Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2020-02-28T14:21:00

(BPT) – By Kara Corridan

Solving big problems — and we’re talking society’s problems here — takes more than money. But a billion dollars helps.

“If we really want to make change, we must create new models and new markets to funnel capital into solving societal problems,” explains Prudential’s Ommeed Sathe, head of Impact & Responsible Investing. “We need to make things happen that aren’t happening right now.”

In 2014 the company set a bold goal to invest $1 billion in assets under management by 2020. It has delivered on that promise by helping find, fund and incubate unconventional solutions to societal and business challenges.

Among financial services companies, Prudential has been a pioneer in investing for impact for decades, having formalized its program in 1976. To mark the occasion of reaching the $1 billion milestone, Prudential Chairman and CEO Charles Lowrey joined leaders in the field of impact investing at an event in Washington, D.C., co-hosted by Prudential and Aspen Institute.

“Our commitment to impact investing is an example of how we live our founding purpose of creating pathways to financial opportunity for all,” says Lata Reddy, senior vice president of Diversity, Inclusion & Impact. “Through our work with innovative partners around the world, we help lead transformative work to bring greater financial security and more deeply shared prosperity to millions of people in today’s rapidly changing economy.”

Prudential’s portfolio encompasses approximately 200 investments in partners and projects that tackle pressing societal issues, such as financial inclusion, affordable housing, education and preparing workers for jobs of the future. “There are easier ways to make money than by working on really complicated problems,” Sathe admits. “But the entrepreneurs we partner with are solving acute pain points where there’s enormous social need. Working together, we are positioned to pioneer solutions that others may not have thought possible.”

The portfolio includes investments in:

LeapFrog Investments, a private equity platform focused on promoting financial inclusion in emerging markets. Prudential’s partnership with LeapFrog began in 2013 as a $15 million impact investment in a fund that invests in companies that provide insurance, savings, pensions, investment products and other financial services to emerging consumers in Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia. By 2016, the effort grew to a $350 million investment to expand Prudential’s international business footprint in Africa.

Yard 56, a transformative mixed-use development project, approved for more than 2.2 million square feet, that will bring a grocery store, a community health care center and other much-needed services, as well as training and jobs, to a long-neglected East Baltimore neighborhood.

Remitly, which offers low-cost money transfers, providing a critical service for many immigrants who support family members in the developing world.

General Assembly, a tech-education company that specializes in training for in-demand skills such as coding, UX and design. This commitment is part of Prudential’s $180 million investment in opportunity youth — the 350 million young people around the world who lack access to school, training or regular jobs.

AeroFarms, an innovative farming company that brought next-wave manufacturing and jobs to Prudential’s headquarters city of Newark, New Jersey. AeroFarms grows crops vertically, stacked in warehouses and shipping containers — without sun or soil, and with 95% less water than field farming.

Learn more about Prudential’s Impact & Responsible Investing here.

View the full article here.

2020-02-24T05:01:01

(BPT) – If you’re like most people, you worry about finances. In fact, nearly six in 10 American workers say that financial matters are the source of more stress than anything else in their lives. The best way to reduce this worry and gain confidence in your financial future is by taking proactive steps today.

In honor of America Saves Week, the experts at Prudential Retirement share six steps to make saving a priority in 2020 and beyond.

Save automatically

One of the best ways to build long-term savings is doing it automatically and letting the balance accumulate over time. Employer-sponsored retirement plans can help make saving easier by automatically deducting a regular amount from your paycheck before taxes.

Save with a plan

Did you know that one in five Americans aren’t saving any money for retirement or other financial goals? Consider enrolling in your workplace retirement plan if you aren’t already. You can save automatically and start with any amount you’re comfortable saving (even just 1%). But remember: many employers offer a company match, so it’s wise to contribute enough to receive it. If not, you’re leaving free money on the table.

Save for the unexpected

More than half of Americans struggle to meet basic financial obligations, and four out of 10 have trouble paying an unexpected $400 bill. That’s why it’s important to have an emergency savings account. Employers recognize this is a growing challenge for their workers, and many companies offer tools and resources to help their employees save for the short-term. Ask your HR department about what kinds of solutions they may have to help you.

Save to retire

Whether you start small or contribute the maximum allowed, the sooner you save for retirement the better. Once you start saving, plan to increase your contribution as your paycheck grows by at least 1% per year. What’s more, diversifying your investments, staying invested for the long-term and avoiding hardship withdrawals from your retirement account can help your savings grow over time.

Save by reducing debt

Household debt climbed to almost $14 trillion in 2019, and it’s impacting the average person’s ability to save. Small efforts done regularly, such as paying more than the minimum due, can have a big impact on reducing your debt. Additionally, if you’re struggling with debt and daily expenses, talk to your employer or a financial advisor. There are tools that can help put you on a better path to financial wellness, including budget coaching and debt management services.

Save as a family

As caregivers, it’s important to talk to your children about saving. Discussing saving with young children and throughout their growing years builds confidence and can help them develop good savings habits that will last a lifetime. Set goals as a family and work toward them together. Remember, you are your child’s best role model, so if you make saving a priority, they are more likely to follow your lead.

This is being provided for informational and educational purposes. Since individual circumstances vary, contact a financial professional to address your personal circumstances.

© 2020 The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ.

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2020-02-19T12:31:00

(BPT) – A recent study conducted by Post-it^® Brand found that conventional whiteboard surfaces are outdated and inefficient. With new Post-it^® Flex Write Surface, any work surface can be instantly transformed into a collaborative whiteboard, bringing more flexibility to the workplace. For more information visit www.post-it.com/flexwrite.

2020-02-11T06:01:00

(BPT) – Olympic athletes are some of the strongest people in the world — both physically and mentally. Under constant pressure to perform as they represent their respective countries, they have what it takes to succeed and accomplish what they set out to do.

It should come as no surprise that much of what they’ve learned both on and off the field of competition — built on practice, skill and grit — resonates for small business owners who are striving for their own success.

Visa — a longtime sponsor of both The Olympic and Paralympic Games and athletes — recently hosted over 40 Olympian and Paralympian hopefuls at the company’s San Francisco Innovation Center. The two-day Team Visa event offered athletes resources on how to improve financial literacy, benefit from digital payments and elevate their personal brand. It also gave them an opportunity to meet and interact with their peers ahead of The Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 and, more immediately, to find new inspiration heading into a new year of challenges and victories. Founded in 2000, Team Visa has championed nearly 500 athletes — each selected based on athletic achievements, character and personal journey.

For over 30 years, Visa has been a partner with The Olympics. And every day, the company supports small businesses with payment services designed to help them pay and get paid. In conversation with Visa, U.S. Women’s National Team player and Olympic gold medalist Megan Rapinoe, surfer Kanoa Igarashi representing Japan at the Olympics this summer, and American swimmer and five-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky shared some of the ways their own experiences can serve to inspire entrepreneurs in the new decade.

Staying true to your brand

“All the time, we talk about what’s going to influence people,” says Rapinoe. “The goal is to surround yourself with people with similar ideals who are pushing for important change and have that influence. Partnering with a brand like Visa provides access to ideas and a larger network that shares the same goal of empowering female athletes.”

No matter the environment — on the field or in the office — it’s important to stand up for what you believe in and stay true to your values. As a small business owner, the new year encourages personal reflection and planning for the year ahead. With 2020 underway, identifying your values is the first step toward maintaining authenticity. From establishing your key values to communicating them to new employees during training, the key is being consistent across every level of your organization.

Accepting support

Having a strong support system in place is critical, regardless of the sport or challenge. Whether you’re on a team or surround yourselves with friends and family who lift you up, coming together and uniting as you work toward a common goal helps clear the path to success.

For many small business owners, especially in the early years, it can be a stressful and demanding experience. Speaking with others who have been in a similar situation can be invaluable and you will find that most people are happy to give their time and advice to others who are starting out. According to Visa’s State of Female Entrepreneurship report, nearly a quarter of women business owners cited building a support network as a top challenge as they seek to fund, run and grow their business.

“It’s important to identify your goals from the beginning and continue refining as you work toward your vision,” advises Igarashi. “Whether you are an athlete or a business owner, having a network or community of like-minded individuals by your side makes the journey a bit easier.”

Your 2020 Resolution: Challenge yourself everyday

Maintaining drive and motivation as a small business owner can sometimes prove difficult. The reality is, staying motivated is directly tied to feeling challenged, says Ledecky.

“As a business owner, or in my case, athlete, you are solely responsible for your progress, goal setting and performance,” she says. “As challenging as it can be at times, being able to push yourself to overcome obstacles is extremely rewarding.”

Visa has long been committed to delivering services, products and programs to help small businesses grow, and it extends that commitment to its Team Visa athletes as they go for the gold in Tokyo.

To learn more about Visa’s ongoing support of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, visit Visa’s Olympic partnership page.

2020-02-07T07:01:01

(BPT) – Many veterans seeking to transition from military service to civilian life face barriers to employment, often because their military experience doesn’t translate well to a traditional resume. It is difficult for employers to draw parallels between roles and responsibilities in the military to the experience they need in a job candidate. And it is difficult for veterans to translate their military skills and experiences into language employers are looking for.

But veterans with disabilities face an even bigger barrier. Traditional hiring and employment fairs are ineffective for many disabled veterans — an overlooked and undervalued workforce. Veterans with disabilities, especially those who are significantly injured or ill, are less likely to attend large public events with crowds or in locations that are not easily accessible.

A further barrier to employment is that many employers lack strong diversity and inclusion programs to hire and integrate people with disabilities into the workforce. And, many employers also worry about the cost of workplace accommodations, despite a Job Accommodation Network study that shows the average cost of an accommodation is $500 or less.

Unemployment and underemployment

Unemployment and underemployment of veterans robs society of the valuable skills and strong work ethic of the veteran population — and also impacts veterans and their families in myriad ways. Lack of employment or regular engagement in activities can lead to increased rates of depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and other health issues for veterans and their families.

The Americans with Disabilities Act National Network states that 57% of disabled veterans reported concerns that they face discrimination during the hiring process because of their disability. The reality of ill-informed employers and veterans unsure of how to access quality assistance adds more stress to the job search process.

Personalized employment help for veterans

Paralyzed Veterans of America’s employment program, PAVE (Paving Access for Veterans Employment), specializes in helping veterans with disabilities find meaningful employment. PAVE employment analysts and vocational rehabilitation counselors work with clients to overcome barriers to employment at all stages of their life and career. This assistance is offered free of charge not just to disabled veterans, but to any veteran, transitioning service member, spouse, or caregiver across the country.

PAVE’s newest service, PAVE Connect, is a virtual engagement initiative that bridges a critical gap for veterans by reaching those who do not have the time, means, or ability to attend traditional employment or educational events.

Through PAVE Connect, members of the veteran community can:

• Interact with PAVE employment experts through virtual meetings.
• Meet employers eager to hire from the military and veteran community and gain insight to understand opportunities available within their organizations.
• Access an online library of timely, relevant career information — on their schedule and from any device.
• View recorded presentations and access other tools and resources on demand.
• Discover a wide range of meaningful education, volunteer, and employment opportunities.

“I am thrilled to add PAVE Connect to our list of services,” said Lauren Lobrano, PVA’s director of PAVE. “Virtual technology provides yet another meaningful way to reach and serve our clients. If a veteran is underemployed, they can’t take the time away from their current job to pursue a better one. If a veteran has a significant disability, yet is capable and employable, big events can be a deterrent. PAVE Connect helps level that playing field and maintains our proven one-on-one, customized approach.”

A success story

“There are a lot of vets out there who feel like there’s no hope and that they are at a dead-end with nothing to offer,” said U.S. Army veteran Daniel Rabun. “PAVE gave me hope and assistance when I needed it the most and inspired me to keep trying. The continued one-on-one contact with PAVE counselors who know my story keeps me going.”

Rabun joined the U.S. Army just out of high school and served eight years. Although his time in the military gave him years of management experience, translating military terms for his resume proved challenging and he faced many obstacles finding employment. PAVE experts helped him with his resume and directed him to businesses seeking his skills. He also participated in a PAVE Connect session on interviewing techniques and tips, which gave him even more preparation for entering the civilian workforce.

The PAVE program, with offices across the country, already assists veterans where they are at their time of need, rather than asking clients to come to them. In addition, if a client has a disability, PAVE experts will consult the whole way with the veteran and their employer to make sure adaptive equipment is available and compatible. The PAVE Connect initiative further enables PVA to reach these most deserving American men and women and help them achieve their career goals throughout their lives.

Learn more about PVA’s employment program and view the schedule of upcoming PAVE Connect sessions at pva.org/paveconnect.

2020-02-06T13:53:00

(BPT) – –

2020-02-05T10:05:00

(BPT) – For most Americans, their tax refund is the biggest single financial transaction of the year. The stakes are high to get every credit, deduction and dollar they deserve — with the combination of a great price for tax preparation and the expert human help they need. Do-it-yourself (DIY) filers should consider switching their online tax prep services to H&R Block^® if they experience any of these three signs.

1. You experience TurboTax^® sticker shock

A survey of DIY tax filers found 94% want to save more money in 2020 than they did in 2019. TurboTax filers may be paying more than they need to.

It’s better with Block: More people can file for free with H&R Block Free Online than with TurboTax — including parents and students. That’s because H&R Block provides nearly double the number of free forms compared to TurboTax.

H&R Block DIY client, Alyssa, stated in January 2020: “I planned on using another tax company, but I decided to try H&R Block and it was completely free.”

Filers with more complex tax situations can also save money with Block. H&R Block Online filing products are always at least $10 less than TurboTax.

2. You are surprised by your tax outcome

Many online tax services such as TurboTax fail to provide an explanation of how the price changes as you use the product.

Heather Watts, senior vice president of DIY tax for H&R Block, says, “Most Americans say they deserve to know how much money they’re paying before they agree to pay for a service. That’s why H&R Block is leading the industry to create a better experience for tax filers with our commitment to price transparency from start to finish.”

Rose, an H&R Block DIY online filer, said in January 2020, “There are no hidden fees — they just help you get it done, but let you know there are other options if you need additional assistance or services.”

H&R Block Online offers 100% confidence that filers will know exactly what to expect from price to refund. All pricing is quoted upfront, and if something in your filing changes along the way, H&R Block’s Price Preview feature will notify you. This is part of the H&R Block No Surprise Guarantee*: upfront, transparent pricing; transparent process; free audit assistance; and a free mid-year tax check-in.

3. You wish you had more ways to get help

In January of 2020, an H&R Block DIY filer who goes by the alias Thankful Customer, shared her experience to highlight the importance of human help: “I am a widow over 65 and am drawing a Social Security check and working part time in my church office. I had a few questions and used the chat and was given clear instructions so was able to complete my filing with very little trouble. Keep up the good work, H&R Block! People like me need you.”

H&R Block offers clients several ways to ask for assistance, allowing them to receive as much or as little help as they need from a tax pro trained for their unique tax filing situation. Clients using H&R Block Online Assist^SM are served by a tax expert with an average of 12 years of experience and hundreds of training hours. It offers unlimited, on-demand access to a tax expert, enrolled agent or CPA via chat session, screen share or phone call.

It’s the people who set the technology apart from other options. Another H&R Block DIY filer, Bree, told us in January 2020, “They go out of the way to really make sure you are taken care of and treated fairly.”

According to Watts, that’s the point: “At H&R Block, we are committed to providing help and inspiring confidence in our clients and communities everywhere. Through Online Assist, our tax experts answer questions and deliver help and care so you can file your return online with confidence.”

DIY tax filers who have experienced any of these signs should consider switching to H&R Block in as little as two clicks by simply dragging and dropping last year’s return. Get more information about online tax filing options for tax season 2020.

H&R Block is a registered trademark of HRB Innovations, Inc.

TurboTax is a registered trademark of Intuit, Inc.

*Receive 20% off next year’s tax preparation if we fail to provide any of the 4 benefits included in our “No Surprise Guarantee” (Upfront Transparent Pricing, Transparent Process, Free Audit Assistance, and Free Midyear Tax Check-In). Limitations apply. Description of benefits and details at hrblock.com/guarantees.

2020-02-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – A recent survey of over 1,000 consumers by Navy Federal Credit Union found that 45% of general population consumers feel optimistic about their financial future. Consumers today want to save, pay down debt and invest.

2020-01-22T17:08:22

(BPT) – Here’s something you may not know: All-season tires are only meant for year-round driving if you live in the extreme southern United States.

Everyone else needs tires that protect them in snow, ice and frigid temperatures. In some places in North America, it’s even a legal requirement. All-season tires are not built to provide traction on winter roads.

If you live in a place that gets consistent snow and ice each winter, there’s nothing safer than a set of premium dedicated winter tires. But what about areas where winter weather is mild or unpredictable? In that case, winter tires might be overkill, especially since they aren’t built for summer roads and thus require drivers to own two sets of tires.

However, one solution saves drivers hassle and money while keeping them protected when temperatures plummet and roads become slick. All-weather tires are made for year-round driving but rated to provide safe driving on winter snow and ice.

What’s the difference between all-weather tires and their winter and all-season alternatives?

All-weather tires combine all-season and winter driving technology to give drivers year-round peace of mind on the road. They’re the most convenient winter driving option, since drivers can keep them on all year long.

All-weather tires handle well in rain and heat, but they’re also marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (also known as the severe service emblem) that certifies they’re suitable for winter use. Notably, this certification makes them legal for use in areas that require winter-rated tires.

Nokian Tyres invented the all-weather tire and is already on its fifth generation of the product. The Scandinavian company encourages their use in areas with unpredictable or milder winter weather.

“We designed all-weather tires to provide safe driving in all conditions, even the worst weather winter has to offer,” said the company’s director of products and pricing, Steve Bourassa. “While dedicated winter tires remain an ideal option for drivers who experience consistently severe winter weather, our all-weather products offer a great combination of safety and convenience for drivers in many North American locales.”

Based in Finland, Nokian Tyres tests its all-weather products north of the Arctic Circle at the same facility where it puts its winter tires to the test. The key to their year-round performance is an asymmetrical tread design: One side of the tire’s tread pattern looks like a winter tire, while the other side has grooves more typical of an all-season product.

Its all-weather products also have a dual performance compound that delivers responsive grip on winter roads without sacrificing spring and summer performance.

It all adds up to a convenient, versatile driving experience that protects winter drivers much more effectively than all-season tires.

To learn more about what makes all-weather tires thrive in year-round driving conditions, visit NokianTires.com/Weather.

2020-01-21T08:13:00

(BPT) – As the holiday season comes to an end, another important season begins for most Americans — tax season. It’s time to take a break from holiday overspending and start improving your money-saving skills. The good news is, filing your own taxes can be an easy first step in that direction.

According to a survey of do-it-yourself tax filers commissioned by H&R Block, nearly a third (30%) say they don’t do enough to save money, and 88% say they’re likely to work harder in the future to find discounts and better prices. DIY tax filers now have opportunities to become better savers in the new year using H&R Block’s online tax prep products.

Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital at H&R Block, Heather Watts, offers several benefits of filing taxes through H&R Block Online. Watts is responsible for the development, design, marketing and end-to-end client experience for H&R Block’s online, software and mobile tax products and solutions.

“Identifying if you can file for free using H&R Block Free Online is a great way to kick off financial savings in 2020. More people can file for free with H&R Block Free Online, including students and parents, than with TurboTax[1],” says Watts. Additionally, for those filers who anticipate having to pay for tax prep due to a more complicated tax situation, it’s still possible to save money. Watts adds, “More complex filers can save at least $10 versus TurboTax.”

In the same survey of DIY tax filers, more than half (57%) believe there should be pricing transparency in tax preparation. H&R Block is dedicated to transparency in both pricing and process for every unique tax situation.

From the price of tax preparation to the amount of their tax refund, clients will know exactly what to expect. All pricing is quoted up-front, and if that changes along the way, filers will be notified with H&R Block’s Price Preview feature. “If you start with a free return, you should either end with a free return or be alerted as the price changes along the way for any reason,” says Watts.

H&R Block clients are also in control of how much or how little help they receive. Whether clients are confident in their online tax filing abilities or occasionally need assistance, H&R Block offers myriad online products tailored to each client’s unique tax situation. Recent findings from the H&R Block survey found almost half (49%) of those who file their taxes themselves admit to feeling guilty if they ask someone for assistance. H&R Block wants clients to feel completely comfortable reaching out for help at any time. Through the Online Assist feature, clients have access to on-demand chat sessions, screen share and phone calls with a highly trained tax expert, IRS enrolled agent or CPA.

Support does not stop once tax season ends — there are several added benefits that DIY clients can take advantage of when filing taxes with H&R Block. “We also provide a free midyear tax check-in that includes reminders, tools and an optional free in-office consultation to keep you on track and help avoid unwelcome tax surprises next year,” says Watts. Furthermore, in the case of any IRS audit, clients aren’t on their own. H&R Block offers free audit assistance explaining the IRS’s position and helping clients understand how to respond.

Begin saving money this tax season with H&R Block. Last year, more than 1.4 million people made the switch to H&R Block. Making the switch to H&R Block Online can happen in as little as two clicks. Simply visit hrblock.com to learn more and discover the online tax products available in 2020.