All posts by Financial Independence Hub

India’s ambitious renewable energy plans

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By Caroline Grimont

(Sponsor Content)

Greater access to electricity — one of the pillars of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reform program –is powering increased economic activity, enhanced efficiency and improved productivity in India.

Modi has pledged to achieve universal electrification in India by the end of 2022; and to make increasingly greater use of solar power. In fact, India hopes to derive at least 40% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030.[i]

Although India is the 6th largest country in the world in terms of power consumption,[ii] almost 300 million of its people, particularly in rural areas, did not have access to 24×7 power supply prior to Modi assuming office. As of June 30, 2017, 14,834 census villages out of 18, 452 have been electrified.[iii]

Even as it expands the production of coal-generated electricity, India has started ramping up its solar capacity and hopes to generate 100 Giga Watts of solar energy by 2022, which will make it one of the largest users of solar power in the world. This will help to bring sustainable, clean, climate-friendly electricity to millions of India’s people.

“The world must turn to (the) sun to power our future,” Modi is reported to tell the 2015 COP21 climate conference in Paris. “As the developing world lifts billions of people towards prosperity, our hope for a sustainable planet rests on a bold, global initiative.”

And to support India’s solar power ambitions, the World Bank has approved a $625 million loan that will support the Government of India’s Grid Connected Rooftop Solar program by financing the installation of solar panels on rooftops across India. The project draws funds together from the Bank, as well as from the Clean Technology Fund of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), and will mobilize additional funding from public and private investors.[iv] Continue Reading…

4 emerging family-friendly Condo trends

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By Penelope Graham, Zoocasa

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

It used to be that high-rise living was the domain of young professionals and couples; those who were happy to sacrifice outdoor and living space if it meant dwelling close to all conveniences of the downtown core.  However, as real estate prices in Canada become less affordable for the average family, the idea of “moving up” in the market has taken on a whole new meaning.

Priced out of traditional low-rise homes in the biggest urban markets —  prices hit $707,269 for Toronto townhouses in July while all home types rose above the million-mark in Vancouver– those with kids in tow are increasingly embracing the condo lifestyle. That means the industry —  from developers to municipal planners — is taking notice.

Here are four emerging trends we’ve noticed as condos become more popular with growing families.

Demand for larger units

Not so long ago, micro-units –- apartments under 500 square feet — were considered the future of condo dwelling. You could fit loads of them onto a floor-plan plate, and young homeowners and renters enjoyed their sleek and modern aesthetic. Now, though, the pressure is on developers to increase their unit sizes and to include more multiple-bedroom units in their builds.

Continue Reading…

How to boost your home’s resale value

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By Sia Hasan

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

While your house is your home, it is also a substantial investment that can increase tremendously in value over the years. Property value may increase through changes in market conditions in your hometown; it can also increase when you make strategic upgrades and improvements to the property and even through proper home maintenance steps over the years. Some improvement projects can pay off substantially, and these are the areas you may want to focus on initially for the best results.

Focus on Curb Appeal

If your goal of increasing property value is based on a desire to sell the property soon, curb appeal is a prime area on which to focus. Curb appeal is immediately visible to buyers who are browsing through online listings, and great curb appeal can entice them to continue to flip through your property’s online photos and request a tour. Curb appeal may be improved by fertilizing the lawn, mulching the flower beds, trimming the trees, adding new flowers to your space and more. If you have extra time and money, repainting or replacing your front door and decorating the patio are wonderful ideas to consider as well.

Upgrade the Kitchen

When a kitchen renovation project improves the style and function of the space, it can result in a considerable increase in property value. In fact, you may be able to recoup as much as 80 per cent or more of your costs to upgrade the kitchen through an increase in property value. Choose upgrades and a design that appeal to the masses for the best results, such as a neutral hue for counter tops rather than a bold colour. In addition, only make upgrades that are in line with your market. For example, avoid investing in high-end luxury appliances for a kitchen in a starter home. Continue Reading…

Six tips to make Travelling easier

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Billy & Akaisha Kaderli

By Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

Travelling is challenging enough with all one has to think about: getting the best price on airline tickets, arranging for lodging reservations, and being sure your passport is up-to-date with no expiration in the next six months. Who will watch your home, pets and garden while you are away?

Then there’s packing.

Are you one of those people who packs everything just in case you might need it? Or you pack something because you like it, even if it’s not seasonally appropriate and goes with nothing else in your bag?

The following tips can help you bring order to packing chaos.

1.) Days before you leave, make a list of what you essentially need for your trip and add to that list as you think of items. Then when you pack, you can confidently check off your list instead of relying on memory and being anxious about forgetting something.

2.) When you travel, wear heavy clothes like your jacket on the plane, including your heaviest shoes. Pack lighter footwear in your luggage. Shoes are the heaviest items, so pack fewer of them and make do. Continue Reading…

Global Recruitment trends: targeting Millennials with social media

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By Edward Page

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

Today’s fast-paced and growing technology is indeed changing the world, especially in the business world, by contributing undeniable implications to businesses including workforce recruitment and employment.

With these advancements, a lot of relevant changes have taken place. Recruitment processes and systems have been greatly affected through this generation’s technological breakthroughs, as more employers and applicants have been relying on social media for their job searches.

Continue Reading…