Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2025-11-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – While today’s Fortune 500 companies have largely automated many processes, smaller businesses, the “Fortune 5 million,” often find themselves stuck due to the friction of manual workflows. For the millions of busy small and midsize businesses (SMBs) that power the U.S. economy, numerous back-office tasks like validating W-9s, reconciling receipts, user onboarding and other routine duties are slowing down the gears, making it harder for those companies to succeed and grow.

Offering SMBs tools to automate the functions that are clogging up their processes, intelligent financial operations platform BILL is introducing new AI agents that power touchless transactions. With this suite of intelligent AI agents and features, SMBs can delete manual workflows that are holding them back from success.

Highly trained AI agents

BILL AI has helped accelerate billions in payments and processed over 1.3 billion documents. Since the beginning of 2025, their AI solutions have increased fully automated bills by over 80% and stopped 8 million fraud attempts in fiscal year 2025 alone. The company currently serves nearly half a million businesses and 9,000 accounting firms, making BILL a trusted AI solution for SMBs, with AI agents that are smarter, faster and more reliable from the start.

“The Fortune 5 million deserve the same power and precision as the Fortune 500,” said René Lacerte, CEO and founder of BILL. “With data from trillions of dollars in transactions and a network of millions of businesses and accounting firms, we are uniquely positioned to deliver AI at a scale that is unmatched in our category. The future of fintech is touchless B2B transactions, and BILL is leading the way for SMBs.”

Streamlined processes with AI agents

Inefficiencies force many leaders into trade-offs between running the back office and growing their business. BILL’s new AI agents and features automate critical financial workflows and handle routine tasks accurately, so business leaders can focus on what matters most.

Here are just a few ways BILL’s AI agents can streamline formerly manual workflows:

BILL W-9 agent: Based on data from BILL customers, over 90% of businesses say collecting W-9s is the most painful part of doing taxes. But touchless tax compliance helps eliminate over 80% of manual steps for collecting W-9s. BILL’s first-of-its-kind agent autonomously requests and pre-validates W-9s from vendors. It can erase most of the work associated with collecting up to 3 million W-9s, saving BILL customers an estimated 650,000 hours. The agent is available to over 170,000 businesses, making tax compliance faster, easier and more reliable.

BILL reconciliation agent: The touchless receipts agent automatically codes transactions so receipts reconcile themselves while maintaining full visibility into expenses, helping financial teams stay organized and compliant. In its early rollout, transactions processed entirely by AI increased 533%, at 92% accuracy. Within six months, it is expected to scale to over 40,000 businesses managing more than 72 million receipts annually, with the ultimate goal of making receipts touchless.

BILL’s new agentic-powered onboarding: Agentic-powered user onboarding is expected to deliver a more intuitive set-up for new Spend & Expense users, tailored to each business so employees can start spending compliantly from day one. The new agentic-powered BILL Assistant will also provide personalized, instant answers, intelligent recommendations and complete tasks on behalf of small businesses, to help them spend less time managing the back office and more time on business growth and development.

BILL is also introducing other AI-powered features like BILL Assistant aimed at instant, personalized business support.

A touchless future

While web apps digitized manual workflows, well-built agents can actually eliminate them. BILL AI is building toward a future of touchless B2B transactions, so business operations run themselves, while people stay in control.

Learn more about how BILL’s AI agents can help your business thrive and grow at BILL.com/product/ai.

This content is presented ‘as is’ and is not intended to provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your advisors.

2025-11-13T15:01:00

(BPT) – Do you use artificial intelligence (AI)? Even if you don’t use AI platforms directly, chances are that you have interacted with AI in some form without knowing it.

According to research by Barna in partnership with Gloo, more than two in five U.S. adults regularly use smart home devices, in-device assistants and facial recognition, all of which utilize AI technology. Yet, when asked how often they use AI in their personal life, most respondents said not very much or not at all.

When used correctly, AI has the incredible potential to promote global well-being and human flourishing. It could fundamentally change the human condition, from unlocking solutions to climate change and poverty to breakthroughs in medicine that could eliminate life-threatening diseases. However, without proper guidance on how to use this technology responsibly, AI has the potential to do great harm to humanity.

What are possible concerns about AI?

Like any technology, AI is constantly changing and improving. That’s why there’s an urgent need to shape this technology for good. Specifically, creators and users of AI need to think critically about the concerns about AI use.

A common concern about AI is the trustworthiness of language learning models (LLMs) that serve as the base for AI platforms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the data used to train LLMs may be biased, leading to query responses with misleading or inaccurate information that poses a risk to users.

The WHO also points to how LLMs can be misused to generate and disseminate highly convincing disinformation. Whether in text, audio or video, AI-generated content can be difficult to differentiate.

Transparency and accountability are also major sticking points about AI proliferation. Because AI systems require massive amounts of data, it’s not always clear where the LLM is mining its information, if the information is correct and if consent was given for the data to be used. That’s because, according to USC Annenberg, many AI algorithms are often considered “black boxes,” meaning that how the AI comes to its conclusions is difficult to understand and interpret. Without this knowledge, how can AI — and its creators — be held accountable?

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, AI has had very real effects on human well-being. Many people are engaging with AI chatbots to replace real-world relationships, exacerbating the current loneliness epidemic. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory report Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, “Several examples of harms include technology that displaces in-person engagement, monopolizes our attention, reduces the quality of our interactions, and even diminishes our self-esteem. This can lead to greater loneliness, fear of missing out, conflict, and reduced social connection.”

While the report doesn’t directly reference AI, this technology’s generative abilities, which can mimic human speech and conversation, are alluring to those already at risk of isolation. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that many teens are turning to AI chatbots for friendship and emotional support, and that these chatbots have engaged in harmful discussions with teen users with very little prompting.

Are there solutions to these concerns?

Avoiding AI altogether is not a solution to the concerns and real-world effects of LLMs. AI is here and it’s here to stay. Organizations that already are implementing or plan to implement AI in their work must consider what guardrails are needed to ensure that it can be a helpful, not harmful, tool for humanity.

There isn’t a silver bullet solution to AI ethical issues, but according to McKinsey and Company, there should be processes in place to ensure AI content is checked for appropriateness, hallucinations, regulatory compliance, validation and that it is in alignment with user expectations.

Some companies are already working on creating AI platforms and establishing research that focuses on how LLMs can aid human flourishing, particularly within the faith ecosystem.

Gloo, a technology company serving the faith and flourishing ecosystem, provides churches and frontline organizations, such as volunteer groups and nonprofits, access to AI, distribution, technology and solutions they need to better reach and serve their communities. Gloo’s focus on using technology to aid faith and human flourishing has led Gloo to partner with researchers from Valkyrie Intelligence to create the Flourishing AI (FAI) Benchmark.

This first-of-its-kind comprehensive evaluation framework measures AI alignment across seven dimensions: character, health, relationships, finances, happiness, faith and meaning. This new benchmark is based on the recent broader scientific research from the Global Flourishing Study (a collaboration with Harvard, Baylor and Gallup). It represents one of the first comprehensive assessments of AI values, measuring not just technical capabilities but how well models support human well-being.

While this benchmark is in its infancy, it has the potential to help guard against the harm of AI so that individuals and organizations can use this technology to help humanity flourish and thrive. Like AI itself, the FAI will be updated regularly as new AI models are released and as new research about human flourishing is completed.

While there are very real concerns about the use of AI, curiosity — not fear — will be helpful in shaping this technology. As individuals and organizations continue to question the potential and the pitfalls of LLMs, tackling concerns head-on and working on methods to make sure the technology promotes human flourishing are already in the works.

2025-11-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – If the holiday season seems to be approaching earlier than usual this year — with some stress creeping in alongside it — you’re not alone.

Holiday items hit the shelves before summer was even over, but consumers have mixed feelings toward the early arrival. According to a recent Bank of America survey, 52% of respondents embrace the early cheer, while 33% feel the accelerated pace dampens their festive spirit.

This trend of early engagement extends to shopping, with more than half of consumers starting their holiday purchases before October in hopes of spreading out expenses to avoid seasonal stress, especially since 62% anticipate financial strain from costs this year.

If you’re feeling a bit behind this season, don’t worry — there’s still plenty of time to make the most of the holidays and finish the year strong. Whether you’re focused on thoughtfully planning your gifts or celebrating within a smart budget, you can easily balance your finances with your festive spirit.

Here are four tips from Lora Monfared, Head of Consumer Card Products at Bank of America, to help you offset costs, ease your stress and embrace the holiday cheer:

1. Start planning now.

Although some retailers kicked off seasonal discounts in September and October, it’s not too late to score deals. Black Friday is still the most popular time of the year for holiday shopping — with 41% of Gen Z consumers planning to make the majority of their purchases on this day — so be sure to plan your purchases in advance to make the most out of it.

2. Don’t look past dupes.

Affordable alternatives (also called “dupes”) that look and work just as well as trendy or luxury gifts are gaining popularity. In fact, the survey shows more than half of people would consider gifting a dupe this holiday season.

If you’ve got someone on your list who doesn’t care about brand names, seeking out alternative options such as dupes or gently used items that have the same functionality and aesthetic appeal can be a cost-effective option. Secondhand stores also offer an opportunity to seek out unique, high-quality and original gifts for loved ones. Just be sure to do your research so you can confidently pick out what’s best for the people on your list — and your wallet.

3. Reap your rewards.

This year, nearly half of consumers say they do all or most of their holiday shopping online, according to the survey. If you too are an online shopper, consider using a flexible rewards card that offers cash back on your digital purchases. For example, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card allows new cardholders to earn 6% cash back for the first year after an account is opened in a category of their choice (including online shopping) — that’s double the usual 3% cash back.

4. Talk about your gift-giving plan beforehand.

Earning rewards on your spending is great, but a successful holiday shopping plan starts with a thoughtful budget. Take stock of your 2025 holiday budget and talk with your loved ones to agree on a spending limit.

This year, 38% of people plan to only buy gifts for immediate family and their closest friends, and 23% have agreed with family members to scale back on gifts. If you can iron out expectations from the outset, you’re more likely to enjoy the festivities without wallet-woes.

Financial strain is top of mind for many this year, but it doesn’t have to mean a stress-filled season. A bit of planning and strategy can go a long way in getting the most out of your spending. Learn more at BankofAmerica.com.

2025-11-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – For many Servicemembers transitioning out of the military, owning their own business is their second act. Take Aaron Gipson, for example. During his time in the military, he began cutting his fellow Marines’ hair using his footlocker as his “barber bench.”

Not long after he exited the military, he got his cosmetology degree and instructor’s license and opened his first salon in Jacksonville, Florida, his hometown. Today, Gipson’s salon, which he co-owns with his wife, LaVonia, is thriving — thanks to a combination of hard work, business acumen and a trusted financial partner that understands his needs.

“If we’re not behind the chair, we’re still working on marketing, inventory, accounts and trying to figure out how to stay relevant in a constantly changing industry in which trends come and go,” said Gipson.

Gipson is just one of many Veteran business owner success stories. Veterans are the majority owners of 1.6 million firms that employ 3.3 million workers, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. Though just 7% of the population, Veterans comprise 14% of the nation’s franchise owners.

Barriers to business

However, for many Vetrepreneurs, launching and growing businesses can be challenging. Finance is a key barrier.

According to a 2022 national survey by Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Veterans cited lack of access to capital (37%) and financing (35%) as their biggest financial barrier to entrepreneurship. Without funding, small-business owners can struggle to hire staff, stock inventory or invest in marketing, limiting their ability to scale their ventures.

“There’s no handbook for starting a business, and it’s rarely a straightforward path,” said Will Scott, vice president of business solutions at Navy Federal Credit Union. “But Veterans have developed skills in the military like leadership, resourcefulness and hard work, which make them great business owners across sectors ranging from government contracting and other professional services to construction to health care. In the face of adversity, they know how to pivot and make the best of those situations — and we’re here to help them grow.”

Supporting Vetrepreneurs one business at a time

Overcoming Veterans’ unique financial challenges requires a tailored approach. That’s why Navy Federal Business Solutions provides products and services specifically designed to help Vetrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses.

The credit union offers business banking services designed with Veterans in mind, such as business checking, business credit cards and traditional business loans with competitive rates and terms for qualified borrowers.

The Navy Federal Business Solutions team goes above and beyond by connecting business owners with resources that will help them access funding and grow. Such resources include Service to CEO, an entrepreneurship program for military-connected entrepreneurs run by The Rosie Network, the Small Business Administration’s Boots to Business program and VetFran, an organization that helps Veterans become franchisees.

Thanks to these business services, the Gipsons were able to refinance the building that houses their salon, cover the cost of tuition at two colleges and save for their future. When asked about their business success, they credit their positive relationship with Navy Federal Business Solutions for helping them achieve financial security.

“It gave us the impetus to keep moving and not stop,” said Gipson.

To learn more about how Navy Federal Business Solutions supports Veteran business owners, visit NavyFederal.org.

Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

2025-11-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, millions of Americans find themselves in a holiday bind: staring at empty store shelves, scrolling online or stressing out over finding the right gifts for everyone on their lists. But the cure for this anxiety is always in plain sight. The National Retail Federation reports gift cards have been the most requested holiday present for nearly two decades. They’re perfect for everyone on your list, available everywhere and let recipients get exactly what they want.

While gift cards are a surefire hit and take the stress out of gift-giving, buying them still requires a little awareness to make sure the experience is as festive as it’s intended to be — and that criminals don’t dampen holiday spirits. The key is choosing gift cards that delight your recipients while protecting everyone involved.

Here are six ways to put that advice into action this holiday season.

Choose gift cards with the recipient in mind

The best gifts feel thoughtful and personal. Gift cards check those boxes by offering endless opportunities to connect people with the brands, retailers and experiences they love most. There are even themed gift cards from more than one brand based on the occasion or recipient. For a teenager, the perfect gift card might be for a clothing retailer or gaming platform. For young adults, a favorite coffee shop or bookstore. Spas for a tired mom. A home improvement store for a DIY dad. Or travel for a retiree.

Gift cards are easy to buy and give in a variety of different formats. Digital gift cards are perfect for last-minute giving or faraway friends, while physical cards can create a celebratory moment in-person together. No matter how you give them, gift cards show you’ve considered what will make others’ holiday season brighter.

Shop from sources you trust

Where you buy matters. Established and well-known retailers, grocery chains and official brand websites are the safest places to purchase gift cards. Authorized online marketplaces that provide buyer protections are another solid option.

Avoid buying gift cards from unfamiliar sellers. Criminals often use platforms like online marketplaces and social media to disguise scams. A good rule of thumb: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Take 30 seconds to check for tampering

It can be tempting to grab a gift card and rush to continue your shopping or check out. Instead, take a few moments to make sure the card hasn’t been tampered with. A 30-second inspection is one of the easiest ways to make sure your purchase is safe.

• Look closely at the packaging. Compare it to other gift cards on the rack. Colors, logos and text should match exactly.
• Feel the back of the card. Run your fingers over the back of the card and packaging to check for bumps or layers that feel unusual. This could be something as small as a sticker that feels slightly elevated or an extra layer of packaging that feels thicker than the rest.
• Inspect the PIN covering. The stickers and scratch-off material covering the gift card PIN number should be smooth, flat and fully intact. Missing or wrinkled coverings are red flags.
• Examine gift card packaging for signs of cuts or tears. Look for small marks on packaging edges or paper fibers around perforated areas where a criminal may have opened the gift card already.

If anything feels off, pick another card and hand the suspicious card to a customer service or checkout clerk. In less than a minute you can create peace of mind for yourself and the recipient.

Keep the paper trail

Gift cards should come with receipts — and that small piece of paper is a valuable safety net. Always save your receipt and ask for a gift receipt for the recipient as well. Gift card receipts make it easier to confirm when a gift card is activated, track balances or resolve issues in the off chance something goes wrong.

Protect your cards and your wallet

Once the gift card is in the hands of the recipient, your job isn’t quite done. You may need to remind the people you give the cards to that they should check balances right away to make sure the card has the right amount of funds and is ready for them to use.

When checking a gift card balance, type in the URL printed on the back of the card so you visit an official website (as opposed to one that may come up from a generic search). Gift cards should be treated like cash and stored securely. You should never share card numbers or PINs with strangers.

Know where to go for help

In the off chance something is wrong with the gift card you bought, you can find help solving your problem.

• Contact the gift card issuer: Call customer service numbers on the back of the gift card and make sure to have your receipt and other purchase information handy.
• Report potential scams to the authorities: You can contact local law enforcement, file a complaint with Federal Trade Commission or report an incident to the Better Bustiness Bureau (BBB).
• Check with the experts: Visit GiftCardSafety.org for more resources on how to spot, prevent and report potential fraud.

Smarter gifting makes for a better holiday season

Gift cards are meant to treat others and give people the power to buy exactly what they want. No returns. No exchanges for a different size or color. No stress. Just joy. With a little awareness, you can have peace of mind and make sure the thrill of your gift isn’t overshadowed by criminals.

For more resources and step-by-step guidance, visit GiftCardSafety.org.

2025-10-31T15:01:02

(BPT) – In a new legal turn, a U.S. federal court may require the daughter of Polish media mogul Zygmunt Solorz to hand over documents related to an ongoing dispute over the succession of his companies.

A new filing in California alleges that the self-made billionaire’s children misled him into prematurely initiating succession proceedings — raising questions about manipulation and control over a multi-billion-dollar media empire.

Self-Made Billionaire

At the heart of the case is Zygmunt Solorz, a Polish entrepreneur who built a successful media empire from the ground up.

Solorz, who has repeatedly appeared on Forbes’ ranking of the world’s billionaires, began his career as a salesman. In 1994, he won a bid for a private television broadcasting license and launched Polsat, which went on to become one of Poland’s largest private television channels and one of the first national commercial broadcasters in Eastern Europe.

In the ensuing decades, Solorz expanded his business empire into mobile services, energy and financial products.

The succession conflict came to a head last year when Solorz’s three children — two sons based in the family’s native Poland and the aforementioned daughter, who resides in the United States — allegedly manipulated their father into signing documents intended to transfer the authority of two Liechtenstein-registered foundations over to the children, effectively signing over control of Solorz’s entire business empire, including Polsat.

The children then sent letters to managers of Solorz’s key companies, warning against making decisions that could affect their control over the businesses. In response, Solorz removed his sons from their supervisory positions of his company ZE PAK, Poland’s largest private energy group.

Solorz is petitioning a court in Liechtenstein to revoke the signed documents.

U.S. Chapter in the Case

In this latest development, Solorz’s lawyers have asked the federal District Court of the Central District of California to order his daughter to produce documentation to uncover how the alleged steps were executed.

The goal, according to the filing, is to gather evidence to support several different ongoing legal proceedings pending in Liechtenstein, which will help determine whether Zak and her siblings orchestrated a plan to consolidate control of their father’s assets without his permission.

Under a U.S. statute known as Section 1782, litigants in foreign proceedings can obtain discovery — a formal exchange of evidence — from U.S. citizens for use in such proceedings, ensuring that relevant evidence pertaining to the foreign proceedings are taken into account.

The case demonstrates how serious allegations of this type are taken, especially when they involve large assets. The battle between Solorz and his children has caused company stock prices to take a steep tumble, leading to significant losses in the empire Solorz built from the ground up.

What can you do to protect your own legacy?

While the Solorz case is complex, it demonstrates the need for detailed planning. As you approach retirement, remember that improper handling could lead to significant loss in wealth. Thoughtful preparation will help protect assets and preserve relationships across generations.

2025-10-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – We are approaching a critical tipping point that could shake up the status quo for wealth planning. Millennials and Gen Z are accumulating more wealth at a rapid pace, increasingly dominating the world’s ultra-wealthy population. In fact, they have already begun to overtake Baby Boomers as the largest class of individuals with a personal worth exceeding $30 million. This major shift could have serious implications for the Baby Boomer generation.

According to a new report by Altrata, Baby Boomers currently make up nearly half the world’s ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) population. In contrast, Millennials and Gen Z make up just 8%.

That gap, however, is closing fast.

By 2040, Millennials and Gen Z are projected to account for one-third of the world’s UHNW population, fueled by rapidly changing dynamics, such as the Great Wealth Transfer — a historical shift in assets from the large, aging Baby Boomer generation to their heirs — and the rise of new wealth sources, such as tech startups, cryptocurrency and social media fortunes.

But Baby Boomers aren’t stepping aside just yet.

More than 78 million Baby Boomers are looking to retire within the next 10 to 15 years, but they’re retiring later and at a more gradual pace than previous generations. The average planned retirement age now falls between 65 and 69, a marked shift from the past in which 65 was considered the age to retire.

Baby Boomers aren’t just working longer — they’re also holding onto their power. Baby Boomers own more than 65% of businesses with employees, totaling nearly four million companies and controlling an estimated 80% of total U.S. net worth.

Why does the Baby Boomer generation have such a disproportionately large hold on the country’s wealth? One major reason is that they are living longer. Life expectancy has increased significantly over the past century, with Baby Boomers now living an average of 30 years longer than their predecessors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Baby Boomers’ transitions from full career employment to retirement tend to start later than for earlier generations, too. Increasingly, Baby Boomers are following more gradual exit paths from work, easing into retirement rather than quitting cold turkey. That means they’re cutting back hours, shifting roles, or stepping into advisory positions rather than fully retiring.

Rupert Murdoch serves as a high-profile example of the trend toward delayed retirement. Despite his towering influence in global media, Murdoch remained actively involved in the leadership of his media empire well into his 90s. It wasn’t until 2023, at the age of 92, that he formally announced his retirement from the role of chairman at Fox and News Corp, handing over the reins to his son, Lachlan.

Murdoch’s late transition underscores a broader pattern among Baby Boomer leaders — holding on to control long past traditional retirement age and gradually exiting the workforce. But these gradual exits can pose serious challenges for future generations, particularly as it comes to succession planning.

Despite this generation’s significant wealth and economic influence, 78% of Baby Boomer business owners do not have a formal exit or succession plan in place. This failure to plan can leave Baby Boomers vulnerable to losing their wealth and their legacy.

Sumner Redstone, the media mogul behind Viacom and CBS, demonstrated how delaying clear succession planning can lead to legacy risk and business strife. Though Redstone, who was in his nineties at the time, eventually designated his daughter as his successor, the path to succession involved public family conflict, lawsuits and reputational damage. This complex succession battle has marred his empire-building legacy.

Baby Boomers may also find themselves vulnerable to manipulation from family members. Zygmunt Solorz, a Polish billionaire and media entrepreneur, is a prime example. Solorz’s children reportedly manipulated him into initiating succession protocol before he was ready to step down. At age 69, he is now fighting to retain control of the business empire he built from the ground up.

As Baby Boomers approach retirement, they can face financial and personal risks that must be carefully considered. It’s critical that Baby Boomers are aware of these risks and take swift, proactive steps to safeguard against them.

The wealth shift is inevitable. But how it unfolds will depend in large part on how well today’s ultra-wealthy prepare for tomorrow.

2025-10-27T07:01:01

(BPT) – There always seems to be a never-ending list of tasks during the holiday season, from booking flights to purchasing gifts for loved ones. As you prepare for the holidays, it’s also critical to keep an eye out for online scams that aim to steal your money and your joy.

Nearly 1 in 3 consumers reported falling victim to an online scam during the 2024 holiday season. Scams are becoming more sophisticated every year, making them more convincing and harder to detect.

“The holidays are scammers’ busy season. From fake travel websites and false package delivery messages to phony charity donations, scammers take advantage of people’s spirit of generosity and bustling holiday schedule,” said Diedra Porché, National Head of Community and Business Development at JPMorganChase. “Your best defense to protect yourself and loved ones is to stay educated on common and emerging scam tactics.”

During the week of November 16, Chase will host over 20 fraud and scam education workshops across the country, in coordination with local law enforcement and other local partners. These workshops, which are free and open to the public, aim to educate the public on recognizing scams and empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves. Chase hosts over 1,000 fraud and scam education workshops per year across its more than 5,000 branches.

Don’t let the threat of scams dampen your festivities. Consider the following tips to help you celebrate safely.

Beware of unrealistic deals

When you have so many gifts to buy, you’ll want to look for bargains. However, make sure that the discounts you’re offered are legitimate. Scammers often lure buyers with massive discounts, especially on popular and sold-out items, often using fake websites or social media ads. If you think, “This deal is too good to be true,” listen to your gut. It’s likely a scam.

Shop with trusted retailers

When shopping online or on social media, make sure to only buy from trusted websites and vendors. Review the website’s URL and ensure that it starts with “https://” (the “s” stands for secure) as scammers can create fake websites to look like legitimate retailers. If you’re unfamiliar with a store, search for the name with terms like “scam,” “complaints” or “reviews” to uncover any red flags.

Be especially cautious when making purchases from social media marketplaces. Always verify the product exists before purchasing and use payments with purchase protections, like a credit card, to pay.

Gift card scams typically begin with outreach from a scammer, often pretending to be someone else, who urgently pressures victims into buying specific gift cards and sharing the card numbers and PINs. Scammers use various stories, such as pretending to be government officials, tech support, friends or family in emergencies, prize promoters, utility companies or online romantic interests. Remember: Legitimate organizations will never demand payment by gift card, and requests for gift card payments are a sign of a scam.

How you pay matters

Not all payment methods offer purchase protection. When buying gifts for the holiday season, consider using your debit and credit cards, as they may provide protections that allow you to dispute a charge if you don’t receive what you paid for or it’s not as you expected. If you purchase something using payment methods like Zelle^®, wire transfers, gift cards or cash, and it turns out to be a scam, it’s unlikely you’ll get your money back. Only use Zelle^® to pay others you know and trust.

Seek out free resources

Give yourself peace of mind while shopping by using digital tools to monitor your personal information. For example, Chase Credit Journey^® offers free credit and identity monitoring. This includes alerts to let you know if your data is exposed in a data breach or on the dark web. You don’t have to be a Chase customer to use it.

To learn more about how to help protect yourself from scams this holiday season, visit Chase.com/Security.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.

Deposit and credit card products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

© 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

2025-10-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the air turns crisp and the holidays approach, scammers are gearing up for their busiest time of year. From fake shopping deals to AI-powered deception, fraudsters are finding new ways to take advantage of distracted consumers. According to new data from Mastercard and The Harris Poll, nearly eight in ten Americans (78%) say they’re more concerned about cybersecurity risks than they were two years ago, and 72% admit it’s harder to protect their digital lives than their physical homes.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Mastercard shares tips to help you stay secure while you enjoy the season’s simple pleasures.

Don’t Get Lost in the Corn Maze of Panic

Scammers thrive on confusion and urgency, just like getting turned around in a corn maze. They’ll try to rush you with fake emergencies, “limited-time” offers, or threats to your accounts. But instead of panicking, pause and find your way out with a clear head. Take a moment to verify the situation with a trusted source. Fraudsters often play on emotions, especially through fake online romances or impersonators pretending to be loved ones in distress. If someone you haven’t met in person asks for money, especially via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, don’t fall for it.

Bobbing for Alerts, Not Surprises

Just like bobbing for apples, you want to stay alert and ready. Turn on transaction notifications so you’re instantly aware of any unusual activity. Make it a habit to review your financial statements regularly; think of it like checking your pantry before a big fall feast. Consider setting up credit monitoring services to catch suspicious activity early. A little vigilance now can save you from a rotten surprise later.

Patch Up Problems Before They Spoil the Season

If you spot something suspicious, don’t let it sit like an unpicked pumpkin. Act quickly: Contact your bank to secure your accounts, file a police report, and report the fraud to the FTC, or your local authority. If unauthorized payments appear, request a freeze or reversal right away — many banks can stop fraudulent transfers if caught in time.

Wrap Up with Zero Liability Warmth

Just like layering up for a chilly day, Mastercard’s Zero Liability protection adds a layer of comfort. You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions, as long as you report them promptly and take reasonable care of your card. Whether you’re shopping in-store, online, over the phone, or at the ATM, your Mastercard has your back. It’s a cozy kind of confidence that cash and checks just can’t match.

Savor the Season, Scam-Free

Whether you’re picking apples, wandering through a pumpkin patch, or browsing fall sales from your couch, these tips will help you stay secure. So go ahead, crunch those leaves, not your finances. With a little awareness and a few smart habits, you can enjoy everything autumn has to offer with peace of mind.

2025-10-20T13:43:01

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again — open enrollment period, when you can review, select or change your workplace benefits. For a number of weeks each year, you can make selections or modifications to your health insurance, retirement plans or other employee benefits for the next year. These choices can impact your finances and give you peace of mind around safeguarding your family’s health. Because changes you make now can be binding for 2026 (outside of qualifying life events), it’s important to select the right benefits for your unique situation.

This is a good time to step back and view the big picture. The driving force behind choosing the right workplace benefits should be your needs and values. What is most important for you and your family’s overall well-being? What events might come up next year? Are you starting a family, looking for a home or facing medical expenses? Choosing benefits that support you throughout these situations can impact your happiness and well-being.

Here are major benefit categories to consider.

Health insurance options

Sorting through health insurance plans can seem overwhelming. It may be tempting to simply choose whatever option is closest to what you already have. But if you have a new employer, if anything has changed in your family — or you simply want to better understand your options — review these factors:

• Cost: Compare annual premiums, deductibles, copays/coinsurance and OOP (out-of-pocket) maximums in each plan. Ask yourself: How much did you pay in premiums this year? How many trips to the doctor, hospital or emergency room did your family make? Do you anticipate major health care needs in 2026? These answers will help you make informed decisions.
• Plan type: You may be presented with an alphabet soup of options: HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) and HDHPs (High-Deductible Health Plans), among others. Each plan type has pros and cons. For example, one advantage of an HDHP is pairing it with a Health Savings Account (HSA), which offers tax-advantaged ways to save and pay for qualified medical expenses; and your employer might contribute to it on your behalf, too.
• Plan networks: Each insurance plan has a group of providers contracted to offer services at a certain cost. The network size and accessibility of providers can affect costs and the ease of getting appointments.
• Your family’s health needs: How well has your past coverage suited you and your family? What changes might be necessary? Would you rather pay higher costs upfront and lower costs for service, or the other way around? With the HDHP example, you’ll potentially pay less for premiums, and you can use your HSA to help offset higher service costs.

Retirement benefits

If you have access to a workplace-sponsored retirement plan, this can be a great way to help you plan for the future. In most cases, these are defined contribution plans like a 401(k), where you dedicate a percentage of your paycheck to flow directly into your retirement account.

Many employers offer a match, which means they’ll contribute the same amount as you, up to a certain percentage. If your employer offers a 3% match, try to contribute at least 3% of your salary to your retirement savings, or you’re leaving free money on the table.

Student debt assistance

Many employers now offer two versions of repayment assistance for student debt:

• Student debt direct: Your employer matches a percentage of your loan payments, which helps you pay down debt faster.
• Student debt retirement: Your employer matches your payments with contributions to your workplace savings account.

“Student debt assistance is a newer benefit many employees may not know about,” said Kirsten Hunter Peterson, vice president, Thought Leadership, Fidelity Investments. “This offers a real advantage for anyone still paying student debt, freeing up money for anything from building emergency savings or making a home down payment to starting your own family.”

Ask your human resources department if your workplace offers this benefit.

Additional benefits

Many employers offer financial benefits like emergency savings programs, life insurance and disability insurance to help protect your finances if the unexpected happens. These benefits can make a real difference if they’re ever needed.

Work-life balance

Your employer likely offers other initiatives to help you make time for your personal priorities. Familiarize yourself with your company’s PTO (paid time off) policy, parental leave and flexible work arrangements to see how you might use them in 2026.

Make open enrollment work for you

The open enrollment period is the ideal time to ensure you understand all your benefits. First, ensure you know your company’s enrollment window. Some workplace benefits are offered year-round, while others are only available during the annual enrollment period or for a major life event (like getting married or welcoming a child).

Then think about which benefits are most cost-effective for your needs over the coming year, weighing their cost against the protection and security they provide. If your employer offers a match on your workplace savings plan contributions or HSA, remember the value “free money” can add to your overall benefit plan.

Ask questions

Unsure about choosing your benefits package, or need assistance? Consult your human resources representative or benefits administrators.

Visit Fidelity.com to learn more about workplace benefit options.