Summarize the following:
The value of $100 is different today than it was five years ago or will be five years from now.  When you invest money or deposit it into an interest-bearing account, the value will increase or decrease depending on the rate of return.  In addition, inflation affects the value of money.  Even though $100 may be enough to purchase an item today, it may not be enough to purchase that same item in the future.  Interest rates cause the value of money in investments or interest-bearing accounts to increase. Inflation causes the value of money to decrease by losing purchasing power. The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money.  It is expressed as an annual percentage of the total amount borrowed.  You pay interest on loans and credit cards.  But banks, governments and other large companies also need to borrow money.  When you invest or make a deposit into an interest-bearing account, you are essentially lending money to that institution.  So they pay interest to you. The rate of return on an investment or deposit account is the amount of interest you are paid divided by the amount of dollars in the account or investment.  It is the gain or loss of money over a specific period of time.  It is expressed as an annual  percentage of the original amount. The change in the value of money over time is calculated using information about interest rates and inflation.  If you want to evaluate the future value of an investment, you multiply the principal by the given interest rate.  If you want to estimate your purchasing power over time, you consider how interest rates are increasing the value of money and how inflation is decreasing it.  The nominal interest rate is the stated interest rate on a loan or rate of return on an investment.  The real interest rate is the nominal interest rate minus the rate of inflation.  So if you have an investment with annual rate of return of 10 percent, and the rate of inflation is 4 percent, then your real rate of return is 6 percent.  Understand the difference between simple and compound interest.  Simple interest is the principal amount multiplied by the interest rate and the number of accounting periods in a loan or investment.  Compound interest is calculated in the principal amount plus any accrued interest from previous periods.  Compound interest accrues, or increases, much more quickly than simple interest.

summary: Understand how the value of money fluctuates over time. Learn about interest rates. Evaluate the worth of an amount of money today after a given period of time.


Summarize the following:
If you’re landing on shore, steer the canoe so the front is pointed at the shoreline. If you’re landing at a dock, turn the canoe so it’s parallel with the side of the dock. Slow down as you approach the landing point. When you’re landing a canoe on shore, the front of the canoe should gently go up onto the land, and the back of the canoe should remain in the water. To land at a dock, get as close to the side of the dock as possible so the side of the canoe is parallel with the side of the dock. If you're landing at a dock, tie the front and back ends of the boat to the dock with rope. If you're landing on shore, have the bowman hold the canoe steady. Decide who’s going to get out first and let that person get completely out of the boat before you do anything else. If you’re getting off on shore, the bowman should get out of the canoe first so they can hold it steady for the sternman. Keep your body low and centered in the canoe and step out with one foot first. After you’ve steadied yourself, lift your other foot out of the boat.

summary: Paddle toward a landing point. Land the canoe gently on shore or at a dock. Steady the canoe before you get out. Get out of the canoe one at a time.


Summarize the following:
Fairs and conventions can be a great way to connect with new people and sell your artwork, but they can also be expensive. There’s the cost of your booth itself, along with travel expenses and time off of your day job (if you have one). Try to sell first at events close to your home, until you have a good grasp on what you need to do to succeed at a convention. Many conventions start booking their booths nearly a year in advance; you’ll want to stay on top of deadlines for your chosen events, and apply as early as possible. Most conventions have a set application, including a portfolio and an artist’s statement--this will help the organizers determine if you’re a good fit in genre and style. However, it’s just as important to know if the convention is a good fit for you. Before you apply, find out the answers to some of these important questions.  How much space is each booth allowed? Is a chair included? Will there be an outlet nearby? Is the space accessible (especially if you have any mobility considerations)? When you go to a fair or convention, you’re not just there to hang out: you’re there to promote your artwork and your brand. Be kind to everyone, from guests to fellow artists to staff, don’t let your art spill over onto other people’s tables, and clean up after yourself.  Pack the artwork you bring carefully, and make sure to have extra packing supplies. Bring business cards, too--this way, even if someone isn’t able to buy a painting today, they can refer back to you later..  Pay for your booth or table at the convention on time; otherwise, your spot may go to someone else. Your paintings are what will hold most people’s attention, but you’ll need to catch their interest first. Decorate your booth in a way that matches your aesthetic and corresponds to your paintings to draw the eyes of potential customers.  Consider setting out small objects that correspond to your subjects (for instance, shells, if you like painting seascapes.) Bring a nice solid-colored tablecloth to make an even, professional-looking workspace.  A standing banner with your name, an art sample, and contact information on it can go almost anywhere, and commands attention without being too obnoxious. Now that you’re all set up, be friendly with the people who come by your table. Smile and say hi to browsers, and try to master the art of engaging in conversation without being too pushy. You can even consider doing quick commissions, like sketches or watercolors, for interested buyers.  If you don't know what to say when someone is looking at your work, a smile and a simple "Hi there!" or "Hello!" works wonders. It's easy to engage with buyers with sincere compliments ("I love your shoes!"), as well.
summary: Start local. Apply early and with care. Be professional. Bring decorations to go with your paintings. Be engaging.