iQuanti: If you're interested in investing, you may have come across the term "junk bonds." But what exactly are junk bonds, how are they traded, and why are they considered riskier than other types of bonds? 

Let's look at what junk bonds are and how they work:

What are bonds?

To understand junk bonds, it's important to understand how bonds work in general. A bond is essentially an IOU. When you buy a bond, you're lending money to a government, municipality, corporation, federal agency or other entity known as the issuer. In return, the issuer promises to pay you interest over a specified term and to repay the loan when the bond matures or comes due. When you buy a bond, you become a creditor of the issuer. Of course, there are many different types of bonds with different features, but these are the basics.

Junk bonds explained

Junk bonds are corporate bonds that are rated below investment-grade by credit rating agencies. These agencies use letter grades to rate the creditworthiness of bonds. The ratings differ slightly between agencies but, in general, "AAA" is the highest rating and "D" is the lowest. The lower the rating, the more likely the company is to default. Bonds that are a certain B-level rating or below are considered junk bonds. 

Junk bonds typically have higher interest rates than investment-grade bonds, which makes them more attractive to investors looking for higher yields. However, junk bonds also carry a higher risk of default, which means that investors could lose all or part of their investment. Overall, junk bonds do offer higher returns, but the risk that the issuer will file for bankruptcy and you'll lose your original investment is considered much higher than investment-grade bonds.

How do you buy and sell junk bonds?

When it comes to investing in junk bonds, there are two main options: buying individual bonds or investing in funds, such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Buying individual bonds is riskier, as it concentrates your money in fewer investments. Investing in bond funds can provide diversification and professional expertise that can help reduce the overall risk. The best option for you will depend on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Deciding whether to invest in junk bonds

Junk bonds are considered riskier than investment-grade bonds and can offer higher rewards. Ultimately, whether you invest in junk bonds at all will depend on your individual goals and risk tolerance. For this reason, it is important to research the investment carefully and weigh the risks and benefits of each option before deciding what is right for you.

The Digital Carbon Market (DCM) began to scale in early in 2022 after the launch of projects such as KlimaDAO, Moss.earth, Toucan Protocol and C3, which enable the integration of the Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) with blockchain and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) technology. 

Since KlimaDAO's launch on Oct. 18, 2021, significant progress has since been made in growing the DCM. Over 25 million carbon credits - representing 2.52% of all Verra-issued credits - have migrated onto the blockchain. KlimaDAO's offsetting infrastructure has also been increasingly adopted, with over 500,000 tCO2e being offset using the DCM to date.

KlimaDAO has now published its Introduction to the Digital Carbon Market - a report that aims to help readers orient the Digital Carbon Market ecosystem and leverage the open-access tools that have been built. The report also looks to the future, sharing insights on the transparent, neutral, and public infrastructure needed to accelerate the growth of the DCM and transform the carbon markets overall.

KlimaDAO will host the ON SET Webinar series, beginning on Feb. 7, 2023, to provide product walkthroughs and answer questions for those interested in learning more about the DCM. 

About KlimaDAO

KlimaDAO's mission is to accelerate the delivery of climate finance globally by building the transparent, neutral, and public infrastructure needed to scale the Digital Carbon Market. KlimaDAO provides tools, products and services to make accessing this market easy for all users. Contact us by filling this form. 

Savvy Cleaner Training is Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2023
Savvy Cleaner Training is Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2023

Savvy Cleaner, the wildly popular hub for house cleaning training, is again accepting scholarship applications for 2023 for house cleaners and maids.

Approximately 33% of people switched jobs in the last two years, according to a recent PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll. A significant portion of those individuals started cleaning businesses either to serve as full-time replacements for their previous job or to earn extra money between jobs.

House Cleaning Companies on The Rise

With the pandemic came a newfound awareness of cleanliness's importance, which subsequently led to an influx of people looking for jobs in the cleaning industry. "However," as CEO Angela Brown of Savvy Cleaner points out, "without proper training and techniques, these new companies are at risk of damaging their customers' expensive belongings."

Professional home cleaning services have become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, according to Home Cleaning Centers of America, last year, nearly 10% of all U.S. households paid someone to clean their homes for them. Additionally, the Freedonia Focus Reports released a study called Contract Cleaning Services: United States, which predicted that income from daily cleaning services will rise by 2.2 percent annually through 2025 in the USA alone.

Savvy Cleaner Scholarships

On Jan. 31, 2023, Savvy Cleaner will award 15 winners fully funded scholarships for the Savvy Cleaner Network, which includes courses on eco-cleaning supplies, equipment cleaning and sanitation, personal protective equipment, and how to clean and grow a successful cleaning company.

Savvy Cleaner is famous for its online tutoring, which helps students make money while they receive an education. "Our students see exceptional results from applying their learning in real time," says Angela Brown. "Rather than waiting until they've graduated, we encourage involvement and working from day one."

The scholarships provide membership to not only the Savvy Cleaner Network but also access to two live interactive mastermind sessions each month. These sessions allow business owners to connect, discuss best practices, and offer moral support throughout the training.

About Savvy Cleaner

Savvy Cleaner is a training and certification program for house cleaners and maids headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., USA. They produce the daily show and podcast Ask a House Cleaner and the shorts series Pro Cleaning Tips, which can be understood with closed captioning in 191 languages worldwide.

Savvy Cleaner will accept scholarship applications until Jan. 15, 2023, and encourage new, current and previous students to apply.

To apply and learn more about the scholarship program, visit https://savvycleaner.com/scholarship-application.

Lost Oak Winery, a family-owned and operated winery located in Burleson, Texas, is pleased to share the launch of a new holiday wine, Holiday 2020, just in time for festive celebrations. This annually produced red blend is made in a more fruit-forward style to complement any holiday meal or enjoy with friends and family this season.

The Holiday blend was harvested between August and September of 2020, spending an average of 16 months in oak, and bottled on Oct. 20, 2022. It features aromas of cinnamon and candied plums balanced with a hint of vanilla bean. According to the tasting notes, these are welcoming flavors with notes of strawberry and rhubarb preserves while the finish harkens back to the cinnamon aroma with warm tannins.

"Our Holiday blend is versatile and pairs wonderfully with holiday dishes for various occasions," said Roxanne Myers, President of Lost Oak Winery. "Whether you enjoy a traditional turkey or are a little more Texas and do tamales on Christmas Day, this wine is for you."

Founded by Gene Estes in 2006, Lost Oak Winery is located on the banks of Village Creek, with three cultivated vineyards, stately oak trees, and winding walking paths. The family-operated, woman-owned winery specializes in French-inspired wines that are 100% Texas. 

Texas is now the fifth-largest wine-producing state next to California, Oregon, Washington, and New York. Texas wineries contribute more than $13.1 billion of economic value to the state of Texas. 

To learn more about Lost Oak Winery or to purchase wines directly, visit www.lostoakwinery.com.

About Lost Oak Winery

Inspired by founder Gene Estes' creativity and passion for the art of winemaking, Lost Oak Winery was founded in 2006 in Burleson, Texas. The family-operated, woman-owned winery specializes in French-inspired wines that are 100% Texas. Lost Oak has continued its lengthy legacy with awards for its leadership role in the dedication to and support and promotion of the Texas wine industry, including its longtime affiliation with the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.

Water-to-Go North America
Water bottle and filter made from sugar cane

Water-to-Go today announced a new water filter bottle made from sustainably produced sugarcane. Made from plants, not petroleum, the new bottle is dishwasher-safe and as durable as regular plastic bottles.

The Water-to-Go filter ensures safe drinking water by removing unsafe water-borne contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, and microplastics. The filter technology has been proven by four independent labs on four continents. View our lab test data here.

"When traveling, backpacking, or even at home, safe water is not always available, so people buy single-use plastic water bottles that pollute the environment and contribute to global warming. The new Water-to-Go sugarcane bottle is the most earth-friendly way to provide safe drinking water anywhere," said Dave Shanks, founder of Water-to-Go International.

Features and benefits of the new Water-to-Go sugarcane include:

• Dishwasher-safe and durable.
• Removes up to 99.9999% of water-borne contaminants that cause illness.
• One filter replaces 400 single-use plastic bottles. 

The sugarcane used to produce Water-to-Go sugarcane bottles is ethically sourced from Bonsucro-accredited farms and factories where every aspect of labor and environmental protection is certified to exacting international standards.

The new Water-to-Go sugarcane bottle will be available in mid-December. More details are available at https://watertogousa.com/sugarcane.

About Water-to-Go International: 

Water-to-Go is a 10-year-old British brand of water filter bottles, recently available in the U.S. and Canada. We believe everyone deserves safe drinking water, anywhere, free of single-use plastics that damage the environment. Over the last decade, Water-to-Go filters have helped replace 165 million single-use plastic bottles. 

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iQuanti: The new year is the right time to make financial moves that will help you achieve your short-term and long-term goals. But if you don't know where to start, we've got you covered. Here are some of the top financial moves to consider making in 2023:

1. Create and stick to a budget

One of the most important financial moves you can make is to create and stick to a realistic budget. This can help you keep track of spending and ensure that you don't overspend or go into debt. You can use a budgeting method like the 50/30/20 rule to help you get started.

2. Consider refinancing your debts

If you have high-interest debts such as credit card balances, personal loans, or student loans, it may be worth exploring options for refinancing these debts at lower interest rates. Doing so can help you save money in the long run and allow you to pay off your debts more quickly.

3. Invest in a retirement savings account

A smart financial move you can make is to start investing in a retirement savings account, such as an IRA or 401(k). Not only will this help ensure that you have enough money to live comfortably once you retire, but it can also provide tax benefits and grow your savings over time.

4. Consider life insurance coverage

If you have dependents or other loved ones who rely on you financially, it's important to invest in adequate life insurance coverage, so they are protected if something unexpected were to happen to you. This financial move can give you peace of mind and help ensure your loved ones are taken care of even if you're no longer around.

5. Make plans for long-term financial goals 

Whether it's saving up for a significant purchase like a car or house, or simply ensuring that you have financial security down the road, setting financial goals can help keep you motivated to make smart financial decisions. By making plans for your financial goals and keeping track of progress along the way, you can better ensure that you achieve them in 2023 and beyond.

What to do if you're low in funds in 2023

If you're struggling to make ends meet in the new year, not to worry. There are many fast cash options that may be at your disposal, including:

• Instant cash advance: With instant cash advances, you can typically receive a few hundred dollars to tide you over until your next payday. You can use an instant cash advance to cover anything from groceries to rent, and repay what you owe in two to four weeks.
• Title loan: Title loans are secured loans that let you use a vehicle you own as collateral. With these loans, the lender will appraise your car and offer you an amount worth 25 to 50% of its value. You can keep driving your vehicle while you pay back a title loan.
• Line of credit: Lines of credit can give you flexible access to funds as needed, up to your specified credit limit. These loans are great for covering unpredictable expenses or providing a financial safety net. You can repay what you owe all at once or over time.

The bottom line

Whether you're looking to improve your financial situation, pay off debt more quickly, or save for the future, there are many steps you can take to make financial moves and get on the right track in 2023. And if you need fast funds, consider an instant cash advance, title loan, or line of credit to get out of a financial pinch. With these tips, you can make smart financial decisions that will put you on a path toward success in the new year and beyond.

Ryan Honary, founder of SensoRy AI, is presented with a check.

At a time when many teens are planning for the near future, 15-year-old Ryan Honary is looking further ahead. He is passionate about saving the planet, and thanks to a new partnership between his company, Sensory AI, the nonprofit Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) and, most recently, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), he's closer to creating a better future for humankind.

"I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Nathan Gregory and Chief Brian Fennessy," said Honary. "This new partnership with IRC and OCFA advances the SensoRy AI solution with the goal of protecting lives and the environment throughout California and around the globe."

The Newport Beach teen invented an AI-driven early wildfire detection system. Utilizing a wireless mesh network of sensors and AI capable of predicting spread patterns, Honary's low-cost network can be deployed anywhere and communicate in real-time via an app. A research grant from the U.S. Navy enabled SensoRy AI to build a team and further develop and test the technology in rugged environments. Honary was recently invited by OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy to present the SensoRy AI solution at UC San Diego's WiFire Lab and received favorable feedback. 

Honary began working with Nathan Gregory, Ph.D., Chief Conservation Officer of IRC, in 2021 to develop field applications for his concept. IRC manages 30,000 acres of fire-prone urban wildlands in Orange County. The system was field tested at IRC's Native Seed Farm earlier this year with successful results.

"Ryan's solution will enable us to monitor key factors that contribute to preservation and stewardship of our local wildlands. We believe this technology has applications that can potentially change conservation and land management everywhere," said Dr. Gregory.

IRC sees such broad potential in this technology that it recently invested $250,000 of its own funds that will allow the network to be tested more broadly. In addition, Dr. Gregory will be joining the SensoRy AI Technical Advisory Board.

In November, OCFA Chief Fennessy also joined SensoRy AI as an advisor, and his team of fire-fighting professionals are assisting Ryan in further developing his platform.

"This technology has enormous potential to keep our first responders and our communities safe by helping predict, detect, and suppress wildfires," said Fennessy.

Honary was recently selected to present his story and vision at the upcoming UNESCO Learning Planet Festival on Jan. 23-28, 2023, in Paris, France. His presentation is titled "The Future of Artificial Intelligence-Driven Environmental Solutions." The Learning Planet Festival brings together hundreds of pioneering organizations and activists learning to take care of oneself, others and the planet.

About Ryan Honary

Ryan Honary is an award-winning 15-year-old student at Stanford Online High School, who has been putting his STEM-fueled passion for people and the environment into real action for years. While not developing science-based solutions to local and global climate challenges, Honary loves playing competitive tennis and, in support of a local not-for-profit, teaching it to autistic youth; singing and shredding on guitar; and surfing in his hometown of Newport Beach, CA. Follow him on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Honary's solution was originally developed in response to the devastation of the 2018 Camp Fire, including the deaths of 85 people and the destruction of over 18,000 structures at a cost of more than $16.5 billion. The invention earned him Grand Prize at the 2019 Ignite Innovation Student Challenge and established the Early Wildfire Detection Network, for which he was named the 2020 American Red Cross Disaster Services Hero for Orange County. He also earned a spot in the Top 30 Finalists at the 2020 Broadcom Masters.

About Sensory AI

In March 2020, Ryan Honary's early wildfire detection system won the prestigious Office of Naval Research (ONR) Naval Science grant. This grant led to the formation of Sensory AI. The company has since received multiple rounds of funding from ONR for continued research and development.

About Irvine Ranch Conservancy

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to restore, protect, and enhance the ecological health of urban wildlands in a way that fosters compatible human behaviors and inspires connections and partnerships. The Conservancy manages and restores approximately 30,000 acres of rare wildlands in Orange County, California, in partnership with public landowners.

About Orange County Fire Authority

Orange County Fire Authority is a regional fire service agency that serves 23 cities and all unincorporated areas in Orange County. OCFA protects over 2 million residents from its 77 fire stations located throughout Orange County. OCFA, founded in 1995, is a premier public safety agency providing superior fire protection and medical emergency services to our communities.

ST. PETE MEDICAL GROUP
Logo for ST. PETE MEDICAL GROUP

St. Pete Medical Group and Clearwater Medical Group were featured on 10 Tampa Bay's Great Day Live. Dr. Alex Spinoso announced their mission to provide exceptional care and prescription-free alternatives to those suffering from peripheral neuropathy.

According to the National Institute of Health, over 20 million people in the United States suffer from peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by damage to the nerves. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities.

"We're passionate about helping our patients find relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life," said Spinoso, founder of St. Pete Medical Group. "We offer a variety of services, including hormone replacement, testosterone therapy, sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, and weight loss. We're also one of the only clinics in the Tampa Bay area to offer semaglutide also known as Ozempic, a weekly medication that has been shown to be effective in treating weight loss."

For more information about St. Pete Medical Group and Clearwater Medical Group, or to schedule an appointment, please visit their website at www.stpetemedicalgroup.com or call (727)-354-8744.

ABOUT DR. SPINOSO: Alex Spinoso is a physician, an entrepreneur, and a highly sought-after consultant in speaker in the medical industry. He is an industry-leading expert in growth and scaling of multiple medical clinics, both cash-based and insurance-based, and building medical licensing programs, medical training programs, and online telemedicine companies.

ABOUT ST PETE MEDICAL GROUP: St. Pete Medical Group's mission is to create a comfortable experience for you. We understand that suffering from illness is stressful. Our staff is compassionate and takes pride in helping you with every step of your pain-free journey. We will be there from the start to finish, celebrating your pain-free victories with you.