Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2022-04-20T14:15:00

(BPT) – Early childhood teachers and those who dedicate their careers to the first years of childhood — the time in life with the most brain development — have been lauded as essential, even heroes, since the start of the pandemic. As frontline workers, they’ve stepped up to support the development of our youngest learners during a tumultuous time.

Recognizing this ongoing need to care for teachers and caregivers, Bright Horizons, one of the world’s largest providers of high-quality child care, continues to support these educators with vital benefits and resources to help them grow professionally. Bright Horizons is offering all of its teachers the opportunity to earn early education degrees absolutely free. The Horizons Teacher Degree Program is a first-of-its-kind program that allows all full-time employees in Bright Horizons’ early education and child care centers to earn an associate and bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at no cost to them, covering all out-of-pocket expenses, including tuition, fees and books.

The Horizons Teacher Degree Program supports aspiring teachers from across the country, and, in some cases, the world.

Kelsey Campbell, now a full-time educator at Bright Horizons’ Clever Kids Learning Center in Lakewood, Colorado, was one of the first infants to attend the center in 1998. As an adult, she rejoined the center in 2013 as a part-time educator and shortly thereafter began earning her associate degree in Early Childhood Education from University of Arizona Global Campus in February 2021. She is working toward her bachelor’s degree — all for free through the Horizons Teacher Degree Program.

“Getting my degree represents a lot to me,” says Campbell. “It represents my future, opening up more career opportunities that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t have a degree.”

Meanwhile, Sidra Azam moved from Pakistan to the United States at 19 years old. She began working in child care part-time and quickly fell in love with the field of early childhood education. She is the Lead Educator for the infant and toddler program at Bright Horizons at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, California.

Azam opted into the Horizons Teacher Degree Program, attending the University of Arizona Global Campus’ Early Education Administration program, one of five higher education institutions that supports the Horizons Teacher Degree Program. Azam recently graduated from the program with her bachelor’s degree in early education administration and is the first person in her family to earn a degree.

“Growing up, higher education wasn’t given much importance in my family, especially for women,” says Azam. “Throughout my life, my education took a back seat due to family responsibilities until I was introduced to the Horizons Teacher Degree Program.”

Learn more about the Horizons Teacher Degree Program at careers.brighthorizons.com.

2022-04-18T16:01:00

(BPT) – Many small business owners struggle with this question: How can I market my products and services? With limited budgets and time constraints, marketing may fall to the bottom of the to-do list.

Fortunately, there are key strategies small business owners can use to harness the power of word-of-mouth marketing, thereby getting customers in the door without actually having to lift a finger — or spend a fortune.

Here are the top 5 ways to build a word-of-mouth marketing plan:

1. Brand anything and everything.

Not all word-of-mouth marketing will come from past customers who are recommending your services. Some will come from folks who happen to remember your company’s name because they saw it on a hoodie at the grocery store or on a truck driving by.

2. Go the extra mile for your customers.

Maybe there’s a client who lives outside of a service area, but the business makes the extra trip. Or maybe a client hired a business to power wash a patio deck, and they throw in some free staining to bring out the deck’s natural luster.

The point here is that going the extra mile in an unexpected way will absolutely wow customers — and that translates into some serious word-of-mouth recommendations.

3. Set up a review process.

Asking customers for reviews should be a seamless part of finishing out a project. Provide customers with a business card with all the links to the sites where they can leave reviews.

Consider providing customers with a small discount on a future project if they leave an online review.

4. Post on local social media channels.

Almost every community has their own Facebook group and NextDoor forum, and these are free and easy ways to speak directly to target customers.

Whip up a post introducing the business to the group, including specialties and locations served.

Offer deals here and consider offering special discounts to those who found the business on Facebook or NextDoor to help gauge the success of these marketing efforts.

5. Protect your customers with business insurance.

There’s an important cornerstone for any good word-of-mouth marketing program — and that’s having business insurance.

Here’s why: Customers want to make sure they’re recommending the best businesses to friends and family members. And it’s not just about quality goods and services — it’s about demonstrating that a business is serious about protecting their clients.

Accidents and clerical errors can happen. Without insurance, damage must be paid for out of pocket and this can put a serious strain on customer relationships.

Carrying small business insurance will make customers feel confident recommending your business to others.

Fortunately, Simply Business makes getting insurance for your small business incredibly easy. Whether you need a policy or are shopping around for a cheaper policy, this free tool makes it easy to compare insurance quotes from the nation’s top insurers.

2022-04-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – Women have long lagged behind men in how much they can save for retirement, and the pandemic deepened the divide.

Nearly 2 million women have left the workforce since 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many needed to help raise children or care for elderly relatives, but much of their lost earnings and savings will never be recovered.

Now only about one in three women (31%) are saving for retirement, compared to 44% of men, according to the 2022 TIAA Financial Wellness Survey. All told, 80% of men have saved at least some money, compared to 63% of women.

That’s significantly different than 2017 data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau. It measured whether men and women ages 55 to 66 had any personal retirement savings and found a difference of only 3 percentage points.

“Women now face a greater risk of either not being able to retire or running out of money when they do,” said Snezana Zlatar, TIAA’s head of Advice Solutions. “The more this problem grows, the less we can make progress for women and society overall.”

The findings underscore another staggering statistic: Once women stop working, their retirement savings and investments generate about 30% less income than men’s, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

“Women must understand the headwinds they face ahead of retirement so they can take mitigating action as early as possible,” Zlatar said.

A key way to help is by “paying yourself first.” Set up automatic contributions to a 401(k), IRA or Roth IRA, then build your lifestyle around the remaining income. It’s difficult to instead try saving later with “whatever is left over.”

That’s crucial, because your earnings can make earnings. For example, if 25-year-olds start saving just $100 a month, and they earn a 6% return (a standard assumption), by the time they’re 65, they’ll have about $200,000.

If people wait until they’re 40, though, even if they save $200 a month — twice as much — when they’re 65, they’ll have less than $140,000.

Zlatar also suggests:

1. Talk to your employer about different options for retirement savings, and talk to financial planners. They can help tailor plans for your budget.

2. Take full advantage of your company’s benefits. If companies match up to 3% of what you save, for instance, then save at least 3% to avoid leaving free money on the table.

3. Don’t just consider how much you’ve saved and try predicting whether that’ll be enough to outlive your money. Find sources of lifetime income, such as Social Security, pensions or annuities, which a growing number of companies offer.

“Even if you experienced a pandemic setback, you can take steps to turn things around,” Zlatar said. “Explore free tools such as a retirement calculator that we have on TIAA.com.”

2022-04-06T07:05:00

(BPT) – Organic production represents less than 1% of U.S. crop acres, but according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the demand for organics is rising. As a result, many farms are adding organic acreage to their farming operations.

“Consumer demand for more organic vegetables has driven our company in that direction,” says Adrian Garcia, an in-house pest control adviser with Braga Fresh Family Farms.

For Burkey Farms, the decision was purely economic. “We looked pretty smart when we sold organic corn for $9 per bushel, and conventional corn was at $3.10,” said Eric Thalken, operations manager.

Organic farming can be profitable, but there are still several obstacles to widespread adoption. Below are three significant challenges facing organic farmers.

1. Pest and weed control

Weed, disease and insect control are shared challenges for organic growers. They have limited pesticide options because they can only use those approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).

Some producers like Burkey farms use biological practices like cover crops that prevent soil erosion, increase soil quality, suppress weed growth, prevent disease and manage pests. Organic farms may also use mechanical weed control, though that requires two cultivations and two passes with a rotary hose. In rainy years, weeds can still get the upper hand.

At Braga Fresh Family Farms, in-season weed control is often by hand. Over the past three years, the farm began to rely on robotic weeding machines to save labor and remove weeds more effectively. To control pests, the farm has purchased thousands of beneficial insects — including parasitic wasps, lacewings and Aphidoletes — that are released into the field by a drone. They then reproduce and feed on harmful pests.

While these strategies work well in the West, it’s nearly impossible to keep ahead of constant pest pressure in tropical climates where it rains most afternoons. Hot, humid weather fosters insect reproduction, weed growth and fungal diseases. Biopesticides can be used, but they need to be applied almost daily, increasing costs for farmers.

2. Shrinking yields and growing costs

Despite strides to improve organic tools and practices, yields still lag. USDA data from 2016 show conventional crops out-yielded organics for every U.S. crop except forages.

“We spend less on crop seed, fertility and chemicals but more on equipment, labor and cover crops than an average farm in our area,” Thalken says. “Overhead can be slightly more with increased costs of administration.”

Production costs for organic agriculture can vary widely. In California, Garcia estimates that costs to grow organic vegetables are 20%-25% higher than non-organic, due to added pest control steps and higher labor costs.

Fertilization is a major variable. Commercial organic fertilizer is expensive, and it’s challenging to reach the necessary nitrogen levels needed for farming. Burkey Farms saves on fertilizer costs by applying hog manure. As with conventional crop producers who rely on manure for fertilizer, there is a risk of damaging the buildup of sodium and potassium in the soil.

3. Environmental impacts

The environmental impacts of agricultural production vary by practice. With lower yields, organic production requires more land to generate the same amount of food. According to a 2016 analysis of USDA yield data, if all crops switched to organic production, more than 100 million more farmland acres — an area the size of California — would be needed to achieve the same crop output.

OMRI-approved pesticides have impacts, too. Organic farmers commonly use copper sulfate as a fungicide. Although a natural compound, copper sulfate can accumulate in the soil and harm soil microbes, according to the Genetic Literacy Project.

The multiple passes for weed control in organic production consume more fuel and increase soil compaction. Disturbing the ground with mechanical weed control also can erode soil and damage soil health.

Whether growing crops conventionally or organically, all farmers share in meeting expectations for sustainable food production. “At the end of the day, the population is growing,” said Liz Hunt, head of sustainable and responsible business at Syngenta. “We need to make sure we are meeting these needs in a way that optimizes land and input use.”

2022-04-04T19:30:45

(BPT) – Health solutions and preventative wellness have never been more crucial. Today, six in 10 Americans live with at least one chronic disease, many of which can be prevented by eating well, being physically active, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and getting regular health screenings.

People are increasingly choosing to prioritize their well-being today to enjoy a longer, more fulfilling life. Google’s 2021 Year in Search results illustrate this momentum, as “women’s health” was searched more in 2021 than ever before in the United States, while interest in mental health broke records globally.

Now more than ever, individuals are seeking experts to support their desired changes, turning to health coaches and educators to help them live healthier lifestyles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports overall employment of health education specialists and community health workers is projected to grow 17% from 2020 to 2030 — much faster than the average for all other occupations.

Career outlook aside, if you feel passionate about learning how to be healthier and achieving your own wellness goals, a career as a health coach could allow you to turn that passion into a meaningful career.

This was the case for ASU Online student Vicki Sheerin, who developed a life-altering passion for health and wellness after realizing weight loss would allow her to be more active in her children’s lives.

“I once struggled with weight gain, then had a moment in 2018 where I felt a spark telling me I had to do something about it,” she said. “My fire and determination [for this profession] came from seeing how much my weight loss was having a ripple effect in others’ lives.”

What does a health and fitness coach do?

In this newer profession, lifestyle and fitness practitioners are expert facilitators of mindset and behavior change. Health coaches serve an important need by empowering people to take control of their well-being. In doing so, they help people develop a sense of purpose and cultivate lasting behavioral changes necessary to optimize their well-being, foster thriving and help prevent disease.

Health coaches are not limited to working in any singular location. Those with a background or degree in fitness science can “work in the burgeoning field of wellness, supporting health and well-being in a variety of settings, working with individuals, groups or communities,” said Dr. Devi Davis-Strong, a lecturer at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions.

By becoming a health coach, you can help others improve their health through guidance and counseling, providing the resources necessary to advance the wellness of individuals and communities alike. If the idea of empowering people to live healthier lives sounds exciting, you may consider starting on the path to becoming a health coach.

How to become a health and fitness coach

To create such lasting change as a wellness coach, one needs to be sufficiently knowledgeable about evidence-based processes of lifestyle change and lifestyle, wellness and positive psychological knowledge and skills. Your first step to entering this fulfilling career path is finding an educational program that provides the necessary background and helps you obtain useful credentials.

Arizona State University, for example, launched the first online bachelor’s program in the nation focused on preparing students for the fields of both health and wellness coaching and fitness science. ASU Online’s Bachelor of Science in health sciences with a focus on healthy lifestyles and fitness science uses an interdisciplinary approach and online simulated hands-on experiential learning to provide students with the skills needed to work in preventative health care and the knowledge necessary to pursue advanced health degrees. Courses cover core subjects including:

• Nutrition
• Physical fitness
• Stress management
• Coaching and behavioral health psychology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Evidence-based practice

According to Karen Gregory-Mercado, Ph.D, MPH, MCHES, NBC-HWC, director and senior lecturer for the degree, the curriculum centers on two foundational components: healthy lifestyles and fitness sciences.

“Healthy lifestyles focuses on teaching skills and competencies supporting meaningful behavioral changes and improved wellbeing by expanding knowledge about health theories, coaching psychology, ethical principles and evidence-based applications in nutrition, stress and substance use/abuse. Fitness sciences prepares students to design, communicate and utilize evidence-based physical activity programs,” she said.

A degree in this area can lead to a fulfilling career, or prepare students for further certification. While completing this degree through ASU Online, students may sit for nationally-accredited, advanced certification in health and fitness areas such as those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine.

“These certifications, in addition to coursework, prepare graduates for opportunities in worksite wellness, community wellness and fitness centers, health coaching, health education and health promotion,” said Dr. Davis-Strong.

Career prospects in health sciences

With the background provided by this degree in healthy lifestyles and fitness science, you could pursue a wide variety of positions, including:

• Health and wellness coach
• Behavior management specialist
• Occupational health and safety specialist
• Medical and health services manager
• Community health worker
• Fitness and wellness coordinator
• Medical and health services manager
• Postsecondary health specialties teacher

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a much higher than average job outlook for Group Fitness Instructors and Health Education Specialists over the next decade. These careers are expected to grow 39% and 17% between 2020 and 2030, respectively.

To learn more about how you can earn a degree to begin your health and fitness sciences profession, visit ASUOnline.asu.edu.

2022-04-04T09:01:00

(BPT) – You can picture a field of crops, soaking in the sunlight so later on, people will have food to eat and clothing to wear. But unless that’s your daily workplace, what actually goes on there may surprise you.

2022-03-31T11:01:00

(BPT) – As the country faces uncertain economic conditions including record-high inflation, small businesses are integral to the health and regrowth of the economy. They currently account for 99.9% of American businesses and 46.8% of employed adults in the United States, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Digital Payments Are a Lifeline to Small Businesses

It has become clear over the past two years that digital payments, including credit and debit cards, fuel growth for small businesses. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, electronic payments provided a lifeline to small businesses, allowing them to continue to serve their customers, sometimes in new ways, in their local communities and in the broader global market. As inflation rises with no sign of slowing down and the economy faces unprecedented volatility, digital payments will continue to help small businesses thrive — in challenging economic times and in good ones.

Small businesses have been empowered by digital payments because they level the playing field with big retail and large e-commerce in many ways, including:

• More access to sales, guaranteed payment, added security and transaction protections, and a payment option that is less expensive for businesses than cash;
• E-commerce capabilities, allowing for online sales during lockdown periods; and
• Convenient offerings for customers who are seeking new, safer ways to shop, such as buy online – pick up in store or contactless checkout.

Data has even shown that businesses that had access to digital payments during the pandemic were more resilient and better able to compete than those that did not. In fact, 90% of small businesses attribute their pandemic survival to e-commerce, according to the Visa Global Back to Business Survey – 2022 SMB Outlook.

While the United States economy has begun to rebound from pandemic lows, small businesses continue to face new challenges. The question is how can they get the support they need?

Taking Action Now to Help Small Businesses by Making it Less Costly to Accept Digital Payments

Recognizing the power of digital payments to help small businesses compete and thrive, Visa is lowering key in-store and online consumer credit interchange rates for more than 90% of American businesses by 10%, effective April 2022. These rate changes will apply to businesses with $250,000 of Visa consumer credit volume, which generally applies to businesses with $2-2.5MM in revenue. These small businesses make up the vast majority of businesses that accept Visa payments.

These reductions are in addition to steps Visa took over the past two years to support American businesses, including committing to digitally enabling 50 million small businesses globally, launching programs and directing resources to provide the essential digital capabilities needed for recovery.

Looking to the Future to Help Small Businesses Succeed

Beyond these actions, there are numerous resources available for small business owners who are working to grow their business and “go digital,” and for consumers eager to support their local merchants during challenging economic times.

• Small businesses can access Visa’s Small Business Hub, which features digital enablement tools, and solutions for small businesses to help them reach more customers.
• Local communities can use a Back to Business tool to easily find and Support Local Businesses in their vicinity.

The prosperity of small businesses is not only important for the health of the global economy during periods of uncertainty, but for the everyday strength and vibrancy of our local communities. As the future of money continues to evolve, it is critical that small businesses have the resources and support they need to succeed and keep up with big retail in the increasingly digital economy.

2022-03-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – The changing of the seasons brings the desire for new things, including the clothes you wear every day, a spring make-up makeover, tanning in time for warmer weather and other ways to welcome the season with a new look. If you pull out last year’s spring outfits from your closet and think, “meh” — you could be in serious need of a wardrobe refresh. But how can you revamp your look while also staying on budget?

Here are 3 tips to help you update your wardrobe — and a few other things — while still keeping an eye on your finances.

1. Set your budget — and stick to it

Because it can be easy to get carried away with online shopping, it’s always a good idea to set a budget limit you know you can handle, based on your current income and expenses. And it’s easier to stick to your budget if you shop smart — don’t grab the first deal you see, but look around for special sales that give you the biggest bang for your hard-earned buck.

For example, the Zip Fest four-day sale from March 31 through April 3 offers incredible deals you can take advantage of when you make your purchases using Zip (formerly Quadpay), an app that lets you buy today and pay for your purchase in 4 installments. Fees apply. You simply shop anywhere and choose Zip at checkout to pay later. You pay the first installment up front, and the other 3 payments over the next six weeks. Subject to qualification.

Here are some of the one-of-a-kind deals you can snag during Zip Fest — just make sure you check out with Zip and use the noted promo code to get each fantastic deal.

Fabulous fashion finds to update your look:

• Fashion Nova offers 30-80% off sitewide + an extra 10% off with code Zipfest10
• Revolve will give you extra 10% off, using promo code ZIP10 (exclusions apply)
• Nasty Gal is offering an extra 15% off with code ZIPFEST
• Illesteva fashion eyewear for 15% off with code ZIPFEST (exclusive offer)

Sports fan?

Pick up your favorite team’s gear, player’s jerseys and more at Fanatics — when you spend $125, you’ll get $20 off when you check out with Zip and use promo code 20ZIP125. Or check out the deal at Lids for your favorite team’s headgear: Spend $125+ and get $20 off with code Zip22 (exclusive offer). You can also get sports gear or customize t-shirts, hats and more at Fathead for 20% off sitewide with code Zipfest20 (exclusions apply) (exclusive offer).

But fashion isn’t everything you can find during Zip Fest. Need to upgrade your electronics or gaming gear? At Newegg you can spend $250 or more and get $25 off (check out with Zip and use promo code ZIPFEST25). Looking for a special event or concert? Sign up for TickPick Sweeps for a chance at $1,000 in TickPick credit. Enter your email address to win and get extra entries for following Zip and TickPick.

2. Be smart when using buy now pay later

The key to using a payment option like Zip smartly is to plan ahead, and to keep track of your purchases. Fortunately, at checkout, you’ll know the exact amount of the installment payments for your purchase over the next 6 weeks. And Zip will automatically send you reminders so you won’t forget due dates. That way, you’ll be able to adjust your budget accordingly, moving forward. Spreading your purchase cost over several weeks is a way to budget.

3. Swap out the old to make room for the new

One effective way to give your closet a makeover is by discarding items that no longer bring you joy. Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to let others enjoy your gently used items, while also recouping some of the money you spent on them.

Another special offer is taking place during Zip Fest on Mercari, the online resale marketplace, where you can get $10 off of your last installment payment if you spend $100 or more in a single transaction and check out with Zip. It’s a popular site for selling unused items or finding unique gifts (for yourself and others!), from clothing and electronics to home decor and more.

With these tips, you can shop smart, thanks to exciting new additions to spruce up your wardrobe in time for some fun in the sun!

2022-03-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know self-employed people make up the largest and fastest-growing employment sector? If you’re one of the millions of self-employed Americans, you could benefit from current favorable tax laws — but if you don’t know them, you could risk paying too much.

“The self-employed can access many tax benefits, even if you only earn a small self-employment income on top of a full-time or part-time job,” said Mark Steber, chief tax information officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. “Because tax law changes every year, make sure you’re not missing out on benefits. When in doubt, use a tax pro to be certain you’re getting the maximum refund you’re due.”

Here are answers to common questions about self-employment taxes.

Am I self-employed?

While many people may be entirely self-employed, it’s possible to have a full-time or part-time job with an employer and also earn some self-employment income. Generally speaking, you’re self-employed if you:

• Receive a Form 1099-MISC or 1099-K instead of a W-2
• Work as an independent contractor or freelancer
• Are the sole proprietor of a business
• Work a side gig based on your time, and you provide the necessary tools to do the work

What forms do self-employed taxpayers need?

If you’re self-employed, you need to file Form 1040 and include Schedule 1 and Schedule C with your return. You may also need Schedule 2, Schedule SE, Form 4562 or others, depending on your situation.

Usually, self-employed taxpayers must make quarterly estimated payments. The first payment of the year is due on the due date of the prior year tax return. For example, the first quarter 2022 estimated payment is due April 18, 2022. If you underpay your estimated taxes, you may owe a penalty.

“Taxes are confusing, especially with income from self-employment income,” said Steber. “It’s important to see a Tax Pro to be sure you are getting all the deductions you deserve and they are done right because self-employment income taxes are some of the hardest to understand.”

What are self-employment deductions?

Here are the most common self-employment deductions, which reduce your taxes and let you keep more of your own money. Consult a tax professional if you have questions about your circumstances.

Qualified Business Income (QBI) is one of the biggest deductions. This allows self-employed taxpayers to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income before their income taxes are determined.

Deduction for 1/2 of self-employment tax allows taxpayers to take an above-the-line deduction of 50% of whatever they pay in self-employment tax.

Home office deduction. Unlike employees who happen to work from home, only those who are actually self-employed can take a deduction for their home office — and only if the office-in-home is not part of the living area of the home. It also must be used exclusively for the business.

Calculating the home office deduction:

• The traditional method is a longer, detailed approach needing information including the square footage of the home and the office, the number of days/hours used for the business and utility costs for the home (water and sewage are only allowed for businesses that rely on water such as a medical office, bakery or daycare).
• The safe harbor method allows a standard $5 per square foot deduction. This is calculated by multiplying the square footage of the office by $5, but the square footage is not to exceed 300 square feet, making the maximum deduction $1,500. Taxpayers using this simplified option cannot deduct any other expenses related to the home, but they can deduct business expenses unrelated to use of the home such as office supplies (e.g., paper and ink).

Using your vehicle for business purposes may allow you to deduct expenses. Track expenses including gas, oil, car insurance, repairs, cleaning and registration, plus mileage from the first day of the year (regardless of when you started using your car) through the end of the year.

Employees’ wages/salaries are deductible if paid for work directly related to your business and the pay is reasonable. You must be able to verify payments were made for duties actually performed.

Advertising expenses: business cards, billboards, car wraps and ad agencies, plus membership dues including Chamber of Commerce, local small business associations or trade groups.

Office expenses:

• Equipment, storage, office space rental
• Banking, credit card/debit card fees, legal and professional fees (bookkeeping, taxes)
• Painting, putting in shelves
• Cleaning and maintenance (minor repairs)
• Insurance, phone bills, supplies, gifts

Need help figuring out your self-employment taxes? Jackson Hewitt offers a variety of ways taxpayers can file their taxes, with over 5,500 locations nationwide plus online. Visit JacksonHewitt.com for information or assistance.

2022-03-21T17:31:00

(BPT) – If you’ve recently started using digital banking tools to help you manage your finances, you’re not alone. A new study found that millennials, Gen X and baby boomers alike all use digital banking more today than they did just one year ago. In the second annual Chase 2021 Digital Banking Attitudes Study, respondents reaffirmed that mobile apps have become their most frequently used banking channel, with consumers using such apps once a week or more (up 8% year-over-year). In fact, 62% of those surveyed said that mobile banking is a service they cannot live without (up 7% year-over-year). The Chase 2021 Digital Banking Attitudes Study is based on a survey fielded between October 14-28, 2021, among 2,000 men and women between the ages of 18-65.

Consumers are paying digitally more than ever before

Whether you’re paying back a friend for a meal or paying rent, do you find you’re using a digital payment tool more often? Apparently, so is everyone else. A whopping 93% of consumers have used one or more digital payment methods (such as Zelle^®) during the past year, which is an increase of 5% year-over-year.

Why have these kinds of payment tools become so popular? Here are the top three reasons cited by consumers:

• They’re convenient (66%)
• Digital payment methods are easy to use (57%)
• Digital payment apps save time (46%)

And according to the study, about one-third of consumers said that they had started using digital payment tools in just the past six months. Overall, 79% said that these options also made it easier for them to track and manage their finances.

Can digital banking tools help you learn how to improve your credit score?

The answer would appear to be yes. Nearly seven out of 10 (69%) survey respondents said they use a service to monitor their credit, such as Chase Credit Journey — which offers free credit and identity monitoring, including alerts to let you know if your data is ever exposed in a data breach or found on the dark web. The best part is that you don’t have to be a Chase customer to take advantage of everything Credit Journey has to offer: weekly credit score updates, personalized insights, round-the-clock support and more.

The use of credit monitoring tools is up 8% from last year’s study. Overall, there was a significant increase in usage of credit monitoring services across all generations, although millennials use them at a higher rate than most other groups.

More than three out of four (76%) respondents said they use credit services to check their credit scores. Forty-four percent of Gen Z respondents cited using credit monitoring services as an educational tool to learn how to improve their credit scores.

Digital banking features can even help you book travel

Consumers today are using digital banking features to do more than just check their balances or pay their bills. Capabilities like booking travel, are becoming increasingly popular. Just 13% of the survey respondents said they have used their bank’s website or mobile app to book travel, yet nearly three in four (74%) respondents who used this service said they are highly likely to do so again. Not only that, but about one-third (34%) of those who had not used this feature yet said they would be willing to try booking travel through their banking website or app the next time they plan a trip.

Consumers are also using their banking app to take advantage of savings offers at their favorite retailers. Eighteen percent of respondents have previously added offers to their credit card through their bank and are likely to do so again. Furthermore, 45% who haven’t tried offers yet are planning to in the near future.

Many of the increasing number of people who use digital banking apps are finding more ways to improve their finances and take care of tasks, from making payments and monitoring their credit scores to booking their next vacations.

“This year, digital banking played an even bigger role in how consumers manage and track their finances on a daily basis,” said Rohan Amin, chief product officer at Chase. “This new research highlights how consumer preferences are driving both the creation and adoption of new features that help consumers get more value out of their bank account or credit card.”

Want to learn more about digital banking tools and how they can help you manage your finances? Visit Chase.com/mobile.