Claims Corporation Network (CCN) has signed a Europe-wide agreement with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to extend the wide range of services CCN offers the insurance sector by including the provision of a replacement car when a policyholder has an accident and needs mobility.
“CCN’s philosophy is to support clients in controlling and mitigating the total cost of claims with a platform that allows for fast, easy and simple claim handling and that delivers outstanding service. The cooperation is a perfect fit!” – Cees Werff, CEO of CCN
This agreement is the next step in CCN’s strategy to strengthen its European operational network by ensuring total market coverage and offering insurance companies a complete range of services that support policyholders through the claims process.
The range of CCN services already includes towing assistance, claims and repair management as well as repatriation and recovery (regress) of vehicles.
Partnering with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, part of the largest rental group in the world and also the leading provider of replacement vehicles, significantly reinforces the support that CCN can offer to insurance companies within its European Road Mobility service.
“Enterprise is a leading transportation solutions company with a strong heritage in providing replacement vehicles both in Europe and North America,” says Werff, “We are delighted to be partnering with Enterprise and we welcome this prominent global player to our network. Given Enterprise’s size, range of services and recognised commitment to customer service, we look forward to working together on a wide range of strategic projects that further support motor insurance companies and their customers across Europe.”
Enterprise Rent-A-Car was the first company to recognise the role that rental providers could play in ensuring mobility for motorists who have been involved in an accident and are waiting for their vehicle to be repaired.
Across key markets in North America and Europe, Enterprise has developed a business model that is specifically designed to meet the needs of replacement customers. With more than 9600 locations in over 85 countries, including many neighbourhood rental offices in local communities, Enterprise’s extensive branch network means vehicles are close to where customers need them when they have an accident.
Enterprise has also developed dedicated industry leading systems and software that manage data and streamline communication between the many organisations involved in handling a motor claim, from the insurance company to repairers, parts suppliers and salvage companies. This helps organisations to control cost and improve customer service.
Enterprise is recognised as being a leader in customer service, which is rigorously measured based on thousands of customer calls every month which are rated to arrive at a score for each branch. Branch managers can only be considered for promotion if their customer service score is higher than the company average.
“Providing replacement vehicles to motor policyholders is part of our history and of our heritage,” said Stuart Sandell, Director Replacement Division Europe at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. “It is core to our business in many countries across the world, and we have focused resources to develop knowledge, services as well as technologies to increase the value we bring to our partners. We are delighted to be working with CCN to support their vision of delivering more support to their customers. We look forward to helping to deliver better mobility at that critical point when a driver no longer has access to their own vehicle.”


General Duties of a Trustee
A Trustee is a fiduciary, bound to follow the terms of the trust and act only for the advantage of the Trust’s beneficiaries. The following is a summary of some of the California statutory duties of a Trustee:1. Duty to administer the Trust in accordance with the terms of the Trust and the law.
2. Duty to be loyal by administering the Trust solely in the interest of the beneficiaries.
3. Duty to deal impartially with the beneficiaries; the Trustee cannot favor one beneficiary at the expense of another.
4. Duty to avoid conflicts of interest.
5. Duty to take control of and preserve Trust property.
6. Duty to make Trust property productive.
7. Duty to keep Trust property separate and identified; the Trustee cannot commingle the Trust property with his or her own property.
8. Duty to enforce claims of the Trust.
9. Duty to defend actions of the Trust.
10. Duty not to delegate the performance of acts that the Trustee can reasonably personally perform. The Trustee has a duty to exercise general supervision over persons to whom matters have been properly delegated.
11. Where there is more than one Trustee, each co-Trustee has a duty to participate in the administration of the Trust and take reasonable steps to prevent a co-Trustee from committing a breach of trust.
12. Duty to apply the full extent of the Trustee’s skills.
13. Duty to report information and account to the beneficiaries.
14. Duty to exercise discretionary powers reasonably.


For the past 24 hours, all eyes in the energy sector have been transfixed on Vienna.
Once again, what I have come to call the “Viennese two-step” at OPEC headquarters will translate into crude oil prices moving in the near term.
It also means I get little sleep as the networking among sources is in high gear – not exactly what I need after 22 hours of flights back from Singapore, but the intrigue here beats out jet lag.
The first step on the dance floor is what appears publicly in the press statements coming from the cartel. The second, on the other hand, is the net impact on actual volume in the market.
This latter step often plays out below the surface.
As I write this early on Friday, the world is once again awaiting a move from OPEC in conjunction with primary outside member Russia to bolster global crude oil prices.
The market briefly panicked yesterday when the cartel supposedly finished its meeting without a statement. However, this time around, several of the seasoned TV talking heads had this one right.
OPEC needs the support of Russia to reach an acceptable cut in worldwide production. And the Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak didn’t even land in Vienna until last evening.
The Russians will contribute an effective cut of about 300,000 barrels a day to what is likely to be a cut in the range of 1 million barrels from OPEC (most of that, of course, coming from the Saudis).
That aggregate of 1.3 million barrels a day is at the high end of my prediction well known to Oil & Energy Investor readers. The ceiling there was a 1.4-0million-barrel cut.
However, an additional drain off from a Canadian decision to withhold an additional 300,000 barrels of heavy oil from the market means the overall cut will be much higher.
Whatever “public” announcement is made about the amount of the cut, the genuine “second step” will add 100,000 to 200,000 of cuts beyond that.
First, Venezuelan production will continue to contract, while Iraqi exports will cap, as increasing production levels there will not translate into appreciable rises in exports.
In other words, the recent oversupply problem we’ve had is looking to swing aggressively the other way.
In Vienna, Iran is largely a nonissue in all of this because it has an exemption from OPEC monthly production quotas.
Following this week’s announcement that Qatar is leaving the organization next month, Iran is now making sounds that it may pull a disappearing act of its own.
Now, Qatar adds only small amount to monthly cartel oil production, but it a major international provider of natural gas via liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Iran’s departure from OPEC, however, will result in a policy outlier for several major market players.
But Teheran is poised to redirect heavily in the LNG direction – with initial support from Chinese national companies – as U.S. sanctions have put advancing oil exports in doubt.
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America Joins the Dancers
All this is setting up an interesting Qatar-Iran-Russia development on the gas side with the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) emerging, as I noted in the last issue of Oil & Energy Investor.
Recall, as I have discussed here on several occasions, that the main problem in pushing global prices down was an eleventh-hour political stunt by the White House – providing last-minute exemptions to the eight largest importers of Iranian crude from the sanctions for 180 days.
For over a month, the market had been factoring in additional production aimed at offsetting the heavy declines expected in export availability from Iran.
When it became clear that the exports would still be allowed, the market was facing some heavy oversupply.
In the U.S., it will take several weeks to drain off the excess pumped up that has succeeded only in pushing down prices – and we’re seeing indications that that is now taking place with the declines in supply finally registering over the past several days.
As short artists attempted to squeeze out some last returns of what had been largely a final stage artificial downward push in oil prices, a more organized balance has set in.
Not without bumps in the road, of course.
But the impact of politics, at least for the moment, has been “trumped” by more valid market indicators.
The official OPEC-Russian communiqué is not yet out as I write this, but what my network is telling me seems to be settling in.
Crude oil prices are spiking up in both London (Brent) and New York (WTI) by more than 4%.
And if you’re looking for a way to make some money on oil as this happens, I urge you to take a look at this.
A massive $1.4 trillion oil discovery was found right here on American soil. And, if you play your cards right, you could be 12 times richer a year from now because of it…
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Have a question and looking for the right answer? Look no further
It is similar, though instead of spending 15 minutes scanning products barcodes after each grocery trip, it only takes 30 seconds to snap a photo of your receipt!
Nope, Receipt Hog is now avaliable for both iPhone, iPod Touch, & All Android Devices.
For every qualifying grocery receipt you submit, you'll earn coins which are redeemable for charitable donations and cash. Active participants become eligible for additional rewards including exclusive coupons and special offers from the brands you buy.
Yes! Please contact us here and we'll follow up with details on how you can leverage Receipt Hog for a group fundraiser to raise money for your school, club, or other charitable organization.
No! We are a market research company that works with the leading consumer goods brands. Your receipt data along with the answers to any survey questions you answer will be made anonymous and summarized in market research reports for brands that purchase this data.
Receipts from ANY grocer, supercenter, club store, dollar store, drugstore, convenience mart or pet supply store count - regardless of what products you buy! Receipts from restaurants, apparel, home improvement, and gas-only purchases do NOT earn coins.
Receipt submissions must contain the retailer name, all items purchased, their prices, the date, and the total amount paid. If any of this information is illegible to a person transcribing your receipt, you may not earn coins.
Your receipt data along with the answers to any survey questions will be made anonymous and summarized in market research reports for brands that purchase this data.
Receipt Hog will NOT share participant names or identifiable contact information with any third party unless you provide us your express consent to do so. By default, this information will only be used as necessary for communications with you, for the management of rewards and payouts, and to help prevent fraudulent use of our services.
Please note that Receipt Hog will NOT see your credit or bank card numbers. The receipts you submit do NOT contain this information - only the last 4-digits of the card number are printed on receipts.
If you purchase any specific items that you don't want to make visible to Receipt Hog, simply mark over them before photographing the receipt so that they cannot be read. You may also simply not submit a receipt at any time for any reason - you are always in control of what information you share with us. Please note, however, that individuals who consistently submit all of their receipts will receive greater rewards and have a greater influence on the brands that leverage this anonymous data.


Does Medicare cover stair lifts? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as we’d like. But we’re happy to provide as much clarity we can on the topic, so let’s jump right in.
For many individuals facing mobility challenges, navigating stairs can be a daunting task. Stair lifts, also known as stair elevators or stair gliders, offer a practical solution by providing a safe and convenient way to move between different levels of a home.
Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, typically covers certain durable medical equipment (DME) deemed medically necessary. This includes items such as wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds. However, when it comes to stair lifts, the situation is more nuanced.
In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of stair lifts because they are often considered to be for convenience rather than medical necessity. Since Medicare’s coverage is primarily focused on services and equipment that are directly related to medical needs and treatments, items like stair lifts may not meet the criteria for coverage.
However, it’s essential to note that there can be exceptions and variations in coverage depending on individual circumstances and specific Medicare Advantage plans. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for certain home modifications or assistive devices that enhance mobility, including stair lifts. It’s advisable to carefully review the details of your Medicare plan or consult with your insurance provider to explore any available coverage options.
OTHER FINANCING OPTIONS
For individuals seeking financial assistance with the cost of a stair lift, there are alternative avenues to explore. Some state Medicaid programs may offer coverage for home modifications and assistive devices, including stair lifts, for eligible individuals with demonstrated financial need.
Additionally, there are nonprofit organizations and foundations that provide grants or financial assistance to help individuals afford essential home modifications and mobility aids. Researching these resources and exploring potential funding options can help alleviate the financial burden associated with purchasing a stairlift.
In conclusion, while Medicare typically does not cover the cost of stair lifts, there may be alternative avenues for obtaining financial assistance. It’s essential to explore all available options and consult with healthcare professionals and insurance providers to determine the best course of action based on individual needs and circumstances.
Questions about Medicare or other stair lift financing options? Contact us today!


Will housing prices drop in Calgary?
Just a few days ago the Calgary Real Estate Board released its annual Forecast Report, where the board’s economists provide their analysis and insight into how they think the Calgary real estate market will respond to the economic conditions affecting our market for the rest of the year. The Forecast Report is an excellent resource that is relied upon by countless businesses and public institutions that touch the Calgary real estate industry, so in addition to our regular monthly sales update I will also delve into the report and provide my thoughts on their outlook.
In last month’s report we made the case that the overall pricing picture for Calgary real estate hasn’t changed that much, with pricing hovering around the low $570,000 mark since August of 2023.
Even though CREB does a great job with their analysis and reporting – and believe me, you will want to stay tuned for what we have to say about the Forecast Report – I do wish that CREB would report their pricing comparisons a little differently.
CREB compares the most recent month’s sales statistics with the statistics from exactly one year prior. So, January 2024 gets compared with the market conditions from January 2023. And when you do that, the story becomes “Prices have increased 10%!”
But that doesn’t really tell active buyers and sellers what they really need to know, which is that pricing has been FLAT for the last six months. That’s right, we’ve had no price growth for the last half-year in the Calgary real estate market.
The average price of all sales in Calgary in January was $572,300, basically the exact same price that’s been reported for the last six months. This is a far cry from double digit price growth, so sellers need to be mindful not to shoot for the moon when they put their houses on the market.
So, what does the Calgary Real Estate Board think?
CREB looks at many factors when making their sales and pricing forecasts for the year. They do a proper job of it, too, taking into consideration macro-economic factors such as provincial GDP growth, employment growth, international and interprovincial net migration, interest rates and a metric that will be under the spotlight a lot more in Calgary: housing starts. Considering all these factors, CREB is forecasting that the Calgary real estate market is going to hit the repeat button on last year’s performance, with a nearly identical set of numbers.
Prices are expected to increase by approximately 6.6% over 2023’s numbers and sales are expected to equal last year’s figures at just under 28,000 sales for the year.
If you’d like to discuss any of these variables further or you are considering a move here? We can help! Feel free to contact us directly at 403-809-2903 or email email@example.com


Southwestern makes difficult decisions amidst economic uncertainty
FORT WORTH, Texas (SWBTS) – With the growing uncertainty in the nation’s current economic situation, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary finds itself in the unenviable position of making difficult decisions in an effort to protect the institution from future financial crisis. Following the Board of Trustees’ recommendations, reductions in the current budget are being made, including the temporary suspension of many overseas travel programs and adjustments to campus facilities.
Southwestern achieves its operating budget from four sources of income: endowment income, tuition and fees, charitable gifts and Cooperative Program funds. The devaluation of the stock market has affected Southwestern’s endowment similar to many other institutions of higher education. However, Southwestern’s endowment losses have proven to be affected less than other schools. President Paige Patterson noted that Southwestern must plan wisely in an effort to avoid tuition increases for the future since indications are that the economic strain on individuals will impact charitable gifts and Cooperative Program funds.
“The seminary’s Board of Trustees has advised that with the stress on Cooperative Program giving as well as the losses sustained in endowment common to universities all over America, Southwestern must substantially reduce the current and future budgets,” said Patterson. “The seminary’s administration has been working now for some months to achieve these reductions.”
“The administration is doing the best it can to find ways to cut spending that does not involve the release of existing faculty or the students employed by the school,” said Patterson. He went on to say that current economic trends would make this goal difficult to achieve.
As part of the cost-cutting measures, the administration chose to suspend the work of the Naylor Children’s Center on campus for at least the next 18 months. “Hopefully, the financial situation will reverse itself, but Southwestern is not able at this time to sustain the operation of the Naylor Children’s Center, which annually posts a deficit,” Patterson announced. Present work at the Naylor Children’s Center will be suspended as of December 31, 2008.
Southwestern has also suspended the Oxford Study Program and all of the Traveling Scholar overseas on-site study trips with the exception of those directly related to the 2+2 program in the Roy Fish School of Evangelism and Missions. The administration hopes to restore these trips possibly by 2010, but the administration points out that even this depends upon a rather dramatic reversal of present financial trends.
“We anticipate that other cutbacks in the budget will be necessary to ensure that Southwestern maintains its debt-free operational position and to be certain that revenues cover expenditures,” Patterson stated.
“This is a most regrettable circumstance and not of our own making,” said Patterson, “but as stewards before God, we are all responsible for handling matters with as much compassion and justice as we possibly can. The goal in the end is to have a strong seminary when the present financial crisis eases.”
The administration is hopeful that these changes will be temporary and that the nation’s economy improves. In the meantime, Southwestern prays these circumstances lead to renewed emphasis on spiritual matters and a national revival. Since its founding in 1908, Southwestern has weathered many financial storms, including two World Wars, the Great Depression and economic recessions. Trusting in the Lord’s providence, the seminary is thankful that the current decisions are precautionary and that Southwestern will continue to provide theological training for men and women for years to come.
Patterson noted, “In addition to praying for our own seminary, we also pray for all six of our seminaries, each of which is facing a similar situation. We also share concern for the churches, especially those with heavy indebtedness.”


Monetary gifts allow the Village to expand programming, restore buildings and add to the visitor experience by enhancing the interpretive programs.
Make a Gift
The Shakers cared for the poor and used their resources and profit for social good. Today Canterbury Shaker Village uses its resources to educate people of all ages about the Shakers’ innovations, industry, architectural achievements, stewardship of the land and artisanship through workshops, tours, exhibits and special events.
Admissions and auxiliary income are not enough to preserve this National Historic Landmark and Museum. We rely on regular financial contributions to support programming, maintain and restore our buildings, and improve our visitor experiences.
There are several ways you can help us in preserving and sustaining Canterbury Shaker Village:
A gift to the Annual Fund supports the current operating budget. It provides the Executive Director and Board of Trustees the ability to direct funds where they are needed most. Give online through our secure site. Click here to give.
If you prefer to send your contribution by mail, you may send your check, money order, or credit card authorization to the address below. Please do not send cash. Checks and money orders should be made payable to: Canterbury Shaker Village
Canterbury Shaker Village 288 Shaker Road
Canterbury, NH 03224
Or simply call the Development Office directly at 603-783-9077 x 220 to charge your gift by phone.
Find out if your or your spouse’s employer will match your gift by checking with your Human Resources Office.
The Village Visionaries are exemplary stewards of the Canterbury Shaker legacy. They provide annual support for the museum’s programs, exhibitions, preservation projects and scenic gardens and grounds. Their multi-year membership pledge of support is essential to the preservation of Canterbury Shaker Village and the creation of an exceptional visitor experience. Click here for more details on membership levels.
To become a Village Visionary complete our online pledge form, ask for information in person at the Admissions Desk or contact the Development Office directly at 603-783-9077 x 220.
Gifts of Securities & Mutual Funds
Making a gift of securities is both simple and tax efficient because you receive a double tax benefit. With a gift of appreciated securities, you are entitled to a federal income tax charitable deduction if you itemize your return. For appreciated securities held longer than one year, you may deduct the full fair market value of your gift. A second tax benefit with a gift of appreciated securities is that you avoid any capital gains tax. Securities may be transferred through your broker or by delivery of the securities to Canterbury Shaker Village. If the Securities are Depository Trust Company (DTC) eligible, they may be transferred electronically to our asset manager at TD Wealth Management. To make a gift of appreciated securities please contact:
Todd Mills, Sr. Investment Advisor: todd.mills(at)td.com, 207-756-6832
Megan Tolstenko, Private Client Service Associate: megan.pouliot(at)td.com
TD Private Client Group, a business of TD Wealth®
300 Franklin Street, Manchester, NH 03101
T: 603-695-3401, F:603-647-1297
If You are looking for…
- guaranteed income for life
- a tax deduction this year, retirement income for future years
- increased income from low-yielding, highly appreciated securities
- a way to create pension income for a long-time family employee
- a way to offer financial assistance to a relative
- a way to provide tuition assistance to children or grandchildren
- strategies for preserving the value of assets you pass on to your heirs
- the feeling that comes from making a significant charitable contribution
…a Planned Gift can benefit you as well as Canterbury Shaker Village and other charitable organizations that you value.
Eldress Bertha Lindsay Legacy Society
The Eldress Bertha Lindsay Legacy Society was founded in 1996 by Friends of the Village who wished to honor the last Shaker Eldress. Eldress Bertha Lindsay dearly loved her Shaker home and pioneered the effort to preserve it for future generations. The Society is composed exclusively of donors who have contributed a minimum gift of $10,000 to the growth of the Village’s Endowment or Collections through bequests, trusts or other planned giving instruments. Members of the Eldress Bertha Lindsay Legacy Society are recognized publicly every year and invited to special events at the Village.
The lasting impact of bequests—both large and small—has helped shape CSV today. For many members and friends of CSV, a charitable bequest is the easiest and best way to make a gift to the Village. By means of your will or other estate plan, you can name CSV as the beneficiary of a portion of your estate, or of particular assets in your estate. Many of the most powerful gifts with an enduring impact have been bequests.
There are many reasons to make a bequest. A bequest allows you to honor a loved one, while providing critical support to the Village. Giving by bequest costs nothing now, yet it may give you a great deal of satisfaction to know that your future gift will live on.
Gifts of IRAs/Retirement Plan Assets
You can designate CSV as a beneficiary of part or all the remainder of your IRA or retirement plan. Distributions from retirement plans at the death of the survivor of the account-holder can be subject to both income and estate taxes. In a large estate, these taxes can leave less than 30 cents on the dollar of the plan’s balance for your children or other heirs. By naming CSV as the beneficiary of the remainder of your retirement plan, 100 percent of the plan’s balance is available for CSV’s use, since the distribution avoids both income and estate taxes. To make this type of gift, notify your plan’s administrator and submit a “change of beneficiary” form.
Gifts of Life Insurance
If you have more insurance coverage than you need, you may consider giving CSV a paid-up policy. By transferring the ownership of your policy to CSV, you receive a charitable income tax deduction equal to the policy’s cash surrender value or cost basis, whichever is less.
Gifts That Pay You Income
Life income plans enable you to make a meaningful gift to CSV while receiving significant income and tax benefits. There are several different types of life income gift arrangements available. These include charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities, and pooled income funds.
With a charitable lead trust, you can make annual gifts to support an area of interest to you at CSV for a term of years, typically between 10 and 20.
Please consult your financial advisor for more information and call the Business Office at 603-783-9077 X 204 to learn more about these gift giving opportunities.


Thai government announces total revenue of THB2.69 trillion for first 8 months of fiscal year
As of May 3 2016, the Government Financial Management Information System had collected THB2.69 million in revenue from state agencies as well as contributions from state-owned enterprises for the first 8 months fiscal period ending in 2016.
In addition overall government spending was on track according the director-general of the Comptroller-General’s Department, Manas Jamveha who said that 65.77% of the total THB2.72 trillion had been spent in the first 8 months.
It perhaps comes as little surprise that the greatest proportion of the revenue came from VAT amounting to THB50.81 billion which equates to 17.36% of all the tax received. Corporate income tax and personal income tax made up 10.4% and 8.43% respectively. The tax generated from oil and gas products made up 4.44% of the overall revenue.
It has been predicted that tax revenue generated will increase again in the period of May compared with the previous year with figures suggesting that there has been a slight improvement in the economy over the last 12 months. State spending is also expected to increase to help boost the economy in conjunction with the government’s economic stimulus measures. These measures are intended to boost living standards throughout the country and to expand the economy.
The long term benefits from a social perspective are quite apparent although the increased tax revenue is not welcomed by all with some in business claiming that taxes are too high and stunting economic growth. The One Book Accounting System that was brought in earlier this year is viewed as a tactic to reduce tax evasion and has once again received a mixed welcome.
As the government pushes forward with their attempts to increase transparency and reduce corruption there will no doubt be further conflicts and more questions asked. The government is looking to close all loopholes relating to tax so it is likely that tax revenue will increase again during the final 4 months of the fiscal year. This when coupled with the growing confidence in the economy suggests that budgets may again increase in the 2017 fiscal year.


The National Congress of American Indians
TITLE: Call for IRS to Defer to the Department of the Interior on Characterization of Tribal Trust Funds
WHEREAS, we, the members of the National Congress of American Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants the inherent sovereign rights of our Indian nations, rights secured under Indian treaties and agreements with the United States, and all other rights and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and Constitution of the United States, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the health, safety and welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution; and
WHEREAS, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) was established in 1944 and is the oldest and largest national organization of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments; and
WHEREAS, the NCAI adopted Resolution #LNK-12-010 at its 2012 Mid-Year Session in Lincoln, Nebraska calling for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to cease unlawful efforts to tax tribal trust per capita payments, which are directly derived from tribal trust resources, and NCAI adopted Resolution #SAC-12-052 at its 2012 Annual Convention in Sacramento, California calling for the IRS to immediately issue a decision declaring that trust per capita payments are non-taxable; and
WHEREAS, NCAI greatly appreciates that on March 10, 2014 the IRS issued Notice 2014-17 providing “interim guidance” concerning the taxability of tribal trust per capita payments, and inviting comments by September 17, 2024 prior to issuance of final guidance; and
WHEREAS, Notice 2014-17 correctly states that tribal trust per capita payments are exempt from taxation pursuant to federal law as a “general rule” but goes on to describe in detail three “exceptions” involving the “mischaracterization” of taxable personal income as non-taxable per capita distributions; and
WHEREAS, the three “exceptions” set out in Notice 2014-17 describe the “mischaracterization” of taxable compensation for services, non-trust business profits mischaracterized as trust land lease payments, and taxable gaming revenues mischaracterized as trust land lease payments, all of which are activities related to deposits and withdrawals from tribal trust accounts managed by the Office of the Special Trustee (OST) in the U.S. Department of Interior and tribal trust and restricted fee land leases approved and managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and
WHEREAS, NCAI and its member tribes are very concerned that Notice 2014-17’s detailed description of “exceptions” to the tax exemption accorded tribal trust per capita payments will result in the IRS undertaking additional intrusive and unnecessary audits and examinations of tribal financial, enrollment and other internal records. Any questions or concerns the IRS may have regarding possible “mischaracterization” of trust per capita payments should be addressed to the OST and BIA through proper intra-governmental consultations between Treasury and Interior department agencies; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Interior regulations at 25 C.F.R. § 115.702 already include a process where Interior reviews the source of tribal funds for inclusion in a trust account; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Department of Interior to maximize tribal revenue from tribal trust and restricted fee land through leasing and other business activities.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, in order to prevent unnecessary IRS audits of tribal records resulting from any per capita guidance and to prevent conflict with Interior regulations and policy, NCAI member tribes call on the IRS in its final guidance on the tax exemption accorded tribal trust per capita payments to omit the three stated “exceptions” to the tax exemption; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NCAI member tribes call on the IRS to include in the final guidance regarding the tax exemption for tribal trust per capita payments a prominent direction that:
“The IRS shall defer to the Department of the Interior and its regulations and decisions on the characterization of trust funds and on tribal trust and restricted fee land leases, and will address any questions or concerns regarding possible mischaracterization of taxable tribal payments as tax-exempt per capita payments through appropriate consultations with the OST and the BIA.”; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IRS shall confirm that issues regarding tribal trust accounts and tribal trust and restricted fee land leases shall be addressed through consultations with the OST and BIA, and that NCAI member tribes and their citizens shall not be subject to audits or examinations regarding trust per capita payments made pursuant to the Per Capita Act prior to consultation with OST and BIA; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of NCAI until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.
The foregoing resolution was adopted by the General Assembly at the 2014 Mid-Year Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center, June 8-11, 2014 in Anchorage, Alaska, with a quorum present.


March 25, 2009
Cape Town crowned “Best Tourism Investor City”
Cape Town Tourism is the proud recipient of the Best Tourism Investor City of the Year award, in the Africa Investor (AI) Tourism Investor Awards 2009.
The awards were organised in partnership with the Government of Mozambique, and the awards event was held in Maputo on February 27, 2009.
Tourism Investor is published by Africa Investor, an investment strategy and research group. According to AI, the publication is “Africa’s leading magazine for international tourism and hospitality investors”, with a circulation of over 20 000, and a readership of roughly 160 000 per copy.
Photo courtesy flickrbug
The awards recognise individuals, organisations, businesses and governments that have contributed to growing sustainable investment in the tourism sector within Africa. Categories include Best Business Resort, Best Business Airline, Best Sustainable Tourism Initiative, and Hotel Investment of the Year.
Winners were selected by a panel of judges, including Geoffrey Lipman, the special advisor to the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation.
Cape Town came out on top from a short list that included Port Louis (Mauritius), Nairobi (Kenya), Sharm Al Sheikh (Egypt), Calabar (Nigeria) and Gaborone (Botswana).


What is the 30% ruling (also known as “30% facility”)
The 30% ruling is a Dutch expatriate tax regime. It is designed to facilitate the hiring of employees with special skills or expertise from abroad to the Netherlands.
Under application of the 30% ruling, the employer may pay out part (thirty percent) of the employee’s salary tax free.
Essentially, the 30% ruling allows the employee to receive a higher net salary without an increase in employer’s costs.
Apart from the usual obligations connected with payroll processing, there are no other responsibilities or liabilities for the employer.
The tax-free allowance is intended to cover so-called extraterritorial costs (regardless of the actual amount of any such costs incurred), which are costs that originate from the fact that the employee is working in a different country than his country of origin.
The employer and employee do not have to prove the existence of such extraterritorial expenses to receive the tax-free allowance.
The Dutch tax authorities may grant the 30% facility to foreign employees who are hired (i.e. payrolled) from abroad by a legal entity or branch based in the Netherlands, and who meet certain additional conditions (see further below).
It is therefore worth bearing in mind that simply moving to the Netherlands as a self-employed individual / without being hired / payrolled by a Dutch entity or branch, it is not sufficient to take advantage of the 30% ruling as the facility is designed to be applied via a Dutch payroll and not by filing a Dutch tax return.
It is also worth noting that the 30% ruling, once granted, is applicable to all wages from current employment (including e.g., bonus amounts, equity incentives and the private use of the company car) but not to severance payments.
An important additional benefit of the 30% ruling is the fact that the employee may choose to be treated as a non-resident Dutch taxpayer for income derived from substantial interests (owning 5% or more in a company) and income from savings and investments.
This also means that other non-employment income not sourced from the Netherlands (such as for example from rental property located abroad) will also not be taxable in Holland.
Eligibility requirements for the 30% ruling
The main eligibility criteria for the 30% facility are:
Hired from abroad
The employee needs to be recruited from abroad or assigned from abroad to the Netherlands.
Non-resident directors of a Dutch company may also qualify for the facility.
150 KM from the Dutch border
The employee must have been living, prior to his recruitment or assignment to the Netherlands, at least 150 km from the Dutch border during 16 out of 24 months.
However, this condition does not apply to PhD students who graduate or have graduated in the Netherlands (or within the 150 kilometer-radius) and have started their employment in the Netherlands within one year of graduation.
The employee needs to earn a taxable employment compensation of at least €38,961 (this minimum threshold was €38,347 in 2020 and €37,743 in 2019).
Alternatively, if he/she is younger than 30 years of age and has a Dutch master’s degree (university level) or foreign equivalent, the minimum required salary is €29,616 (this minimum threshold was €29,149 in 2020 and €28,690 in 2019).
Employees must have specific knowledge or expertise that is scarce on the Dutch labour market.
The specific expertise requirement is deemed to be fulfilled if the salary thresholds mentioned above are met.
Furthermore, employees should fulfil the specific expertise condition on a continuous basis.
In other words, they have to meet the salary requirement throughout the entire period for which the 30%-facility is granted.
If the salary requirement is not met at any given time, the 30% facility will cease to be valid (even if it has already been granted) immediately with retroactive effect for that year and can no longer be used.
Agreement in writing between employer and employee
Application of the 30% ruling must be agreed in the employment agreement or an addendum thereto and submitted as a joint request for (or on behalf of) both employer and employee.
Applicability period of the 30% ruling
The 30% ruling may be applicable for a maximum period of 5 years / 60 months.
The Dutch Government had previously decided to shorten the maximum applicable period from 8 to 5 years from 1 January 2019.
However, after a series of consultations, they have revised the end date of the previous maximum 8-year period to 31 December 2020 for 30% facilities with an original end date between 2021-2023.
For those 30% facilities originally ending in 2024 or later, the revised end date of the 30 ruling is 3 years less the original end date.
30% rulings where the original end date was in 2019 or 2020, have remained unchanged with an 8-year maximum period being applicable.
Note that any periods, exceeding 20 days in each calendar year, of earlier work or stay in the Netherlands, in the prior 25 years, will be deducted from the maximum period of application.
Furthermore, if the presence in the Netherlands has been for personal circumstances and was:
(a) no more than six weeks each calendar year; and/or
(b) a one-off continuous stay of 3 months, the duration period of the 30%-facility will not be reduced by these periods of previous stays.
The 30% ruling must be filed within 4 months after the start of the employment to obtain retroactive effect to the start date of the employment.
A later application may still be successful, but the start date of the 30% ruling will then shift to the first day of the month following the application and the first months will be deducted from the maximum period of application.
If the employee changes employment and if he/she and their new employer wish to continue the 30% ruling, a new request must be filed for the new employment.
The period between the end of the old employment and the beginning of the new employment may not exceed 3 months.
30% facility application process explained
The 30% ruling application must be made in writing, using a paper form (link provided in this article below) and sent to the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Office).
The application must be supplemented with supporting documentation (see below for a checklist of documents to enclose).
Ideally, a complete request is made with the initial submission, meaning that all the required information and documentation is provided in one instance.
This facilitates the application process and improves the chances for a speedy and favourable decision.
However, an incomplete application may at times need to be submitted in order to meet the deadline.
Timelines and deadlines of the 30% facility process
The deadline for the initial application is 4 months after the start of the employment for which the application is made so that it can have retroactive effect from the start of the employment.
Processing time is usually between 8 and 12 weeks after submission of the complete application to the Dutch tax authorities.
An incomplete application will still be considered as valid in terms of meeting its deadline.
Therefore, if not all necessary information is available within 4 months after the start of the employment, an incomplete application is still submitted to “save” the deadline.
The Dutch tax authorities will then ask for any missing information and allow for some additional time to provide it thus delaying their decision.
In anticipation of a positive outcome, the 30% ruling may be applied to the payroll even though it has not yet been formally granted. However, in this scenario, in case of a subsequent refusal, the payroll then has to be adjusted and the tax free cost allowance taxed.
Checklist of documents in support of the 30% ruling application
- Employee’s resumé / curriculum vitae
- Employee’s copy of passport (page with personal details and signature)
- Copy of employment agreement / assignment letter
- Copy of job description
- Employee’s address (including previous stay in the Netherlands, if any)
- BSN number
- Proof of residence abroad (copies of utilities’ bills, excerpt of municipal register and so forth) covering at least the period of 24 months prior to arrival in the Netherlands, including preferably one bank statement per month containing a cash withdrawal or a card payment
- Employee’s residence / work permit
- Employer’s Dutch company details (including industry sector code) and wage tax number
- Prior 30% facility decision(s), if any
- Employer’s and employee’s Power of Attorney (if the application is submitted on their behalf) with wet signature provided as no digital signatures are currently being accepted for this type of documentation.
- Addendum to the employment agreement regarding the 30% facility (if the 30% facility requirement is not already sufficiently covered in the employment/ assignment agreement)
Practical examples illustrating how the 30% ruling is applied
An employee has a salary of €150,000 and meets all the other conditions to qualify for the full 30% ruling. This means that after applying the 30% ruling to his payroll, his taxable salary will be €105,000 thus enjoying a tax-free allowance of 45,000.
Another employee has a salary of €55,000. If the 30% ruling would be applied in full to her payroll, her taxable salary would be €38,500. This is lower than the mandatory salary and therefore not allowed. In this case, she would only benefit from the 30% ruling partially, for a maximum amount of €55,000 minus €38,961 (the minimum salary threshold requirement for 2021) = €16,039 tax-free allowance.
How to apply for the 30% ruling yourself
It is possible to apply for the 30% ruling directly yourself.
Cases of employers and employees successfully filing the application on their own are not uncommon.
The requirements and supporting documentation don’t change.
However, this option should be carefully considered as the application might be denied if the Dutch tax authorities, for instance, review the employment contract and it does not contain the necessary and legally compliant language.
In fairness, not all parts of the application and supporting documentation may always be fully reviewed during the application process.
However, if there is a subsequent audit on the Dutch employer which picks up on information being supplied as being non-compliant with the granting of the 30% ruling, it could lead to a retroactive denial.
If both employer and employee wish to proceed with a joint application on their own, they will need to complete the 30% ruling application form (link here) and send it to the address provided.
It is always advisable to send the complete application and all supporting documentation by recorded delivery which includes confirmation of delivery.
The Dutch tax authorities will then send a letter confirming receipt and subsequently, within the time frame previously mentioned of 8-12 weeks, either:
- Request additional information;
- Deny the 30% ruling;
- Grant the 30% facility.
If the Belastingdienst request additional information as a result of documents being missing, you should send the requested documentation as soon as possible.
However, if Dutch Tax Office has specific questions which are technical in nature, you may want, at this stage, to enlist the help of an expert professional on 30% ruling applications.
Should the application be denied, an objection can be filed within 6 weeks.
If, the Dutch tax office, upon reviewing your objection, still denies the granting of 30% ruling and in the meantime, it was being applied to the payroll, then an adjustment is needed.
The adjustment will more than likely result in the 30% tax free allowance enjoyed until that point due to be paid back either as a one-off payment to the Dutch tax office or, if possible, spread over the course of the next few payrolls as an additional deduction.
If the 30% ruling is granted, employee and employer should check the confirmation letter and ensure the data reported (i.e. company wage tax number, BSN number, the duration of the ruling, etc.) on it is correct.
If any details are incorrect, you should reply to the letter within 6 weeks highlighting any discrepancies found.
Once all details on the confirmation letter have been verified to match those on the application submitted, the 30% ruling can be applied to the monthly payroll.
If the 30% ruling was already being applied in anticipation of a positive outcome, then no adjustment is needed.
However, if the employer’s payroll up until that point did not apply the 30% facility already, the 30% tax free income can be applied retroactively until the start date of the 30% ruling.
This can be done as a one-time salary recalculation which will result in a refund being issued.
It is also worth mentioning that the 30% ruling is subject to an annual review by the Belastingdienst and therefore it is advisable that each year-end all the relevant information is checked to ensure it is still up to date and accurate.
30% ruling FAQ
What is considered salary?
Regular employment income from the current employment is the basis for calculating the 30% tax free allowance.
Special rules apply to pension premiums. However, bonuses, holiday allowance, benefit package and company car all fall under the 30% ruling remit.
Severance payments do not fall under the 30% ruling definition of regular employment income from the current employment and therefore do not qualify for the 30% tax free allowance.
If an employee is made redundant, it is important that they have a breakdown of the redundancy package so it can be determined which part is payment in relation to bonus, outstanding holiday allowance, etc. and which part is the actual severance payment.
Stock options, RSU, shares incentive plans and other equity relating income follow the general principle that the basis of the 30% ruling is the income from current employment that is earned during the period in which the 30% ruling is applicable.
In general, the 30% ruling does not apply to salary that becomes taxable after the termination of employment.
This means that prima facie it is not possible to apply the 30% ruling on stock options that become taxable after the last day of the employment.
However, when such income becomes taxable in the month following the month of termination, the 30% ruling may still be applied (provided it is still within the granted duration period).
It is therefore often more beneficial to exercise options before (or immediately after) the termination of an employment in order to take advantage of the 30% ruling for this type of income.
Is there a mandatory requirement for the employer to file a joint application with their employee/s.
No, the employer is under no obligation to file a joint application with the employee/s.
Can you apply or re-apply for the 30% ruling if you start your own business?
If you are employed in Holland and have been granted the 30% ruling, it is still possible to start your own business and keep the benefits of this facility.
Your business should be set-up as a B.V. that pays you an employee salary.
The B.V. should then apply for the 30% ruling on your behalf.
The application should be submitted within 3 months of changing employment and the employment contract needs to contain the appropriate wording required for a successful 30% ruling application.
We are hiring an individual within the Netherlands, is it still possible to successfully apply for the 30% facility?
Employees recruited from within The Netherlands can still successfully apply for the 30% ruling.
They will have to demonstrate that either:
- they are moving from abroad to The Netherlands for their job, or
- if they already work in The Netherlands for another employer, that they are still eligible for the 30% ruling in the new employment.
There are some other caveats and conditions to be met but ultimately employing someone who is already in The Netherlands does not automatically deny granting of the 30% ruling.
Are there any limits on the 30% tax free allowance?
Currently there are no caps. Therefore, even if someone had a 100 million euros salary, if they are granted the 30% facility, their taxable salary will still be 70 million euros with a 30 million euros tax-free allowance being granted.
Is it possible to keep the 30% ruling if I change employment / get the 30% ruling twice?
It is indeed possible to obtain the 30% ruling for a new employment, as this is a change of employer situation which is allowed under the 30% ruling.
However, there is still an application to be filed so that the Dutch tax authorities can review if the 30% ruling can be continued with the new employer.
The usual eligibility criteria will apply and, in addition, the gap between the end of the old employment and the start of the new employment may not exceed 3 months.
Are there any categories of employees excluded from the minimum salary requirements of the 30% ruling?
Scientific researchers, employees working in scientific education or doctors in training, have no minimum salary requirement. However, there are restrictions on the companies or institutions this group of employees can work for.
Is it possible to retrospectively apply for the 30% ruling?
If you didn’t apply for the ruling despite being eligible for it (for example because the application was never submitted or the employer did not want to be part of the process), it may still be possible to apply.
You might have missed one or two years of the 30% facility benefits but it is still worthwhile to obtain the ruling.
The Belastingdienst will just reduce the total duration of the ruling by the period you have already resided in the Netherlands.
Is the 30% ruling accessible to Dutch nationals?
The 30% ruling is not discriminatory per se against Dutch nationals.
What is important is that the employee has lived outside the Netherlands for sufficient time, so that any periods of earlier work or stay in The Netherlands, that would reduce the maximum period of applicability of the 30% ruling, can be ignored.
Any periods of earlier work or stay in The Netherlands that ended in the 25 years prior to arrival for the new role in Holland need to be deducted from the maximum period of applicability (5 years / 60 months).
As mentioned above, there are some exceptions to the period taken into account for this rule like for example brief visits for holiday, family, and limited days of work in the Netherlands.
Is the 30% facility accessible to non-expats?
An individual does not have to be an expat to meet the requirements of the 30% ruling.
A local hire under a standard Dutch employment contract may also be eligible for the 30% facility.
Is foreign salary included in the minimum salary requirements?
The Dutch tax authorities have clarified they will take into account employee’s income from current employment.
This effectively means that someone receiving a split salary paid part in The Netherlands and part in a foreign location will have the entire worldwide income counted towards the minimum salary threshold to qualify for the 30% facility.
Is salary from part-time work apportioned in calculating the minimum salary requirements?
There are no specific rules for part-timers hence you should assume the usual threshold used for full-time workers remain applicable in determining eligibility for the 30% ruling.
Are there special 30% ruling concessions for employees on parental leave?
Yes, special provisions do exist for employees on parental leave.
Is it possible to accrue pension contributions taking advantage of the 30% tax-free allowance?
Yes, it is. Employers are under no obligation to agree to it. In practice though, this mechanism is often well-aligned with the pension providers.
Is garden leave also covered by the 30% ruling?
The Belastingdienst have clarified they consider garden leave payments not as income from current employment if it extends to more than one month following the month in which the active employment activities are terminated.
Continuation of the 30% ruling with another Dutch employer may also be jeopardized when there is more than three months’ time between the start of gardening leave and the date a new employment agreement with a new employer is executed.
How may a global mobility tax services specialist help with your 30% ruling needs
A specialist in global mobility and international tax services is well positioned to assist with:
- Reviewing your 30% ruling application and giving advice on whether employers and employees need to provide anything still missing before submitting the application.
- Running a preliminary assessment of your personal circumstances to confirm whether your 30% ruling application is likely to be granted.
- Helping employers apply the 30% ruling to their monthly payroll runs.
- Supporting you with post application enquiries made by the Belastingdienst.
- Providing assistance with complex cases involving relief from active working activities and/or various equity benefits.
Contact us should you require further clarifications on the 30% Dutch ruling and/or have a look at some of the other insights we have published.


Business Loans & Finance
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Right from the initial contact we will support you in getting the best business loan or mortgage available for you.
Based upon your requirements your business could be suitable for the following options:
Typically used to buy buildings and/or land for business purposes. A commercial mortgage can also be used to re-mortgage an existing property or develop an existing one.
Typically used to purchase or lease business assets, such as vehicles and equipment required to grow your business.
Factoring is a form of cash flow funding, allowing you to instantly release up to 90% of the value of your unpaid invoices.
Typically used by large organisations, invoice discounting is a form of cash flow funding allowing customers to release the cash tied up in unpaid invoices.
Contact NGI Finance
Call us and we will discuss the options with you 0870 8504484
We have over 40 years experience in the Finance Industry. We became frustrated at the inflexibility of some lenders in the way they approach Business Loans and Finance, we decided to form our own consultancy to help organisations like yours get the best business loans or business finance possible for you.
Your current bank may not be willing or able to offer you the finance package you require or they may set terms you don’t want to agree to. This is where NGI Finance can help; we have the ability to match your needs with the right lender. NGI Finance have access to many lenders throughout the UK and Europe specialising in all types of Business Loans and Business Finance; this means we are able to direct your funding requirements to a lender who understands your specific business sector and who will be more amenable to your funding proposal. Using the correct Finance company is a major part in securing the correct finance for you and we will help to do that for you.
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I get asked a lot about prices for farm-direct products – what is a “good” price for x,y,z? Why do some farmers charge more than others? How do you set your prices? First of all, if you’re reading this, you’re probably interested or actively supporting local and ecological agriculture. So suffice it to say that the whole concept of setting prices is totally different at the scale of a small-to-medium sized farm directly selling to consumers than it is for, say, Loblaws trying to decide how to price a pineapple. I think it’s fair to say that most local, ecological farmers are working extremely hard and trying to be as efficient as they can. They are earning enough for them to justify keeping on – whatever that means for that farm. Some earn more than others, but by and large the prices that they charge are their best attempt to bring a quality product to market at the best price they can. If you’re curious, ask! Don’t be shy – a good way of asking is to say, “How do you set your prices?” If asked with respect and curiosity it will not be an offensive question. Why is local, organic food so much more expensive than grocery store prices? So here are some things that you already know about supporting local, organic agriculture, but I’m going to remind you: There are so many reasons to pay for local, sustainable agricultural products: food quality, variety, biodiversity, pollinators, agricultural heritage, water quality, soil quality, nutrient density, animal welfare, local economic benefits, community resilience…the list can go on, and on. Yes, locally produced, ecologically produced food costs MORE than what you can get at the grocery store. But when you buy from local, sustainable farms, you are bearing the true cost of the food produced. When you see a price at the grocery store think about what you are NOT paying for – because rest assured somebody else is paying it. Somebody is paying for those fossil fuel subsidies to ship the product across an ocean; somebody is bearing the burden for exploitative wages to bring the harvest in; somebody is paying for soil depletion and water pollution when agriculture strips the soil and fills watersheds with pesticide, fertilizer and manure runoffs. When you support local, ecological agriculture the price you are paying for grassfed beef or lamb, for example, is also sequestering significant amounts of carbon back into the soil, fighting climate change. The price for organic local broccoli is also paying for a habitat for pollinators, birds, and wildlife and protecting biodiversity. When you buy locally produced pastured pork you are paying for those pigs to enjoy a quality of life that is such a far cry from what they would endure in a confinement based system. When you buy locally grown wool you are paying for local people to have good jobs raising and producing beautiful fibres, supporting our local economy. This is a pricing regime that builds in a lot of these environmental, social, and animal welfare protections. I believe that in the future, local, ecological agriculture will only become more mainstream. Either ecological farmers will be compensated for their environmental services in addition to what they can earn through sales and their prices will be able to drop somewhat. Or, industrial agriculture will be made to pay the true cost of production and their prices will become more expensive. Factoring in all of these externalities is simply an inevitability – we simply can’t be sustained on unsustainable food production. By buying local, ecological food and fibre you are ahead of the curve, already living more in balance. So, instead of asking, “is this the best price I can get?”, maybe ask “is this a price I can afford?” If you can afford the price, and the farm is doing work that you want to support and producing food that you want to eat – then the differences in price are really inconsequential. What gets factored in when setting a price? There are different ways of setting prices, I don’t think any two farms do it exactly the same way. For the most part, prices are typically based on how much it costs to produce. Keep in mind that each individual farm is different so the costs that each farmer has to factor in to the selling price also is individual. These prices include everything from whether animal feeds are purchased or home-grown, organic certification costs, whether the animals are kept year-round or just as feeders in the summer, prices for transport and slaughter/butcher, whether additional labour is hired or not, etc. Then add in all of the unforeseen things – your hay got rained on and you had to buy some in, or your best cow needed a vet visit that cost a small fortune – these things are unpredictable and may cause prices to fluctuate from farm to farm or from year to year. This is just a broad sketch of some of the cost factors. On top of that are all of the very personal factors that, at the end of the day, are reflected in the price. Because the price that I charge has a very direct effect on my salary at the end of the year, my family situation also plays a bit of a role – the farm salary that a single person earns may not be considered sufficient for supporting a family, for example. Whether the farmer is in year one of their enterprise and has some hefty startup costs to cover, or has decades of equipment and experience behind them will determine a little bit how flexible they can be in pricing. I don’t think any farmers are out there saying, “I need to pay my daughter’s college tuition. Beef prices are going to have to triple this year”. But, to a certain extent, family situation and personal factors do factor in to how prices are set. But as I become more connected to my fellow farmers, those in our local area farming ecologically and selling directly to consumers, one thing is pretty consistent: each farmer I have met is striving to provide an exceptional quality product for the best price they can. So, how do we set OUR prices? On our farm, we set the price based on what we need to charge in order to hit our target revenue for the year. I calculate how much I can expect to earn with each type of production – this year it’s lamb, wool, pork, turkeys, beef, and workshops – I calculate how much I HAVE to spend to produce, and then I try to trim all of my other costs and find creative ways to earn a little bit more, until I hit my target goal. This year I was really helped by looking at some Holistic Management financial planning tools online. It has really changed the way I look at my farms’ finances but I won’t be able to tell you how well it works for awhile – it is very promising so far, though. I also take a look around at what other farms that have somewhat similar practices are charging. If my price is too high or too low, I try to figure out why. Are my estimates off? Is there a cost I haven’t factored in? Am I under- or over-estimating my yield? I know that my fellow farmers are pretty smart, and great farmers – so if my price isn’t at least in the ballpark with their prices averaged out, there’s something I’m missing. There isn’t a “best” farm out there – there is a mix of good and great farms with a variety of different practices, so, each price that you encounter when shopping for local products reflects the particular work that is happening on that farm. Hanging Weight vs. Cuts Weight: What are you paying for? I don’t know how local, ecological farmers price their cheese, fruit, vegetables, or other products, that’s not what we produce. But, when buying meat, don’t forget to consider whether you are paying for the hanging weight, or the take-home cuts weight. Both are common ways of pricing meat for local farms and both ways of pricing have advantages for the farmer and the customer. On our farm, we base all of our prices on the final, take home weight of your cuts of meat. So, if you order 10 lbs of pork, and 10 lbs of beef, I will pack you an order that includes as close as possible to 10 lbs of pork and 10 lbs of beef – it won’t be exact, but it will be +/- one pound or less, and I will charge you for the exact weight in your box of meat. Many other local farms charge based on the hanging weight. This is the weight of the carcass, without the digestive tract, head, and hide, but before it is butchered into individual cuts of meat. Final cuts weight is typically 65-75% of weight of the hanging weight and the price will be reflective of this - lower range for lamb, higher range for pork, and beef somewhere in between. The final weight can vary quite a bit between beef, pork, lamb, and based on other factors such as whether boneless or bone-in cuts are favoured, the length of aging, the amount of fat that is trimmed, and the characteristics of each individual carcass and the butcher’s practices. So, for example, if you order 100 lbs of beef hanging weight, you will probably end up with somewhere between 70-75 lbs of beef for your freezer. This is an estimate – ask the farm you are buying from as they will know what their average is at their farm. For lamb on our farm, our average hanging weight of a whole lamb is 43.5lbs, with average weight of cuts being 28 lbs (~64% of the hanging weight). This doesn’t really apply to turkeys, since they are sold whole. For us, we find it is better to charge based on your final, cuts weight – the exact weight you go home with. But, it does make our prices “look” more expensive. Our Price per pound (final cuts weight)Equivalent hanging weight per pound Lamb$13$8.45 (65%)Pork$8.75$6.56 (75%)Beef$12$8.40 (70%)Turkey$6na There are lots of online articles about hanging weight, final weight, and liveweight, and how all of these figures correspond.
Wow, that’s a lot about pricing. Congratulations if you’ve made it to the end. Happy shopping, and happy eating, and thanks for supporting local, ecological agriculture!!


In the two generations following the publication of Adam Smith‘s Wealth of Nations Britain underwent an economic and technological transformation so thorough that it was almost immediately christened the Industrial Revolution. Like all good revolutions, it had a vanguard; albeit a rather unexpected one. For an astonishing number of the entrepreneurs who created Britain’s industrial supremacy were members of one marginal Protestant sect: the Religious Society of Friends, or, to give them their more familiar name, the Quakers. …
An exclusive commercial club, knit together by implicit trust and bound to an ulterior ideology, is the dream environment for private monetary networks to flourish in. …But the greatest of all the mid-nineteenth-century Quaker banks no longer exists…. This was the famous Quaker firm of Overend, Gurney and Co., or the ‘Corner House’ as it was known to a generation of Victorian financiers, because it stood as a rival to the Bank of England itself, not only metaphorically in the financial markets, but in hard reality on the corner of Lombard Street and Birchin Lane in the heart of the City of London.
The Gurney family had begun as wool merchants in the prosperous farming district of East Anglia, and had evolved naturally into merchant bankers by borrowing on their good name in London and lending to the local sheep-farmers. As Britain’s economy grew and diversified, the opportunity to capitalise on this generic line of business – connecting the local capitalists in need of credit at the base of the pyramid to the London banks in its higher echelons – became more and more attractive. Eventually, the Gurneys of Norfolk decided to seed a London operation, and in 1807 they acquired the small London firm of Richardson, Overend. In the beginning, the firm’s business was brokerage pure and simple. A potential borrower in the provinces would bring his bills to Overends for scrutiny. If Overends liked the credit, they would find a London commercial bank that would lend against security of the bill – a procedure called ‘accepting’ it. The more practised in this art brokers like Overend, Gurney became, the more readily were their recommendations accepted by the banks. Bill-broking became big business, and the market in debt securities that they intermediated became the governing mechanism of the Industrial Revolution. …
By the 1830s, Overend, Gurney was the greatest bill broker in all of Europe. By the 1850s, it was the greatest in the world, turning over £170 million a year, taking deposits from every bank in the City, and discounting bills of industrialists and merchants from Lancashire to Lahore. The firm returned annual profits of more than £200,000 to its partners, and had a balance sheet ten times larger than those of the two biggest banks in Britain combined. Never in history had there been so uniquely important a banking house or one whose name and credit were so synonymous with the credit of the nation’s – even of the world’s – economy. As Walter Bagehot attested, the reach of the credit of the greatest bill broker in London was such that ‘[n]o one in the rural districts (as I know by experience) would ever believe a word against them, say what you might’…. It is just such unquestioning confidence in credit that is the essential ingredient of liquid financial markets, as the Governor of the Bank of England knew: ‘[b]anking…depends so much on credit’, he concluded, ‘that the least blast of suspicion is sufficient to sweep away, as it were, the harvest of a whole year.’
This was a lesson that had been learned time and time again in the course of the preceding half-century. The year 1825 had seen the first financial crisis of the industrial era, following a speculative bubble generated by the over-expansion of the new country banks. When it burst, it had brought the country to ‘within twenty-four hours of a state of barter’. Thereafter crises had occurred with alarming regularity. In 1836, a bubble in railway bonds burst. A decade later, there was another boom and bust; and in 1857 the end of the Crimean War sparked an investment boom that again ended in distress and panic. Many a bank had been laid low by one or other of these successive crises; but Overend, Gurney and Co. had survived them all, and prospered. The crisis of 1857 forced two momentous changes to the ‘Corner House’, however.
The first was a regulatory development. Ever since their transformation into dealers carrying risk on their own balance sheets after the crisis of 1825, the bill brokers had enjoyed access to loans from the Bank of England in times of crisis. But in the Bank’s view, the crisis of 1857 … [t]here was much talk of the fact that access to the emergency facilities was encouraging the brokers to invest in over-speculative bills. The Bank’s Directors therefore resolved in March 1858 to end the bill brokers’ access.
At the very same time that its business environment was changing in this way, the house of Overend, Gurney and Co. faced a second challenge. The original managing partners retired, and a younger generation took the reins. It quickly became apparent that they lacked some of the distinctive Quaker qualities of their illustrious forebears. In contrast to the stern solidity of the fathers, the sons were precipitous in their decision-making, ambitious for the trappings of wealth, and – the most dangerous flaw of all in a banker – credulous. …
The intention of the Bank’s withdrawal of its lender of last resort facility from the bill brokers had been to discourage the riskier end of their discount business. At Overend, Gurney, however, it had exactly the opposite effect. The new partners lost no time in filling the firm’s portfolios with a succession of speculative, long-term, and high-risk investments.
In the space of two years, Overends’ annual profit of £200,000 had turned to a loss of £500,000. The new managers attempted to regain profitability by taking more risk. They made a bold foray into emerging market bonds, financed a port development in Ireland, and made a host of other long-term, speculative investments, the only unifying feature of which was that everyone was funded, as was the way with the bill brokers’ business model, by deposits from the commercial banks that could be withdrawn on demand. If, heaven forbid, there was to be a market panic, and the banks were to demand those deposits back, there was now no question that without support the firm would be exposed as insolvent.
By April 1865, the situation was becoming desperate, and the partners met to weigh up the options. It was clear that new capital was needed to make good the losses and supply the means to rebuild the firm’s fortunes. …[I] n the end, it was the oldest trick in the City’s books that was chosen: an initial public offering that would transform the partnership into a public company and thereby offload the problem on to that perennial saviour of the City insider’s bacon – the general public.
For the first few months of its existence, shares in the new limited liability company, Overend, Gurney and Co. Ltd., traded at a premium. But late in the year, the Bank felt it needed to put another squeeze on the market. Bank Rate was raised to 8 per cent, and at the beginning of January 1866 the first sign of distress appeared in a most unfortunate quarter. A middling boutique railway bond arranger went into default on liabilities of £1.5 million. As bad luck would have it, the name of the quite unrelated firm was Watson, Overend and Co. Now the ignorance of the market worked against Overends. A connection was assumed, and – just as a precaution – withdrawals began. It became known that the old partners were having to sell assets. The withdrawals accelerated. In two months, £2.5 million worth of deposits streamed out of Overends, even as loans continued to go bad and the general panic spread. In a final gamble, on 9 May, the management made an urgent and humiliating appeal to the Bank of England for emergency support. But a general crisis was in prospect, and to bail out one firm alone would open the Bank to unanswerable charges of encouraging moral hazard. The Governor’s response was therefore swift and unequivocal. There would be no lifeboat. At 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, 9 May 1866, Overend, Gurney and Co. Ltd. suspended payment. ….
[A]s always, the real ramifications of the crisis were felt far beyond the medieval wards of the City of London and long after the acute panic had subsided…. More than a hundred and eighty bankruptcies were recorded in the three months following Black Friday. Unemployment rose from 2.6 per cent in 1866 to 6.3 per cent in 1867, and rose again in 1868 before a proper recovery took hold. Sectors that relied particularly heavily on credit, such as the global shipping industry operating from the wharfs of London’s East End, were especially badly affected. … All in all, it had been the greatest financial crash since 1825 – indeed, if only by virtue of the far more advanced development of the City and its international importance compared with that time, the greatest crash of all. Little wonder, then, that the editor of one contemporary journal, surveying the wreckage seven years later, called the collapse of Overend, Gurney which had sparked the catastrophe, ‘the model instance of all evil in business.’
MONEY: THE UNAUTHORISED BIOGRAPHY
Author: Felix Martin
Publisher: Bodley Head, Random House
Price: Rs 599


The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Debit Card for International Travel in 2023
Are you planning an international adventure in 2023? Whether it’s a European vacation, a business trip, or a backpacking journey across the globe, one essential tool you’ll need is the right visa card / debit card. The choice of your debit card can significantly impact your travel experience, from saving you money on foreign transaction fees to providing convenient access to your funds.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss which cards to use (visa and mastercard), the international transaction fees, international atm or how to transfer money by using your card. We’ll explore everything you need to know about selecting the bank card overseas for international travel in 2023 for money transfer and withdraw money.
1. Why Your Debit Card Choice Matters for International Travel
When it comes to international travel in 2023, your choice of debit card can significantly affect your overall experience. Using the right debit card can save you money on foreign transaction fees, provide convenient access to your funds, and offer various other travel-related benefits. In this section, we’ll explore why your debit card choice is crucial and how it can impact your travel plans.
Debit Card for International Travel (1-2 times): An international debit card is a must-have for seamless transactions abroad. It allows you to withdraw local currency from ATMs and make purchases without incurring hefty fees.
Foreign Transaction Fee (3-15 times): Understanding foreign transaction fees is crucial. These fees can add up quickly, making your international trip more expensive than you expected.
Best Debit Card (1-4 times): Discovering the best debit card for your specific needs can lead to significant savings and a more enjoyable travel experience.
2. Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees are the hidden costs that can catch travelers off guard. These fees are charged by your bank or card issuer every time you make a purchase in a foreign currency. To avoid unnecessary expenses during your international journey, it’s essential to understand foreign transaction fees and how they work.
Foreign Transaction Fee (3-15 times): Foreign transaction fees can vary widely from one debit card to another. Some cards offer fee-free transactions, while others charge a percentage of each purchase.
In this section, we’ll discuss how to identify and minimize foreign transaction fees and recommend debit cards with the lowest or no fees for international travel.
3. The Best Debit Cards for International Travel in 2023
To make your search for the ideal international debit card easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best options for 2023. These cards stand out for their features, benefits, and cost-saving potential. We’ll provide an overview of the top choices and explain why they are well-suited for international travelers.
Best Debit Card (1-4 times): Finding the best debit card is essential for a successful international travel experience. We’ll introduce you to the top contenders that offer the most value for your money.
In this section, you’ll discover the top-rated debit cards for international travel, including those with no foreign transaction fees, ATM fee reimbursements, and other travel-friendly perks.
4. Debit Card Features and Considerations
Choosing the right debit card for international travel goes beyond just avoiding foreign transaction fees. Features like EMV chip technology, compatibility with international ATMs, and mobile banking capabilities can enhance your travel experience. In this section, we’ll delve into the essential features and considerations to keep in mind while selecting your travel debit card.
Debit Card (15-38 times): Your debit card is your primary financial tool during your international journey, so understanding its features and capabilities is crucial.
EMV Chip (1-2 times): EMV chip technology ensures the security of your card and transactions. It’s a feature you’ll want on your international debit card.
5. ATM Withdrawals and Fees Abroad
Accessing local currency is a critical aspect of international travel. We’ll discuss the ins and outs of using ATMs abroad, including the potential fees you might encounter and how to avoid them.
ATM Fee (2-6 times): ATM fees can quickly add up. We’ll provide tips on minimizing these costs and finding the best ATMs for international travelers.
6. Travel Money Management
Managing your travel funds efficiently is vital for a stress-free trip. We’ll explore various strategies and tools to help you keep your finances in check while abroad.
Travel Money (1-2 times): Having enough travel money and knowing how to access it is essential for a smooth travel experience.
7. Choosing Between Debit and Credit Cards for Travel
Should you use a debit card, a credit card, or a combination of both while traveling internationally? We’ll weigh the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Credit Cards (1-7 times): Credit cards have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to international travel. We’ll explore the scenarios in which using a credit card might be beneficial.
8. Making Safe and Secure Transactions
Keeping your financial information and transactions secure is paramount while traveling. We’ll provide tips and best practices to ensure your financial safety while using your debit card abroad.
9. Travel Insurance and Additional Benefits
Some debit cards offer travel insurance and other valuable benefits. We’ll explain the types of coverage you might receive and the additional advantages that come with certain cards.
10. Final Tips for a Seamless International Travel Experience
In the last section, we’ll offer some general tips and advice to make your international travel experience in 2023 as seamless as possible. This includes packing tips, staying connected, and getting the most out of your chosen debit card.
Choosing the right debit card for international travel in 2023 is a crucial step in planning a successful trip. Your card selection can save you money, provide convenience, and enhance your overall travel experience. Remember that the best debit card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
To recap, always consider the following key factors when selecting your debit card for international travel:
- Foreign transaction fees: Look for cards with no or low foreign transaction fees.
- Card features: Consider cards with EMV chips, mobile banking apps, and compatibility with international ATMs.
- Travel money management: Plan your budget and access to funds in advance.
- ATM withdrawals: Find ATMs that minimize withdrawal fees.
- Security: Follow best practices to ensure safe and secure transactions.
By following the advice in this guide, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect debit card to accompany you on your international adventures in 2023. Safe travels!
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PayPal is an online payments processor that allows its users to send and receive money electronically. If you need to get in touch with the company, PayPal contact number 0870 280 5129 can be used to connect. PayPal offers large-scale customer support, as the company now has approximately 165 million users globally. The company has been around since 1998, and partnered with eBay until 2002. The two have now split, becoming two different publicly traded entities. PayPal is headquartered in San Jose, California and functions under the direction of CEO, Dan Schulman.
PayPal Contact Number for Account Issues
Assistance is always available for account help. If you have questions, or experience any problems with your PayPal account, call 0870 280 5129. This phone number will put you though to the main line, after which you can choose the appropriate department. The customer service team is trained to help with many different issues, including:
- Opening a new account
- Closing an existing account
- Update account information
- Verifying identity
- Password changes and login problems
- Sending and receiving money
- Daily account limits
- Fraud and security concerns
PayPal customer service is available Monday through Friday, from 4am to 10pm Pacific. Help is available each weekend also; between the hours of 6am and 8pm. Answers to many common questions can be found on the website, https://www.paypal.com. You do not have to be an account holder to use the website to learn more about how to use the service, and do not have to have an account in order to contact the customer service team via phone.
PayPal Support for Sending Funds
Part of the reason for the success of PayPal is the fact that they make the process of sending money very easy. Funds can be sent from your existing balance, or from a linked bank account or credit/debit card. Sending money costs nothing when the existing balance or bank account are used, but there is a fee of 2.9% of the amount being sent, plus a $0.30 transaction fee. When sending funds outside of your home country, the costs are somewhat higher.
To send funds directly, the following steps can be used:
Log into your account.
- Click on the ‘Send Money’ link.
- Enter the email address of the person you wish to send money to.
- Enter the amount of money you wish to send.
- Click ‘Next’ and review the details of the transaction.
- If everything is correct, click ‘Send’.
Each transaction can be viewed when you log into your account. This includes both funds sent and received. If you need any help with adding funds to your account, canceling a payment, or determining what the costs will be, call PayPal customer service at 0870 280 5129 during the aforementioned business hours.
PayPal Contact Number for Security Concerns
PayPal does what it can to ensure that accounts are secure, but users of the service can do their part as well by protecting their account information and making sure to only log in from the official site. Contact PayPal immediately if you suspect for any reason that your information is at risk. You will need to provide information that identifies you as the account holder, and will need to provide information about the potential problems. The same goes for if you notice any unauthorized transactions on your account. It may be possible to recover stolen funds in some cases.
Scams are all too common with regards to PayPal, which is not a surprise since the service deals with sensitive financial information. Spoof emails are sent to thousands, and scams related to Craigslist often take place. To avoid problems, never respond to any communications that do not come directly from the company. If you have any questions at all about whether or not an email actually came from PayPal, call 0870 280 5129. If you know that an email that you have received is part of a scam, PayPal asks that you forward it to: email@example.com so that it can be investigated.
PayPal Customer Service for Business Customers
PayPal works with thousands of businesses, large and small, to provide online payment solutions. A list of business services can be viewed on the website. A business specialist can also go over these with you if you would like. Calling 0870 280 5129 will place you in touch with someone who can discuss the available options, and let you know if your business may qualify for discounted rates. Special products, such as the PayPal debit/credit card reader, are available. This product allows business owners to accept payments from anywhere, using a smartphone or tablet. Rates for using the card reader range from 2.7% to 3.5%.
PayPal Phone Number for MasterCard Support
If you have the PayPal MasterCard, you may need support from time to time. This card functions as a debit card, and can be used to make purchases or withdraw funds from your account at participating cash machines. Contact PayPal by calling 0870 280 5129 if you need to activate your card, report a lost or stolen card, change your pin number, or update your information. Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately, so that the card can be deactivated. A replacement card can then be requested and should arrive in approximately seven business days.
PayPal Contact for Email and Social Media
If you’re looking for a way to contact PayPal outside of business hours, email and social media are the two options. Having said that, responses will likely only be received during business hours, so there will likely be a wait. Emails must be sent from the website, via the following page: https://www.paypal.com/selfhelp/contact/email. Social media contact may be initiated from any of the following accounts:
Security is always an issue when posting to social media, but is an even bigger issue when it may involve payment information. Be sure to only post general questions to social media, and opt for sending a private message if you need to reveal any identifiable information. For the tightest security, call PayPal at 0870 280 5129 whenever you need help.


Daniel Cunningham is Chief Investment Officer, responsible for the Housing Partnership Equity Trust’s real estate portfolio strategy and execution. He leads the company’s deployment of capital in multifamily housing investments, and works with the firm’s partners in the selection, acquisition, and management of properties. He joined the HPET team in July 2019.
Previously, Daniel served as Senior Vice President at PNC Real Estate for nearly seven years, where he oversaw all loan originations for East Coast owners and developers of multifamily properties. Earlier, he was Vice President in the real estate investment group of ULLICO, Inc., overseeing originations, portfolio management, real estate-owned workouts, and asset surveillance.
Daniel has also held key management positions in affordable housing and real estate finance at Wells Fargo, Fannie Mae, Bank of America, and Citicorp. While at Fannie Mae, he was the National Director of Multifamily Affordable Housing Debt for seven years.
Daniel holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and a master’s degree in management (finance and real estate) from MIT’s Sloan School of Management.


Want to give someone a present? Buy them a gift voucher! To buy a gift voucher, it is very simple:
1/ Choose the amount from the following: 20€, 30€, 50€, 80€ or 100€ (if you want to accumulate the amounts, select the “quantity”) and add it to your basket.
2/ Proceed to pay by entering in the “”comments”” field, the family name and first name of the person for whom the voucher is intended, as well as their e-mail address (if you wish, add a personal message in the same field)
As soon as payment has been confirmed, an e-mail is sent to the addressee with a personal code. You will be copied in this e-mail in order to receive notification of sending. They will just need to enter this code in the field “”promotion code””, when putting through their order.
PS: Would you prefer a printable “”pdf”” voucher to give them the gift yourself? No problem, just specify this in the same “”comments”” field!”