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Top financial to-dos to end the year strong and prepare for 2023

2022-11-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a time full of good cheer, but not necessarily so jolly for your bank account. ‘Tis the season to stress out your budget, not to mention the anxiety many people have about the increasing cost of living and the ongoing economic uncertainty.

According to the Q4 2022 Country Financial Security Index Report, 1 in 4 Americans are looking for help with navigating today’s economic volatility. So how can you set yourself up for financial success now and into the future, especially considering so many unknowns?

Fortunately, there are some important steps everyone can take to help them have a jolly holiday season and a financially healthy 2023. You can end the year financially stronger with these helpful tips from Scott Jensen at COUNTRY Financial:

Check your financial pulse

The close of the calendar year is a worthwhile time to pause and reassess where you’re at in your financial journey. There are lots of reasons to stop, take your financial pulse and figure out if there’s a course correction needed before the year comes to a close. Some time-sensitive questions to ask yourself include:

  • What is an appropriate budget to set for the holidays?
  • Is there money in your flexible spending account that needs to be used?
  • Do you have medical needs that must take place before a new deductible period starts?

Look for gaps

It’s important to make sure you’re protected from the curveballs life can throw, like a large unexpected expense. Now is a good time to check on your insurance coverages to see if there are any gaps.

First, review your insurance products such as home, auto and life. If you had significant life changes such as a marriage, new baby, divorce, made improvements to your home or are planning a major purchase such as a vehicle or property, schedule a meeting with your insurance agent to make sure you’re covered now and to help you plan for future insurance needs.

Don’t forget to look for gaps in your financial goals, too. A financial professional can learn about your goals and help you make adjustments so you’re on the right track.

Enlist the help of a Financial Professional

If you don’t already have one, consider how a financial professional can help you keep a clear vision with a solid plan for the new year. According to the COUNTRY Financial Security Index:

  • Only 23% of Americans have a financial advisor, yet those who do feel better about their finances, including higher levels of financial security (80% compared to 53% among those who do not have a planner).
  • People with a financial planner have more confidence in their ability to pay their debts (96% compared to 76% among those who do not have a planner).
  • Those who have a financial planner are more likely to set aside money for savings or investments (71% compared to 51% of those who do not have a planner).

Don’t wait to change the course of your financial future. Now is the ideal time to assess where you are, change where you’ve strayed and make corrections for a bright 2023 and beyond.

COUNTRY Financial® is the marketing name for the COUNTRY Financial family of affiliated companies (collectively, COUNTRY), which include COUNTRY Life Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, and their respective subsidiaries, located in Bloomington, Illinois.

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3 easy ways to give back this holiday season

2022-11-14T18:01:00

(BPT) – Traditions, tidings and tinsel — the holidays are a time for celebration. While you are planning parties and checking off gift lists, you also know that the holiday season is much more than that. It’s also the time to give thanks and give back to the communities. In fact, December is the most popular time of year for charitable giving, according to the National Philanthropic Trust, and Americans get more generous every year. In 2021, Americans gave around $485 billion, a 4% increase from the previous year.

Whether it’s donating to a community fundraiser, making a donation at checkout, donating unused credit card rewards points, or supporting a cause you care about, it’s a great time to get into the holiday spirit and give back. Here are some ideas for fitting charitable giving in to your budget this year.

1. Take your purchases further with micro-donations

Make every purchase count this holiday season. With PayPal’s Give at Checkout, you can easily give $1 to support your favorite charity when you check out using PayPal. Every donation makes a difference, especially during the busiest shopping time of the year.

How it works:

Visit your PayPal app or PayPal.com and search for the charity you wish to support. Click into the charity profile then the heart icon. Once you choose your favorite charity, simply click the donation checkbox each time you check out with PayPal at eligible businesses.

2. Donate to support your favorite charities

PayPal Giving Fund helps you support your favorite charities online. With over a million vetted organizations that focus on the environment, animals, disaster relief, mental health, gender equality, hunger and more, you can support local and global charities that are close to your heart with an easy online donation.

How it works:

Charities enroll with PayPal Giving Fund and you can donate on PayPal. PayPal Giving Fund receives the donations and provides you with a receipt. PayPal covers your donation fees when you give in the app or on the PayPal website, so your donation can go further. PayPal Giving Fund grants the donated funds to the charity in accordance with their policies.

3. Start your own fundraiser

PayPal Fundraisers help you create your own fundraiser to lend a hand or find more support for friends, family, groups, charities and local businesses you care about. You can also search for and support existing fundraisers on the PayPal app based on your location, interest and what’s popular.

How it works:

Start by downloading the PayPal app. Then, go to Pay > Giving > Start a fundraiser. Name your fundraiser and set your goal amount and end date. Add details for your fundraiser and upload an image. Finally, publish the fundraiser and share it via text or on social media to help spread the word. You can also discover or create a PayPal Fundraiser on PayPal.com.

PayPal is one of the largest digital donation platforms in the world, with over a million charities on its platform. You can easily PayPal it forward this holiday and support the causes you care about or discover a new one to give to this holiday season. Learn more about the ways you can give back at PayPal.com.

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Fueling your business with your fleet

2022-11-14T11:31:00

(BPT) – For owners of small- and medium-size businesses, there are so many elements to be handled that finances often do not get the attention required to drive a sustainable and growing business. It is widely reported that 82% of small businesses shut down due to poor cash flow management, and CB Insights reports 39% ran out of cash or failed to raise new capital. This is especially tricky for businesses with company vehicles.

Business owners can tap financial tools and make strategic decisions to make running and growing their vehicle fleets more efficient. As demand for their goods and services increases, business owners can be better prepared to improve their fleets’ capabilities, productivity and efficiency while paving the way for growth.

These tips to evaluate use, budget and finance can help business owners manage their fleets efficiently and determine the right time and right additions for their company’s success and growth.

Think MAST

A good first step is to understand how a company’s vehicles are utilized. Just think MAST.

  • Miles – How many miles are anticipated per year?
  • Application – Does the company have the right vehicle for the job? In other words, are fleets hauling feathers or cement?
  • Specifications – What vehicle equipment is needed: towing and hauling, custom storage, onboard power?
  • Term – A good replacement cycle plan will save fleet costs in the long run.

Understand the company’s fleet finances

One important job for business owners is identifying realistic budgets. Here are steps to help steer a company in the right direction.

  1. Plan and set goals – Take stock of the current vehicles and expected replacement cycle. Don’t wait until a vehicle is needed. Business goals should include plans for future changes.
  2. Review past expenses – Past expenses can provide a reference point for what to include in a fleet budget and highlight areas that need attention.
  3. Forecast – There are various techniques, including simply increasing a previous year’s budget by a flat percentage or starting from scratch, to forecast potential costs for your fleet.
  4. Track results – It’s essential to make this a routine part of your business processes.

Determine the best financing options

Next, business owners with fleets need to examine the best financing for their budgets — and for the long haul. Here are a few things to consider.

  • Lease or own – There are advantages to both options, so comparing them is key. Leasing benefits may include more affordable payments, allowing funds to be invested in other areas. However, owning fleets allows for less frequent vehicle turnover and flexibility on mileage.
  • Fleet financing – One option is a commercial fleet financing partner. In addition to expertise in fleet financing, Ford Pro FinSimple offers a Commercial Line of Credit (CLOC) that helps fleet owners save time. A CLOC provides businesses with easy and transparent financing with flexible terms that is ready to be used any time throughout the year.

Andrew Comrie-Picard, the founder of ZipTire, a Los Angeles–based mobile tire business, is a customer of Ford Pro FinSimple, which provides easy fleet financing for small- and medium-size businesses. He says, “I financed my first truck through Ford Pro FinSimple financing. And now as we’re growing, I’m really excited to work with Ford Pro FinSimple in order to build out our fleet, get more vehicles and to be able to upfit them.”

Find a commercial-centric partner

When shopping for a new fleet, it is important to find a dealership that will partner with you throughout both the purchasing process and the life of your vehicle.

  • Establish a relationship – Look for a dealership that has experience in commercial vehicles. This will ensure you receive help for your business-specific needs and that when you’re ready to finance, they’re ready to deliver.
  • Service is key – Good vehicle service can help business owners avoid downtime with streamlined maintenance, repairs and parts to keep their fleets in good working order. Some dealerships even provide 24/7 mobile service.

To learn more about how Ford Pro FinSimple can serve as a resource for commercial financing needs, please visit https://fordpro.com/en-us/financing/?bannerid=MAT_release_fin_CLOC.

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Data’s important role in creating a sustainable agricultural supply chain

2022-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Farmers have always been dedicated stewards of the land and invested in the sustainability of their operations. However, they haven’t always successfully shared these stories with the public. With the advancement of technology — and the demand for transparency — this narrative is changing. More tools have become available for farmers at the tips of their fingers to discover and share their sustainability story.

In an increasingly digital world, consumers expect increased company access and transparency. It’s no different when it comes to the food they purchase. People are more eager than ever to understand the ingredients in their food, how those ingredients were cultivated, and the environmental impact of it all. These questions can be answered by those at the forefront of food production.

The consumer’s quest for knowledge seeps through the agriculture supply chain, trickling down to growers whose crops are processed into grocery store offerings. How can the agriculture industry understand and share its sustainability story? Data, both quantitative and qualitative, plays an important role.

All about the data

Agricultural sustainability encompasses environmental, financial and social sustainability. No matter which facets you examine, understanding sustainability at the farm level begins with gathering data points to set a baseline.

“Data tracking on a farm is similar to maintaining a household budget,” said Jeff Lail, senior data analyst at Syngenta. “It’s easier to save money when you’re keeping track of what you’re spending. Similarly, having a good understanding of where your farm resources go will help you manage those resources better.”

Daniel Olson, a sugarbeet, pinto bean and wheat farmer from North Dakota, agrees.

“You have to take inventory of where you’re at to establish if you’re headed in a positive or negative direction,” Olson says. “This baseline will also help you determine down the road if the practices you think are helping you actually are.”

While setting a baseline is a crucial first step in calculating sustainability, farmers will benefit from the change that comes from that measurement. To help growers achieve both measurement and change, Syngenta created the Cropwise™ Sustainability app.

One size doesn’t fit all

The Cropwise Sustainability app begins with a quick self-assessment called the Sustainable Outcomes in Agriculture (SOA) standard. It gathers qualitative and quantitative information in six key areas: crop production, water impact, soil health, biodiversity and habitat, human and animal well-being and community leadership.

After completing the assessment, a digital dashboard populates with sustainability scores in each area, recommendations for improvement and the opportunity to see how scores compare to other app users in a specified geography.

It can be challenging for growers to measure and track sustainability, let alone figure out what to do with the data. The app’s ultimate goal is to make it easier for a grower to identify where they can improve and offer suggestions that won’t require a farm operations overhaul.

Olson completed the SOA standard and appreciated that the assessment considered various sustainability practices and offered geographical insights.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to sustainability,” said Olsen. “How I manage sustainability in North Dakota will be very different from someone in another geography.”

As helpful as this app is at the farm level, its impact extends deep into the agriculture supply chain.

Building bridges between growers and consumers

Beyond learning how they can measure and improve sustainability on their farms, the data collected by the app will allow growers to tell a unique sustainability story to their customers.

Take United Sugars, for example. Syngenta partnered with the sugar supplier to help bridge the gap between growers and consumer packaged goods companies. Olson and a group of sugarbeet farmers in Minnesota’s Red River Valley took the self-assessment and were given sustainability insights and actionable recommendations. In return, United Sugars provided the anonymized data to their customers to help complete the sustainability picture for the foods they produce.

In the end, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement that allowed Syngenta to collect meaningful data from growers and, in turn, provide them with valuable sustainability insights.

“We are a grower-centric company that is also committed to regenerative agriculture,” said Trent Wimmer, key account sustainable solutions lead at Syngenta. “Helping growers understand and share their sustainability story is a way that we add value to growers beyond just yield.”

Donna Isakson, sales and marketing manager at United Sugars, values the partnership with Syngenta.

“The goal of our partnership is to be more transparent with our customers and show them what we are doing from a sustainability perspective,” Isakson said. “I value what they’ve provided in calculating sustainability efforts.”

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Mission fraud-free: 11 ways veterans can ward off scammers

2022-11-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – While identity theft and similar scams are a problem for many Americans, U.S. veterans face a higher-than-average risk of falling victim to that kind of fraud.

Statistics back that up. For example, of the 200,000 reports of fraud the FTC received from military members in 2021, 78% came from military retirees and veterans. And an AARP survey shows that a whopping one-third of vets targeted by service-related scams have lost money in those scams.

What’s going on? Unfortunately, vets and their families are prime targets for fraudsters, in part because they receive special benefits and in part because while enlisted, they frequently changed residences. Past data breaches have also led to leaks of their personal information that make the problem worse.

The good news is that vets can follow these 11 suggestions for protecting themselves and their families from fraud.

1. Practice skepticism. Be suspicious of unexpected calls, emails or text messages that demand action from you. Fraudsters often masquerade as legitimate organizations by creating authentic-seeming caller IDs, email addresses and websites; for example, their email addresses may be similar to those you know and trust, but they’ll be off by one letter — or they’ll end with .net instead of .com, .gov or .org. When in doubt, don’t click on the provided link or attachments or follow their directions; instead, end communications and contact the real organizations directly via the number listed on your latest bill or their official website to check whether the sketchy-seeming communications are legitimate.

2. Protect your private data. Be wary about sharing or allowing others to overhear your family’s Social Security numbers (SSNs), birth dates or other personal info. Provide the data only when necessary, then confirm how it will be secured. Black-out personal info on any forms you wish to use to access discounts.

3. Create a family code word. Provide that word to the legitimate banks, insurance providers and organizations with which you work so they can easily prove they’re not fraudulent.

4. Review account statements and credit reports. Regularly look over financial, medical and other statements. Every four months, request and read one of the free credit reports offered by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Follow up on any questionable charges or other discrepancies.

5. Set up free fraud alerts. Any of the three credit bureaus can arrange for you to be automatically contacted in the event of suspicious charges.

6. When in doubt, freeze your credit. If you’re experiencing identity theft or other possible fraud, a freeze will keep criminals from further accessing your credit.

7. Protect sensitive documents. Shred or keep safe papers containing personal info, including tax forms, birth certificates, Social Security cards, bank account statements and military benefit forms.

8. Be strategic about passwords. Use complex and different passwords, or even “pass-phrases” for each online account, incorporating multiple digits, upper- and lower-case letters and special characters. Stay away from obvious words like pets’ names, your hometown or your favorite sports team. Never write them down. A password manager tool can help you keep them all straight.

9. Forward your mail. Have all mail forwarded when you move or relocate so credit card offers and other documents with potentially private data don’t fall into the wrong hands.

10. Set up an active-duty credit alert. For active-duty service members, ask one of the three credit bureaus to mark your file with this free, one-year alert. It encourages lenders and creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving new or additional credit. Your name will also be removed from pre-screened credit card or insurance offers for two years.

11. Know the signs of identity theft. Indicators may include a lost ID; unfamiliar charges on your bank or credit card statements; credit score issues, calls trying to verify unfamiliar purchases; unfamiliar medical bills; mail theft; suspicious logins to your social media accounts; unrecognized account authentication messages; the arrival of unfamiliar bills or packages; or even warrants for your arrest.

Looking for even better peace of mind when it comes to fraud protection? Aura’s user-friendly, all-in-one digital security platform continually monitors your credit, financial transactions, bank accounts, SSN, the dark web, home and title use, and criminal and court records to help keep your finances and identity safe and secure. As added protection, Aura’s U.S.-based customer service team is available for problem resolution 24/7, and each customer is backed by a $1 million identity theft insurance policy for eligible losses.

Aura thanks military members, veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices by offering a two-week free trial and up to 50% off protection plans. Visit aura.com/veterans for more info.

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Lessons in leadership: 3 ways to overcome impostor syndrome

2022-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – As a woman in business, it’s common to feel like you’re out of your league, don’t belong or are failing even when you have evidence to the contrary. Impostor syndrome is hard to shake, but you don’t have to live with chronic self-doubt about your business acumen.

When Cindy Monroe founded Thirty-One Gifts, she was a young mother with no formal experience as a business owner and felt that people viewed her as “unqualified” for the job. Now, she’s celebrating a milestone with her first book “More Than a Bag: Celebrating the First 20 Years of the Thirty-One Story.”

In the book, Monroe shares leadership lessons from 20 years of working with and mentoring thousands of women as she built one of the largest woman-owned companies in North America.

Here are three tips she recommends to combat impostor syndrome and create a meaningful impact.

1. Embrace change and take risks

Early on in Monroe’s business, making big bets on her product line and investing in consultants paid off. However, as the business grew exponentially, she and her team had to embrace more difficult changes to sustain the size of the business.

“As the company experienced a number of difficult turns, I [had to look] for a transition plan that would allow me to focus on my strengths and what I love most about the business, supporting our independent consultants,” said Monroe. “I took a step to secure the future of Thirty-One and create the change I needed in my own role.”

For Monroe that included taking on an investment partner, as well as hiring a CEO for Thirty-One Gifts so she could focus on her passions.

Monroe’s journey taught her that the best professional development happens when you take risks and embrace change. She reminds readers to not only think about change but to be it and do it. By doing so, you can become more confident in your business decisions.

2. Make margins in business and life

In business and outside of work, it’s important to set priorities and boundaries to make margins in your life. According to Monroe, “Margin is the space you build into your life to live intentionally and make time for what is most important to you.”

In her book, Monroe explains that this tip was inspired by pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley’s example of how margins work on the printed page. He encourages his audience to imagine how stressful it would be to read a page in their favorite book if there were no white space on the page — just words crammed from edge to edge. It would be unreadable.

This analogy spoke volumes to Monroe. “So much of my creativity, dreaming, free thought and even rest happened for me in the [margin] of life,” she said. “I learned that [margin] was not only where my dreams were born. It was also where they were mapped out and turned into action.”

In making time for yourself and enforcing boundaries between your personal and professional lives, you can make space for new ideas and solutions.

3. Trust your gut

When making business decisions, it’s important to not only rely on data and advisers, but to trust your gut or as Monroe calls it, your “inner coach.” This can be a tricky tip to practice, especially as a woman in business, where many prioritize facts over feelings.

Monroe shares that one of the most important things she learned in her 20-year entrepreneur journey was how to balance her own intuition with hard data and the wisdom and experience of others when making decisions.

When business takes a difficult turn or you face a disappointing outcome, it’s easy to worry that you’re not qualified or good enough to make an impact. Instead of projecting an unattainable image of an entrepreneur that knows it all, Monroe suggests stripping away concerns over image and defining your own version of success. By doing so, it’s easier to see the impact you’re making today and the opportunity to create a lasting impact in the future.

Using these three tips, you can feel more confident in your business abilities and focus on your passion and purpose. To learn more about Monroe’s journey and read more leadership lessons, visit MoreThanABag.com.

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Online higher education remains a compelling, affordable option for a degree

2022-11-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – Increasing tuition and mounting student debt is making a college degree more difficult to achieve. While policymakers are implementing debt forgiveness, nothing is addressing the root cause of the problem — traditional colleges and universities have built unsustainable cost models that can only be supported with ever increasing tuition. This leads to students believing they have no options, so they continue to willingly incur mountains of debt.

While some students choose to forgo college or dismiss the value of a graduate degree, many students are discovering a better way. One that doesn’t sacrifice the proven value of education to provide career-enhancing skills and advancement. Fully online institutions provide low-cost tuition models, largely due to lower operational costs, without sacrificing quality of education. Further, online higher education remains an affordable and attainable option for many students or working adults wanting to advance their career paths affordably.

High-cost education is often confused with quality, especially regarding four-year or advanced college degrees. But with historic levels of student debt combined with a significant shortage of skilled job applicants, isn’t it time to redefine how we measure the worth of a college degree? Online higher education institutions offer degrees that are significantly less expensive than traditional colleges or universities and offer substantial value and quality. A reflection of that value and quality is within graduation rate statistics where the norm for institutions is around 46 to 64 percent, according to Education Data Initiative and the National Center for Education Statistics.

The New York Times’ The Daily podcast recently aired “The College Pricing Game,” that suggested federal student aid programs, which are covered under Title IV, unfortunately exacerbate the affordability of education. In fact, one could argue that these programs have caused the student debt crisis because they have made students and parents desensitized to cost. At the same time, these federal loan programs incentivize institutions to raise tuition year after year. Student loan forgiveness, which has been touted as a potential saving grace, is at most a temporary solution and doesn’t truly address the central issue: traditional colleges and universities are too expensive.

Tuition, fees and housing at many state-funded universities range from $10,000 to almost $30,000 a year, depending on whether students are in-state or out-of-state. Including student loans and loss of income, the cost of a bachelor’s degree can exceed $400,000.

Affordable, accessible higher education solution

Fully online and non-traditional colleges and universities are filling that widening gap within the fractured education system, allowing students from all backgrounds and financial means to achieve success.

Leading online college American College of Education (ACE) breaks the link between the cost of tuition and the quality and accessibility of education. ACE’s funding is rooted in how much it costs to deliver a quality education rather than the maximum amount of government loans accruable through Title IV.

Global insights from HolonIQ Smart Estimates are projecting online education to grow by more than 12 percent annually through 2025. While it’s easy to directly correlate this growth with the COVID-19 pandemic, online (not remote) education has been growing for years, and there is a larger shift that needs to be recognized and addressed. Higher education should be accessible rather than exclusive and online colleges are pioneering the use of technology to increase academic quality and reduce cost. Without significant real estate and overhead expenses, these universities offer high-quality education programs, from micro-credentials to doctoral degrees, at a fraction of the cost of traditional colleges and universities. With affordable programs, fully online universities offer graduates the ability to cover the cost of their degrees within the first year or two of graduating.

“ACE has an unwavering commitment to putting students first, and this involves intentional attention to their concerns from cost to quality to flexibility,” said Geordie Hyland, ACE President and CEO. “Our low cost doesn’t require sacrificing quality, and we want to be a solution to the student-debt crisis and not a contributor. At the end of the day, many of our students graduate with minimal or no debt while earning a quality education that enhances their career development and contributions to society. We hope our efforts can inspire other institutions to do the same.”

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Beat Back Inflation with Credit Card Rewards

2022-10-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – In a time of record-high inflation across the country, anyone can benefit from additional savings. Whether you want to save money at the gas pump, lower the grocery bill, or maybe save up for a vacation, credit cards ensure you get benefits that make your wallet fuller and happier. Here are three ways to earn rewards that can help you beat back inflation.

1. Travel

As our world opens back up and families increasingly travel abroad, it’s important to know the different ways you can save by using your credit card. From start to finish on your travel days, there are deals you can use to make flying more comfortable and affordable.

Most airlines have specific credit cards allowing you to earn miles through dining and travel purchases. They allow you to earn more miles on airline purchases (tickets, bags and food) and even travel-related purchases, like dining. While premium cards carry a yearly fee, there are plenty of great free options. Watch out for seasonal sign-up bonuses. Those can range in excess of 100,000 free miles. Depending on your favorite airline, you can choose the one that works best for you.

If you prefer having a more comfortable travel experience and getting credit card points is not your priority, then you should look into credit cards that offer specialty perks, such as priority check-in or free checked bags. The top cards even give complimentary lounge membership and other premium airport programs.

2. Lifestyle

Inflation affects the products we use every day, so it’s important to find ways to save whenever possible. Whether by stocking up your fridge or filling up your gas tank, credit card providers offer programs that send savings directly to your bank account without having to redeem them for specific travel or entertainment necessities.

Cashback programs exist across all major credit card providers and are sustained thanks to the interchange — the 1-2% merchants pay to accept credit cards. Without interchange, it would be impossible for banks and credit card networks to offer their customers rewards or fraud protection. Many banks offer between 1-6% cash back on purchases. The best cards give unlimited cash back on all purchases, including gas and grocery.

Those savings go right back into your pocket and add up quickly.

3. Entertainment

Finding time to relax and do things you enjoy is essential, and thanks to rewards cards, you don’t have to break the bank to do the things you love!

For instance, some cards allow you to earn more on dining at restaurants, including takeout and participating delivery services. There’s also no need to worry about spending your cashback rewards before they expire because many have no expiration date as long as your account is open. Or if you’re looking for a getaway weekend — or maybe even want to enjoy a staycation in your own city — there are premium cards that offer great options. Using the card regularly can quickly earn thousands of bonus points toward your next hotel stay, plane ticket or car rental. Not to mention, premium cards offer exclusive access to ticket presales for Broadway shows, concerts, sporting events and more.

Whether it’s travel, entertainment or just everyday purchases, credit card rewards can offer significant savings when prices skyrocket. Now is a great time to take advantage due to record inflation, but also because the future of rewards points is in doubt. Congress is currently debating legislation that would end most rewards programs, including all the benefits seen above. There is a consumer movement to stop the bill at HandsOffMyRewards.com, but until the issue is settled, the best you can do is cash in while the rewards are available.

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How to Win the Holidays with Credit Card Rewards

2022-10-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is here, and with it comes gift-giving, travel and plenty of other ways to rack up expenses. If you want to maximize your dollars, you need to spend like a pro — and that means using credit card rewards. Whether you want to plan a trip away or have the best-decorated house on your street, here is everything you need to know to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck.

How to earn and use credit card points in three easy steps:

Rewards come in many shapes and sizes, but generally, there are three main ways to rack up savings: sign-up bonuses, purchases and credit card referrals.

First, when signing up for a credit card, issuers offer sign-up bonuses that work from the moment your card activates — basically free money. Additionally, a card might offer a massive point bonus after spending a fixed amount after signing up. In some instances, the bonus can exceed 100,000 points (about $1,000). That extra income is sure to jingle anyone’s bells.

Purchases also allow you to gain points with cashback cards that go directly to your “rewards portal.” These portals exist as space for you to redeem your points on things like airplane tickets, hotel rooms, or other big-ticket items. If you belong to specific loyalty programs, you can also transfer your points to those. With special deals on a rotating list of top brands, your loved ones are going to love the gifts your rewards card can bring.

Lastly, referrals are a great way to increase your credit card points. Depending on your favorite card, you can refer your friends and family to maximize your points. With digital transactions growing increasingly popular, it’s as easy as ever to send a friend a link and reap the rewards. Once they’ve signed up for the card, you’ll see the boost in your bank account. The holidays are about giving, so give your friends and family the gift of rewards!

Up your credit reward game for more holiday joy:

If you want to make the best holiday memories, being on a tight budget can really put coal in your stocking. But credit card rewards can help expand your budget and open new opportunities.

Retailers offer great deals on food and decorations, giving upwards of 10% cash back on specific purchases (including candy or gifts). This benefit can help reduce the price of a family meal, with grocery stores and even restaurants getting in on the action.

Hopefully, these tips and tricks have helped you find the best deals and opportunities to maximize your credit card points! With the holiday fast approaching, there are plenty of reasons to sign up now. Not only are the best deals approaching, but Congress is considering legislation that would end most reward programs. So, the time to sign up is now!

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Top 6 Reasons Northwest Arkansas is the Place to Be

2022-10-31T12:01:00

(BPT) – Rated as one of the best places to live in the country, the region is already emerging as a popular choice for travelers seeking outstanding vacation experiences, and is quickly standing out as appealing relocation places to remote workers.

Below are some of the top reasons NWA should be on your radar:

1. World-class trails

Northwest Arkansas is considered the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World” for good reason — the region boasts over 484 miles of trails through the Ozark mountains that are perfect for biking, hiking and camping. Everyone is welcome! Groups like Women of OZ are creating a welcoming, non-intimidating environment on the trails for all individuals who identify as women, regardless of their background or skill level. And if camping is your thing, you can pitch a tent along more than 135 miles of the National Buffalo River — America’s first national river — or take time to explore the beauty of Hobbs State Park Conservation Area or Devil’s Den State Park.

2. Vibrant arts community

But if it’s innovative galleries and inspiring public sculptures that get your heart racing, view the art installations along the OZ Trails and enjoy well-curated art experiences at your favorite local establishments thanks to OZ Art NWA, which is making the community more vibrant by promoting access to unique, diverse and authentic art encounters. As an art lover, your trip to Northwest Arkansas won’t be complete without visits to world-class museums like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary, which offer a superb overview of art. And for lovers of the performing arts, theater is alive and well at TheatreSquared and the Walton Arts Center.

3. A view from the top

If you prefer finding a way to see the big picture, there’s nothing more thrilling than a “backcountry flying” tour courtesy of FLY OZ, which offers visitors opportunities to explore breathtaking views of 19 million acres of the “natural state” of Arkansas — and you could even learn how to fly the area yourself.

4. Supportive startup ecosystem

For solo entrepreneurs seeking a welcoming business environment, NWA is well worth a look. Home to three Fortune 500 companies and University of Arkansas (known for very high research activity), Northwest Arkansas is well-positioned to be a significant player in today’s innovation economy, recently emerging as a hotspot for startups. NWA is considered the second best Metro Area for Minority Entrepreneurs, creating a hub of economic and creative growth in the middle of the American Heartland. The Northwest Arkansas Council is a private nonprofit organization working to advance job opportunities, talent recruitment, physical infrastructure and quality of life in the region, connecting companies to startups and entrepreneurs.

5. Unique towns

Seeking a new hometown? NWA is home to several unique towns that offer a variety of great places to live — each with their own special combination of historic charm, vibrant communities, picturesque backdrops and plenty of activities to interest singles and families alike, including Bella Vista, Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Huntsville, Rogers, Siloam Springs and Springdale. Exploring each one of these hidden treasures is a perfect vacation in itself — and may help you discover the next place you want to call home.

6. Tasty spots

From the creations of award-winning chefs (including three James Beard award semi-finalists) to new mouthwatering taste delights from local food trucks, Northwest Arkansas is quickly turning heads and attracting appetites thanks to options including the sustainably sourced, fresh, seasonal offerings at The Preacher’s Son, locally sourced elevated American classics at Pressroom, along with beautifully crafted cocktails at the Undercroft Bar and Lady Slipper.

Intrigued? Learn more about what other experiences are ready to be served up at ozlacarte.us. See how Austinites reacted when OZ Brands brought NWA directly to Austin.