Savvy tips for setting up – and protecting – your small business

2022-05-02T11:01:00

(BPT) – Baker Miriam Vilchez always dreamed of creating a business, spending hours perfecting her baking skills even while working full time. To get feedback on her business idea, she brought a freshly baked cake to her local State Farm agent, Cristel Noel. Noel was impressed by the cake’s flavor and presentation, and discussed the plans Vilchez had for her business — and how her insurance needs as a small business owner would change.

Unfortunately, just as her plans were coming together, Vilchez was laid off from her full-time position due to the pandemic. She had to take several part-time jobs, putting her dream on hold. But she didn’t want to wait much longer. Determined to turn her passion into a business, Vilchez contacted Noel about what she would need to do to start her bakery from home.

“Cristel and her team have always taken the time to understand my needs and my situation so they can present insurance options for my specific plans,” said Vilchez. “I appreciate and value that kind of commitment.”

From opening day, Vilchez has baked cakes for birthdays, holidays and other events. She gained referrals from loyal customers, and her business has blossomed. In 2021, she was able to buy more equipment, allowing her to bake at a higher capacity. Today she works full-time creating her beautiful cakes.

If you dream of starting a business, you are not alone. According to the Census Bureau, over 4.4 million new businesses were created in the U.S. in 2020 — the highest on record, with half a million new businesses begun in January 2021 alone. As a result, State Farm has experienced a 30% increase in home-based business insurance policies in the past two years.

Whether you’re still planning, or you already own a small or medium-sized business, here are tips to help ensure that your business will grow and thrive.

Develop a plan.

No business can get off the ground, get financing, or grow without a solid business plan. Creating a good business plan — and adapting it as needed — takes research, and assistance from others. One great resource for all things small business, including writing business plans, is the Small Business Administration.

Make it official.

Every state has different regulations regarding starting and operating businesses. Because such regulations involve legal and tax issues, you’ll need expert advisors to address your specific situation. You may find qualified consultants by contacting professional associations in your industry for recommendations.

Find connections.

Start building a network of people who can offer advice and assistance — even if they’re in a different field. Learning from others who have been in your shoes is very helpful, especially when you’re starting out. If you’re a woman, veteran, minority or live in an area undergoing renewal, you may also be eligible for programs to assist you with funding and more through the Small Business Administration and other organizations.

Protect your investment.

Whether you have a separate location or home-based business, you need to protect your investment by insuring it.

If you’re starting a business from home, you may need to add an endorsement to your homeowner’s policy, which covers business property while it’s used or stored inside your home. Alternatively, you may want to consider a business insurance policy that provides broader coverage, including liability insurance in addition to covering your business property. This could be used to insure a business operated out of your home or a separate location such as an office or storefront.

Consider a business insurance policy if you:

  • Provide services directly to customers while in your home or at another location. Businesses such as tax preparation or hair services, etc., may require additional specialized liability coverage.
  • Plan to have $5,000 or more worth of business property kept at your home-based business location.
  • Rely on the income from your business to support your household.

Your investment is not just a building or inventory — it includes yourself, your employees and your customers. For many small businesses, unexpected events can disrupt the normal flow of business. What if you’re injured or sick? What if a client is injured in your home? In addition to health and life insurance, disability and liability insurance may be needed to protect your income, and with the help of a State Farm agent, you can make a plan for all of these when getting your small business off the ground.

To get a conversation started about your business insurance needs, visit: https://bit.ly/sfsmallbusiness.

4 Ways for AARP Members to Save During Date Your Mate Month

2022-05-02T07:01:00

(BPT) – The past couple of years have changed the way we’ve interacted with our romantic partners. Many of us have devoted our time to become teachers, coaches and chefs for our families, and some older adults have retreated indoors, limiting their activities because of health concerns. While connections still happened during this time, there may have been added strain to the circumstances. May is Date Your Mate Month and a great time to focus on reconnection in the more traditional way — with a date night! It’s the perfect opportunity to plan a day or evening date, or a weekend getaway with your significant other, especially if you both are recent retirees.

If you’re an AARP member, there are many discounts and benefits available that can help you plan quality time or a weekend getaway with your partner. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Take a romantic weekend trip.

Planning a romantic weekend trip to a new or favorite destination can be just what you and your partner need to reconnect. Whether it’s the beach, the mountains or the city, after a fun day of spending quality time together, it’s important to find a safe and clean hotel or rental to relax and unwind in at the end of the day. AARP members can take advantage of saving 10% or more at Holiday Inn Express® an IHG Hotel, and La Quinta® by Wyndham offers AARP members 10% off the best available rates, so you can enjoy your trip with your significant other without breaking the bank.

2. Put your relationship in overdrive.

If your weekend vacation spot is in driving distance, consider renting a car from Avis or Budget for your getaway to save miles on your personal vehicle — plus taking a new ride out for a spin can make a road trip journey more exciting. AARP members can save up to 35% with Pay Now, plus get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability), add an additional driver at no cost and more.

3. Catch a performance.

Schedule a night on the town with your significant other and catch a live performance by your favorite musician or band, or attend a comedy show with Ticketmaster®. Laughter is often the best medicine, and it can be a memorable way to reignite your relationship. AARP members can save on tickets to select shows and events with Ticketmaster®. Offers include 2-for-1 tickets, Me + 3 (4-packs) and events with select tickets under $40 (Subject to availability, venue and artist restrictions).

4. Dinner and a movie.

You can never go wrong with the classic dinner-and-a-movie date night. Make a reservation at your favorite restaurant and book tickets to that romantic comedy or action flick you’ve been waiting to see. AARP members can save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages when dining at Outback Steakhouse. For the movie, consider purchasing your tickets with Regal Movie Tickets. AARP members can save up to 20% on Regal ePremiere Tickets purchased online (conditions apply). Tickets are valid at all Regal locations nationwide for all movies and showtimes. As an added bonus, members can save $3 on popcorn and soft drink combos for that after-dinner snack.

This month, take the time to refocus on your relationship with your mate by planning a special date night or weekend. To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your ThursDate or weekend trip, please visit www.AARP.org/save.

This May, get outside to ease your mind

2022-05-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Physical activity and time outside are two wonderful gifts for your body and mind; they’re proven to reduce stress and anxiety, and offer a greater sense of well-being. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, L.L.Bean has partnered with Mental Health America to provide 10 tips to quickly boost your energy, mood and state of mind.

Set aside just 10 minutes.

Just 10 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity outdoors twice a day can significantly benefit your mind and body.

Set yourself up for success.

Plan for moments in the day when you typically have the most energy. If you enjoy morning walks, for example, set out everything you need the night before so you don’t have to think about it in the morning.

Treat it as a treat.

Outdoor activity isn’t a chore or an obligation; it’s a well-deserved break in your day. You’re treating yourself to fresh air, more focus, a healthier body and a better mood.

Give yourself a goal.

Maybe your goal is to try a new yoga flow, walk a new trail or try a new style of workout. That’s plenty to focus on for now. Just making this time for yourself counts as a win.

The outdoors is your playground.

Step outside and take in all the possibilities. Practice meditation or strength exercises right on your front step or in your backyard, or take a walk or jog around your neighborhood or local park.

Do what feels good.

“Moderate or vigorous activity” can mean a lot of things — it doesn’t have to mean running a marathon or lifting heavy weights. Safely choose an activity you love and embrace the feeling.

Stay mindful.

One of the great benefits of time outside is that it arouses a feeling of awe — a sensation of being in the presence of something bigger and more powerful than us. Savor that feeling and be present for the taste of air on your lips, the warmth of the sun on your skin and the feeling of the ground beneath your feet.

Notice the benefits.

As you cool down from your activity and get ready to head back inside, notice how you feel. Is your head clearer, your focus sharper? What about your mood — are you less stressed? Fully absorb the benefits of movement and think about what you need to do to make it most effective.

Change it up if you need to.

Do you find you are too tired at the end of the day to head outdoors? Next time, try it first thing in the morning. Are you having trouble staying focused or motivated? Team up with a friend so you can keep each other on track (and keep each other company).

Have patience with yourself.

According to Mental Health America, it takes an average of 66 days for a behavior to become automatic — so if it doesn’t feel natural or routine for you right away, you’re not alone. Every time you go outside, you’re doing something good for yourself, and taking care of your physical and mental health.

This piece is brought to you through a partnership between L.L.Bean and Mental Health America aimed at helping more people to uncover the wellness benefits of time spent outside. To learn more about these efforts, visit Explore L.L.Bean.

Discover the remarkable healing power of therapy cats

2022-05-02T14:17:00

(BPT) – You’re probably familiar with therapy dogs visiting hospitals, schools, senior centers and nursing homes to help alleviate stress and provide comfort in times of need. But did you know that time spent with therapy cats provides scientifically proven emotional benefits as well? A white paper by Pet Partners found that therapy animals have been shown to decrease levels of general anxiety and alleviate symptoms of depression.

While it may take a sociable and easygoing cat to become a therapy cat, cats in general make ideal therapy animals and are a great alternative to therapy dogs. Plus, their smaller size and affinity for sitting on laps and cuddling can make them a good option for quieter environments and people who have limited mobility.

At Pet Partners, the largest therapy pet organization in the U.S., the Therapy Animal Program has had more than 1,500 cats registered over the years and currently has more than 140 registered cat teams.

Shining a light on the benefits of therapy cats for seniors

While everyone has experienced the emotional toll of recent world events, seniors have been especially impacted due to extended periods of isolation and increased loneliness. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that decreased social life and fewer in-person social interactions during the pandemic were associated with reduced quality of life and increased depression.

Therapy animal visits play a crucial role in helping during times of hardship. The Pet Partners white paper showed that therapy animals, including therapy cats, can especially comfort those with dementia, promoting socialization and engagement, and decreasing depression, anxiety and irritability in seniors. Time spent with cats can be a stimulating and highly engaging form of therapy — boosting mental health and enhancing one’s sense of well-being. And while nothing replaces the emotional connection of petting a cat, research by Pet Partners also reveals that even engaging with virtual pet content can still be impactful.

To provide more seniors with access to the benefits of therapy cats, Purina Cat Chow partnered with Pet Partners and the Institute on Aging, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for aging adults, to offer free virtual therapy cat visits for seniors over age 60. In addition, Cat Chow is providing up to $25,000 in financial support to Pet Partners to support the cats in their Therapy Animal Program so more people can experience their therapeutic benefits.

The mental health benefits of therapy cat visits

Pet Partners therapy cat handler Tracy Howell has seen firsthand the impact therapy cat visits can have.

“During my time as a therapy cat handler volunteer, we have had the opportunity to visit locations from nursing facilities and assisted living centers, to Children’s Hospitals and universities,” said Howell about her cats Roger and Sal. “Cats have the unique ability to draw people out like no other interactions can. During a visit to a senior living facility, we were with a group of seniors who were taking turns petting Roger when a woman came up and joined the group and said she liked cats. A nurse later told me that the woman had never joined the group before or spoken much to anyone there!”

Howell loves to see how her cats affect others. “It is such a joy to be able to share your animal with other people and watch their faces light up,” she said. “I think therapy cat visits make them feel special. For those having a hard day, once you see the ways you can relieve or distract them from their hardship, even for a few moments, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences.”

And it’s not just the people who benefit — the cats enjoy their experience as well. “Roger purrs nonstop the whole time he is there,” said Howell. “I really think he’s into the healing properties of purrs!”

To learn more about the healing power of cats, how you can get involved, and how Cat Chow is helping, visit CatChow.com/therapy.

Ready to plan your next outdoor adventure? Be inspired by these 4 books

2022-05-02T12:23:00

(BPT) – As the weather heats up — and pandemic FOGO (fear of going out) continues to fade — adventure seekers, families and travel enthusiasts alike are trading in their winter jackets for hiking boots and bathing suits and getting ready to get back outdoors.

According to Penn State’s Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, almost half of adults in the U.S. now participate in outdoor recreation at least once a month; that’s up from 20% pre-pandemic.

As Americans continue to lean toward domestic and outdoor travel opportunities, National Geographic works tirelessly to provide wanderlusters with endless inspiration, insider knowledge and unmatched expertise via their vast suite of best-selling resource guides.

So, if (and when!) you get the itch to get back outdoors, but don’t know where to go first, look for answers within these beautiful and informative National Geographic books:

100 Great American Parks

The U.S. has a robust park system, and in this book by travel writer Stephanie Pearson, you can explore an illustrated collection of America’s 63 national parks and 37 state, recreational, and city parks and green spaces. This book highlights the top experiences in stunning destinations from Yosemite and Sequoia to Biscayne and Mammoth Cave, with a park in every state.

Each entry is filled with stunning photography, expert advice and travel information, including the best scenic overlooks, hiking trails and practical wildlife-spotting tips. Let this collection of diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes help you decide where your next journey will take you.

1000 Perfect Weekends

If you don’t have time to take an extended vacation, there are still plenty of places to explore on your weekends. This collection provides nearly 20 years’ worth of weekend adventures divided by theme and interest. This practical guide offers a variety of adventures you can experience in 36 to 72 hours, from sunny beach retreats to lush mountain idylls, city sojourns and adventures in 40 countries worldwide. This book can help you unplug from your busy workweek and plan your family’s next quick getaway.

50 States 500 Campgrounds

In this book by editor, writer and photographer Joe Yogerst, you’ll discover the top tent and cabin campsites, RV resorts and glamping destinations in North America. This guide will tell you where and when to go, what to see and what to do.

Choose from sites in each state, Western and Eastern Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, including a cabin at Yogi Bear’s Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park Camp Resort; a tent near the stunning waterfall at the Grand Canyon’s Havasupai Campground; or a cozy yurt in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Each entry includes destination information, recommended activities and nearby attractions.

Road Atlas 2022: Adventure Edition

The 2022 edition of the Road Atlas is your ideal companion for your next road trip. The atlas features easy-to-read, accurate maps of North America, showing highways, secondary roads, scenic routes, mileage markers, recreation areas and points of interest. This guide takes the guesswork out of traveling and trip planning with a comprehensive place name index, mileage charts and cross-referenced pages. Use this book to explore the top 100 adventure destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico and the top 24 most visited National Parks.

Each of these four references can make planning your next outdoor adventure easy and fun. National Geographic Books make beautiful gifts and coffee table conversation pieces to educate and inspire readers to imagine future outdoor adventures. All are available wherever books are sold.

5 health benefits of eating the whole egg

2022-05-02T07:01:00

(BPT) – Many of us enjoy adding eggs to our daily diets, appreciating the fact that they’re nutritious, satisfying and delicious in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes.

Still, some people may be missing out on the full nutritional value from their eggs by leaving the yolks out of their recipes and eating just the whites. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Dalina Soto shares five health benefits of eating the entire egg, including the nutrient-rich yolk.

1. Support your eye health

Studies show that egg yolks allow your body to absorb lutein, which is essential in protecting against age-related eye diseases and promoting overall eye health. By adding the whole egg into your diet and making sure your body gets a healthy amount of lutein, you can lower your risk of not only age-related eye diseases but also heart disease and cancer.

2. Boost your body’s immunity

Vitamin D is a vital component in fighting off harmful bacteria we may encounter on a day-to-day basis. Making simple swaps in your diet to incorporate foods like eggs with high amounts of Vitamin D will ensure you prioritize overall wellness and build a strong immune system.

3. Provide a natural energy boost

When life gets busy and you’re constantly on the go, it is important to eat wholesome, nutritious foods that will provide a natural boost to keep you energized throughout the day. The whole egg contains Vitamin B12 to help maintain energy, which is necessary when you are incorporating exercise into your health routine as well.

4. Support lower blood cholesterol

While some people steer clear of egg yolks in fear of raising their cholesterol, eating the whole egg actually has benefits for your heart health. Specifically, Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, which can be added into any meal to promote a heart-healthy diet. In fact, Eggland’s Best eggs also contain six times more Vitamin D, more than double the Vitamin B12 and Omega-3s, ten times more Vitamin E and 38% more lutein compared to ordinary eggs.

5. Promote healthy skin

Having healthy skin isn’t just about the products you use or the amount of sleep you get. To achieve skin that glows from within, you must be mindful of the foods you’re putting into your body. Vitamin E, which is found in eggs, is known to help nourish and protect the skin against aging, inflammation and sun damage.

To take advantage of all the positive health effects of whole eggs, try this delicious, nutritious and hearty Springtime Casserole recipe. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this eye-catching entrée for four is a wonderful option for vegetarian diets, is made with affordable ingredients and is easy to create in just 45 minutes.

Springtime Casserole

Ingredients:

1 dozen large Eggland’s Best eggs, beaten

2 cups fresh spinach

1 medium red onion, sliced

3 large white mushrooms, sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Sauté spinach, onion, mushrooms and garlic until spinach is wilted and onion is translucent.

In a greased 8 x 8 pan, combine that mixture with the beaten eggs and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until firm. Can be served with salsa for extra color.

Ready to jumpstart your STEM career? A biological sciences or biochemistry degree can help

2022-05-02T06:01:00

(BPT) – If you haven’t considered a STEM career, now may be the time to explore your options. Advancements in recent years have highlighted the need for positions in science and medicine, resulting in an industry boom and a growing job market for potential STEM program graduates.

Two burgeoning career paths in STEM are biological sciences and biochemistry.

What is biological science? biochemistry?

Biological sciences comprise several branches of biology, including environmental studies, genetics, botany and microbiology. Biological scientists study living organisms and the environment.

Biochemistry, on the other hand, focuses on a wide array of subjects, such as basic chemistry, the properties and function of biomolecules, and the mechanisms of cellular function and living organisms. This knowledge has several applications, from developing medicines to creating new, disease-resistant variants of common crops.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for both of these industries is promising. Employment for biological technicians is forecast to grow 7% through 2030. This translates to an average of about 11,800 job openings each year over the next decade. As a biological scientist, you can expect to earn a median annual wage of $85,290 (BLS).

For those entering the field of biochemistry, the job market is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 5%. In 2020, there were 34,800 biochemistry jobs, and you can expect to earn an average salary of $94,270 per year.

How can I enter these STEM fields?

If you want to get in on the ground floor of these growing career fields, consider a bachelor’s degree in either biological sciences or biochemistry.

A Bachelor of Science in biological sciences helps you develop a valuable and broad understanding of many disciplines in biology. Because of the flexibility of this degree, you can enter several industries through an entry-level biological services position.

Industries that offer the highest level of employment for biological scientists, according to BLS, include the federal executive branch, scientific research and development services, academia, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing and management, scientific and technical consulting services.

Specific career paths could include:

  • Dentist
  • Environmental protection technician
  • Forensic science technician
  • Nursing
  • Physical therapist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Zoologist
  • Veterinarian
  • High School teacher

A Bachelor of Science in biochemistry can prepare you for a career in science or medicine. According to U.S. News, a degree in this field can prepare you for several professions, including:

  • Agricultural scientist
  • Biochemist
  • Biological or biomedical engineer
  • Chemical engineer
  • Federal regulator of biochemical products
  • Food researcher and developer
  • Laboratory technician
  • Pharmaceutical researcher
  • Process engineer
  • Science writer

After receiving a bachelor’s in biochemistry, you’ll also be prepared for several full-time entry-level positions in STEM, research or education. You can also begin a postgraduate health program to expand your job prospects.

Ready to get to work?

If advancing your career in science or medicine is your goal, consider a career in either biological sciences or biochemistry. Arizona State University offers online degree programs in these areas to take your career to the next level. Recognized as the nation’s most innovative university, ASU Online brings coursework to life through immersive science labs and digital experiences.

To learn more about ASU Online biological sciences and biochemistry programs, visit ASUOnline.asu.edu.

5 steps to improve work processes for your small or medium-sized business

2022-05-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you run a small to medium-sized business, you know the challenges: Your to-do list is a mile long, and there’s never enough time in the day. Whether you have a staff of two or two hundred, it seems like there aren’t enough people to get everything done that needs doing. But the problem may not in fact be how many employees you have or how many hours are in a day — your processes may just need a reboot.

Here are steps you can take to improve your business processes — and a software solution to make many tasks easier.

1. Take stock

Step back to assess where your systems bog down. Are there specific areas that always cause problems? Do certain tasks take much longer than others? Talk to your staff to learn where these pinch points are located. Be sure to let them know you’re not looking at team members to blame, but systemic slowdowns.

Another important way to assess trouble spots is from customer/client input. Several companies make tools to create customer satisfaction surveys, which give you useful insights into areas needing improvement from the perspective of your customer or client.

2. Review trouble spots

Once you’ve identified the most troublesome processes, it can help to go through them, step by step. If possible, enlist someone outside the company to review them with you, as they may spot issues you’re unaware of. Ask questions like:

  • What is the goal of this process? Is it being met?
  • Does everyone do this the same way? Is the process written down?
  • Are there too many steps/are any steps redundant?
  • Can you identify spots in the workflow that cause the most difficulty?

Many workflow problems stem from different systems not communicating with one another. Creating an efficient, standardized document management system is often key to solving these kinds of difficulties.

3. Brainstorm solutions

After nailing down process details and clarifying difficulties, involve your team in brainstorming and exploring solutions. There could be tools already out there to help streamline your processes.

For example, many tasks can be simplified using PandaDoc, a flexible software solution that helps your team work smarter, not harder.

  • Create digital documents with PandaDoc. You can manage, sign and send documents with ease, eliminating headaches at every stage of the process using just one software solution instead of several different programs. From pre-approved content and templates to proposals and approval workflows, you can digitize every process to save time and headaches for every team in your business. Even better, you’ll also save money and help the planet by reducing paper waste.
  • Collaborate and consolidate document-related processes using PandaDoc, which makes it easier for team members to work together on a wide variety of documents. Any team — from sales and marketing to HR and finance — can use the software to create custom themes, use embedded media and integrations. Your teams will impress your customers by sending personalized, on-brand documents securely in minutes.
  • Track your docs and workflows with real-time reporting and engagement metrics, giving you needed insights to take every document to the finish line. Whether you’re processing medical forms, offer letters or multi-year six-figure contracts, you can keep tabs on all your secure business documents to maintain momentum and better predict business goals.
  • Keep everything moving by getting your documents out the door in minutes. PandaDoc helps you create stunning, error-free documents with pre-built templates, a drag-and-drop content library and auto-fill data from your CRM — and then finalize every transaction with an integrated eSignature solution.

4. Educate your team

Once you’ve chosen a solution to a problem area, write down the new procedure your team will be following using clear step-by-step instructions. Have your team learn the new process or get trained on the new software or other tool. Make sure everyone logs how it’s going, so you can assess whether they’re saving time and effort getting things done with the new approach or tool.

5. Revisit your solutions down the road

After you’ve implemented a solution, track how well it’s working for your business. Take stock again one month, three months and six months out to ask — is the new process performing better than your previous approach? Does it need tweaking to see further improvements? Check in with your team regularly to see how any new processes are working for them.

Learn more about how PandaDoc can help streamline the creation and management of your business critical documents at PandaDoc.com.

5 ways to identify quality financial information online

2022-05-02T07:37:00

(BPT) – When it comes to your finances, where are you getting financial information? Older generations received most of their financial advice from financial planners, family friends and print media, but more and more Americans are turning to social media as a trusted source for money matters.

According to the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors’ (NAPFA) 2021 Consumer Survey, 39% of Americans under 65 found financial information online or on social media and 60% of those respondents acted on that advice. Social media as a source of financial advice is especially popular with the younger generations. One-fourth of Generation Z Americans receive advice from social media like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

For millennials, 38% said they feel unprepared for their futures, and many cite a lack of financial guidance as a challenge to preparing for retirement. With all these economic anxieties, it’s no wonder that social media has become a popular place for millennials and Gen Z to learn and discuss finances.

While it’s heartening to see people of all ages seeking financial advice, not all information found on social media and the internet is reliable. Not sure if you know how to spot quality financial advice online? Check out these five tips that can help you determine if your online source of financial information is trustworthy.

1. Do they have credentials?

Anyone can upload a video online on financial advice, but not everyone is qualified or legally able to give that advice. Investigate if the blog or social media profile you frequent for financial information is run by a certified financial planner™ professional.

While certification alone doesn’t guarantee sound advice, it’s a sign that the information you receive is likely from a reliable source. When searching for financial advice on social media, you can find plenty of current and former CFP® practitioners who likely have the most current and trustworthy information on financial matters.

2. Is their advice in your best interest?

Is your source of financial advice committed to the best interest of their followers? This can be tough to figure out because the information on social media is often unregulated and meant to be broad and not personalized to attract as many people as possible. However, depending on your financial situation, the advice may not suit your needs.

Unlike fee-only financial planners and CFP® professionals, most social media users are not held to a fiduciary standard of care. This means that they are not responsible for providing advice aligned with your specific situation or that’s in your best interest. That doesn’t mean that your favorite financial blog is trying to trick you, but that you should consider if the information applies to you or if it could harm you in the long run.

3. Are they compensated?

It’s crucial to find out if the source of your financial information is receiving payment for what they’re sharing online. Does the blog you visit have advertisements for specific money-saving or investment products or apps? Is your favorite social media influencer sponsored by a fintech app? Compensation itself isn’t a red flag, but it does present a conflict of interest.

4. Take it with a grain of salt

No matter where you get your financial advice, you should do your own research to verify the information you’ve received online. If a social media user claims to be a NAPFA member or CFP®, you can verify their credentials using each organization’s search portal. Does a financial product sound too good to be true? Government groups like the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and the Securities and Exchange Commission have resources that can help you fact-check financial advice.

5. Ask a financial advisor

At the end of the day, the best resource for financial planning is a fee-only, fiduciary financial planner. Online financial advice isn’t tailored to your goals and needs, especially long-term. You don’t have to make millions of dollars to work with a financial planner. NAPFA-affiliated fee-only financial planners can help you understand your current financial situation and help you prepare for the future.

To find a fee-only financial planner, visit NAPFA.org.