Tag: #money

Save Your Fleet More Money: Top Business Tips

Your fleet has several operational costs, which may make you wonder how to save money as a business. Thankfully, there are straightforward ways to do so. Below are suggestions to help you.

Be Smarter About Tracking Costs 

To begin with, start keeping a better track of costs if you are not already doing so. That helps you see areas where you can reduce expenses during the fiscal year. You might also find that your organization is spending more than you realized in certain areas. Or, drivers may use trucks for purposes other than jobs, which shortens the vehicle lifespan. Use these insights to improve the budget. Start reallocating funding amounts based on what you’ve found and put new regulations for drivers in place, if needed, for positive change.

Tire Retreading

Rather than buying new, consider retreading tires to save costs. Purchasing retreaded tires or getting the existing ones on your fleet done as needed makes sense as the financial outlay is less than buying new ones. A recap tire can last as long as one that is brand new if it is properly maintained, which includes regular tire rotation. Of course, driving conditions and other factors affect how long the tread lasts.

Choose Vehicles Wisely

Selecting cost-efficient vehicles is an important part of staying within budget as a fleet manager. With that in mind, choosing vehicles and whether to own or rent them are crucial decisions. An advantage of using a rental company is that you can choose which truck to use based on the job, and there is not the original outlay that comes with buying company vehicles. 

Extremely busy fleets may find purchasing trucks makes more sense than monthly rental costs. You might also decide that a shared vehicle system makes sense, in which more than one driver shares the same truck for use on different routes.

Use the DOT 150 Air Mile Rule

For short-haul drivers, the 150 air-mile rule can reduce costs and also requires less paperwork if drivers on your fleet quality. This exemption can save money by eliminating the need for eligible short-haul drivers to use electronic logging devices (ELDs). The DOT 150 Air Mile Rule also makes DOT compliance easier, which can increase the satisfaction of the fleet and improve overall operations. Drivers staying within a 150-air-mile radius of where they started may be eligible.

Less Aggressive Driving

If your fleet has aggressive driving habits, that could be costing you more fuel than is needed. For instance, speeding and accelerating quickly uses a lot of fuel, rather than more steady driving habits. Consider providing them with tips to drive smarter with a focus on fuel economy to cut costs. Reducing fuel usage can be a game-changer when meeting your fleet budget next month.

Summary: Saving Money Starts Now

As you can see, there are many ways to reduce costs as a fleet manager. From tracking expenses more closely and making changes as you see them to taking advantage of the 150 air-mile rule, several strategies may work well for your business. 

What Makes Online Money Gaming So Popular Today?

The world of online gaming has undergone a significant change in the recent past, and in particular, a particular segment has emerged largely popular with online money gaming. This category, which encompasses casino games, fantasy sports competitions, etcetera, has attracted many players worldwide. But what makes it popular?

Let’s take a look at the essential aspects that help explain the popularity of online money gaming at the present stage.

Some Reasons For Online Money Gaming’s Popularity

1. Accessibility and Convenience

Previously, whenever people wanted to play for money, they had to play in a casino or arrange tournaments. Online money gaming provides the opportunity for players to access money games from the comfort of their smartphone or personal computer. 

This accessibility also has to do with time. Online games are round the clock and players can join any match at any time they want. Such a model is perfect particularly for working and busy people, because it lacks a fixed time at which the gaming can be done.

2. The Thrill of Competition

Computerised revenue betting usually triggers the competitive nature of the player. This means that games for real, contentious, stakes always build up plenty of excitement and a feeling of accomplishment. Earning money, whether it is an earned amount or a lucky draw, will be a bonus compared to competing for just the fun of it.

Through the scores, speeds, and other related metrics, and the availability of leaderboards, competitions, and rankings, the whole experience is also greatly further complemented by competition. Such a feeling of competition brings back the gamers again and again.

3. Advanced Technology

The increased use of technology has been the largest factor in the development of online money gaming. The current gaming platforms are endowed with high-quality graphics, realistic gameplay and user-friendly interfaces.

Furthermore, ideas such as live dealer games in online casinos or AR experiences give the participants a more engaging setting. Users feel they are connected to a group even those playing from the comfort of their living room.

4. Diverse Game Selection

Another advantage of money gaming on the internet is the incredibly wide selection to choose from. From poker to slots, to fantasy leagues, to electronic and online sports betting, there is something for every individual. Such diversity leads to the situation where there are games that would be important for individuals of all types of interests and experiences.

Platforms offering exciting online games amplify this appeal with dynamic designs, regular updates, and promotional events. All the platforms have services for both small and big risk-takers, and this is non-discriminatory. 

5. Social Interaction

Today’s money gaming platforms online are not only about games but about people as well. Most games boast of having a chat feature, a multiplayer option or a live event, in which people can participate.

Its social feature also works to ensure that you feel like you are with other people which can be a lot of fun. It is not just a cash game – people are also staking rapport and relishing the feeling with others.

Final Words

Online money gaming has thus evolved into an international business, characterized by convenience, imagination and the opportunities of gains. This is clearly not just about making money, which people do quite well, but also about the fun of it, the tactics, and the camaraderie!

How Chargeback Prevention Alerts Save Merchants Time and Money

Chargebacks can seriously damage your merchants and cause significant revenue losses, which is why chargeback prevention alerts are essential for businesses of all types and sizes. But what are chargeback protection systems, and how exactly do they save you time and money? Let’s try to answer this question together. 

What Are Chargeback Prevention Alerts?

To understand what a chargeback prevention alert is, we need to give the definition of a chargeback first. So, a chargeback is the procedure of refunding a customer after a dispute. From the customer’s point of view, chargeback is a great service that protects customers’ funds. At the same time, disputes are not good for businesses, especially if they are fraudulent, since they often come with significant money losses and reputation damage. Thus, chargeback prevention alerts, like Verififi or Ethoca, are the tools aimed at preventing disputes at early stages and, therefore, protect your merchants, revenue, and reputation.

How Do Chargeback Prevention Alerts Work?

In general, most chargeback prevention alerts have a similar work algorithm, which is the following:

  • The issuer notifies the chargeback prevention alert about a dispute
  • A special alert is sent to the merchant
  • Merchant issues a refund to prevent the chargeback procedure
  • The issuer receives an outcome

Of course, this workflow is generalized, and most modern services have sophisticated alerts that do more than just refund customers before a dispute is issued. So, in the next paragraph, we will talk more about merchant chargeback prevention services and their benefits for businesses. 

What Are the Benefits of Chargeback Prevention Alerts for Merchants?

It is needless to say, chargeback prevention alerts have plenty of benefits, so let’s talk about those in more detail.

  • Revenue losses prevention. As we have already mentioned above, disputes are costly, which leads to significant revenue losses, especially if we are talking about small businesses. Chargeback back prevention alerts help prevent unnecessary costs and therefore save you money. 
  • Penalty reduction. Not only do disputes require you to refund a customer, but also come with penalties, which often are pretty high. Luckily, high-quality alerts will protect you against chargeback and, therefore, penalties.
  • Time saving. It is a known fact that chargeback prevention systems save a lot of time on processing and resolving dispute requests, which is also a great benefit.
  • Approval rate growth. You probably already know that a high approval rate is important for smooth payment processing as well as the security of your merchants. Chargeback prevention alerts help significantly increase your approval rate.
  • Improved reputation. The fewer disputes you have — the better your reputation is, which is a pretty obvious benefit of most chargeback protection systems.

Of course, the most significant benefit for most businesses is definitely revenue losses prevention since business is all about making money. At the same time, all the benefits we mentioned above are pretty significant, which makes chargeback prevention alerts worth your attention. 

Chargeback Costs and How Do Alerts Save Money?

As we have already mentioned above, chargebacks are costly, but just how much? Well, except for the product or service refund fee (which might also be a problem if you provided a service or sold a product that cannot be returned and resold), there are also many chargeback fees. In particular, depending on the merchant’s agreement with their acquirer, a dispute fee might vary from $20 to $100 for a single chargeback request. That price includes transaction costs, operational fees, as well as marketing and acquisition expenses. For example, let’s say you sold a product that costs $100, and a customer requested a chargeback. If you do not have any prevention alerts, you will pay for the following:

  • Transaction value: $100
  • Transaction fee (usually 4%): $4
  • Product costs (usually 23%): $23
  • Marketing expenses (about 35%): $35
  • Operational costs (20%): $20
  • Chargeback fee: $25
  • Total: $207

So, basically, because of a chargeback, a $100 purchase will cost you twice as much. Moreover, you might also get pretty costly fines and penalties if you have too many disputes. Fortunately, chargeback prevention alerts can significantly reduce this cost since most systems prevent disputes and refund customers before a chargeback procedure is started. In other words, you will only lose the product or service value. Additionally, if the product is returned and can be resold, you won’t lose a penny. That’s pretty much how alerts save your money and protect businesses from financial losses.

What Chargeback Protection Services to Choose?

There are dozens of chargeback prevention alerts available on the market today, but some of them are worth your attention more than others. So, let’s take a brief look at the top three chargeback prevention alerts for businesses of all types and sizes.

  • Verifi. It is a chargeback prevention alert developed by Visa, which makes it perfect for Visa transactions (though it is compatible with other transactions, too). Verifi offers a wide variety of useful features, such as Rapid Dispute Resolution (RDR), Order Insight, CRDN, Compelling Evidence 3.0, and more. Such functionality provides transaction security and reliable chargeback protection that will save you money and protect the reputation of your business, and you can have all of that within Gemius CRM.
  • Ethoca. This dispute prevention service is also an efficient tool for preventing chargebacks, especially for Mastercard payments. Ethoca is a great way to eliminate chargebacks as well as protect your merchants from fraud thanks to its Fraud Insights feature that provides merchants with all the info about declines and disputes. The good news is that you can get Ethoca easily and completely stress-free within Germius.
  • Kount. Last but not least, Kount is one of the market leaders that will provide AI chargeback prevention solutions and automated fraud protection for your merchants. Though this service is pretty expensive, it is reliable and definitely won’t let you down.

These were the leaders that are surely worth your attention and, most importantly, money, so pick one of those and won’t go wrong.

Wrapping Up

Chargeback prevention is essential for businesses of all types and sizes since it does help reduce revenue losses. So, no matter if you have a small handmade pottery online store or a large corporation, chargeback protection is something you simply cannot neglect.

Plum expands investment offering in Ireland with ETFs

Smart money app Plum has expanded its investment offering to include ETFs in Ireland and other EU markets. Customers can invest in diversified funds by geographical region, sector and asset class, as well as tracking multiple stock market indices from around the world.

In partnership with Berlin-based fintech Upvest, Plum now offers its customers investments in EUR-denominated ETFs, including fractional shares. As a result, Plum is able to offer them a broader, enhanced investment experience, in addition to the 3,000 US stocks it already offers.

The Easy ETF range, accessible without a paid subscription, consists of three globally diversified ETFs tailored to different risk levels to help customers start their investment journey. The rest of the ETFs are available with Pro and Premium subscriptions, with more than 40 carefully selected funds on offer in total, such as S&P 500 US, Artificial Intelligence ETF or Europe Dividend Income.

The launch of ETFs follows the success of ‘Plum Interest’, an innovative product based on a money market fund offering a variable return of up to 3.80%. Paired with Plum’s stock investing product, the company aims to offer Irish savers a full suite of products to build wealth over the long-term.

Victor Trokoudes, CEO and founder of Plum, comments: “We know already that people in Ireland are great at saving. But they’ve been let down by poor interest rates and inaccessible and confusing investment options from the traditional banks and providers. That is why we have carefully selected a range of ETFs that will provide customers with more high-quality options to put their money to work.”

“The recent success of our ‘Plum Interest’ product in Ireland shows that people are hungry for innovative products to build their wealth. Now, with the addition of diversified, expertly created ETFs as well, it will be easier than ever for people to invest in the sectors and regions that matter to them, as well as being more able to find the risk level appropriate for their circumstances.”

As well as Ireland, ETFs are available to Plum customers in seven other EU markets (France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Greece).

Real Money Games in Ireland

Ireland is a great destination for gamblers because they have regulations and laws that allow gambling. This means that players can play all sorts of games from licensed gaming operators in the region. Irish players can also enjoy real money games, which are the bread and butter of gamblers around the world. There are different types of real money games available to players in Ireland and we will be examining some of them in this guide. These real money games improve the quality of the gaming experience in Ireland and allow players to get the most value for money.  

What Are Real Money Games?

Real money games are games that allow players to win money that can be withdrawn. Simply put, they are games that allow players to stake their own money to win money from a game. This is different from demo games, which do not require money and can be played  for free. Using websites like betpack, players can see the casinos that offer real money games to players in Ireland. Real money games usually have maximum/minimum deposit amounts, multipliers, bonuses, and other in-game features that determine how much players are able to collect.

Real Money Money Games Available in Ireland

As a player in Ireland, there are many real money games that are available to you. These games include the following:

Slots

Slots are games of chance that require players to spin a reel to match symbols along paylines. There are different kinds of slots, including 3 reel, 5 reel, progressive, fixed, and special slots. Furthermore, there are video slots which give players an improved experience because of their graphics and play style. Jackpots are another feature of slots that multiply the amounts that players win. These jackpots can run into millions of dollars, depending on the slot and provider. 

Table Games

Table games are some of the most popular games available to players at online casinos. These games have different rules and play styles which determine how wins occur. Some of the table games available at casinos in Ireland include blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, and craps. Most table games are played against a dealer or banker (the casino) but some, like poker, pits players against themselves. Table games are controlled using Random Number Generators (RNGs) which ensure that the games are fair and balanced. 

Lotteries and Bingo

Lotteries are scratch card games where players purchase random cards in the hope of getting the right number combinations. These are among the oldest games played by gamblers and they provide the opportunity of winning millions with one ticket. About 1.3 million adults living in Ireland are said to play the lottery which goes to show how much of an impact this has on the populace. 

Bingo on the other hand is similar to the lottery but players have to match the numbers on their purchased cards to the numbers provided. The more numbers they have, the higher the amount they win. Getting a perfect match wins the player the highest amount up for grabs. 

Live Games

Live games are online real money games where players are immersed into a video experience. These games have live dealers and players would also be able to play with other players from the comfort of their preferred devices. It is important for players to have a reliable internet connection from providers like esimatic to fully enjoy live games. This experience was designed to give players a feel of gambling at a physical casino. It improves the online gambling experience and allows players to interact with other participants. Most table games have a live version but some other examples include Monopoly Live and Deal or No Deal.

Sports Betting

Sports betting is huge in Ireland as punters place wagers on their favorite sports including football, tennis, basketball, and rugby. There are different bookmakers that provide the odds and exchanges that allow players to bet against each other. Bets are won when predictions come true and players are only allowed to stake real money. Where applicable, players can use their bonus money to place bets on their favorite sports or teams. 

Tips to Playing Real Money Games

When playing real money games, there are some tips you can use to improve your chances of winning. Some tips you should try include:

 

  • Choose Registered Gambling Websites: Always use websites that are registered with the appropriate regulatory body. Doing this will help you to avoid predatory websites that may steal your information or money. Always verify the registration status of any gambling operator before you use them.

 

  • Learn the Games: Do not put money on games you do not understand as this is the quickest way for you to lose your money. Only play games that you understand or learn how the game works properly. Using the demo mode where possible is always a good idea. 

 

  • Use Bonuses: Bonuses increase your bankroll but also allow you to bet without using your money first. Take advantage of all the bonuses you can and ensure that you use them to maximize your wins. 

 

  • Use a Budget: Budget your spend on games and do not exceed this budget when it is exhausted. Budgeting helps you to manage your bankroll and it prevents you from spending all your money on gambling. Once your budget has been spent, stop all gambling activity.

 

  • Make Small Bets: You do not always have  to make large bets when gambling. Start with small bets and pace yourself throughout your gambling session. 

Ireland As a Destination For Gamblers

Ireland is a great destination for gamblers who want to enjoy a range of real money games. These games cut across various genres including slots, table games, and live games. It is important to only gamble at licensed casinos, as this will protect you from predatory operators. Furthermore, we also provided tips that we think you should follow if you want to have a pleasurable real money gambling experience. Manage your bankroll wisely and do not bet more than you are willing to lose while you gamble. 

 

How Real Money Online Casinos Work and What You Need to Know

The internet has reshaped many parts of our lives, not least the entertainment sector, with real money casinos being a prime example. These digital platforms have become a hit, marrying the convenience of home access with the adrenaline rush of gambling and potential wins. As interest in these online casinos grows, getting a handle on how they work, the legal aspects involved, and what to consider for a secure and enjoyable gaming journey is increasingly important. Let’s explore what every player needs to know about the exciting world of real-money online casinos.

What Are Real Money Online Casinos?

Real-money online casinos are digital platforms that allow players to wager and win actual money through a variety of casino games. These platforms surpass the experience of traditional brick-and-mortar casinos by providing a diverse range of options, such as live dealer and table games, slots, and more.

How Online Casinos Turn a Profit

In a casino, whether online or not, players compete against the house, but it has a slight advantage in all games, known as the house edge. The casino keeps all the bets you lose and pays out when you win, but the odds are always in their favor. 

For example, in Roulette, the house edge ranges between 2.70% and 5.26%, with the lowest being in Blackjack at about 0.5% to 2%. If you add up the sums players invest and cash out, the house retains this percentage of the total amount played. The same goes for slot games where the house edge is represented as RTP or return-to-player percentage. If a slot has an RTP of 96%, the casino keeps the other 4% of the wagered funds.  

Legality and Regulation

The legality of online gambling varies across jurisdictions, with some regions embracing it fully while others impose strict regulations or outright bans. Regulatory bodies supervise and license online casinos, ensure fair play, secure transactions, and responsible gaming practices. Prominent regulatory authorities in this field are the Malta Gaming Authority, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Finding a Reputable Online Casino

Choosing a reputable and trustworthy platform is crucial with the huge choice of real-money online casinos available. Here are some key considerations:

Licensing and Regulation

Choose casinos that hold licenses and are regulated by established authorities. This ensures the platform operates under strict guidelines, promoting fair gaming practices and ethical conduct. 

Security Measures

Security is non-negotiable when handling personal information and online transactions. Prioritise platforms implementing robust security measures with an encryption protocol to ensure your sensitive data, including financial details, remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access.

Game Selection

The quality and diversity of available games are key indicators of a reputable online casino. Look for platforms that partner with leading software providers renowned for delivering fair and engaging games that undergo rigorous testing for randomness and fairness.

Payment Options

A trustworthy online casino offers multiple safe and convenient payment options. This includes widely accepted methods like credit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and Neteller. 

Customer Support

Opt for platforms that offer 24/7 customer support through phone calls, live chat, or email communication. This ensures that assistance is readily available if you encounter any issues or have additional questions about the platform. 

How Real-Money Online Casinos Work: A Step-by-Step Guide

Real-money online casinos operate on sophisticated software platforms that replicate the mechanics of traditional casinos. Here’s how they function:

  • Registration: You should create an account by providing identity verification details. 
  • Deposits: After registration, you can fund your account using various payment methods. 
  • Game Selection: You can choose from many titles in the casino game libraries.
  • Bonuses and Promotions: Operators regularly offer attractive bonuses and promotions to enhance your gaming experience, including popular no deposit bonuses. These bonuses allow you to start playing without any initial deposit.
  • Withdrawals: You can withdraw your winnings using the same or alternative payment methods. Be aware that processing times for withdrawals vary among casinos.

Emerging Trends in Online Casino Environments

Real-money online casinos are adapting to trends that redefine the gaming experience. The aim is to provide players with more realistic, secure, and engaging options for real-money gaming.

Virtual Reality (VR) Casinos

VR technology creates a simulated casino environment where you can engage with games in a three-dimensional space. VR headsets allow you to explore virtual casinos, where games like slots and table games take on a new dimension with a more realistic and interactive feel.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain ensures transparency in financial transactions by recording them in a decentralized ledger. Smart contracts on blockchain platforms automate processes and improve security and trust. Payments and withdrawals using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin offer increased anonymity and efficiency.

Key Takeaway

Real-money online casinos provide an exciting and convenient alternative to traditional casinos, offering various games and enticing bonuses. By understanding the legality and the emerging trends, choosing a reputable platform, and following responsible gaming practices, a thrilling online gambling experience is guaranteed. 

Top Ways to Make Money on Social Media Platforms

In today’s digital age, social media isn’t just for sharing cute cat videos and stalking your high school crush. It’s a legit money-making machine. With billions of people scrolling through their feeds every day, the potential for cashing in on social media is massive. So, let’s dive into the top ways you can turn your online presence into a sweet cash cow.

The Social Media Revolution

Let’s face it: social media has changed the game. It’s no longer just a way to chat with friends and share your dinner pics. Now, you can connect with a global audience in a snap. 

The rise of influencers and content creators has opened up a whole world of opportunities for those looking to make some serious moolah. This includes OnlyFans best sex models, fitness coaches, entrepreneurs, adult performers, and many more. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make that dough, let’s understand how social media rules the world.

The Era of Influencers

Influencer marketing is blowing up. Big brands are teaming up with social media stars to peddle their stuff to a target audience. These influencers have built a fan base by creating cool content and becoming experts in their niches. As an influencer, you can work with brands and cash in through sponsored posts, product endorsements, and affiliate marketing.

Top Social Media Platforms for Making Money

While there are tons of social media platforms out there, some are better suited for making money. Let’s break down the top ones and how you can cash in on them.

  • Instagram Money Moves

Instagram is all about the visuals and influencer culture. If you’re good at snapping pics or creating eye-catching content, you can make money in different ways. You can do sponsored posts, partner up with brands, and even dive into affiliate marketing.

  • YouTube Cash Flow

If you’re into making videos, YouTube is where it’s at. Create top-notch content and pull in a loyal subscriber base. You can earn money through YouTube’s Partner Program or score brand deals for sponsored content. You can even sell your own merch to your viewers.

  • Twitter (X) Earnings

Twitter (X) may be limited by character count, but it has unique money-making potential. Twitter influencers make bank through sponsored tweets, where they promote stuff to their followers. You can also sell your own digital products, like e-books or online courses, directly to your audience.

Strategies for Raking in the Bucks

So, you’ve got your online presence set up, and you know which platforms you’re targeting. Now, let’s talk strategy to fill up your wallet.

Affiliate Marketing on Social Media

Affiliate marketing is where it’s at. You promote products or services through your social media channels using special affiliate links. For every sale made through your link, you get a cut. Just make sure the stuff you’re promoting vibes with your audience, and only push things you genuinely believe in.

Sponsored Posts and Partnerships

As your online influence grows, brands will start sliding into your DMs for sponsored posts and partnerships. Sponsored posts are when you create content that hypes a specific product or brand and get paid for it. Partnerships are longer-term deals where you become a brand ambassador, promoting their goods on the regular.

Selling Your Stuff Directly

If you’ve got a special skill or knowledge, you can use your social media presence to sell your own products or services. Whether it’s an e-book, online courses, coaching, or physical merch, your loyal followers could be your next customers. Set up sweet sales funnels and run social media ads to reach a broader audience.

Navigating the Social Media Money Maze

Making money on social media sounds rad, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. You’ve gotta know the pitfalls and how to dodge ’em to make that money dream come true.

Dealing with Platform Changes

Social media platforms are always tweaking their policies, and that can mess with your money game. Stay in the loop about any changes and be ready to adjust your strategy. Diversify your money-making tricks so that you’re not putting all your eggs in one platform’s basket.

Keeping it Real While Making Money

As you start pulling in cash from your social media channels, remember to stay true to yourself. Your audience can spot fake stuff from a mile away. Be honest about sponsored content and only promote stuff you truly believe in. Your credibility and trustworthiness are your golden tickets to long-term success.

Summing Up: Understand the Game – Play it Right!

In a nutshell, social media is a goldmine waiting to be dug up. Understand the game and use different platforms effectively, and you can turn your online presence into a real money-spinner. 

Whether it’s sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or selling your own goods and services, the key is to build a solid brand, engage with your audience, and roll with the punches. So, go out there, make some killer content, and start turning your social media hustle into a money-making party!

 

Driving less than 15,000 km a year? New report says you could save money by ditching your private car

Car owners who are driving less than 15,000 km a year could be losing out on substantial cost savings, according to a new report from Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting and Bolt, Europe’s largest shared mobility company.

The report has found that while there has been a reduction of 1,700 km per year in the distance travelled by personal cars across Europe over the last decade, the number of vehicles registered per household has stayed the same, suggesting that cars are often sitting idle at home. In Ireland, the number of privately-owned vehicles on the roads rose by 215% between 1985 and 2020. Previous research from Bolt revealed that over one quarter (25.67%) of Irish drivers are likely to give up their car in the next five years if viable alternatives are made available, whilst over half (54.55%) cited the overall expense of running a car as a potential reason for giving up their car.

For those car owners driving less than 15,000 km a year, new data shows other modes of transport like ride-hailing, car subscriptions, scooter and e-bike rentals and car-sharing can be more affordable than owning a car.

The report looked at the total cost of ownership (TCO) in price per km for premium, SUV and compact cars, which decrease incrementally the more a car is driven, and compared them to the price per km of different types of shared mobility services, which carry no additional costs to the user, past the initial price.

In Ireland, though petrol and diesel prices dipped by two cents and one cent in October, the price of crude oil remains elevated at approximately $90 per barrel, an increase on the $70 barrels were valued at during the summer.

Car-sharing emerged particularly favourably as a cost effective transport mode, being cheaper than all three car types at an annual mileage of up to 15,000 km. Shared scooters and e-bike services were cheaper than a compact car at an annual mileage of 5,000 km, while even the most expensive shared mobility service, ride-hailing, proved cheaper than a premium car for an annual mileage up to 12,000 km. The analysis was conducted in Germany but applicable to all major European markets.

For those who cannot afford a car, the study also points out how shared mobility is a viable alternative, removing the key financial barrier of purchasing a car, scooter or eBike and connecting into public transport systems to provide better commuting access.

Fortunately for Irish citizens, the government is taking warmly received steps to ensure the country is well-positioned to transition away from a reliance on the private car. The recent Budget included an investment of €360m in cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as confirmation that the 20% fare reduction for all public transport (implemented last year as a temporary cost of living measure) will continue.

Notably, the government has also been taking great strides to enable an alternative transport mode which can ensure the cycling infrastructure is well used: the shared electric scooter. Legislation is expected to be finalised in the next couple of months. Given one third (33.4%) of private car journeys in Dublin are less than two kilometres according to the CSO, and over one fifth (20.9%) are 2 to 4 kilometres in length, the company with Irish headquarters in Dublin expect the two-wheelers to be a hit in towns and cities of varying sizes across the country.

Indeed, Bolt already offers shared electric bikes in Sligo, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and Carlow. The firm is the largest scooter provider in Europe with scooters and e-bikes in more than 250 cities across 25 countries.

Head of Public Policy for Bolt Ireland, Aisling Dunne, said: “This report comes at a time that has real potential to be a watershed moment for the environment and transport in Ireland. It exposes the poor value for money private cars represent for urban dwellers across the country, just when cities and citizens are understandably assessing how far their euro is going.

“Thankfully a viable alternative is well on its way in the form of the shared electric scooter. We strongly encourage the NTA to continue this positive momentum by evaluating if the supply of taxis – especially in hospitality hotspots like Dublin – is proportionate to the amount of demand from passengers. Many of us will have first-hand experience of struggling to get a taxi.”

Dr Andreas Nienhaus, Head of the Oliver Wyman Mobility Forum, who led the study, said: “The mobility sector has changed dramatically in recent years and in addition to cars there is now a range of different modes of transport available to people. Cars will still be a necessity for some depending on where they live or their job, but what this report shows is that switching away from private car ownership can have significant benefits for many, particularly those living in cities.”

In addition to saving people money, the new report also found that greater usage of services like scooters and e-bikes can have environmental benefits for cities and the people living in them.

An analysis of how people used Bolt scooters in Europe found that around 10% of e-scooter rides directly replaced car journeys. As a result, e-scooters on their own contributed a reduction of up to 120 million car kilometres travelled, helping to alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution in cities and to reduce car-related emissions by an estimated 23,000 tons CO2e across Europe. The study also highlights the potential for aligned multimodal approaches between operators and Cities to cut personal car usage by 20% in Cities like Berlin.

Review – JMBricklayer Botanical collection money tree.

The latest on offer from JMBricklayer has been here for us to build over the last few weeks and this one is different due to the meaning of the product and not so much the build itself which will take you a few hours at least, this is more for the decorative side and can be placed anywhere in the home to offer some form of symbolism and significance.

Again this was a fun build and now placed in my home hoping to bring me some good luck in the future as is believed in many cultures today. One could look at another side of things here with many folk believing in a money tree out their back garden and you can go shake it and cash in on what falls down but this one will fit right in your home and look well amongst plants or put in a window for passers by to take a look at and maybe get in on the wishing thinking back garden saying and it will bring them some luck.

Check out the video below for more and see it in real life and tell us is this something that would interest you?

Symbolism and Significance

The Money Tree, scientifically known as Pachira Aquatica, is a tropical plant native to Central and South America. Characterized by its braided trunks and lush, palmate leaves, it is renowned for its distinctive appearance and cultural symbolism.

  1. Financial Prosperity: In many cultures, the idea is that by cultivating a Money Tree, one is nurturing their wealth, encouraging it to grow over time. The branches of the tree, laden with symbolic currency or coins, exemplify the hope for a fruitful and prosperous future.
  2. Symbol of Luck: The Money Tree is considered a lucky charm in several cultures. It is believed to attract good fortune, helping individuals not only accumulate wealth but also safeguard it from misfortune or financial setbacks.
  3. Feng Shui and Energy Flow: In Feng Shui, the Money Tree is employed to enhance the flow of positive energy, or chi, in one’s living or working space. Its vibrant green leaves and symbolic wealth elements are believed to promote harmony and balance.

Detailed Representation

  1. The pot: The pot features a square design, achieved through the clever use of Lego-compatible bricks. This shape adds a modern and clean aesthetic to the model, accentuating its elegance. The pot’s construction relies on a huge number of interlocking small plates, and a handful of tiles that mimic the texture of ceramic or porcelain, making it visually engaging. The pot serves a dual purpose—it not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides essential stability and support for the entire plant set.
  2. The trunks: The core structure of the trunks relies on trunk elements and connectors. In some cases, bendable hoses or flexible tubes may be integrated into the trunks to achieve specific curves and twists. These elements provide the necessary flexibility to replicate the shapes of real tree trunks. The use of various shades of brown bricks, including dark brown and reddish brown, creates a variegated effect, mimicking the natural coloration of tree bark. Ensuring structural integrity, sturdy Technic pins and axles are employed to securely connect the various elements within the trunks.
  3. The branches and leaves: To achieve the natural straightness of branches, long Technic pins are used. These specialized pins can be gently moved, allowing for graceful turns and sways in the branches. The leaf elements are incorporated to simulate the Money Tree’s foliage, the ones at the top are lighter in green, while the others darker. The leaves are arranged in a natural and slightly irregular pattern, avoiding a uniform appearance. Scattered among the leaves are $100 banknotes, adding a playful and symbolic touch.

Decorative Display

As a decorative item, the Money Tree set brings elegance and symbolism to any space. Whether displayed in a living room, office, or business establishment, the decorative tree stands as a stunning centerpiece that draws admiration. Its unique design sparks conversations about wealth, prosperity, and the cultural significance of the Money Tree. Also, when given as a gift, this set carries wishes of fortune and success. Its decorative value goes beyond aesthetics and reflects the thoughtful intention of the giver.

Discount code until December 31st is VIPJIMO15

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Video review