UBCNews - Business

With the news from the new US administration changing from day to day, many consumers saving for retirement are looking for ways to protect their investments.

For the insights and direction you need, read the latest article at MsGoldIRA. Learn more about the differences between physical gold and a gold IRA so you can weigh this information against your own long-term goals.

You might have caught the latest report about Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stating that the central bank is in no rush to cut interest rates, given the strength of the economy. With gold prices affected by recent changes in the US government administration and global events, you might be interested in exploring how gold might fit into your financial plans. MsGoldIRA explains the differences between owning physical gold and holding gold in a self-directed IRA, touching on the benefits of each.

A spokesperson for the platform explains:

"Gold has long been recognized as a valuable asset for wealth preservation, but not all gold investments are the same. Our article breaks down the key differences between physical gold ownership and gold IRAs, helping investors determine which option best aligns with their financial objectives."

Recent threats from the White House about placing tariffs on imports from countries like China, Canada, and Mexico may have you wondering about potential market volatility down the road. Additionally, a report at Business Insider states that recent cuts to the Social Security Administration's workforce by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), could result in payment delays and other problems, further contributing to retirees' concerns.

When you invest in a gold IRA, you hold physical gold and other precious metals within a tax-advantaged retirement account. Traditional gold IRAs offer tax-deferred growth, meaning taxes are only paid upon withdrawal, while Roth gold IRAs allow for tax-free withdrawals since your contributions are made with after-tax income.

Unlike physical gold, which requires secure storage and does not provide tax benefits, gold IRAs come with the added advantage of professional custodianship, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and reducing the administrative burden on investors.

MsGold IRA also explains the role of gold in portfolio diversification. Since gold retains its value during economic downturns, it can be a strategic asset for offsetting risk, particularly in an environment of uncertain interest rate policies and evolving government announcements. And while a gold IRA can be an effective long-term investment for those seeking tax advantages and managed storage, physical gold may be preferable if you're prioritizing immediate liquidity.

As gold continues to be a popular choice for retirement planning, MsGoldIRA’s latest guide offers clarity on factors you can weigh before making any decisions. By understanding the nuances of physical gold versus gold and precious metals IRAs, you can take a more strategic approach to potentially incorporating gold into your portfolio as a way of preparing for the retirement years.

Ready for the Coles Notes on a great way to hedge against risk in today's economic environment? You don't want to miss the latest news from MsGoldIRA.

Click on the link in the summary to find out more.

People looking for a web designer may be shocked to learn that MOST Web Design Agencies fall short in Google S.E.O performance tests. However, new Web Agency "Olympus Digital Marketing", based in Harrogate & York is already beating well established Award-Winning agencies. Their aim is to create the most Google friendly websites so that they will rank well for S.E.O (Search Engine Optimisation).

To learn more, visit : olympusdigitalmarketing.com

John Martin, Co-founder at Olympus Digital Marketing, says: "We were astounded to find that MOST web design agencies don't do very well in Google S.E.O performance benchmarks. Surprisingly, this even includes top award-winning agencies. People might think they're getting a premium website, but what they don't realise is that the Google search algorithm may not be too impressed. This in turn could result in lower search rankings".

Why Web Agencies Are Failing Their Clients:

Martin added, "Most Web Designers seem too focused on how the website looks to the human eye, and aren't keeping up with Google.. However, this oversight can have dire consequences for new websites trying to establish themselves in competitive markets. It’s crucial that a website not only looks beautiful but also resonates positively with Google’s internet crawlers. Failing to meet these standards could result in lower search rankings".

Even worse, if clients are also using a failing web agency for S.E.O as well, the agency may end up charging clients more in S.E.O fees. This is because it will now cost more to get the website to rank where it otherwise would have done, had they made it Google-friendly in the first place. It's a win-win for a failing agency, but a very bad deal for their clients.

Olympus Digital Marketing's Solution :

In response to this problem, Olympus Digital Marketing use cutting edge innovation to make sure their websites not only look beautiful, but also are as Google friendly as possible. Olympus Digital Marketing chose to make this move because clients looking for a web designer are often being short changed. They think that just because a web agency has a large catalogue of work, or has won many awards, they are a good choice. However, that might not necessarily be the case.

John Martin also said "We want to give our customers the satisfaction of knowing that their website is as Google friendly as possible. We want them to feel peace of mind when using our service so we invite them to test us out using a free Google tool and see what Google themselves think of us. Transparency is VERY important and people have a right to know exactly what they are going to get."

Although Olympus Digital Marketing may be a new company, their founders have been building their own personal websites for years. They know what makes for a good website, as well as how to make them as Google friendly as possible. In fact, Olympus achieves an almost 100% perfect score in Google S.E.O performance test, while many 'top' agencies struggle to attain even half of that.

To find out more about Google friendly websites and Olympus Digital Marketing, visit: olympusdigitalmarketing.com

Have we ever had a one-size-fits-all solution that actually did fit all situations well?

In my experience, it's never happened, and that's why I want to recommend that when it's time to get a new roof, you don't fall into that trap. Instead of getting a one-size-fits-none answer, I suggest working directly with an expert, like the folks at Apex Restoration & Roofing, to get a custom-planned solution, based on your actual needs. You can find them at the link I left in the description.

Here's the short version of everything you need to know, in a single sentence... ready?

Instead of a "one-size-fits-none" answer, Apex experts do a complete evaluation of your home, local climate, and energy needs to find the best solution for you.

That might be asphalt shingles, if you're looking to save money on installation, or sustainable metal roofing if you're looking at the long-term - but whatever the answer is, it will be based on what you want and need, not what they've got extra materials for in stock.

What makes the Apex strategy different is simple - they specialize in a wide range of improved materials, construction methods, and insulation strategies, so they can offer you whatever actually works best, not just what's easy for them.

If you're looking to upgrade your old roof, they can do that - but you'll get the best energy savings, and the lowest long-term cost, when you replace your roof entirely. That will allow them to upgrade more than just the surface, because half the key elements are underneath the shingles or metal sheeting.

Research shows that using a thermally efficient roof can help to reduce how much heat is lost by your house in the winter, and how much heat is gained in the summer, which helps to save on your home heating and cooling year-round. Using long-lasting and effective insulation can make your house more resilient to temperature changes, while reducing its energy bills and its carbon footprint.... but that's a lot easier to do when you're replacing the roof.

As one of their experts explained, “How does an energy-efficient roof impact my energy bills? The right roof can reduce your energy bills significantly, particularly during summer. An energy-efficient roof will reflect rather than absorb the sun’s heat, leading to reduced cooling requirements for your home.”

Why not get all the facts, first? You can find details in the full report about the optimal materials for collecting or reflecting heat, the importance of proper ventilation, and strategies for making a new roof last up to, or beyond, its maximum rated lifespan. You can also contact an Apex Restoration & Roofing specialist to request an evaluation of your current roofing system, how it can be improved, and how much longer it will likely last.

These professional roof assessments can, and should, be used to catch the earliest signs of damage to an existing roof. They're also great for planning a new energy-efficient roofing system, or they can be used after major storms or weather events, to check for damaged shingles, leaks, or drainage issues.

Experts recommend that most residential roofs should be inspected at least once or twice a year, so any damage can be repaired promptly before it gets worse.

That's the key to a long-lasting roof, that costs a lot less overall.

Regular inspections and timely repairs will save the day, even if they're not as glamorous as a new roof. The only thing that will be flooding after you get roof repairs, is your wallet.

For all the details on energy-efficient roofing, how it helps to save you money, and how to get a custom solution, check out that link I left in the description.

When you're adjusting to your new OTC hearing aids, the last thing you need is a complicated volume control design that has you fumbling to try to correct the levels. Some devices have volume control wheels, some have push buttons, some are app-controlled, and some are automatic.

A new guide from Nano Hearing Aids introduces the different types of volume control designs, explaining how to maneuver them and offering troubleshooting notes as well.

Within those categories are designs like rocker switches, push buttons, volume wheels, app-enabled controls and automatic adjustments that adapt sound levels to the surrounding environment.

Lots of choices!

Nano's First Ear Pro Behind-the-Ear (BTE) model is an example device offering automatic sound adjustments. With noise reduction technology and feedback management, this model also features a multifunction rocker that toggles between four different program settings for smooth and simple transitions. Nano explains that while manual volume adjustments require some trial and error, automatic settings give you seamless functionality for that extra bit of convenience.

Here's what a spokesperson for Nano Hearing Aids wants you to know:

“At Nano Hearing Aids, we’re committed to delivering a seamless and customizable hearing experience. Our First Ear Pro BTE devices exemplify this with their easy-to-use controls and powerful noise reduction technology. Our new guide simplifies volume control requirements, helping you fine-tune clarity without the risk of sudden, unexpected sound spikes.”

If you're someone who doesn't want to fiddle with manual adjustments, but you do want to exercise control over your volume levels, you'll probably prefer hearing aids with app-enabled functionality.

App-based controls are super convenient and often the top choice for more tech savvy individuals. The thing is, you need to set them up. Nano makes this simple by providing step-by-step instructions on how to download, connect, and activate your app. From there, you can control the volume on your devices by manipulating the slider icon on your app. There's also a geotagging function on app-enabled hearing aids that lets you save specific settings in different locations so the levels you prefer will adjust accordingly in the future.

Nano's latest addition to its product line is the Bluetooth-enabled, app-controlled Audacity RIC hearing aids. These offer the ultimate in convenience, allowing you to take calls and stream music directly from your devices.

Testing volume levels, fine-tuning volumes for specific situations like conversations or noisy environments, and the benefits of Nano’s charging cases for added convenience are all covered in this handy new guide.

Nano’s OTC hearing aids are designed for adults over 18 with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss seeking an affordable solution they can purchase without a prescription. Why spend thousands of dollars on prescription hearing aids when you can buy them directly from Nano at prices that start at just $297.00?

Nano's product line offers a range of different OTC hearing aid models, including CICs, BTE, ITE, and Bluetooth-enabled RIC devices. Backed by 24/7 lifetime support and a 45-day money-back guarantee, you can have peace of mind when you're shopping for your OTC hearing aids at Nano Hearing Aids. This is where you'll also find a full library of How-To blog posts and other information about this category of hearing aids.

At Nano, 'Hearing' is their middle name. Choose the trusted industry leader for the technology, convenience, and customer service you deserve, and never miss another moment when spending time with friends and family.

Click on the link in the summary to find out more!

At TTEC, you will be able to enjoy the best in American employee-centered work culture while working in the thriving heart of India, the future of customer experience technology and services.

TTEC wants you to join their expanding business hub in India. As one of the world’s largest international customer experience (CX) businesses, TTEC can offer you the opportunity to grow significantly across the American-Indian market.

The customer experience technology and services company is now recruiting specifically for a raft of customer service representatives and team leads across the health, technology, travel and financial sectors, among others.

If you’re a more experienced customer service specialist, they are also seeking talented American managers, analysts and consultants with experience in both customer service and service delivery, learning and development, database management or training.

Although TTEC is dedicated to customer experience, they believe that their clients’ experiences start with their employees. This is why they are driven to be a leader in employer value propositions (EVPs) and, in addition to offering you the opportunity to enrich and grow your career, they can also offer you more holistic growth opportunities.

TTEC has a vast in-house training system and connections to esteemed course providers worldwide and they take pride in helping their employees to develop and extend their professional and personal skills.

Because they put their employees first, they are also focused on employee well-being and you will benefit from their sponsored health and wellness activities, their flexible work conditions, including hybrid work provisions, and their emphasis on team culture.

These initiatives have led TTEC to be certified as a Great Place to Work® and as the winner of HR Asia’s Best Company to Work for.

As an international, US-based company, TTEC can also offer you a competitive salary and a full salary package with generous additional benefits.

TTEC currently has multiple offices in India, including in Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. If you are currently living and working in the country, they encourage you to ask about relocation options and benefits.

One happy current employee said, “I really appreciate the culture of collaboration and support at TTEC. It both challenges me to evolve and shows me the progress I am making on an ongoing basis. It is great to be in evolution constantly, but best of all to be recognized for it.”

She added, “Another reason I like working for TTEC is the fun we have. Because TTEC has a very different company environment, it makes our day-to-day work much more pleasant and satisfying.”

Discover the TTEC difference for yourself at the website in the description.

So, you've chosen a career in customer experience (CX) and you're eager to work with a company that offers professional growth and personal reward. If you're fluent in English, TTEC may be your golden opportunity. Join a globally recognized company providing world-class customer support for some of today's most iconic brands, and be part of a team that values what you bring to the table.

It can be hard when you're just starting out in your career and your ambition is eclipsed by concerns about the steep learning curve that awaits. But at TTEC, every member of the company is treated like a leader. This is where your ideas are valued, and your successes celebrated. And with growing operations in Krakow and Warsaw, the company is seeking candidates just like you! English-speaking, entry-level professionals eager to build your career and committed to providing the best in customer support with a values-driven company.

With a robust economy, vibrant cultural scene, and affordable cost of living, Poland is a great place to gain the experience you need while enjoying a high quality of life.

Develop your skills, build valuable industry expertise, and grow within a company that prioritizes the employee experience when you join TTEC. The company's workplace environment is perfect for individuals eager to learn, collaborate, and make an impact in the customer experience sector.

A spokesperson for the company explains:

"At TTEC, we built a culture around happy employees, and then a brand on top of that. For us, it's all about the feeling you get when someone goes that extra mile to brighten your day. We focus on what matters most to our employees, things like career growth, personal development, and overall well-being. All that and more is what you can look forward to when you join TTEC."

A variety of positions are currently available at TTEC, Poland, including Business Development Representative, Digital Sales Representative, and Travel Customer Service Representative supporting Booking.com. Numerous other positions are available if you're fluent in other languages, like Italian, Dutch, German, or Russian. A partial language course reimbursement program is offered at TTEC to help you enhance these skills if you'd like, because TTEC is known for offering services in over 50 languages in 6 continents.

If you're excited about growing your career in Poland, at TTEC, you can look forward to team leader mentorship, regular performance check-ins, and ongoing support. This is where you'll feel at home, instantly.

TTEC offers competitive salaries, performance-based commissions, bonus incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical care, a Multisport card, relocation assistance, and more!

With over 10,000 complimentary courses, certifications, and AI-enabled modules, you can work toward developing your skills and advancing within the company.

Here's how Kim, a senior specialist in talent acquisition marketing at TTEC describes the company's work culture as a defining factor in employee satisfaction: “Working for a company is not always about the money, but it is about the culture, the people you work with, and opportunities to grow professionally. These are the little things that make every day amazing when you work at TTEC.”

Ricardo, another TTEC employee, echoes this sentiment, saying, “I'm so happy and proud to be part of a company that values building employees from within.”

Build on your career in CX with a venerated global company. Check out all the jobs currently available at TTEC, Poland, and get your resume in today!

Click on the link in the summary to find out more!

If you’re looking to shed some pounds and break a sweat without leaving home, SOLE Fitness has released a must-read guide that’s packed with expert tips on using your treadmill’s incline levels to maximize fat burn and boost your cardio workouts. Whether you’re just starting or looking to push your limits, this guide will help you make every step count.

SOLE Fitness knows that if you’re shopping for a treadmill for your home, you probably have specific fitness goals, and that you are likely looking for a machine that can help you tone and sculpt your body.

That’s why they are pleased to share the expertise of their team of fitness professionals and show you how you can get the most out of your home gym equipment.

In their newest guide, SOLE’s team shares the basics of incline science, explaining how you can utilize different incline grades to effectively increase the calorie burning power of your workouts.

As their new guide explained, as compared to walking on a flat surface, walking at a 5-degree angle will increase your body’s metabolic burn by 52%, and walking at a 10-degree angle will increase it by 113%.

To best take advantage of these figures, SOLE’s new guide offers you structured workout plans that vary the incline and pace and integrate high intensity interval training (HIIT) principles; like that made popular in the now social media famous 12-30-30 workout.

They also explain why the build of the treadmill you choose is so important to facilitate the best home workouts, showcasing why each one of their models offers a minimum of 15 levels of incline for varied, cardio-intensive workouts.

If you need a little more support and direction, SOLE Fitness has also announced that all new treadmill purchases now come with FREE lifetime access to their popular fitness training app SOLE+.

This innovative app, which comes pre-loaded onto all of their treadmills that have LCD touchscreens—and is available on mobile devices to partner with those more entry-level models that have basic backlit screens—will give you access to hundreds of workouts that are optimized for SOLE’s machines.

SOLE Fitness is one of America’s largest and most trusted makers of home gym treadmills. They currently have seven different models available to you, which each boast unique and advanced features designed to help you achieve your body sculpting and toning goals, regardless of your starting weight or fitness level.

“Starting at $1099.99, SOLE treadmills excel in ergonomic design, durability, and value,” said their spokesperson. “Equipped with advanced cushioning to minimize joint impact, powerful but quiet motors, adjustable incline settings, and wide running surfaces, they suit any fitness level. Our intuitive consoles track progress, and the extensive warranties highlight their quality.”

Start leveling up your treadmill workouts today at the website in the description.

Insulation should be a part of any residential or commercial building upgrade project, but with so many options out there, it can be dizzying to find the right type of material for your project while making sure you’re working with someone who’ll get the job done right. If you need a bit of guidance on what to look for and how to choose your contractor, USA Spray Me can offer it in their guide on insulation and the best people to work with.

Insulation is essential in California, where the state’s Mediterranean-like climate can result in stark temperature fluctuations between day and night. A properly insulated building will regulate indoor temperatures and require less energy to heat and cool, minimizing environmental impact and reducing utility costs for the property owner.

USA Spray Me’s guide says that insulation is a particularly important consideration for facilities such as wineries and research labs, where maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and humidity levels is crucial for ensuring products and equipment don’t spoil. Even if you don’t own any of those types of facilities, you should still think about upgrading your insulation if you’ve noticed you’re not feeling as comfortable inside as you should be.

When choosing an insulating material for upgrade projects, USA Spray Me advises you to consider the material’s R-value, which indicates its resistance to heat flow; how effective the material is at sealing gaps and preventing leaks; and whether it can prevent moisture buildup and deter fungal growth indoors.

Spray foam insulation is among the top-performing materials, as it boasts a high R-value and, when applied, will expand to create a continuous barrier that reduces air and water infiltration. Bear in mind that this may not be the best choice if you’re on a budget, as it can be expensive.

Fiberglass and blown-in insulation are also notable options that offer reasonable thermal performance at lower prices; however, they are not as durable or long-lasting as spray foam and may require more frequent maintenance and replacement. You may end up paying more in the long run than you would have for something like spray foam insulation. But if you’re working with a smaller area or don’t really need to satisfy any intensive indoor temperature or humidity requirements, fiberglass and blown-in insulation are solid choices.

Proper installation is also a factor in how well an insulating material performs, which is why USA Spray Me’s guide highlights the importance of hiring a reputable contractor with experience in commercial insulation.

That’s why, before any work begins, you should request licensing information and proof of insurance to ensure liabilities and worker’s compensation are covered. You can also verify the company’s reliability through references and client testimonials.

Wondering who some of the best contenders are? Notable top-rated contractors in California include USA Spray Me itself, along with companies such as Synergy Power Solutions and EcoHome Insulation. In particular, USA Spray Me prides itself on its affordability, offering high-quality spray foam insulation services at competitive prices. They also have regular specials, like $250 discounts on orders exceeding $2500! So if you want the opportunity to get the best possible insulation at the best possible price, now’s your chance!

Visit the link in the description to get started!

The whole idea of insulation is that it’s supposed to stop air getting in - or out. That’s even more important in the San Francisco Bay Area, where water vapor is a way of life. USA Spray Me knows the material you need for your home or business, and it’s called closed-cell spray foam. No more moisture, no more mold… trust this team to upgrade your home!

You have access to an insulation material that’s invaluable given your local area’s humidity levels. Closed-cell insulation is available for installation - and it’s suitable for warehouses and wine cellars alike.

What makes closed-cell so good? Consider this: closed-cell insulation essentially offers double the protection of open-cell alternatives. It all comes down to its ability to safeguard against air leakage and water vapor infiltration alike - protecting your interior from mold growth in turn.

San Francisco is one of the nation’s most humid cities, as neighboring communities know all too well. As moisture sweeps in with coastal winds from the Pacific Ocean, it creates a high risk of mold and mildew contamination inside your residence or commercial building - unless, of course, it's outfitted with suitable insulation.

That’s why USA Spray Me recommends closed-cell insulation for all those who wish to waterproof their property. Is that you? If so, this material can benefit you on multiple fronts. Alongside the aforementioned moisture prevention advantages, closed-cell insulation can maintain a constant interior temperature by stopping air from entering or escaping.

The result? A setting in which you won’t need to run air conditioning or central heating systems to nearly the same extent. And, you’ll see this reflected in your monthly energy bills - so if you’re looking for long-term savings, here’s the answer.

What’s more, closed-cell spray foam can provide substantial structural support owing to its dense composition. When installed to fill gaps and crevices in your walls, ceilings, and roof, the material is capable of providing a racking strength boost of up to 300% - so says the National Association of Home Builders.

USA Spray Me, Spraying Near You. This team’s insulation installation region spans areas within a 100-mile radius of San Francisco, including Manteca, Santa Rosa, Palo Alto, Mill Valley, and Sacramento.

USA Spray Me brings specialized services to your community, bolstered by advanced application technology and full safety gear.

“The spray foam insulation made our home much more energy-efficient,” said one recent customer. “USA Spray Me’s process was quick and tidy.”

Visit the link in the description to learn more!

The words ‘convenience’ and ‘quality’ don’t always go hand in hand, but in the case of Warrior Auto Glass, they’re the reason for over 400 5-star Google reviews. If you’re an EV owner, the local team offers an extensive selection of OEM replacement windshields, including models from Tesla, Ford, Honda, and GM.

While Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 remained the two top-selling EVs last year, other brands made significant strides, according to recent reporting from industry website Electrek. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lighting both had increasing sales figures, while Hyundai, Honda, Chevrolet, and Cadillac were also among the top ten.

Of course, EVs can suffer from cracked or broken glass just like any other vehicle, and Warrior Auto Glass aims to make the glass repair process as convenient as possible. OEM windshields have been tested and certified to work with your vehicle's advanced safety systems, which is why Warrior has established an extensive supplier network.

You can opt to have repairs completed at Warrior’s Holliston facility, or mobile technicians can travel to your home or workplace at a time that fits in with your busy schedule. In-house support staff are even on hand to assist with your insurance claim, streamlining what can be another time-consuming process.

“Let the expert technicians at Warrior Auto Glass get you back on the road faster so you can worry about the more important things in life,” a company representative explained.

A locally owned and operated business, Warrior Auto Glass aims to set itself apart by providing the highest-quality materials and workmanship, along with exceptional customer service. The team is trained to the latest industry standards and also uses some of the most advanced equipment, including ADAS calibration systems.

One local vehicle owner recently stated: “I had such a great experience with Warrior Auto Glass. From getting help with my insurance to setting up an appointment, everything was super fast and super easy. Derek did an amazing job, and I really appreciated how friendly everyone was.”

Check out the description to learn more!