Comprehensive Alkaline Food Chart & Their Benefits

Following the alkaline food chart and including over 80% of your daily food intake from it might give you a new lease of life. If you suffer from chronic headaches, depressions, colds or fatigue often then the cure might lie in eating foods on the alkaline food chart. Alkaline foods help keep the ph levels of the body to an optimal of 7.4. This ph balance in turn keeps the body functions running smoothly and fights diseases. The alkaline food chart can literally save your life.

Most people suffer from dry skin, split hair, brittle nails. Some of us are unfortunate enough to suffer more serious aliments like arthritis, cancer, heart diseases, osteoporosis, etc. Those prone to depressions and fatigue also have hope. Following the alkaline food chart is the answer to all these problems. All the diseases in our body are caused when the acidic level increases. The body becomes susceptible to various germs and sooner or later finds itself in the grip of illnesses. Having alkaline foods keeps the body ph maintained to the natural 7.4 level and so all functions of the body are carried out smoothly giving the body strength to fight diseases.

The alkaline food chart consists mainly of fruits and vegetables. Green vegetables are more alkaline and so higher on the alkaline food chart. Cabbage, asparagus, onions, broccoli, raw spinach, lettuce, wheat grass and many more such vegetables are all alkaline in nature. Tomatoes, eggplants and the non green family vegetables are also found on the alkaline food chart. Fruits are not far behind and can be located o the alkaline food chart with ease. Melons, dates, figs, banana's, apples, grapes and mangoes are all alkaline foods. Sweet tasting fruits are all alkaline. But this is not to say that sour fruits like lemons and lime are not on the alkaline food chart. These acidic fruits leave an alkaline ash when digested and are very high on the alkaline food chart.

Almonds, honey, herbal teas and coffee substitutes are also found on the alkaline food chart. Stevia is the only sweetener which is alkaline in nature. Though maple syrup and rice syrup are also low alkaline sweeteners.

If you want a life free of diseases and want to see your great grand children then it is time to wake up and take stock of your life. The alkaline food chart is a magic wand given in your hands to turn your life around with one swing.

5 Most Popular Types of Computer Software (And What They Do)

As the publisher of a software information website, I often use keyword-research tools* to determine which software-related topics are the most popular (based on Internet search activity). By knowing what people are looking for online, I can build content to help them.

You can't help but notice trends and patterns when doing this kind of research, and I thought you might be interested in some of those trends. For example, in this article I've compiled five of the most popular types of software in the world, based on how often people look them up through Google, Yahoo, MSN and the other search engines.

#1 - Anti-virus Tools

For a long time, I've had a conspiracy theory that the companies that make anti-virus programs are in league with the people who create computer viruses in the first place. After all, few things sell anti-virus software like the constant threat of new viruses. Regardless of who's generating the fear, they are doing a good job of it, because anti-virus software is consistently one of the most frequently searched programs.

Most people computer users are very familiar with these programs, because they come pre-installed on most PCs. There is also a dizzying array of software products that fall into this category, so I won't try to summarize them here. That's another article entirely.

#2 - Tax Software

Okay, so there's a very good chance this one made the list because I conducted my research at tax time (in March). Perhaps if I conducted this study later in the year, tax software would not be quite as popular from a search engine usage standpoint. At any rate, it makes the cut today and falls in right behind the anti-virus programs based on the number of searches.

I use these programs every year at tax time. Or, to be honest, I should say my wife uses these programs while I provide moral support. At any rate, these software products are incredibly useful for people who prepare their own tax returns.

Though each program offers slightly different features, they all perform the same basic function. They walk you step by step through the process of completing your tax-return forms. You just fill in the blanks with the requested information, and the software does the rest. Popular tax software programs include TaxAct, TurboTax and TaxCut (by H&R Block).

#3 - Accounting Software

This type of computer program might be high on the list of Internet search for two reasons. For one thing, it's very versatile and can be used by professional accountants, small business owners, and others. Secondly, there are terminology reasons for the Internet search popularity of this software. Some people use the phrase "accounting" when referring to the tax-preparation programs mentioned previously, while others use the phrase when referring to the more full-featured programs used by professional accountants.

Regardless of these semantic differences, accounting software is commonly searched through the major search engines, so it makes my list. These programs are most often used to manage the revenue and expenses of a company, including payroll and corporate tax information.

#4 - DVD Burning Tools

As the name suggests, these software programs allow you to reproduce or "burn" copies of DVDs. Of course, these tools also open a Pandora's box of legal issues, because you cannot just make copies of a commercial DVD without violating copyright laws.

But this is not a legal lesson -- it's a list of popular software types as measured by Internet search patters. And by that yardstick DVD burning programs certainly make the list.

#5 - Video Editing Programs

These software tools allow you to edit video sequences on a computer. You don't even need a fancy computer to use them, but just a regular old desktop unit (as long as its compatible with the software program you choose).

These products have become increasingly popular over the years, thus creating an army of amateur filmmakers. To use them, you would first create the video footage itself. Then you would use this unique and powerful software to edit the footage on any compatible desktop computer. You can import and export video to and from your computer, cut and paste sections of video, and add special effects and transitions.

* Sources: KeywordTracker and Keyword Discovery. I cross-referenced the most common software types from both tools to create this list.

Start Your Own Business Today!

The rise of new businesses and ergo entrepreneurs seem to happen most when there is a crisis. If you talk to a lot of these successful entrepreneurs, most of them were working for a big company when a situation or a crisis made them take the leap to creating their own businesses. One such story is that of a manufacturer of aluminum toothpaste tubes for a multinational company who was told that the company was shifting into plastic tubing despite the recent investment in manufacturing equipment worth millions. In effect, his former client was dropping his service. His response: he took on these multinational companies and created his own brand of toothpaste. These days, his company is competing with the big boys and though he doesn't have the lion's share, he probably nets more on a personal level since his overhead is not as large as the big companies. His company has a brand that is popular. He has carved himself a niche in the toothpaste market and continues to expand his line. What he didn't do was to give up on his manufacturing business but instead make it grow.

In the same manner, service oriented businesses have also expanded and added services to be more relevant to today's market. Accountants in the United Kingdom are such an example. These days, more accounting firms and accountants have set their businesses in areas closer to the market it serves. In Bridgend, accountants not only serve as external auditors but as business advisers as well. By offering such a service, they are able to guide their clients in their local area, wherein Bridgend is being defined as the new shopping capital of the United Kingdom because it is easy to get there by train or bus, and the rental leases are much more inexpensive than most major cities in the area. The rise of factory outlets are also being aided with other real estate development that sets to anchor the place as a veritable go to place. With the rise of more retail outlets, comes the need for more business services that aid these outlets. Hence, the need for Bridgend accountants became almost mandatory.

The other reason for starting your own business is because of a passion for something that may also be profitable. Those launching their own fashion design lines whether these are accessories, haute couture, prêt-à-porter, or sportswear often do so because they have this great expression to create and design something better, something exciting, something accepted. More often than not, these designers have business managers that they partner with to help run the business while they focus on doing what their core competence is.

What You Need to Get a Small Business Loan

Getting a business loan is an involved process. It requires more documentation than applying for consumer credit. So don't be dismayed by the amount of paperwork needed. Instead, be ready.

The most effective thing you can bring to the lender is a skillfully put-together and well-documented business plan. State the purpose of the loan (will the money be used for temporary working capital, acquiring equipment, or expanding facilities?) the funds wanted and for how long, and a repayment schedule. Your business plan must include:

A business description showing the characteristics of your business, describing your product and its market, identifiying your clients and competition.

A personal profile that outlines the qualifications and accomplishments of all your key people.

An application that states the kind of loan you want and its objective.

A business projection that describes your corporate strategy for the next three to five years. This will help you and the lender to decide when the company will earn the money to pay off the loan.

A reimbursement plan that shows how and when you plan to pay back the loan. As a contingency, you might outline a program on how you'll pay off the loan if profits alone aren't enough.

Supporting documentation will consist of documents that verify the information in your loan request - for instance, a lease, certificate of incorporation, partnership documents, letters of reference, contracts, invoices or vendor quotes.

Collateral that you will use to assure payment. Collateral can include business and personal property such as inventory, equipment, and accounts receivable or real estate, stocks, bonds, and autos.

Financial statements, both personal and for the business. The business financial statement should be supplied for the previous three to five years of operation plus a year-to-date accounting. It should include a balance sheet showing business assets and liabilities, and a profit-and-loss statement showing revenues and expenses. The lender uses this paperwork to calculate a debt-to-worth ratio for the business. Be ready to supply tax returns, too.

The personal financial statement must list your assets and your liabilities. Identify the name in which title to every asset is held and its fair market value. You should be prepared to provide copies of your personal tax returns. You might be asked for a list of credit references. Lenders will check your personal along with your business credit history.

Personal guarantees of the owners or additional principals are frequently necessary, even from an established business. The lender also might request an added party's security such as a cosigner or a surety, or may call for a government guarantee from the U.S. Small Business Administration or other government agency.

Besides the personal promise that you give, under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act the lender is permitted to ask for an additional person's guarantee. In the event all or the majority of the assets listed on your personal financial statement are owned jointly with your spouse, or with someone else, the lender is likely to want such a guarantee. But the lender may not require that your spouse be the guarantor.

Starting a Business Right Will Make Exiting the Business Easier and More Profitable

In the rush to get everything organized and planned to start a new business, entrepreneurs tend to overlook one important consideration -- how will it all end? Some plan to work the business for the rest of their working life, some plan to leave it for the kids, some figure they will just close it when the time comes. The best choice, in most cases, is to ultimately sell the venture. Whether selling to the public through an IPO or to another entrepreneur once the business is flush, selling is the best opportunity for significant financial gain at the end of the line.

Planning to sell a business requires that certain aspects of the venture be run in such a way as to pave the path to a profitable sale.

Accounting Controls

The business valuation will be based on the numbers on the books...if the books are a mess or inaccurate, the actual value of the business will be difficult to assess. Good accounting SOPs should be developed and followed from day one of the business. Financial statements should be produced and analyzed on a regular basis -- they can help identify errors in the accounting system or financial problems in the business. And DON'T SKIM...this may seem obvious, but using the business cash to line the owner's pocket is an extremely common mistake that will devalue the company AND cause all sorts of other problems. All distributions to the owners must be clearly and correctly documented.

Create Systems

Every critical procedure should be documented and every staff member should complete tasks in the same manner. Developing SOPs that are actually used does a couple of things -- it allows you to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and ensures that the business can continue to run smoothly, even in your absence. Manuals, SOPs, checklists, and the like should be the standard training tool for all employees, and everyone should be held accountable for meeting expectations. Of course, rules and procedures can be overdone...just use your common sense to separate critical tasks from the no-brainers.

Maintain Contacts

Use a reliable software program for collecting, maintaining, and using customer and vendor contacts. A strong, up-to-date customer database is an invaluable asset that will boost the sale value of your business, not to mention it provides an easy route to reach and keep your regular customers.

Pay Attention to Details

Know when your leases expire, contracts change, business license fees are due. File taxes on time and correctly. Comply with all federal, state, and local laws...even the ones that seem ridiculous. If you have a commercial space, keep up appearances. Update paint and displays to keep the space looking and feeling new and fresh. Don't let any minor detail slip through the cracks, those are often the ones that kill a sales deal.

Train Your Replacement

If you take the time to train solid managers who can run the business without you, that not only frees your time but adds value to the business overall. That way, the pool of interested potential buyers can include those who don't want to run the day-to-day.

Beginning with the end in mind can increase the end-value of your business, and likely increase your profits in the meantime!

Take Advantage of Sales Leaseback Opportunities When Buying or Selling Commercial Real Estate

Businesses that have capital tied up in real estate, with a strong need to get at it, have an intriguing option open to them. Selling the property, and leasing the facility back from the new owner. It can create a mound of on-hand cash, and by making the lease terms long enough, and due to tax deductibility, the lease can amortize nicely over the life of the lease, while letting the business retire a bunch of debt. Particularly in cases where the business has an uncapped adjustable rate mortgage, or loan on existing equipment that's about to spike in its monthly payments, this is a good option to save money over the long haul.

In terms of cash flow processing, a sale to leaseback provides around 80% to 100% financing to the business owner doing the sale, for the purchaser, the property and the long term lease mean that there's a solid revenue stream coming in. (Depending on the local commercial real estate market, the sale/leaseback situation can multiply equity by up to 3 to 5 times, if business has grown around the area of your physical facility.) Make sure that any lease that's built is structured as an operating lease, rather than a capital lease. This helps the utilization of the lease agreement to remove long term and short term debt tied to the real estate in question, and removes the asset from the balance sheet.

It's this last asset that helps a lot of businesses; by removing the major asset "off the books", the business can show a higher return on its total assets, and can use its accumulated equity to fund expansions in its core (and more profitable) business. Right now, the market strongly favors sales/leaseback agreements from a sales point of view, in particular with businesses that rely heavily on liquid credit, that are feeling a crunch. This is making sales/leaseback arrangements much more appealing to businesses with lots of warehouse space, trying to turn product over for cash. It's also appealing to retail stores - any business that has to constantly reinvest in inventory can use a sales/leaseback aggressively, and often on better terms than taking out a loan secured by inventory, or against future invoices.

When doing the accounting to set up a sale-to-leaseback option, the purchase price of the building, less the net of any accumulated depreciation needs to be tallied up; a property purchased for $3 million 10 years ago may have depreciated to a net book value of considerably less - even if the current market price is significantly higher. When considering a sale/leaseback, the key characteristics are the equity/debt ratio, and return-on-assets ratio. Make sure you understand both of them before making this decision, and make sure you understand current market conditions.

Options As An Investor

In the current market conditions (where there are lots of investors, coupled with highly liquid money) a sales/leaseback arrangement can be a viable alternative to offering stock, or raising debt to fund expansion, and it strongly favors the seller.

If you're looking to invest in a sales/leaseback arrangement, there are some traditional favored properties, or triple net deals, where there's a single tenant who pays the real estate taxes and maintenance. Good example of this type of property is major retail and restaurant chains. These major retail stores and restaurant properties offer a traditional steady revenue stream, and they're usually located in good traffic hubs. They're easy to understand for most investors.

Unfortunately, these properties are becoming harder to find, and a successful investor needs to hunt a little further, looking into campgrounds and industrial buildings. These properties have a bit more risk - it's hard to predict how their performance will run over the next 10-20 years. It's important to do proper due diligence on these arrangements, but this is a market that's fairly easy to turn a profit on, if you can afford the typical $1 to $3 million for the payment terms.

When structuring a sales/leaseback agreement as an investor, you need to assess both how the debt market is going to change, and what the income potential of your tenant is. Use the standard cap rate formulas to determine how quickly your lease payments will recover your initial investment - and, in a market where good commercial turns are possible, don't be afraid to re-sell if you can.

Sales leaseback opportunities can be very advantageous to the seller and the commercial real estate investor. Consider putting this strategy in your tool belt to raise money for your business now by selling with a lease back agreement, or make a steady income as an investor, while reaping future rewards as "equity happens".

How You Should Choose Accounting Software Financing - 5 Easy Tips

Company finances are an important part of any business, big or small. This is why special software is recommended to easily manage the ins and outs of the money used for a business. Using paper methods for keeping track is difficult and risky, so special programs are a better option. Choosing the software is the hard part, and it is important to choose the right one the first time.

3 Features You Should Look For In Accounting Software

• Indirect Costs and Indirect Rates for different sections of the company to be organized by.
• Labor Charging Controls that allow legal and financial data to be organized in a consistent manner.
• The ability to track multiple costs by objective.

These features are necessary and ultimately allow more organization for your company and many other legal benefits if something were to go wrong. Use these tips to choose a software program, and you will be in good hands.

5 Tips You Can Use For Getting the Best Accounting Software Financing

1. While many people avoid buying necessary software because of the high costs, most companies don't realize you can get special business financing. Applying for small business software financing is a fairly straightforward process. Always apply before you will need the software, so that you are covered immediately.

2. Choose a reputable financing company that can meet your needs within your budget.

3. Make sure you have a good solid reason for needing finance to help your business obtain necessary software.

4. Choose reasonable payment plans. Will you lease temporarily, or "rent to own"?

5. Always be sure to get a pricing guarantee. Some companies may match pricing if a competitor offers a lower rate.

Obtaining financial help for these things is becoming popular as more people want to start businesses but do not have the funds to buy everything out of pocket, or do not wish to get a big business loan. These small scale plans help everyone have a more secure company and more organized layout when it comes to the finances of each business. Whether you need $800 software or $2,000 software program, these plans are designed to help.