Doing Business in Singapore and Japan

I recently had the opportunity to spend a week in each Singapore and Tokyo for my MBA program. We spent that time going into different businesses and learning about their processes and cultures. It was an educational and eye opening experience to learn how businesses work outside of the United States. The most impressive aspect of both countries was their efficiency. Riding public transportation on Singapore or Tokyo was a walk in the park compared to the DC Metro or the NY Subway. However, the efficiency did not stop there. I encountered a group of hard working, organized individuals that left a lasting impression. Here are some of the most interesting facts:

Singapore has a flat tax of 15%. This is way lower than the United States, especially considering that the Singaporean citizens are not taxed on anything besides income. Therefore, if you have capital gains, no tax. This allows the citizens to live a comfortable lifestyle, even in an expensive country. 

Japanese business culture is very strict. The gender gap in Japan is real. The big businesses employ mostly men, who come right out of their undergraduate education and work their way up on the corporate ladder. Women are expected to marry respected men that work in these big companies. However, in recent years more and more women are working. This has caused a declining birth rate with an aging population. 

Something lovable about both countries though... they work hard and they play hard. Singapore with its constant 90 degree heat has a lot of outside areas where you can relax with your friends after a long day and get a drink. Careful though, alcohol is expensive here due to an import tax. Japanese businessmen love to party hard after a long day at work. There is every type of bar you could imagine in Tokyo. Or you can release the inner child in yourself and head to an arcade...

The sightseeing part was not so bad either.

#LDW What you need to know to have an intelligent conversation this weekend

Labor Day weekend is here...

And for whatever you have planned make sure you are ready to hold a conversation with your closest friends, an interesting new stranger, or your family.

NUMBER 1: The Federal Reserve a.k.a The Fed is trying to decide if they want to raise interest rates

         The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States. They lend money to banks in order          to help control the US economy.

What does an interest rate raise mean to you??

With higher interest rates you have to pay more to borrow money

AND you will have less disposable income

SO SAVE DAT MONEY

NUMBER 2: Brock Turner gets out of jail early. If you do not know who this is... Google it. 

The Standford swimmer who went to jail for sexual assault and sparked conversation everywhere. 

NUMBER 3: I am so apathetic about this presidential election so try and spend your weekend relaxing and not worrying about who is the worse presidential candidate. #sorrynotsorry

NUMBER 4: Waze. The app that tries and help you avoid traffic, and potholes, and cops. 

It was recently bought by Google.

They are using it to launch a ride sharing service.

It would be way cheaper than Uber and Lyft.

TBD whether it's the next big thing.

NUMBER 5: Hurricane Hermine hits Florida. If you live in the southeast it is time to break out your raincoat and Hunter boots. 

HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVERYONE :)

Charleston Weekend

I spent the past weekend in Charleston visiting friends and staring in awe at amazing houses and trying not to sweat all of my body fluids out. Charleston is a town with delicious food, beautiful people, awesome beaches and a whole lot of bachelorette parties.

One of this things I noticed is growth. New apartments everywhere. Charleston is an up and coming city mixed with the most beautiful historic houses. 

We had a beautiful night at the beer garden and dinner at Darling Oyster Bar #yum

The Farmers Market at Meridian Square was awesome. There were so many local vendors with the coolest foods and trinkets. My favorites were the Juice stand and an awesome company called Rewined Candles. They use old wine bottles to make candles. As well, the candles are named after different types of wine!

The BEST part of the weekend was seeing Hootie and the Blowfish #onlywannabewithyou

Oh and lounging by the pool

Charleston, I will be back. 

Hello, it's me

My name is Marie. The universal middle name. But seriously. Everyone’s middle name is Marie. While I enjoyed having a less common first name growing up everyone would always tell me, “That’s my middle name,” or “That’s my (insert friend or family member here)’s middle name.”

My story? I work a full time job in a corporate office. I also am getting my Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) and Master of Finance part- time.  I like to stay busy obviously. I split my time between Maryland and the District of Columbia. In my limited spare time I like to stay active, enjoy nature, and shop.