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Education Current Events

Pricing Strategies for Private Tutors

Pricing plays an important role in the success of any tutoring business. However, there is a lot of confusion about the best way to price your tutoring services and how to go about finding the right price. This article looks at pricing strategies for independent tutors and tutoring companies and how to research prices in your market.
Setting your Pricing Level
The first step in determining how much you should charge for your tutoring services is to determine what other tutoring services in your area are charging. You’ll want to focus on tutoring companies that offer similar services to your own tutoring business since there can be a large variation in tutoring prices for different types of tutoring.
The next step is to do some research just like someone searching for tutoring would. Search for tutoring services in your area online, check the phone book, ask guidance counselors about other tutoring companies. When you have a list of similar tutoring companies in your area you can find out about prices by calling them up and asking or checking their website for prices. You can also check online tutoring directories to find out what independent tutors are charging for the subjects your company offers.
If your company is new and you or your tutors have average experience and credentials then you should try to price your services a bit above the average price.
If your company has been operating for a while, you have satisfied customers, and you or your tutors have teaching experience and credentials then you should price closer to the upper range of comparable tutoring services.
Many new tutoring companies think they need to start with low prices in order to attract clients, but this is a risky strategy and can actually hurt your business more than help it. The reason for this is that if your prices are very low, you will be generating very little profit to reinvest into promoting your business. If you are paying tutors to work for you, you will also have a difficult time attracting and keeping high quality tutors which are extremely important for building your reputation and creating satisfied customers who will refer you to other clients.
Early on it might make sense to focus on an under-served segment of the tutoring market in your area. This will allow you to charge higher rates, and generate higher profits which will help you afford more marketing and better tutors. These in turn will help you establish a base from which to expand into more competitive segments of the tutoring market.
Tutoring Price List
Providing different pricing options can also help your business meet the needs of more clients. There are several pricing or billing methods you can use.
Pay per Session
This pricing option has clients pay before or after each tutoring session. This is a good method if your business does not have much of an operating history. It also puts new clients at ease if they are new to your business and are wary of paying for a longer period of time in advance.
Pay per period
Paying per period may have clients pay for a week or month in advance based on the number of sessions they will have during that period. This method is good for tutoring businesses because you receive the money up front and don’t have to worry about students forgetting to pay for each session. It’s more convenient for clients because they can pay for a week or month and don’t have to worry about writing a check for every single session. Some tutoring companies may bill at the end of each week or month, but for new companies it’s best to require payment in advance since this will allow you to receive payment for tutoring sessions before you need to pay your tutors.
Prepaid Packages
Some tutoring companies sell prepaid bundles of tutoring services. Such as 10 hours of math tutoring or 12 hours of English tutoring. These hours can then be scheduled over the following months as the student schedules them. This method allows you to offer volume pricing which can encourage potential clients to commit to more tutoring sessions.
Adapting your Prices
The tutoring market is constantly changing so it’s important that you’re flexible with your tutoring company’s pricing. If your pricing structure is not helping you meet your business goals you simply need to try tweaking your prices or possibly your services. People are concerned with value so if you offer more value in your tutoring services you may not need to lower your prices or if you offer more value than you did a year ago then it might be a good idea to raise your prices.…

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Why Not Consider Continuing Education To Add to Your Expertise

Why Not Consider Continuing Education To Add to Your Expertise

In today’s uncertain economic times it is vital we all stay up to date with a chosen profession or working knowledge of expertise in the industry we work within. With the rise in unemployment in all age groups and a significant rise of unemployment in under 25’s, it is now a serious cause for concern and important to identify and decide on a sustainable education and employment route.

The “Department for Education and Skills” (by the UK’s Government) has confirmed plans to raise the school leaving age in England by 2013, thus young people will be required to stay in either; full-time education or training, including school, college and home education, or work-based learning, such as an Apprenticeships, part-time education, training or volunteering more than 20 hours a week.

The new law is called the “Education and Skills Act 2008”. Essentially this may not necessarily mean that pupils have to stay in the classroom or continue with academic lessons however students will have to continue to receive training at a certain level until they reach the age of 18.

This might mean a student is encouraged to stay at school and do (or complete) their GSCEs and A levels, if they have not already done so. Students could improve their skills through taking a course in “Foundation Learning” which will benefit them if they decide to go in to further education eventually. Another option for a student is to gain some practical experience in a subject that interests them by doing a “14 to 19 Diploma.” All of these options will be beneficial for future development, educational progression and future employment, as it shows commitment to future employers.

Students can start an apprenticeship and get some on-the-job experience of work and training, whilst some carrying on with part-time study. Many companies are offering the new style “modern apprenticeship” which means a student has a way of earning an income, whilst gaining a valued vocational education. Thus lessening the financial burden for the student, but adding a valuable hands-on experience whilst continuing their studies and educational progression.

Another option is to study at school until the age of 18, then go college part-time whilst having part-time employment. This could possibly make the study process longer by possibly one or two years (depending on the course or area of study), but it could be very beneficial in reducing the overall cost and educational burden to the student.

Although at the same time this could be to the students’ advantage as within 2 to 5 years the employment landscape should have started to recover and the opportunities available should be significantly increased for graduates. Because the chosen path for education was a “Continued Education” this will have added to the student’s expertise and working maturity, whilst showing commitment and having valuable work experience over their non part-time counterparts. The same can also apply to mature students or people wanting to update their qualifications to better their chance in future employment progression.…

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Families With Deaths Require Your Knowledge From EA CPE

Families With Deaths Require Your Knowledge From EA CPE

Whenever a death occurs, the remaining family members need help from a variety of professionals. Your enrolled agent expertise is one of those valuable services. Look to build your enrolled agent practice from simply promoting your knowledge for dealing with the tax matters related to a decedent.

Several tax return filing requirements exist after someone dies. This responsibility rests with the estate executor. By reaching out to these individuals, you alleviate a significant burden for them. Firstly, income tax reporting is required for decedents. This can require two tax returns if the death occurs before a prior year return is filed. The final tax return is for the year of death.

The income tax return for a decedent indicates that the taxpayer is deceased and the date of death. The final tax return for someone who has died can be jointly filed with a surviving spouse. In fact, surviving spouses are normally executors of the decedent’s estate and sign the return for the deceased taxpayer.

Your enrolled agent continuing education reinforces your skills to deal with separating the personal taxable income of decedents from their estates. Income earned after the date of death is taxable to a decedent’s estate. This occurs due to delay in transferring income-producing assets to beneficiaries.

Training for the enrolled agent test teaches you how to prepare income tax returns for estates as well as individuals. Estates use the same tax deductions and credits as individuals. All types of income that are normally taxable to individuals are reported on an estate income tax return when payment is received after death and before distribution to beneficiaries.

The big effect is that an estate gets a tax deduction for distributions to beneficiaries. Net income after deductions that’s transferred to an estate beneficiary is taxable to that individual recipient. The estate is only assessed income tax on the income it doesn’t distribute.

Your EA CPE also keeps you apprised on estate tax issues in addition to income tax matters. Most estates escape estate tax because their sizes are less than the exemption threshold. Starting in 2010, most estates with values of less than $5,000,000 are exempt from federal estate tax.

Making an estate tax determination requires considering all assets of the decedent’s estate. Any liabilities owed as well as charitable contributions and administrative expenses paid by the estate are subtracted from total asset value to ascertain whether estate tax is applicable.

Estate administrators commonly misunderstand tax procedures for decedents. That’s why they need to find out about the services of enrolled agents. They require assistance in gathering records and conducting accurate tax calculations. Working with estate executors is an excellent way to grow your tax practice because they benefit significantly from your expertise.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure

Pursuant to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we inform you that, to the extent any advice relating to a Federal tax issue is contained in this communication, including in any attachments, it was not written or intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (a) avoiding any tax related penalties that may be imposed on you or any other person under the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication.…

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Continuing Education for Psychologists – Common Class Formats

Continuing Education for Psychologists – Common Class Formats

If you need to take classes for your industry, note that there are a lot of options when it comes to the format of the courses. For example, there are several choices available for continuing education for psychologists. If you are in this industry, you should learn the many options you have when it comes to taking the courses that you need.

One of the most popular choices is online classes. In most cases, this involves watching a video of the teacher lecturing. You are then given either tests to complete or essays to write so you can show what you have learned. You may also have to participate in online discussions with class members. You typically do not have to watch the lectures at a particular time, but you can expect deadlines for all assignments. So, pay attention to these.

Another option you have when you sign up for continuing education for psychologists classes is to take the courses you need over the phone. This usually requires you to listen to lectures, instead of watching them on video. You may also have questions to answer so you can show you have learned the lessons.

You can also take classes in-person, such as on the weekend, but few people who need continuing education for psychologists courses choose this class format. This is because it requires you to travel to the location of the classes and spend your weekends learning. If you like to relax during your weekends and prefer to fit in continuing education for psychologists throughout the week, this format may not work for you.

There are additional options you may never have thought of. For example, you can read certain articles about psychology subjects, and then pay for the credits so you can show what you read. You can also purchase DVDs that teach you what you need to know. Plus, there are conventions that you can attend to get the credit you need. Since conventions usually only take a single day or weekend, they might be a good alternative to attending classes regularly. This way, you can get your credits finished within one weekend.

You can choose the format that most appeals to you. Just make sure the one you decide on will get you the credits that you need for continuing education for psychologists. Not every class qualifies for credit. So, if you are unsure, you should check with the APA to find out. Then, you can rest assured that the courses you are taking will help you in your profession while also improving your knowledge.…

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Education Current Events

Why Professionals Trade Options and Why Retail Investors Should Too

It is time for you to dismiss the “options are too risky” sentiment and truly see why quite a few investors actually trade them. Contrary to everyday opinion, options can be employed in less risky ways when used appropriately. In fact, that’s the reason why they were developed – to help reduce risk in investment portfolios.
Stock options can be adjusted to work in any situation. Options can be used anytime and anywhere. With options, you can invest in the short-term or hold to invest for the long-term. Therefore, it really does not matter if you need the capital for your child’s college tuition or for retirement.
Although, the concept of options are very similar to stocks — in that you can make money when the markets go up and lose money when the markets go down — trading options give you more opportunities to profit. That means you can make money if the stock goes down, up, or absolutely no where. With that said, investors can use the unique abilities of options to be a complimentary portion of their portfolio or the main portfolio appreciation investment vehicle.
The benefits of options:
A. Reduces Risk – By using options, you can effectively reduce your portfolio risk. Using options are one of the only ways that a retail investor can protect themselves from markets that move against them. Strategies like the Broken Wing Butterfly and Unbalanced Condor limit trading risk while giving investors a high probability of profit.
B. Leverage – You can control 100 shares of XYZ company for a minimal amount of capital as opposed to purchasing the shares outright. In the end, you benefit from adjustments in the stock prices without actually purchasing the stock.
C. Cash Flow Generation – You could create a consistent cash flow through existing owned underlying. That means, you can sell covered calls against your portfolio if you feel that the underlying will depreciate or remain stagnant.
D. Insurance – As mentioned previously, options can protect you from markets that move against you. By purchasing a “put option” for every 100 shares of the underlying stock that you own, you can effectively protect your holdings from downward moves.
E. Easy to Get Started – With an internet-enabled computer, anyone can trade options. Commission prices are much cheaper than they were 10 years ago. Most brokers even give you all the tools you need to succeed in options for FREE.
F. No More One Way Trading – That means you can trade anyway that you want. You can play the downside if you choose to. You can also play stagnant markets or place delta-neutral trades.
That is why options are not the risky speculative investments many people perceive them to be. They can be risky if you simply do not have an idea on what you are doing. However, that’s like most things in the world. Once you get past the financial lexicon through education and learning, you can use options in a much safer manner. At that point, you will have the assurance that your portfolio can be safer in any market environment moving forward.…

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Continuing Education Can Create New Opportunities

Continuing Education Can Create New Opportunities

Furthering your education can certainly open new doors in a variety of different ways. Studies show, the individuals with more education typically make more money. For instance, if you selected a sample size of individuals with a bachelor’s degree and compared their salaries to a sample size of individuals with a master’s degree; we should see that the majority of the students who completed a master’s degree have a significantly higher overall salary. Of course, this is not always the case. If someone only has three years of work experience and an MBA, they may not make as much as someone with a B.A. but has 25 years of work experience. Every industry is a little different.

Overall, if you compare two individuals with the same skill set, the one with the highest degree awarded will typically get the position. Education is very important to most corporations. They truly value the hard work an individual puts in to complete a degree. Depending on the subject matter, many degrees help the individual perform better on a day to day basis. This positively impacts the performance of the overall organization. The more employees with advanced degree, the more efficient the organization can be. Many times an employer will help pay for their employee’s tuition. This is a huge bonus for employees. Educational cost rises every year, so a discounted degree is very important when an individual is deciding to accept an offer or not.

Once you receive your advanced degree you have some options. Should you stay with your current company and try to advance within your department? Or, should you start sending out your resume and see if you can get an offer from another company? This is usually a very tough decision to make. The economy, job outlook, and pay increase are all factors when deciding what to do. Is the economy booming? Are there other jobs available? Is there room for advancement in your current company? And of course, one of the most important factors is how much more money can you make working for a different company. Overall, if the company you currently work for is able to compensate you and challenge you the majority of people would probably stay. However, if that is not the case one would understandably look for a different opportunity. One of the main reasons an individual seeks employment elsewhere is their relationship with their direct supervisor.…

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Get The Most Out Of Interior Design

If you’re thinking about redesigning, but have no clue where to begin, this article is for you! A little consulting and planning with someone who knows about interior design can really help you out. Keep reading for more great ideas about this.

Decide on a mood for a room or space before beginning to actually work on designing the space. The mood can be anything you want it to be. When you know what feeling you would like your room to give you, you will find that it’s much easier to plan out projects to complete the room design.

Set a budget. Nothing is worse than starting a project when you cannot afford it. That way, you will be free to design your space without feeling anxious.

If you want to do an easy redecorating task, de-clutter your home. Removing clutter can give a homeowner a more clear idea of what needs to be done to a room, and clutter is often not pleasing or inviting looking to others who see it. Give excess things to a recycling center, to charity, or try to have a garage sale to get rid of some of them.

Many people have opinions with regards to interior design, but you shouldn’t listen to all of it. You won’t be able to create a place that you love without trusting your personal judgement and creating something that expresses your personality.

When you are redesigning a child’s bedroom or playroom, make it fun! Their perspective will often be very different from your own. Keep in mind their Homesearch size, and make sure everything is accessible for them. Look at the things from the child’s point of view to avoid doing anything hazardous.

You may think you need to hire a professional and spend a lot of money to update your home, but that is just not the case. By investing a little time and effort, you can make great things happen for a minimal amount of money. Remember what you have learned in this article to help get you started.…