Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2023-10-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re in school, just graduating, or seeking a career change, your best bet is to consider positions that are in a growing field. One great example: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs such as information security analysts who focus on cybersecurity are estimated to grow 35% between 2021 and 2031.[1]

Why is cybersecurity such a big deal? Due to fast-growing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and quantum computing, companies large and small are understaffed and ill-equipped to handle these rapid technological changes and the security threats involved — or their current staff may be in dire need of upskilling just to keep up with this accelerated evolution.

While the U.S. government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is marking the 20th anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October with the theme, “It’s easy to stay safe online,” the truth about cybersecurity is much more complicated. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts damages of $8 trillion due to cybercrime globally this year alone. Organizations and businesses of all sizes continue to be victims of cybercrime, so the need to hire well-educated cybersecurity professionals with up-to-date knowledge and skills has never been greater.

“The number of unfilled roles in cybersecurity grew 350% between 2013 and 2021. At the same time, cybersecurity attacks continue to rise with over 800,000 known attacks a year. This affects day-to-day lives, our economy, and our national security,” said DeVry University’s Chief Information Security Officer, Fred Kwong. “Higher education institutions and businesses must strive to make cybersecurity education and career pathways available to everyone. Without enough talent to quickly fill these roles, companies will continue to be at risk of these attacks.”

Moreover, the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) bring new opportunities as well as challenges to the field of cybersecurity. For instance, AI’s power capabilities to make the most technologically savvy tasks easier for anyone to perform will give way to an increase in threat actors, around-the-clock breaching attempts, and more realistic, personable attack vectors. Thus, future cybersecurity professionals will need to know how to leverage tools for network monitoring and AI-powered threat detection to defend their organizations.

How can you learn the skills needed to join this field?

If pursuing a career in information technology and cybersecurity sounds exciting, here is one option to help you get started.

Future Cyber Defenders Scholars Program at DeVry University

Designed to help students pursuing cybersecurity programs and preparing to pursue technology careers, the Future Cyber Defenders Scholars Program offered exclusively to DeVry University and Keller students gives you the resources and support you need to prepare to stand out as a cybersecurity professional.

In this program, eligible undergraduate and graduate students can:

• Learn about training, events, conferences and networking opportunities hosted by leading industry organizations.
• Earn badges for completing leadership series courses and access industry-relevant content through LibGuide.
• Have opportunities to participate on DeVry’s National Cyber League competition team and join DeVry’s National Chapter of the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).
• Get the cybersecurity career support you need with access to job search resources and opportunities, including internships, apprenticeships and full-time positions.

Enrollment in the Scholars Program

Students who meet all the following initial eligibility criteria will be automatically enrolled in the Future Cyber Defenders Scholars Program:

• Individual is a new, readmitted, resuming or continuing student
• Student is enrolled in or will be enrolled in an eligible cybersecurity program
• Student meets DeVry Admission and/or Keller Entrance requirements

Interested? Visit DeVry.edu for more information.

Leading the way with AI learning

Striving to fulfill their mission to prepare learners to thrive in a technology-driven workforce, DeVry University’s unique Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab will help transform academic potential into academic performance and advance learner ambition. DeVry is also reinforcing its commitment to helping close the opportunity gap by providing education tailored to address the needs of the AI-driven workplace, including a course in AI and machine learning (ML) which is now embedded in six degrees and two certificate programs.

“The exponential growth of AI is reshaping industries across the board, impacting the way we work, and we must empower our workforce with the skills to not just adapt but thrive,” said Chief Information Officer Chris Campbell, DeVry University. “Our goal is to equip individuals at any career stage with the knowledge and expertise to leverage AI effectively. By doing so, we create a workforce that can harness AI’s power to drive innovation and efficiency across all sectors.”

To learn more, check out DeVry’s AI Resource Center at DeVry.edu/ai-resource-center.

2023-10-03T18:01:00

(BPT) – The business world can be a stressful place. When working as a business executive, you can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a leader in a world that requires relentless multitasking and decision-making. Inevitably, you’ll feel burnt out.

While you may not be able to eliminate all the responsibilities and stressors in your life, you can incorporate mindfulness practices to help you better manage your thoughts and emotions. For example, practicing yoga and meditation can help you find moments of calm and clarity even on the most hectic workday. Check out these three benefits of yoga and meditation that can help business executives thrive and become better leaders.

1. Reduce stress

Stress is an ever-present co-worker for many executives. Between deadlines, managing teams and making important decisions, you can feel like you’re in a constant state of tension. Integrating yoga and meditation practices into your routine can help you reduce stress. Even just a few minutes a day can make a huge difference.

According to the American Psychological Association, researchers have found that mindfulness meditation changes a person’s brain and biology to improve mental and physical health. Whether you practice breathing exercises, yoga or a guided session, mindfulness meditation can help you reduce and manage stress at home and in the office.

2. Improve focus

Yoga and meditation are a great way to improve your focus. By focusing on your breath and the task at hand, whether it’s a yoga position or a meditative mantra, you can clear your mind. Without the mental clutter, you can see the big picture clearly, allowing you to make strategic decisions that benefit your team.

This improved focus isn’t just a result of relieving stress and settling your mind. It can actually change the way your brain works. According to University Health News, researchers have found that yoga can greatly affect neural patterns in the brain, improving your ability to concentrate and focus. The next time you find yourself stuck on a problem or unable to concentrate on a project or proposal, take a few minutes to do a quick yoga flow or five-minute meditation.

3. Enhance leadership skills

To be an effective and inspiring leader, it takes more than smarts. Great business executives and managers must also have high emotional intelligence (EI), that is, the ability to monitor your own and others’ feelings and emotions and use that information to guide your decisions.

While some people are naturally gifted with EI, you can build this skill and improve your leadership skills through mindfulness practices. According to a study published in the IIMB Management Review Journal, practicing yoga and yogic meditation can enhance someone’s EI and improve managerial performance. Add yoga and meditation to your managerial toolbox and see how improving your EI changes your managerial style and positively impacts your projects and team members.

Start or deepen your practice to thrive

These are just three of the many benefits of yoga and meditation. By investing in your mental and emotional health through yoga and meditation, you can become a more effective business leader while balancing your work and personal life.

Whether you’re new to yoga and meditation or want to deepen your practice, check out the teachings of practitioners like Keiko Aikawa’s Himalayan Siddha Meditation workshop.

Aikawa is known as the “Yogmata,” a supreme Himalayan saint who has reached the final stage of yoga and meditation called “samadhi” (equivalent to nirvana in Buddhism). She is the first female saint in history to reach samadhi.

Her books “108 Teachings,” “Empty Your Mind and Achieve Your Dreams,” and “The Road to Enlightenment” are great resources for developing and deepening your yoga and meditation practices. You can also attend her upcoming workshop in New York and learn her teachings and breathwork firsthand. To learn more, visit yogmata.net/en_darshan.

2023-10-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Consumer demand for sustainable cotton is at an all-time high. But for farmers, sustainability isn’t just a word on a clothing tag. It’s a dedication that begins before a single seed is planted.

When weather, pest and disease pressure close in on a cotton crop, ready to steal yield and profits, how do farmers across the globe meet this ever-increasing demand for sustainable cotton?

This question, and the conversations it spurred, were at the forefront of ‘United for the Biggest Job on Earth,’ an event hosted by BASF Agricultural Solutions at the United Nations headquarters on September 12.

“We’re here today because BASF is committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and there is no greater person to help us address those challenges than our farmers,” said Ray Daniels, BASF Seed Sustainability Manager.

The two-hour event was led by Daniels and Jessica Monserrate, Head of Sustainability for BASF. Five cotton farmers from Greece and five cotton farmers from the U.S. (three from Texas and two from Mississippi) shared with BASF leadership from North America and Europe, as well as national textile and agriculture media, on the many on-farm sustainable practices they are currently enacting, what they need from industry stakeholders and their hope for the future.

“Most people aren’t aware of the effort farmers like us are putting into sustainable agriculture practices, and we want to continue to share our story and gain their support,” said Randy Smith, Texas cotton farmer.

Randy’s wife Pat adds, “We raise our families here. We want to protect the land for generations to come.”

Farming for the future

All 10 cotton farmers are part of the U.S. e3® Sustainable Cotton program or the European Certified FiberMax® program. Both provide field-level traceability for cotton, as well as a way for farmers to track and measure the environmental and social impacts of their cotton production.

Sustainability isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Texas cotton farmers Richard Gaona and Jon Watley discussed how cover crops might work in a field in one part of the state, and not in another.

“Our operations can be as unique as the land we steward,” said Gaona. “Having a partner to help us find the right solutions and enact the right sustainability practices is important.”

Helping do the Biggest Job on Earth

Having a true partnership with farmers is one of the main priorities of the e3 Sustainable Cotton program, which supports farmers advancing the preservation of natural resources, the viability and vitality of cotton farming communities and the production of high-quality, sustainable cotton. It’s important that farmers have the tools to successfully adopt and accelerate sustainable practices on-farm, as well as meet the needs of brands and retailers who are expected to demonstrate transparency to their consumers.

The e3 Sustainable Cotton program provides brands and retailers in fashion and textile industries access to sustainably produced FiberMax and Stoneville^® cotton, with measured, validated and reported sustainability metrics that they, and their consumers, can trust.

In 2022, more than 250 farmers enrolled in the e3 Sustainable Cotton program and made positive impacts in sustainable cotton production.

• 79% of e3 Sustainable Cotton farmers used reduced tillage practices, minimizing soil turnover to maintain nutrients and keeping a farmers’ No. 1 asset healthy. Not only does reduced tillage keep soil from moving, but it also requires fewer machinery trips through fields, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• 69% incorporated practices that build carbon through their production system, including practices like crop rotation, reduced tillage and cover crops to improve soil quality. By storing carbon in the soil, it limits carbon loss to our atmosphere, reducing climate impacts from cotton production.

Farmers provide the fuel, feed, food and fiber for our world and are an essential component to the global economy. With that responsibility comes a heightened need to make sure their voices are heard, and their industry is understood for all consumers.

“Our ag systems will have to undergo an accelerated transformation to provide for our growing population, all the while ensuring we’re mitigating impact to our environment,” said Monserrate. “It’s the Biggest Job on Earth and BASF will be by their side.”

Always read and follow label directions.

E3, FiberMax and Stoneville are registered trademarks of BASF.

© 2023 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.

2023-09-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – Small businesses are a rapidly growing sector of the U.S. economy, responsible for all of the net job growth in the U.S. since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly half (46.4%)[i] of all U.S. employees are employed by a small business. Additionally, there are 65 million independent workers nationwide.

Faced with high inflation and market volatility, small business owners today are tasked with recruiting top talent in a tight labor market where employees are expecting more from their employers than ever before. However, despite such a large portion of the workforce employed by a small business, only one-third (34%) of small employers currently offer a retirement savings plan to employees, according to Fidelity Investments’ 2023 Small Business Retirement Index, creating a major opportunity for small employers to offer more competitive benefits.

Understanding the concerns of small business owners

As small businesses continue to employ a growing percentage of the U.S. workforce, it is essential to offer the key benefits that will help them be competitive with larger companies and will set their employees up for financial success and well-being. What’s holding them back?

A recent Fidelity survey of small business owners found that:

• Almost half (48%) do not believe they can afford to offer a retirement savings plan. Others feel they are too busy running their company to focus on retirement, or don’t know how to start the process (22% and 21%, respectively).
• 73% believe they can’t compete with larger companies on compensation and benefits.
• 83% know they should be saving more for their own futures, but 59% aren’t sure how to maximize their retirement savings.

For those running a microbusiness (with fewer than 10 employees), these worries are magnified, with 71% worried they cannot afford to offer a retirement savings benefit, and 82% believing they can’t compete with larger corporations when it comes to benefits.

“Small business owners are faced with so many challenges as they grow their business,” says Andrew Schreiner, senior vice president of small business retirement at Fidelity. “While offering a retirement benefit can feel like a potentially expensive and overwhelming task, it can have an enormous impact in attracting and retaining top talent. And fortunately, there are many affordable and attainable retirement saving solutions available for companies of all sizes.”

Retirement solutions for small businesses

For small business owners of companies of all shapes and sizes, there are retirement options available to meet your specific needs, including:

• Self-Employed 401(k)s: Intended for self-employed individuals or small-business owners with no employees other than a spouse, these accounts are funded through a combination of employee deferrals and employer contributions, allowing individuals to maximize the amount they can save.
• SEP IRAs: Also intended for self-employed individuals or small-business owners with only a few employees, SEP IRAs are funded solely by employer contributions.
• SIMPLE IRAs: Funded by a combination of employee deferrals and employer contributions, SIMPLE IRAs help self-employed individuals and small-business owners gain access to a tax-deferred benefit when saving for retirement.
• Small Business 401(k): A new type of plan called Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) can help maximize retirement savings for growing small businesses while offering a simple plan design and fewer administrative responsibilities.

Additionally, recent legislation like the SECURE 2.0 Act allows small businesses to receive enhanced and expanded tax credits for starting retirement plans, further incentivizing small employers to do so. Interested in learning more? Go to https://www.fidelity.com/retirement-ira/small-business/compare-retirement-plans.

2023-09-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – Life is filled with moments, both big and small, when legal support can make a difference. Despite the widely held notion that legal representation is only useful for a “run-in” or unexpected conflict with the law, legal services can be used for a broad range of situations, from buying a new home to getting married — all while saving you time, money and stress.

Despite the benefits and use cases, however, legal plans are massively underutilized by U.S. employees — MetLife’s Legal Access Study found that while a majority (67%) of U.S. employees say they have experienced a legal situation in the last five years, only 7% have sought legal representation. For millennial employees, many of whom are approaching major life milestones, only 2% have enrolled in legal plans offered through work, despite 18% having access to this benefit.

As the millennial generation approaches mid to late adulthood, having access to a network of experienced attorneys and digital tools can help them navigate pivotal junctures with greater ease and confidence. This offers added peace of mind and can effectively improve holistic well-being — in fact, MetLife research found that millennials who own an employer-provided legal plan are 66% more likely to be holistically healthy.

Here are three major life events millennials often face and how legal plans can provide guidance and support:

1. Growing (and protecting) your wealth

As millennials advance further into their careers, many will begin earning larger paychecks. Though this is a welcome change, building wealth requires additional financial security. One of the best ways to safeguard is through a legal plan, which can provide support for a range of financial matters, including homebuying, estate planning, tax prep, identity theft and more. Unlike other benefits that are reactive — or mostly useful after a need arises — legal plans are a proactive tool millennials can use to protect what’s next in their lives.

2. Getting married

From getting engaged to saying, “I do,” it’s easy for couples to forget about the less exciting, however vital, legal considerations associated with marriage. Legal plans can help with these formalities by assisting with everything from developing a prenuptial agreement to facilitating the tedious process of getting a name changed after tying the knot. For same-sex couples, for whom this process is even more nuanced and complex, legal plans can be particularly helpful as experienced attorneys navigate local laws while advocating on the couples’ behalf.

3. Starting and caring for your family

Legal plans can support family planning at all stages of life, from welcoming a new baby to sending kids off to college to caring for aging parents. For new parents, this could include navigating complicated processes like adoption or surrogacy. As life goes on, legal plans offer guidance for financing a child’s education and navigating student loans, issues around guardianship or helping a college-age child with an out-of-state traffic ticket. Further down the road, an attorney may come in handy when caring for aging parents by reviewing complicated nursing home agreements or estate planning documents. Many millennials also fall in the “sandwich” category, made up of those who care for children and parents simultaneously — for individuals juggling multiple priorities, knowing legal experts are ready and available to assist when they need it can also help provide necessary relief and emotional support day to day.

Having tailored support through legal plans can help millennials face life’s major moments with greater ease, reduced costs and added peace of mind.

To learn about MetLife Legal Plans and how this benefit can support your unique legal needs, visit https://www.legalplans.com/.

2023-09-21T09:27:01

(BPT) – Walmart is laser-focused on offering customers the easiest and most convenient shopping experience, no matter how they shop.

When customers shop at Walmart.com or our app, their baskets often comprise repeat items, which means precious time is spent during every weekly shopping trip finding and adding the items they’ve purchased countless times before.

As a way to give customers back time and provide a more convenient shopping experience, Walmart is introducing subscriptions, a new service that’s highly convenient, flexible, and customized to meet their needs. It not only saves customers time during their weekly shop but also gives them the peace of mind that the things they need are always at their doorsteps when they need them.

Our starting assortment focuses on the categories and items our customers shop the most frequently, including tens of thousands of everyday essentials spanning pet food, supplements, diapers, and paper towels. These items will be automatically delivered on their preferred cadence, whether it be every two weeks or every two months. With no fees or commitments, they can also cancel at any time. To help customers build their go-to basket, we recommend more items they might like, and suggest the most useful replenishment cadence based on past orders.

We also know our customers lead busy lives, and plans can change at the drop of a hat. Our subscriptions service also offers the largest window to adjust the subscriptions before their items are delivered. We’ll send a reminder to them six days before their estimated delivery date, prompting them to adjust their subscriptions if needed. They have up to 48 hours to make changes before their order is processed for delivery, offering them even more flexibility.

This is just the beginning for Walmart subscriptions, and we’ll continue to add items and build out the service over the coming months. This exciting opportunity for us as a company will accelerate our goal of making online shopping simple and easy for our customers. You can find out more about how to subscribe to products and manage your subscriptions here.

2023-09-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – There’s a good chance you may have a habit or two when it comes to money that is not doing your financial future any favors. The good news is you’re not alone, and there are ways to break those habits and create better financial health for you and/or your family.

According to a recent survey from OnePoll and National Debt Relief, LLC, over 60% of people in the U.S. claim to make poor decisions when it comes to money and 42% of people admit to having current financial struggles. That may be in part because most people either have information that they aren’t using in their day-to-day lives, or like over 20% of respondents, they need more information to help them learn better habits.

Natalia Brown, chief client operations officer from National Debt Relief, has broken down the top 5 most common bad money habits and offered actionable tips on how to avoid these pitfalls.

1. Writing off small purchases as insignificant

While spending money on things like takeout or app subscriptions may seem minor, these purchases add up over time. Your coffee may only cost $4.99, but as a daily habit, it can become costly. If you add up these seemingly insignificant costs over a month or two you’ll get a clear picture of how much you’re spending. Additionally, while BOGO promotions may be appealing, if you don’t need the second item, don’t spend the extra money.

2. Gambling

While you may not be a high-stakes poker player or spend hours at casinos, a regular lottery ticket habit can mean you’re throwing away your hard-earned money. Instead, try saving any money you might put into gambling and investing it into a higher interest savings account, which will add up quicker than you expect, especially if you keep adding to it.

3. Using credit cards to pay bills

Paying bills with a credit card can work well if you’re paying your balance off in full each month. But, if you’re not paying your balance off in full each month, you may want to reconsider. The interest you’ll end up paying on the card will make your bills much more expensive. For example, if your credit card interest rate is around 20% and you have a $5,000 balance, it could take you around 11 years to pay this off with minimum payments. Plus, your total payments will end up being around $8,417.

To avoid getting into this situation, try listing out your regular expenses, categorizing which ones are absolute necessities (like rent, utilities and food) and which are not (like entertainment and eating out). Then total your must-pay bills and compare that amount to what you’re earning and cut anything that’s not a necessity that you’ve been relying on credit cards to keep up with.

4. Taking out payday loans

Beware of payday loans. These short-term loans often have high interest rates and may cost you a lot of money. Other options you can consider before taking out a payday loan may be finding ways to earn extra income like driving for a ride sharing company or getting some part-time work, or saving money through strict budgeting and getting rid of those non-essentials (see above for more on that).

5. Spending more than you earn

Start by listing out all your expenses and your income. This can help you get a better picture of where, and how much, you need to cut down. Minimize unnecessary expenses and look for creative ways to boost your income. People are always looking for help with tasks like cleaning, organizing or creative work. If you have any special talents, see if you can monetize any of them.

“Managing money can be tough, and we all make mistakes,” said Brown. “There’s a lot of guilt and shame associated with being in debt or having money struggles. It’s important to know that you’re not alone and there are steps you can take to create a better financial future for yourself or your family. At National Debt Relief, we understand the importance of not just helping people with their immediate debt situations, but also giving them the tools, skills and guidance they need to feel more confident and in control of their finances.”

Need to break bad financial habits? National Debt Relief can help you resolve your debt more quickly and for less money than you owe. Their team will also help you learn skills like budgeting, how to save money, and how to live within your means so you can improve your financial health and feel confident about your future.

If you’re ready to fix your bad money habits and create long-term financial security, visit NationalDebtRelief.com or call 800-674-0907.

2023-09-13T14:07:00

(BPT) – With the boom in retail trading over the last few years, one area may be new to a lot of investors: investing in an Initial Public Offering (IPO). IPOs have been fairly scarce the last several years and traditionally have not been available for everyday investors, so many may not know what is involved in investing in them.

Here are things every investor should know about investing in IPOs:

What is an IPO?

An IPO, or initial public offering, refers to privately owned companies selling shares of the business to the general public for the first time. Companies choose to do this for a mix of reasons, including to boost a company’s profile, bring prestige to the management team, and raise cash that can be used for expanding the business.

Once a company has completed their IPO, their company will trade company shares on a stock exchange for any investor to invest in, and the stock price will be subject to market forces driving it up or down.

Deciding if an IPO Investment Is Right For You

If you have the option to invest in an IPO, you should do so only after having conducted your own due diligence and considering whether or not this fits in your investment strategy. The SEC states that “being well informed is critical in deciding whether to invest. Therefore, it is important to review the prospectus and ask questions when researching an IPO.”

SoFi, for instance, offers robust educational resources available to any investors to better understand different investment vehicles, including IPO investing, and how you can best determine your personal investment strategy.

Understanding IPO Investing vs. Buying Shares on Listing Day

The IPO price is the price at which shares of a company are set before they are sold on a stock exchange. As soon as markets open and the stock is actively traded, that price begins to go up or down depending on consumer demand, which is known as the opening price.

Investing in an IPO means you are buying in at the IPO price versus buying the opening price or any other price the day or days after the stock debuts on a stock exchange.

Indication of Interest & Share Allocation

If you are interested in IPO investing, you will have to go through a few steps before being able to buy into the pre-listing price. When a company is preparing their IPO, there will be an indication of interest period for investors where you will request the number of shares you would like to buy. An indication of interest is similar to making a reservation – you are holding your place in line and will be contacted by the brokerage firm you invest with to confirm your intent once the deal is live and firm orders can be received.

Oftentimes there is a lot of pent-up interest to invest in private companies, so usually you may receive fewer shares than you originally requested, and depending on that level of interest, the IPO price per share could go up or down.

Either way, once your allocation has been made, your brokerage firm will communicate how many shares you will receive and what the final price per share will be to ensure you’d still like to purchase the shares you requested before executing any trades.

Where to Invest in IPOs

Traditionally, IPOs have been primarily for institutional investors and high-net worth individuals, but increasingly companies are considering everyday investors a part of their IPO strategy and setting aside shares to be allocated to these traders.

SoFi Invest¹ offers IPO trading² to those with SoFi Active Invest accounts, and there are no account minimums required to participate plus no commissions or fees on IPO trades. As a SoFi Invest member, you simply need to view your Invest account, look to see what IPOs are available and answer a few questions to see if this investment is right for you. From there, you only need to indicate how many shares you’re interested in and keep an eye out for updates and alerts on your share allocation.

Learn more about SoFi IPO and see what IPOs may be available to invest in here: https://www.sofi.com/invest/ipo-investing/

DISCLOSURES

1. SoFi Invest refers to the three investment and trading platforms operated by Social Finance, Inc. and its affiliates (described below). Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of the platforms below.

1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.

2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.

3) SoFi Crypto is offered by SoFi Digital Assets, LLC, a FinCEN registered Money Service Business.

For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above, including state licensure of SoFi Digital Assets, LLC, please visit SoFi.com/legal.

Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform. Information related to lending products contained herein should not be construed as an offer or pre-qualification for any loan product offered by SoFi Bank, N.A.

2. Investing in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement. This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation.

Please review the Customer Relationship Summary (Form CRS) which contains important information about the product, services, fees, and conflicts of interest of SoFi Securities LLC.

2023-08-24T11:01:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season is right around the corner and with that comes more hectic schedules and opportunities for things to go awry. We chatted with Latroy Tillery, who knows the struggle of keeping everything on track with your family while managing his own business. “Being a dad of 3 kids, I know how busy schedules can make it difficult to manage not only your kids’ plans, but also your own. I wanted to share my favorite tips that my family has implemented to help make the back-to-school season easier for parents to have more energy and money in their wallets.” Latroy and his wife Nicole are parents to twins in first grade and have a new baby at home, meaning they have plenty of know-how in regard to saving energy and how to stretch a dollar. Check out Latroy’s five tips and tricks to surviving back-to-school season, below:

1. To stay on top of not only after-school activities, but also school concerts, parent-teacher meetings, field trips and more, we recommend making a family calendar and assigning a color to each family member. Yes, a real, tangible calendar! Mom’s events can be in red, for example, and each kid can choose their favorite color. Write down every important activity that you do not want to miss and hang it somewhere you are always looking, such as the fridge. This way you will never forget an event and will always be mindful of keeping it up to date. This is a great time and energy saver because you don’t have to compare multiple calendars. With just one look you can easily see what each family member has planned for the day.

2. With school picking up, so do activities such as clubs, sports practice and other extracurriculars. Parents will be happy to save money on gas by downloading the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app and using it for each fuel purchase. Each time you fill up using the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program, you earn points towards savings. Members can earn points on every gallon and snacks in the convenience store which you can redeem on fuel and snacks on future purchases. Plus, frequent users of Synergy Supreme+ premium gasoline get extra points§ when they fill up while getting the benefit of better mileage.*

3. “One thing that always seems to go wrong at my house is losing important papers for my kids,” Latroy explained. To help fight this, create an important paper spot in your home, such as a paper tray by their backpacks. This will make kids’ lives easier by knowing exactly where to put their important papers for their parent’s review and help parents save energy by not rummaging through their children’s backpacks each night.

4. Before the school year starts, practice your morning routine with the whole family. It is important to understand how your kids, pets and even you will function in the morning and how much time you have to get everything done and organized before everyone needs to be out of the house. Choosing a morning for a practice routine will help get kids’ sleep schedules fixed before the school year picks up and save parents’ energy in the morning once school starts knowing each child is set up for success.

5. Meal prepping is more important than ever when school starts back up. Planning for kids’ lunches, your own lunch, dinner and breakfast for everyone can help save you time in the long run and help you make healthier choices for your family. If you plan everyone’s meals once a week and make your grocery list comprehensive, you save time and energy by not constantly running out to grab food at the last minute. It also helps you save money by being conscious of what your family has readily available in your fridge to eat at a given time.

These are just some ideas to get you and your family back in the swing of things for the back-to-school season. To learn more about Exxon and Mobil Synergy Supreme+ premium gasoline, be sure to visit https://www.exxon.com/en/synergy-supreme-plus and to learn more about the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app, visit https://www.exxon.com/en/rewards-program.

*Based on Synergy Supreme+ gas compared to gasoline meeting minimum government standards. Wear reduction was measured by an industry standard lubricant test. Actual benefits are based on continuous use and may vary depending on vehicle type, driving style, and gasoline previously used. Concentration and availability of our proprietary additive package may vary based on factors beyond our control.

§Exxon Mobil Rewards+ Premium Status (“Premium Status”) is achieved by making three (3) “Qualifying Purchases” in a calendar month. A Qualifying Purchase is defined as a purchase of 8 gallons or more of Synergy Supreme+ fuel with the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program. You must present and use your Exxon Mobil Rewards+ card loyalty identifier prior to making a Qualifying Purchase at participating locations. Exxon Mobil Rewards+ Premium Status Benefits (“Benefits”) begin after Premium Status is earned. You must complete three Qualifying Purchases each calendar month to maintain your Benefits. In the event that Premium Status is not maintained in the following month, you have a grace period of three consecutive months starting from the end of the month in which Premium Status was last earned before your Premium Status benefits expire. Benefits include earning double base points (for a total of 6 points per gallon) on all Synergy Supreme+ purchases after earning and while maintaining Premium Status. You will also be eligible for various Premium Status offers and experiences that are available to Exxon Mobil Rewards+ Premium Status members. To view full Exxon Mobil Rewards+ terms, please click here. Your Premium Status is non-transferrable and does not preclude you from using other Exxon Mobil Rewards+ offers, unless specified. The Exxon Mobil Rewards+ Program Terms and Conditions apply.

2023-08-21T01:01:00

(BPT) – Are you finding that many items you pay for on a regular basis still cost a lot? While the Consumer Price Index indicates inflation is cooling since last year, many everyday expenses continue to strain household budgets. If this sounds familiar, you may be seeking ways to keep costs down.

Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to help keep spending in check. Here are some easy-to-follow tips that make it easier to stick to your budget.

1. Don’t eat your paycheck

While it’s all too easy to overspend on trips to the grocery store, you can keep costs lower with better planning. Making menu plans each week and sticking to your grocery lists can help prevent impulse buying. Be flexible, however — if you see proteins or veggies on special while shopping, pivot to take advantage of good deals. Shopping for produce while it’s in season is another effective tactic, as well as choosing generic or store brands that are less pricey.

When putting away groceries, place items with a shorter shelf life front and center so you’ll remember to use them first. It’s also smart to make good use of your freezer — stocking up on good deals for proteins and storing leftovers you can use for future meals.

2. Keep gas costs lower

To help reduce gas consumption, consolidate errands geographically so you’ll log fewer miles. You can also save by searching online for the best local gas prices. Many members of wholesale clubs take advantage of their lower gas prices, and some grocery stores offer gas discounts for frequent shoppers as well. Spend a little time to research the best deals near you.

Not just how much, but how you drive also impacts gas consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, keeping tires properly inflated and using the recommended motor oil for your car can mean better fuel economy. In addition, avoiding rapid acceleration and hard braking makes a difference — lowering mileage by 15-30% (highway) or 10-40% (city). And speeding can cost you: For every 5 mph you drive over 50, you’re paying an extra $0.22 per gallon.

3. Manage health care costs

One way to optimize your health care coverage is to ask your employer’s HR department about current benefits, plus additional programs you might qualify for, like refunds or discounts for gym memberships or other wellness benefits. Consider saving on prescription medications through a prescription discount service, comparison shopping different pharmacies and/or switching to generic medications.

It’s vital to get good vision care, especially if your health insurance doesn’t cover vision. The good news is, you can purchase a VSP Individual Vision Plan any time — without waiting for open enrollment — to see an eye doctor. VSP plans start as low as $13 per month and can help you save up to $200 per year, while also giving you access to the largest independent eye doctor network. Members also get access to benefits like 20% savings on additional glasses or sunglasses, including lens enhancements, from the VSP network of independent eye doctors within 12 months of your last exam.

Find out which vision plan is best for you at VSP Individual Vision Plans, or locate an eye doctor near you.

4. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions

It’s easy to lose track of subscriptions (or “free trials” you signed up for and forgot about), so you’re paying for things you don’t actually use. Review your credit card and bank statements to identify and cancel subscriptions or memberships you no longer use, and make sure to review automatically renewed subscriptions and memberships.

5. Practical ways to lower utility costs

Keep an eye on your HVAC to ensure you’re not overheating or overcooling your house. Sticking to specific temperatures that are just a few degrees higher in summer or lower in winter that stay fixed when you’re home versus at night (or away) rather than constantly adjusting settings can help prevent unexpectedly high bills. A smart thermostat is one tool that allows you to better control your HVAC system, even remotely.

You can also lower the thermostat on your water heater by 10 degrees to save 3-5% on energy costs. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, installing an on-demand or tankless water heater can deliver up to 30% savings compared to a standard storage tank water heater.

Following some of these tips should help take the sting out of monthly bills, making it easier to keep to your budget — and even start saving a little.