3 reasons why you might have missed out on stimulus money and what to do

2021-03-12T10:39:00

(BPT) – At a time when people are struggling financially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may have also missed out on all or part of their first and second full stimulus payments, money intended to help during a critical time. New parents and recent graduates could have unknowingly missed out on stimulus money and could claim a credit when they file a tax return.

Specifically, the first two stimulus payments were calculated using 2019 tax returns and for some people on 2018 returns, meaning the IRS wouldn’t have known about 2020 life changes such as adding new dependents, becoming a first-time filer, or reduced income if they didn’t receive the full amount. These individuals are likely due additional stimulus payments with the help of the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.

“COVID has impacted nearly everyone’s taxes. As you navigate the recovery rebate credit and your tax situation you can get help online, virtually or in person from H&R Block’s highly trained tax pros,” said H&R Block Chief Tax Officer Kathy Pickering. “Working with a tax pro can help you feel confident that you can receive your full stimulus amount added to your refund.”

Reasons to use the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit to claim missed stimulus payments:

1. Unemployed or reduced income in 2020

For people whose income was above the income caps for the first and second stimulus payments but whose income was reduced in 2020 to under the income caps, additional stimulus payments via the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit may be available. To understand more about the tax implications of unemployment benefits, visit H&R Block’s unemployment and taxes resource center.

2. Expanded family with a new child

Many things happen in life that the IRS doesn’t know about until a tax return is filed, including having a baby, adopting or fostering a child. Approximately 3.7 million babies were born in 2020 and roughly 140,000 children adopted[1] in the United States. Families who added a child not previously claimed as a dependent on their tax return may be eligible for additional stimulus money.

3. First-time filers like recent college graduates

According to the Department of Education, 5.7 million students received high school or undergraduate degrees in 2020. Those starting careers will become first-time filers and likely can’t be claimed as a dependent, possibly making them eligible for stimulus money. For example, if a college graduate was a dependent in 2019, graduated and moved out on their own and started a new job, they are likely eligible for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.

For help in understanding a tax situation and to find out more about who may be eligible for additional stimulus money, find a tax pro at hrblock.com. There is no additional cost for claiming a Recovery Rebate Credit whether a client chooses to get help from our experts or to do taxes on their own, including in H&R Block Free Online.



[1] Adoption Network, U.S. Adoption Statistics.

3 issues many working women face today

2021-03-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – Even though women make up nearly 51% of the world’s population, there is still a way to go when it comes to full, fair and equitable treatment.

As part of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Mars, Incorporated, a global, privately held and family-owned company with a diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, food, and pet care products and services, is looking for ways to create more equitable communities in and out of the workplace by asking what is needed to help more women reach their full potential.

“Increasingly business is being called upon to make a lasting, positive impact on society. In that spirit, Mars wants to hear from diverse voices — women around the world and men who champion progress — on what needs to change in order for women to reach their full potential,” said Jessica Adelman, vice president corporate affairs, Mars North America.

Here are a few of the outside factors that serve as barriers to women and how companies everywhere can help solve the issue, because we all have a role in creating a better world tomorrow.

For mothers, childcare is expensive

According to a recent report, it costs on average $16,000 annually to raise a child in the United States. Some states are more expensive than others. But in many cases, that amount is more than annual tuitions at flagship universities. And for women who decide to leave the workforce to care for their children, those annual costs can create extra burdens long-term.

How can employers help? Employers who can afford to should consider childcare subsidies for working parents, or provide back-up care resources. These options can allow women to stay in the workforce and provide for their children, or elderly relatives, without unnecessary sacrifice.

When it comes to parental leave, Denmark is known for having some of the best child care policies in the world. In Denmark, women can get a total of 18 weeks paid maternity leave. Four weeks before the baby is born and 14 weeks after. Parents split 32 additional weeks of leave after that.

Work schedules can be restrictive

With countless professionals working from home, many have realized the traditional 9-5 isn’t feasible while balancing other responsibilities. That’s especially true for women, who take on the lion’s share of caregiving work inside the home. Not only are they trying to keep up with work-related duties, but they’re also more likely to take responsibility in caring for children or supporting aging parents. The burden is even more significant for single working mothers.

To combat this, employers can offer flexible work schedules. A flexible schedule can allow women to tend to the needs of themselves and their family while allowing them to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

Our collective mental health is taking a hit due to the pandemic

Lots has been written a year into a global pandemic about how women are reporting significantly higher levels of psychological distress due to the burdens and societal expectations placed on them, especially during times like these.

Employers need to understand the mental toll the pandemic is taking, not only on women, but on all of their employees, and find ways to help them cope. Whether that’s through free or discounted therapy sessions, yoga classes or family leave, there’s a lot they can do. In the U.S. Mars adapted its previously in-person employee well-being moments such as stretch breaks and fitness classes to a virtual format, offering a way for employees to connect with each other virtually, support their mind and body, and invite more employees than before to join in without the limit of a physical room.

Finding solutions requires working together

The pandemic has created fear and uncertainty for people around the world. However, it has also shed light on the daily struggles of women and given them a voice to fight for more fair and equitable treatment in the workplace and beyond.

Mars is one of the many companies joining in the fight for workplace and societal equality for all women. That’s why the company is using its voice to stand up not just for its employees, but for all women around the globe. However, this requires collective input. People need to share their stories and raise their voices if society is to create strong and thriving communities not just for women, but for everyone around the world.

New study fuels hyperlocal efforts supporting black women-owned businesses

2021-03-08T06:01:00

(BPT) – Minority-owned businesses are the cornerstone of their communities, and over one-third of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. are headed by women — the highest share of any ethnic group. Yet according to Visa’s new Black Women-Owned Business Report 2021, nearly three quarters (71%) of Black women-owned businesses estimate they can’t survive another year under current pandemic conditions.

In the wake of the pandemic, small and medium-sized businesses nationwide have taken a major hit, with minority businesses suffering the most devastating blows. While more than half (54%) of businesses surveyed for Visa’s new report stated their business was positively impacted following the Black Lives Matter movement in Summer 2020, more than three quarters (78%) of businesses who saw benefits have said those increases have ceased.

The successes of Black-owned business are hard fought, as the Federal Reserve reports Black-owned businesses are less likely to be approved for bank loans, with an approval rate of only 46.5% (compared to 75.3% for white-owned businesses). Visa’s study supports this data, finding nearly one third (31%) of Black women-owned businesses stated raising capital and funding to stay afloat was one of their biggest challenges since the pandemic hit the U.S.

While women-owned businesses have been historically underfunded, new resources and support are emerging, including a newly formed Visa program focused on supporting Black women-owned businesses at a hyperlocal level. Addressing the needs of local entrepreneurs in cities with the highest concentration of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. and building on support provided to women-owned small businesses through “She’s Next, Empowered by Visa” — the company brings resources and expertise to provide entrepreneurs with tailored solutions in the following cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C. In addition, Visa has announced it will:

  • Commit $1,000,000 and extend its grant and mentorship program to the six U.S. cities. Call for applications have opened and can be found at: https://ifundwomen.com/visa.
  • Host its first She’s Next virtual conference of the year, “She’s Next 2021” on March 25, in partnership with The Female Quotient, to celebrate the Black community and women entrepreneurs. Interested small business owners can register at https://thefemalequotient.equalitylounge.com/shesnext2021empoweredbyvisa.
  • Launch spotlight marketing campaigns to encourage consumers to shop at Black women-owned small businesses.
  • Partner with Black Girl Ventures to work with local organizations that can more easily reach small businesses and help with point-of-sale and other technology upgrades.

“Black Girl Ventures is proud to partner with Visa on not only financially assisting these entrepreneurs, but also on providing a megaphone to each community’s most pressing needs,” said Shelly Bell, founder, Black Girl Ventures. “While the Black Lives Matter movement elevated consumer support of these businesses, the movement must continue to lift up these neighborhoods financially and spiritually.”

Are you a female business owner of color, or do you know someone who is? Visit IFundWomen.com/Visa to apply for a grant to fund your business, or to learn more about how Visa is supporting women entrepreneurs around the world, visit their She’s Next page.

New survey: Americans cut prescription costs by ordering from Canada

2021-03-07T05:01:00

(BPT) – Prescription drug prices are skyrocketing. For anyone who needs regular prescriptions to manage serious chronic health conditions, the soaring cost of their medications creates a real burden. Studies show that one in four adults skip medications primarily due to cost, which leads to bigger problems both for their health outcomes and for increasing medical costs as they suffer complications due to missed medications. But a new survey shows that a growing number of Americans are finding a workable solution: importing prescription medications from Canada.

In the survey, conducted by the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI), over 93% of the respondents cited the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. as the primary reason they ordered prescriptions from licensed online Canadian pharmacies.

How much are they saving?

According to the survey, Americans ordering their prescription drugs from certified online Canadian pharmacies are saving an average of $228 per month — or $2,736 per year. Here’s the breakdown of savings per month:

  • Over 57% saved $100 or more
  • 15% saved over $200
  • 19% saved over $300

For that last group, the average monthly savings was $755 each month, up from $648 in 2019.

Recent price comparisons show that online Canadian pharmacies consistently offer Americans savings of 50-90% on brand-name prescription medications compared to leading U.S. pharmacies as well as GoodRx and Amazon Pharmacy.

The real impact

The effect of these savings is not just about the cost. Craig Barnes of Oregon has been ordering prescription drugs from Canada for about two years. “I have a heart condition that requires medication to regulate my heart rate,” said Barnes. The U.S. list price of 60 tabs (a 30-day supply) is approximately $500.00. On GoodRx, the price is a bit lower — about $460.00. Even with his insurance, his out-of-pocket monthly cost in the U.S. would be about $236.00. Buying from an online Canadian pharmacy, Barnes saves $2,328 a year, getting the medication he needs for only $42.00 per month.

“If I had to buy the medication in the U.S., I would have to stop treatment or split doses,” said Barnes. And for most people managing a health condition like Barnes, that can result in a much poorer health outcome, leading to complications that could even be life-threatening.

In the CPPI survey, 62% of the Americans who import their prescriptions said they were referred by a trusted medical professional, friend or family member, and 80% of the survey respondents knew how to identify “rogue” pharmacies and felt savvy about their ability to find a trustworthy online pharmacy. The upshot? A whopping 99% of those who currently import their prescriptions from Canada would recommend doing so to family and friends.

It’s definitely a continuing trend — last year saw an increase from 8.1% to 13.3% of Americans who reported ordering prescription drugs from online Canadian pharmacies for the first time. Eighty-seven percent said they had been ordering from online Canadian pharmacies for a year or longer. Until prescription medications become more affordable in the U.S., it’s a trend that is likely to continue to grow.

How to find a safe pharmacy online

The pandemic has underscored the importance of everyone having access to safe, reliable and affordable medications. For those with multiple underlying conditions, this is even more crucial now.

The Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI) recommends searching for licensed Canadian pharmacies on certified websites. CPPI is a national nonprofit patient advocacy organization that fights for Americans’ access to safe, affordable prescription medications from Canada for personal use. On their website, PersonalImportation.org, you can find advice and tips, plus a link to the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) website, CIPA.com, for a list of licensed pharmacies.

“All Americans deserve access to affordable prescription medications. The savings that American patients report finding from online Canadian pharmacies is significant and available to Americans right now,” says Jack Pfeiffer, executive director of the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation. “There is even a bill in Congress, the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act, which could make these savings even easier for Americans to come by.”

Companies call for projects that will connect neighbors and uplift communities across the U.S.

2021-03-05T10:31:00

(BPT) – H&R Block and Nextdoor, like-minded companies with deep commitments to neighborhood connections, have once again teamed up to bring much-needed improvement projects to communities across the country. Individuals are encouraged to submit project ideas that build connections between neighbors while also uplifting small businesses. Project nominations are being accepted through March 31. Nextdoor and H&R Block will select and bring to life select submissions in 2021.

H&R Block believes in the importance of thriving local communities, as it creates more connected neighborhoods and supports small business through its community impact platform Make Every Block Better. To date, the company has provided funding to startups, built homes, made home repairs in underserved neighborhoods, launched a new program to help Black small business owners access capital, and more. Details about its work can be found at makeeveryblockbetter.com.

According to a 2020 global study conducted by Nextdoor, performing small acts of kindness for neighbors reduces the likelihood of feeling lonely and increases neighborhood unity.

2020 projects built neighborhood connections

Last year, local communities nominated projects to restore sports courts at a historic community center, to build gardens to strengthen engagement between neighbors, or clean up alleyways by replacing weeds and garbage with a wildflower alley. In a downtown Cincinnati neighborhood, local businesses and neighbors came together to paint street murals to literally connect a local elementary school to the community garden across the street.

“H&R Block has the unique ability to help our neighbors since our associates live and work in these communities across the country. Right now is a critical time to help since so many people are feeling isolated,” said Jeff Jones, president and CEO of H&R Block. “I’m incredibly proud that our first year of this effort helped more than 3.4 million people and 50 small businesses in 10 cities, and look forward to another successful year.”

Involving small businesses helps the fabric of communities

Small business owners are an integral part of any community, and this year nominators are asked to include in their submission the small businesses they’d like to invite to help with the project. The effort is aligned with H&R Block’s goal to positively impact both 500 communities and 500,000 small businesses by 2025.

Nominate a community improvement project

Do you have an idea for a project that would connect and uplift your neighborhood?

You can find a simple nomination form online, which includes idea-starters like:

  • What type of project are you considering? Options include neighborhood beautification, neighborhood cleanups, park renewals and community gardens
  • What are some small businesses you’d like to invite to be part of the project?
  • Why would this project be meaningful to your neighborhood? Include any pictures or other documents to support your nomination

Visit hrbnextdoor.com to learn more about the 2020 projects and to nominate a new project in your neighborhood.

The Question Every Small Business Owner Needs to Ask

2021-03-03T09:19:01

(BPT) – Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the small business game awhile, right now, you’re likely filled with questions. Like, “Is this the right time to turn my passion into a business?” Or, “How am I going to survive if the economy doesn’t bounce back?” Without a doubt, both are important questions, regardless of the pandemic.

Another question small business owners might have is, “What’s the best business entity structure for my small business?” Your business structure influences everything from your day-to-day operations to your taxes and personal liability. Different structures can affect legal protection and tax responsibility. Most small businesses start as a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC).

Sole proprietorship

The simplest business structure is the sole proprietorship, which you own completely, with no distinction between yourself and the business. That also makes you responsible for all the debts and liabilities of your company. So, if you’re sued or your business goes under, your personal assets are fair game for creditors and you assume all legal liability. While that may sound scary, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a sole proprietorship and decide what’s right for you.

Advantages: Sole proprietors have complete control over their business and all decisions made on its behalf. Also, the costs of forming a sole proprietorship are minimal. If you eventually want to sell your business, you can do so without having to consult with other business partners. Plus, there are no corporate tax payments.

Disadvantages: Remember, you can be held personally liable for the debts and legal obligations of your business. And being responsible for all business decisions can be a daunting proposition. The buck stops with you. Also, if you’re hoping to eventually expand, investors don’t typically invest in sole proprietorships without taking an ownership interest.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Many small businesses are structured as LLCs because they offer some of the advantages of a sole proprietorship without its obvious disadvantages. The real benefit is that LLCs are not taxed as a separate entity (as long as the LLC has not elected to be taxed as a C corporation) — all profits and losses are attributed to each owner-member of the company, and you’ll report all business income on your personal tax return. Also, as a single member LLC, you’re in charge — you own, manage and run your business, but without the same liability issues of a sole proprietor.

To get set up, you’ll register your LLC’s existence by filing articles of organization and paying a fee to your relevant state office, normally the secretary of state. While this involves more paperwork and hassle than establishing a sole proprietorship, it’s still relatively easy and can usually be done online. The key advantages of an LLC include:

Limited personal liability: An LLC is viewed as a legal entity separate from its individual members or owners. Generally, that means you won’t be held personally liable for your LLC’s debts or legal liabilities, and your personal assets — like your home or personal bank account — aren’t at risk. However, be careful. Under certain circumstances, such as if you personally guarantee a business debt, you’re still on the hook for it personally.

Pass-through tax treatment: LLCs receive what’s called ‘pass through’ treatment, allowing allocated profits to be taxed only once on each member’s individual income tax return. LLCs that also qualify as partnerships or S corporations may also receive ‘pass through’ treatment from the IRS. Note, this is not the case if you decide to have the LLC taxed as a C corporation for federal income tax purposes.

The disadvantages of LLCs include the additional administrative requirements when compared to a sole proprietorship, and the costs involved. Also, as an LLC owner, you may have to pay unemployment compensation for yourself (if you elect to have the LLC taxed as a C or S corporation), which you wouldn’t have to pay as a sole proprietor.

This is just a primer on business entity structures — there are many more options to consider for your small business. It’s not a one-size-fits-all decision. If you’re confused, you don’t have to go it alone. H&R Block’s Block Advisors can help.

“As part of our personalized tax service, Block Advisors will conduct a business entity structure analysis to see how different structures could impact your taxes,” said Ian Hardman, General Manager and Vice President of Small Business at H&R Block.

Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com.

Disclaimer: Taxes are only some of many factors to consider when selecting an entity. We recommend that you seek the advice of an attorney about other implications of entity selection.

If you own a business, you’ve only got days left to apply for a Paycheck Protection loan

2021-03-02T11:53:00

(BPT) – by Jennifer Roberts, CEO, Chase Business Banking and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Founder, Our Fair Share, entrepreneur and media mogul

In just four months last year, more than 5 million U.S. businesses received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. That helped them pay their workers, their mortgage or rent, and their utility bills. Unfortunately, many small businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans didn’t get PPP loans last year. We want to make sure you know how to apply for the funding your business really needs.

But you need to act quickly. PPP ends March 31, but many lenders may stop accepting applications sooner so they have time to process. That means you need to get started on an application quickly for PPP funds to help with your payroll costs and other bills, to get your fair share. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and participating lenders are working hard to make these loans available to more businesses in low- and moderate-income communities. And to smaller businesses, like barbershops, restaurants, nail salons, clothing brands, bars, bodegas and independent contractors.

Here are eight facts you should know about PPP that may encourage you to apply:

1) Congress funded it with $284 billion for 2021. That’s enough for millions of more loans.

2) It’s for first-time borrowers. The SBA has already approved more than 704,000 loans for borrowers who didn’t get one last year. The SBA also has approved loans for second-time borrowers.

3) A PPP loan may be forgiven. Up to 100% of your loan could be forgiven if you qualify and meet the SBA’s requirements. That means you wouldn’t have to pay back the forgiven amount.

4) Businesses with few employees get special attention. Through March 9, the SBA is accepting applications only from businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

5) Most loans are relatively small. The average loan to first-time PPP borrowers this year is $22,000, the SBA says.

6) Smaller businesses are getting approved. 90% of Chase’s approved PPP loans in 2021 are to businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

7) Help is available to understand PPP. chase.com/ppp has a webinar, checklists and FAQs to walk you through the application process. You can also check out sba.gov/ppp.

8) It’s easy to find participating lenders. The SBA’s website — sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/lender-match — has a “Lender Match” link to help you connect to a lender near you.

The 2021 PPP is scheduled to expire March 31, but to get your application to the SBA by then, you need to act now. If you believe you are eligible, we urge you to find a lender, prepare your information and apply.

Get started now. Don’t miss out!

To learn more, or to access helpful tools and resources, please visit chase.com/ppp or ourfairshare.com.

Make your data, and your dollars, go further

2021-03-01T08:01:01

(BPT) – Wireless providers would love for you to believe that your lifestyle requires an unlimited stream of data. At first glance, there’s probably nothing wrong with this assumption: After all, think about how much of your day is spent on data-dependent activities like streaming video or music, or searching the internet.

But the fact is, all of these things can actually be done while using far less, and sometimes even none, of the data from your cellular plan. If your data needs aren’t really unlimited, you could save considerable money on your wireless plan with these simple tips.

Tame the video beast

Watching video on your smartphone is convenient, but it’s a data glutton. A full-length Netflix movie consumes about 1GB of data per hour in standard definition video, and up to 3GB per hour in high definition. At that rate, you’ll burn through even the most robust data package in no time.

Try connecting to Wi-Fi instead. It’s widely available, and lets you stream without using any cellular data at all, often with a faster connection. While connected to Wi-Fi, you can also download videos, TV shows or movies to your phone or SD card to watch anytime at your convenience, with no data required.

In addition, when you’re streaming video on a small screen, such as a cellphone, you really don’t need high resolution. Many apps give you the ability to change video quality settings, and therefore consume less data. For Netflix, log into your account and switch to one of three settings: low (using 0.3GB per hour), medium (which uses 0.7GB per hour) or high (using up to 3GB per hour). In the YouTube app, just tap the three-dots menu and click “Quality” to lower it.

Manage social media and streaming music

Videos have also become a standard part of the social media experience. Adjusting your settings to prevent videos from playing automatically will prevent them from eating up your data. The steps to change this setting can vary between applications. On most platforms, like Facebook, you’ll go to your Account Settings and either disable the “Autoplay” feature, or change it so that videos will only play automatically when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

All of the popular audio streaming apps offer ways to listen to your music without having to use a network connection, or even Wi-Fi. Spotify lets you download your albums and playlists right to your device. If you use Apple Music, you can add songs, albums and playlists to your library.

Try a smaller plan for bigger savings

While an “unlimited” plan may seem like an easy answer to your data needs, they can be more enticing than practical. Read the fine print: Most actually limit your high-speed data to a certain number of gigabytes per month. Once you use up that allotment, you’ll still have unlimited access, but at much slower speeds. This makes it more difficult to load pages quickly, or to stream video, even though you’re paying a premium for “unlimited” access.

Instead, take a look at a carrier like Consumer Cellular, which a offers a range of affordable choices from a talk-only 250-minute plan to 3GB, 10GB, 15GB or unlimited data options each month. Plans are also completely flexible: You can switch right up to the last day of a billing cycle with no extra fees, and you’re also automatically upgraded if you go over your data usage. That means you get the best rate for what you actually use, rather than having to carry an unlimited plan just to prevent an overage.

Follow these tips and you’ll enjoy streaming movies, listening to music and so much more while also keeping money in your pocket for things other than a colossal data plan. You can have it all, without needing an unlimited budget to do it.

Remote Control: Finding Your Optimal Work-Life Balance in 2021

2021-02-26T09:01:00

(BPT) – By Jeannie Finkel, Cetera Financial Group

Before the pandemic, many industries resisted the idea that work could be done primarily from home. They hadn’t fully suited up for extensive remote work. That left many scrambling last spring, and employees had to quickly figure out how to stay connected, collaborate with co-workers and show they could be productive despite working from the kitchen table or spare bedroom. This put a strain on both employers and employees alike as they struggled to adapt to a new normal.

One year later, many challenges remain, but a much greater number of companies and workers have found their stride in the remote workplace.

We at Cetera have learned a thing or two about how to help employees navigate these circumstances while continuing to do good work.

  • Leaders need to be honest about challenges and keep the lines of communication open. When we increased the frequency of our all-hands meetings and set aside part of the time for open discussion, participation hit an all-time high. Employees needed an outlet for their questions and to express their concerns.
  • Being flexible is crucial. There’s a need to adapt to the new rhythms of the workday, without working around the clock. If you’re a morning bird, you shouldn’t expect your colleague who works later in the day to respond quickly to the email you sent at 5:15 a.m. And she shouldn’t expect a quick response from you at 9:30 at night, knowing that is close to your bedtime.
  • Managers must encourage and enable self-care. It is important to acknowledge the mental health challenges employees face under these circumstances. Remind your reports to take breaks, just as they would if they were in the office. It’s OK to run errands mid-day or go for a walk on a beautiful day. That’s also a good reminder for managers like me, who don’t always model the best work-life balance.
  • Trust is the foundation. Most employees will do their job well without constant monitoring. Being clear about the expectations and building strong relationships are effective motivators for most employees and are the foundation of any accountability system.
  • Digital innovation is helpful, if used correctly. Technology is a lifeline for businesses to connect with their employees, but training and support are needed to ensure effective use of digital tools for collaboration and data tracking. Digital competencies are as important going forward as industry knowledge, and making best use of the technologies at our disposal can help us to be efficient and, ultimately, find greater work-life balance.
  • Hiring, recruiting and onboarding may never be the same. Now that remote work has become the norm, a job’s physical location may become less important as more candidates expect employers to accommodate a desired work environment. Nearly every “office” job will require digital proficiency and comfort with working remotely. Gauging those competencies in the recruitment process will help you find the right person for the role. Embracing remote work could even help companies broaden the pool of candidates, draw talent from other parts of the country and diversify their workforce.

By re-imagining the office — with more progressive work-from-home policies and employee well-being programs that support a better work-life balance — companies are more likely to find, and keep, employees that go the extra mile to deliver results.

We are still adapting our approach to remote work as we respond to employees’ feedback. And when our offices open up again, many of the lessons learned will continue to shape our policies and processes. It will take continued effort to provide the support and communicate the vision for what is likely to be a permanent hybrid work situation. To achieve the right work-life balance for our employees, managers and leadership will need additional training and must take time to unplug themselves.

The past year has certainly tested us, in good ways and bad. We will all need to stay resilient and continue to adapt to the new normal. One thing that won’t change in the year ahead is the need we all have for balance in our lives and the importance of self-care. Let’s get off to a good start and go for a walk today!

Jeanne Finkel is Chief Human Resources Officer for Cetera Financial Group in El Segundo, CA.

A free way to save money on prescriptions and help kids with critical illnesses

2021-02-25T13:01:00

(BPT) – Audrey is a 12-year-old girl from Arizona with a passion for fashion. She spends her free time flipping through style magazines and listening to her favorite songs. She dreams of having her photo professionally taken in a long, whimsical dress that covers the leg braces that help her stay steady.

While Audrey’s interests are not uncommon for girls her age, her life is very different due to a nervous system disorder. She is not a stranger to hospitals and is homeschooled by her family. Although her childhood has been challenging, she tries to do many of the things typical preteens like to do, including crafting, reading and dressing up in her favorite clothing.

Audrey’s wish comes true

For Audrey, being a model is the ultimate dream. She imagined getting her hair and makeup done by professionals, dressing up in a lengthy blue gown inspired by her favorite princess, and having her picture taken by photographers, just like the models in the fashion magazines she loves so much.

That’s why Audrey was overwhelmed with excitement when she learned she would be able to experience all of this in real life. In celebration of BuzzRx’s 500th wish with Make-A-Wish® America, the company partnered with Make-A-Wish® Arizona to grant Audrey’s wish to have a magazine-like fashion shoot in her hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona.

“The BuzzRx team feels lucky to be able to grant this wish,” says Shane Power, BuzzRx® chief revenue and impact officer. “Wishes are not just nice, they’re necessary. Wishes have proven to give a child hope, joy and strength to fight against their illness.”

For her photo shoot, Audrey wore three different outfits including a beautiful, poufy blue gown, had her hair and makeup done by a team of professionals and had photos taken by a professional photographer.

Save on prescriptions and support Make-A-Wish

Audrey’s wish was possible thanks to generous support from BuzzRx, an organization that offers a free, ready-to-use Prescription Discount Card for anyone to use at more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide, including those who have health insurance. Every time a cardholder saves with the card, the company donates $1 to Make-A-Wish. This is at no cost to the cardholder and has no effect on discounted prescription prices.

To date, the company has donated $5 million to Make-A-Wish, helping to grant 500 life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. To get a card, visit www.buzzrx.com/wish, text WISH to phone number 95577, or download the free mobile app. The card can be used to save up to 80% on both generic and brand-name prescriptions.

When you fill a prescription and present the card, you can feel good about saving money and helping make more wishes come true for kids like Audrey. Her wish experience, along with the stunning photographs from her high-fashion photo shoot, will provide joy and hope for her and her family for many years to come.