Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

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.

2022-11-28T12:01:00

(BPT) – You have a busy, active lifestyle and want a quick meal that fuels you rather than bogs you down. You’re over smoothies and salads, craving something that excites and satisfies your taste buds while still providing you the nutrition you know your body needs to feel its best.

The acai bowl fits the bill, and with Nautical Bowl locations opening nationwide, your fix of delicious superfoods packed with nutrients is as easy as stopping by your local store. No Nautical Bowls store in your location yet? This is your opportunity to be on the forefront of this hot trend and start one yourself.

What exactly is an acai bowl?

Acai — pronounced ah-sah-EE — is a berry loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Called a superfood by many nutritionists, the fruit can be blended to serve as a base for a bowl, which then is layered with other healthy ingredients and toppings.

Nautical Bowls is unique because they focus on making the best bowls to suit anyone’s taste preferences, using some of the most well-known superfoods and wholesome ingredients available. Some of the other bases that can be layered include acai, pitaya (dragon fruit), coconut, mango, cacao and chia pudding. Toppings include fresh ground peanut and almond butters, granola, a variety of seeds and drizzles like honey.

The bowls can be enjoyed for a meal or snack anytime, like a quick breakfast on the way to the office or a post-workout snack. Despite the eye-catching colors from each layered ingredient, these are not a dessert. The vibrant hues come from an array of nutrients in each ingredient, so you’re eating a rainbow the way Mother Nature intended. All bowls are plant-based, gluten, dairy and soy free, contain zero refined sugars and are made with organic, all-natural ingredients.

A unique opportunity

The first time you try an acai bowl, you’ll understand the hype. Not only is the Nautical Bowls product delicious, but stores are cheery and a positive part of the communities they serve. This business concept and the food options themselves are incredibly unique against alternatives. As more people prioritize a healthy lifestyle, it’s no wonder these bowls are garnering growing enthusiasm among people of all ages.

This is what caught the attention of Peter Taunton, a franchisee expert with more than 25 years working in the health and fitness space. Taunton met with founders Rachel and Bryant Amundson to discuss their current business and provide insights as to what they may consider should they decide to expand. After evaluating the business and appreciating the simplicity of the operations and the relevance of the product offering, he suggested that with some changes, this could be a very franchise-able business.

Not having franchise experience, the Amundsons and Taunton formed a partnership and Nautical Bowls Franchising LLC was born.

Taunton said what captured his eye with this opportunity was Nautical Bowls’ commitment to serving the perfect, healthy meal replacement for those looking to make a pivot in their eating choices and lifestyle. Nautical Bowls acai bowls are plant-based, gluten, dairy and soy free, organic and feature all natural ingredients.

The business and the product fits exactly what Taunton looks for in an opportunity. Not only is the product delicious, but the concept and business plan is ideal for franchising. Plus, we’re in a unique time that presents a growing opportunity: As more people prioritize their health and want snack and food options that fit their busy lifestyle, they are looking for places like Nautical Bowls. It’s something they can feel good about eating and serving to friends and family,” said Taunton.

Due to Taunton’s vast expertise in the category, his stamp of approval is notable. Just like any other franchise he’s exploring, he says these are the key components of success:

1. Product relevance

People are eagerly seeking healthy meal-replacement alternatives beyond the typical salad. This is evident because the healthy fast-casual space is a fast-growing category in the food service industry. The product is tasty and can be customized for each taste preference, plus it travels well and can even be stored in the freezer for future use.

2. Minimal cash investment

Starting a franchise can be expensive, putting it out of reach for many people. However, Nautical Bowls offers a reasonable option, in most cases only requiring a $100,000 cash investment from owners with third-party financing available for the rest.

3. Simple business concept

Owners don’t need restaurant experience to own this franchise. This is a simple business to own and operate. There are no cooktops or exhaust hoods, and no complicated culinary skills are required. Furthermore, there is only one manager and typically 15 part-time employees.

4. Flexibility

Most of the Nautical Bowls franchisees are semi-absent owners. They hire a manager and staff to run daily operations. This makes it a great option if you work full time or are retired and looking for an income stream without it overtaking your days.

“I often talk with people who want to make a pivot in their lives. I ask them to think what interests them most and the majority of people want something that fills their cup by helping others in some manner,” said Taunton. “This falls right in line with the culture we try to instill in our stores: we don’t sell bowls, we serve them. It’s that servant mentality that becomes the cornerstone of the culture we create within our stores and hopefully how we are perceived in the communities we serve.”

For more information, including franchise opportunities, go to nauticalbowls.com.

2022-11-22T08:07:00

(BPT) – From finding a new career in a new city to reevaluating your financial plan, and everything in between, choosing where to live after leaving the military isn’t an easy decision.

That’s why Navy Federal Credit Union and Sperling’s Best Places compiled a list of the Best Cities After Service to understand where veterans are and what preferences they have when they leave the service. They also expanded the list to include best cities for military families, for veterans to retire, and to buy a house.

“The expanded version of this year’s report emphasizes the diversity of cities across the U.S. that can meet the needs of transitioning servicemembers,” said Clay Stackhouse, a retired Marine Corps colonel and regional outreach manager at Navy Federal. “This population of individuals is unique, and with today’s economic challenges, it’s more important than ever that we support servicemembers and their families as they approach this pivotal, often challenging, moment.”

Top 10 overall cities best after military service:

1. Charleston, SC.
2. Norristown, PA.
3. Cambridge, MA.
4. San Diego, CA.
5. Naples, FL.
6. Anchorage, AK.
7. Derry, NH.
8. Virginia Beach, VA.
9. Hempstead, NY.
10. Waukegan, IL.

Top 5 overall cities best for military families:

1. Fort Worth, TX.
2. Derry, NH.
3. Norristown, PA.
4. Charleston, SC.
5. Columbus, OH.

Top 5 overall cities best for retired veterans:

1. Tampa, FL.
2. Honolulu, HI.
3. Jacksonville, FL.
4. Norristown, PA.
5. Virginia Beach, VA.

Top 5 overall cities best for veterans to buy a house:

1. Altoona, PA.
2. Florence, AL.
3. Abilene, TX.
4. Elizabethtown, KY.
5. Muncie, IN.

Regardless of where you move after service, planning for the transition to civilian life also means having a financial plan to match. Check out Navy Federal’s military life resources for even more guidance on transitioning to civilian life.

Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

2022-11-17T11:01:00

(BPT) – Small actions can have a big impact, which is why many people are choosing to support small businesses for their holiday needs this year. Many of these businesses are taking steps to make a difference and help their community, making shopping small beneficial for everyone.

In 2021, 51 million shoppers participated in Small Business Saturday, according to the National Retail Federation. This annual holiday in the U.S. celebrates small businesses and local entrepreneurs by encouraging shoppers to buy from them. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 26, 2022.

This comes at a time when shopping habits and values are shifting. Today, consumers want brands to act with purpose and create positive change because “doing good” positively shapes perceptions of the consumer and the business.

Purposeful work not only resonates with consumers, it speaks to small-business employees, supports retention, growth, collective team passion, community support and engagement. Purpose also empowers teams to buy-in to the company mission and strive to make a positive impact on society, the planet and individuals.

Here are some of the top reasons purpose-driven work is key for small to medium-sized business (SMB) success and why many consumers are choosing to shop small.

Increased Trust and Customer Loyalty

Purpose-driven consumers are now the largest segment of consumers, outranking those driven by value, brand or product, according to the 2022 IBM and National Retail Federation Report, “Consumers want it all.” These consumers are highly valuable in the long term, as they are more likely to evangelize brands/products to their peers, spend more when shopping and engage with the brand overall. Furthermore, more than half, (52%) have recently introduced friends and family to a new brand or retailer so they are likely to serve the brands that align with their values as an informal brand ambassador for others.

According to the Benevity 2022 data and insights from more than 850 companies with 20 million employees, 84% of consumers and 85% of employees agree the more a business engages its consumers in charitable giving decisions, the more trust they have in that business. Consumers will also go out of their way to buy from brands they trust are sustainable — even if it comes at a higher price. According to Deloitte’s 2022 Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 64% of global Gen Zs would pay more to purchase an environmentally sustainable product, versus 36% who would choose a cheaper product that is not as sustainable. In another recent study, “Meet the 2020 consumers driving change,” 70% of global consumers said they would pay more for brands that are environmentally responsible.

Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

Similar to consumers, prospective employees want to join companies that align with their values and have a strong purpose. According to Lenovo’s recent research, “Human-centered insights to fuel IT’s vision,” 75% of small-business employees seek more purpose-driven work that provides opportunities to positively impact society. On the flip side, lack of purpose can detract employees, especially younger generations, with nearly two in five (37% of Gen Zs and 36% of millennials) saying they have rejected a job and/or assignment based on their personal ethics, according to Deloitte.

Gen Zs and millennials who are satisfied with their employers’ societal and environmental impact as well as their company’s efforts to create a diverse and inclusive culture, are more likely to stay with their employer for more than five years, according to Deloitte. More than 70% of IT decision-makers at businesses of all sizes report that their employees are increasingly concerned with working on projects that have a positive impact on society, according to Lenovo’s recent research. Fortunately, most businesses of all sizes (70% on average) believe their company has already conducted a greater number of projects that contribute to the good of the world

Leveraging Technology for Good

In the next chapter of workforce transformation, technology will be a driver of human-centered experiences. Purpose-driven teams can engage and inspire each other and consumers by being equipped with the right technology and tools to collaborate and innovate with purpose. Ultimately, smarter technology supports meaningful work and allows purpose-driven SMBs to be successful.

According to Lenovo research, 52% of all businesses are currently adopting more sustainable technologies and 46% are planning to, indicating there’s a bright light at the end of the tunnel for consumers, employees and brands. What’s more, 32% of businesses on average would like to focus on researching more sustainable technologies to use in the office; 32% would like to increase the office’s energy efficiency; and an average of 35% would like to create new IT asset recycling and disposal programs.

Overall, it’s clear many consumers agree it’s important to spend in a thoughtful way that gives back and makes the world a better place. Consumers — especially the younger generations — expect more from brands and have for years. As we head into the holidays and the new year, it’s important to make conscious choices and support your local community. With ESG and purpose being table stakes, the focus for SMB owners must shift from pure profit to values-based and purpose-driven products, devices and initiatives.