Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2020-12-28T10:01:00

(BPT) – By Tori Guttierez, Cetera Investors

There has been a lot of angst over the faltering economy in general, but the “COVID generation” — young adults just hitting the job market or those looking forward to achieving key financial milestones — have been particularly hard-hit by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. These young workers are facing a tight job market while paying down student debt just as housing prices skyrocket.

While it may seem like a less than opportune time to think about savings and financial well-being, there are good reasons for millennials to be proactive. Even amid recent economic volatility, there are ways for millennials to take advantage of greater financial offerings and new opportunities to save. From adaptive budgeting to strategic investing, there are a number of things savvy millennials can do to enter 2021 with confidence.

Working With the Current Job Market

The job market, for some, is the biggest thing standing between you and financial security. Even well-qualified candidates with years of experience are having trouble landing a job. But there are some things you can do in the coming months to stay active in the workforce and stabilize your finances.

First, take advantage of any and all unemployment or enhanced relief benefits available to you due to the pandemic. Once another round of federal stimulus funding is passed in Congress, these benefits could be available for a longer period of time.

If you don’t qualify for these benefits, or want to explore ways to make money, gain job experience by joining the gig economy. Many businesses have shifted to a remote workforce amid COVID-19 and are looking for short-term or part-time employees. And the digital marketplace for goods and services has opened up more outlets for starting an online business even as you continue to search for a full-time position.

Your chances of success will depend in part on your professional profile and how you position yourself. Now’s a good time to polish up your digital presence. Create a compelling LinkedIn profile and engage with other professionals and relevant content on the platform. Review your social media accounts and make sure they present you in a professional light.

Investing with Confidence

In addition to the professional considerations, it’s important to attend to financial issues. Did the budget you mapped out earlier this year shift as a result of quarantines and social distancing? For most people, that answer is yes. We spent less on gas and more on groceries, for example. And you may have had money set aside for travel or a special purchase that was put on hold. Reworking your budget to reflect those lifestyle changes can help you set aside more for savings, retirement and a 2021 emergency fund.

As advisors to clients in this age category, Cetera and I have additional tips of relevance to millennials struggling with the volatility of today’s economy:

• Review your retirement investments. If you find yourself in a lower tax bracket this year, you should look at your retirement plans for places to take advantage of the current circumstances. You might open a Roth IRA, and even consider moving some of your 401(k) to achieve tax advantages.
• Capitalize on Dollar Cost Averaging. We all hope to time our investments just right, riding the market up and making a killing when it peaks. But it’s nearly impossible to time the market’s highs and lows. A surer way to prosperity, though, is through regular, incremental investments that grow securely over time. Research bears out that systematic investment behavior — setting up consistent, automatic contributions to investment, savings and retirement accounts, or a “set it and forget it” strategy — yields better results in the long run.
• Match your portfolio to your values. This isn’t the first generation to fight for social change, but millennials have been outspoken in voicing their commitment to addressing issues like climate change, racial inequity and poverty. There are a growing number of ways to invest with purpose. A financial professional can help you align your portfolio with your values.
• Look for pay-as-you-go services. Younger professionals don’t have the scale of assets necessary to take advantage of full-service financial advising, given fees that benefit large or diversified investment portfolios. There are a growing number of advisors who are right-sizing their services for new clients with smaller portfolios. The options range from subscription-based financial management packages to a la carte or pay-as-you-go fee structures. These can save you considerable money as you gain your financial footing.

Beyond these key to-do’s, my Cetera colleagues Damon Accardi and David Tozer lay out some additional considerations when it comes to developing your broader 2021 financial plan:

• Get smart about trading. This year’s unprecedented volatility has brought out the day traders in many of us and its momentum has sustained. A good rule millennials should keep in mind heading into 2021 is that it’s “time in the market not timing in the market” that leads to long-term success.
• Consider an app. Millennials are digitally native and know a second opinion or crowd-sourcing ideas has long been available with a swipe. A variety of apps can aid in financial planning but do your research. It’s good to discuss the basic pros and cons of, say, Acorn, Robinhood or some of the apps catered to the millennial generation with a financial professional. While those apps may have their advantages, some may have hidden costs or features that take you off course. An investment professional can help you understand the complexities of investing and how to withdraw funds (one of the biggest challenges we often observe).
• Find a financial professional that understands your needs. No matter your age or where you are in your career, finding a financial professional who understands your circumstances and interests can help you navigate the complex landscape right now. For millennials, there are unique advantages to working with a financial professional. An advisor can help you set objective, achievable financial goals and hold you accountable to them.

While periods of economic strife can feel daunting, taking a strategic and proactive approach to managing your finances can set you on a positive trajectory in the long term. Our current fiscal challenges are temporary, so patience and resilience, and some savvy strategies, are all that you need to stay on the path to a brighter future.

Tori Gutierrez is Financial Advisor and Investment Adviser Representative for Cetera Investors. She is based in Pasadena, CA.

Please note:

A Roth IRA offers tax free withdrawals on taxable contributions. To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, a Roth IRA must be in place for at least five tax years, and the distribution must take place after age 59½ or due to death, disability, or a first time home purchase (up to a $10,000 lifetime maximum). Depending on state law, Roth IRA distributions may be subject to state taxes.

Before rolling over your retirement account, consider all available options, which include remaining with your current retirement plan, rolling over into a new employer’s plan or IRA, or cashing out the account value. When deciding between an employer-sponsored plan and IRA, there may be important differences to consider — such as range of investment options, fees and expenses, availability of services, and distribution rules (including differences in applicable taxes and penalties). Depending on your plan’s investment options, in some cases, the investment management fees associated with your plan’s investment options may be lower than similar investment options offered outside the plan.

Dollar-cost averaging will not guarantee a profit or protect you from loss but may reduce your average cost per share in a fluctuating market.

A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

Please add the Investment Risk disclosure: “All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.”.

About Cetera Financial Group^®

Cetera Financial Group (Cetera) is a leading financial advice firm. It empowers the delivery of an Advice-Centric Experience^® to individuals, families and businesses across the country through independent financial professionals as well as trusted tax professionals and banks and credit unions. It’s headquartered at 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 1200 El Segundo, CA 90245-5670.

Comprehensive services include: wealth management solutions, retirement plan solutions, advisory services, practice management support, innovative technology, marketing guidance, regulatory support, and market research.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, and First Allied Securities, Inc. All firms are members FINRA / SIPC.

Individuals affiliated with Cetera firms are either Registered Representatives who offer only brokerage services and receive transaction-based compensation (commissions), Investment Adviser Representatives who offer only investment advisory services and receive fees based on assets, or both Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives, who can offer both types of services.

2020-12-23T19:01:00

(BPT) – The race for a COVID-19 vaccine may have a surprising beneficiary.

Artificial intelligence, the sometimes maligned and misunderstood villainous technology behind Hollywood blockbusters from “2001: A Space Odyssey” to “The Terminator” could emerge as a hero of epic proportions. Successfully taking on the COVID-19 virus by aiding vaccine development and management of clinical trials, researchers say, is only the beginning of what this powerful tool can achieve. Today, the pandemic; tomorrow, global warming and other looming humanitarian challenges of our time — alongside new, transformational ways of doing business, which will speed innovation, improve financial performance and boost job satisfaction for workers.

AI is helping people answer what had been unanswerable questions, too complex for human brains and powerful computers to handle. One of the powerful lessons researchers say we are learning in the fight against COVID-19 is the power and value of data. Notably, the role data plays in predictive analytics generated through AI. For COVID-19, some healthcare professionals and researchers relied on genetic algorithms to evaluate, predict and model the virus’ behavior to help control its impact. That approach — using AI to see ahead — has enormous potential and is why predictive analytics is the subject of so much groundbreaking work in the field of AI.

Researchers at digital technology innovator Cognizant are experts on next-generation AI and data science. Among their ongoing initiatives is development of a powerful tool, “Evolutionary AI,” which can literally help to see the future by quickly analyzing enormous amounts of data and mapping the anticipated trajectory of selected trends. Evolutionary AI goes a step further than analysis, answering immeasurably complex problems — then prescribing solutions. Think of the benefits for a research oncologist who can now evaluate patient diagnoses, test results, demographics and individual risk factors across a mind-boggling array of data points to prescribe the best treatment. Or a greenhouse farmer who can now analyze seeds, soil, temperature, humidity and light requirements to yield optimal growth. The ramifications of that kind of application could be enormous, leading to more efficient farming and more food. Not just prediction, which can be so valuable on its own, but prediction and prescription — a one-two, revolutionary technology punch.

This new approach to issue-identification, prediction and decision-making is on full display during a new XPRIZE competition dubbed the Pandemic Response Challenge. A nearly three-month initiative co-sponsored by Cognizant, the challenge tasks participants to come up with the best way to use artificial intelligence to accurately predict COVID-19 infection rates and offer prescriptive intervention, all in an effort to save lives and re-open businesses, communities and the global economy. While there’s a $500,000 grand prize hanging in the balance for the top two winning teams, organizers say the real reward is in showcasing artificial intelligence capabilities and the power of machine learning. Simulations and models that are created during the challenge will not only have an enormous effect on the continuing battle against COVID-19, but they will also be potentially transformative in everyday business decision-making.

But for now, this XPRIZE competition, the 23rd since the organization was founded in 1994, remains squarely focused on COVID-19. Organizers are hopeful the competition will shine a bright light on the monumental advancement of this technology and offer assessment paradigms, predictive platforms and a path forward for real-world applications to address the pandemic.

“This challenge will inspire some of the world’s brightest innovators to address the immediate threats to our economies and livelihoods,” said Amir Banifatemi, chief innovation and growth officer at XPRIZE. He said the challenge could be a “game-changer when it comes to using data and artificial intelligence to create a route to recovery,” especially now that vaccines are becoming available.

The ambitious, 10-week timeline of the competition underscores the urgency of stopping the spread of COVID-19 and developing a framework for communities and businesses to safely reopen. The challenge organizers are confident that artificial intelligence will help determine the best ways for communities to reopen, people to reengage with one another and the world to reclaim a sense of normal. In the case of COVID-19, AI could dramatically improve data-based decision-making and help shorten — even eliminate — another wave of infection, spread and death.

2020-12-22T17:05:12

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people in countless ways. From quarantine and social distancing to remote working, furlough and job loss, many people are reassessing how they spend their time and make money. Turning proverbial lemons into lemonade, people of all ages and backgrounds have decided to pivot their careers to do something that they truly enjoy.

Time provides the gift of insight

With extra time at home, people are taking stock of their jobs and paths for the future. They are exploring hobbies and passions that may have been put on hold. Finding enjoyment in these activities and realizing strengths and talents can be the inspiration for a new chapter. For example:

• Limited restaurant hours and options paired with ample kitchen time has inspired foodies to flex their culinary muscles. Some have started showing off their creations on social media and recording how-to videos to share with friends and family. Live cooking videos have been a fun way to connect socially with others from a distance.
• Having last-minute needs for items like desks, DIYers started working on projects in garages and sheds, realizing they have a maker mindset and handy capabilities. Talking with others and sharing images of finished projects, they’ve discovered their talents are in demand.
• Unexpected changes due to hour reduction, job loss and more have financial consequences for many families. After creating agile budgets that help their family thrive in uncertain times, some may even share their budgeting tips and find joy in helping others discover financial security.

The silver lining of the pandemic is the gift of time for reflection and self-discovery. However, it’s one thing to enjoy a talent or passion, it’s another to figure out how to monetize it.

Desire inspires the need for change

Being your own boss is appealing. If you’ve discovered a talent and you want to make it a career, it’s important to explore options that can help set you up for success. Taking orders for custom-made desks can be a rewarding side gig or even full-time career, if you have the space, tools and organization skills. Passionate cooks can explore culinary school and consider hosting online cooking classes to help garner some money and grow their reputation.

For people who desire to help others with budgeting or financial concerns there’s no better time to explore the possibilities for a bright, vibrant new career as a financial professional. Organizations such as The Guardian Life Insurance Company provide training on how to build your career and find clients. They partner you with mentors in a team setting so that you can learn from peers as you help clients reach financial confidence. They even provide proprietary software that will help you build plans for clients so they can visualize their future success.

Financial representatives are in demand

A financial representative is someone who owns their own business and makes their own hours. You can decide areas of specialty and what you’re most passionate about.

Financial representatives come from all backgrounds and exploring this career doesn’t require previous experience. There is a growing need in the industry to have people from diverse groups become financial representatives in order to best represent a diverse group of clientele.

To learn more, visit https://www.guardianlife.com.

Is it time you changed your future?

Many people have been reassessing their life path during the pandemic and desire to make a change so they can spend their time doing something they love while making an honest living. If this is something you’ve been thinking about, there’s no better time to consider options and opportunities.

2020-12-16T17:05:10

(BPT) – If your son or daughter is a high school senior this year, you’re probably in the midst of applying to colleges right now. There’s a lot for everyone to think about — where to apply, the steps involved in the application process and of course, the finances.

This year things are certainly more challenging. A recent College Ave Student Loans survey conducted by Barnes and Noble College Insights looked at how the pandemic has changed the approaches most families are taking to paying for college. Over half of the survey respondents (56%) reported that their finances have been negatively affected, with 58% of those families using their savings more than expected, 43% putting off big purchases and 29% leaning on credit cards. Financial setbacks like job loss have caused many families to seek alternatives to help pay for college costs.

While you’re planning for your child’s education, it’s important to figure these additional costs into your overall financial picture. Paying for college is not just about tuition, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for additional expenses — and know your options for reducing those costs or covering them.

1) Room and board

Paying for a dorm room and meal plan is a big part of student expenses. For freshman year, some schools don’t allow students to live off-campus. Make sure to find out the rules for schools your son or daughter is applying to and discuss your family’s preferences.

Some students may choose to live off-campus and rent an apartment. Depending on the proximity to campus and the area, it can still be costly.

If room and board or off-campus housing isn’t covered by financial aid, those costs can be covered with student loan funds. And some students save money their first year or two by enrolling in a local college or university and living at home.

2) Textbooks and supplies

Books and supplies can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year depending on your area of study. You can use student loans to help cover the purchase of a computer, books, required class supplies and school-related fees.

Research ways to save on books. Most schools offer used textbooks as an option in their college bookstores, or you can often find used textbooks online. In some cases, you can rent expensive textbooks. In many cases, e-books are much more affordable than actual textbooks.

3) Transportation

Consider the costs to commute to school every day — parking, gas or public transportation. Don’t forget to factor in any trips home throughout the year that might require a train or airfare.

It’s essential to know the full cost of attending college when your family is making plans together. Adding these further costs to tuition, you may find that the grants or scholarships your child is offered, on top of federal student loans or work-study options they may be eligible for, will not cover everything for the school year. Unexpected expenses can also come up, such as unanticipated fees or supplies, or a roommate bailing on a shared apartment.

If your son or daughter needs additional funds, one option is getting a private student loan through College Ave, which offers competitive rates and a three-minute application. Families have choices about when to start making payments and how long to take to pay back the loan, making it easy for them to balance a monthly budget while minimizing the total cost.

To see how much your monthly bills could be upon graduation, explore tools like the College Ave student loan calculator to make sure the loan amount fits your family’s monthly budget.

2020-12-14T13:01:01

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot

With the increasing number of organizations allowing employees teleworking options and today’s growing gig economy, proper home office setup ideas are becoming more relevant. People love the flexibility that working from home provides, saving time spent commuting, allowing flexible arrangements and avoiding office distractions.

That is not to say that working from home doesn’t have its own built-in complications. While you may not be able to control how demanding your work life is, you can design your home office for optimal productivity.

Part of optimizing productivity is designing a home office that is completely separate from the rest of your home in order to set boundaries; mixing the two can blur the line between your personal and work life.

The Right Layout and Organization

Having a place for everything in your office is one way to help stay organized and focused. Many will spend the majority of their time at a desk, so keeping the surface clutter-free by using drawers and filing solutions is always a good idea. Consider the right desk for your space allocation. As for the desk’s surface, there are many options for organizing papers, gathering pens and pencils, and making room for additional office supplies.

Larger storage solutions can include file cabinets, bookcases, cabinets and shelving units, bins and drawers. Not only will these storage spaces help keep your workspace neat, but they will also save you time when trying to locate items.

Think About Ergonomics

For work and health purposes, it is much better for a home office to have an ergonomic office chair which promotes better posture while providing support and comfort. For ease of recline, look for chairs that have a tilt mechanism and tile lock, as well as seat and back height adjustments for optimal positioning.

Other things you can ask yourself when choosing an office chair:

• Is the seat pan comfortable, and does it fit your shape?
• Is the chair backrest large enough to provide good support?
• Is there enough hip room when you sit back against the lumbar support?
• Do you need armrests?
• Does the chair provide good lumbar support in reclining positions?

A variety of studies show that good chair ergonomics combined with correct body posture can lead to improved productivity. For example, one study from the Institute for Work & Health provided adjustable chairs and ergonomic training to a group of some 200 office-working tax collectors, then measured their comfort levels and productivity. The new chairs yielded dramatic results as well as productivity increases of almost 18%.

Get the Right Equipment

Older equipment and software eventually require upgrades, or workflow needs may have changed. Choosing an all-in-one printer can combine multiple peripherals into one simple unit, allowing for more desktop space. If printing in high volumes, an upgrade from an inkjet to laser printer just might be the thing.

A new computer with the latest security software can better protect against hacking or malware. And along with a more powerful computer, a faster internet connection can boost speed and productivity, as well as provide alternatives for where you choose to work via wireless connectivity.

Newer equipment tends to be more energy-efficient, helping to save on utility bills, and many come with a smaller footprint to free up valuable home office space. Think about the possibility of trading a cumbersome desktop computer system for a sleek laptop that can be stored safely in a desk drawer.

Mistakes Made in Home Office Design

A healthier work-life balance can be achieved by keeping work equipment, files and other supplies in the office away from living spaces to make a clearer distinction between the two mindsets. So, next time you indulge in a hearty breakfast with a warm cup of coffee, avoid bringing it over to your desk and consume your meal in its proper place, in the kitchen or dining room.

Other challenges to home office setup ideas which can undermine mood and productivity include but are not limited to: a cluttered office space, bad lighting and non-ergonomic office furniture.

At the end of the day, you want to design a home office space that you associate with work but makes you feel comfortable, so you can shift gears immediately and hit the ground running.

To learn more about how Office Depot can help you enhance your home office, visit officedepot.com or business.officedepot.com.

2020-12-14T16:17:01

(BPT) – The race to create and distribute effective COVID-19 vaccines continues. Big pharmaceutical companies are producing promising vaccines and initial distribution is underway, however, this is not without numerous concerns or logistical hurdles. What you don’t hear much about is the smaller biotech companies working hard behind the scenes to develop alternative medicines that have big potential in fighting the novel coronavirus and much more.

Concerns with current big pharma options

The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly changing vaccine technology, with innovative approaches that are moving away from the use of live viruses towards genetic-based approaches using RNA and DNA vaccines.

Rather than injecting a weakened form of a virus or bacteria into the body, like with the flu vaccine, DNA and RNA vaccines use part of the virus’ own genes to create antigens that stimulate an immune response. So, when someone who was treated with the vaccine gets exposed to the virus later on, their immune system will be able to fight it off more easily and reduce their risk for serious illness.

While it’s critical to produce a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, the leading candidates are RNA vaccines, which despite promising results, do have several drawbacks. RNA is very easily destroyed due to the body’s natural enzymes and chemical reactions which will break the RNA apart. As a result, these vaccines need to be manufactured, shipped and stored under very specific and extremely cold conditions in order to try to slow or prevent that breakdown of RNA.

These stability and manufacturing issues can lead to limited production capabilities, leaving governments and communities fighting for available supplies. Distribution and storage is complex, with one option requiring more than -70 degrees Celsius refrigeration. Supply chain issues may be an ongoing issue.

Small biotech with big ideas and the potential to save lives

While leading pharmaceutical companies are spearheading the fight against COVID-19, it’s important to consider the potential technologies that smaller organizations are researching. One of those companies is Orbis Health Solutions, a South Carolina-based biotech using its deep cancer research experience and established vaccine technology to create a new approach to fighting COVID-19 — a DNA vaccine that addresses the shortcomings of the current frontrunners and with the ability to combat future viruses and biological threats.

Based on the research and science of Thomas E. Wagner, Ph.D., the company’s founder and chief scientific officer, the potential COVID-19 vaccine uses a blueprint based on Orbis’ success in treating cancer through personalized vaccines. In addition to positive data from its Phase IIb cancer clinical trial, proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated that Orbis’ vaccine technology platform has a wide range of possibility, from addressing agriculture and veterinary applications to fighting future pandemics and biological threats.

“We have developed a very successful vaccine against cancer, which is the most difficult challenge for the immune system,” says Wagner. “Now we’ve shifted our science and technology to fight the current COVID-19 pandemic and what we’re seeing is incredibly hopeful.”

The science for the new vaccine is based on cancer vaccine technology that delivers foreign substances (antigens) to help the immune system to recognize an invader and trigger an immune response. In cancer therapy, this is created with antigens from a patients’ own tumor. For COVID-19, Orbis scientists have created a synthetic replica of portions of the DNA code of the virus focusing on the spike proteins, which is the external part of the virus that penetrates a healthy cell. The vaccine contains this information in order to trigger a response and help teach the immune system how to fight the foreign invader and eliminate the virus.

Neutralizing antibodies in 100% of trial participants

The good news: Early data shows promise. Results of a clinical trial evaluating 20 healthy volunteers demonstrated that one inoculation with the vaccine led to 100% of participants expressing neutralizing antibodies against the virus, meaning the vaccine is successful in triggering that critical immune response to COVID-19.

The Orbis COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t use any part of the virus itself, only the DNA encoding the spike protein. For this reason, it is believed to be a safe option with few side effects. What’s more, there’s no need for low-temperature storage and it’s highly scalable, so it may be easier to quickly get enough vaccine worldwide, especially to those who need it most.

“We are very encouraged by these Phase I data, which represent a critical milestone for our vaccine technology platform and echo the early success of our personalized cancer vaccine,” said George E. Peoples, M.D., chief medical officer of Orbis Health Solutions. “Following further data analysis and discussion with regulatory authorities, we remain committed to initiating a larger Phase II trial that will move us one step closer to bringing this important treatment to patients as soon as possible so that we can help address this global health emergency.”

These trials are particularly important because if successful, they will provide definitive proof of concept for the platform that could be rapidly applied to future vaccines to help with new viruses and health concerns within a matter of weeks versus months to years. To learn more, visit http://orbishealthsolutions.com/.

“Just as COVID-19 didn’t exist a few years ago, other diseases and viruses will evolve,” Wagner says. “The proprietary delivery platform for the Orbis vaccine provides a blueprint that can be updated quickly with different DNA information, which allows for rapid vaccine development and deployment to address the next viral or biological threat. This platform has the potential to save many lives both now and in the future.”

2020-12-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – There has been a dramatic shift in the global supply chain since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of new consumers have flocked to e-commerce websites to purchase everything from groceries and clothes to cleaning products and dog food. With this increased demand, businesses have had to quickly pivot and adopt new solutions, all while every movement is being relentlessly scrutinized by end customers who want their products as soon as possible. Automation is becoming an increasingly popular solution to many problems in businesses; however, there are a number of considerations to think about before investing in advanced technology.

These unprecedented challenges and continuous demands have led warehousing professionals to identify five techniques that can benefit any operation and increase efficiencies — no matter what your business entails.

1. Visualizing Improvements

Visual management aims to make a situation easily understood by obtaining as much relevant information as possible in as little time as possible. Visualization helps ensure operations quickly recognize current conditions and adjust processes accordingly. Some simple, yet effective, ways to practice visualization inside operations include data displays, marking and labeling locations, tool displays, and shadow boards. One example of visualization that has helped organizations is using digital displays that display real-time information, such as production rate, quality defects and machine status. Clear, effective communication among workers can make a big difference!

2. Leaning Into Lean Management

In business, even small enhancements in productivity and efficiency can have a big impact on your bottom line. Lean management methods are based on the philosophies of reduced waste in pursuit of the most efficient methods. This culture of continuous improvement adds value to operations by empowering employees to make improvements and take ownership of the tasks they accomplish on a daily basis. The opportunity to impact organizational change creates a more engaged employee culture, resulting in higher morale and workforce retention. When applied correctly, lean management methods can effectively and efficiently produce processes of sound quality that fully satisfy customer demands. By documenting standards, establishing clearly defined processes and identifying opportunities for improvement, your business will begin to see long-term, sustainable business improvements.

3. Utilizing Data to Optimize and Inform Decisions

In a world where e-commerce customers are becoming accustomed to shorter and shorter delivery times, it’s essential operations leverage data to make faster, more informed business decisions. Before rushing to automation, your business and processes should first be analyzed and optimized. An optimized operation creates more space, increases workforce productivity and leverages assets for the most suitable task. Investing in a tool to collect data can save operations from potential losses in productivity and damage. Data reports can offer you detailed information as to what workers are doing, their productivity, the age of your equipment and projected business growth while creating more space for product and improving workforce productivity and overall efficiency.

4. Determining How to Automate Properly

Investing in automation is a huge trend that is sure to be around for years to come and helps companies do more with less by introducing smart workflows and removing redundant tasks. However, bringing automation into an inefficient process will only result in increased inefficiencies. After you’ve used data to inform your decisions and optimize processes, your operation will be in a better place to consider automating time-consuming or repetitive tasks that do not require skilled labor. Remember: Often, full-scale automation is not necessary. Working with experienced consulting services, application engineers and automation experts is imperative to finding an integrated automated solution that works best for you and your business.

5. Attracting and Retaining the Next Generation of Workers

Using interactive and multimedia-based training programs — such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) — helps create a connection with the next generation of workers. Using these technologies as an educational solution not only meets millennials and even Generation Z on familiar technological terms but also enables all employees to efficiently learn new concepts. Furthermore, these advancements assist with organizational troubleshooting, visualization and accomplishing complex tasks, all of which can help reach organizational milestones faster.

As the world continues to navigate changing customer demands, it’s important to be diligent in evaluating new technologies. After careful analyzation and optimization, operations will find themselves in a better position to determine the appropriate technology that represents the best potential to achieve maximum operational efficiency. Running an efficient operation of any size requires a broad range of solutions, working together to achieve a common goal. It’s important to look for an end-to-end solutions provider that delivers innovation, quality and service in order to empower their customers to run better and manage smarter.

©2020 The Raymond Corporation. All rights reserved.

2020-12-10T17:21:03

(BPT) – One of the big challenges of this holiday season is figuring out how to get the right gift delivered on time. How are savvy holiday shoppers solving this problem? They’re sending digital gift cards.

There’s a digital gift card that’s a perfect match for everyone on your list:

1) For the do-gooder: Every time a Giving Good™ card is purchased, a deserving nonprofit receives a donation. Gifting the Giving Good card means the recipient can enjoy spending the card at a number of retailers while also knowing the purchase helped one of America’s top charitable causes including Feeding America^®, Habitat for Humanity International, Make-A-Wish^®, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® and Wounded Warrior Project^®. (The 21st Annual Forbes Top Charities List ranks the largest U.S. charities based on private donations received according to the 2019 fiscal year.)

2) For the gamer: Know someone who is constantly beating their high score and wants to keep an eye out — and enough money in their digital wallet — for the next great game? Look at these recommendations from gamers for the perfect eGifts, including everything from the Nintendo eShop and Sony PlayStation Store to spots with the best equipment like GameStop.

3) For the hard-to-please: Everyone has someone on their list who seems hard to buy for. This year, the solution is The Choice Card, which can be redeemed for eGift cards to the recipient’s favorite brands like Nordstrom Rack, Ulta Beauty and REI.

4) For the family: Aunts, uncles and cousins will find something for each of them on the Happy^® Holidays card. And, because the card is redeemed online for digital gift cards to any or all of the retailers and restaurants on the card, the family can divvy it up, or choose to spend it all on a family outing or delicious takeout.

5) For your favorite: The Holiday Favorites gift card bundles the season’s hottest brands on to one gift card. It’s like giving your favorite people the gift of a “choose your own adventure” online shopping spree.

Many shoppers are looking for gifts that are easy or free to ship and that will arrive on time. Using GiftCards.com to send eGifts is the perfect solution because there are no activation fees, and you can add a personal touch by including a festive design or uploading your own photo to be delivered with your eGift. And, the eGifts are perfect for planners and procrastinators alike. Planners can finish their holiday shopping now by purchasing eGift cards and scheduling them to arrive on the desired date, while procrastinators can click the purchase button and have the perfect eGift arrive on the same day.

2020-12-10T07:01:01

(BPT) – The holidays are approaching, and New Year’s resolutions are top of mind. For many, this means thinking about how to be smart with your money. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones, looking to start a new hobby or treating yourself to something special, a little purchase planning goes a long way.

If you’re using a credit card, did you know there could be added perks right at your fingertips that could help you unlock even more value from your purchases? Here are some quick tips to help you take advantage of all the benefits and tools from your credit cards, so you’re not leaving anything on the table.

1. Take advantage of rewards

Some card issuers offer higher rewards on certain categories, such as groceries or drugstore purchases. Pay attention to the bonus categories offered with your card to make the most of your spending. You can also try shopping through your card issuer’s rewards portal on the mobile app or website, and you might even have access to extra points with certain retailers.

2. Use points to pay for purchases

Your credit card points can be just as valuable as the money in your pocket. Check your credit card rewards portal for all the redemption options that might be at your fingertips. Some, like Chase Ultimate Rewards, give you the option to redeem for gift cards, electronics and even statement credits toward charitable contributions.

3. Activate offers to unlock more value

You’ve probably heard of cash back and credit card points and miles, but did you know some cards have even more perks simply by having it in your wallet. For example, Chase’s Get More Now offers give eligible Chase credit cardmembers an easy way to unlock special perks all year long. All you have to do is go to www.chase.com/getmorenow, select your card and see the discounts and special offers available for you. You can activate or enroll and instantly start taking advantage of where you might already be using your card. Right now, eligible cardmembers can earn more rewards with Lyft, enjoy free 2-day shipping with ShopRunner and more.

4. Plan your spending

Spend your money wisely over the holidays by planning how you’ll pay for your purchases in advance. Chase recently introduced My Chase Plan, a digital ‘buy now, pay later’ feature that allows credit cardmembers the option to pay off purchases over a period of time that works for them with no interest, just a fixed monthly fee. And as an added bonus, you still earn rewards on the purchase. Before you purchase, you can even use the Plan Calculator to approximate what your payment plan will look like.

5. Track spending using your mobile banking app or online credit card portal

Knowing your expenses is one of the first steps to managing your money, and your mobile banking app or online credit card portal can be one of your best tools to do so. Instead of keeping physical receipts of all your purchases, log into your account to track how you’re spending money. Some apps will also give you a spending summary, so you can look at your annual spending through a customized view.

Whether you’re applying for a new credit card or looking to make the most of the one you have, be sure to tap into all the rewards and benefits available to you.

For more information on ongoing deals, discounts and free trial offers available to eligible Chase credit cardmembers, visit www.chase.com/getmorenow.

2020-12-03T10:01:00

(BPT) – The 2020 holiday season will look like nothing we have ever seen before. Family gatherings will be small, parties will move online, and we’ll social distance on New Year’s Eve. People haven’t given up on celebrating, though, and are looking for meaningful and creative gift ideas that allow them to give that personal touch. According to a recent survey by NerdWallet and The Harris Poll, 79 percent of Americans are still planning on exchanging gifts for the holidays.

Since March, FedEx Office has been helping customers navigate the challenges brought on by COVID-19, and the holiday season is no different. A wide array of print products is available this holiday season that will make celebrating from afar a little more personal. With the design tool on fedex.com, customers can customize gifts and bring the holiday spirit to life even if they can’t be physically with their loved ones this year.

That design tool, developed in collaboration with online design platform Canva, empowers customers to create beautiful designs with its easy drag and drop interface. With access to thousands of images, illustrations and templates, your design choices are endless.

To help you get started, FedEx Office has shared five creative and beautiful ways to design the perfect gift this season.

1. Holiday cards

Since in-person gatherings are going to be limited, why not make your holiday cards better than ever? They’re the classic way to send a personal message of love and good cheer. Folded cards can be printed with personal photos, or you can choose from a dazzling array of graphic designs.

2. Calendars

Keep the smiles coming with a gifted custom calendar! Every month can feature a different photo, and a different reminder that you’re thinking of your loved ones. It’s a present that keeps on giving, long after the holidays have wrapped.

3. Photo books

For the ultimate keepsake, nothing beats a one-of-a-kind photo book. You can choose everything yourself and surprise someone or make the photo selection process part of the gift. Enjoy the magic of reliving dearly held memories.

4. Mounted posters

Mounted posters are as durable as they are good-looking, making them a great choice for fun presents and festive decoration. Upload your photos and watch your loved ones unwrap a smile when they see this gift for the first time.

5. Canvas prints

Canvas prints are the perfect choice for heartfelt décor and gifts. The wrapped edges give your photos an elegant finish, while the canvas provides charming texture. In light of social distancing, there’s something extra special about adding new photos of friends and family to the wall this year.

Use our promo code by December 10 to save.

These holidays are sure to be truly unique, just as the past 10 months have already been. Fortunately, there’s nothing like a thoughtful gift and a caring message for bringing people joy. Right now, FedEx Office is offering a 25% discount on select holiday cards, wall calendars and photo book print orders, before taxes. Get started designing the perfect present today!