Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2022-12-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – For any individual 50+ years old, the prospect of retirement represents a major shift in how you approach spending and saving. Learning how to budget on a fixed income is a significant lifestyle change; but AARP member benefits can help you save where you can and embark on this well-earned new chapter with less financial worry.

Are you still unsure if AARP is worth it? At $16 a year, AARP provides access to hundreds of benefits that help you live your best life. From health and wellness benefits, travel and restaurant discounts, financial tools, volunteering opportunities, to everything in between — AARP Member Benefits can help to enrich all aspects of retirement.

With the everyday savings found via AARP member benefits, even your children or grandchildren can start to save for their own retirement. Even if it seems far in the future for them, the member benefits provided by AARP give everyone the opportunity to save on everyday items.

Here are three ways you could start saving today:

Shop Smart on Small Purchases to Make Your Budget Go Further

It’s the small, everyday purchases that can sometimes add up without us realizing. By making smart choices on where you shop for daily necessities, adults 50+ can make their fixed income go further each month.

When you link your AARP and myWalgreens^® memberships, you’ll earn 10% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens branded health and wellness products, 7% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens branded beauty and personal care products and 3% Walgreens Cash rewards on all other qualifying beauty and personal care products. Exclusions and restrictions apply. For full details, visit Walgreens.com/AARPcard.

Travel at Your Leisure by Keeping Gas and Vehicle Costs Low

A transition to retirement frees up your time to travel. Those approaching retirement are often in a stage of life where they have the freedom to hop around and visit children, or travel to take care of their own parents. If you find that you are a heavy user on your vehicle there are practical ways you can save while you hit the road.

When you link your Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ account to your AARP membership, you earn extra points every day on the things you already buy, like fuel, car washes and convenience store items, and you’ll earn 2x the points on fuel on member days. AARP members who are new to the Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ program will also receive a 500-point bonus ($5 in savings) after their first fill-up to redeem towards Exxon or Mobil fuel or convenience store items. Every 100 points you earn is the equivalent of $1 in savings on eligible purchases.

AARP member benefits not only help you save on gas, but also unexpected expenses such as car maintenance and repairs. Members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside assistance plans, including Roadside Assist and Roadside Elite. Upon enrollment, benefits include 24/7 towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more. Enter or mention your AARP membership number when enrolling online or by phone.

Vehicle maintenance can be a hassle, but with Valvoline Instant Oil Change^SM, members can save 15% off a drive-thru, stay-in-your-car oil change — including a free 18-point safety check.* The discount also applies toward preventive maintenance services — including radiator, transmission and differential services, air filter or wiper blade replacements. You can access these savings by entering or mentioning your AARP membership.
*Applies only to accessible/applicable items. At participating locations.

Maximize Your Savings While Staying Connected

Retirement should mean prioritizing what’s important — connecting with loved ones, wherever they may be. Whether it’s the kids heading off to college or grandchildren living elsewhere in the country, our online connections keep us in touch with the most important people in our lives and are absolutely essential.

AARP members always have the opportunity to save 5% on monthly service and usage charges and 30% on accessories with Consumer Cellular. Talk, text and data plans start at $20 per month per line, require no contract, and include free activation and an extended risk-free guarantee. In addition, AARP members can get unlimited talk, text and data for two lines for just $55/month. Make sure you enter or mention your AARP membership number or card at Target stores to access these savings and enjoy your conversations stress free.

When it comes to approaching retirement, individuals 50+ years old should be seeking out ways to ensure their transition into a fixed-income gives them stability and flexibility. Saving on your health and wellness products, gas and auto services, and technology and wireless plans are all great ways to ensure you make your fixed income work for you each month, and allow you settle into this exciting new stage of life. By using these saving tips and taking advantage of these member benefits, a fulfilling retirement is in reach. Check out aarp.org/save to view more benefits and savings available to AARP members.

Neither AARP nor its affiliates is the insurer. AARP and its affiliates are not insurance producers, agents or brokers, and do not sell or service insurance products. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2022-12-14T18:01:00

(BPT) – It’s easy to overspend during the holiday season. In addition to your regular bills and expenses, you’re also planning for travel, purchasing gifts and hosting family gatherings. Keeping your finances in check when you’re focusing on celebrating the season can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be.

You already have a holiday helper right in your phone. Check out five tools available within your mobile banking app to help you manage your spending this holiday season.

1. Create a budget

Establishing a budget will help you stay on track this season. Download budget worksheets or use digital tools to create and stick to a budget.

The Chase Mobile app has a budget feature, for example, that provides information on your spending based on posted transactions and helps you keep track of what you’ve spent to prevent overspending. Now you can buy all your loved one’s gifts without stressing about your budget.

2. Set savings goals

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent roughly $998 on gifts, food and decorations in 2021. Set yourself up for holiday success using automated savings tools, like Chase Autosave, to set and reach a savings goal for holiday expenses.

Autosave automatically transfers funds from your Chase checking account to your Chase savings account, so you can save up for those holiday expenses without having to think about it. Set it, forget it and use it when it’s time to shop for stocking stuffers.

3. Know where your money is going

Family gatherings, travel and shopping can make managing your money during the holidays difficult. Chase’s Snapshot feature provides daily insights into your spending, including which categories you’re spending the most on, to keep you on track this holiday season. Beyond the holidays, it offers an easy-to-digest overview to help you keep your savings objectives within reach.

4. Pay over time

For bigger-ticket items and holiday expenses like electronics or airfare, consider paying for your purchase over time. Many banks and credit card issuers are now offering installment payment options right from their apps. For example, with My Chase Plan, credit cardmembers can break up their eligible purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly payments with no interest — just a fixed monthly fee. This option allows you to continue earning your credit card rewards and check off those items on your list.

Pro Tip: Avoid overspending and overwhelming your budget by committing to too many payment plans at once. Consider creating a list of bigger expenses you plan to use a payment plan for ahead of purchasing and only spend as much as you can afford.

5. Split the cost

Whether you’re going in on a family group gift, dining out with friends or planning a trip this holiday season, Zelle^® can help you pay and get paid back fast.¹ It is an easy way to send and receive money with people you know and trust. More than 1,000 banking apps in the U.S. offer Zelle^®, so you can use it in our app with friends and family — even if they don’t bank with Chase.

Don’t let holiday spending stress you out. Using these five tools, you’ll be well on your way to affording all your holiday expenses without the hassle and headaches. To learn more, visit Chase.com/Mobile and find out about other financial tools, like Chase Credit Journey^® which is free for everyone with no Chase account required, so that you can confidently manage and protect your credit score.

1 Enrollment in Zelle^® is required. Both parties need a U.S. bank account; only one needs an eligible Chase account.

Funds are typically made available in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle^® (go to register.zellepay.com to view participating banks). Select transactions could take up to 3 business days. Enroll on the Chase Mobile app or Chase Online. Limitations may apply. Message and data rates may apply.

Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

For Informational/Educational Purposes Only: The opinions expressed in this article may differ from other employees and departments of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Opinions and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone, and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. 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.

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

2022-12-09T06:31:00

(BPT) – From small get-togethers and company-wide meetings to large-scale events and even global conferences, virtual live-streaming experiences have become vital for audiences around the world to engage with content and connect with one another. While the pandemic accelerated the need for and evolution of virtual events, technology continues to transform these gatherings into creative and compelling experiences by drawing from the worlds of social media, gaming, live music performances and more.

For anyone hosting a live streaming event, the good news is that today’s technology is accessible and easy to use. Individuals or organizations from social influencers and entrepreneurs to marketing professionals, corporations and institutions can use available tools to reach their audiences in new and exciting ways. So what makes for a successful, engaging event?

Here are tips to help anyone execute an outstanding live streaming event.

Keep it real. What makes live streaming so compelling is that it’s, well, live. The authenticity of live events creates a magic all its own that viewers often find more emotionally engaging than over-produced videos. Whether they’re watching an influencer give a how-to skin care tutorial or enjoying a live concert from a favorite artist, there’s nothing quite like watching something happening in real time.

Mix it up. Any event benefits from variety, combining exciting live moments with thoughtfully pre-produced content to enhance your digital storytelling. Draw on all the resources at your disposal, from visual artistry and music to influencers, personalities and thought leaders who can speak directly to your audience. Many of today’s best events are hybrid, combining live, in-person components with virtual elements for far-flung audiences, weaving together a variety of experiences for a unique result with a much wider reach.

Make it conversational. Live streaming is at its best when it’s not just a spectator sport. Interactive features like live Q and A, polling and chat will draw your audience members in and invite them to become part of your event as it’s happening.

Use the best tools. Even without tech experience, you can get stunning, professional-grade live streams with just a few clicks using BlueJeans Studio by Verizon. The new all-in-one event production and live streaming platform is designed to put control into the hands of the creator.

BlueJeans Studio allows anyone to produce, star and engage in live videos with ease, maximizing broadcast reach with live streams to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, RTMP destinations and other platforms simultaneously. With easy video feed mixing, custom branding and endless streaming capabilities, you can produce TV-quality content that helps drive audience engagement and elevates any virtual event experience.

Key features of BlueJeans Studio:

• No technology integration: The studio is web-based and built into the BlueJeans Events platform to enable anyone to host, manage and create stunning events — without technical or AV support.
• Ease of use: No production expertise required; a few simple clicks create beautiful, engaging video streams.
• Cost effective: You can save thousands compared to hiring production and AV support to improve the visual appeal of any event. Event plans start at $42 per month.
• All-in-one event platform: Send invites, secure the event, get post-event analytics and save unlimited recording hours.
• Highest video quality: 1080p picture quality elevates the event and brand.
• Highlight more presenters: Capacity is up to 150 presenters — more than any other event platform.
• Change onscreen layouts: You can even change onscreen layouts, using templates to create a more polished event look.
• Host unlimited events: Monthly and annual plans allow users to host as many events as needed, rather than paying per event.

You’ll be able to have presenters engage your audience with chat, Q and A and polls in real-time — and highlight audience comments and reactions on screen. And you can integrate uploaded videos, images and screen shares during the broadcast.

To further elevate your brand, you can incorporate personalized logos, background and colors, ticker banners, name cards, lower third overlays and more to create engaging and buzzworthy content that can be recorded, edited and shared again and again. Launching as an included feature of BlueJeans Events, BlueJeans Studio will be available at no extra cost to Events subscribers.

Learn how you can make your live streaming, virtual and hybrid events sizzle at BlueJeans.com/products/events/studio.

2022-12-08T17:01:00

(BPT) – Selecting the perfect gift can be a challenge, no matter who is on your list. However, when it comes to kids it can be particularly challenging to think of unique gift ideas year after year. With a record year of inflation, many are rethinking how they give gifts this holiday season and beyond.

According to a recent Fidelity Investments^® gifting study, 42% of parents say they will spend less on their children’s gifts this holiday season due to inflation and the current economic climate. While parents claim they’ll be spending less this year, they still anticipate each child receiving an average of $996 worth of gifts collectively from themselves, family and friends.

The study breaks down gifting trends from over 1,000 parents across the U.S., and when asking what gifts they think their kids will want this year the top three responses include toys & games, electronics and apparel. While 35% of parents say they’ll be more likely to prioritize non-material gifts, here are three gift ideas that will never go out of style over the years:

1. Experiences

Whether it’s tickets to see their favorite musical artist or band, a day trip to a museum or amusement park, or even a promise to simply pick the next family outing — gifting an experience that allows the opportunity to continue creating memories with kids will never go out of style.

2. Education

With college costs increasing each year, saving for college is top of mind for parents now more than ever. According to Fidelity’s study, 84% of parents say they’d welcome contributions to their child’s college savings account in lieu of traditional holiday gifts, and with all the benefits of a tax-advantaged account like a 529 college savings, providing a lasting and meaningful gift like a contribution to a college fund has never been easier.

3. A Donation

When asking about their money wishes for their children, 1 in 4 parents wish their children would embrace charitable giving and think about others before themselves. Another gift idea could be to make a donation to a charity on their behalf, asking them to pick a toy or two to donate before opening other gifts, or even donating time together as a family and volunteering at a local food pantry or soup kitchen.

Whether you have a young child, a high school senior getting ready to leave the nest, or a niece or nephew, these gifts ideas will be a hit for any child at any age. For more information on college gifting visit Fidelity.com/collegegift. For the full study results visit: https://bit.ly/3PgUEP9.

2022-12-07T06:01:00

(BPT) – By Jason Gaughan, Head of Consumer Credit Card Products at Bank of America

This year, shoppers are looking for ways to stretch their dollars throughout the holiday season so they can start 2023 on strong financial footing. In fact, nearly 1 in 2 Americans (45%) intend to spend less this holiday season than last year. And, for 68% of those with reduced budgets, they attribute their financial modesty to inflation and rising everyday prices. Despite the current economic environment, holiday shopping doesn’t need to be stressful — if you do it right, you can maximize your financial health as we head into the new year.

Here are four ways to help you make the most of your spending this holiday season, and beyond:

1. Stick to your budget. Nearly two-thirds (60%) of consumers plan to follow a budget to combat financial stress around the holidays, but don’t let the word “budget” scare you if you haven’t already mapped one out — it’s never too late to start planning and tracking your spending. Begin by totaling up what you’ve already purchased and combine it with your remaining expenses. Consider all your anticipated costs and be as detailed as possible. For example, assign a dollar amount to each person you plan to buy gifts for and don’t forget to weigh other holiday expenses that may seem small but add up quickly — like shipping fees, wrapping paper and holiday decorations. From there, make sure the total fits within your overall budget. As you look at the numbers, determine what your priorities are. What can you comfortably spend on gifts, travel or holiday hosting without breaking the bank? Whether your holiday shopping is already underway or you’ve yet to get started, building a budget — and sticking to it — is key.
2. Get creative with gifting and make a plan. One of the easiest ways to end up with impulse purchases that don’t fit your budget is to wander aimlessly through stores or browse endlessly online. Think about what stores you’ll need to go to for the items on your list and develop a shopping plan so you’re less likely to purchase without purpose. Also, try to get creative with your gifting to help ease the financial burden. Consider going in on joint gifts or thinking beyond material items. Nearly half (48%) of people said they prioritize shared experiences, like a trip or concert, with family and friends over giving material items, and many others plan to make “do-it-yourself” (DIY) gifts or give a sentimental act of service.
3. Use a credit card that rewards you as you go. A cash back card that offers rewards on everyday purchases is a simple way to earn rewards while you spend all year long. From online shopping and traveling over the holidays to filling up your gas tank or taking on new home improvement projects in the new year, cash back cards can be a great tool to earn rewards that can help offset your spending. For example, the Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards card allows you to earn 3% cash back in one of six categories of your choosing, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category, grocery store and wholesale club purchases each quarter), and 1% back on all other purchases. As your cash rewards grow, you can redeem your earnings as a statement credit or deposit directly into your Bank of America^® checking or savings account to help offset the cost of your routine spending throughout the year.
4. Keep your 2023 goals in mind. It can be easy to get carried away with so many expenses piling up throughout the holiday season, but if you stick to your budget and keep your financial resolutions for the coming year in mind, it’ll help you stay on track. And when you take the time to plan ahead now, you’ll join the 80% of Americans who have already set financial goals for 2023, including 44% who have prioritized increasing their savings in the new year. In addition to some of the tips listed above, you can get a head start on your 2023 savings now by using a tool like Bank of America’s Keep the Change^® savings program, which rounds up every purchase made on a Bank of America debit card to the nearest dollar and transfers the change to your savings account.

No matter what your New Year’s financial resolutions are, keeping them in mind while you spend during the end of the year can help set your priorities straight and enable a stress-free start to 2023.

2022-12-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the international film industry evolves, many filmmakers are exploring beyond the hills of Hollywood to find new movie magic and inspiration. Cinema is an important part of Iceland’s culture and economy, and not only is the domestic film industry thriving, but Iceland is also an increasingly desirable location for foreign filmmakers.

With a refund on production costs up to 35 percent, experienced and sustainable film crews, and a stunning variety of locations, filming in Iceland offers a unique opportunity for filmmakers in the U.S. and beyond.

Here are five reasons why Iceland is a growing hub for filmmakers around the world.

Spectacular Scenery

One of the biggest appeals of filming in Iceland is its stunning and diverse landscapes, which are often only a few miles apart. When filmmakers come to Iceland, the landscape allows them to metaphorically travel to different nations and even planets without leaving the island by utilizing black sand beaches, imposing snow-capped mountains and rugged lava fields for dramatic scene setting. Hollywood blockbusters like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Interstellar (pictured above) were made in Iceland, with the stunning natural terrain serving as a stand-in for places like the Himalayas, Siberia, Iwo Jima and even galaxies far, far away.

World-Class Infrastructure

Underneath Iceland’s dramatic natural landscape lies a modern, connected and stable infrastructure. Internationally acclaimed producers, actors and directors come to the island to work with Iceland’s highly skilled local crews. Iceland is home to the studio RVK, located within the capital city, Reykjavik, which has already been used for major productions and co-productions.

“There are three sound stages in the studio now operating in Iceland — one of them is among the largest in Europe,” said Baltasar Kormákur, acclaimed Icelandic director and CEO/owner of RVK. “The possibilities and capability to handle smaller projects all the way up to full-scale international productions have drastically increased here. The local industry’s technical capabilities have exponentially improved. With larger crews and decades of know-how, we have the capacity for a full range of productions.”

Iceland is also the home of world-class production service companies that can service everything from simple music videos to large Hollywood blockbusters. VFX needs can be handled by one of Iceland’s top-line visual effects studios, like RVX.

Sustainable Production

Films produced in Iceland benefit not only from spectacular scenery and world-class infrastructure, but also a reduced carbon footprint. Iceland is the world’s largest green energy producer per capita, and for more than a century has harnessed renewable energy like geothermal, generated by heat from Earth’s core, and hydropower, generated by water. Today, 100 percent of Iceland’s electricity and house-heating needs are met with renewables. Iceland’s cool climate and inexpensive renewable energy makes it an ideal spot for post-production, which often requires a huge amount of processing power. Servers hosted by green energy power data centers in Iceland.

Cost Incentives for Filmmakers

Another significant benefit for filming in Iceland is lower cost. By opting to host an international production on Icelandic shores, filmmakers can save more than a quarter of production costs — up to 35 percent — incurred during the creation of a movie. Television productions and music recordings taped in Iceland are also eligible for financial reimbursements.

A Growing Presence in the Global Film Scene

In addition to international productions, Iceland’s national film industry is quickly gaining global recognition. Several recent Icelandic films that have garnered international critical acclaim are 2021 A24 horror film, Lamb, which won “Prize of Originality” at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, and the coming-of-age drama, Beautiful Beings, Iceland’s submission for “Best International Feature” at the 2023 Academy Awards.

Iceland is also a growing hub for major industry events, including the annual Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) and Stockfish Film Festival. On December 10, Iceland will serve as host for the European Film Awards, which will bring hundreds of industry professionals to the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík to honor the year’s greatest achievements in European cinema. Harpa is one of Reykjavík’s most striking landmarks and an award-winning work of art in the very heart of the city.

Learn more via Film in Iceland.

2022-12-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – By: Lisa Fait, managing director of strategic accounts for hotels and conventions

As we move into 2023, momentum for in-person events, meetings and conventions continues to grow post-pandemic. After nearly three years of virtual alternatives, attendance for in-person events is growing, according to MarTech’s Event Participation Index.

While event planners may be looking forward to the shift back to in-person gatherings, they have a tough job on their hands. Driving attendance and engagement to ensure success can seem like an overwhelming task. To help you overcome the stress and worry that comes with planning events, meetings, conferences and conventions, FedEx Office offers several services for seamlessly planning and executing your next event.

With over 150 locations in hotels and convention centers across the U.S. in key meeting markets, FedEx Office provides on-demand event solutions for every traveling marketer.

1. Production and installation

Space at a large conference or convention is valuable. Grabbing the attention of event attendees requires large, eye-catching visuals. FedEx Office’s state-of-the-art production equipment can produce stunning, large-format pieces for your event. These hotel and convention center locations also have experts available to help you install your materials and make the most of your valuable event space. And don’t forget branded promotional products for your attendees to remember your event.

2. On-location parcel management

Instead of traveling with extra or oversized luggage full of event materials, why not ship directly to your event location? FedEx Office has over 70 parcel management locations in premier hotel and convention center locations. This means the FedEx network can pack, ship and receive precious goods directly to and from your event location.

3. Consistent impressions

FedEx Office uses exacting procedures and tools to ensure that all printed materials look the same regardless of where they are printed. This ensures that materials printed in Miami will be consistent in color, size and quality as one printed in D.C. You can also take a virtual tour on FedEx.com to discover all the ways to create brand impressions, from tabletop tents to enormous wall graphics.

4. Design-to-print services

FedEx Office has now joined forces with Canva, the world’s fastest-growing design platform to deliver a seamless digital-to-print marketplace. With access to millions of images and illustrations, an extensive library of templates, and a simple drag-and-drop interface, you can create your own marketing collateral such as banners, flyers, postcards, menus, booth materials and more and have them ready for you with our next-day printing at any FedEx Office location.

5. Experts on the ground

Get support from the very start by planning your event at a hotel with a FedEx Office. Our specialists work on location every day, so they know the space inside and out. They understand what print applications work best and where to install them for maximum engagement during your event. They’ll help you transform your space into a brand billboard while you plan your event from afar.

Excite and inspire your event attendees with the help of these services. When you choose to host an event at a location with FedEx Office, you can streamline the process from planning and setup to tear-down — and make sure your guests have a memorable experience. If you would like to know more about how FedEx Office can help you with your next event, click here to request a consultation.

2022-12-02T12:01:00

(BPT) – By Jay Woods, Founder & President, Omega Accounting Solutions

Small business leaders continue to encounter difficulties and shortages that began during the pandemic. They struggle with labor shortages, supply chain issues, inflation, a potential recession, and insufficient financial guidance while working hard to keep their businesses running.

About the ERC

The federal government drafted up economic parachutes to keep businesses afloat in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, many business leaders are struggling to find the cord. One such program — the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) provides qualified businesses a tax refund to recoup some of the money spent on overpayment of payroll taxes during the pandemic. The ERC allows qualified companies and businesses to reclaim a portion of the money they paid to the IRS in payroll taxes.

The Survey

To better support small business decision-makers, Omega Accounting Solutions commissioned a national study of general managers and executive management team members to determine their thoughts on the ERC. The results demonstrate their disappointment with misinformation and a lack of clarity and even integrity with ERC processors, leaving decision-makers both disillusioned and confused.

“Although the popular Payment Protection Program fund offered about $800 billion in aid to small businesses, the ERC Tax Credit is almost three times that size — approximately 2.1 trillion,” said Jay Woods, Founder and President of Omega Accounting Solutions. “A survey of small business owners revealed most are misinformed about the ERC. With the rolling sunset deadline approaching in early 2023, businesses are running out of time to file. ERC funds may help businesses remain operational during ongoing economic hardship.”

Key Findings

Overall, the survey found that decision-makers are frustrated with the ERC, the U.S. business climate, and a perceived lack of support from financial experts.

Other findings include:

• 81% of business leaders and decision-makers indicate business is suffering because they don’t have the accounting or financial direction they need
• 31% of survey respondents say that the tax or financial experts who typically assist with their business’s tax needs did not provide accurate/enough information about the ERC
• 45% believe they are ineligible to claim ERC benefits because they already applied for a Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan
• 89% say that between the pandemic, inflation and labor shortages, they feel it is nearly impossible for small businesses to thrive in today’s economy
• 89% say the surge in operating expenses and/or the cost of goods have made paying employees a competitive wage unaffordable

Omega analysts believe these survey results indicate that small businesses are often underserved when it comes to tax credits. Most executives lack expert guidance in accounting and finance, leaving them to rely on outdated information or form misconceptions that may prevent them from utilizing tax advantages.

Additional Challenges

Adequate ERC guidance is one of the biggest issues for decision-makers but by no means the only obstacle they face. Federal sunset deadlines will begin rolling out in March 2023, shortening the three-year claims window for qualifying businesses in each subsequent quarter. There is also a significant backlog of ERC claimants waiting for their refunds. Current reporting from Experian highlights processing delays resulting in more than 286,000 unprocessed refunds that can take up to a year to reach recipients.

Finding the Right ERC Partner

As many small business leaders have already discovered, successfully claiming the ERC is difficult without the right partner. There is rarely anybody at their side, ready to explain the ins and outs of the process, helping decision-makers to understand the qualification or application process, and ensure their filing is protected in the case of an audit. Fortunately, there are accounting firms that specialize in the ERC, offering support throughout the entire filing process. Small business owners should ask the following five questions before selecting their ERC partner.

1. Is the company established?
2. Does the company have experience processing ERC refunds?
3. Does the company have a thorough qualification process?
4. Does the company have a proven record of success?
5. Does the company charge reasonable upfront fees?

Read the Survey

To learn more and explore the rest of Omega’s findings, download the survey now.

2022-12-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – While it’s the season for festivities and numerous joyous activities, a lot of mishaps can happen during the holidays, from baking snafus and turkey fires to decor disasters and pet problems. Fortunately, some smart preparation and mindful steps will help keep you and loved ones safe and jolly throughout the season.

Prioritize cooking and baking safety

Food is the center of many holiday celebrations, and it’s easy for holiday hosts to become overwhelmed while cooking and baking. In 2021, State Farm reported $142 million in total claim costs for grease fires and cooking-related fires. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, according to the National Fire Protection Association. No matter what you’re whipping up, don’t get distracted. Use clocks and alarms to your advantage and also ask for help so more than one person is watching foods and appliances when in use.

Prevent turkey fryer fires

Turkey is a mainstay of holiday celebrations and the centerpiece on many tables across the country as family and friends gather. Frying a turkey has become a popular method for cooking a bird, but no matter your culinary skill level, a lot can go wrong during the process. This year, State Farm has already paid out a total of $4 million for outdoor cooking fires and expects that number to rise as we approach the holiday season. Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey in oil, then turn it on. Always place fryers away from garages and trees and off decks. See here for more tips before frying.

Mind the glow of candles

It’s hard to resist the ambiance that candles create during the holiday season. However, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,400 home fires last year that were started by candles. These fires cause $291 million in direct property damage annually. It’s important to burn candles in short increments and in safe places, keeping them away from kids, pets and holiday decorations. What’s more, make sure your home and renters insurance is up to date so if something happens, you have the peace of mind that you’re financially protected.

Protect your pets

While family and friends flood your home for the holidays, the increased noise levels and new faces can cause anxiety for your pets. Discuss with guests how your pet prefers to be touched and separate your pet from crowds if a break is needed. Additionally, get pet medical insurance ahead of your gatherings as pets can become overwhelmed and aggressive, nipping, biting and scratching unexpectedly. Total cost of pet claims in 2021 was $161.7 million and the average cost per claim was $49,612, according to State Farm research. Protect yourself, your assets and your furry family member with Trupanion^® pet insurance.

Understand electrical fire risks

Electrical distribution and lighting equipment was involved in nearly half (45%) of home tree fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Holiday decorations overall cause more than 770 house fires every year! To lower your risk and keep your family and home safe, make sure you don’t leave lights on trees or on other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. They could short and start a fire. Plus, if you’re planning to decorate outdoors, make sure that you use lights and decorations intended for outdoor use.

Update auto insurance and drive safe

Over the river and through the woods — many people take road trips during the holiday season to visit friends and family. If you’re hitting the road, make sure you check the weather before heading out and take any necessary precautions to stay safe if inclement weather is expected. Pack essentials in the car should you get stuck so you can stay safe. Always mind speed limits and be aware of other people on the road. Plus, make sure your auto insurance is up to date and you have access to the roadside call number for help should you need it.

Be a good neighbor

The holidays should be a joyous time to reconnect with loved ones. If you’re hosting for the holidays, respect noise levels in your community. Be courteous by shoveling the sidewalks for your neighbors. Lean on your trusted friends, neighbors, or a Neighborhood Watch member to watch your home if you’re leaving for the holidays.

Visit the State Farm Newsroom to make sure you’re set up for a joyous, safe holiday season.

2022-11-28T16:15:00

(BPT) – It’s the season of giving, which means you can make an impact no matter your budget.

When money is tight, donating to charities can easily fall to the bottom of your list. But you can reap the benefits of investing in others even when there’s little wiggle room in your own budget.

Here are six ways to help you maximize your giving this season.

Swap it out

According to the 2022 Happy Money Giving Survey, more than 75% of people plan to donate the same or more money this year compared to last, which is very encouraging. If that’s you and you need help finding room in your budget for charities you’d like to support, try reviewing weekly expenses. Is there a recurring splurge or expense that no longer brings you joy and could be cut out once or twice a month? If so, this money could give you a much bigger happiness boost by putting it toward a favorite cause instead.

Grow your gift

The survey also found 62% of people have donated money in the past 12 months toward a charity or cause they care about. One way you can increase the amount you give is by taking the money you would otherwise donate to your favorite charity each month and place it into a high-yield savings account instead. Then the gift that you intended to give monthly can now grow into an even larger annual donation with no impact to your budget.

Another way to increase your donation is to ask friends or family to match (or exceed!) your gift. Using events like your birthday or holidays is a great way to pool money to put toward your favorite causes. Plus, you can share it on your favorite social media platforms too. Some apps even let you use your birthday as a fundraiser! Regardless of how many followers you have, the ripple effect can have a big impact.

Gift your talent

If money is just not an option, that’s OK! The survey found 80% of people plan to volunteer the same or more time as last year. Your time and talents are priceless to many organizations. Do you have a specialty or niche that could provide a benefit to a local organization? Would you love to mentor a local teen? Or read to a group of wide-eyed toddlers? There are a lot of ways to turn your talents into gifts that many charities would receive with open arms.

See if your donation can be doubled

Explore ways your contribution can be easily doubled. You could see if a friend or family member would like to join you once a month to volunteer or if they’d be willing to match your financial donation. You can also ask your favorite charity or nonprofit if they have a matching campaign happening around the holidays and plan to donate during that time. Some companies also offer charitable donation matches to their employees.

Plan ahead

The Happy Money Survey found 28% of people say they set aside a specific amount of money from their paycheck to donate to causes they care about. Automatically setting aside money can make it easier to plan and budget for giving and make the impact to your own budget less noticeable.

Reputable charities only

Be sure that you’re wisely investing your time and money with a cause that is credible. Reputable charities and nonprofits will be transparent about their practices, their funding and their beliefs. Some resources to help with this are websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar, which provide nonprofit reviews and ratings to help consumers understand how they use donations.

Download the 2022 Happy Money Giving Guide for more tips including how to give experiences, questions to think about before choosing a charity to donate to and information to develop your own giving strategy and maximize your impact this season.