Category Archives: #BrownleeGlobal

Trading vs. Investing

Posted on by

Trading and investing are two approaches to participating in the stock market. Each approach brings its own opportunities and risks

  • Investing involves buying an asset you expect will rise in value over the long term, with the goal of long-term gains.
  • Trading, on the other hand, is about timing market short term moves and buying and selling stocks within a short period for quick returns.

With trading, you’re hoping to earn quick returns based on short-term fluctuations in the market and stock price. Long-term investors, in contrast, tend to build diversified portfolios of assets and stay in them for the long term through the ups and downs (volatility) of the market.

Investing basics

Investing is geared towards managing and growing wealth in the market over a longer period of time like years or even decades. This means buying securities with a long-term outlook in mind and holding them through both market ups and downs until you reach your financial goal or are near the end of your investment time horizon.

Investing involves putting money into a financial asset (stocks, bonds, mutual or exchange-traded fund, etc). that you expect will rise in value over time. Investors generally have a long time horizon and predominantly look to build wealth through gradual appreciation and compound interest.

Diversification (owning a mix of investments) is important for investors as it can reduce their risk — mainly by mitigating the effects of volatility.

Trading basics

Trading is all about making frequent, short-term transactions with the goal of “beating the market,” or generating greater returns than you’d expect to receive by buying and holding over a longer time frame.

Trading involves buying and selling stocks or other securities in a short period of time with the goal of making quick profits. While investors typically measure their time horizon in years, traders think in terms of weeks, days, or even minutes.  

Two of the most common forms of trading are day trading and swing trading. Day traders buy and sell a security within the same trading day; positions are never held overnight. Swing traders, on the other hand, buy assets that they expect will rise in value over a matter of days or weeks.

Trading can be a risky endeavor for the uneducated and unskilled trader. If a trade goes against you, you can lose a lot of money in a short period of time. If you have a low risk tolerance and want to avoid volatility, investing will be the way to go. But if you’re more of a risk-taker and would like the chance to earn bigger returns, trading could be appealing.

https://twitter.com/jrdorkin/status/1332382094048202753?s=21

Takeaway

Although the terms — trading and investing — are often used interchangeably: trading focuses on short-term buying and selling, while investing involves buying and holding securities for an extended period of time.

If you’re comfortable with the risks, trading a portion of your money can be rewarding and could lead to higher returns. If reducing risk and volatility are your main goals, then you’ll want to stick with long-term investing to build wealth.

References:

  1. https://www.ally.com/do-it-right/amp/investing/trading-vs-investing/?__twitter_impression=true
  2. https://www.businessinsider.com/trading-vs-investing

Cyber Security for Small Business – Social Engineering

Posted on by

Social engineering is a cyber criminals favorite way to manipulate and attack small businesses

Small businesses remain extremely exposed to cyberattacks. And, cybersecurity remains one of the primary operational risks for most small businesses . Similarly, many small businesses demonstrate problematic cybersecurity practices in their daily operations.

Almost 60 percent of business executives report an increase receipt of suspicious email over the past year, proving an increasing cyber concern for small businesses. Adapting new technology system without proper knowledge or preparation is another problem of small businesses that may lead to preventable problems like small business owners that may refrain from two-step factor authorization during password setups on a site.

To avoid becoming a victim,  it is important for small businesses to implement proper security measures. From consequences that unpreparedness can bear to reasons behind small businesses as targets, prioritizing cyber-security is extremely critical as hackers get much smarter and more determined.

Cyber security weakest link

People are the weakest link when it comes to cyber security, which is why psychological manipulation of cyber attack victims is so common. Phishing scams, for instance, is an effective form of social engineering in email format that can be sneakily disguised as arriving from legitimate sources. This can fool employees into clicking a virus-filled link.

Social engineering is the psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. This is used to gather information, initiate cyber fraud, or gain unauthorized IT system access.

Preventing an attack

For small businesses, there are plenty of ways on preventing cyber-attacks – from enforcing simple measures or hiring specialized teams to stay alert on the issue. Along with employing IT teams/specialists, training workers on the current dangers of cyber-security is a necessity as it can avert various issues (such as phishing scams as mentioned earlier). Installing security software and investing in proper cyber-security insurance is also vital in securing businesses from these attacks.

With the extent of small business being large targets for attackers, acquiring proper cyber-security is becoming increasingly important and a necessity, particularly in 2020. As small businesses adopt remote work methods, risks and dangers arise, proving that implementing proper precautions like an IT team or training results to be beneficial.

There are many effective practices that small businesses can implement to address selected cybersecurity risks while recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cybersecurity. It is recommended that small businesses consider implementing the following effective practices:

  • Developing identity and access management protocols for staff, including managing the granting, maintenance and termination of access to business and customer data;
  • Limiting access only to their own customers’ data and related reports;
  • Setting minimum password requirements and multi-factor authentication for access to systems and applications employees, vendors, contractors and other insiders;
  • Prohibiting the sharing of passwords among firm staff;
  • Prohibiting the storage of sensitive customer or data in unapproved or prohibited locations (e.g., a file server, cloud provider or thumb drive and without encryption or transmitted without encryption);
  • Establishing minimum encryption standards for all hardware used to access firm systems, including laptops, desktops, servers, mobile devices and removable media devices;
  • Requiring adherence to minimum encryption standards for data-in-transit, such as emails and file transfers that include customer sensitive information;
  • Ensuring only secure, encrypted wireless settings for office and home networks;
  • Maintaining regular patching, anti-virus protection, anti-malware and operating system updates for all computers and servers that access data in a manner that is consistent with industry standards;
  • Developing physical security protocols for all portable devices used to access data and systems, including laptops and mobile devices;
  • Mandating all vendors meet business’ security requirements, especially if the data or other sensitive information will be accessed or maintained by the vendor; and
  • Creating processes and selecting approved vendors for the secure disposal of hard copy records and firm computer hardware (e.g., hardware listed in the firm’s inventory) that may contain sensitive information.

References:

  1. https://cyber-security.mytechmag.com/cyber-security-for-small-businesses-is-important-now-1379.html
  2. https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/636083/10-alarming-cybersecurity-facts/#:~:text=%2010%20alarming%20cybersecurity%20facts%20%201%20There,are%20more%20than%203%20billion%20active…%20More%20

Plans for First COVID Vaccines | Reuter’s

Posted on by

Nationwide coronavirus deaths hit the highest number for a single day in six months.

Vaccination of Americans against the coronavirus will begin as early as mid-December. And, some 60 million to 70 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine could be available per month beginning in January, after the regulatory approval of products from Pfizer Inc (PFE) and Moderna Inc (MRNA), said Moncef Slaoui, a former GlaxoSmithKline executive who is overseeing the vaccine portion of the U.S. program.

A Food and Drug Administration panel of outside advisers will meet next week on December 10, 2020, to discuss whether to recommend emergency use authorization of the Pfizer vaccine, developed with BioNTech. Moderna’s (MRNA) vaccine candidate is expected to be reviewed a week later.

“Some 20 million people could be inoculated against COVID-19 by the end of 2020 and most Americans will have access to highly effective (near 95% efficacy) vaccines by mid-2021”, said the chief adviser of the President’s Operation Warp Speed program .

“Within 24 hours, maybe at most 36 to 48 hours, from the approval, the vaccine can be in people’s arms,” Slaoui said.

An estimated 21 million healthcare workers and 3 million residents of long-term care facilities are expected to be first in line to receive the vaccine, according to a recommendation voted on by a CDC panel of advisers

References:

  1. https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN28B5DH?__twitter_impression=true
  2. https://www.msn.com/en-au/lifestyle/wellbeing/us-plans-for-first-covid-vaccines-as-pandemic-deaths-surge-again/ar-BB1bwJf5

Benefits of Regular Exercise for the Brain

Posted on by

There are many long-term benefits of regular exercise for your brain.

Studies have shown how essential and significant exercise or physical activities can be for keeping your brain fit and healthy. And, you can actually build a stronger brain through exercise.

Regular exercise improves mood

Regular exercise has a significant positive influence on mental well-being and can boost the mental health. Thus, if you need an emotional lift or a need to relieve the stress of a trying day? Exercise or moderate physical activity, like a brisk walk, is the solution.

Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious.

Endorphins

The body’s feel-good chemical, known as endorphins, are released during exercise. Endorphins help focus your mind, reduce the impact of pain on your body, and improve your mood. In fact, some reports indicate the endorphins released during exercise have much of the same effect as traditional anxiety medication, and the results can last for hours afterward. There is ample evidence pointing towards endorphins’ positive effects.

Take your brain to the gym to maximize mental and whole-body health

Evidence does suggest that resistance training and aerobic exercise — walking, running, biking, swimming — will help your brain. In one study, older adults with mild cognitive impairment who lifted weights two to three times a week improved muscle tone and cognitive function, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  • Moreover, walking and other moderate aerobic exercise has been shown to help stabilize your mood and help with depressive symptoms. Studies have also found that regular exercise helps people better control their stress and regulate their emotions.
  • Physical activity contributes to learning. In one study, when teachers added exercise routines to math lessons — called motor-enriched learning — math scores improved faster for the exercisers than for the kids who didn’t exercise during the lesson. Other studies have found that exercise helps improve reading comprehension, too.

    • A few of the brain enhancing findings to motivate you to get started today.

    1. Feel better.
    2. Enhance learning. While scientists don’t fully understand how
    3. Sharpen memory.
    4. Improve vision.

    Your brain is amazing. Billions of nerve cells work together in harmony to coordinate every second of your life: your movements, behavior, thoughts, memories and emotions. So take your brain to the gym to maximize whole-body health.

    References:

    1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/want-a-strong-brain-exercise/art-20390074
    2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

    Cyber Security Checklist

    Posted on by

    Working Together to Prevent Fraud and Protect Your Financial Data

    Threats to your cyber security are constantly growing.  Most organizations have systems in place to protect you, but you can take steps on your own to fight hackers.

    Even with tremendous investments in cyber security, the most prevalent way for hackers and fraudsters to gain access is to exploit human behavior through social engineering or simply uncovering information that hasn’t been well protected by a consumer.

    It’s hard to keep up with all your accounts and your distributed digital footprint. Following a simple cyber security checklist can help you avoid becoming an easy target for hackers and fraudsters.

    1. Use strong passwords and protect them

    • Create long passwords that contain symbols, numbers, and uppercase and lowercase letters
    • Don’t store your passwords anywhere
    • Don’t reuse or recycle your passwords
    • Don’t share your passwords with anyone
    • Change your passwords using a randomly generated schedule
    • Ensure that your passwords bear no resemblance to former passwords 

    2. Opt in to multifactor authentication where available. Multifactor authentication requires additional verifying information to grant access to an account. This gives your accounts an added layer of security. Multifactor authentication can include:

    • SMS or email notifications 
    • Biometric identification 
    • Tokens

    3. Avoid links from unknown sources in text, email, instant message, social media and websites

    • Be suspicious of any message that asks you to provide personal information. Banks never uses emails or text messages to solicit your personal information.
    • Hover your mouse over hyperlinks to inspect their true destination
    • Make sure you’re on the right site before entering personal information—such as your name, address, birth date, Social Security number, phone number or credit card number
    • Report suspicious email that claims to be from financial institutions to the financial institution
    • Learn as much as you can about phishing

    4. Limit what you share on social media and who can view your profile

    You should protect the following information in particular:

    • Your birthdate 
    • Your street address
    • Geotagged photos 
    • The time you’re away on vacation

    5. Secure your devices

    • Always keep your device’s software updated (use the latest operating system and browser versions available)
    • Download apps from trusted app stores 
    • Turn off Wi-Fi/file sharing/AirDrop options when not in use 
    • Avoid working with personal or sensitive data when you’re using unsecured, public Wi-Fi

    6. Secure your important documents

    • Protect your Social Security cards, passports and birth certificates by storing them in a secure place such as a safe deposit box, and only carry them when you need them for a specific purpose. 
    • This information can be used by an identity thief to commit fraud like taking over your financial accounts, opening new loans and credit cards, and establishing utility services in your name.

    7. Shred documents containing personal/financial information

    • When you’re done reviewing your paper documents like your receipts, financial statements, or credit card bills, put them in the shredder instead of the trash.

    8. Order your credit report annually from each credit bureau

    • Best practice: Order a free copy once a year from AnnualCreditReport.com and from a different bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) every four months so that you’re always covered.

    9. Keep your contact information up to date.

    • Update your email, mobile phone and mailing address.

    10. Opt in to security alerts, and promptly respond to the notifications you receive

    • If you haven’t done so already, set up alerts to keep tabs on your account.

     

    References:

    1. https://www.bbt.com/education-center/articles/cyber-security-checklist.html
    2. https://www.finra.org/compliance-tools/cybersecurity-checklist

    The Gift of Exercise and Health

    Posted on by

    Make exercise a lifelong habit

    Exercise and physical activity are great ways to feel better, boost your health and improve your life. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are significant and hard to ignore. And, everyone would benefit from exercise, regardless of age, gender or physical ability.

    Research demonstrates that lifestyle changes, like making exercise a lifelong habit, will have a strong influence on your heath. Thus, you must make healthy habits such as exercising or being physically active daily a lifelong goal and a lifestyle. 

    Physical Activity is important

    Exercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone. No matter your health and physical abilities, you can gain a lot by staying active. In fact, studies show that “taking it easy” is risky. Often, inactivity is more to blame than age when older people lose the ability to do things on their own.

    Lack of exercise or physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses. Research has shown also that it’s important to get all four types of exercise: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.

    Physical activity predicts better health. 

    People who rarely get off the couch are more than twice as likely to die prematurely as people who exercise moderately, whether they are normal weigh, overweight or obese.  In contrast, people who are obese and fit have only slight more risk than normal-weight, fit people, according to Dr. Sandra Aamodt, author of Why Diets Make Us Fat:  The Unintended Consequences of Our Obsession with Weight Loss (Penguin Random House, 2016).

    The research indicates that exercise habits are much more important than weight in determining the risk of early death.  Bottom line is that “exercise improves health even if no weight is lost.” 

    Low fitness is estimated to be responsible for 16 to 17 percent of deaths in the U.S.  While, obesity accounts for only 2 to 3 percent once the effects of fitness are factored out.

    Exercising 30 minutes a day is more effective than dieting 24 hours a day.  That’s the deal of a lifetime–a longer, healthier lifetime. Thus, one of life’s best gifts is exercise.

    Healthy habits for the heart. 

    Regular exercise protects your heart and provides many heart-healthy benefits

    Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.  according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your risk of many chronic diseases drops when you partake in regular exercise or physical activities. 

    The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week; just 30 minutes of activity, such as walking, on five out of the seven days. 

    Bottomline, exercise and physical activity across a lifetime can substantially reduce your risk of heart disease.

    Seven benefits of exercise

    There are seven ways exercise can lead to a happier, healthier you, according to the Mayo Clinic. The benefits of exercise are:

    1. Exercise controls weight
    2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
    3. Exercise improves mood
    4. Exercise boosts energy
    5. Exercise promotes better sleep
    6. Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life
    7. Exercise can be fun … and social!

    As you can see, exercise is good for the body or mind. According to the Mayo Clinic, walking or moderate physical activity can improve heart health, lower blood pressure, strengthen bones and muscles, help maintain a healthy weight, and improve mood.

    References:

    1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
    2. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/four-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical-ability#
    3. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/real-life-benefits-exercise-and-physical-activity

    Immune Response from COVID-19 Vaccine

    Posted on by

    Experiencing an immune response was better than getting Covid-19

    Many participants in Moderna and Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine trials experienced an “immune response” such as high fever, body aches, bad headaches, daylong exhaustion and other symptoms after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine shots.

    While the symptoms were uncomfortable for many, the participants said the symptoms went away after a day, sometimes sooner, and that “it was better than getting Covid-19”.

    “We really need to make patients aware that this [COVID-19 vaccine] is not going to be a walk in the park,” Dr. Sandra Fryhofer of the American Medical Association said. “They are going to know they had a vaccine. They are probably not going to feel wonderful. But they’ve got to come back for that second dose.”

    Both companies, Moderna and Pfizer, acknowledged that their vaccines could induce “immune response” — side effects — that are similar to symptoms associated with mild COVID-19, such as muscle pain, chills and headache.

    It’s normal to feel under the weather or even somewhat ill—fatigued, achey, or experience a fever—after getting a vaccine shot. This results from the robust immune response as the body’s creating antibodies, actual protection against the coronavirus. It will happen to a percentage of the people who get the vaccine shot.

    In other words, feeling like you’re in the early stages of getting the coronavirus is actually a sign that you’ll be protected from the actual virus. What you’re feeling is the body’s defense system gearing up.

    Most vaccine shots mimic a virus entering your body. Immune cells, though, fire off chemical alarms as soon as they notice any virus-like particle. They activate the innate immune system, a generalized response that tries to make the body unlivable for any potential pathogen. That inflammatory reaction can cause a bit of a fever or a tiny swollen lump near the injection site.

    The fatigue you might feel comes from gearing up a more specialized immune defense. Tiny, specialized cells called B-cells create antibodies, which are cellular fighter pilots specific to each virus. Making these antibodies requires expending a little extra energy at first, but the payoff is future protection: Once they’re present in your plasma, the antibodies can patrol for future viruses.

    Additionally, it takes about two weeks for your body to whip its antibodies into shape; you could pick up a coronavirus in the window between getting your jab and when protection kicks in. That’s why it’s important to make sure you only get a coronavirus vaccine shot, or any vaccine, when you’re feeling healthy.

    Not everyone will notice these symptoms after getting the vaccine shot. But if you do seem a bit off, the feeling shouldn’t stick around for more than a day or two, and shouldn’t require a visit to your healthcare provider.

    References:

    1. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/23/covid-vaccine-cdc-should-warn-people-the-side-effects-from-shots-wont-be-walk-in-the-park-.html
    2. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/feeling-sick-getting-flu-shot-150519027.html

    COVID-19: How to protect yourself

    Posted on by

    To slow the spread of COVID19, CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings when around people not living in their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

    Learn more: bit.ly/30QOzQF
     

    Face masks are the most important, powerful tool the country has to combat the COVID19 pandemic. “We have clear scientific evidence that face masks work”, said Dr. Redfield, Director of CDC. “So please wear one to protect yourself, your family, your community, and your nation.”

    COVID19 cases are rising nationwide. Case rates in the last 7 days were highest in the Midwest. This Thanksgiving, protect yourself and loved ones:

    • Avoid Travel.
    • Gather virtually or outdoors.
    • Wear a mask.
    • Stay 6 feet from others.
    • Wash hands.

     

    References:

    1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

    Stay Thanksgiving Safe

    Posted on by

    “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” — Marie Curie

    CDC and other federal, state and local public health officials strongly advise Americans to avoid Thanksgiving holiday travel and gatherings. They warn of increase risk of spreading COVID-19.

    “The tragedy that could happen is that one of your family members is coming to this family gathering and they could end up severely ill, hospitalized or dying. And we don’t want that to happen,” Dr. Henry Walke, the CDC’s COVID-19 incident manager said. “These times are tough, it’s been a long outbreak, almost 11 months, and we understand people are tired.”

    Yet, many Americans are ignoring the warnings against travel during the Thanksgiving period. While the number of Americans traveling by air over the past several days was down dramatically from the same time last year, many pressed ahead with their holiday plans amid skyrocketing hospitalizations and confirmed infections across the U.S. Essentially, many Americans have grown weary of more than eight months of social distancing and determined to spend time with loved ones.

    If you decide to travel or gather, there are a few Thanksgiving gathering safety tips you can take to manage risk to yourself and others. The CDC recommends:

    • Bringing your own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils
    • Avoiding passing by areas where food is being prepared, such as the kitchen
    • Using single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets
    • Using disposable items like food containers, plates and utensils.

     

    Attitude of Gratitude

    During the current COVID-19 pandemic, it’s tough to take a moment to express how thankful and to express gratitude you are for life’s many blessings. All too often, there are never enough minutes in the day for all of your family obligations. And this past year, you’ve had more than your fair share of stress and challenges created by the pandemic and lockdowns.

    “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

    References:

    1. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2020/11/19/holiday-travel-cdc-recommends-americans-dont-travel-thanksgiving/3779090001/