Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2023-01-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Approaching retirement is an exciting prospect: transitioning into this phase of life gives everyone the chance to spend more time with their family and enjoy favorite hobbies. However, wider economic conditions, particularly those we have seen over the last year, can sometimes prevent us from retiring when we want — or how we want.

According to research, 48% of people who were planning to retire in 2022 may now be putting their plans on hold. While pausing big life changes can be a sensible response in difficult times, you can still retire at the time of your choosing by steadying your financial ship ahead of time.

While we can’t control the economic headwinds we’re given as we approach retirement, individuals 50+ can take steps to ensure they retire in comfort and in good financial health by being savvy with their savings. With the benefits provided by AARP, members can save on everyday items, moving services and home repairs, and transition seamlessly into retired life no matter the economic backdrop. Here are just some of the ways AARP members can save day-to-day and head towards retirement in a strong financial position.

1. Save on Everyday Items to Give Yourself Breathing Room Elsewhere

It’s the everyday items that can sometimes add up when we review our expenses, so finding ways to save on these daily purchases is a fantastic way for future retirees to remain liquid. 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 get 2x the points on fuel on AARP member days.

AARP members who are new to the Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ program will also receive a 500-point bonus (worth $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.

Thousands of people visit Walgreens daily not just for prescriptions, but for health and wellness, beauty and personal care needs. What many people don’t know is that you can earn rewards while buying these everyday essentials to save on future purchases. 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.

2. Ensure Smooth Sailing to Your Next Home By Saving on Moving Services

Getting ready to retire often means considering starting afresh with a new home. If you’re moving to downsize or relocating for a job or to be closer to family, with AARP member benefits, members have access to discounts to make these moves easier and less expensive. With Budget Truck, members can save 20% on local or one-way truck rentals on Sunday through Thursday and 10% on Friday and Saturday, plus receive a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver.

Members save up to $250 when they book moving services through Shyft. Dedicated Shyft Move Managers are trained to compare multiple pricing options among verified moving companies, lock in a rate upon booking, and help oversee your move. Make sure to enter your AARP membership number online or mention it over the phone.

3. Ensure Your Home is Comfortable and Safe with Discounted Repairs

One thing that homeowners can’t overlook is repairs, necessities which never seem to occur at the easiest time. And, if you have a new home, there may be additional expenses to keep it safe and well maintained, especially if you’re planning to age in place. AARP members have the opportunity to save on these essential costs. Members receive $36 off any American Home Shield^® home warranty plan that can help cover the cost to repair or replace parts of home appliances and systems that break down over time. Plus, for a limited time, American Home Shield^® is giving AARP members an additional $100 off for a total discount of $136 off any plan. Limitations and exclusions apply. Valid only for new American Home Shield members.

With Porch Home Services, members save 5% on small jobs completed by a Porch handyman, and get enhanced property protection for both small jobs and major home improvements. Plus, you get complimentary access to a dedicated Porch Home Assistant team that can help you book and manage your projects, assist with moving services, and more.

Those approaching retirement are naturally looking for ways to keep their financial ship steady and resilient to any headwinds that could impact their savings. While we can’t control the economy at the moment we choose to take the plunge, AARP member savings are an excellent way to ensure you transition into retirement in a strong position. By using these saving tips and taking advantage of these member benefits, being able to retire comfortably is within 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.

2022-12-22T11:01:00

(BPT) – If you feel like it’s a struggle just getting from one pay period to the next, you’re not alone. Currently, 61% of the U.S. population lives paycheck to paycheck. Unfortunately, that can result in overusing credit cards or relying on predatory lending practices such as payday loans to get by when unexpected expenses occur — which often leads to additional financial difficulties. With U.S. inflation rates currently at 7%, credit card balances in turn have jumped 15%, and missed payments are unfortunately also on the rise — which negatively affects those card holders’ credit scores. If you have a lower credit score or no credit history, you may have a much harder time buying a home or car, getting good insurance rates — or even renting an apartment, among other things. Simply put, getting and keeping a better credit score increases your ability to borrow money at a lower cost when you need it.

If you’re one of the 150 million Americans who have low or no credit, these tips can help you improve your credit score, even during economically challenging times.

1. Review your credit score

You can request a free credit report online annually from Experian^®, Equifax^®, TransUnion^®, or the credit-builder tool of your choice. It’s a good idea to check for any errors which could be negatively impacting your credit score.

2. Use a credit builder to help you improve your credit score

Paying credit card bills on time is one of the top ways you can improve your credit score, but what about all your other bills such as utilities, rent, and subscriptions? These billers are not reporting your on-time payments to the credit bureaus. Fortunately, you can get some help by joining StellarFi, the first and only credit builder that consolidates all your bill payments in one place, then pays and reports a variety of bill payments directly to Experian^®, TransUnion^®, and Equifax^® — quickly building your positive payment history and improving factors that make up your credit score. StellarFi pays your regular household bills on time and withdraws money from your bank account to cover the bills. Because StellarFi pays bills on your behalf, your on-time bill payments will positively impact your credit score. Your StellarFi credit-builder account shows up on your credit report with your positive payment history and builds your credit in a meaningful and reliable way that lenders and creditors can use.

The result? The more of your bills that are paid through StellarFi, the faster and higher your credit score can grow: StellarFi members enjoy an average 26-point increase in their credit scores during the first month. There’s no credit check, interest fees, or deposit to get started.

3. Don’t open too many credit accounts at once

One mistake some people make is applying for too many credit cards at the same time. Every time you apply for a card, that triggers an inquiry into your credit, which can negatively impact your score. Over time your score will recover, but it’s best not to have too many inquiries into your credit too close together.

4. Think twice before closing a card

While you may think it’s smart to close a credit card because of a high interest rate, this can actually negatively impact your credit score. A major factor of your credit score is the percentage of available credit you’re using — so if you’re maxing out your cards, that will hurt your score. Closing a card means reducing your available credit, making the percentage of credit you’re currently using higher.

In addition, closing a card reduces the overall years of credit history you have, which is another factor in determining your score. If it’s a card you don’t want to use due to a high interest rate, consider setting it aside, only using it occasionally for a small purchase to keep it active, then paying it off in full.

5. Start now

Improving your credit score can take a little time, but the sooner you get started, the sooner you will begin to see positive results.

“Personal finances can be challenging in today’s environment, but there are tools available to help anyone trying to build a better credit history,” said StellarFi founder and CEO Lamine Zarrad. “Taking stock of your credit report and using a credit builder account can be effective steps toward getting a handle on improving your credit situation.”

Ready to get started? Visit https://stellarfi.com to learn more.

2022-12-22T13:48:08

(BPT) – Evictions have been front-page news during the pandemic. At the start of the pandemic, the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimated that without assistance, 30 to 40 million Americans would be in danger of eviction by the end of that year. It’s a heart-wrenching situation, which was largely avoided through widespread eviction moratoriums around the country.

But there is another side to the eviction crisis: Criminals actively trying to get into apartments they have no ability (nor intention) to pay for. Their modus operandi is to submit fake pay stubs and bank statements to convince landlords they have the means required to afford the rent.

One in eight paystubs or bank statements submitted to apartment owners are fake today. Fraudsters submitted more than 10 million fake financial documents last year. It is called application fraud, and experts estimate that this crime accounts for one in four of all evictions.

Snappt, a business with expertise in spotting fake financial documentation, has scanned several million pay stubs and bank statements. Based on a deep analysis of these documents, they have released their “Treacherous 20” list — the list of the top 20 major metropolitan areas by application fraud rate.

The Snappt Treacherous 20

The top 20 major metropolitan areas by application fraud rate:

1) Atlanta – 17.9%
2) Houston – 16.2%
3) Dallas/Fort Worth – 13.2%
4) Charlotte – 11.7%
5) Phoenix – 11.2%
6) Los Angeles – 10.8%
7) Tampa/St. Petersburg – 10.4%
8) Miami – 10.0%
9) St. Louis – 9.5%
10) Minneapolis/St. Paul – 9.2%
11) Chicago – 8.9%
12) Orlando – 8.5%
13) Las Vegas – 8.2%
14) Detroit – 8.0%
15) Philadelphia – 7.9%
16) Southern California Inland Empire (Riverside, Ontario) – 7.9%
17) Sacramento – 7.4%
18) Washington, DC – 6.6%
19) New York/New Jersey – 6.1%
20) Denver – 6.0%

Note that the eviction rates — which are often driven by application fraud — ran as high as one in nine for the Treacherous 20. The average eviction rate was 4.83%, nearly double the national average of 2.6%. In Atlanta, property managers are seeing fake paystubs or bank statements every fifth or sixth applicant. Houston and Dallas were not far behind.

Drivers of application fraud

There are many drivers of application fraud, but rent increases and unemployment stick out. Many of the Treacherous 20 show extreme movement along these drivers.

• Increasing rent. Higher rents make it more difficult to qualify. This in turn causes more people to turn to application fraud. Annual rent increases as high as 29.5% show up on the list (Tampa/St. Petersburg). In fact, nearly half showed double-digit rent increases in 2022.
• Unemployment. Unemployment makes it impossible to qualify for an apartment. This drives applicants to fraudulently alter bank statements and pay stubs. Unemployment rates were as high as 5.7% on the list, well above the national average of 3.8%. In fact, half of the metro areas on the list have unemployment rates at or above the national average.

A post-pandemic world

The pandemic was tough for everyone. While eviction moratoriums kept many renters safe, owners faced high losses. And, as application fraud soars, the risk to owners is getting even higher. Solutions like Snappt help protect landlords.

2022-12-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – In no time, we’ll say goodbye to 2022 and begin a new year. This means everyone will have the chance to reflect on, restart and even reset their goals from the previous year. Many may be looking to start fresh on their financial habits.

However, you don’t have to wait for the new year to improve your finances. Check out these five tools available within your Chase Mobile Banking app to help you start the new year on a strong financial foot.

1. Create a budget

It’s never too early to think about your financial goals for the year ahead. Creating a budget is one of the best ways to define your goals and stay on track. To get started now, you can find, download and print a budget work sheet, or you can use a digital one like the one available on Chase.com/FinancialGoals.

Chase customers can also find the Budget tool on their app when they navigate through the Plan and Track feature to create and stick to a budget. This tool offers in-depth, customized views that help you track what you’ve bought to prevent overspending and you can find more information on chase.com/mobile.

2. Know where your money is going

It can be difficult to know what to cut back on if you don’t know how you’re spending your money. Start the year off right with an overarching view of your past spending to keep you on track for the year ahead.

Digital tools like Chase’s Snapshot feature provide daily insights into your spending, including which categories you’re spending in the most, to keep you aware of where your money is going.

3. Set savings goals

The new year is the perfect time to start fresh and reset your goals. Look at your expenses and set a savings goal for 2023. Consider using automated savings tools, like Chase Autosave, to set and reach a savings goal.

It works by making automatic transfers from your Chase checking account to your savings account, so you can save without thinking about it, and you can name your goal, start with any amount you choose, adjust the frequency and edit or pause when you need to. You can even start planning and saving now for next year’s holiday expenses.

4. Monitor your credit score

If you’re saving for a new car or hoping to leap into homeownership in 2023, your credit health will be key. However, it can be challenging to monitor your credit score without the proper tools. Credit Journey allows users to check their score without impacting their credit and be alerted to identity theft and fraud attempts.

Credit Journey allows you to manage your credit score with confidence. This digital tool not only tracks your score but also helps you learn how to build it. You can see your score update weekly, see what’s changed, view security notifications and access support 24/7. Best of all, it’s free for everyone to use — not just Chase customers.

5. Don’t spend it all at once

Bigger ticket items, like electronics or jewelry, can quickly add up. For larger purchases in the new year, consider using a payment plan to help you manage costs over time.

Many banks are now offering installment payment options right from their apps. For example, with My Chase Plan, eligible credit card holders can pay off their purchases over time in fixed monthly payments, so you can cover all the must-have items without breaking the bank.

Using these five tips, you can start your new year off right with solid financial tools to help you meet your financial goals. To learn more, visit Chase.com/Mobile.

Bank deposit accounts, such as checking and savings, are subject to approval. Chase Mobile^® app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply. Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2022-12-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Approaching retirement is an exciting prospect for many adults 50+ who can look forward to spending more time with family and friends and enjoying the benefits of their hard-earned savings. In many cases, this important stage of life can include large expenses, such as supporting college-aged children, paying for weddings, or home renovations.

According to recent research, Americans are continuing to add to their retirement fund, however only about half of workers with 401(k) plans said they feel confident they’ll reach their retirement savings goals. During this eagerly anticipated but sometimes costly season of life, it’s important to uncover money saving hacks for everyday expenses that can go a long way in easing our pockets, including our health and wellness needs, gas, technology and more. If you’re an AARP member, there’s a range of discounts and savings that can help you save money and stay on track with your retirement fund goals.

Here are three pre-retirement smart saving hacks to consider:

Prioritize Your Health and Wellness Without Breaking the Bank

As we focus on reaching our retirement fund goals, one area of life we should never neglect is health and wellness. Staying up to date on your regular medical appointments, including hearing, dental and vision, is always a recommendation for living your best life. These essential wellness visits don’t have to break the bank, as there are ways to incorporate savings that you might not expect.

Scheduling annual eye exams allows your provider to check for vision loss or early signs of disease. If correction is needed, AARP^® Vision Discounts Provided by EyeMed provide members and their families exclusive discounts at participating retailers and independent provider locations nationwide, as well as online. You save 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com, and you save an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

Regardless of how the economy might be impacting you, prescription adherence keeps you healthy and is important. You can stay on top of your prescriptions while saving with AARP^® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum Rx^® — a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on all FDA-approved medications. The program is open to anyone, but AARP members have access to additional benefits, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for dependents and more.

Another surprising way to cut costs is taking a closer look at where you’re physically shopping. For everyday health, wellness and beauty essentials like vitamins, skin care and hair products, cosmetics and more, you can shop at Walgreens while earning rewards through your AARP membership. When members link their AARP membership and myWalgreens^® account, they can earn 10% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens-branded health and wellness products. AARP members also receive 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.

Keep Yourself on the Road at a Low Cost By Saving on Gas

Let’s face it: driving is something most of us must do regularly, whether it’s filling your vehicle a few times a month commuting to and from work, traveling for your child’s sports tournament, or taking weekend trips to visit family and friends. Amid financial pressures, there are real ways to save on gas that you might not expect.

When you link your AARP membership with your Exxon Mobil Rewards+^TM account, you earn extra points every day on the things you already buy, like fuel, car washes and convenience store items, and you’ll receive 2x the points on fuel on member days. Every 100 points you earn is the equivalent of $1 in savings on eligible purchases. And when you become an Exxon Mobil Rewards+ member, you receive a 500-point welcome bonus — that’s a five-dollar value — after your first fill-up.

Keep Your Connections Strong by Making Smart Cell Phone Plan Choices

It’s important to stay connected with friends and family — especially if you have a child (or two) away at college. Schedule a time each week to catch up with those who matter. AARP members can 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.

For those starting to think about what their retirement will look like, taking steps to save on everyday expenses allows you to prioritize retiring how you want, when you want. The discounts and savings available via AARP member benefits can help make every dollar count and put you on a path towards a stable, happy, and fulfilling retirement. 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.

2022-12-19T02:01:00

(BPT) – There’s good news for those entering the job market, people wanting a career change or military veterans searching for a new path forward: Landing a rewarding lifelong career as a truck and trailer technician has never been easier. You don’t need years of expensive education or training to enter this field, which is currently in high demand. With just a short period of training, you can learn to service America’s fleet of trucks and trailers that are the backbone of the country’s economy.

Technicians are in high demand

With the persistent need for delivery services and a responsive supply chain due to today’s on-demand lifestyle — in addition to the fast-changing technological developments occurring in the trucking industry — companies nationwide are actively recruiting technicians who can learn how to service both diesel-powered and today’s more sustainable electric vehicles (EV), from medium to heavy trucks to tractor-trailers.

Paid training and no experience required

Fortunately, if you’re interested in joining this evolving, in-demand field, you can find a training program that will set you up not just for a great job, but for a lifelong career. FleeTec Academy, powered by Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services, offers an unmatched paid training program that provides competitive wages, all your living expenses and travel to one of the academy’s two locations: Phoenix and Indianapolis. The four-week program offers intensive, hands-on training from professional instructors to ensure each student will learn the advanced skills required to be a successful technician.

Here’s what the training program provides:

• Four-week accelerated academic environment alongside equally ambitious candidates.
• Paid living expenses and travel to the training location.
• Competitive pay throughout the four-week training program.
• Practical application in a mechanical shop environment, not just classroom learning, plus interpersonal skills required to set yourself apart from the rest and drive your career to the next level.
• Guaranteed job placement with Cox Automotive.
• Best-in-class employee benefits on Day 1.
• $20,000 worth of tools to equip you on your essential mission to keep America’s trucks up and running after two years of service with Cox Automotive.

“From hands-on training and instructors who go above and beyond to guaranteed career opportunities and great pay, FleeTec and Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services have taken really good care of me,” said FleeTec graduate Tramone Sims. “After FleeTec, I feel like I can go out and work on any type of truck and really grow my career.”

Upon completion of the training program, you’ll be qualified to perform preventive maintenance and light repairs. You’ll learn the ins and outs of Cox Automotive’s industry-leading tools and techniques from the ground up, including unmatched safety procedures.

The program requires a two-year commitment to the company upon completion, with a guaranteed technician position where you’ll continue to receive mentorship and learn even more valuable industry skills at one of their many service centers or field service locations nationwide. To date, over 240 technicians have completed the program.

“Technician training, recruitment and retention are critical to the growth of our business and the industry as a whole,” said Ted Coltrain, executive officer, Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for someone who has what it takes to remain focused and dedicated to both work and education full-time as they complete this exceptional training program.”

Interested? Visit CoxAutoInc.com/mobility/fleetec to watch videos of FleeTec students, learn more about the training program and to apply.

2022-12-15T11:47:00

(BPT) – Did you know your dollars have the power to support positive change? Spending your money in ways that align with your values makes a difference for yourself and the causes close to your heart, while staying within your budget.

The new year is the ideal time to think about how you can make a difference, and one way is to look for little labels on products you buy that stand for the changes you want to see in the world. This is particularly important in 2023 as more people look at their budgets and make thoughtful choices about food and other products they purchase.

In fact, research shows about half of American seafood consumers (49% in the U.S.) say ecolabels on products raise their trust and confidence in the brand. However, product claims can be confusing, which is why 65% demand that retailers’ and brands’ claims about sustainability and the environment be clearly labeled and third-party verified.

To demystify product labels so you can shop smart and support people, the planet and prosperity, here are three labels to look for at the store:

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.