Corb7 International February 7th, 2024 Newsletter

International Business 

Publisher's Note

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

The Big Business of "The Big Game"!

Super Bowl 58 rings the cash register. 

-------

Allegiant Stadium is where Super Bowl LVIII will take place, in Las Vegas, Nevada,  January 24, 2024 – this Sunday at 6:30 PM Eastern / 3:30 PM Pacific - and as expected, it will be a big payday.
 
The NFL’s (National Football League) annual television revenue is estimated to be $11.46 billion. According to Nielsen data, among 2023’s 100 most-watched TV programs in the United States, 93 were NFL games, with the Super Bowl’s 115.1 million viewers topping the list.

Commercials:
 
Super Bowl commercials are known for their high production values and often serve as a highlight during the annual Super Bowl event. Advertisers showcase creative and entertaining commercials to captivate the massive audience. Companies invest heavily in these slots, and commercials can become cultural phenomena. Memorable ads often feature celebrities, humor, and sometimes address social or cultural issues. The Super Bowl has become a significant platform for advertisers to reach a wide and engaged audience.
 
All ads are sold out!
 
This year a 30-second Super Bowl commercial will cost a record-high average of $7 million, according to Forbes. Last year the same slot during the Super Bowl was $6.5 million, which was an increase from the $5.5 million the year before. 

Tickets:

Prices for the Feb. 11 game are the most expensive on record. Just getting inside Allegiant Stadium $8,000 for a single ticket, which is 35 percent more expensive than the $5,997 “get-in” price of the Super Bowl this time last year, according to data from TickPick, an online ticket marketplace.
 
According to various other sources, the actual current ticket range is between $9,500 to $35,000 with some reports of tickets going for as high as $70,000. Private Suites are starting at $540,000 and quickly going much higher.  Parking passes alone are going for $300-$800 and that is just to park one car.

Hotels:

We recently stayed at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas for regular season  Pittsburgh Steeler game.  The rates were not inexpensive but it was within easy walking distance of the stadium.  According to their website, however, this weekend a basic room (if you can get it) starts at $1,500 per night. 

Sunday truly is big business. 

For more about my wonderings through Business, Lifestyle, Health, Aging & Travel  
please see my blog:  JeffCorbett.com

---

International Business 

Business Psychology

Get Outside in the Cold Weather

The mental health benefits of fresh air.   

-------

A The great outdoors beckons millions of people each spring, summer and fall, but far fewer individuals spend as much time outside in winter. However, spending time outdoors can help to improve mood just as much when the mercury drops as it can when temperatures are warm.

The United Kingdom-based Mental Health Foundation reports that nature helps to generate positive emotions such as calmness, joy and creativity. The MHF also notes that connectedness with nature has been linked to lower levels of poor mental health, particularly depression and anxiety

---

International Business 

Cross-Border Business 

International Business Corporations (IBCs)

Understanding the basics.  

-------

As an entrepreneur, one of the most important decisions that you will ever make is how to structure your business interests. With the dramatic expansion of the Internet more companies than ever hold substantial assets in multiple nations. This, of course, adds to the complexity of structuring requirements 

A time-tested corporate vehicle, International Business Corporations, also known as IBC’s, are corporations established under the legislation of an overseas jurisdiction.  Often considered a twin sister to the United States Delaware Corporation. there are many similarities between the two but also major differences. Just as is the case in the Delaware, an IBC is a basic corporation which requires only a minimal presence be maintained in the host jurisdiction.  To meet this obligation, it is normally enough to have a representative office established and maintained by a local law firm.  Operations of the company need not be moved to the host locale.  In fact, the IBC is a legal entity that is frequently prohibited from conducting business in its country of incorporation.  It is also often free from all local taxes and merely responsible for paying small fixed annual fees.   Again, please keep in mind that as an owner, your personal tax obligations and reporting requirements will vary depending upon the owner’s country of origin. 
 
The Three Key Benefits to an IBC:

• Inexpensive to Establish and Maintain
• Enhance Personal or Corporate Privacy
• Provide a Basic Corporate Veil for Asset Protection

 
Of the three major benefits listed above, we think enhancement of privacy is what sets an IBC apart. Regulatory requirements for IBC are minimal.  This often means that the public records of the company are protected by local law.   This privacy element is not protected when a criminal investigation is underway, or a probe is made by a foreign government for tax reasons.  It is, however, very effective to screen the probing eyes of competitors, attorneys initiating frivolous civil lawsuits or in extreme cases governments known for political persecution. The bottom-line is that the owners of the IBC are not widely known, and ultimately privacy is maintained.

Bearer shares
At this point, it is probably best to go into some detail about bearer shares.   A bearer share instrument is a security that indicates ownership of an entity by means of possession.  Therefore, it is like cash. It differs from registered shares in that no public record is maintained of direct ownership but as stated earlier, the registered office and agent are known. 

It is noteworthy to mention that in the United States, bearer shares were once a common form for municipal bonds.  Also called coupon bonds these tax-free instruments were traded in this form until the early 1980s.  The ownership of these bonds was not registered; therefore, they were frequently kept in safety deposit boxes since possession was like cash.  In 1983, the U.S. Government sought more knowledge of who owned their debt – even at the local-level – and this option was eliminated.  

Outside of the United States, bearer shares were once a common form for IBCs which is no longer the case. Very few countries (if any) still allow for bearer shares of corporate entities. 

---

International Business

Business Etiquette

Be the Perfect Party Guest

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette 

Good manners cost nothing.  

-------

A cocktail party is the classic social gathering.  At what other time, in a single location, is it plausible to find a sparkle of romance, business deals made, and social standing elevated - or plummeted?

But no matter the goings on, there is always one constant:  the level of decorum expected from each guest.

It begins with your arrival.  Since cocktail hour isn't a sit-down affair, it is fine to arrive after it begins, but never early.  A host is usually fine-tuning food, drinks, and set-up well into the last minute.  Your early arrival will only escalate the frenzy.

Remember Your Limit

Just because it's a party doesn't mean you can totally cut loose.  Know your drink limit before you arrive.  If you're attending primarily for networking purposes, one or two drinks is an appropriate maximum.  

Over-indulging is a good way to invite trouble to any gathering.  A host's nightmare!
No one wants a drunk guest falling down a staircase, hitting on a VIP - or any guest for that matter, or falling asleep in the onion dip.

If you find yourself sipping a little too hurriedly, switch to water or soda.  
And if you don't drink, having water or a non-alcoholic beverage in your glass works perfectly well as you go about the party mingling and meeting new people.  After all, isn't that why you came? 

Cocktail Party Boundaries

For some people, cocktails are like truth serum with a permission slip to talk to anyone who will listen. 

Be very careful here!  People remember more than you may think, and you never know which sober guest may overhear you and spread the word.  

Keep all cocktail party conversations civil and never divulge anything you wouldn't be willing to place on a billboard.

Also, keep courtesy intact when mingling with V.I.P.'s:

• Avoid monopolizing a VIP's time.  If you engage in one-on-one conversation, invite others to join in after a few minutes.
• Address with respect at all times.  If you call him Mr. Mayor at Chamber of Commerce meetings, don't call him Bill at your neighbor's party.
• You're treating everyone as a VIP if you respect their time!

Time to Leave

If you arrived a bit late to the party, don't assume it's okay to stay late as well.  
When guests begin to filter out, it's probably time for you to go, too. 

But no matter what time you leave, thank your host and follow up with a thank you note, or an email if that feels appropriate. 

The Best Guest

The best guest on any occasion is mindful, helpful, and cheerful.  The "etiquette-ful" guest practices the art of putting others first while being true to personal values. 

She notices when a newcomer needs to be introduced around and is happy to meet the challenge.  

If ice is running low, or the hors d'oeuvre tray needs refilling, he takes care of it - or offers to.

There is never a lack of good cheer when an ideal guest is in attendance.  Conversation is always positive, and smiles abound.

---

International Business

Business Relocation

Rent or Buy?

by Morayma MaKay
Corporate Relocation Consultant & Coach
Get-Ready-Set-Move

The art of the move. 
-------

One of the most exciting (and challenging) decisions when it comes to the relocation process is finding your new nest. Should you rent, or should you buy?  This conundrum often pops up as soon as you start thinking about relocation....so what's a person to do?  Let's talk about it!
 
Renting: The Go-With-the-Flow Option
 
Pros:

• Flexibility: Renting lets you test the waters without a long-term commitment. It's perfect if you're still figuring out where your heart truly belongs.
• Lighter on the Wallet: Renting usually asks for a smaller upfront investment, making it pretty budget friendly.
• Maintenance Is Not Your Problem: Landlords usually handle the nitty-gritty of maintenance and repairs. That's one less thing on your to-do list!
• Easy Goodbyes: Once your lease ends, you can hit the road if you discover another gem of a neighborhood or city.

But Keep in Mind:
 

• Decor Limits: You won't have complete freedom to redecorate, which can be limiting for design enthusiasts.
• No Equity Building: Monthly rent payments won't build equity, so it's not a long-term investment.

Buying: The Long-Term Adventure

Pros:

• Equity Building: Buying a home is like planting seeds of equity that grow over time, a smart financial move.
• Roots & Stability: Homeownership brings a sense of belonging and permanence to your life.
• Make It Yours: You can unleash your inner decorator and renovate your home just the way you want it.
• Tax Perks: Sometimes, there are tax advantages to owning property, like deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes.

But Don't Forget:

• Cash Splash: Buying a home means shelling out some serious cash upfront - think down payments, closing costs, and property taxes.
• DYI Repairs: Homeownership means you're the go-to for maintenance and repairs. It can get pricey and time-consuming. 
• 'Roots Are Less Flexible: Selling a home isn't as swift as packing up your rental. It's less flexible if you're considering a sudden move.

Making Your Choice:

Consider these tips when deciding:

Long-Term Goals: How long do you plan to stay in the area? Is it a short-term fling or a long-term romance?
 
Your Financial Status: Take a deep dive into your financial situation. What's your savings, income, and credit score looking like?
 
Market Sherlocking: Check out the local real estate scene - prices, trends, and what's on the market.
 
Your Lifestyle Vibe: Think about your lifestyle preferences, like how much customization you want and how important stability is to you.
 
Talk to the Pros: Chat with real estate agents, financial wizards, and locals in the know for personalized advice.  
Once you do some due diligence and weigh the pros and cons of renting versus buying, rest assured that whichever decision you make is the right one for you.  A new home, whether bought or leased, gives you the perfect opportunity to start new chapters and embark on new adventures.  Happy planning!  

---

International Business   

Investment Strategies  

Reverse Mortgages Explained

Here are the basics.  

-------

As long as there have been homes for sale, there have been financial vehicles designed to alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with owning a home. A reverse mortgage is another way homeowners can borrow money based on the value of their homes, but it doesn't need to be repaid as long as those individuals are still living in their residences.

Eligibility and basics

The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Advice says a reverse mortgage is an option for those age 62 or older who can borrow money based on their equity, or how much money one could get for the home if sold after what is owed on the mortgage is paid off. At least one owner must live in the house most of the year. Reverse mortgages may be paid as a cash lump sum, as a monthly income or as a line of credit that enables the homeowner to decide how much is desired and when.

Determining eligibility

There is a misconception that a loan that requires no monthly repayment of principal or interest will not come with any eligibility considerations. Premier Reverse Mortgage says there are some things to know before doing reverse mortgages. To prevent homeowners using reverse mortgages to avoid downsizing due to financial shortcomings, certain eligibility parameters must be met, including a credit history analysis, income requirements, age requirement, and property stipulations. These criteria may differ from lender to lender.

Differences between traditional mortgages and reverse mortgages

Unlike a traditional mortgage where payments are made to principal and interest and the balance goes down over time, with a reverse mortgage, borrowers do not make any payments right away. The loan balance goes up over time and the loan is repaid when the borrower no longer lives in the home. The homeowners or their heirs will eventually have to pay back the loan, usually by selling the home. However, as the loan balance increases, the home equity decreases with a reverse mortgage. This can affect a surviving spouse or other family members. The FTC advises homeowners to confirm the reverse mortgage has a "non-recourse" clause, which means that the borrower or the borrower's estate cannot owe more than the value of the home when the loan becomes due and the home is sold.

Additional considerations

Due to fees and other requirements, a reverse mortgage may be a more expensive way to borrow money. Other ways to borrow against equity may be a better fit, such as a home equity line of credit. Furthermore, since reverse mortgages are for older adults, scams are prevalent. Some include contractors who approach seniors about getting a reverse mortgage to pay for repairs, or scams targeting veterans.

Borrowers considering reverse mortgages should first speak with a qualified financial planner. Homeowners in the United States can access information through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. All options, costs and interest rate information should be confirmed before signing on the dotted line. 

---

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions. 

---

Lifestyle    

Fitness & Health

Tips to Maintain Your Fitness Commitment

A few quick tips. 

-------  

At one point or another, millions of adults across the globe have resolved to be more physically active. The benefits of routine exercise are too numerous to cite, but some of the more notable ones include a lower risk for chronic disease and illness, improved self-esteem and greater overall health.

With so much to gain from routine exercise, it's no wonder so many people aspire to be more physically active. But it's easy to lose motivation when aspiring to exercise more. Each year, one of the most popular New Year's resolutions is to exercise more. In fact, Statista conducted a survey regarding New Year's resolutions for 2023 and found that exercising more was the most popular resolution. However, a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environment Research and Public Health found that 64 percent of people abandon their New Year's resolutions within a month of making them. Exercising more requires commitment, and there are some ways to make it a little easier to maintain that commitment over the long haul.

· Break it up. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that people don't need to exercise all at once to reap the rewards of physical activity. If time is tight, break up a workout over the course of your day. Some strength-training exercises in the morning can be followed up with a brisk walk or run over a lunch break. This approach makes it easier to fit a full workout into your daily routine.

· Employ the buddy system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that working out with a partner increases exercise motivation and encourages individuals to be more consistent with their exercise routine so they do not let their partners down. The authors behind a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology suggested the efficacy of the buddy system may require further study before researchers can definitively say it's an effective motivation strategy for people who want to exercise more. But there's no denying that many individuals feel that they are more likely to exercise with a friend than they are if they go solo.

· Schedule exercise time. Busy professionals book work meetings, family obligations and other daily tasks in their schedules, and the T.H. Chan School of Public Health recommends doing the same with exercise. Allotting time to exercise each day may decrease the likelihood that you'll skip a workout, and once results start to manifest you may be more motivated to stay the course.

· Identify what progress may look like. It's easy to become discouraged if a commitment to routine exercise does not produce visible results. But just because your abs are not becoming chiseled a month into a workout routine or the scale is not reflecting significant weight loss does not mean your routine is not working. As the human body ages, it becomes more difficult to transform it. So a workout routine that left you looking lean and chiseled in your twenties may not produce the same body in your forties. But that does not mean the exercise isn't working and ultimately helping you get healthier. Adults are urged to speak with their physicians and identify what progress with a workout routine might look like for someone their age. Progress may look different than it did years ago, but if the end result is a healthier you, then that should be all the motivation you need to keep going.

It's no secret that making a commitment to routine exercise can be difficult. But various strategies can increase the likelihood that individuals will stay the course as they seek to exercise more frequently.

---

Lifestyle  

Spirits & Cuisine  

Super Bowl Crockpot Recipes!

Crockpot make ahead meal ideas, guaranteed to please.  

-------

No matter which teams fans support, they're sure to get hungry watching the action play out. That's why game day hosts need to plan for various foods to keep guests satiated as they follow the scores.

Dips, small bites and other finger foods are staples when the game is on because they can be eaten easily in front of the big screen. Utilizing one or more slow cookers to prepare such items creates more time to watch the game, stock the cooler with refreshments and ready the home theater. Slow cookers also can keep meals warm on the buffet table.

These recipes for "Pepperoni Pizza Dip with Breadstick Dippers" and "Big Al's Hot and Sweet Sausage Sandwich" from "Crock*Pot® 365 Year-Round Recipes" (Publications International, Ltd.) from the Crock*Pot Kitchens make great game day meals. Adjust as needed for the game day crowd.

Pepperoni Pizza Dip with Breadstick Dippers

Serves 8

1 jar or can (14 ounces) pizza sauce

3/4 cup chopped turkey pepperoni

4 green onions, chopped

1 can (21/4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened

Dippers

1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated breadstick dough

2 teaspoons melted butter

2 teaspoons minced fresh Italian parsley

1. Combine pizza sauce, pepperoni, green onions, olives, and oregano in a 2-quart slow cooker. Cover; cook on low 2 hours or on high 1 to 1/2 hours or until mixture is hot.

2. Stir in mozzarella and cream cheese until melted and well blended. Serve with warm Breadstick Dippers.

3. For dippers, bake breadsticks according to package directions. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley.

Big Al's Hot and Sweet Sausage Sandwich

Makes 8 to 10 servings

4 to 5 pounds hot Italian sausage links

1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce

1 large Vidalia onion (or other sweet onion), sliced

1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced

1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

Italian rolls, cut in half

Provolone cheese, sliced (optional)

1. Combine sausages, spaghetti sauce, onion, bell peppers, and brown sugar in slow cooker. Cover; cook on low 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 to 6 hours.

2. Place sausages in rolls. Top with vegetable mixture. Add provolone cheese, if desired.

Tip: Instead of large Italian rolls, use slider buns or medium Kaiser rolls to stretch the sausage mixture further and make it easier to eat while watching the game.

---

Lifestyle 

Leisure 

The Big Game!

Super Bowl 58 is this Sunday.  

-------  

The American Football season will soon culminate in the game of all games  with the 58th Super Bowl.  It may surprise many but the first Super Bowl was not even a sell out.  Here is a quick look back. 

Bart Starr vs. Len Dawson and $12 Tickets! 



The very first Super Bowl was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 15,1967, a 35-10 win for the Green Bay Packers over the Kansas City Chiefs. This game feature two of the best quarterbacks of the era with Bart Starr going up against Len Dawson.  Starr – who was NFL's league wide MVP that season - won his first of two consecutive Super Bowl Most Valuable Player awards.  The average ticket to Super Bowl I was just $12. Perhaps even more surprising to today's NFL fans,  the inaugural Super Bowl did not even sell out. From 1967 to 1970 the first four Super Bowls were played before the merger, with the NFL and AFL each winning two.



Many fans of the National Football League, which is one of the most popular and most-watched sports leagues in the world, may aspire to one day see their favorite teams play in-person in the Super Bowl. While there may be nothing stopping fans' favorite teams from making the big game, fans themselves might be priced out.  According to various sources, the current ticket range is between $9,500 to $35,000 with some reports of tickets going for as high as $70,000. Nosebleeds are starting around $5,100 and Private Suites are starting at $540,000 and going much higher.  Parking passes alone are going for $300-$800 and that is just to park one car.

Enjoy the game

---

Lifestyle

Travel

Most Congested Freeway in the World?

What do you think?  

-------

Southern California residents, particularly those who work and live in Los Angeles, often bemoan how congested the city's numerous highways can be at any given moment. But data from the American Transportation Research Institute indicates that a road on the other side of the country holds the distinction as the biggest truck bottleneck in the United States.

According to the ATRI, Interstate-95 at State Route 4 in Fort Lee, New Jersey, is the busiest highway in the United States. Much of that congestion can be traced to the George Washington Bridge, as the area where I-95 meets Route 4 is just west of the GWB. But as stressful as that bottleneck can be for truck drivers and commuters, they may be glad that they are not forced to navigate Atlanta each day. ATRI data indicates that Georgia's most populous city is home to three of the country's 10 most-congested roadways: I-285 at I-85 (North), which is second on the list; I-75 at I-285 (North), which is third; and I-20 at I-285 (West), which is the seventh most congested bottleneck in the United States.

Of course the title of the “most congested freeway” can vary depending on the source and criteria used for measurement. However, some of the consistently congested freeways in the world include: 

      1.    Los Angeles, USA: The 405 Freeway (Interstate 405) is notorious for its congestion, especially during peak hours.
      2.    São Paulo, Brazil: The Marginal Tietê is one of the busiest highways in the world, known for its severe traffic congestion.
      3.    Moscow, Russia: The MKAD (Moscow Automobile Ring Road) experiences heavy traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours.
      4.    Jakarta, Indonesia: The Jakarta Inner Ring Road (JIRR) and Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR) are often congested due to the city’s high population density and inadequate road infrastructure.

In all likelihood, whatever freeway you are stuck on at any given time would receive your vote. 

---

Business Services

Business Acquisitions  

Corb7 International, Inc.
Think Seven Continents, Think a World of Opportunity!

---

"Challenging Traditional Thought to Gain Elite Performance"

The Ultimate Vehicle for Uncertain Times!

Profit, Privacy & Asset Protection. 

Owning a Swiss Trust Company offers several unique benefits, including financial privacy, asset protection, and flexibility in wealth management. Swiss jurisdiction is known for its stability and well-established financial system. However, it’s crucial to consider legal and regulatory aspects, as well as seek professional advice to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.


Swiss Trust Companies Immediately Available:

* 50-Year-Old Swiss Trust Company - AVAILABLE
Established in the year 1974
Place of Incorporation Zug, Switzerland

* 23-Year-Old Swiss Trust Company - AVAILABLE
Established in the year 2001
Place of Incorporation Zug, Switzerland 

Please note that additional licensing may be required.   

For a Complimentary Consultation:

Call +1-310-415-3545 
or 
Email: contact@corb7.com 


Corb7 International, Inc.
a Business Advisory & Publishing Firm
www.Corb7.com