What Really Is Radio Frequency?

I'm sure sure everybody has heard of the term 'radio frequency'. Commonly, it is used for radio but did you know radio frequency has many other uses as well? Today's topic takes a diversion from finance as I'm tired of it for now but I will get back to it soon! So, what is radio frequency? It is a rate of oscillation in the range of about 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which corresponds to the frequency of radio waves and the alternating currents which carry radio signals. Confused? I know...I was too....

A radio wave is an electromagnetic wave propagated by an antenna. Radio waves have different frequencies and by tuning a radio receiver to a specific frequency, you can pick up a specific signal. For example, if you are listening to 99.9 FM Virgin Radio, you are listening to a radio station broadcasting an FM radio signal at a frequency of 99.9 megahertz. Megahertz simply means 'millions of cycles per second', so 99.9 megahertz means that the transmitter at the radio station is oscillating at a frequency of 99, 900, 000 cycles per second. The ban of radio spectrum of frequencies for FM radio is between 88 megahertz and 108 megahertz.

Besides radio, there are several other devices that use radio frequency, some of which are television, garage door openers, alarm systems, cordless phones, baby monitors, cellphones and GPS. Let's look into more detail about the application of radio frequency on a commonly used device - Bluetooth. 

Bluetooth is wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices with high levels of security. Bluetooth networking transmits data via low-power radio waves. It communicates on a frequency of 2.24 gigahertz. Other devices with this same frequency band are baby monitors, garage door openers and cordless phones, thus  ensuring Bluetooth and these devices don't interfere with each other has been a crucial part of the design process. One way the Bluetooth achieves this is by sending out very weak signals of about 1 milliwatt. The low power limits the range of a Bluetooth device to about 10 metres.  It can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously. 

When Bluetooth devices come into range with each other, an electronic conversation takes place to determine if they have data to share or if one needs to control another. This happens automatically, the user doesn't have to do anything.  Once the conversation has taken place, the devices create a personal network area (PAN ) and hop frequencies in unison so that they stay in touch with each other. Bluetooth is an amazing device that has the ability to utilize radio frequency at such high levels with several security modes.

10 Points to Retire and Live Life!

The word 'retirement' may seem like a synonym for 'dread' or 'bore', like the end of life or a wait for the day of departure from this world. That's not true! Retirement means getting your life back to live it the way you want to and do things you have always wanted to but never got around to doing them due to responsibilities! It is FREEDOM, finally:). It is imperative that planning for retirement is begun early or one has to undergo pains to survive this last leg of opportunity. Today's blog is dedicated to how to retire well and live your life.

1. Saving is the topmost priority when it comes to retirement planning. Any articles or books on this topic will mention this first. There are several ways to save for retirement. One way is to consider 401(k) benefits when applying for jobs. Though most people focus on the salary, its important to consider a potential employer's 401(k) benefit policy. Some firms don't offer 401(k) while some provide 5% or higher matches. This could greatly contribute to your retirement security. Another way is to convert retirement money into tax-free money by doing a Roth IRA conversion which is a special type of retirement plan under US law that is generally not taxed. Contributions to Roth IRA are not tax-deductible but withdrawals are generally tax-free.

2. Invest in yourself. Take care of your health by eating healthy and well, exercising and keeping in shape, as this will save you thousands of dollars from health care costs. Age takes its toll on us by weakening our body, introducing diseases and causing lethargy which will inevitably lead to greater health care costs. By being mindful of the fact that we might not be as healthy or active as we are now in the future, and taking good care of ourselves, we will indeed contribute greatly to our retirement savings. According to Fidelity Investments, the average 65-year old couple will spend about $400 000 out-of-pocket throughout retirement until age 92, not including long-term-care costs.

3. Don't be extravagant. One of the quickest way to become rich is to live a frugal lifestyle. Live below your means, for example, buy a used car instead of a new one, or buy a 2-bedroom house instead of a 5-bedroom one. After all how much of difference does it make? Besides, if you make these small changes in your lifestyle, you can multiply your savings rapidly which can provide an early and fulfilling retirement.

4. Plan ahead. Start making plans early on so that when its time to retire, you wouldn't feel lost or bored and lonely. May it be to learn something new, or travelling or spending time with family, planning a schedule is always useful to keep one on the go.

5. Diversify in a retirement portfolio.  Diversifying means to have different sources of income investments, rather than just one. For example, owning some properties and deriving income from the lease, investing in safe bonds or equities, and having certificate of deposit are some ways of diversifying a portfolio.

6. Life and Disability Insurance plans are a must. Anything can happen at anytime and while its important to have these insurance at all times, its becomes imperative towards retirement. Health expenses can quickly drain financial resources and thus it is necessary to have coverage to protect us during such crisis. It also prevents dependence on others for financial aid.

7. Keep inflation in mind while planning. Prices are always rising, what may cost $10 now may cost double in 10 years time. Likewise, in today's world, someone may be able to live comfortably with a certain retirement budget which may not be enough to live the same lifestyle in 20 years time. So that has to be considered when planning retirement budget.

8. Don't get caught up in materialism. If you have planned and saved well for your retirement, you may feel you have more than you require and have the urge to splurge. When you make a large purchase, it is necessary to consider if it is really required. Some basic things that must be kept in mind before retirement are paying off your home, ensuring that vehicles are paid for in full and are in good condition, and that all large debts are paid off.

9. Retire at 65 or later.  Retiring at 62 is not realistic for many Americans especially during these hard times. Furthermore, if you delay retirement, the benefits are greater. For example, the longer you wait to retire, the greater the monthly check from Social Security. Also, you would have deferred eating into your retirement savings for more years.

10. It's not just about the money. Though financial preparation for retirement is very important, investing in human capital is also essential for a happy retirement. Being socially active by having a good network of friends, communities and families contributes to the emotional and mental well being of retirees and leads to a successful retirement.