Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2025-11-05T07:01:00

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

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

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

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

Barriers to business

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

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

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

Supporting Vetrepreneurs one business at a time

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

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

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

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

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

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

Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

2025-11-02T08:01:00

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

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

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

Choose gift cards with the recipient in mind

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

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

Shop from sources you trust

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

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

Take 30 seconds to check for tampering

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

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

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

Keep the paper trail

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

Protect your cards and your wallet

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

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

Know where to go for help

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

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

Smarter gifting makes for a better holiday season

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

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

2025-10-31T15:01:02

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

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

Self-Made Billionaire

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Chapter in the Case

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

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

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

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

What can you do to protect your own legacy?

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

2025-10-28T08:01:00

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

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

That gap, however, is closing fast.

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

But Baby Boomers aren’t stepping aside just yet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025-10-27T07:01:01

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

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

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

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

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

Beware of unrealistic deals

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

Shop with trusted retailers

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

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

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

How you pay matters

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

Seek out free resources

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

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

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

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

© 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

2025-10-21T08:01:00

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

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

Don’t Get Lost in the Corn Maze of Panic

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

Bobbing for Alerts, Not Surprises

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

Patch Up Problems Before They Spoil the Season

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

Wrap Up with Zero Liability Warmth

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

Savor the Season, Scam-Free

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

2025-10-20T13:43:01

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

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

Here are major benefit categories to consider.

Health insurance options

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

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

Retirement benefits

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

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

Student debt assistance

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

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

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

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

Additional benefits

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

Work-life balance

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

Make open enrollment work for you

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

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

Ask questions

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

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

2025-10-17T06:01:00

(BPT) – Have a question and want an answer fast? With a quick online search or visit to an AI platform, milliseconds later you’ll receive a handy summary with answers. No clicking needed.

New tools and features like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT and Perplexity are now how people discover and trust content. This change means a new goal for brands: Get into AI summaries and overviews as much as possible.

Where does AI get answers?

AI-enhanced search and AI overviews often contain link symbols and website citations. These are what the AI crawlers have deemed credible and pulled from to write the answer for the search query. This is where brands want their key messages to appear.

“People are no longer scrolling,” said Lisa Jilek, CEO at Brandpoint. “It’s all about the AI summary and positioning your brand’s information to be selected as credible and cited by the bots. This is what people are now seeing and interacting with online.”

The challenge? No single strategy guarantees you show up in AI overviews. But there are things you can do to position your brand for success and make your content more appealing.

How to write content for AI search

Since AI is crawling content online to create responses, start by revamping how you write and publish communications like press releases, blog posts, sponsored content articles and social media posts.

The communications experts at Brandpoint share the following tips to help you write to appeal to AI search and summaries:

1. Organize content in readable formats

• Q&As
• FAQs
• Numbered lists with subheadings
• Bylines with credible sources

2. Choose intent-rich angles

• Anticipate audience search queries
• Answer questions
• Solve customer pain points
• Consider topical approaches

3. Select strong visuals

• Infographics
• Listicles
• Lifestyle images
• Include metadata and descriptions for all visuals

4. Use authentic voices

• Customer stories
• Testimonials
• Subject matter experts
• Avoid jargon

5. Create parsable snippets

• Strong headline
• Short, clear and well-formatted content
• Subheadings
• Bullets or numbering when appropriate

Revamping how you create content is a critical first step. To make sure your content is as visible as possible to AI crawlers, you also need to consistently get it on credible websites.

How to guarantee media placements

Branded content is one way to control your message and get it published on high-quality websites. Branded content refers to paid placements that are distributed on media sites, such as a sponsored article on a newspaper website or an infographic on a television page.

“Brandpoint distributes branded content for clients on our network of high-quality publishing partners,” Brandpoint CTO Adam McBroom said. “We have seen some of our clients’ content appearing in AI summaries, which is promising. AI crawlers are looking for credible content on credible websites. The value and frequency of those placements will reenforce a brand’s message and goals.”

USA Today is an example of just one of the high-quality publishers on Brandpoint’s publisher network. To learn more about their robust publisher network visit Brandpoint.com.

The benefits of AI overviews for businesses

While AI presents new challenges to businesses big and small, it also provides new opportunities. When people get to your website, they are typically further down the conversion funnel. This means they often come in with more information and closer to taking action.

In fact, according to Semrush, the average AI search visit is 4.4 times as valuable, based on conversion rate, than the average visit from traditional organic search.

To learn more about AI search and how you can craft and publish appealing content, check out the recent webinar, “Branded Content in the Era of AI & GEO: Myths, Truths & Trends.”

2025-10-02T06:01:00

(BPT) – During these times of economic change, Fidelity’s 2025 College Savings and Student Debt Study shows that 60% of parents worry market uncertainty could impact their ability to pay for their child’s education. According to the report, these economic uncertainties are affecting how parents and students are looking ahead, affecting everything from how parents view financial planning to students adjusting their future goals.

To help parents and students consider their options, Chandler Riggs, vice president, financial consultant at Fidelity Investments, answers questions about the study and explains how families can better prepare for the future.

What are the biggest takeaways from the 2025 College Savings and Student Debt Study?

“Fidelity’s 2025 College Savings & Student Debt Study highlights a clear shift toward practicality in how families approach planning and saving for higher education. Students are increasingly focused on affordability and career readiness, with nearly half citing cost as the most important factor when deciding when and where to pursue higher education. At the same time, parents are staying the course on their college savings despite recent market uncertainty, with many leveraging 529 plans to save. Encouragingly, families are having more conversations about how they’ll finance college, but the study also reveals persistent gaps in understanding student debt, which could lead to families underestimating their true financial burden after graduation.”

Why are students getting more practical about college?

“Living through recent times of economic uncertainty is the primary experience shaping how students view higher education today. Nearly half of college-bound students now say cost is “most important” when choosing where or how to pursue higher education. The number of high schoolers who say they’re most likely to consider vocational or technical school after graduation has also increased three times compared to 2021.

Overall, increased awareness of cost is causing students who are approaching the age of making decisions about college and future responsibilities to be more thoughtful about those decisions.”

What should parents keep in mind when planning for college?

“The first thing parents need to do is create a concrete plan for financing your child’s education. If you don’t have a plan, a financial professional like me can help you create one.

Second, talk with your children about realistic expectations and strategies for managing the cost of college. The Fidelity study showed an encouraging growth in these discussions, with nearly 70% of students and parents saying they’ve discussed how they’ll finance their education.

Finally, consider saving in a tax-advantaged account like a 529 college savings plan. The study showed that parents who plan to finance their child’s higher education with a dedicated college savings account report feeling positive, with over half saying they’re optimistic their child will be able to pursue higher education thanks to their savings.”

Is economic uncertainty changing the way parents save?

“Yes — more than half of parents we surveyed say they’re concerned about market uncertainty impacting their ability to finance their child’s college education. Despite those concerns, nearly three-fourths of parents say they’re staying the course when it comes to saving for college.

Among those who have made changes in response to recent market uncertainty, their top actions involve reducing how much they’re saving, or rebalancing or reallocating their investments to manage risk.

As a financial consultant, this is one of the key areas I support my clients on. We always look at when they need the funds when considering the asset allocation for their portfolio. If you won’t need your 529 funds for a while, you might consider allowing for more risk in your asset mix to increase your potential rate of return. Conversely, if you need the funds in the short term, consider a less risky asset allocation to help lessen potential anxiety during periods of market volatility.

Regardless of your time horizon or current economic conditions, it’s important to remember to rebalance your portfolio. If you prefer staying hands off with your investments, an Age-Based portfolio that automatically adjusts the asset allocation based on your beneficiary’s age could be a good option.”

How do 529 savings plans help pay for education?

“529 savings plans are flexible, tax-advantaged accounts designed specifically for education savings. These accounts can be used for a wide variety of education expenses, including college expenses, up to $10,000 per calendar year in expenses for K-12 schools ($20,000 for expenses beginning in taxable years after December 31, 2025), certain apprenticeship costs and even student loan repayments (up to $10,000).[1] And if you’re wondering about unused funds, worry not. Under certain conditions, you can transfer tax- and penalty-free up to a lifetime limit of $35,000 in a 529 to a Roth IRA opened by the 529 beneficiary, making these accounts a helpful option regardless of your child’s plans for higher education.[2]

If your child does choose to go to college, funds from a 529 plan can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies and approved study equipment including computer technology, related equipment and software, plus internet access or related services used by the student while enrolled at an accredited postsecondary institution. Students enrolled at least half-time may also use 529 funds for room and board expenses.

Many families worry saving for college will hurt their chances of receiving financial aid, but because 529 savings plan assets are considered parental assets, they are factored into federal financial aid formulas at a maximum rate of about 5.6%.

Most importantly, when used for these qualified purposes, 529 plan withdrawals are not subject to federal income tax. Each plan is sponsored by an individual state, often in conjunction with a financial services company, like Fidelity, that manages the plan. Although you don’t have to be a resident of a particular state to invest in its plan, you should check with your home state first for any benefits it may offer.”

Learn more about how to plan and save for your child’s education at Fidelity.com/529, or call 1-800-544-1914 for complimentary access to dedicated college planning representatives.

Please carefully consider the plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information on any 529 college savings plan managed by Fidelity, contact Fidelity for a free Fact Kit, or view one online. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

**Units of the portfolios are municipal securities and may be subject to market volatility and fluctuation.**

Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.

Fidelity Investments and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC.

Views expressed are as of the date indicated, based on the information available at that time, and may change based on market or other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments or its affiliates. Fidelity does not assume any duty to update any of the information.

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[1] 529 distributions for qualified education expenses are generally federal income tax free. 529 assets may be used to pay for (i) qualified higher education expenses, (ii) qualified expenses for registered apprenticeship programs, (iii) up to $10,000 per taxable year per beneficiary for tuition expenses ($20,000 for expenses beginning in taxable years after December 31, 2025) in connection with enrollment at a public, private, and religious elementary and secondary educational institution. Although such assets may come from multiple 529 accounts, the $10,000 qualified withdrawal ($20,000 beginning in taxable years after December 31, 2025) limit will be aggregated on a per beneficiary basis. The IRS has not provided guidance to date on the methodology of allocating the $10,000 annual maximum ($20,000 beginning in taxable years after December 31, 2025) among withdrawals from different 529 accounts, (iv) amounts paid as principal or interest on any qualified education loan of a 529 plan designated beneficiary or a sibling of the designated beneficiary. The amount treated as a qualified expense is subject to a lifetime limit of $10,000 per individual. Although the assets may come from multiple 529 accounts, the $10,000 withdrawal limit for qualified educational loans payments will be aggregated on a per individual basis. The IRS has not provided guidance to date on the methodology of allocating the $10,000 annual maximum among withdrawals from different 529 accounts, and (v) tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance in a recognized postsecondary credential program as defined under Section 529 of the Code and identified by the Secretary of the Treasury as being such a reputable program. Any earnings on distributions not used for qualified higher educational expenses or that exceed distribution limits may be taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Some states do not conform with federal tax law. Please check with your home state to determine if it recognizes the expanded 529 benefits afforded under federal tax law, including distributions for elementary and secondary education expenses, apprenticeship programs, postsecondary credentialing programs, and student loan repayments. You may want to consult with a tax professional before investing or making distributions.

[2] Beginning January 2024, the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 (the “Act”) provides that you may transfer assets from your 529 account to a Roth IRA established for the Designated Beneficiary of a 529 account under the following conditions: (i) the 529 account must be maintained for the Designated Beneficiary for at least 15 years, (ii) the transfer amount must come from contributions made to the 529 account at least five years prior to the 529-to-Roth IRA transfer date, (iii) the Roth IRA must be established in the name of the Designated Beneficiary of the 529 account, (iv) the amount transferred to a Roth IRA is limited to the annual Roth IRA contribution limit, and (v) the aggregate amount transferred from a 529 account to a Roth IRA may not exceed $35,000 per individual. It is your responsibility to maintain adequate records and documentation on your accounts to ensure you comply with the 529-to-Roth IRA transfer requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has not issued guidance on the 529-to-Roth IRA transfer provision in the Act but is anticipated to do so in the future. Based on forthcoming guidance, it may be necessary to change or modify some 529-to-Roth IRA transfer requirements. Please consult a financial or tax professional regarding your specific circumstances before making any investment decision.

2025-10-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – The need for cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. In the U.S. alone, cyberattacks may cost the American economy over $1 trillion and globally $10.5 trillion in 2025. The frequency of ransomware cyberattacks are also predicted to increase, with one happening every two seconds by 2031.

Cybercriminals are savvy, but the lack of talent in the cybersecurity field is worsening the situation. Globally, industry experts calculate that nearly 5 million additional cyber defense professionals are needed, according to the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study.

But what’s behind this deficit in cybersecurity talent? There aren’t enough people going into the field. Many positions go unfilled because companies overlook the importance of entry-level positions.

Restricted access: The lack of entry points for new talent

Despite rising demand for cybersecurity professionals, early-career talent continues to be shut out. The ISC2 report found that almost a third (31%) of surveyed organizations have no entry-level (0-1 year of experience) cybersecurity professionals and 15% have no junior-level (1-3 years of experience) personnel.

There’s plenty of entry-level and junior-level talent. However, industry leaders require years of experience for entry-level roles. In fact, the study reports that 62% of teams had open roles, but hiring managers were focused on finding only mid-level to advanced roles.

“If industry leaders continue to restrict entry-level opportunities, the talent shortage will only get worse,” said Fred Kwong, VP and chief information security officer at DeVry University. “Not only will this hinder workforce readiness, but this industry practice will deepen the cybersecurity risk across the board.”

Educating and hiring the next generation of cyber leaders

To strengthen their future defenses, organizations can rethink their hiring practices. In addition to hiring entry- and junior-level talent, industry leaders can find ways to collaborate with universities to nurture the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

For example, DeVry University’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence offers robust cybersecurity programs built on skills-based, hands-on learning models and real-world exposure. By partnering with industry leaders, the university has designed a curriculum that aims to help close the skills gap by equipping early-career professionals with the knowledge needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving cyber landscape.

In these programs, students don’t just learn about cybersecurity, they get to practice it. Last year, DeVry launched a cutting-edge cyber range platform. Powered by Cloud Range, a leading provider of cyber range training as a service, the platform offers realistic, immersive simulations that mimic real-world cyber threats. Students can practice and master analytics, investigation, repulsion, remediation and other cybersecurity techniques.

“Cybersecurity attacks are becoming more complex and hitting faster than ever before,” added Shantanu Bose, Ph.D., DeVry University’s provost and chief academic officer. “Learning theory isn’t enough. Our curriculum is built on experiential learning, so graduates are job-ready by graduation and ready to take on professional cybersecurity roles.”

As cyber threats escalate in scale and sophistication, the responsibility to close the talent gap cannot rest solely on the shoulders of industry leaders. Higher education institutions must continue to take an active role in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by aligning academic programs with real-world demands.

Through hands-on training, strategic partnerships with employers and a focus on experiential learning, colleges and universities can ensure that learners are not only educated but fully equipped to enter the workforce. Bridging the gap between education and employment is no longer optional — it’s essential to building a resilient, future-ready cybersecurity workforce.

“Ultimately, securing the future depends on empowering and supporting the people who will shape it,” noted Bose.

To learn more about how DeVry is equipping aspiring cyber professionals and discover its cybersecurity program offerings, visit DeVry’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.