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Home Security: Installing the Right System

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Home Security: Installing the Right System

When I bought my first home, the first thing that I did was install a new security system. That meant comparing quite a few residential alarm systems until I found the one with the features I really wanted. Five years later, I'm still happy with my choice. In my case, certain features were especially important. The ability to access the system remotely was a big plus. Since I live alone, a system that I could use to summon help if I became ill or sustained a nasty fall also mattered. If you are thinking of installing a new system, let me provide some food for thought. By deciding what features you really need, it will be easier to focus on systems that are worth your time and your money.

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3 Tips For International Wire Transfers

26 October 2017
 Categories: , Blog

If you have family living south of the border in the United States or perhaps overseas, it's possible you could be interested in an international wire transfer. But before you just send the money off with the first service you find, it can be financially helpful to do a little research first. Here are three tips to keep in mind when choosing a service to transfer funds to another country.

Bigger Transfers Can Save Money

If you intend to transfer money on a regular basis to say, a college student or someone else who will regularly need an infusion of cash, it might make more sense to pool the money together and cut down on the number of total transactions. Money transfer companies usually charge a fee for the service but provide a discounted percentage or amount to those with larger transactions. With that in mind, consider transferring enough money for one month instead of one week if you have the chance. Doing so will likely get you a lower rate.

Pay Attention to the Exchange Rate

While it may be important to cut down on the total number of transactions, don't be afraid to toss in an extra one or move your next one ahead of schedule if you notice a significant change in the exchange rate. The international exchange rate between Canada and many other countries can fluctuate daily. If you notice a certain increase in the rate that will allow you to get more foreign currency in exchange for your Canadian dollars, it might be worth it to do the math and send off another transfer sooner than expected.

Inquire About Fees on the Receiving End

Finally, while it is expected for you to have to pay a fee when conducting an international wire transfer, you will also want to check in with the recipient of your transfer and find out if there will be any additional fees on their end. Tell your recipient to check with their bank or service of choice and find out if there is a receiving fee for the money you are sending. Whenever possible, you want to avoid losing money on both ends of the transaction.

When conducting an international wire transfer, it's always a good idea to run the numbers first. Pay attention to the exchange rate and the amount of fees you are paying, as well as any fees on the receiving end. Reach out to a company that offers money transfer services for more information.