Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Spoopy Definition - What is Spoopy?

DEFINITION.TODAY - Have you heard the term "Spoopy" before? Did you know why the term could come up. Apparently behind the process of formation of this word, there is a big influence from the internet and social media.

In many social media services user generated content evolves very quickly, as do social networks.

For example, when composing a microblogging message, users may coin new abbreviations or acronyms that are rarely used in other formal documents. For instance, “spoopy” is an intentional misspelling of the word “spooky” to describe a situation that sosial media, mining and profiling in 1069.

In other words, “Spoopy” is an intentional misspelling of the word “spooky” which is related to a Halloween sign written in a human skeleton typeface.

Therefore, young people today use "spoopy" for being famous in social media. For example, on Facebook or on Instagram. They make unique pictures with "spoopy" then upload it in Social media. As soon as possible after that, they get popularity.
Spoopy Definition - What is Spoopy?
They also sometimes insert the word "spoopy" in their tart or design it in hats, t-shirts, or knick-knacks for parties like Halloween.

Today, indeed, people should be creative and being unique to be popular and viral in internet.

The use of these slang words seems to be a new way of life in the world of end-time human civilization. How about you?

Spooky Definition

If you try to explore the origin word of spoopy, just find out the spooky definition.

In fact, "spooky" means sinister or scary.

I'm sure you'll be more familiar with the word "spooky" compared to the word "spoopy". And you may often use this word in expressing something.

Have you ever read an article or a text entitled "How Spooky is Your Teacher? or have you apply the word to describe your teacher?  I hope you never, it's not polite.

Spooky Beach (Spookies)

Spooky is also the name of a beach in Australia, located in in Angourie Beach, Angourie NSW 2464. It is a beautiful beach and available for swimming, paddling, snorkelling, and body-boarding. Wanna visit there? Be spoopy first! LOL.

Seething Definition - What is Seething?

DEFINITION.TODAY - Have you hear the word "seething" before? Have you known its' definition? If you think that the term "seething" is the only combination between "see" and "thing" and then define it directly, you get wrong. Or you define it as "being boiled". No, it's not what I mean.

As I did recently, I was googling to find the definition of "seething". In fact, Seething is also a name of small village in England.

I feel dissatisfied and still feel curious to know more what other definitions of "seething". Therefore, I open other pages on Google. After searching  and analyze it for an hour, I finally found that:\

Seething Definition - What is Seething?

Very Angry

Seething can be defined as the expression of anger. Or in adjective form, seething is very angry. In this situation, for example, you just arrived at your home and found your favorite bedroom very messy - whether randomized by an uninvited stranger or maybe thrown up by a thief. At that time, I am sure you will be very angry. In this case, we can state that you are seething. You feel seething because you bedroom is so messy.

For me, the term "seething" is awesome to use for other conditions. Believe or not, this vocabulary should be cool to express your anger.

And because of this definition, it's possible that game maker "Angry Bird" will release a more exciting game called "Seething Bird". What do you think? Hope the game will come soon!

Methapor

In my mind, "seething" is a methapor term so that the word can be categorized as slangs or idioms in one condition. Therefore, it is available to use in song lyrics or poems.

In this case, "seething" is not only able used for describing anger but also for interpreting your spirit. In other words, if you have a great spirit to do something, you can say that you are seething. For example, you really wish to build your own business. In this situation, you can say that you are seething to show off your passion in your business.

Besides, if you have an extra power to finish your job, even though you are so tired, we can say that you are seething in working.

If you are creative, you may implement this term to other interpretations. 

Sunday, October 22, 2017

What is 401K Definition?

DEFINITION.TODAY - The 401K is the best program ever. It is a program that has been put into law in the early 1980s that permits people with earned income to invest for retirement at work. This is very helpful for people who do not have large amounts of money to invest. The 401K encourages the age old way to obtain security by saving part of every paycheck. It is designed to allow the average employee to save enough to have a comfortable retirement with little effort on his part. And it allows employees to save by making a deduction from their income go into the 401K account.

The 401K program allows for the employer to contribute to the employee's account, generally matching one dollar for each two dollars taken from the employee's paycheck. Usually the employer match is up to 6%. This money is put in a mutual fund, picked by the employee from several choices that are offered; the employer does not own this money and cannot access any of it. It belongs to the employee.

The employee is not taxed on state income or federal as it goes into your saving, but the money will be taxed as earned income when it is taken out of the fund. A few companies match dollar for dollar up to 6%. You are permitted to put extra money above the company match if you are not in a high income bracket which would be based on your income tax filing status. If you are in a bracket over this amount, you may still be eligible for a partial 401K. The IRS may change this, usually upward, so if you are in this bracket, you should check IRS pub.580 or consult a CPA.

This money is to be left in this account until you reach age 59½. If you take it out sooner, you will have to pay 10% penalty and income tax. There are exceptions to this rule, but if you take money out, you lose the growth on that amount, which is significant over a period of years. At age 70½ you're required to take money out. This is called (RMD) Required Minimum Distribution Ii is based on your life expectancy as defined by the government.

What is 401K?

Most companies have terminated their company retirement plans in favor of the 401K. The 401K has the potential of being better because of these three important factors:

  1. The 401K should grow into a large sum over a long period of time.
  2. Pensions pay the same amount over your retirement lifetime. If you needed extra money in your retirement years, it would not be available.
  3. The 401K money is yours by taking it out in small percentages during your retirement years, and added to your social security it should last over your lifetime, allowing you to live comfortably and leave a significant estate for your family.

Many pension funds require you to have a certain amount of time (usually 10 years) with the company before you are fully vested. With a 401K all the money that goes into this fund belongs to YOU. If you change jobs you may be able to leave it in the same fund, or you can roll it over into an IRA. Very few people stay in one job over a lifetime.

What is 401K?

And importantly, a 401k is not a pension plan - originally it was an option for employees of major American corporations to supplement the company pension plan, but over time (as corporations withdrew from offering company pensions) a 401k plan became virtually the only way to save for retirement.

A pension plan (and some still do exist) is a form of compulsory savings, when firms put aside perhaps 20% of payroll into the company pension plan, to be allocated to workers when they retire. In contrast, 401k represents voluntary savings.

In the United States, all 401k Retirement Plans are similar. The general definition of a 401k plan would be that it’s a savings plan, by which private sector workers can save towards their retirement, and encouraged by the government with tax incentives. There are parallel plans for public sector and non-profit employees.

The contributions are invested by fund managers in a range of approved investment classes, and the pre-tax contributions as well as earnings on an account are taxed only when withdrawn.

Employers have the prudence whether or not to make matching contributions to their workers' 401k accounts. Along the way, there are fees and expenses — such as for administration, investment, and other services. If these fees total say 1½% pa, then a fund that reports 6% earnings in reality only generates a return of 4½% p.a. for you, the worker. And then if you allow for the impact of inflation, your retirement savings fund is really going nowhere. And this model has basically been replicated in all western economies.

5 Benefits of 401k Retirement Plans Investing

DEFINITION.TODAY - There are 5 main benefits of 401K retirement plan investing. These include tax advantages, employer based match programs, portability, investment versatility, and hardship and loan withdrawal capabilities.

1. Tax Advantages

The tax advantages of traditional 401K's center around the fact that your contributions are fully tax deductible, meaning that you only pay income taxes on the money as it is taken out.

2. Employer Based Match Programs

Employer based match programs are like receiving free money for retirement. A number of employers offer this benefit of matching a certain percentage of a contribution of an employee as a benefit, for obtaining and keeping quality employees. These amounts can range up to one hundred and 50% of amounts contributed and even higher.

3. Portability

Portability of 401's allows for you to take your account with you after leaving an employer. This is fitting since the account belongs to you and not to the employer. You also have the option to leave an account with an employer's plan, if you prefer.

5 Benefits of 401k Retirement Plans Investing

4. Investment Versatility

The investment versatility of 401K's means that many choices of investments are available for the funds placed in these accounts. Lower risk investors can choose to hold short term bonds. Higher risk investors might opt for equities and higher risk investments.

5. Hardship and Loan Withdrawal Capabilities

401K's also feature the ability to take loans against them. These are repaid according to terms set up with the plan administrators. When a family has medical expenses or other disasters to deal with, they may also take a hardship withdrawal from the plan. Pre-retirement age withdrawals include a ten percent plus tax rate penalty.

Limitation and Regulation

The maximum amounts that may be contributed every year in a 401K account vary with your salary, plan type, and government regulations. Typically, it is the lesser of either the most that your employer will low you to put in as a percentage of your salary, such as four percent, or $16,500 plus the inflation index, as per 2010 government rules. This maximum dollar amount is increased with changes to the cost of living index each year. 

401k Plan Definition - What is a 401k Plan?

DEFINITION.TODAY - Everyone will reach old age, unless he died when he was young. Therefore, people who are still productive now should prepare how they live in old age, especially preparing the most important source of livelihood - money. Although it's not everything to live on, but people talk about it everywhere - from home to work, from restaurant to highway, and from dining room to bedroom. And people probably still think about it when they are in the restroom.

One of the best solutions offered to Americans is the 401k (retirement) plan. Unfortunately, not everyone understands what it is and how to prepare it to the maximum. Either because they are not interested or they probably have not learned the basic concept of the 401k plan. How about you?

Well, if you wish,  let's read the following scholars' perception and definition about 401k plans:

What is a 401k (Retirement) plan?

David Mulonas defined 401k as an employer-sponsored retirement plan in which people deposit money directly from their paycheck and into specified investments as a source for retirement. [1]

In other words, 401k plans are also mentioned as the most common way people are developing their retirement plans in America. It is even assumed as the best financial vehicle people should have because it offers deferred compensation along with potential matching (free money).

401K's are retirement plan accounts. According to Thomas Herold, it is not actually investments. They are specific purpose accounts that are funded using pre-taxed dollars taken out of people's payroll. [2]

Wealth can be built up for retirement then  by purchasing assests in the plan that includes stocks, mutual funds, index funds, bond, and real estate investments trusts.

These accounts do not get taxed on dividends, capital gains, or interest earned within them until such gains are later withdrawn.

A 401K is a retirement plan with a defined contribution. The amount of money contributed is usually up to 15 percent of salary each month and will come out of paycheck before taxes. [3]

A 401k plan is an investment vehicle that a company offers its employees so they can begin to save for retirement. The money invested in a a 401k is tax-deferred and cannot be withdrawn without penalty until the employees get 59 1/2 years old. [4]

Some employers match a portion of their workers's monthly contribution.

401k Plan Definition - What is a 401k Plan?

By contributing to a 401K plan, people reduce their taxable income. Any earnings from investments in their 401K are tax deferred until retirement.

With a 401K plan, people can lend money from their account if there is an emergency. They will pay interest on the loan, but they are paying it to themselves. With a loan, they will not have to pay taxes on the money they borrowed.

If they take a hardship withdrawal, they will have to pay taxes on that money. If they withdraw money from their 401K before they reach 59.5 years old, they will have to pay tax and a 10% penalty fine to the IRS.

If they change employers, they have to make sure to roll their money from their 401K into a new 401K plan. The check has to be written directly to the new account.

Types of 401K Plans

A number of different types of 401K plans exist. All of them have their own spesific purposes, drawbacks, and benefits. 

For example, those who work for not for profits or government agencies are not eligible for standard 401K accounts. They are offered 403B plans instead.

The Roth 401K is another type of 401K plan. It allows workers to put taxed dollars into their account. While they do not permit contribution tax write offs now, they do ensure that income taxes will never have to be paid on any of the account money, including dividends and capital gains earned, when it is withdrawn for retirement.

Another type of 401K plan is the Self Employed 401K. This new type of 401K account is ideal for people who work for themselves. It includes a number of different features that make it very appealing to the owners of small businesses. 

Advantages and Disadvantages

401k plan is a pretty simple investment strategy and it's the best financial vehicle that you probably will ever have.

There are many advantages with a few restrictions to 401k plans, as follows:

Advantages:

- 401k contributions are on a pre-tax basis.

- Which increases your take home pay.

- And money is taxed at ordinary income.

But with restrictions (Disadvantages) 

- On withdrawals before age 591/2

- You will pay a ordinary income tax.

- And with a 10% penalty on the gross amount.

The disadvantages are just the opposite. If you go on receiving checks as normal you'll pay more in taxes without lowering taxable income. Suppose you are paid $2,000 in gross income a week and taxed at 25%. Compare that to contributing 10% to 401k pre-tax:

Contributing to 401k

$2,000 x 10% = $200
$2,000 - $200 = $1,800
$1,800 x 25% = $450
$1,800 - $450 = $1,350

No 401k Contribution

$2,000 x 25% = $500
$2,000 - $500 = $1,500

The difference between the two is that without the 401 your paycheck is $150 more and over the course of 52 weeks this amounts to $ 7,800.

On the flipside, contributing to 401k would have accumulated $10,400. This $2,600 difference is the true advantage. Keep in mind that a 401k is for retirement and it is the best financial vehicle available.

If you are saving money somewhere else you will not be benefiting as much because all of that money invested would be coming from after tax income.

Conclusion

It is imperative that you participate in 401k if it is available, as you have to rely on yourself for retirement.

Sosial security may provide some relief but it won't be nearly enough or its system may change at some point.

Participating in 401k does not guarantee the retirement income that you need, but it is the first option you should look into.

Make sure at all costs, avoid withdrawing or taking out loans as the penalties are extreme and it just jeopardizes your future.

Overall, treat the 401k as a bill and forget about it. With moderate attention to your investments along increased contributions, you'll be surprised how well it adds up over time. In any case it is the best financial vehicle available to you.

Make sure that you understand the plan's provisions before you participate.

Bibliography 

For more information about 401k Plan, I recommend yout to read in detail on the following books entitled:

[1] I'm Not Flipping Burgers When I'm 70! By David Mulonas
[2] Financial Terms Dictionary: Terminology Plain and Simple Explained by Thomas Herold
[3] A Mom's Point Of View: Beginning Adulthood by Kimberly Kay Moreland
[4] Congratulations! You're Unemployed!~: A Complete Guide to Finding Your First Job Out of College by Michelle Abel

Sunday, September 17, 2017

20 Democracy Definition according to Experts

DEFINITION.TODAY - What is Democracy? Democracy was first introduced since the 5th century BC in Athens, Greece. Democracy is derived from the word Demos which means the people, and kratos or cratein which means government. Thus it can be interpreted that democracy is a people's government, or can also be called as government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The concept has ultimately become an indicator for political development in a country.

Experts define "democracy" according to different analyzes and points of view. Here are some definitions of democracy that have been put forward by some experts:

1. According to Abraham Lincoln

In his Gettyburg speech, the 16th President of the United States Abraham Lincoln stated that democracy is a system of government organized from the people, by the people, and for the people. From this definition, it can be concluded that the people are the highest power holders in a government, where each of them has the right in obtaining the same opportunity and the same voice in an effort to regulate government policy. In this system, decisions are made on the basis of the most votes.

2. According to H. Harris Soche (Yogyakarta: Hanindita, 1985)

Democracy is a form of popular government. This means that the people are the power holders in the government. They have the right to organize, defend and protect themselves from coercion from their representatives, those persons or bodies authorized to govern.

3. According to Hannry B. Mayo

In a democracy, a common policy is determined on the basis of a majority by representatives who are effectively overseen by the people through various elections based on the principle of political equality and held in an atmosphere where political freedom takes place.

4. According to Charles Costello

In contemporary context, democracy is a social system as well as a political self-government with governmental powers constrained by laws and customs in protecting the rights of individual citizens.

In democracy, there is an acknowledgment of the will of the people as the basis for legitimacy and authority of the government (sovereignty of the people). The will is later poured in an open political climate, namely by conducting elections held freely and periodically. Every citizen has the right to vote for those who will rule as well as to bring down the running government whenever they want.

5. According to John L Esposito

Basically, democracy is a form of government from the people and to the people. Therefore, the people have the right to participate, either play an active role or when controlling the policies issued by the government. In addition, in the official institution of government there is a separation of various elements such as executive, legislative, and unsut judicative elements clearly.

6. According to Hans Kelsen

Democracy is a government of the people and for the people. In this case, the elected representatives of the people are the implementers of state power, where the people have the belief that their will and interests will always be observed in the implementation of the government.

7. According to Sidney Hook

Democracy is a form of government where government's important decisions are either directly or indirectly based on the majority agreement granted by freely grown-ups.

8. According to C.F. Strong

Democracy is a form of government where most of the council members from the community participate in political activities based on a representative system, which in turn, the government can guarantee and account for all its actions on the majority.

9. According to Samuel Hutington

Democracy will be created if strong decision-makers in a governance system are selected through a fair and fair electoral process on a regular basis. Within the system, candidates or prospective leaders are free to compete for votes. In addition, an adult country has the right to vote within the system.

10. According to the International Commission of Journalist

Democracy is a form of governmental system in which citizens have the right to participate in making political decisions through their elected representatives and who are accountable to them through a free election.

11. According to Yusuf Al Qordhawi

Citizens can appoint someone to administer or manage their affairs through a vessel called democracy. Under these conditions, there are some things they should look at, such as:
  • Leaders are not people who are hated by society
  • The rules that apply are not rules they do not want
  • The public is entitled to hold accountable to the leader or representative they choose when guilty.
  • The public also has the right to dismiss or appoint elected leaders or representatives if they are found to have committed abuses.
  • Communities should not be brought into a system of government they do not know and like, whether in the economic, social, cultural, and political fields.

12. According to Abdul Ghani Ar Rahhal

In his book Al Islamiyyin wa Sarah Ad Dimuqrathiyya, Abdul Ghani Ar Rahhal states that democracy is a form of people's power by the people. In other words the people are the source of power. He also asserted that plato was the first person to reveal the theory of democracy, in which the source of power was one and not a compound desire. Another author named Muhammad Quthb in his book entitled Madzahib Fikriyyah Mu'ashirah also stated the same thing about the definition of democracy.

13. According to Affan Gaffar

There are two meanings of democracy according to Affan Gaffar, namely:
  • Democracy that ideally wants to be realized by a country called normative democracy
  • Democracy manifested in a political world called empirical democracy.

14. According to Amien Rais

There are several criteria that must be met in order for a country to be called a democratic state. The criteria are:
  • Participation in decision making
  • Have similarities before the law
  • Distribution of opinions done fairly
  • Have the same opportunity to gain education
  • Availability and disclosure of information
  • Noting or treating fatsoen or political manners.
  • Individual or individual freedom
  • The spirit to work together
  • The right to protest

There are 4 kinds of freedom, namely:
  • Freedom in opinion
  • Freedom in the press
  • Freedom in gathering or organizing
  • Freedom in religion.

15. According to Robert A Dahl

Ideally, a democratic system should have:
  • Suffrage equality in determining binding collective decisions.
  • Effective participation. It means all citizens have the same opportunity in the collective decision-making process.
  • Transparency of truth, namely the equal opportunity of each citizen in order to provide an assessment of the logical process of politics and government.
  • The last control of the agenda is that it is exclusively for the public to determine which agenda should not be resolved through the process of governance, including delegating such authority to others or institutions that may represent them
  • Coverage, that is, the coverage of the society covered by all persons covered by law.

16. According to Abdul Wadud Nashruddin

Democracy is a system of life where people's opinions are placed as the main priority in taking policies. Such opinion should meet several criteria such as:
  • Religion
  • Susila
  • Law
  • The spirit to uphold the common good.

The voice or opinion of the people must be accompanied by a sense of responsibility. The existence of a positive commitment to its implementation should go through a continuous evaluation stage to suit the needs of the community. In addition to being a political tool, democracy also serves as a tool for the formation of other aspects of society such as economic, social, cultural aspects. Only socially responsible and understandable people relate to the opinions they convey both in scientific, syar'i, and social.

17. According to Joseph A. Schumpeter

A political system can be said to be democratic when its strongest collective decision-makers are elected through an election that is regularly done in which there is a right for a human to choose. A democracy includes two things, namely competition and participation.

18. According to Ranny

Democracy is a form of government where its arrangement and organization is based on the following principles:
  • Sovereignty (popular soveragnity)
  • Political equality
  • Consultation or dialogue with the community (political consultation)
  • The majority rule

19. According to Philippe C. Schmitter

Democracy is a theory that states that it is responsive to the needs and interests of its citizens, in which they must participate in formulating needs and actively and freely express interests. Not only must it have a clear understanding, but must have the various sources and the desire to involve themselves in the political struggle required for their preference to be a consideration for the rulers or by attempting to assume office in government.

20. According to Sarjen

Each democratic system is always grounded in the idea that the state should be involved in certain things either directly or through the representatives they have elected in the legislature in the field of political decisions.

Although democratic governance is now considered the best system of government, yet two prominent thinkers of ancient Greece named Plato and Aristotle have argued that in democracy there is the potential for violence (anarchy), so for them democracy is not the best system of government . Plato also states that the best form of government system is the monarchy, in which the full command in a country is given by a king whose power will be devoted for the benefit of all of its people.

Culture Definition according to Experts

DEFINITION.TODAY - Culture is a word derived from the Sanskrit word "buddhayah". The word "buddhayah" means things related to the mindset of an individual. Culture will be passed down by the next generations because it is a habit that must be done by the next generation.

Culture is formed due to differences in community habits. Religion, song, dress, language, politics and art are the cause of a culture in society. The difference is not only found in a country, if you visit several places all over the world, you will see many cultures.

To develop our insights, let's check "Culture Definition according to Experts" out below:

Jensen and Trenholm

Culture is a norm, belief, rule and a custom in an area. Culture binds people in groups and is made consciously.

Geert Hofstede

Culture is a program created by a group that will be used in differentiating one group from another group. Culture has values ​​that must be upheld because it is the core of a culture.

Ki Hajar Dewantara

Culture is the thing that affects the natural conditions in Indonesia and the changing times that are always running.

Edward T Hall

Culture is a means of communication. Culture is very instrumental in communicating with others.

Parsudi Suparian

Culture is the cornerstone of human behavior. With culture, people are able to understand everything that is around and experiences that have occurred in his lifetime.

Selo Soemardjan

Culture is the work produced by a group of people.

Linton

Culture is the whole of attitudes and patterns of behavior and knowledge that are a habit that is inherited and owned by a particular member of society.

Effat Al-Syarqawi

Effat Al-Syarqawi meaning culture through the view of Islam which mentions if culture is a treasury of community groups that can be seen through the life of people who have a spiritual purpose.

Koentjaraningrat

Culture is a human activity in changing nature.

E.B. Taylor

Culture deals with the beliefs, morals, laws, customs, knowledge and abilities of society in life.

Kluckhohn and Kelly

Culture is a living concept that is created historically, both implicit and explicit, irrational, rational, existing at a time, as a potential reference to human behavior.