Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2024-04-02T09:01:00

(BPT) – By: Konda Pollard and Brent Suriano, Synovus Bank

According to recent research, while 74% of Americans engage in financial planning, only 15% have a written plan and 30% lack any long-term financial goals. With April being Financial Literacy Month, many people are seeking advice on how to get their finances in order. With a well-laid and continually updated financial plan, people can feel more in control of their financial future and more confident in meeting their goals.

Over the past few decades, financial products have become more accessible to the public, which has led individuals to have more bank and investment products than ever before. Between bank accounts, credit cards, auto loans, mortgages and multiple investment accounts, it can be tough to begin organizing. Together with a financial advisor, taking a holistic look at where your money is going may help you find places to cut down on spending and save money toward your goals.

To implement a financial plan that works for you, consider the following:

• Find the right advisor for you. Start by asking yourself, “Do I have the time and energy to be the best financial advisor for myself?” The answer may be no, which is why experts are readily available to help. A Synovus financial advisor can help you build out a goal-based plan. It is simple to aim to “save more, spend less,” but a trusted advisor can help you highlight specific goals to work toward, which will strengthen your emotional connection to achieving those goals. For example, envisioning saving up for a tropical family vacation or buying a luxury item can strengthen your commitment to a financial goal more than aiming to save a certain dollar amount.
• Work backward to arrive at a plan. Consider where you want to be in 5 or 10 years, and then discuss what you need to start today to get yourself on track. Discuss short-term and long-term priorities with your advisor, and work toward setting realistic goals. Planning for retirement, which may be several decades away, can feel daunting, but working with the end goal in mind can provide perspective for the short-term goals.
• Consider your life stage. There is no “one size fits all” plan for achieving financial goals. Someone who is fresh out of college will have vastly different goals and cost outlays than a 50-year-old with a family. Working with trusted experts will help craft a plan that is unique to you, your life stage and your individual goals. Once you have your financial plan in place, make sure it evolves with your lifestyle, needs and family dynamics. Aim to meet annually (or more often) with your advisor to ensure your plan is staying up to date with any lifestyle changes, such as a new job, new home, marriage or children, and is maximizing your money given the economic conditions at that time. Having regular check-ins to make small updates will be much less mentally taxing than updating a financial plan that hasn’t been reviewed in several years. And remember it is never too late to get started.
• Celebrate wins. Create milestones in your financial plan and celebrate when they are achieved. Big or small, recognizing progress will give you an emotional boost to keep striving for the next goal.

Life is full of uncertainties, but your financial future doesn’t have to be one of them. Financial Literacy Month is a great time to take a closer look at your finances and assess your goals with a trusted advisor that can help set you up for success in April and beyond.

Konda Pollard and Brent Suriano are directors of private wealth at Synovus Bank.

2024-04-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – By Irana Wasti, Chief Product Officer at BILL

Building a business is an incredible journey — and like all journeys, every stage is different. Running a startup, for instance, is very different from running a midsize business.

As your business grows, your needs evolve too. Scaling a business often means navigating different types of risks, expanding product or service offerings, and executing more complex operations. The tools or technology solutions you had as a startup may be different to the resources you need now to help you manage a larger team, support more customers, or solve more complexities in your business.

Just one example: when it comes to thinking about finance tools or technology, there are so many different choices on the market that it can be difficult to understand which is the best one for your growing business.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, here are four finance-focused tips to help your growing business continue thriving.

As your business grows, you need full visibility into your evolving company budgets and how your employees are spending. Adding new employees and departments makes it harder to fully monitor organizational spending, opening your business up to the risk of overspending or fraud (whether intentional or not). Finding efficiencies in the overall spend and expense process can also deliver valuable time back to employees so they can focus on your business and customers. Automating your spend and expense management can help.

Stay agile with budget management: Scaling up means more budget complexity. Adopting a spend management solution helps to keep you nimble and can allow businesses to approve and delegate budgets adeptly, ensuring control over financial health without the hassle.

Automate your expense processes: For every business owner, streamlining the approval and reimbursement process is a game-changer as you scale. Automation in expense management can significantly reduce the administrative burdens, enhancing efficiency and allowing for a smoother financial workflow. For example, BILL customer Marine Layer, a growing retail apparel brand that focuses on sustainability, saved at least three to four hours per week on expense management. “BILL gives us more up-to-date expense reporting. It’s just a real time saver and definitely speeds up our financial close. Not having to manually code for our monthly close really saves time and makes the close more efficient,” said Kelly Ransom, Financial Accountant at Marine Layer.

As your business grows, you might also be looking at partners and vendors you’re working with to ensure they can help you scale the operations for your business needs. At this stage, many small and midsize business (SMB) owners will look to expand their vendor network, both domestically and internationally, in order to improve cost, quality, and business efficiency. But to do that, SMBs need safe, secure and efficient financial platforms that can handle vendor payments, whether domestically or internationally. This is particularly important as traditional international wire transfers can be expensive and complex. Leveraging integrated financial automation software for international payments can help ensure a faster, more secure and effective process.

Choose the right global payment partner: It’s important to look for a technology partner that will simplify operations, offer competitive exchange rates and provide comprehensive data management. The right financial platform can provide seamless global payments integration and robust features to process international payments quickly, securely and easily. I also always encourage businesses to look for a global payment solution that grows with your business.

Diversify payment methods: Payment preferences vary depending on what part of the world your sales or services are coming from. It’s helpful to offer a variety of payment options to your vendors, such as credit or debit card payments, contactless payments, and digital wallets. The right technology partner can allow you to offer multiple options for international payment needs.

Sync with accounting software: I also encourage businesses to leverage payment partners that integrate with major accounting software providers to ensure seamless management of both domestic and international payments, by streamlining your workflows and eliminating the need for double data entry.

New York-based apparel brand Bombas sends roughly 50% of their payments to 10 international vendors, even more when they need to bulk up their inventory to prepare for the holiday rush. However, Melissa Harris, Director of Accounting Operations at Bombas, isn’t worried about making international payments because they use BILL. “BILL Accounts Payable does it all in one shot, using the same process for both domestic and international payments. It’s been a much more seamless process with BILL than it has been with other AP systems I’ve used,” said Harris.

A frequent challenge for businesses is they don’t typically have large teams of finance professionals to provide analysis, insights, data and forecasting. Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) technology is changing that. With FP&A, SMBs can predict future cash flow, understand trends and opportunities, and make better business decisions, faster. Timely data and analytics can help you make the best decisions to help take your business to the next level.

Implementing rewards programs: Similar to consumer rewards programs, virtual cards with rewards programs are a powerful tool for businesses. Choosing financial tools that offer cashback, points or other incentives transforms everyday expenses into opportunities for savings or investment. It’s a great way to turn routine transactions into opportunities that add value to your business.

5. Choose Technology Partners that Can Increase Operational Efficiency

According to The BILL 2024 State of Financial Automation Report, SMBs are increasingly looking to AI and automation to improve efficiency and productivity. In fact, 85% of SMBs are enthusiastic about using AI for their financial operations.

One of the most important considerations is which company you choose to partner with to deliver these AI capabilities for your daily operations. You want to work with technology partners that understand the opportunity for you to harness the use of AI for your business to drive impact. For example, AI can help you improve customer experiences, gain efficiencies, or scale. This in turn can free up your valuable time, allowing you and your staff to focus on more strategic tasks that can foster innovation and growth for the business.

While AI technology is still developing and will continue to evolve, there are great technology partners that can help your business maximize AI. Choose a partner that is innovation-forward, already innovating with AI, and is an early adopter with your unique needs and interests top of mind.

At BILL, we’re dedicated to helping businesses get more control, visibility, and efficiency in their financial operations. Automating financial operations can be a game changer for your business, saving valuable team time on inefficient manual processes, and enabling you to focus on high-value strategic business needs instead. To find out more, visit Bill.com/Signup to start your risk-free trial.

2024-03-27T06:01:00

(BPT) – Filing taxes online has made an often-dreaded task easier and more convenient. However, it’s important to be aware of heightened cyber security risks during tax season that could lead to identity theft. In 2023, the IRS flagged over a million tax returns for possible identity theft and found a 31% increase in fraudulent returns from the previous year.

With a large majority of taxpayers opting to file electronically, the threat of cybercriminals using your SSN to file and steal your return is real. The experts at LifeLock have pro tips on how to safeguard your identity by learning about common scams and the steps to take to keep your information safe during tax season.

Online criminals that prey on taxpayers seek ways to obtain personal and financial information to steal your identity, file tax returns under your name to steal your refund, or convince you to send them money, gift cards or cryptocurrencies.

While you may not think you’re vulnerable to obvious tax and IRS imposter scams, criminals are using convincingly sophisticated tactics. And they love to prey on late filers. So, it’s vital to stay alert when it comes to your personal information as the tax deadline approaches.

Watch for these tax scams

Here are four common tactics you may see, and how to avoid falling for them.

1. Phishy IRS schemes

These scams are designed to convince you that a message supposedly from the IRS is legitimate, tricking you into clicking an embedded link in an email or text. These links then lead to fake IRS websites created to record information you input. Or they contact you by phone or text pretending to be from the IRS and rope you into a scam. Some fraudsters will use phishing scams to get your personal information, threaten or trick you into paying a “balance you owe” using gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers.

Pro Tip: The IRS will never contact you via email, text or phone without reaching out by mail first. The IRS does not accept payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers. For concerns about your taxes from this year or any year, go straight to IRS.gov.

If an email looks “phishy,” it probably is. You can flag the message as phishing or junk and/or simply delete it. Get a threatening or suspicious phone call supposedly from the IRS? Hang up.

2. Ghost tax prep services

When hiring someone to do your taxes, make sure to use a reputable tax preparation service. A legitimate tax preparer must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and sign your return once complete. Refusing to sign is an indication they could be a ghost tax preparer, only interested in collecting the fee. Another warning sign is requiring a cash payment.

Pro Tip: You can check the credentials of legitimate tax preparers by using the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.

3. Social media scams

Fake tax advice groups and profiles lure people by promising insider tips and bigger refunds, only to phish for sensitive data. These groups often appear legit, and may contact you via direct messages, comments or through seemingly harmless quizzes or surveys. Phishing links disguised as helpful resources or urgent notifications trick users into revealing critical information or downloading malware.

Pro Tip: Privacy settings are your first line of defense against identity theft on social media. These settings control who sees your posts, personal details and even friend lists, which can all be used by cybercriminals. Learn more about staying safe on social media and other tips on LifeLock’s blog.

4. Tax identity theft

Scammers can use information like your SSN, birthdate and employer to file a fraudulent return in your name. Then they can collect your refund and use your information to open credit cards and accounts.

Pro Tip: Get an IP (Identity Protection) PIN, a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS, each year before filing as an added layer of security against thieves. Filing with an incorrect or missing IP PIN will result in the rejection of your e-filed return and it may be flagged for potential fraud until it can be verified. The easiest way to get an IP PIN is to register on the IRS website.

How to protect yourself

Regularly monitor your financial accounts, credit cards and credit scores for unusual activity and fraudulent transactions. If you try filing and are notified that a tax return was already filed in your name, you can complete a paper return and include form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) that provides all the necessary details for the IRS to open an investigation. Request a copy of the fraudulent return to help understand what information was used by the thief.

For additional safeguards during tax season and beyond, consider identity theft protection and restoration services from LifeLock. LifeLock detects and alerts people to possible identity threats, and its dedicated U.S. based Identity Restoration Specialists help people restore their identity if they do become victims. Learn more about protecting your identity at LifeLock.com.

2024-03-19T06:01:00

(BPT) – While many costs may be stabilizing or even slightly decreasing these days, the Consumer Price Index reveals that some prices remain stubbornly high, including basics like rent and many food items. These external circumstances can make it difficult to stay on top of your household finances, even with steady employment. Some things are still in your control, however, including how you manage your budget and work on paying down debt.

Many financial experts recommend taking a proactive approach, and not being afraid to put down on paper what you’re earning, spending and saving to help you reach your goals.

Here are top tips that can make a difference when it comes to managing your money.

1. Create a budget

The word “budget” may sound unpleasant, but if you view it as a simple tool for keeping your finances in order, it doesn’t seem so bad. Simply put, write down what all your income and expenses are over the course of a month or two. Then take a good look at what you’re spending, prioritizing needs like food, rent, utilities, insurance and minimum debt payments.

If it’s clear you’re spending more than you’re earning (or close to it), that means it’s time to cut down on some discretionary expenses — “wants” versus “needs,” like entertainment, gifts, etc. Also review how you’re spending on some of the needs — such as choosing to dine out frequently rather than making dinners at home. Spending less than you earn is key to a workable budget.

To get started, you can find plenty of free online budget templates and tools you can download and use without having to sign up for a budgeting app or service, if you don’t want to do that.

2. Budget for inflation

Unfortunately, the realities of things you can’t control — like inflation — mean that it’s also a good idea to allow for the possibility that prices may go up. For example, you may want to base your allowance for gas to help you get to work every day on what you’ve been paying, but gas prices can go up, especially during the summer, around holidays, or sometimes in response to world events. Adding a cushion into expenses that can be more volatile is a good idea.

3. Reduce your debt

Paying down as much debt as you can — especially higher interest debt — can help you get control of your finances more quickly. Two schools of thought around reducing debt are out there, and either one can work:

• Pay down highest interest debt first: Bottom line, this will reduce the interest you’re paying on debt the fastest, which can mean saving more money in the long run.
• Pay down smallest debts first: Psychologically, this can be very effective. You may see entire debts being erased more quickly, such as store credit cards, which can inspire you to keep going with your efforts (just make sure not to keep using those cards). That also means having fewer payments to track every month.

Whichever approach you take, set aside in your budget an amount that’s over the minimum monthly payment for the debt you’ll focus on first.

4. Pay attention to online spending habits

It can be all too easy to overspend when surfing the web — and easy to lose track of how much you’re spending. One tactic to avoid impulse buys is to give it 24 hours. Don’t click “order now” before thinking about it and reviewing your budget to see how you’re doing. Ask: Do you need this?

Don’t be fooled by sites that say there’s “only one left” or another tactic to urge you to buy on impulse. Chances are, it will not be your last opportunity to buy that product.

5. Save on healthcare expenses with a VSP vision plan

While healthcare expenses overall may seem like another aspect of your budget that’s hard to control, you can make some smarter choices when it comes to your eye health. With VSP^® Individual Vision Plans, for example, you can purchase vision insurance at any time, with no need to wait for an open enrollment period.

You can visit an eye doctor and save with VSP vision insurance, benefiting from 20% savings on additional glasses or sunglasses, including lens enhancements, from a VSP network doctor within 12 months of your last exam. Best yet, you can find the best vision plan for you.

Unsure about what kind of plan you may need? Compare vision plans and find the one that meets your needs.

Making smarter decisions around budgeting, spending and finding ways to save will help you feel better as you work to improve your financial situation. These tips will help you get started.

2024-03-18T11:43:00

(BPT) – By Andréa Backman, President of Strayer University

You’ve probably heard a lot about “the skills gap”—the disparity between the skills an employer expects their employees to have and an employee’s actual skills—and perhaps you even feel that you lack certain skills to advance in your own career.

The skills in demand by the workforce continue to evolve rapidly.

The 2023 LinkedIn Workplace Learning report indicates the skillsets for jobs are likely only going to continue increasing. Specifically, the report claimed skill sets for jobs have already changed by around 25% since 2015. By 2027, this number is expected to double.

The question is, how can working adults continue to acquire the skills they need to support their career goals?

Returning to the classroom can be an intimidating proposition. Between work, family and other obligations, going back to school may present many challenges to working adults. Fortunately, there are several ways you can make today’s technology, your life experience, your job and flexible educational opportunities work for you.

If you are thinking about furthering your education and skills to help advance in your career, here are some questions to consider:

What is your goal? Decide what type of education will help you achieve your goal: Do you need a specific program? Would a certificate suffice? Would a certain credential further your career? What type of program is most achievable, and where will you get the most support?

What type of program is best for working adults? If you plan to work full time while earning a degree or credential, look for an online or hybrid program with flexibility that offers support for working adults. Ask your employer for the time and flexibility you need to complete an education program.

Are you eligible for credit for prior learning (CPL)? If you have prior work or learning experience, research whether you are eligible for credit for prior learning. This could help give you a head start and make it quicker to get to the finish line.

Will your employer support you? Many employers offer tuition assistance programs. Consider talking to your employer about what may be available to you and how furthering your education may help you advance in the organization.

Amid a rising expectation of skill levels for employees, it can be important to seek out continuing education opportunities—both inside and outside of a traditional classroom.

Take advantage of flexible and affordable options to achieve your education goals. Utilizing some of the unique approaches listed above, such as online or hybrid learning, CPL, and tuition assistance programs, can make advancing your skills less intimidating and more attainable.

For more tips to thrive in an ever-changing jobs market, check out the Hire-Ed podcast.

2024-03-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s digital age, the growing portion of our lives taking place online has led to an increased risk of fraud. Cybercriminals are getting smarter and constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. In fact, 2023 was the worst year ever for scams, causing people to lose $10 billion according to the FTC.

Yet, that doesn’t mean you need to panic! New technologies are helping protect individuals from scams before they even happen. And by taking a few simple steps, you can ensure your transactions and personal information are kept secure.

Here are some best practices you can adopt to safeguard yourself from fraud:

Keep Your Devices Updated:

One of the fundamental steps in fortifying your defense against fraud is to ensure that your devices, including smartphones, tablets and computers, are running on the latest operating system and software updates. Developers regularly release security patches and updates to address vulnerabilities, and by keeping your devices up to date, you minimize the risk of falling victim to known security loopholes.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Online Shopping:

Public Wi-Fi networks, while convenient, are hotspots for potential security breaches. Cybercriminals can easily intercept data transmitted over unsecured networks, putting your sensitive information at risk. It’s advisable to avoid making online purchases or accessing your financial accounts when connected to public Wi-Fi. Instead, use a secure and private connection, such as a personal hotspot or a trusted home network, to conduct sensitive transactions.

Use Your Smartphone’s Digital Wallet:

Your smartphone’s digital wallet isn’t just super convenient, but it’s also a more secure way to pay. By setting a unique passcode (that isn’t your address, birthday or phone number) and biometrics (such as facial recognition or fingerprint), your digital wallet will be even more secure than your physical one! Also, be on the lookout for enhancements to wallets that will provide even more features to keep you secure, including by letting users verify identities and manage their data all in one place.

Shop at Reputable Vendors:

When shopping online, it’s crucial to stick to reputable vendors and well-known e-commerce platforms. Be wary of unfamiliar websites that may lack the necessary security measures to protect your personal and financial information. Look for websites with secure payment options, indicated by “https://” in the URL, and familiarize yourself with the vendor’s reputation by reading reviews from other customers.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication:

Enhance the security of your online accounts by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through a secondary method, such as a one-time code sent to their mobile device or email. This additional step makes it significantly more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your login credentials.

Zero-Liability Has Your Back:

Financial institutions that issue Mastercard cards won’t hold consumers responsible for “unauthorized transactions,” provided they are promptly reported and the cardholder used reasonable care in protecting the card from loss or theft. As a Mastercard cardholder, Zero Liability applies to your purchases made in the store, over the telephone, online, or via a mobile device and ATM transactions. With protections like that, paying with your card brings more peace of mind than paying with cash or check.

Mastercard has an entire suite of solutions dedicated to fighting fraud and helping approve genuine transactions. That includes identity solutions that validate you are a genuine person; ID Theft Protection, which provides proactive monitoring and resolution of identity theft threats for U.S. Mastercard cardholders; SafetyNet, which leverages AI and machine learning to detect and address fraud more accurately and more quickly than ever before, and more.

Protecting yourself from fraud requires a combination of awareness, vigilance and proactive measures. By keeping your devices updated, avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, choosing reputable vendors, using multi-factor authentication and paying securely with your card, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent activities. Stay informed, stay cautious and take the necessary steps to fortify your digital defenses in the ever-evolving landscape of online security. Learn more about all the ways Mastercard protects cardholders at https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/safety-security.html.

2024-03-06T17:01:00

(BPT) – While tax filing can often be tedious and complicated as a salaried employee, the process can be even more difficult as an entrepreneur or small business owner. From getting all of the paperwork in order, to ensuring books are up to date, to knowing what to file for … It’s no wonder why many understandably procrastinate starting the process of filing to avoid the headache for as long as possible. As we near the deadline for many LLCs and LLPs to file their taxes on March 15, there are a number of ways business owners who have not filed yet can manage the final stretch.

Maximize your deductions

Making the most of the deductions available to you and your business can put more money in your pocket. This can include expenses related to business operations, like home office supplies, equipment purchases, rent, employee wages, and more. You’ll want to have these expenses reflected on your income statement, which will lower your income taxes. Ideally, you should be tracking these expenses throughout the year, so they’re easily pulled into your filing. If you haven’t done this, make sure to make a note to start doing it now to get ahead next year.

Tap the tools at your disposal

Thirty-seven percent of small businesses report that they struggle with feelings of anxiety and confusion about how to file taxes — one way to reduce this stress is finding tools that can streamline your experience. With so many nuances and rules that apply to small businesses, tapping a resource that can guide you through filing with confidence can be a huge relief. TurboTax Live Business is an easy-to-use solution that uncomplicates the tax process for small business owners filing as an S-corp, partnership, LLC, or sole proprietorship. The two tracks offered through the platform, Assisted or Full Service, provide options for those that need a guided experience with live tax expert support, or would like to simply hand everything off to an expert. Leveraging solutions like this can ease the tensions around tax time and instill trust that you filed accurately. TurboTax offers a 100% accuracy guarantee and audit protection to its Small Business customers.

If you need an extension, file now

After all is said and done, if you’re finding yourself needing more time to get your books together and ready, an extension can be filed. Take a look at the IRS website for more details on how to file for an extension ahead of the March 15 deadline. Solutions like TurboTax Live Business can support your extension filing, either on your own or with the support of an expert, at no cost to you. Take caution, though, if the March 15 deadline is missed, no extensions can be filed and you’ll be subject to a hefty monthly penalty from the IRS until you file.

Don’t let tax time feel daunting. With the right knowledge, tools, and organization, this stressful experience has a light at the end of the tunnel. To learn more about TurboTax Live Business offerings, see here.

2024-03-06T08:01:01

(BPT) – On the heels of your 2024 New Year’s resolution and with tax season kicking off, it is the perfect time to focus on your fiscal fitness! According to CNBC 62% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Creating small money changes and smart financial habits can help them kick-start their financial progress.

So if you are one of the many Americans who avoid thinking about their financial situation until tax season hits, check out these eight tips for taking advantage of the hidden opportunities this season offers.

Determine if you need help from a pro. Even if you think your taxes are as straightforward as they come, consider finding a tax expert to take a look. Today, there is so much information available online that it can feel overwhelming to do your taxes and ensure they are done correctly. There are many skilled, experienced tax professionals out there, so don’t be afraid to get a second set of eyes on your taxes.

Don’t forget about those deductions and credits. Do you have any student loans that you are working to pay off? If so, now is the time to claim a student loan interest deduction. Did you make a charitable donation this year? Or start working for yourself? Make sure you’re getting all the deductions and credits you have a right to claim.

Staying organized will help you in the long run. Get yourself a filing folder and keep any tax-related paperwork in there. From your W2 to any write-off-related receipts, stash the appropriate documents and save them until you are ready to tackle your taxes.

File on time. This will eliminate any late filing penalties and fees. Many people don’t realize that the IRS can charge interest on owed payments, so get ahead and avoid those charges! If you think you’ll need more time to pay, you can request a tax extension using Form 4868.

Talk with the IRS. If you owe money this year, be realistic about what you need to do to take care of that. Promptly reach out to the IRS and set up a payment plan that works for your budget. This way, you’re not forking over a big chunk of change all at once, maybe at the expense of paying other bills or contributing to savings.

Plan to save at least part of your refund. If you’re getting a refund, that’s awesome! You may be tempted to treat yourself a little. Go ahead, you’ve earned it. But plan on saving part of that windfall, say 25%. Consider it an opportunity to supplement your emergency fund, or tackle some credit card debt that has been weighing you down.

Sign up for direct deposit of your refund. With a banking app like Chime, you may get your federal tax refund up to six days early¹ with direct deposit. The process is easy. You’ll need to open a Chime Checking Account, and simply add the account and routing numbers on the tax forms when you file, indicating direct deposit, and Chime will alert you when it’s there. Chime members can get their paychecks up to two days early² with direct deposit, accounts with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, fee-free overdrafts up to $200³, a Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card⁴, and more. These services have led Chime to be the #1 most loved banking app⁵.

Know your tax terms. The first step in making the most of your taxes is knowing the language. Some of the most commonly used and confusing terms include:

• Above-the-line deduction, which allows you to decrease the amount of taxes you owe. Student loan interest, health savings account (HSA) contributions and tuition all qualify.
• Adjusted gross income is your total annual income, including wages, tips, interest, dividends and capital gains, minus deductions.
• Earned income tax credit is a refundable tax credit designed for low-to-moderate earners. Your income needs to be less than $63,398 to qualify.

Making progress on your financial goals can feel daunting, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. Habits over time will help you make progress, and a great way to start is to minimize your tax burden and maximize your return this tax season.

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa^® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.

This guide is for informational purposes only. Chime does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice. You should check with your legal, financial, or tax advisor for advice specific to your situation. Your state or local unemployment agency is responsible for making all determinations on your eligibility for unemployment benefits. Please contact your state or local unemployment agency if you have questions.

1 Chime does not guarantee timing of refund. Six day refund estimate is based on 2022 tax year filing data. Refund timing estimates are dependent upon timing of complete tax return submission and other requirements.

2 Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

3 SpotMe^® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical Chime Visa^® Debit Card or secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card.

Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

4 To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

5 #1 Most Loved Banking App Source: Chime received the highest 2023 Qualtrics^® NPS score.

2024-02-27T08:01:01

(BPT) – Public safety policy development is an inherently complex process that is often misunderstood. Many people outside public safety believe federal and state governments provide policies to law enforcement agencies and other first responder departments. The reality is that fire, police and emergency medical services agencies must develop their own policies using legislation, court decisions and federal, state and local laws.

While policy development is a challenge for public safety agencies, it also represents an opportunity. In many municipalities, trust between the community and public safety, especially law enforcement, is lacking. Involving community members in policy development allows first responders to foster meaningful relationships with the community. This partnership can build mutual understanding of the legitimacy and effectiveness of public safety policies.

A collaborative approach to public safety policy review and development also provides diverse experiences and voices that reflect the community’s values, concerns and priorities. By incorporating various perspectives from the community, fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies can develop policies that better serve the needs of the people they protect, fostering trust and collaboration for a safer future.

The challenge lies in how to effectively incorporate community members into policy review.

5 key questions

To help public safety agencies and their communities, Lexipol — a leader in policy, training and wellness support for first responders and public servants — has identified five key questions for agencies to answer when bringing community members into the policy review process:

1. What are we trying to accomplish? Before starting, all parties must agree on the purpose of the review process. If community members come into the process expecting to completely rewrite policy, they will be disappointed. At the same time, public safety leaders can’t look at this as a “check the box” process where no meaningful changes will be made.
2. Who should be involved? Community members chosen for policy review should represent diverse perspectives and populations. As nearly all policy review committees are volunteer, they must be able to make a time commitment and a good faith commitment to the process.
3. How should policy review be conducted? Lexipol recommends setting guidelines for the policy review process. For example, how will the committee reconcile differing recommendations? Also key is to focus the discussion on the needs and existing situation of the specific community. Too many policy discussions are derailed by emotional reactions to high-profile events in other communities.
4. What policies should be reviewed? Most public safety agencies have policy manuals with hundreds of policies. Selecting the ones that matter most to community members will expedite the review process and make the most of the volunteer reviewers’ time.
5. What types of changes should be considered? Lexipol recommends looking at all proposed changes through a three-part lens: Is the policy change applicable, practical and functional? For instance, a community review board may suggest that all body camera footage be released immediately following incidents. That change is well-meaning, but unlikely to meet the practicality test, as issues of redaction, privacy and storage must be reconciled.

A strong starting point

Key to an effective policy review process involving the public is having a well-written, legally vetted process in place for the review board to work with. Lexipol public safety policy services and policy management software help law enforcement, corrections, fire and rescue, and local government by providing a starting point for policy development. The company provides comprehensive policies researched and written by public sector attorneys, practitioners and subject matter experts, then works with agencies to tailor policies to each community’s specific needs.

As part of policy development services, Lexipol can help agencies design and implement a community review process. From establishing a committee to providing basic training to committee members, agencies will have the tools to involve their communities in public safety policy review and creation. Lexipol’s platform allows users to involve community stakeholders so they can provide feedback during the process.

While policy reform can be a fraught and divisive subject, at the end of the day, first responders and community stakeholders want the same thing: safer and more resilient communities. To learn more about how Lexipol’s policy services and online platform are helping achieve those goals, visit Lexipol.com.

2024-02-22T13:57:00

(BPT) – At Walmart, we are relentlessly driven by a single mission: to help people live better. We understand that in today’s fast-paced world, time is precious. Our customers are busy juggling work, family, activities and responsibilities. We are dedicated to providing a shopping experience that suits their needs and lifestyles and allows them a little extra free time in between.

Since 2013, we have been on a journey to bring more convenience to our customers’ shopping experience. That’s when we rolled out curbside pickup. And we’ve had our foot on the gas ever since, growing our offerings to include doorstep and InHome delivery, unlimited free delivery with Walmart+ and Express Delivery for customers who need their items at lightning speed. We’ve expanded our pickup and delivery windows for our night owl customers who need their items well after the sun goes down. Now we’re doing the same for the early birds with the launch of Early Morning Delivery starting on demand at 6 a.m.

We know how much our customers and Walmart+ members love the convenience of having hundreds of thousands of items at their fingertips, all within a few taps on their phone using the Walmart app. This expanded offering provides customers with even greater flexibility, allowing them to receive their orders bright and early. If your skillet burns your dinner one night, you can have a new one at your door by breakfast. It’s game day, and you realize you’re out of laundry detergent? Your order is ready – and that uniform is spotless – well before the first whistle. To order, customers can log on to the Walmart app or Walmart.com and select delivery. When the order is ready, a driver will bring the order to the customer’s location during the delivery window that they choose.

We believe that shopping should be a personal experience. That’s why we offer features that allow our customers and Walmart+ members to save their favorite items for easy future shopping. So, whether you need new earbuds, medicine when a fever hits, or a gift for an unexpected party, completing a shopping list has never been easier. And with our Online Pickup and Delivery services, available at more than 4,000 stores nationwide, we’re providing unparalleled flexibility to our customers – now earlier than ever because, well, it was about time.