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Entrepreneur
6 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Before You Invest, Take These Steps to Build a Strategy That Works
Learn how to determine where to place your investments with these insightful tips from an experienced business owner and entrepreneur. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Investing doesn't start with your first transaction — it begins much earlier. From defining the types of investments you're interested in to setting clear financial goals, the early stages are critical. Investing can be complex and time-intensive, especially when deciding where to place your capital. That's why having a thoughtful, informed strategy from the outset is so important: it ensures your investments are purposeful and aligned with your longterm vision. Before you commit any resources, take the time to craft a strategy that reflects your goals, values and risk tolerance. A structured approach not only reduces unnecessary risk but also clarifies why you're investing and how each decision supports the bigger picture. This clarity transforms your investment approach from reactive to intentional. As an entrepreneur, I've refined my own investment strategy over time. It's diverse by design, built to support both my financial goals and my broader mission. If you're wondering how to figure out where your own investments should go, here are four actionable steps to help guide your placement strategy: 1. Define your investment goals Start by asking yourself: What do I want my investments to achieve? Are you aiming for longterm wealth, social impact, business expansion or a mix of these? Knowing what success looks like will shape how much you invest, when and where. Consider the types of investments that resonate most—whether that's equity, partnerships, philanthropic initiatives, or ventures tied to innovation. Aligning your goals with your core values will not only give you direction but also help you stay committed when markets shift. Related: How to Diversify Your Business Interests 2. Choose your asset allocation strategy Asset allocation — how you distribute your investments across asset classes — is central to managing risk and return. The main categories include equities, fixed income and cash or cash equivalents. Each has different risk profiles and growth potential. There's no one-size-fits-all approach. My own strategy, for example, spans three buckets: equity and business investments, partnerships and strategic collaborations and philanthropic efforts. This setup works for me because I prioritize both financial returns and impact. A significant portion of my portfolio supports global health, education, and sustainability initiatives. A thoughtful allocation plan helps you stay balanced, even when the markets aren't. 3. Diversify strategically Diversification is a time-tested way to reduce risk. If one sector dips, others can help offset the loss. But meaningful diversification goes beyond spreading your investments — it requires research and intention. Dig into each opportunity. Understand the potential returns, risks, and how each fits into your broader strategy. For me, diversification also means staying engaged with sectors I care deeply about, like innovation, wellness and climate-conscious enterprises. This keeps my portfolio resilient and aligned with my values. Related: The Importance of Portfolio Diversification for Your Investments 4. Stay adaptable Your investment strategy should evolve with you. As your goals, interests and the economic landscape shift, so should your allocations. I regularly revisit my portfolio with a few key questions: How are my current investments performing? Do they still reflect my vision? Are there new opportunities I should explore? Lately, I've been diving deeper into wellness and sustainable living, especially in high-quality nutraceuticals and biohacking. Those shifts came from staying curious and being willing to pivot when the time felt right. Deciding where to place your investments is one of the most important steps in your investing journey. Laying a solid foundation early on helps you navigate growth, risk, and market shifts with confidence. And remember, your strategy isn't permanent—it's a living framework that should adapt as you and the world around you evolve. Stay informed, stay connected, and above all, stay intentional. Your future self will thank you.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Guelph shoplifter pulls out knife
A Guelph Police Service cruiser is seen in this stock photo. (GPS) A Guelph man is facing weapons charges after police said he pulled out a knife while shoplifting from an east-end store. Officers with the Guelph Police Service were called to the business near Victoria Road North and Grange Road on Monday at around 9:15 a.m. Staff told police a man had walked into the store and started putting items into a plastic bag. When he was approached by an employee who asked to see what was inside the bag, the man pulled out a knife and made a gesture towards the employees before leaving the store. The business owner said they followed the suspect for a short distance, but stopped when the man approached their vehicle with a knife in his hand. The suspect was arrested a short time later. A 33-year-old Guelph man has been charged with assault with a weapon, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, theft under $5,000 and breaching a probation order.
Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
‘I got cancer and lost my business. I was forced to beg for scraps'
When Sharon Plummer, 57, was diagnosed with endometrial cancer at the end of 2023, her income plummeted overnight. 'As a business owner I was managing my own personal training sessions, a private gym and boot camps,' she says. 'When I became unwell it fell apart. I had to have a full hysterectomy to get rid of the cancer, and the recovery was much harder than I expected. I had to close half my business as I was unable to work – especially in such an active industry.' She received a small amount of interim support for business owners – as well as a grant from cancer charity Macmillan – but it wasn't enough to live on. 'I had to go to the job centre for my employment support allowance,' she says. 'The staff were not equipped to support people in an empathetic way, and I felt as though I was being forced to beg for scraps. 'There was no understanding of the impacts of cancer. And the forms I've had to complete don't ask any relevant questions for cancer sufferers.' As a renter in Norfolk, Plummer was also worried about losing her home. 'The stress has been unbelievable. I had to put my food on an interest-only credit card. I was eating very little, sometimes just breakfast and a bowl of soup. I barely went out and I was forced to sell my possessions on Vinted to make extra money. 'During winter I only put the heating on for an hour a day to save energy, which really impacted my recovery. I also tried to find extra work selling beauty products online, even though I wasn't well enough. I did anything to keep a roof over my head.' Although she began to recover physically in the months after her surgery, Plummer says the experience 'destroyed' her confidence. She is now suffering from PTSD, as well as side effects from surgical menopause – including insomnia and exhaustion. Two years on, Plummer has struggled to regain the business she lost. 'I had lots of hopes and dreams for it, but haven't been able to bounce back. 'Medically, I still can't work more than 20 hours a week and it's really impacted my mental health. I just don't know what my financial future will look like now,' she says. 'People think you get treated for cancer and it's over, but that's far from the reality. You don't get the support you need.' 'I had to survive on charity handouts' Sadly, Plummer's situation is not uncommon. Three quarters of people struggle to return to work after receiving treatment, according to a survey completed by 1,230 cancer survivors by grass-roots cancer charity Mission Remission. What's more, 93pc said they continued to suffer from long-term physical and mental health challenges after treatment had ended. Laura Fulcher, the charity's founder, is calling for ongoing support for cancer survivors, to help them protect their finances during illness and return to work in a suitable capacity when they can. 'I was diagnosed with bowel cancer over 10 years ago, when I was only 29 years old,' she says. 'I had been working as a teacher, and when I became unwell with stomach issues, fatigue and severe pain, doctors thought my symptoms were the result of anxiety.' By the time Fulcher was finally diagnosed a year after becoming sick, she had left her job because of her ill-health and therefore was not eligible for sick pay. Before long she was struggling to pay for her bills and rent. 'I survived on handouts from charities while I fought for my benefits. 'Because I'd been working in supply teaching on the days I felt well enough prior to the diagnosis, I was not eligible to receive employment support allowance. I had to go on to statutory sick pay first, which was much less. 'At the time, my MP supported me and recognised the issue. I was given more benefits, but the issue is within the system. The process of fighting was incredibly stressful and did nothing to help my recovery.' Following the long-term health issues caused by the cancer, including bowel scarring that causes chronic pain and obstructions, Fulcher was unable to return to teaching. She's now founded her own charity and supported health-related campaigns, however, she says she is 'hundreds of thousands' worse off. Mission Remission's survey shows that two thirds of cancer survivors are in a similar position, with 66pc seeing a significant drop in income after treatment. More than half still have a reduced income a decade later. While some respondents said they were protected by critical illness cover at the time of diagnosis, many didn't have policies that provided the extent of support they needed. 'Even those that get emergency funds often find themselves struggling in the longer-term recovery phase,' says Fulcher. 'I couldn't see a way out' Carol, 54, from Manchester, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and experienced the shortcomings of life insurance cover first-hand. 'I'd taken out critical illness cover with my mortgage renewal a few years prior, which was a godsend,' she says. However, it wasn't enough to cover her mortgage in full, and her mum had to step in to prevent her from losing the house. 'I'm a freelance makeup artist, and when I got ill I was already struggling to make back the income I'd lost during the pandemic,' she says. 'I was paying off credit cards every month, so when I got ill my first thought wasn't about getting better, it was all about how I was going to make money.' She had to undergo two surgeries followed by radiotherapy, which left her with pain, fatigue and severe swelling from lymph node damage. 'I was advised by my healthcare team to forget about work and focus on getting better. But the financial strain was too much. 'The benefits process was so complex and challenging that friends and family had to help me. A family member even had to speak to my mortgage company on my behalf.' She describes the experience as overwhelming. 'With no income coming in,' she starts, 'I couldn't pay my credit card bills off every month and the debt was racking up. 'It was suffocating me. I couldn't see a way out.' Eventually, one of her credit card companies referred her to Money Wellness, a support service commissioned by the Government's Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) to provide free debt, money and benefit support. 'They helped me put together a debt consolidation plan that saved me,' she says. 'With my critical illness cover, and my mum topping up my mortgage, it meant I was able to just about keep my home.' However the ongoing financial strain, coupled with her physical recovery challenges have damaged her mental health: 'I'm trying to get back to work now, but because I've been away so long I've lost all my confidence and I'm terrified I won't do a good job.' According to Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness, 82pc of the clients it supports with cancer report additional vulnerabilities following their diagnosis – including mental health and related physical conditions. 'Cancer doesn't stop when the chemotherapy or radiotherapy ends. Recovery is often a long and exhausting journey, and for many, the financial pressure only grows. 'When someone receives a terminal diagnosis, creditors will sometimes agree to write off debts. However, we see far less understanding shown to those still living with the after-effects of cancer – whether that's fatigue, pain, mental health concerns or ongoing complications,' McCullough explains . Fulcher adds that the survey respondents who were in full-time employment at the time of diagnosis sometimes fared better, but it depended on the employer. 'Some people had a positive experience and were supported by their workplace, both in terms of financial aid during their illness and phased returns to work,' she says. 'But that's certainly not the case for everyone. Many reported that they had to survive only on statutory sick pay, which is now only £118.75 a week. Others have reported feeling pressured to return to work while still unwell, which can hinder long term recovery.' 'I had to fight for half-pay while recovering from surgery' Steve Pointon, 45, from Crewe, experienced a problem employer when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2016. 'At the time I worked for a security firm and was back to work just six weeks after my operation,' he says. 'I'd had to fight to negotiate half-pay during my absence and when I came back it was full-on. There was limited opportunity for flexibility, despite the fact I'd just had major surgery.' When his cancer returned in 2018, things took a downward turn. 'I had to go to hospital for four five-day admissions for very aggressive immunotherapy treatment, which needed several weeks of recovery each time,' he says. After the initial eight weeks of treatment he was told by his healthcare team he could do 'light work', but this wasn't enough for his employer. 'I received an email in the hospital about when I was coming back. When I returned, I was called into a meeting for a dressing down about not working hard enough. They had me travelling across the UK and going for early and late meetings. I was also told off for not working over the weekends,' Pointon says. Following the gruelling treatment he was incapable of working the long, stressful hours that his employer demanded. 'I was forced to leave and go on statutory sick pay, so my finances took a huge hit,' he says. 'I took legal action against my employer, which ended up being more stressful than my cancer treatment.' Although he won the case in 2021 for breach of disability discrimination, constructive dismissal and harassment, he paid a lot of money to get to tribunal, and the emotional burden caused his mental health to decline. Pointon has since retrained as a mental health counsellor, and now has his own counselling business – as well as working for Action Kidney Cancer and a hospice in Cheshire. While he enjoys his work now, it's been extremely hard to get there. 'There's no support for people to retrain after cancer, so I had to take loans and rely on family to get me through the training,' he says. 'That option isn't available to everyone and it's a really hard path to take. It would be great to see better support for people to retrain after serious illness.' The shortcomings of cancer support Fulcher says that she doesn't feel like the Government is listening to these sorts of concerns from cancer survivors. 'That's why we've launched our new campaign, to support the hidden financial toll of cancer. 'We're asking for five key calls to action, which include: tailored psychological support to help people back to work, pausing benefits for five years post treatment so that people don't need to go through complex procedures if they relapse, simplifying and strengthening the financial safety net, training benefits advisors on cancer, and promoting financial preparedness through pensions, critical illness cover and income protection.' McCullough and the team at Money Wellness support these aims. 'Many cancer sufferers who come to us for help are in midlife, often managing on their own and struggling to make ends meet,' she says. Like the survey respondents, she argues the benefits system, as it stands, isn't set up to meet the needs of cancer survivors and is too complex and challenging to navigate – especially for someone who is severely unwell. 'Mission Remission's call for urgent reform is one we echo. Cancer may no longer be visible on the outside, but its impact continues; physically, emotionally, and financially. 'We need a more compassionate system that recognises the long-term reality of recovery and offers people a genuine chance to rebuild their lives without fear of falling into poverty.'
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Is this the WORST roundabout? Despairing residents on 'woke' Isle of Man blast 'crazy' painted oval 'roundel' introduced as part of £26million revamp and insist it is a 'deathtrap'
Frustrated locals living on the Isle of Man have said controversial painted -oval shaped roundabouts introduced as part of a £26million revamp to the Douglas seafront are 'a tragedy waiting to happen'. The 'roundels' sit at junctions along Douglas Promenade connecting Broadway and Church Road Marina, two of the busiest junctions in the city, which is the largest settlement on the island. Locals say that due to the lack of a central island, many drivers treat the curious junctions like any stretch of road and drive straight over the lines causing havoc. Meanwhile pedestrians have also gotten into scrapes with the roundels stepping out into the road as they are unsure who has right of way. A business owner close to one of the junctions told MailOnline the noise pollution and general sense of unease since they were installed has been noticeable. They claimed: 'It's honking every day basically. People aren't sure what the rules are or if there are any rules at all and so they basically all fight each other to get through. 'Other more dangerous drivers just speed straight over them, it's a nightmare really -nobody around here can work out why they introduced them. 'They're a tragedy waiting to happen.' Another local, who preferred to stay anonymous, said the eye-catching designs were indicative of the island trying to 'stand out at all costs'. They said: 'It's pathetic really. Why can't we have normal roundabouts like the rest of the world? 'It seems we always have to be different on this island and that get's tiring after a while. We've already done away with cannabis laws and we're pushing through assisted dying. 'I suppose roundabouts was always going to be next. Let's make them deathtraps!' In April, the Isle of Man became the first place in the British Isles to pass legislation that would permit assisted dying, despite opposition from campaigners. Terminally ill people will be given 'autonomy and choice' at the end of their lives, a GP and politician said. The Bill will now be put forward for royal assent, at which point it will become law. It is the latest departure from the norm for the Crown dependency which has been described as 'the Isle of Woke' for its liberal policies. The Isle is the only place in Britain where medicinal cannabis is legal and many roads on the island have no set speed limit. Island officials have long claimed the roundels were introduced as a 'traffic calming' measure. MailOnline has approached the Isle of Man's Department of Infrastructure for comment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Isle of Man is taking on a raft of liberal policies from assisted dying to cannabis farms… but what do locals think? by John James and Sophie Carlin It used to be known as the Island of Speed.. but now with the news that assisted dying, votes for 16-year-olds and legalised growth of cannabis have been passed on the island - but what do locals think? In recent weeks, the Manx community of the Isle of Man have been hit with many soul-splintering dilemmas. Should they introduce a blanket 20mph speed limit on the Island? Should they accept the introduction of assisted dying? And should they open their arms to a Wetherspoons? The answer to at least two of those is yes. From last week, the Isle of Man became the first place in the British Isles to pass legislation that would permit assisted dying, despite opposition from campaigners. When the MailOnline visited the self-governing British Crown Dependency earlier this week, the rock was bathed in spring sunlight and the inhabitants were busying themselves. Residents expressed concerns over the island becoming associated with assisted dying. Isle of Woke? The wackiest policies of the Isle of Man Derestricted roads: Many roads on the island have no set speed limit Currency: The Isle of Man has its own banknotes which are legal tender on the island The world's oldest parliament: Tynewald, the IOM parliament, dates back over 1000 years Medicinal cannabis: The Isle of Man is the only place in the British Isles where medicinal cannabis is legal Votes at 16: The Isle of Man is also only area that allows teenagers at school to vote Though the island is only 33 miles long and 13 miles wide, there is a great deal packed into such a small space. The main town is Douglas, on the east coast. Built around a crescent moon of a bay, it has a large and sturdy harbour protecting ships from sea storms. MailOnline spoke to shoppers enjoying themselves on Strand Street which runs parallel to the prom, and many expressed fears about the island's lurch to the left. Student Sean Christian told MailOnline he was dismayed the island could soon add death to its connotations. He explained: 'I just think it's not something we really want to be associated with. With a place with very high suicide rates, it's not something you want to be known for. 'We used to be known for speed, now its taxes, assisted dying and old people retiring.' Long-time resident Kevin Woodford offered a more sage assessment. He said: 'It's complicated. It has to be properly looked after or I fear it will be manipulated. 'I understand the complexities but it has to be controlled. The worst thing that could happen is it becomes this concept of death tourism.' Young couple Logan Gaskell, 24, and Rocky Poole, 26, were broadly for it however, although for differing reasons. Rocky said: 'I'm really for it. People should have the freedom. We are worried about people abusing it. Logan said: 'It doesn't really matter if people abuse it? If someone is dying from ALS, why would you want them to suffer. People should have the choice. Rocky added: 'Also, for people in the UK it could save them a fortune. Rather than go to Switzerland, come to the Isle of Man, if they have a pint at the same time, it would be great for business.' Many of the island's more libertarian policies have been in affect for years and made the island's new inhabitants feel more at home. 27-year-old Harry Matthews recently moved to the island with his dog Woody from Devon. He said: 'Assisted dying is pretty intense, and we can buy weed and vote at 16! It is a respectful place, people will listen to these laws. 'I'm not worried about death tourism. If people want to come here to pop their clogs, that's up to them. I used to live in Devon and just moved here - I love it! 'It's getting more progressive here, we have an independent government so it makes it easier.' Though the island is only 33 miles long and 13 miles wide, there is a great deal packed into such a small space The island is likely to become the first part of the British Isles to legalise assisted dying, after its proposed legislation was voted through by the parliament's upper chamber. Members of what is known as its legislative council approved a final reading of the Assisted Dying Bill on Tuesday. Terminally ill people will be given 'autonomy and choice' at the end of their lives, a GP and politician said. The Bill will now be put forward for royal assent, at which point it will become law. Dr Alex Allinson, the member of the House of Keys - the directly elected lower house on the island - who introduced the private member's bill in 2022, said he is hopeful it can become law later this year. But even if it does successfully go into law, an assisted dying service would not be in place until 2027 at the earliest. The introduction of the UK's first assisted dying bill already places the Isle of Man as an outlier in terms of health policy, however the island's local MP insists that as with all the island's out there policies due consideration will be given. Speaking to MailOnline, Alex Allison insisted that the island's new bill would be properly scrutinised and pointed to a number of places where the island was soaring ahead of the UK. He claimed: 'I have been realistic to say that within the bill, although it's been passed, we do need to get quite a lot of secondary legislation 'We do need to make sure we've got the right guidelines, codes of practice, and most countries that bring in assisted dying, it's taken them a good 18 months to two years to do all that sort of work, but also to do the right amount of public education, the right amount of training for people who are going to be involved with providing the service. 'And so, certainly, you know, I've said, you know, if you get royal assent this year, I wouldn't expect it to come into operation [indistinguishable] until 2027. 'We bought our ferry company a couple of years ago, just before Covid, it just seemed like a very good idea at the time. 'We've got our own nationalised water industry that we've never sold off and are investing in. So, we've got cleaner waters than the UK which has obviously become an issue there. 'And so we've looked at those areas which would benefit from public-private partnership and those elements that really should be within a government ownership.'
CTV News
07-05-2025
- CTV News
Police investigate attempted break-in at Guelph business
Police are investigating after an attempted break-in at a west-end Guelph business early Tuesday. Guelph Police officers were called to a store on Silvercreek Parkway North after the owner arrived to find the front door damaged and a large crack in the glass. Police said security footage showed a man arriving at the business around 2:30 a.m. and using an unknown tool to pry at the door near the lock. Police said the suspect left the area but returned about an hour later and again tried to force the door open. The suspect is described as white with a medium build. He was wearing a black puffy jacket, black hoodie, black pants, a red baseball cap, black and white shoes and a black medical mask. He was also carrying a tan bag and a yellow umbrella. Anyone with information is asked to contact Const. Firas El-Ayoubi at 519-824-1212, ext. 7129 or email felayoubi@
