Sometimes, even the best-laid plans unravel and fall apart. This is true with any relationship, including the relationship where you share a child. When children are involved, the steps to ending a relationship become more complex.

So, how does a divorce work with a child?

Getting started

Figuring out the child custody rules and regulations within your area is vital. Having a knowledgeable and capable family law attorney is crucial to the process.

Family law is different. It has far more rules and regulations than the criminal law. The burden of proof isn’t upon just one person. Instead, it is upon the person who is requesting for the custodial rights. That person has to prove that he’s more capable, reliable, and responsible.

More often than not, that means both parents need to prove themselves. The process won’t be quick and easy. It can take months and even years.

Tips On Handling Divorce When You Have A Child

1. Knowledge is key

Knowing what to do will help you through this difficult time. Having a lawyer can make things easier for you.

2. Prove that you’re the better parent

This isn’t the easiest thing to do.

Anything you say will be recorded. If you fabricate stories or tell lies, expect those things to backfire on you.

Now, if you’re sure that the other parent won’t do any good to your child, make your lawyer aware of it. Having proofs to back up your claim will also be helpful at this point. Be open to your lawyer so you can plan how you can use those proofs to your advantage.

3. Have your documents ready

Be prepared. If you expect to move out of the state, have your children’s documents ready. Keep a record of their school activities so you can easily use them when transferring.

Apart from that, you should also have your work history or proof of residence ready in case the court asks where you will be transferring. These documents are also helpful in proving your capability to provide for your child’s needs.

4. Try to come to terms with the other parent

Doing so can make the proceedings go faster, cheaper, and with less stress.

Your attorney will inform you all about the different types of custody agreements. The most common are those where the child resides with one parent weekly and spends weekends with the other parent.

Another common form of custody, which has become more popular as of late, is known as shared parenting. This is where the child spends half a month with each parent. This type of custody requires more communication. If you’re on good terms, then that won’t be an issue.

5. Don’t be afraid to have a discussion

There is nothing wrong with being passionate but remember that this isn’t about you anymore. This is about your child. Whether you like it or not, the person you are arguing with will be in your life for no less than 18 years. The less difficult you make it, the better things will be in the years to come.

In Conclusion

Remember that no matter how hard things get or how confusing the process becomes, rely on your family law attorney to help you through the court proceedings. He will help you find a way for your child to have a relationship with both parents.

Although your relationship with your partner is ending, it doesn’t mean that your child’s relationship with his parent has to end, too. It is your duty to make sure that your child still gets to enjoy a quality time with his parents.

See Also: 5 Legal Issues To Consider And Address Before A Divorce

The post How Does A Divorce Work With A Child? appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

https://ift.tt/2pQwZtE

The Australian share market experienced unprecedented turbulence in the first week of February 2018 when it lost $60 billion. It was a scary experience for investors in the Australian Securities Exchange as panic gripped investors across Asia indulged in a mad spree to exit the market.

Uncertainties are parts of share trading and investment in equities and investors have to accept it. As fortune favors the brave, you need to learn how to put up a brave face when the odds are stacked up. You need to have a hardened personality to withstand such instances.

The ability to withstand those setbacks and face trading risk are important traits you need to have if you want to be successful in this industry.

Equity investment is risky

Investing in equities can make you rich and prosperous as long as you are ready to take the setbacks and have the courage to come back with a bang. You can’t become a millionaire overnight and even if you do, be ready to lose those millions in a flash.

It is essential to understand the trading risks first so that once you get used to them, you can expect to make lucrative gains in the future.

Risk tolerance is vital for investors

Shares or equities are considered high-risk assets. This is why you should be ready to lose money and even the capital when you invest in shares.

Investing in the share market is not for the faint-hearted. There are factors inside and outside of your business that can take a toll on your business. With that, you should always be prepared.

Market psychology

The human psychology and behavior affect the performance of stocks markets.

For example, the behavior of investors in the US who chose to suddenly shed off stocks and exit the market had a deep influence on Asian investors who acted likewise. It sent the asx200 stocks downhill and created a negative effect in the Australian stock market.

Although the incident had a negative impact on the share market, it’s not something you should fear forever. In some instances, investors can make unexpected windfall gains. This is enough motivation for you to wait for the good days ahead.

Politics can affect stock prices

Investors closely follow political parties, especially the ruling party. If they feel the measures or policies adopted by the politicians can be detrimental to the interest of investors, they could manipulate investments that can move the market and even shake it.

This isn’t only true only when countries have to pass through internal turmoils. Some international political developments like the tense situation brewing between the US and North Korea are under the scrutiny of investors across the world.

If a major trading partner of one country witnesses the formation of a hostile government in the other country, the stock market in its country could take a beating. Similarly, the formation of a friendly government in that country could make the markets upbeat. Even revolutions and terrorist activities can increase the trading risk for investors.

Economic factors drive share prices

The stock market is one of the pillars of the global economy. The movement in share prices has a direct impact on the economy of every country in the world.

However, this doesn’t mean that it’s the sole factor that determines economic growth. Interest rates, unemployment, and inflation rates have an effect on countries’ economy, too.

Lowering interests can push up economic growth while inflationary trends can deflate the ballooning growth. Rising unemployment stifles market growth while higher employment rate can help boost economic growth and improve share market.

Calamities are bad for the stock market

Volcanic eruptions, forest fires, floods, and other calamities can have a negative impact on the economy, including the stock market.

If you are ready to cope with the adversities and have the patience and money to hang around for long, those things shouldn’t discourage you. In reality, the stock market experience can be quite rewarding.

See Also: How Has Trade Changed Over Time

The post The Ultimate Guide to Managing Trading Risk appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

https://ift.tt/2pNDyxX

Chemistry, just like other natural sciences, is the backbone of how the world is shaping up at present. It says a lot about the structure of things, how they react with and to each other, and the way they change.

This knowledge opens up a wide range of career choices for you.

Some of the most popular chemistry majors include:

• Marie Curie, the first female scientist to win the Nobel Prize
• Alfred Nobel, who invented dynamite and after whom the Nobel Prize is named
• Indra Nooyi, CEO of Pepsico
• Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany
• Margaret Thatcher, the ex-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
• Kurt Vonnegut, author of the famous novel called Cat’s Cradle
• Pope Francis

If you want to get a career in chemistry after graduation, here’s a list to help you out.

Research

Chemistry graduates are in-demand in the research industry. Medical companies, universities, and public-sector research centers are also looking for chemistry graduates.

Apart from research, you can work in laboratories, too.

You can lead the search for new medicines and vaccines. You can work on finding solutions to various environmental issues and perform forensic analysis. In addition, you can also work on developing new materials and products.

Chemical Engineering

Another great option for you is to work in the oil and gas sector or energy sector. You can also look for jobs in water and sewage treatment plants or in industries related to food and drinks, toiletries, and plastics.

If you are up for the challenge, you can look for jobs that require a degree in advanced sciences. This includes Biomedical Engineering and Nanotechnology.

Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industries

The healthcare industry and the pharmaceutical sector are large employment markets for people looking for a career in chemistry after graduation. You can specialize as a clinician, pathologist or biochemist.

In this industry, you can work on developing new cost-effective drugs. You can apply your analytical skills to test and evaluate them in accordance with government regulations.

Toxicology is another field you can get a career in. Jobs in this field involve identifying toxins in different materials and determining which of them are safe and which are harmful to the people.

Public Sector Careers

Chemists work in several state agencies such as Law, Defense, Public Health, Policy, and the Environment. Forensic experts not only collect evidence but are also called upon to discuss the findings in courts.

Chemical experts offer specialized consultancy to lawyers as well as policymakers. They provide suggestions on how to update a policy for the environment or agriculture based on the latest scientific developments.

Other Careers

Chemistry graduates can use their scientific and analytical skills to shine in other fields, too. With that, your other options include:

• Business Development
• Data & Analytics
• Energy, Conservation & Environment
• Fintech & finance
• Marketing & PR
• Media & Advertising
• Tech & IT
• Writing (including writing science fiction and working in newspapers or science journals)

The post Top Careers In Chemistry After Graduation You Need To Know appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

https://ift.tt/2pLVOXw

Getting your heart broken really hurts.

It’s one of those experiences in life that has a bizarre way of making you feel human and fragile.

While there is no way to avoid a heartbreak, I’ve come to believe that there are ways to make it less painful. After years of dealing with it, I’ve developed a theory:

We all have the ability to feel it coming and meet it head-on.

Death by a Thousand Cuts

In my experience, heartbreak happens incrementally. It’s like splintering glass or a beloved sitcom becoming gradually lame. When I had my heart destroyed, it happened over the course of months.

At first, it was just about little things. She was less enthusiastic to see me. “Hi!” became “Hi.” The pressure of her lips when we’d kiss felt… different. I felt a tremor of suspicion.

Soon enough, it was no longer a tremor.

Although she had yet to broach the subject with me, I felt a chasm growing between us. And it only made me more desperate to see her and to try to be more expressive of my feelings. That meant more hanging out, more sex.

Nothing had changed yet, but everything felt different.

The End Is Rarely Surprising

By the time she ended it, I acted as if she had become a “Mortal Kombat” character and ripped my heart out through my throat. It was a lie.

What I really felt was this melancholy déjà vu.

My heart was re-broken, having already sustained irrevocable damages over those long weeks and months that preceded our melodramatic finale. It seemed like an already broken plate that’s stomped on by a jackboot.

There, now that’s broken.

I begged her to tell me why it was over. She obliged.

I am not in love with you.

Her words were as heavy and irrefutable as poured concrete. I couldn’t escape them any longer. But really, I’d known all along.

Listening to Yourself

It didn’t have to be this way.

The heartbreak was inevitable but the way in which I experienced it could have been different.

First, I could have listened to my gut and spoken to her about it. I could have given her the opportunity to let me down gently.

We often want what we want despite knowing we either can’t or shouldn’t have it. We have as much trouble delaying gratification as we do in facing pain that can be delayed.

I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that something was wrong but I chose to ignore it. It was in the futile hope that if I just turned up the volume of my feelings for her, I could drown out the sound of intuition telling me to face this.

So, I waited until she couldn’t hide it anymore.

I’d leave her pathetic 4 a.m. voicemails, begging her to see me.

Being Sad Without Being an Over-Actor

The problem with not listening to your instincts and going the easy route is that when the ground finally does open up beneath your feet, you say and do a bunch of regrettable stuff as you fall.

At least I did.

Despite her brutally honest admission of not loving me, I considered buying a ring. A goddamn diamond ring!

Despite having felt the chords of my heart snapping for months, I chose to lie to myself, and then the finality of our breakup destroyed me. I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, couldn’t talk about anything but her.

I basically became a bad actor in a worse movie.

Imagine Shia Lebouf remaking “Ishtar.” Or imagine me remaking Ishtar.

Yeah, I was that bad.

Had I chosen to face the signals, had I given myself (and her) the time to process it all and deal with it, I would have still been heartbroken and sad, but I would have been more reasonable.

Once the initial fever breaks after those first few weeks when you’re basically just a lunatic, you do become a sad but more emotionally intelligent human being. I could have started from that point.

If You’re Feeling Like Something’s Wrong

For those of you out there who might be feeling that something’s not quite right with the one you love, that something is off, something is breaking, I encourage you to talk about it. It need not be dramatic and it certainly shouldn’t be accusatory.

Often times, we know all that we need to know. We just choose not to listen.

And the result becomes more painful than it needs to be.

See Also: Written By Him: How To Handle A Break Up

The post A Useful Guide In Dealing With A Broken Heart appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

https://ift.tt/2pNtPaE

Getting a new car is way cheaper than you think. In fact, buying a car on finance can even be less expensive than the monthly cost of a fancy new iPhone, broadband contract or your gym membership!

So, ready to hit the open road?

Here’s how to set your car budget by giving up some of your unnecessary expenses.

Cut: Daily coffee fix
Get: Honda Jazz

It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying a latte on your way to work every day, especially when every other store is a coffee house. But do you really want that expensive coffee or is it simply a force of habit?

The average American spends a whopping $1,100 a year or $91 a month on coffee. Forgo the daily coffee spend and make your own at home instead and you could easily afford to buy a Honda Jazz with those savings. It’s perfect for zooming around the city.

See Also: Top Tips In Buying A Car With Your Significant Other

Cut: Apple iPhone X 64GB
Get: Toyota Aygo

The new Apple iPhone created a buzz as soon as it was released. Unfortunately, the buzz subsided once consumers saw the monthly contract prices that come with the phone- an eye-watering $157 a month!

If you don’t really need the latest smartphone and all its associated tech, why not go for a lesser and cheaper model. Do so and you could afford to buy a Toyota Aygo!

Cut: Monthly nights out
Get: Seat Ibiza

A night out in a big city costs around $83 a pop by the time you’ve bought drinks, paid entry, and possibly had a late-night snack. To sum that up, that’s about $332 a month.

Do yourself a favor by giving up a few big nights out. You won’t only enjoy more hangover-free mornings (which your head will love you for) but you’ll also be able to treat yourself to a Seat Ibiza instead.

Cut: Takeout food
Get: Peugeot 108

Leading a busy life means it’s tempting to call in a takeout after a hard day at work. And the rise of fast-food ordering apps means you can order a pizza in a matter of moments.

But at a monthly cost of $153, takeaways don’t come cheap. Do your waistline and your wallet a favor and ditch them. That way, you can drive away in a gorgeous Peugeot 108 instead.

Cut: Cigarettes
Get: Audi A1

Smoking your way through a 20-pack cigarette costs a staggering $447 a month. Not only is it a painfully expensive habit, it is also proven terrible for your health. Why spend that much money on something so bad for you when you could put that money towards a set of wheels instead?

Forget your cigarettes and you’ll start to look, feel, and smell better in days. You can treat yourself to an Audi A1 as a reward.

Cut: Luxury subscription services
Get: Toyota Previa

Luxury subscription box services where you get, for example, some tasty organic food delivered to your door a few times a month are super trendy right now. They’re also expensive, costing around $86 a month.

If you find that most of the food usually ends up left uneaten, your subscription might not be all that worth it. Cut it out and you could afford to make monthly payments for a Toyota Previa.

Cut: Date night
Get: Vauxhall Corsa

Now, we’re not for a minute suggesting you shouldn’t go on dates. But if you’re willing to go on one less a month, you’d be saving yourself a sizeable $104. That’s enough to buy a Vauxhall Corsa! Log off Tinder and get behind the wheel instead. Dating is overrated anyway, right?

By cutting out some of your non-essential expenses, you can easily create your car budget. If you are still in doubt how to start, you can use a car finance calculator to find out which vehicles will suit your budget.

The post Creating A Car Budget: 7 Things You Can Give Up For That Brand New Car appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

https://ift.tt/2IVEIiP

There are ninety million dogs kept as pets in the United States. One of the most common breeds is the pit bull.

Considered as vicious, this dog breed is chronically misunderstood.

Pit bulls were bred in the 19th century from a mix of two breeds: the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier. With their strength and agility, they were brought to America before the Civil War. Here, they became known as the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Pit bulls have three distinct types: the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. There are also countless look-a-like breeds which contribute to the confusion about pit bulls in general.

The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) assesses the aggression of dog breeds in a series of simulated encounters that range from passive to threatening. Dogs who pass this test are able to safely interact with humans and their environment.

When testing pit bull breeds, ATTS found a pass rate of over 80% while the Staffordshire Bull Terrier passing 91% of the time.

If Pit Bulls Aren’t Aggressive, Why The Bad Reputation?

Pit bulls are often blamed for cases of serious dog attacks. In reality, the breed is responsible to only 69% of the cases.

In 2007, two dog attacks occurred only days apart but received wildly different coverage.

On August 18th, a Labrador attacked a 70-year-old man. He ended up hospitalized and in critical condition. On August 21st, two pit bulls attacked a 56-year-old woman in her home.

The lab attack was in a single article in a local paper. The pit bull attack, on the other hand, was on national and international news. It was in over 236 articles and television news networks.

Labeling Pit Bulls Does More Harm Than Good

Every year, 3.3 million dogs enter shelters and 670,000 are euthanized.

A 2014 study of potential adopters found that dogs labeled as “Pit Bull” remained in the shelter more than 27 days longer than look-a-like dogs who were labeled differently. A whopping 50% of people say they would never consider adopting a pit bull.

The harm caused by labeling pit bulls as vicious extends beyond potential adopters. When asked if they considered pit bulls safe enough to live in residential neighborhoods, 40% of people said no while only 27% thought all medium-sized dogs were somewhat or very dangerous.

Breed Specific Legislation

Due to pit bulls’ reputation for aggression, they are often the target of breed specific legislation (BSL). BSL bans or regulates specific breeds, including breed mixes.

Only 27% of “dog experts” can visually identify dog breeds without error. This is why BSL applies to dogs that resemble a pit bull or other banned breed.

Supporters of BSL say that it prevents dogs attacks on humans and other animals. Critics condemn the law as discriminatory, costly, and ineffective.

Many argue that BSL punishes dogs instead of the owners who failed to properly train and control them. National organizations opposed to BSL range from the Humane Society of the United States to the Center Centers for Disease Control. A few states have begun to prohibit municipal BSL, too.

Preventing Dog Attacks

According to the ATTS standards, Chihuahuas and Dachshunds are the most unruly breeds – pit bulls don’t even broach the top five. However, breed is not a major factor contributor to dog attacks.

Researchers comparing factors across a 10-year range of dog attacks found that the greatest predictor of an attack was having no able-bodied person present to intervene. Attacks are also more likely to happen if the victim and the dog are strangers. Dogs that lacked positive socialization with humans and those that aren’t neutered can be aggressive, too.

These factors have nothing to do with breed and everything to do with proper training.

In general, there are three important components of training to consider:

1. Learn to read dogs’ body language and spot the warning signs that a dog may attack
2. Engage your dog in obedience training to learn basic commands, like “come” and “stay”. These commands will help redirect the dog in any situation.
3. Every dog needs to be exposed to different people and situations so they can learn to feel comfortable

Finally, to learn more about why pit bulls aren’t a security threat, check out this infographic.

Source: Online Masters in Public Health

The post Preventing Dog Attacks: Myths And Facts You Should Know appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

https://ift.tt/2DWc4KG

When it comes to choosing which software you will install on your computer, everyone tends to fall back on familiar options: Windows and Apple iOS. The option you choose has impactful consequences on one of the most important aspects of your professional and personal life, so why not consider the other options out there?

Linux is among the most popular alternative software options – and, with an estimate of more than 94,860,000 active Linux users worldwide, it might be a good time to give it a thought.

Linux Is Open Source

One of the main advantages of Linux is that it is open source, which also affects many other aspects of the software and its dynamics with Linux users. With every other piece of software, you cannot really get into the code and mess around with it, as it constitutes intellectual property of the respective vendor.

Linux was invented as open source, which means that anyone who knows how to code can intervene. This basically means that instead of a few dedicated specialists that are recruited to update software, Linux is backed by the collective force of millions of IT professionals and coding aficionados worldwide, who constantly come up with fixes to problems and updates that they then share with other users.

Linux Is Supportive

This collective effort is translated into tremendous support between users’ networks. Forums by users that use some version of the software built around the Linux kernel are filled with people who are excited about its open source nature and eager to help.

The fact that Linux is used as an operating system by roughly only 2.32% of desktops and laptops (as opposed to Microsoft’s dominant 88.78% and Mac OS at 8.21%) might be another reason for this increased camaraderie.

Linux Is Secure

You might think that because Linux is not as widely used as Windows, it is less well-protected. If anything, it is arguably the opposite that is true: Windows is so often targeted and so vulnerable to malware because everyone is using them. By contrast, if you are operating on Linux, you do not even need an antivirus to protect your systems.

Linux Runs the Internet

It is a bold claim, but it is true. All Android software is based on Linux and it is an integral part of the Internet user experience as a whole, powering websites and services like Google, Facebook, Wikipedia and Pinterest – to name but a few.

With this degree of penetration, it is not surprising that even the most sophisticated software products, like HAProxy, were designed to run on Linux. HAProxy – also known as High Availability Proxy – is an open source proxy and load balancing server software that helps allocate server load to optimise your website’s performance. It is meant to run not only on Linux, but also other free open source operating systems like FreeBSD – just like countless other high-end software tools.

Linux Is Free

If nothing else will convince you to give a second thought, then perhaps money will. Linux, true to its open nature philosophy, is completely FREE – in contrast to the other, most popular options.

This includes updates and a lot of programs that are designed for Linux. This does not mean that open source software is a commercial failure – quite to the contrary, the open source software industry value in 2017 rose to more than € 54 million and is expected to surpass €57 million by 2020.

With familiarity comes ease and comfort but, sometimes, all it takes is finding the time to familiarise yourself with new things to find out whether they work better for you or not.

The post 5 Reasons Why You Need to Consider Linux appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

https://ift.tt/2DTXt2c

More and more of life nowadays is conducted online. From social media to streaming movies on Netflix to grocery shopping, many aspects of our daily routine are not possible without an internet connection.

Since online shopping has evolved into such a big deal, this trend would surely catch up with payments, too. Online payments have been possible for a while now, but only recently have e-wallets started to become more widely adopted. Now, thanks to the new EU privacy laws, they are expected to become safer for consumers, too.

GDPR to Set Stricter Rules on Data Protection

The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the cornerstone of European legislation on protection of personal data, replacing previous regulations. It aspires to provide a stricter and more comprehensive system of protecting personal information and recognises privacy to a fundamental human right.

It will go into effect this year, on May 25, 2018, and will impose more obligations on businesses and organizations that handle the personal data of EU residents. If companies fail to comply with the strict requirements, they face fines of up to €20,000,000 (roughly $24,000,000) or 4% of their total global profits.

The GDPR imposes obligations that include taking technical measures like data encryption and pseudonymization so that companies can ensure that they are adequately protected against security breaches and hackers. It also gives certain rights to the individuals that are the subjects of the personal data and demands that a response plan is in place in case of a security incident.

What makes it relevant for US companies too is the fact that the GDPR applies to any organization that provides goods and services or monitors persons within the EU, even if the company is not based in the EU.

E-wallet Providers Will Have to Adopt More Secure Standards Worldwide

This in effect means that any company that provides services to people on EU soil must upgrade their security standards to comply with the new regulation. It is hardly efficient to have different types of protection built within one service.

It is equally ineffective to have to be able to pinpoint in real time and with accuracy whether a given client is within the EU in order to switch between levels of security – since the GDPR will apply to everyone within EU borders, irrespective of whether they are citizens of one of its member-states. Therefore, companies will most likely be forced to apply the new standards universally. This also holds true for e-wallet companies like PayPal or Skrill.

When they do, every client who uses digital wallet services will benefit from greater security and increased privacy. This is very important, especially in light of the fact that a leading reason that people do not opt for digital wallets is concerns that relate to lack of security: 39% of respondents to a survey from November 2017 stated that the main reason that they do not use digital wallets is because they do not perceive them as safe.

E-wallets are a rising market – it is estimated that in 2017, 32% of consumers used a digital wallet and 78% were aware of the option – so eliminating safety concerns might be crucial to the further penetration of this particular method of online payment.

The clock is ticking for companies to implement the new safety standards, as only a few months remain until the GDPR deadline – and soon both EU and US consumers will see a higher level of protection when using digital wallets.

The post New EU Privacy Laws Will Make E-Wallets Safer for Everyone Worldwide appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

https://ift.tt/2pGU8ze

Now more than ever, an educated public is essential for a country to remain relevant and competitive in the global marketplace.

In fall of 2016, 1.8 million students were enrolled in master’s, graduate certification or doctoral programs in the US, showing a steady growth in enrollment in the last decade. Recently, however, that growth is starting to experience a decline.

Graduate programs with the most applicants (Fall, 2016)

• Social and behavioral sciences
• Engineering
• Biological and agricultural sciences
• Physical and earth sciences
• Arts and humanities

Are the critics right?

Making the most of our education has always been a part of the American dream. Today, however, students are even questioning the viability of getting a college degree in general as tuition rises, student loan debt balloons, and jobs remain scarce and low-paying.

No longer do students feel optimistic about the job market and many have opted to stick with a Bachelor’s degree and enter the workforce as quickly as possible.

While our parents and grandparents love to remind us about how they worked summers and even weekends to put themselves through college, that financial landscape is no longer our reality. For many students, the cost of pursuing a graduate education remains hugely prohibitive.

In 2012, the master’s degree student debt average ranged from $50,000 for education and science degrees and as high as $160,000 for law and health sciences degrees.

Average student loan debt by profession

• Business: $42,000
• Science: $50,400
• Education: $50,880
• Arts: $58,540
• Law: $140,620
• Medicine/Health Sciences: $161,770

Some students don’t see the increased student loan debt as a big deal when their potential salary options nearly double after completing their graduate degree. The wage premium for employees with a master’s degree over employees with a bachelor’s degree can be as great as 90% under the right set of circumstances.

Those holding Graduate degrees in the following fields can see a high difference in their wages:

• Financial services sales agents have an $80,000 increase in salary
• Physicians assistants have a $29,000 increase in salary
• Education administrators have a $23,000 increase in salary

For others, the looming debt isn’t worth the chance at a higher paying job and entering the workforce as quickly as possible is the only option. Even some entry-level jobs require a master’s degree and sometimes, graduates find that they can’t afford to work in the field they went to school for.

See Also: Pay off Student Loan Debt by Going Back to School

Some of the common entry-level jobs requiring a Master’s Degree or higher include:

• Librarians
• Mental health counselors
• Healthcare social workers
• Political scientists
• Urban planners

While grad students work towards their degrees, their years spent in school are still years spent outside of the workforce. Some would say this puts these students at a professional disadvantage, especially when employers are generally more interested in work experience and skills rather than a prestigious degree.

Grad students may experience:

• Fewer options to network with professionals
• Less time and fewer opportunities to build work experience and resume while in school
• Fiercely competitive job market of other workers with more experience and “less” education

The case for grad school

Despite its reputation for being expensive, there are countless financial options to make grad school work. Many employers, especially big name brands, offer incentives, and tuition reimbursements for their employees.

Some of the best tuition assistance in the market includes:

• AT&T offers up to $25,000 for graduate expenses
• Bank of America offers up to $5,250 for job-related courses
• Disney covers up to $700 per college credit and covers 100% of the cost of textbooks
• FAFSA is also a good option for those looking to expand their education without breaking the bank. Opening up access to federal loan programs designed just for graduate students, these financial options help to make grad school more accessible and realistic for students.

The Federal Perkins Loan Program allows graduate students to borrow up to $5,000 per year. Direct unsubsidized loans can give graduate students access to borrowing up to $20,000 a year.

More than 40% of college freshmen say they intend to pursue a master’s degree, but the number of students enrolling in graduate programs is beginning to flatten out. With a growth rate of 1.2% from 2 to 15 to 2016, compared to the 5.7% average annual growth rate between 2006 and 2016, fewer students are taking on grad school.

What’s keeping students from furthering their education with grad school? Check out this infographic to learn more about the war on grad school.

Source: Masters Programs Guide

The post The War On Grad School appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

https://ift.tt/2DRDrFK

With the UK still locked in negotiations with the 27 member states of the EU following the country’s decision to leave the Union, a great deal of uncertainty still remains about what form a post-Brexit world will take. At the moment, even the negotiating position is open to debate with the country’s MPs split on what the best approach should be.

Although the direction Brexit is taking is still uncertain, there is no denying that it is going to influence more than the UK or the EU’s finances.

Let’s take a look at the likely influences of Brexit around the world, in six key areas.

Supply chains and manufacturing

Today’s supply chains are global, so the cost of raw materials for manufacturing may increase under new trade agreements, as well as being affected by currency exchange rates. One thing’s for sure, whichever way Brexit goes, it’s a monumental event on the world’s economic data calendar, with ramifications for more just one country. Increased customs procedures for materials entering or leaving the UK for EU countries could also slow down the supply chain, increasing costs and reducing efficiency.

Corporations

Many global corporations have their headquarters in the UK and are actively considering what this could mean for them once the country has separated from Europe. If they do decide to move to an EU country, it will obviously have financial consequences for them, not least in meeting the costs for both new premises and relocation expenses for valued staff.

Trade

The UK is actively looking to draw up new trade agreements worldwide as a hedge against any changes in the way that it trades with EU countries. One of the UK government’s key mantras has been “Britain is open for business” so it could be that many countries are in a good position to negotiate especially favourable terms to minimize tariffs for exports and imports.

Exchange rates

As was seen shortly after the Brexit referendum result was announced when the value of sterling dropped by 10% almost immediately, the pound is likely to be weaker against all of the world’s major currencies. Some hope that this may help to offset the higher tariffs that might form part of new trade agreements.

Taxes

The UK is very aware of the need to both retain the companies headquartered there and attract new ones. So, there have been suggestions that the level of corporation tax, which is currently 20%, could become as low as 15%. If this was the case then it would be one of the lowest rates of any of the world’s major economies.

Equity markets

Just as the value of sterling fell after the Brexit vote, global equity markets also showed considerable volatility. So, although nothing can be certain right now, it is expected that these will react in one way or another as more is known about the world economy after the UK has finally severed ties with the EU.

So these are interesting times not just for the UK and Europe but for the whole world. But it’s only after March 2019 that anyone will know just how interesting they are for the global economy as a whole.

The post Six Ways Brexit Could Affect Global Finances appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

https://ift.tt/2G0HuVX