be exported or imported. They are essential for companies that trade internationally.

A customs broker aims to facilitate shipments in the foreign trade chain. For this, extensive knowledge is necessary regarding the regulations enforced in each country, as well as being updated about them. Taking care of these challenges is the main way to help companies: freeing them from the burden of dealing with customs issues.

Customs brokers can help your business:

Their duties go beyond administrative processing, they handle:

  • Client representation

The involvement of a customs broker is very important in customs clearance and necessary for the Tax Agency.

  • Logistics management

They coordinate the means of transport, warehouses, and destinations so that orders arrive on time at the indicated place. Banks, insurance, regulatory authorities, and shipping agents come into play in this complex process.

  • Payment of taxes

VAT and tariffs are required to allow goods to leave. The customs agent manages the payment on behalf of the importer.  They are also responsible for appealing notifications that arrive from the Tax Agency on behalf of companies.

  • Inspections

Customs require an inspection of the packages. The objective is the control of illegal substances and the fight to end smuggling. Customs broker acts as a representative of the exporter or importer whenever necessary.

  • Issuance of certificates

In addition to the cumbersome bureaucratic process, customs brokers are responsible for processing the certificates of origin which the foreign trade needs.

  • Advisory Services

Experts in the foreign trade services advise the client on the best way to send stocks. The up to date information on trends in the sector or changes in regulations will help the company make better decisions in the production chain.

Conclusion

A customs broker is of vital importance to your business in commercial transactions worldwide.  Employing the services of a customs broker encourages the economic expansion of your business without damaging its credibility. You can free yourself from the hassle of hefty documentation, taxes, tariffs, and fines; have a reputable customs broker handle it all for you.

What Does the Future Hold for Business Degree Graduates?

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Whether you already hold a business degree or you’re only just contemplating whether earning one is the right choice for you, it’s important to know how the future might affect that degree. Will it still be in demand by the time you’ve earned it? Will the job market have entry positions open that you might qualify for after graduation? Predicting the future is no small task, but with quality data more readily available than ever before, we can get a decent picture of what the world of business might just look like over the next few years—and how that will affect the value of a business degree.

Now, while data is almost overly abundant these days, it still takes a fair amount of time to analyze, so the absolute most recent numbers can be hard to come by. Still, reports from various sources over the last four to five years show strong trends that are likely to continue into the future. A Georgetown University study from 2015, for example, looked at over 130 different college majors and their potential economic value to try to discern which majors might be the most lucrative for then-current and future students. Topping the list, alongside STEM majors, were business majors, standing as both a common choice and one of the most profitable options out there. For those holding a bachelor’s degree in some area of business, the lowest median salary in Georgetown’s study was $52,000 per year, with most business majors being closer to $60,000. When it comes to getting the most bang for your college tuition buck, it’s hard to do better than a business major.

Another excellent source to look to is the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which collects and analyzes data on jobs, education, and salary to give the most accurate view possible of the American economy, and predict its performance into the future. The BLS typically predicts out over the next decade, using the latest data (currently circa 2018) to show where the fastest growing industries will be. With business and finance occupations overall predicted to grow faster than the 5% national average, there will be plenty of room for new graduates to make their way into the world of commerce. Better still, the 2018 median salary for all business and finance occupations was set at $68,350—about 76% higher than the median for all occupations nationwide. Many business careers have median salaries above that point, including management analysts, personal financial advisors, and accountants and auditors. Each of those careers has a faster-than-average growth individually as well, with management analysts expected to see a whopping 14% growth in employment leading up to 2028. To top it all off, nearly every business and finance career that the BLS monitors will require at least a bachelor’s degree, and usually that means a degree with a concentration in business.

Not every business career studied by BLS falls under that category, however; many of those with the highest earning potential are instead considered management positions. Management occupations aren’t universally business related either, of course, but many of them are, and combined with other degrees or specialized knowledge, the others may still be accessible to business majors. The BLS sets the median annual salary for management occupations at $104,240 as of 2018, making it one of the highest earning categories in the entire country. Many of the highest paid are business management careers such as marketing managers ($132,000), financial managers ($128,000), and human resources managers ($113,000). Similarly, the management occupations expected to grow fastest over the next ten years are largely business-related, such as financial managers (16%), marketing managers (8%), and public relations managers (8%). Other positions, such as medical and health services managers, may still be open to business management majors, particularly those who go on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration. As the baby boomer generation finally begins to retire, more of these management positions will need to be filled, opening the way for ambitious young businessmen and women to climb the corporate ladder in the coming decade.

Overall, the future for those who hold a business degree is looking pretty bright. Even a few years ago, it was already rated as one of the best degrees to pursue, leading to careers that actually make your investment in education truly worthwhile. Both entry-level positions and higher-ranked management positions will become increasingly available, growing faster than many other employment areas. Almost all business concentrations, such as marketing and finance, can lead to salaries much higher than the nation’s average. As one progresses in their career, these opportunities will remain and salaries will continue to increase. If you’ve been on the fence about earning a business degree, there’s no better time to start than now!

Five Tips for Successful Day Trading for Beginners

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When you buy and sell stocks on the same day, it can be very profitable, but if you’re a beginner it is good to educate yourself so that day trading can be successful for you. If you’ve never done this type of investing before it can be a little scary, but once you learn a few basics you can develop the skills so that this type of activity can be a lot more lucrative for you in the end. If you’ve already decided to move forward with this type of investing, below are a few things you should keep in mind before you get started.

Set Aside Funds

For all trading, minimizing your risks is important, which is why many day traders aim to risk no more than one to two percent of their account per trade. Keep in mind that you may or may not be successful in your endeavor, so set aside a certain amount of money and be prepared to lose some because this is always a possibility. Stay firm in your decision to only risk that small percentage of your account so that losses are always minimized.

Always Start Small

Day trading can be quite lucrative, but it usually isn’t that way in the beginning. Even if you can afford to spend more than you are, starting small is always the best option. If you focus on no more than two stocks during the session, it is not only less risky, but also much easier to do the trading. If you’re attempting to track and find the absolute best opportunities, it is much easier to do when you’re working with only a few stocks.

Remain Calm

This one may seem difficult, but once you get used to trading this way, it is much easier to accomplish. Don’t get greedy, but don’t be too afraid, either. The stock market is guaranteed to test your nerves at times, but if you make decisions with your head and not with your emotions, you are much more likely to be successful at it in the end. Just stay as calm as possible and use logic to make your decisions throughout the day.

Keep Up with the Latest Trends

Before you start day trading, you need to stay up-to-date with the trends going on both in the stock market and in anything that can affect this type of trading. Financial websites and business news sites can be a big help because let’s face it, knowledge is power. Knowledge is your best weapon when you start trading because you’ll be able to make the best decisions in the end.

Don’t Be Unrealistic About the Outcome

When it comes to day trading, you can’t win every time. In fact, even many successful traders win only about half or a little more than half of their trades. If you pay attention to your entry and exit methods and make sure they are etched in stone, so to speak, you’re a lot more likely to be successful at what you’re trying to do. Going to college, getting a degree in business, educating yourself about the market, all of these are great tools to help you succeed in the world of day trading.

Everything You Need to Know About Personal Injury Claims

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Life happens. Sometimes it’s good and other times it’s bad. An injury would certainly fall into the latter category. And as much as you may try to avoid getting hurt, there are often factors outside of your control. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re injured and medical bills are piling up, you need to consider your options and how you can improve your situation – physically, emotionally, and financially.

What is a Personal Injury?

Personal injury cases are basically legal disputes that arise when one individual (you) suffers some sort of physical or emotional harm from an accident or injury and someone else is legally responsible for that harm.

Personal injury cases can arise in almost any setting or situation, but there’s typically some sort of negligence involved. This basically means the other party is guilty of violating a presumed duty of care.

According to AllLaw.com, “A duty of care is an obligation to avoid injuring someone else or placing them in the path of danger. In most cases, every person has at least some duty of care toward others. The only questions are, to whom is a duty of care owed, and if there is a duty, how broad is it?”

Most personal injury cases come down to first establishing a duty of care and then proving that there was a breach of duty. Finally, causation must be proven and damages accounted for.

Who Pays Out on a Personal Injury Claim?

“When someone has injured you, you deserve to receive justice and compensation for what you have been through,” Michael Cordova Injury Attorneys explains. “Unfortunately, negligent people don’t always have the money to pay for your injuries and losses, even if they should be paying. Insurance was created as a way to protect injury victims financially when careless people cause you to be hurt.”

Whether you’ve been injured by a property owner, driver, business, or government entity, it’s highly likely that they have an insurance policy in place. If they don’t, it’s possible that your insurance policy could come into play.

What Are Statutes of Limitations?

Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, product liability, medical malpractice, dog bite, or anything in between, it’s imperative that you respond as quickly as possible. Thanks to statues of limitations, a failure to pursue a claim right away could leave you on the outside looking in.

Statutes of limitations are laws put in place by the state to restrict how long an individual has to file a lawsuit after they’ve been injured. These rules exist to prevent cases from dragging on for years or decades. In most states, limitations range from two to four years for personal injury cases.

How Do You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

There are skilled personal injury attorneys in every state. You can find an attorney by asking for referrals or conducting a basic online search for a personal injury lawyer in your area. Most offer free initial consultations so that you can schedule a meeting and discuss your case without any obligation to hire them.

What Makes a Good Personal Injury Attorney?

With so many different personal injury attorneys to choose from, you may be wondering how you possibly choose the right one. Well, there are a few things to look for, including:

  • Someone who is experienced and has handled cases just like yours in the past.
  • Someone who has positive reviews and testimonials from past clients.
  • Someone who is aggressive and will fight for your rights.

It can take patience and research to find a good personal injury attorney, but they’re out there! Take your time and perform adequate due diligence before making a decision.

What if You Can’t Pay for an Attorney?

Worried that you can’t pay for an attorney? Well, this typically isn’t a problem. Any good personal injury lawyer will work for you on a contingency fee basis. This essentially means your lawyer only gets paid for their time and services after they’ve helped you win a settlement. This ensures you never get stuck paying for something you didn’t actually receive.

Putting it All Together

There’s never a convenient time to get hurt, but it’s important that you respond with a plan. Get treatment, understand your rights, and hire an attorney. You deserve compensation and should seek full protection under the law. Good luck!

Utah Air Quality Update

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My family needs a favor: many of us are adversely affected when the air quality in Utah is bad.

Most people are not, so most people don’t care — but those of us who are miserable and trying to push through our day need a MAJORITY of Utahans to care, so that things can change and get better for us all.

This is a screenshot from the exclusive KSL Air Quality Network. Those red dots are the stations reporting an Air Quality Index above 151, meaning it’s “unhealthy.” The orange dots are “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

See the air quality in real time in your area at: https://www.ksl.com/weather/airQuality.

This is an issue that revolves around health and wellness; and studies are being done with supplements like Verum CBD to see if they can help calm the effects of asthma and respiratory illnesses in general.

Lebanese Businessman’s Acquittal in $2 Billion Mozambique Loan Scandal Topples U.S. Attempts to Police Foreign Corruption

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In the U.S. v Boustani trial, a case that has gained international attention, a U.S. Federal Jury in Brooklyn, NY, acquitted Lebanese ship salesman Jean Boustani, an employee of Middle East-based shipbuilder Privinvest Group, of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering in a case involving the Republic of Mozambique. 

Mr. Boustani, a 41-year old salesman employed by the global shipbuilder, was acquitted on all counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering.

Boustani was declared innocent after being held in custody for almost a year based on U.S. allegations that he defrauded investors in a $2 billion loan scandal involving bribes and kickbacks paid to Credit Suisse bankers and Mozambican government officials. The acquittal struck a blow to the U.S. Government’s attempts to police foreign countries.

The trial presented some major challenges for the jurors, who viewed thousands of documents including emails, text messages, Privinvest files, official contracts and financial records involving transactions executed in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Three of the jurors serving on the trial, including the foreman, declared in post-trial interviews that they didn’t understand how U.S. federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York had the authority to try a case where events took place outside of their jurisdiction. 

The U.S. accused Boustani of participating in a bribery and kickback scheme to make illicit payments to Credit Suisse bankers and Mozambique government officials when the Swiss bank, along with Russian bank VTB, issued $2 billion in loans to fund a contract with Privinvest for three maritime projects in Mozambique.

The widely commented loan scandal revolved around three Mozambican state-owned companies that had secured loans from two European banks to purchase a fleet of tuna trawlers, created a coastal surveillance system, and develop a shipyard in Mozambique. After failing to follow through on the projects, the government defaulted on its Euro-bonds in 2017.

Boustani pleaded not guilty and Privinvest, which is not charged with any crime, denied any wrongdoing.

The three former Credit Suisse bankers pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors, although their testimony only weakened the prosecution’s argument because their testimonies did not implicate direct involvement by Boustani or Privinvest.

During the six-week long trial, a parade of foreign officials appeared on the witness stand to discuss transactions negotiated in various foreign countries. The U.S. prosecutors’ arguments failed to hold water, in particular when the defense attorneys demonstrated that Boustani couldn’t have possibly foreseen that monies paid via a Middle Eastern bank could also pass through banks in the U.S. The U.S. presented evidence that included hundreds of emails detailing payments made by Boustani, which he explained over three days on the witness stand were fees paid to help executive legitimate business transactions on behalf of Privinvest.

One juror, when questioned on whether she believed the prosecution’s argument that Boustani was in fact bribing Mozambican officials, replied that she believed the payments were seemingly genuine attempts to secure business for Boustani’s employer.

Witnesses for the prosecution also failed to uphold the assertion that the prices of the boats and equipment were inflated, testifying instead that the prices listed in the documents appeared to be consistent with the market value of the boats and equipment in question.

At the announcement of the verdict that freed him after spending nearly a year behind bars, Boustani smiled and hugged each of his lawyers after making the sign of the cross in the Brookly, NY, courtroom.  Addressing U.S. District Judge William Kuntz, he stated, “Your honor, first of all, I apologize for being emotional, a little bit. It wasn’t easy for me after 11 months in jail.” He then proceeded to thank the court “for all your time, dedication, and for your fair judgment throughout this trial.” As he exited the courtroom, Boustani raised his fist in the air in a triumphant gesture of victory.

Michael Schachter, defense attorney for Mr. Boustani, maintained in his opening statement that the U.S. “is not the world’s policeman,” underscoring the question of whether this trial actually belonged in the U.S.  Following the verdict delivered on Monday, he thanked the court and remarked, “We are gratified and relieved and deeply appreciative of the jury’s verdict.”

Source: Bloomberg – Salesman Cleared in $2 Billion African Scam in Blow to U.S.

How to Use PPC to Expand Your Reach

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Pay per Click (PPC) is one of the most famous forms of digital marketing in today’s world. It has emerged as a highly effective tool in the world of online business due to its easy execution and immediate results. However, it is also no secret that many businesses have spent a lot of money on PPC without accomplishing any worthwhile outcome. But having said that, PPC, in the long run, is here to stay. It effectively means that those who failed to make the most of PPC lacked depth and guidance. In this piece, we are going to spell out some prominent tried and tested methods that will ensure maximum traffic to your websites by using PPC campaigns.

  • Thoroughly Researched Keywords

There is a reason why we have listed keywords on top of the list. Keywords lie at the core of your campaign and you can’t afford to go wrong with them. You have to put in all your efforts and research before going ahead with this task. 

Here is what you should consider while listing down your keywords:

  • You should fit in the words which go best with your products or services. If you are someone who has recently started a business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you can get a better idea of industry-related keywords by searching down the keywords of your competitors or leaving the job with a Dubai PPC company. Their local experience will come handy in devising the right pay-per-click strategies for your brand in the UAE.
  • Most people make the mistake of just stuffing popular keywords in their PPC ads. While frequently searched words are important, you can’t overlook the ever-important long-tail words. You got a lot of similar businesses to compete with.
  • Making a list of negative keywords can dramatically cut your budget because they ensure that your ad reaches the only relevant audience. Since negative keywords filter out unwanted audience, the conversion rate of your PPC ads will be on the higher side. 
  • Make the Most of Ad Extensions

One of the biggest reasons why people fail to get the best return on their investment in PPC campaigns is that they leave ad extensions unexploited. Since it’s a relatively new addition in the AdWords, a vast proportion of businesses is unaware of its significance as well as usage.  

Ad extensions allow you to go beyond texts and add other business attributes like location, field form, call button, etc. In other words, you can occupy a much larger space on the pages of search engines and appear as giant as compared to your rivals. 

It is a well-documented fact that about half of the total internet traffic is being generated through smartphones, tablets, and other hand-held devices. So without making your ads mobile-friendly, you can’t fancy garnering much traffic. Ad extensions are a groundbreaking initiative to turn your PPC campaign mobile-centric and get the maximum juice out of your energy and investment.

  • Create Time-Sensitive Ads

Filters are one of the standout characteristics of Google Adwords. You have the freedom to be almost as specific as possible and more specification makes it easier for you to target your preferred audience. 

The best time to extend your reach is not when people are sleeping but when they are active and browsing. Guess what, you can tailor your PPC ads in accordance with the optimal hours of your business. 

All you need to know is the active hours of your industry. That’s about it. You can vary the timings of your ads accordingly. If you are starting a long-term PPC campaign, you can easily skip the holidays or other dull days and remain active for the rest of the seasonal days. 

  • Create an Appealing Ad

It’s the most crucial stage and if your ad fails to charm people right away, they won’t take any further action. Plainly put, the ad could be a gateway to more sales or a dead-end. It is up to you what you make of it. 

Since you won’t have much space to explain everything at length, being right on point is going to be the key. If your offer is related to Christmas, your ad must reflect that. To some extent, it will test your writing skills as well.  

You might be tempted to be overly creative here. Well, you may allow your creative juice to flow but there should be a method in the madness. Nothing more, nothing less; just about enough to grab the attention. 

  • Refine Landing Pages 

People will click on your ads only if they want to know more about your offers. So your landing page must stand in line with whatever you are making. Moreover, it is not always about what you say but how you say it. So the design and structure of your landing page equally matter. For example, an unclear call to action button will ruin all your hard work and the traffic will bounce back without converting. 

The Final Thoughts

You might have come across baseless claims like PPC is expensive or difficult to operate. Frankly speaking, it is none of both and the above explanation stands as a testimony to that. If you are well-versed in pay-per-click, you are quite likely to find it as the most profitable type of digital marketing for your business.

Benefits of Music Therapy for People With Disabilities

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There are various therapies for individuals with disabilities, but did you know that music therapy is proving to be one of the most effective? Whether for children or adults, this form of therapy can positively impact their skill areas, and it’s protected under the ADA accessibility law. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in using music to aid with disabilities. 

What is Music Therapy? 

Music therapy is the use of music as an intervention to help individuals accomplish their goals. It is both clinical and evidence-based, facilitating positive changes in emotional wellbeing and behavior. These interventions act as a social activity complete with communication, listening, and sharing. 

This form of therapy helps address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs for those with disabilities. Patients are assessed for their needs as well as strengths by a therapist, then create exercises to suit those needs. Patients might sing along with, move to, create, or simply listen to music. 

The Benefits

Music in itself is therapeutic to anyone, but those with disabilities can gain more from it that most. The repetition aids in memorization, while the ability to simply listen to it allows them to take part in the experience. This aspect is motivating, encouraging them to pursue their goals. 

Music is often used to stimulate attention and focus. This is highly beneficial for both school and the workplace, with disability accommodation lawyers now helping disabled individuals fight for their right to music intervention in the workplace. These individuals may need music to help them focus on their duties or adapt to augmentative/alternative systems of communication. 

For many, music is an excellent way to help them express themselves when traditional forms of communication aren’t as possible. Interventions can help foster physical rehabilitation, as well. Simply getting a patient to move along with music is an easy yet effective way of engaging them in movement and help with neuromuscular disorders. 

On the flipside, music can help ease pain thanks to its relaxing properties. It’s also used to calm emotional outbursts, aid in socialization through group exercises, and help individuals better handle or understand their emotions. 

Is Music Therapy Right for You?

From a therapeutic standpoint, music therapy is beneficial to anyone. The act of listening to or creating music is something that can help individuals channel their emotions and build stronger character. If you have a disability, it’s worth speaking with your doctor about resources available to you. 

MAGFAST Has Quickly Grown Due to the Expertise of Its Innovative Founder

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MAGFAST is quickly making a name for itself because of its unique, cordless charging system. With mobile device use constantly rising, it was only a matter of time before a company came out with a new alternative to traditional charging devices that were free of the typical hassles.

When President and CEO Seymour Segnit founded MAGFAST in 2018, he assembled outstanding product development and marketing teams. They are hard at work getting this outstanding product to a consumer base that first began showing interest in the innovative products back in 2013.

A Hit with the Public

The crowdfunding campaign is a great indicator of just how positive the reaction to the MAGFAST charger has been. The company was able to raise $300,000 in less than fifteen minutes, and the current total stands at over 1.6 million. It seems clear that MAGFAST’s innovative products are something that today’s consumer market desires.

Seymour Segnit’s MAGFAST charger family has a total of six different models that all feature his unique magnetic technology that allows for the units to charge mobile devices wirelessly. These six models are designed to cover the most common charging situations.

The MAGFAST chargers are also equipped with convenient USB ports, and they can be connected together to further increase the amount of charging that can be done. One of the most convenient and portable models is the MAGFAST Life. Taking it up another notch is the MAGFAST Extreme, which gives users maximum charging power, and even features jumper cables for your car. The MAGFAST Road is great for anyone who is on the road regularly. There is also the MAGFAST Air, which is perfect for setup at home in the kitchen or at the office. Finally, the MAGFAST Wall is designed to be an ideal solution for the entire family.

MAGFAST CEO and President Seymour Segnit has a background in both engineering and business, two skillsets that have proved instrumental in getting this company off the ground. During his time studying at Oxford University, Segnit gained a great deal of knowledge in engineering, and his career in marketing and radio broadcasting has also played a major role in his work in building this new company. It all began with Seymour’s own frustration with keeping all his mobile devices charged. His engineering mindset led him to find a solution, and it’s now paying off big for today’s device-using public.

6 Benefits of Shaving Every Day

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Shaving is a highly personal task. Every guy has his own favorite method, routine, habits, and techniques. Some like to shave frequently, while others can’t remember the last time they were without a beard. But regardless of which side you fall on, there’s something to be said for shaving with greater frequency. In fact, there’s ample evidence to suggest that daily shaving is the best approach. Here are a few specific reasons why:

1. Professional Image

First impressions are everything. For better or worse, people will judge you – at least initially – based on how you look. The right look can propel your career forward, whereas an unkempt appearance will hold you back.

For the most part, clean-shaven men are viewed as being more professional than those who have facial hair. If you’re in a white-collar industry – such as business, banking, sales, or customer service – shaving each morning will give you a clean and sophisticated look. Safety razors are great for injury-free shaving.

2. Younger Look

Depending on your age and appearance, this can be a pro or a con. But for the purposes of this article, we’ll just assume that most men prefer to look younger than they are.

Retired late-night personality David Letterman is the perfect example. He’s recently grown a thick beard over the last few years and it’s easily added 20 years to his appearance. When he’s clean-shaven, however, he looks far younger than his age.

3. Health

Your face, like any other area of skin on your body, accumulates dead skin cells, debris, and bacteria. The act of shaving helps to remove the outermost layer of skin. This leaves you with a healthier and smoother face.

4. Comfort

A five-o-clock shadow or full-grown beard might look sexy and rugged to some, but it can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable. Shaving eliminates this discomfort and restores your skin’s health.

According to Shave.net, “Most people don’t like shaving because it’s uncomfortable. But the key is to use the right shaving products. A sharp, well-designed safety razor is a far superior product to the multi-blade options you see on supermarket shelves. If you want a comfortable shave, sometimes the simplest options are the most effective.”

So assuming you shave the right way, you’ll discover that your skin actually feels better on a day-to-day basis. (If you shave infrequently, it’s hard to master the skill of a close shave.)

5. Ease

Think about your lush, green lawn during the summer months. If you mow the grass every five to seven days, it’s usually a pretty simple and straightforward process. If, however, you wait 10 or 12 days between mowing, it gets tall and thick. Now cutting the grass becomes a huge process. Your mower struggles to cut through, it leaves behind clumps, and what’s normally a one-hour job takes two hours.

Shaving is similar in this regard. It’s much more difficult when you let your facial hair move past the stubble stage. (It may even require multiple additional steps – like using an electric razor and then a blade.) It’s easier when you do it every day. Get in the habit of shaving regularly and you’ll save time and eliminate much of the discomfort.

6. Sex Appeal

Did you know that 38 percent of women prefer a clean-shaven man to one with facial hair? Another 34 percent consider it one of their favorite looks. Mustaches, full beards, and long stubble are considered mostly unattractive. If a woman does like facial hair, short stubble is the preferred look.

Shaving increases your sex appeal – particularly if you’re older. It can also improve your sex life. Women prefer snuggling up to a man with a smooth face, as opposed to one with prickly, sandpaper cheeks.

Developing a Shaving Routine

If you shudder at the idea of shaving every morning, then you probably aren’t well versed in how to shave. This isn’t a knock on you as a man – you simply haven’t been taught how to properly achieve a close shave without irritating your skin.

Take the time to read up on the proper way to shave – like using a safety razor, shaving with the grain, and applying the right after-shave product – and develop a routine. Once it becomes part of your morning ritual, it’ll feel more natural.