Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

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.

2024-02-21T08:09:00

(BPT) – Who wants to be the boss? Just 3 in 10 Americans say they aspire to hold a C-suite role, according to new research from Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing, and advice. Out of all generations, millennials show the highest interest in becoming a top executive (39%), though nearly a third of people don’t want their job description to change — even if it means sacrificing a promotion or raise.

The study reveals that the number one driver of job satisfaction is money (67%), which Americans say trumps being rewarded for loyalty and longevity at a company (40%), recognition for the job performed (34%) and being an inspiring leader or leading by example (32%).

The paycheck paradox

For some, there may be a paycheck paradox — a chicken or the egg dilemma: 38% (and 55% of Gen Z) believe they don’t get paid enough to go above and beyond their current job description. At the same time, nearly 1 in 4 people say they’re not working at full capacity, and nothing will motivate them to work harder (23% overall, 37% Gen Z).

More Americans plan to increase their contributions to their retirement savings in 2024 (34%) than ask for a promotion (23%) or quit to find a higher paying job (14%). Of all generations, Gen Z is looking to make more money by “job zwitching” (16%).

So, if people are placing less focus on rising through the ranks, what do people value at work? Let’s take a closer look.

What’s on the Workplace Wishlist?

Respondents point to greater access to financial advice and benefits as topping the list; over 2 in 5 Americans (44%) wish their employer offered more one-on-one financial help.

• Advice advantage: 39% say their employer doesn’t offer enough financial planning support. Half (48%) say financial coaching is a major must-have and 52% wish their job would provide more financial literacy opportunities.
• Retirement roll: 71% of Americans say retirement plan matching is an important employee benefit and over half (54%) wish their job automatically enrolled them into a 401(k) plan.
• Betting on a bonus: Bonuses are important to 75% of Americans, though nearly 1 in 5 respondents (17%) say their employer doesn’t offer one. One in 4 put their annual bonus toward essential items (24%), savings (44%), and retirement (28%), though 32% plan to spend it on a vacation.
• The big flex: 48% say they’d be willing to go back to the office if their employer offered a four-day work week — just 6% would be willing to take a pay cut to go remote. On the flip side, 1 in 4 Americans (26%) say if their employer asks them to go back to the office more this year, they’ll quit.
• Paycheck principles: When it comes to salary/compensation goals in 2024, Americans are focused on making enough money to pay their bills on time (45%) and to retire when they want to (39%). Over 1 in 4 want to make enough to avoid working multiple jobs.

Top money goals for the year ahead

Inflation and cost of living continue to be top concerns for Americans, as 6 in 10 say their income isn’t keeping up with rising prices. These economic concerns far outweigh worries about the job market (7%) or career growth (4%).

Despite these challenges, just a third (31%) plan on asking for a raise this year, and the trend of “quiet quitting” seems to be waning: 9% plan to employ this strategy in the year ahead. Some 44% feel they make enough money to live comfortably, and overall, Americans feel optimistic, with 58% of respondents believing they will continue to make more money in the future.

Access the full report on The Currency™.

Methodology: This study is based on online survey responses from 1,117 Americans ages 18+ commissioned by Empower and fielded by Morning Consult from January 3-4, 2024.

2024-02-12T09:07:00

(BPT) – According to results from a national survey¹ released by Wells Fargo and Ipsos, Americans helped their neighbors on average six times in the last year without expecting anything in return and 77% did so at least once. Furthermore, 73% of Americans strive to support their communities by shopping local, and on average, shopped at or supported a local small business 11 times in the last year.

The survey showed they want to do more. More than half of Americans would like to volunteer more time (57%) and donate more money (57%) to local organizations; and 53% wish they knew where to go to learn which organizations in their community are looking for volunteers or donations.

“As The Bank of Doing, we have an important responsibility to help strengthen the communities we serve — and we’re glad to see our fellow neighbors are taking action to help others, too,” said Kristy Fercho, Head of Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion at Wells Fargo. “Doing goes far beyond the investments we make. It is the sum of the impact we have when we work together to tackle societal challenges.”

Wells Fargo commissioned the online survey of more than 5,000 adults in the U.S. to understand how Americans give back and what they prioritize most in their communities. The survey is part of The Bank of Doing campaign, which reinforces Wells Fargo’s longstanding commitment to putting people and communities first.

How would you spend $1 million to help your community?

In another question, those surveyed were asked how they would spend $1 million if given that amount to improve their communities. Americans answered — on average, they’d allocate the most money toward affordable housing investments.

Overall, they believe their local community needs additional financial investment in the availability of affordable housing (70%), the condition of roads and sidewalks (69%), and support for small businesses (67%).

The good news is Americans also believe progress has already been made in their communities. For example, many indicated they are satisfied that their local communities have made improvements in small business support (60%), internet infrastructure (60%), and job creation (46%).

Since 2019, Wells Fargo has donated $525 million to help address housing affordability, including supporting available and affordable rentals, homeownership, and housing stability.

Additionally, The Bank of Doing has funded $107 million in higher education scholarships and programming for diverse communities and has donated about $420 million to organizations that support small businesses through its Open for Business Fund, a recovery effort created in July 2020. That initiative has impacted a projected 178,000 small businesses to help them create or preserve more than 222,000 jobs.

For more information, visit www.wellsfargo.com/impact.

¹ An online survey was conducted among 7,067 total adults age 18+ from the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii by Ipsos on behalf of Wells Fargo from May 31 through June 15, 2023. The sample consisted of 5,077 adults 18+, divided evenly across each state in the U.S., for a minimum of 100 respondents from each state, and 1990 adults 18+, within 14 targeted media markets within the U.S. Weights were applied to national and state data cuts to match the Census on age, gender, region, race/ethnicity, and income. The targeted markets were also weighted to Census data on age, gender, race/ethnicity, and household income.

The precision of Ipsos online non-probability polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 1.4 percentage points for all respondents, plus or minus 1.7 percentage points for the national sample, and a range of 11.0-12.0 percentage points for the individual states.

2024-02-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – When imagining your next vacation, ask yourself: What kind of traveler are you? Recent research and various travel experts have identified popular types of travelers according to their preferences, beliefs, and destination “must-haves.” Recognizing where you may fit in one of these categories can help you discover the perfect destination for your next travel adventure. Read on to learn more about three of the top traveler categories, along with a great location that will fit your unique travel preferences.

Once you’ve found the perfect destination, make your travel experience more enjoyable with a travel credit card so you can take advantage of amazing benefits and earn points toward your next trip. For example, from now until April 3, 2024, new Chase IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Cardmembers can earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening, and new Chase IHG One Traveler Credit Cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first three months from account opening.

With these offers, many ways to earn points through everyday purchases on the cards, and other benefits, you’ll be able to get going on your perfect trip even faster, no matter where it is.

Pop Culture Enthusiasts

Are you motivated to visit locales featured in your favorite movies or TV shows? You may just be a pop culture enthusiast. In fact, 86% of travelers surveyed by Skyscanner were inspired by destinations in movies or TV, with 33% of U.S. travelers wanting to “experience Paris” like their favorite TV show character. You may also enjoy following current media trends and major cultural events — and you’re always looking for places that are “Insta-worthy.”

For anyone in this category, a Paris voyage would be high on your list, especially with some major sporting events in 2024 top of mind. The “City of Love” is not only the fashion capital of the world, but its iconic landmarks, romantic river bridges and picturesque architecture also make it a very Instagrammable locale.

You can make your stay even more memorable by booking a luxury central Paris hotel such as IHG Hotels & Resorts^®‘ Kimpton St. Honoré or InterContinental Paris – Le Grand. And the Chase IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card can make international travel simpler; cardmembers can receive a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to the card.

Wellness Wanderers

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves nothing more strenuous than walking from your massage to the pool, you could be a wellness wanderer. These travelers consider trips primarily as opportunities to rejuvenate and refresh. A whopping 94% of travelers want to incorporate self-care into their trips this year, and 29% are interested in traveling for wellness.

These kinds of vacations never feel long enough, but when Chase IHG One Rewards Premier and Traveler Credit Cardmembers redeem IHG One Rewards points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay, they receive the fourth Reward Night free (redeemable at that same hotel during that same stay), making extra time for rest and relaxation easier.

Wellness wanderers want to spend their well-deserved time away at tranquil, remote locations where they can take advantage of natural surroundings to enhance their wellness. For example, the Holiday Inn Express Sedona – Oak Creek is located in a quiet, scenic area with Arizona’s famed red sandstone canyons as its backdrop, offering a pool and proximity to plenty of spas for a relaxing, peaceful getaway.

Sustainable Travelers

Are you concerned about the economic or environmental impacts of traveling? If so, you may be a sustainable traveler. In 2023, 69% actively sought sustainable travel options, and Google searches for “sustainable travel” have increased 226% over the last five years. Sustainable travelers want to explore nature and seek places to stay that provide a sustainable infrastructure and opportunities to give back to local communities.

Did you know Melbourne, Australia, was named the most sustainable city in the world? With over 480 parks, this beautiful city offers tours with sustainability or conservation-focused guides. You could also plan your stay at voco Melbourne Central, which embodies sustainability through beds made of recycled materials as well as bedding made from recycled plastic and biodegradable materials.

No matter what profile you fit or what city you choose, IHG^® Hotels and Resorts has just the right stay for you. With a growing portfolio of 19 brands and over 6,000 hotels across the globe, every type of traveler will be able to find a spot that checks off all their must-haves.

And with all of the rewards that help Chase IHG One Rewards Cardmembers get the most out of their travels, you could enjoy your next trip that much more. Visit chase.com/ihgcards to learn more about current offers.

Chase credit cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer subject to change.

2024-02-06T16:46:40

(BPT) – By Mary Hines Droesch, Head of Consumer, Small Business & Wealth Management Banking and Lending Products

If you’ve been grocery shopping lately, you’ve probably cursed inflation under your breath. With rising food prices, it’s no wonder why Bank of America’s recent publication, Bank of America Spend Scape: Decoding 2023’s Consumer Credit and Debit Card Spending Frontiers and the Road Ahead, shows that groceries were Americans’ biggest expenditure last year. But rising prices on necessities didn’t stop consumers from seeking experiences to enjoy.

As consumers continued to be resilient in 2023, they made time for fun. From vacations across Europe to catching iconic pop stars on stage to going all-out in pink to see their favorite childhood toy come to life on the big screen, travel and entertainment spending increased by 7% year-over-year (YoY). Travel and entertainment weren’t the only experiences consumers prioritized last year: restaurants (2%) and fitness and grooming services (3%) spending also increased YoY.

Compared to 2022, spending on many material goods dropped — consumers spent less on electronics, furnishings and appliances (-9%) and sporting and fitness goods (-4%). Last year’s spending patterns clearly showed that consumers prioritized making memories over splurging on nonessential items — but what will 2024 bring?

This year, consumers may pull back slightly on experiential spending to pursue stronger financial stability. In a recent survey, Bank of America asked Americans to share their financial resolutions for 2024. Many respondents plan to continue seeking out travel (29% have resolutions to take vacations), but maintaining financial wellness is a top goal as well (45% want to increase their savings, and 30% want to pay off credit cards).

If these resolutions sound familiar, and you’re hoping to spend responsibly without compromising on fun, you’re in luck. We’ve got some tips for how you may be able to stretch your money further — so you can spend with intention, practice self-care and make memories to last a lifetime.

1. Don’t leave fun out of your budget. The new year is the perfect time to refresh your budget. Start by evaluating how much money you expect to come in and go out each month. Then make a list of all the things you plan to regularly spend on. For example, some Americans plan to prioritize their spending on groceries (51%) and personal wellness (35%) this year. Next, make a list of all of your anticipated “wants” — whether it’s a beach vacation or a new pair of shoes. Getting your needs and wants on paper can help you identify areas you may need to cut back on to afford your basics, and if you’re like 42% of Americans, you may deprioritize dining out and ordering takeout this year. Lastly, with your needs and wants in mind, utilize the 50/30/20 rule. Take 50% of your after-tax income to cover your needs, 30% to cover your wants and take 20% to put toward your savings. Just like how prices of basic needs fluctuate, your budget will, too — so make sure you take a look at it monthly and adjust as needed.

2. Keep an eye out for deals. Make extra room in your budget by utilizing deals not only for your wants, but also for your needs. Make sure you sign up for newsletters and rewards programs at all of your favorite places like grocery stores, airlines, movie theaters and more. Finding deals for basic goods and activities you already have carved out in your budget will allow you to save more in the long run. Even check to see what perks your bank may offer you such as loyalty and cash back programs as well as free activities to take advantage of around your city.

3. Use a rewards card to make your money work for you. As you spend throughout 2024, consider using a flexible rewards credit card like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card, which allows cardholders to earn 3% cash back in one of six spending categories of their choice each month, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. With this card in your wallet, you can easily adapt to shifts in your lifestyle and routine so that no matter what you’re prioritizing this year, you can still maximize rewards earnings — all without needing to change cards. Whether your category of choice is online shopping, travel or simply purchases at drug stores, you can choose to use your redeemed cash back to offset future purchases — like expenses during a trip or treating yourself at your favorite coffee shop. In 2023, Customized Cash Rewards cardholders earned an average of $250 cash back per account!

If you’re looking to get a solid financial footing in 2024 but don’t want to miss out on memory-making, the tips above and some careful planning can help you get the best of both worlds.

2024-02-05T08:03:00

(BPT) – Financial skills are some of the most important lessons you can teach your children. It’s especially critical to talk with teens and young adults in college who are starting to make decisions that can impact their financial wellness for the rest of their life. And teens want to have this conversation — according to a recent College Ave survey of college students, parents rank as the number one resource where students get their personal finance information.

By teaching your kids good money habits and helping them with key steps like building good credit, you can give them a solid foundation for future financial success. If you haven’t already, have these six financial talks and take action to help your child thrive financially now and as an adult.

Budgeting

According to the College Ave survey, only around half of college students (49%) understand how to budget. Even if teens don’t have any real expenses, teaching them how to manage money is essential. Start by helping them create a simple budget, even if it’s just for their allowance. Because teens love technology, consider budgeting online through an app or via a shared document. Teach kids that making a plan for their money is a priority and soon they’ll understand how empowering a budget can be.

Saving

Saving money regularly is a fundamental habit and helps teach them about compound interest and having your money work for you. Consider encouraging your teen to do automatic saving deposits with their paychecks, so it becomes part of their regular financial habits. Savings is also a valuable tool to teach delayed gratification when they save for something they really want over time and then pay for it themselves.

Emergency fund

As your young adult takes on more responsibility, there’s bound to be unexpected expenses. To ensure those don’t derail their finances, discuss the importance of having an emergency fund. This is money that sits untouched unless there is an urgent expense. Having an emergency fund can reduce stress and helps your child avoid going into debt when things like car repairs, medical bills and other sudden expenses occur.

Building credit history

Building good credit is significant because it sets the stage for future financial success for things like apartment leases, car loans and more. Make sure young adults understand what it means to have good credit and help them get started. One easy way to build credit history is to get the Ambition Card by College Ave. This secured credit card helps college students build their credit history safely and easily without worry about overspending or going into debt. Plus, there’s no credit check, interest charges or late fees.

Secured credit cards

How does a secured credit card like the Ambition Card work? Unlike traditional unsecured credit cards, which rely solely on your creditworthiness, secured credit cards require a cash deposit by the parent or child. For example, if you deposit $500, your credit limit would be $500. Use the card to make on-time payments that are reported to the three credit bureaus, which helps build good credit.

Interest

At some point in your child’s life, they will have to take out a loan. Having good credit will help them get better terms for interest and repayment, which ultimately will help them save money. Help your kid understand that interest is the cost of borrowing money. Consider sharing your car payment or mortgage statement to show them how the costs break down.

As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your child. By teaching them about financial wellness, you’ll help them succeed throughout life by giving them the confidence to make smart money choices.

Note the Ambition Card is designed to help you build your credit history; however, a variety of factors impact your credit including payment history, utilization, derogatory marks, account age, total number of accounts, and inquiries—not all factors are equally weighted. 0% APR.

Account is subject to a monthly account fee of $2, account fee is waived for the initial six-monthly billing cycles.

College Ave is not a bank. Banking services provided by, and the College Ave Mastercard Charge Card is issued by Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.

2024-02-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Despite today’s challenging economic climate, the majority of Americans feel economically empowered and continue to strive for their professional goals, but there are generational differences, with Gen Z and millennials feeling more confident than Gen X and baby boomers.

According to a survey commissioned by Herbalife, 55% of Americans are currently taking steps to feel more economically empowered. In fact, 73% of respondents said that starting their own business or partaking in freelance work feels like the only way to become economically empowered.

The study, which surveyed 2,000 Americans and 5,000 international respondents from 6 different countries, defined economic empowerment as providing people with the education, training and skills that they need to find a job, earn an income and become self-supporting.

Economic realities

According to survey findings, 78% of Americans are more aware of their economic situation in the past five years, with almost half (47%) attributing it to the pandemic.

“In recent years, Americans have faced a number of barriers to achieving economic empowerment such as inflation, business closures and unfair lending processes. Providing more opportunities for economic empowerment is essential for all,” said Humbi Calleja, vice president and general manager of Herbalife, North America.

Nevertheless, Americans are hopeful. In fact, 67% believe that they will be economically empowered in the future.

Finding economic opportunities

The new year is the ideal time to embrace economic empowerment and set goals. Of those Americans taking steps to become more empowered, 40% are educating themselves about personal finance, budgeting, investing and managing debt.

The survey also revealed generational differences. For example, Gen Z and millennials are the most likely to currently feel economically empowered (66% and 70%, respectively) compared to 51% of Gen X and 52% of American baby boomers.

Interestingly, over half of both Gen Z and millennials have a side hustle compared to 35% of Gen X and only 7% of baby boomers.

“There are many opportunities available for people looking to achieve economic empowerment by starting their own business,” said Ibi Montesino, executive vice president, chief of staff, Herbalife. “For example, network marketing allows you to start a business at a manageable cost, plus receive ongoing training, resources and support.”

Calleja and Montesino suggest these tips to help people take steps toward economic empowerment:

Improve your financial literacy: Learn more about effectively managing, saving and investing your money. This can include budgeting, eliminating debt, buying insurance, exploring investments and creating retirement savings plans.

Set clear financial goals: Goals should be specific, measurable and achievable for your short-term and long-term future, including saving money regularly and paying off debts. Creating goals can help you turn vision into reality.

Invest in education and skill development: By attending continued education like on-the-job training, online and certification courses, you are investing in yourself and your future. This demonstrates your commitment to your personal and professional growth, which can lead to better career prospects and financial rewards.

Start your own business or side hustle: Today, almost half of Americans have a side hustle outside of their day job to generate additional income. Consider your interests and options to set yourself up for success.

Work to build strong personal and professional networks: Having strong connections in your personal and professional life offers many benefits. You have access to support, mentors, opportunities and so much more.

Now is the ideal time to set yourself up for professional success and take steps toward economic empowerment. To learn more about starting a new business and earning some extra income, visit Herbalife.com.

2024-01-31T16:15:00

(BPT) – Running a business of any size is complex. Logistics, finances, employee management and more are always top of mind. But a business is more than just processes and spreadsheets — organizations can also be a positive force in their communities and for people in need.

Giving back is a Core Value at ABC Supply Co., Inc., the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and other select exterior and interior building products in North America. That’s why they have recommitted to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses with another $3 million pledge to Make-A-Wish America. Since becoming a national partner in 2020, ABC Supply has helped grant the wishes of more than 400 children nationwide.

Helping children with critical illness

Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with a critical illness — and every day Make-A-Wish grants more than 15 wishes to these amazing children. This would not be possible without a generous network of donors, partners and volunteers, such as ABC Supply.

“Giving back is at the heart of our business and culture,” said Mike Jost, chief operating officer of ABC Supply. “Make-A-Wish is an extraordinary organization, and we’re so happy to continue supporting their mission and efforts to grant wishes and deliver hope to many more deserving children.”

ABC Supply shared some of the important efforts the company has made to support Make-A-Wish:

Sky Carp Make-A-Wish event

ABC Supply and the Beloit Sky Carp Minor League Baseball in Wisconsin partnered to host a fun and meaningful Make-A-Wish Night at ABC Supply Stadium in August 2023. With a raffle, prizes and sports memorabilia, there was something to entice everyone. The Sky Carp players even wore special jerseys that were auctioned off following the game. Make-A-Wish kids in attendance were given the star treatment and were guests of honor at the event.

Eden’s she-shed

Eden is a 7-year-old sickle cell warrior. While much of her day-to-day routine is filled with doctors’ appointments and medications, she still finds ways to be joyful and creative amidst the chaos. After taking some time to think through what her wish might be, she shared that she wanted a space of her own to craft, read, play chess, cross-stitch and make jewelry with her friends. ABC Supply helped make this girl’s vision come to life with a she-shed space that is as unique and special as she is.

Belle’s dragon

Wish kid Belle is a 14-year-old with bone cancer who has always wanted her own “pet robotic dragon.” Earlier this year, her wish and imagination came to life when she was surprised with her 15-pound pet dragon at a massive 15th-century-style castle. The castle experience took place via virtual reality (VR) and transported Belle to a fantastical place far, far away, where she saw her dragon for the first time. When she removed the VR headset, her pet dragon was there by her side.

Blaize’s play structure

At only eight months old, Blaize was diagnosed with infant leukemia. For more than a year and a half, he was in and out of treatment. His cancer reoccurred at 14 months and he had to undergo a risky bone marrow transplant surgery. Blaize’s surgery was successful, and at 18 months old, he was finally able to return to the comfort of home. His family worked closely with Make-A-Wish, and with the help of ABC Supply, created a backyard play space just right for him.