Monday, April 27, 2009
Going Green: Worth the Investment
We here at Five Point Capital know money is tight and that you are probably looking for ways to save, not spend, but when it comes to making sound investments, sometimes it is worth spending a little more upfront in order to save down the road. Going green is a great example of this.
It may not seem wise in this difficult economy to go out and purchase all new light bulbs, for example, but you can actually start to see economic results in just one electricity billing cycle. In this case, it is worth the hassle and spending to go out and purchase environmentally-conscious light bulbs. You will help protect the environment and at the same time save on your energy bill. The amount of savings in just one energy bill will more than compensate for the price of the bulbs.
Now that many people have been laid-off from their jobs, homes run the risk of running up their energy bills by exorbitant amounts. The middle of the day, when adults are normally off at work and the house is quiet and dark, is now the culprit of many a home-energy bill. If you are home during the day, try to remind yourself to turn off lights and other appliances you are not currently using, so as not to increase your energy spending too dramatically. You can also use this time to go out and look for a new job, go for a walk or run, or other low-energy alternatives. If you have lost your job and money is already tight, be conscious of the increased energy you may be using at home.
Finally, try bringing your own bag to the grocery story. This can help in more than one way. First of all, you are saving both paper and plastic bags, thus helping the environment. Secondly, however, you can also save money. When you walk blindly into a grocery story, you tend to buy more than you need (you have that whole cart to fill)! If you come armed with one or two reusable bags, you will limit how much you can buy, thus restricting yourself to a list or to the necessities. It is like saving the environment coupled with portion control!
Don’t keep telling yourself that you just can’t afford to go green right now. In truth, going green can save you bundles in ways you probably haven’t even considered. So take the plunge and start saving (the world and your money), because you can’t afford not to.
Monday, April 20, 2009
What Equipment Should I Lease?
Five Point Capital offers a wide variety of equipment and furniture for businesses, restaurants, medical offices, and construction. The options can be overwhelming, so here are some tips to help you decide what equipment is best to give your business a boost.
First, take a look around your office and make a note of anything that is BROKEN, OUT-DATED, or otherwise OLD. Broken equipment has no place in a modern, successful business, and replacements should be sought immediately. Likewise, equipment and software that is out-dated or old will not be enticing to customers or potential clients. For a client to invest money in your business, they should feel that they are getting the most current, up-to-date service possible, and nothing is a bigger give-away for an out-dated company than out-dated equipment. Five Point Capital can help to bring your business up-to-date.
Next, spend a few days making a list of any equipment you find yourself wishing you had during the course of the day. Ask you employees to do the same. If you find that many of your employees request the same piece of equipment, it might be worth leasing that item from 5 Point Capital to make your business more efficient.
Last, do your research. What are the latest technologies available for your line of work? What do clients or customers tend to value about your company, or your competitors? What is available at 5 Point Capital? This is where you can put your company ahead of the game, by leasing one or two items that are brand-new and top-notch. This lets your clients know that you keep up-to-date with the newest research and technology available to your line of work, and that you are consistently looking for ways to improve your business and your services.
These guidelines should help you decide what to lease from 5 Point Capital. Just remember the three rules: replace the old or broken, keep a wish-list for efficiency, and always have one or two cutting-edge piece of equipment. This will ensure that your business continues to attract new clients and keeps old clients coming back.