Corb7 International June 15th, 2022 Newsletter

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International Business 

Editor's Note

Recession Proof Your Finances!

Will we have a recession in the near future?   Who knows?  It might, nevertheless, be a good time to take a few preemptive steps as we see inflation moving dramatically higher. 

"Financial planning" is an umbrella term that can be applied to various aspects of money management. Many people associate financial planning with retirement. However, effective financial planning can help people confront today's challenges just as much as it can help them prepare for their golden years.  Taking steps to recession-proof your finances is an important component of financial planning that can help people overcome the stress of living during a downturn.

Here are a few ideas: 

· Build up your savings. A recent poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 45 percent of adults said their mental health had been negatively affected due to stress related to the virus. That poll was conducted in March 2020, shortly after lockdown measures were instituted and the term "social distancing" entered the North American lexicon.  Each person's financial needs are different, but many planners recommend clients have at least six months' worth of expenses in their savings as a cushion to help them get through job loss.

· Pay down debt. Debt, particularly high-interest debt, can compromise your ability to save. A recent survey from Bankrate.com found that 13 percent of Americans admitted that debt was preventing them from saving more money. Pay down debt like credit cards and only make credit card purchases if you have the money, pay the bill in full when it's due.

· Avoid overspending. Many financial planners recommend a 50-30-20 approach to money management. Such an approach advises people to devote 50 percent of their earnings to needs, 30 percent to their wants and 20 percent to savings. Spending more than 30 percent on wants can make it difficult to build up a savings account to levels that can protect you in the event of a recession.

· Expect the unexpected. . If you want to recession-proof your finances, do not take your foot off the gas in regard to insulating yourself from the next recession. No matter how the economy is performing, continue to expect the unexpected and prioritize saving so you have a soft landing awaiting you should the economy again take a sudden turn for the worse.

The timing of recessions is unpredictable, but they are inevitable. Effective financial planning can help anyone overcome the challenges posed by economic downturns.

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International Business 

Business Psychology

How to Stay Sharp After Retirement

If asked to describe how they envision retirement, many professionals might reference travel, time spent with grandchildren and various recreational pursuits. Few, if any, would mention cognitive decline. However, cognitive decline poses a significant threat to aging men and women, especially during retirement.

Researchers have long since recognized that certain cognitive abilities begin to decline with advanced age, even among elderly individuals who are healthy. However, despite that decline, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that dementias like Alzheimer's disease are not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, the CDC estimates that as many as 40 percent of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed. In addition, the CDC reports that it's not uncommon for routine memory, skills and knowledge to stabilize or even improve as the brain ages.

That's good news for retirees who want to spend their post-work life pursuing their passions and hobbies. Individuals also can embrace some strategies to stay mentally sharp in retirement.

· Consider delaying retirement. Even if early retirement is a dream, it might be better to work a little longer than you had planned. A 2021 study published in the journal SSM - Population Health found that postponed retirement is beneficial to cognitive function for all genders, races/ethnicities, educational levels, and professional status. The study reported that individuals who waited until age 67 to retire experienced less cognitive decline than those who retired prior to turning 67.

· Make exercise part of your retirement routine. A lack of structure may seem enticing to individuals who have spent decades working. However, many retirees find that little structure loses it appeal quickly after calling it quits. When creating a new routine in retirement, include regular exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies indicate that people who are physically active are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function. So daily exercise not only gives retirees something to do, but also benefits their brains.

· Enroll in an adult education course. A 2014 study published in the journal JAMA Neurology examined the association between lifetime intellectual enrichment and cognitive decline in the older population. The study's authors found that higher levels of late-life cognitive activity were associated with higher levels of cognition. The study's authors concluded that lifetime intellectual enrichment might delay the onset of cognitive impairment. Retirees can look into adult learning programs at local colleges and universities to see if anything piques their interest.

Retirement can be everything professionals hope it will be, especially for those who make a concerted effort to maintain optimal cognitive function after they call it a career.

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International Business 

Cross-Border Business 

Antigua & Barbuda a Hidden Treasure 

 Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth country comprising its 2 namesake islands and several smaller ones. Positioned where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet, it's known for reef-lined beaches, rain-forests and resorts. Its English Harbor is a yachting hub and the site of historic Nelson's Dockyard. In the capital, St. John's, the national museum displays indigenous and colonial artifacts .Whether a small or large enterprise, business owners seeking to conduct business in Antigua and Barbuda must register their business. Antigua & Barbuda have welcomed offshore banking since 1982.  One noteworthy statutory requirement is that Offshore Banks must maintain a minimum capital of US$5 million. Of this amount, US$1.5 million must be deposited and kept in a bank licensed to do business in Antigua and Barbuda. 

Major events:  In January of 2016, Antigua and Barbuda agreed to abolish personal income tax.

Antigua and Barbuda
Location:  Eastern Caribbean Sea, 250 miles SE of Puerto Rico
Capital City:  St. Johns
Population:  82,000 (2008)
Language Spoken:  English
International Time:  EST + 1 hour
Airline Service:  Continental, Delta, American, US Airways, Windward Islands AIR
Currency:  Eastern Caribbean Dollar EC$2.70 = US$1
Type of Government:  Independent Parliamentary Representative Democracy
Main industries:  Tourism, manufacturing and international banking
OECD:  Approved
FATF:  Member CFATF 

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International Business

Offshore Perspective

Free Speech & the Culture Wars!

If you have not seen the above video please take a moment to review - it is well worth your time. 

"Even North Korea isn't this crazy" 
- Defector Yeonmi Park on woke tyranny

As a brief introduction, Ms. Yeonmi Park  is a 27-year-old is a North Korean defector and political commentator whose family fled the economic policies of North Korea to China in 2007 and settled in South Korea in 2009, before moving to the United States in 2014.  In this video she discusses Colombia University and woke censorship Ideology in the United States.  Her shock at what she encountered as a student at university after risking her life to flee North Korea is an important warning. 

Related Link:
Yeonmi Park  

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International Business   

Business Etiquette  

Business Casual vs. Professional Dress

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Etiquette for the Business of Life

The 21st century work world has brought about unique "professional" looks to many businesses and organizations.  Though this look is considered a little too casual for the traditional standards in law, finance and other professional services, it still gets the job done.

Business casual, as the look is known, threw a wrench in some work environments.  But questions remain the same: Is it professional enough?  Will you be taken seriously?  Can it be worn in executive suites?

In the period of pandemic, when virtual conferencing is by necessity in vogue, the same questions apply.  With less of you being viewed, what you choose to wear is vital in making a first impression.

Dressing Down in a Professional Environment

At a not-too-long-ago in-person professional conference, I attended as the guest of a speaker. 
What expectations did I hold for myself?

• Avoid crashing the scene by wearing shorts and flip-flops - even though the event is at a beach resort.
• Wear something comfortable, that I like, and dressed down to a business casual level indicating that I am off-duty, but am welcomed as a sit-in participant.

This is an example of when blending in is called for, but because I was not fully participating, I would not be required to dress at the level of those who are. 

Respect for the participants, the occasion, or the profession, asks that you dress tastefully.  Nothing too-short, too tight, too low cut or too flashy will keep you from being a distraction to the real reasons you are there.  Men keep the shirt buttoned appropriately for the occasion. 

Category lines between professional and casual blur easily.  But tasteful is always in style.  Mark your own setting by creating default outfits that keep you appropriate in any setting.

Business Casual Basics
When choosing your default outfit components, keep in mind that they should fit well, be comfortable, and give you confidence.

A woman's business casual wardrobe may include:

• Slacks or dressy pants
• Tailored skirts that reach the top of the knees
• Long- or medium-sleeved solid or soft-print blouses that aren’t too revealing (tucked in or not)
• Sweaters or light jackets
• Dress shoes or low boots (closed-toe shoes are always a good choice)
• Modest accessories, including scarves

A man's business casual wardrobe may include:

• Slacks, khakis
• Collared shirts, or polo-style shirts, sweaters
• Optional tie
• Dressy shoes

During and post-pandemic, for virtual and video business meetings, I advise full torso dressing.  You may unexpectedly need to stand up and pajama bottoms might be shocking to others present at these meetings.

Business Professional Attire
Building on your business casual wardrobe above, you can add elements to create a professional wardrobe.

For women, this may include:

• Skirt or pant suits in black, gray, and blue
• A blazer or jacket with coordinated skirts/pants
• Shirts and blouses to be tucked in
• Classic dresses with jackets
• Minimal jewelry
• Hosiery
• Close-toed shoes
• Quality leather bag

For men, this may include:

• Suits in black, gray, and blue
• Suit pants with jacket or blazer
• Button-down or firm-collared dress shirt
• Tie
• Dress shoes

Coming to Terms with Casual
As casual seeps into the working world, remember that making a positive impression can be affected by the unintended consequences of less-than-thought-through self-presentation. 

Sandals, short pants, swing skirts, and sleeveless or revealing tops send different messages when you are at play or at work.  Jeans also belong in the casual section of your wardrobe. 

Sure, there are some items that will fit into both the work and play categories, but choose these wisely.  For many people, it's helpful to compartmentalize your wardrobe items to prevent casual from creeping in too far. 

If you’re thinking about ratcheting up your image in your own eyes, here are some suggestions:

• Separate your clothes into defined sections of work and play.
• Have a throw-away fest and let things go!  (My guess is that you really won’t miss them.)
• Think “outside the peer” box and imagine yourself setting a new standard.

Wardrobe etiquette will help you feel more comfortable and confident.  And feeling better about yourself is always a goal!

Whether business casual or professional, when you're confident, "put together", and can exude a level of comfort with yourself, people like and trust you more - two characteristics everyone needs when building business relationships! 

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Lifestyle    

Executive Fitness 

 Eggs are Health Food!

Eggs are a topic of conversation each spring, largely because of their relationship to the Christian celebration of Easter. Brightly colored Easter eggs are on display, chocolate eggs line store shelves and egg-lined birds nests in trees and bushes dot spring landscapes.

Eggs take center stage in early spring, but they're more than just novelties to include in Easter celebrations.

· Eggs are nutritious. Eggs are loaded with vitamins A, D and B12 and the nutrient choline. They're also an excellent protein source in a small package. At 72 calories and packing six grams of protein, eggs can make for a great, filling meal at any time of day.

· Eggs boost brain health. The choline in eggs is a crucial nutrient for memory, mood and muscle control, according to the University of Missouri Health Care system. Choline also is essential in fetal brain development and can help prevent birth defects.

· Eggs don't always have to be refrigerated. In countries outside of the United States and Canada, eggs may not be refrigerated and do not have to be chilled. Also, outside of North America eggs are not washed prior to commercial production. However, according to the food resource, "The Kitchen", power-washing eggs removes a protective coating and makes the eggs porous and vulnerable to contamination. A synthetic coating is put on washed eggs.

· Shell color does not matter. The color of the eggshell doesn't indicate taste, nutritional value or even egg quality. The color of the eggshell reflects the breed of hen that laid the egg. Red-feathered hens tend to lay brown eggs, while hens with white features lay white eggs. Similarly, the shade of yolk is representative of what the chicken is eating. A dark, yellow yolk means the hen was probably fed green vegetables. Lighter yolks coordinate to corn and grain diets.

· All eggs are "hormone-free." The term "hormone-free" on egg cartons does not signify anything special. It's like advertising that snow is cold. The United States Food & Drug Administration banned the use of hormones in all poultry production in the 1950s. All eggs are hormone-free.

· Size and eggshell thickness indicates the age of the hen. Eggs come in different sizes, such as medium, large and jumbo. The age of the chicken determines the size, with older hens producing larger eggs. Age also affects shell thickness, with younger hens laying thicker-shelled eggs, says Eat This, Not That!

· Eggs won't hatch. Eggs sold for consumption are not fertilized. Hens that have laid them haven't mated.

· Many birds lay eggs. Kiwis lay the largest egg in relation to their body size of any species of bird in the world. However, the ostrich, emu and cassowary lay the biggest eggs.

· The sink or swim test can say a lot about an egg. Eggs become more porous as they age. You can tell if an egg is old by putting it in a glass of water. If it sinks, it is fresh. If it floats, it is an older egg.

Eggs get a lot of fanfare around Easter, and there's more than meets the eye to that carton of eggs in the refrigerator.

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Lifestyle  

 Spirits & Cuisine  

Sake!

Mint WAS-OBB-EE. WAS-OBB-EE!  Do you remember the 1999
Budweiser commercial when they played with the word (correctly spelled) wasabi? Click here if you don’t  Budweiser-Wasabi
 
Nothing like a beer commercial to give mass exposure to that "green stuff' the Japanese use as a spice. If you are not familiar with Wasabi, it is an olive colored seasoning and should be approached with caution. It is hot! Chances are, however, that you are familiar since eating sushi is no longer considered one of those "things" for crazy Californians. And nothing accompanies sushi better than sake.
 
Sake is defined in Webster's dictionary as "a Japanese alcoholic beverage of fermented rice usually served hot." Well, that might work as a partial definition, and certainly represents the American understanding, but it is thought to be much more. Important fermentation distinctions would cause purists to debate the association with wine. In addition, since rice is used as a raw material and the result is a negligible sugar content, many consider it a drink option for diabetics. Actually, the word sake itself is generic term defined by law as any beverage containing at least one percent alcohol. In 1973, the Central Brewers' Association attempted to further define sake and started to use the designation of Nihonshu which means Japanese sake. The term seishu, loosely meaning refined sake, has also been used. In most circles today, it is universally accepted just to say sake. By the way, the word sake is pronounced sock - KAY, not sock-key.

Sake has been known throughout the ages. Originally, sake was most likely used to celebrate rice harvests. Over the centuries, various political and processing influences have resulted in many changes. Today's sake probably tastes little like the product of the past. Contemporary sushi restaurants will usually have a house brand, which is served hot and unless you have more refined tastes. Trying a chilled brand is a little more adventuresome and can be a nice change in the summer months. If, however, you do have a sophisticated palette, consider what was recommended by a fine sushi restaurant that we discovered years ago in, of all places, Las Vegas at the Luxor Hotel. Hamada of Japan, recommends two premium sakes: Kurosawa Kimoto (Very Dry) for around $36 a bottle, Kurosawa Dai-ginjo (Very Dry) for approximately $136 a bottle.

In closing, consider for a moment the following affirmation. It is believed that ancient philosophers found the camaraderie developed through conversation while drinking alcohol, especially sake, to be a good thing. I didn't realize that my Irish lineage and Asian culture had so much in common. 

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Lifestyle 

Leisure 

Great Weekend Ideas!    

Few things embody a summertime vibe better than a day spent soaking up the sun and enjoying a warm breeze in the great outdoors. Warm weather and generally dry conditions are one reason why summer is so popular among vacationers. Even individuals who can't get away on vacation this summer can still look to the weekend as a great time to hit the road or the friendly skies for weekend getaways.

Convenience and proximity are two selling points when choosing weekend getaway destinations. The following are some weekend getaway ideas that are tailor-made for summer fun.

· Take yourself out to the ballgame. The pandemic forced millions of baseball fans to stay home as their favorite team battled it out on the diamond. No fans were allowed during the shortened 2020 season, and the 2021 season began with many teams allowing only limited attendance. Some fans might not have felt comfortable returning to packed stadiums last summer. Now that attendance restrictions have been lifted, what better way to enjoy America's pastime than in person? Take a weekend to follow your favorite team on the road or visit a stadium you've never been to. Many ballparks are now surrounded by great restaurants and five-star hotels, making a ballpark trip an ideal way to experience a new city in style.

· Make it a water-based weekend. No matter where you live, a body of water is no doubt nearby. Though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates that roughly 40 percent of the United States population lives in a coastal region, oceans aren't the only places to find some sand and enjoy a warm summer breeze. Lakes and rivers are great places to relax, and getaway seekers can utilize sites like Airbnb and Vrbo to find short-term waterfront rentals.

· Soak up the city lights. Big cities tend to clear out on summer weekends, which can make this an ideal time to visit. City visitors won't have to contend with the sizable crowds that descend on metropolises in winter, when indoor entertainment is in high demand. That means savvy travelers also may find discounts on live theater and local concerts. It also won't be as difficult to book reservations at the latest culinary hotspots, particularly for travelers who book early.

· Hit the slopes (seriously). Skiing might be the furthest thing on people's minds in summer. However, skiing hotspots can make for the ideal summer getaways for individuals looking for a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Instead of traversing slopes on skis, visitors can hike their way through the mountains before retiring to their resort for a more laid back evening of relaxation.

There's no wrong way to get away. Summer travelers who don't have much time to escape can look to some unique weekend getaway ideas and enjoy a relaxing taste of something new.

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Lifestyle

Lifestyle & Travel 

How to Avoid Travel Scams

 Traveling should be fun.  If you are planning to travel either locally or internationally, scams can occur and if large enough they can ruin your plans.  Here are a few scams to be aware of while traveling this summer.   

Cab Scam - Know the going rate for cab rides and how to identify licensed providers especially when traveling abroad. Thus, avoid being overcharged by a disreputable cab driver or having your credit or debit card information stolen. London Taxi Scam 

Free Stuff – this is very common in Europe. The perpetrator places a bracelet on your wrist or a hat on your head and then insists you pay for the item. When you refuse, they attempt to embarrass you by acting out. A quick solution is just by removing the item and walking away. Free Stuff Scam 

Rental Scam - This occurs when you rent a car or a bike. When you return the vehicle, the merchant insists you pay for damages. This is an easy fix by always taking pictures of the car or bike before taking possession and making sure the merchant sees you doing so.  

Pick Pockets – This can often occur when you are walking down the street and someone bumps into you and spills something on your clothes. While helping you clean up they proceed to pick your pocket.   Europe Pick Pockets  

Here are a few more:  
10 Tourist Scams to Beware - AARP 

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Business Services

Business Acquisitions 

 "Think Seven Continents, Think a World of Opportunity"  

Swiss Trust Companies for Sale:
 
40-Year-Old Swiss Trust Company - SOLD
Established in the year 1982
Place of Incorporation Zug, Switzerland  

36-Year-Old Swiss Trust Company - SOLD 
Established in the year 1986
Place of Incorporation Zug, Switzerland

NEW OPPRONTUITIES COMING SOON!

For Information regarding future opportunities please contact our office and schedule a complimentary consultation.  
 
Contact us at:  +1-310-601-3115 (Beverly Hills Office)

or Email: contact@corb7.com




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