Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2018-08-13T07:01:02

(BPT) – It’s never too late to feed your passion and discover a new career. Take, for example, Julia Child, who left OSS, the forerunner of the CIA, to become a chef; Sara Blakely, a door-to-door sales woman who went on to create Spanx; and Andrea Bocelli, a former attorney who left the courtroom for the stage to become a world-renowned singer.

While most of us might not go from spy to famed chef, there are endless opportunities to switch gears and find success. Focusing on one career in a lifetime is a concept of the past. According to several reports, Gen Xers and millennials tend to change jobs and careers more often than prior generations. Additionally, 2015 and 2016 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 6.2 million workers changed occupation groups.

New technology and flexible educational options make a career shift easier than ever, even in the legal field. Online law schools can help facilitate one’s desire to change careers, especially while working. Two attorneys who earned Juris Doctor (JD) degrees from Concord Law School at Purdue University Global, the nation’s first fully online law school, share their stories, their decisions to go back to school and what inspired them to make a career change.*

Entrepreneur With A License To Practice

Jeanilou Grace Maschhoff, a 2009 graduate, owned a talent management and entertainment consulting firm before making the switch to law. To fuel her company’s growth, she wanted to gain more business and legal knowledge; however, as a full-time working mom with few geographically accessible brick-and-mortar law schools, she had to get creative with her legal education.

“If a legal career calls to you or seems like something you want to follow, think outside the traditional path,” said Maschhoff. “I initially thought I had to do things the conventional way, but with technology and flexibility, there’s a whole new frontier to pursue law.”

Maschhoff’s creative thinking led her to an online law school. After completing her Juris Doctor degree online at Concord Law School, Maschhoff leveraged her knowledge in entertainment and worked with mentors through Concord’s incubator program to launch her own virtual law firm.

Today, her practice focuses on the beauty, fashion and fitness industries, helping those in her hometown of Southern California while living an ocean away. She’s dedicated to helping small-business owners and “mompreneurs” like her make their business ideas a reality. Using her expertise to help what she calls “CEOs of companies and households,” she counsels on an array of business and family matters.

“We’re seeing many law school graduates, like Jeanilou, move toward virtual law firms, blending their work experience with distance learning and technology to serve clients in innovative ways,” said Martin Pritikin, dean of Concord Law School at Purdue University Global. “Concord’s incubator program is designed to help people like Jeanilou break barriers and open new doors.”

Making the decision to pursue a new career later in life is the first step; but once complete, opening a business or law firm is another challenge that can seem daunting at first.“Don’t think that you have to have everything done and in place to get started,” said Maschhoff. “It’s OK to start simple. People used to spend so much time and capital getting a physical space, but today there are so many options. Just do one small thing to bring your passion to life, and it will happen.”

Process Engineer Turned Legal Consumer Guardian

In Michigan, attorney Keith Altman (JD ‘08) is recognized for taking on social media giants Twitter, Facebook and YouTube on behalf of people killed in terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, Dallas, Orlando, Barcelona, Paris, Istanbul and Nice. His expertise in complex litigation started with a degree in astrophysics and a job as a process engineer, where he honed his ability to manage and assess enormous amounts of data and documents.

Altman’s legal path started when he managed document libraries and databases for tobacco and pharmaceutical litigation specialists. His extensive knowledge and experience shifted his career path to become a testifying expert in pharmaceutical safety issues. With an overwhelming passion to protect consumers, Altman knew he wanted to take the next step and become a lawyer. However, his job kept him on the road 120 days each year.

“Concord Law School’s top-notch professors, reasonable cost and flexibility to take time off made it the only option for me,” said Altman. “I continued working while at law school, allowing me to closely link my expertise with the law — a powerful combination and differentiator for new lawyers.”

Altman encourages newly minted lawyers to find their niche and leverage it to fast-track their success. He explained, “Take advantage of your business experience and maturity, and use that in conjunction with a law degree to bring something unique and valuable that will jumpstart the next chapter of your career.”

Taking The Leap

Like many students at Concord Law School, Altman and Maschhoff have unique backgrounds, a wealth of knowledge and a distinct outlook for their future. The online school’s non-traditional path provided the flexibility, thought-provoking curriculum, and career support they needed to take the leap and shift their careers. They both see endless possibilities ahead and encourage others to follow their paths to find fulfilling new professions.

For those considering a new career in the legal industry, please head to www.concordlawschool.edu for more information on their online law degree programs.

For comprehensive consumer information, visit www.ConcordLawSchool.edu/About-Concord-Law-School/Accreditation. Concord Law School cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. These testimonials were obtained by Concord Law School. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual; student experiences may vary.

* Note that JD program graduates do not qualify to take the bar exam or to be admitted to practice law in jurisdictions outside of California without additional experience, education, or petition.

2018-08-03T07:01:01

(BPT) – Now more than ever, women are speaking out on a variety of issues, from social inequality to inadequate representation to harassment, but there is one thing that’s still taboo: money.

In order to get a better understanding of how millennial and Gen X women think, feel and act when it comes to money, Visa commissioned LRW to conduct a national survey to learn about the attitudes and behaviors regarding money in today’s world, spanning the subjects of family, work, friendship, relationships and self. What they found might surprise you:

* Millennial women are nearly 3x more likely to talk about their sex lives than their salaries.

* Millennial women are 2x more likely than previous generation to prioritize getting ahead in their career.

* Only 34 percent of millennial women have negotiated for a raise or higher salary.

* 89 percent of millennial women think it’s more expensive to be a woman (and 63 percent of men agree).

* Only 43 percent of millennial women expect men to pay on the first date while 60 percent of millennial men do.

Here’s a deeper dive:

Millennial women’s values and feelings about money are evolving.

The majority of women say that to them, money means security. However, millennial women are more likely than their Gen X predecessors to also have more empowered perceptions of money. Millennial women look beyond security and perceive that money represents success, happiness, power and independence. This suggests that women’s relationship with money is changing.

Millennial women feel more financial pressure and stress than millennial men.

When asked to agree or disagree with the statement: “Currently, I am living paycheck to paycheck,” the majority of millennials, both men and women, agreed. But even when women are at the same income level as men, they are more likely to feel like they’re just getting by. They also experience more negative feelings about their relationship with money than do millennial men.

* 58 percent feel guilty spending on themselves.

* 54 percent feel judged when talking about large purchases.

* 75 percent of women are worried they don’t make enough money.

Millennial women put more emphasis on financial success.

While women often rank spending time with family as their top life value, financial and professional success are becoming increasingly important factors for younger women. Millennial females are more likely to value making money and career advancement than female Gen Xers, and their values are moving closer to the mix of priorities shared by millennial men.

* 62 percent say they would never quit their job, no matter how much money their partner earned.

* 61 percent say they are focused on reaching the top in their careers.

* 52 percent of millennial women have been putting off kids to save more money.

The top barrier to women asking for a raise or promotion is being uncomfortable asking.

Some things have yet to change, from one the generation to the next. It was true of boomer women and it’s still true today: millennial women are asking for raises and promotions more than Gen X women, however they are still less likely to ask than men because they’re uncomfortable doing it.

* 55 percent of women vs. 29 percent of men feel anxious when asking for a raise.

* Only 10 percent of millennial women have told their salary to a coworker but 48 percent want to know what their coworkers make and 36 percent believe salary should be completely transparent.

* While 2 in 3 women believe there is a gender pay gap in society, only 1 in 3 believe there is a pay gap at their workplace.

But when millennial women do ask for a raise, they come prepared. They research average pay, read advice online, prepare a list of accomplishments, and consult with coworkers, friends and family.

Millennial women talk about everything with friends, but money seems to be the last taboo.

They are more likely to talk to their friends about weight, relationship issues or their sex lives than they are to discuss money. Only 27 percent talk to their friends about salaries, as opposed to the 84 percent who talk about their kids. Furthermore, women’s payment etiquette with friends is to be generous and avoid awkwardness.

* 74 percent of millennial women don’t mind treating friends without expecting anything in return.

* 60 percent of millennial women feel uncomfortable asking their friends to pay them back.

Bottom line: Millennial women have a negative relationship with money in comparison to men, feeling guilty or judged for spending, and worse off, for being money savvy. Changing this relationship is no simple task, but tossing out the taboo against discussing money is a great place to start.

To join the conversation, or read additional results from the survey, visit https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/money-is-changing.html.

2018-08-01T08:33:00

(BPT) – Some experts estimate that as many as 80 percent of Medicare beneficiaries choose to stay in a Medicare prescription drug plan (“Part D plan”) that doesn’t match their needs. Studies show that these individuals could benefit from cost savings and better coverage by taking the time to select a different Part D plan. If you decide to evaluate your Part D coverage, here are some common hazards to avoid along the way to finding the plan that’s best for you.

Hazard 1: Getting distracted by premiums

Cost may be the determining factor in many of your purchases. However, when shopping for a Medicare prescription drug plan, cost, or specifically the plan’s monthly premium, should be only one of the factors to consider. If you’re a person who takes only one or two prescription drugs, you may opt for a lower-premium Part D plan. However, if you take three or more medications, you may need more comprehensive coverage, which may result in your considering a higher-premium plan. Always evaluate your overall annual cost for the plans you are considering.

Hazard 2: Failing to check if or how your drugs are covered

Your Medicare Part D plan will include a list of covered drugs called a formulary. Be sure you check if your prescribed drugs are on the list and, if so, how they are being covered by the plan you’re considering. Remember to check the copay for each medication, which will vary from one plan to another.

Hazard 3: Forgetting to look for a plan that offers preferred pharmacies

Plans that provide a preferred pharmacy network offer cost savings to members. Checking the local preferred retail pharmacies within the plan’s network that you’re considering may offer you the greatest retail pharmacy savings. Plans that offer mail delivery in their preferred network for medications you use regularly provide the convenience of having them delivered right to your door. Mail delivery may offer more savings than what you would get at a preferred retail pharmacy.

Hazard 4: Selecting a plan without checking the stars

Remember to check each plan’s Star Ratings before you make your choice. The plans are ranked from one to five stars based on criteria set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, such as customer service and quality of care offered to a plan’s members.

Hazard 5: Detouring from your roadmap

By staying informed and doing your research early, you can prepare and follow a roadmap to help you reach the desired destination: the Medicare Part D plan that’s right for you. Avoiding detours along the road could save you money on next year’s plan, which will help you remain on the medications you use by providing coverage that best meets your needs.

Learn how to prepare for the road ahead before the start of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) by visiting roadmapformedicare.com.

2018-07-20T11:01:01

(BPT) – Many companies, large and small, are now offering work-from-home options. In the past decade, an increasing number of firms are offering the choice, whether it’s a full-time opportunity, or a side benefit employees can use one or more times a week. According to the 2017 State of Telecommuting Report, 3.9 percent of U.S. employees work from home at least half the time. That’s a whopping 115 percent increase since 2005.

Letting employees work from home has many benefits. It can save money on overhead costs. Without commute times and distractions getting in the way, telecommuting lets employees begin the workday earlier and get more focused work done at home.

Surveys show that companies that offer work-from-home options see a positive effect on employee retention, plus they find employees return to work sooner after an illness or surgery, according to Global Workplace Analytics. Both of these things can have a positive effect on a company’s bottom line.

Whether your goal is to let people work remotely all the time, or give employees the option to telecommute a few days a week, it requires thought and planning so you can avoid productivity pitfalls and security breaches. That means offering the right systems and tools that can replicate the systems used in the physical office space. Before you begin planning, here are key considerations.

1. Set and define expectations

Setting expectations is an important first step. For example, define which employee interactions call for a more personal method of communication. Brainstorming sessions and monthly check-ins, for example, may be better suited for video conferencing, while electronic messaging may be fine for updates, quick questions and other day-to-day interactions.

2. Don’t leave security to employee promises

It’s crucial to take steps to guard off-site devices against cyber thieves, so they don’t gain access to sensitive company or client information. Relying on data policies alone has its limitations because the risks of working in an unsecured network are not always understood or fully appreciated. The more reliable remedy is to use a data protection solution. This not only encrypts data on all devices, it lets you stay in control of who can access this information.

3. Keep access to files easy and secure

One of the problems with telecommuting is when devices malfunction, break down or are lost or stolen, important files can get lost or damaged. This destroys any productivity gained and, again, risks sensitive information getting into the wrong hands. Cloud-based solutions keep documents off individual devices by giving employees a secure portal to files and software. Because these cloud solutions are web-based, accessing these can be as easy as opening a web browser and entering a user name and password.

4. Make sure employees have the tools they need to get their job done

Depending on the profession, PC setups at home must vary to suit a worker’s needs. Employees such as designers or engineers, who spend their days coding and creating content, need more powerful systems with the appropriate applications, storage and performance, while professionals who travel consistently from their home office to client presentations and coffee shop meetings require a more versatile and mobile device, such as a laptop or 2-in-1.

No matter the role or responsibilities of today’s work-from-home employees, a PC setup is not complete without a full complement of high-quality computer accessories and peripherals. Busy professionals can comfortably multi-task with the addition of dual displays, as well as leverage a mouse, docking station and keyboard, to enable a fully productive and efficient work space.

5. Open the lines of communication

Work-from-home jobs that require time on the phone with colleagues and clients may need a more robust voice communication system than using their personal mobile devices. A voice over internet protocol (VoIP), for example, gives you multiple ways to let remote workers easily establish voice (and video) communications. Whether they need to transfer a call, hold a video conference or have a conference call, VoIP offers a seamless way to bring people together across the miles.

Now that you have the fundamentals of building a good work-from-home system, you’ll be on your way to offering a popular workplace benefit that won’t compromise security or productivity. For more on how you can enable remote work for your business, contact Dell and find out how smart, secure tech can empower your company.

2018-07-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – Just as everyone is settling into summer, parents around the country suddenly realize that the start of another school year is right around the corner. The back-to-school season seems to start just as the last school year ends! This year, rather than getting caught off guard, be prepared with some tips to reduce mental and financial stress.

Create a back-to-school budget

Most parents believe that school costs are increasing and 70 percent of them create a budget to better manage these rising costs, according to a Coinstar back-to-school survey. When making a budget, consider required school supplies and clothing as well as additional costs that may be incurred throughout the school year for activities such as a science fair or field trips. If your child participates in music or sports, be sure to add these anticipated costs into the budget, too.

Take a bite out of back-to-school costs

Get creative to reduce stress and the strain on household finances. For example, collect spare change from around your home and bring it to your local Coinstar kiosk to convert it to cash or a no-fee eGift card. You’ll be surprised how quickly this can add up to offset expenses. Then, try shopping at second-hand or discount stores for items like a gently used backpack or discounted coats. Finally, check out community sites like Nextdoor, which can be a great resource to find used items or provide an opportunity to swap musical instruments, sports equipment or clothing with neighbors.

Begin back-to-school shopping early

You don’t want to cut your summer short, but waiting until the last minute to shop can cause unnecessary stress. Make a list of essentials, including school supplies and clothing, and start shopping early to take advantage of better selection and sales. What’s more, you’ll beat the pre-school shopping rush. While most parents report shopping at big-box retailers for back-to-school, consider online shopping as well for price comparisons and added convenience.

Shopping alone may keep you on budget

The majority of parents prefer to shop with their children for back-to-school supplies and clothing. However, about half of parents who responded to a Coinstar survey said that they spend more when shopping with their children compared to only one-third who exceed their budget when shopping without kids in tow. Therefore, consider going it alone and stick to a list to stay within your budget.

Mentally prepare for back-to-school

Summer vacation is a great time for families to relax and take advantage of the long days. Pushing bedtime to a later hour and sleeping in is the summer norm. To prepare yourself and your kids for the new school year, start your evening and morning routines a couple of weeks early so everyone can adjust. You want your kids to be well rested and ready to go on day one. It’s also a good idea to talk with your children about the new school year so that you can understand their mindset and address any potential worries or concerns.

For more information about turning your coins into cash or a no-fee eGift card, visit www.coinstar.com today.

2018-06-28T07:01:01

2018-06-26T14:01:00

(BPT) – LinkedIn reveals what company culture means to employees, and the factors companies must prioritize in order to win the talent war.

2018-06-25T09:01:00

(BPT) – As American baby boomers begin to exit their careers and opt for more leisurely lifestyles, some 10,000 are expected to retire every day through 2029.

While many are scaling back their incomes in retirement, however, most have no intention of becoming out-of-touch with modern trends and innovations. Fortunately, keeping up-to-date and attuned to fashion doesn’t have to cost big bucks.

“We boomers have every bit as much to offer as the millennials or the Gen-X’s or the Gen-Y’s,” writes Forrest Brakeman in the Huffington Post. “Hell, we invented the world as they know it. But to bridge the generation gap, or chasm, we need to stay relevant.”

The following suggestions can help you stay current as you age, even when you’re dealing with a conservative budget.

* Shop secondhand. If you’ve never shopped in thrift and consignment stores, you may be surprised at the up-to-date clothes, shoes and accessories that are often available at very attractive price points. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the possibility of scoring big on recently released goods, some with the tags still attached. And forget about any stigma; you’ll be shopping among people of all ages, from all walks of life.

* Consider vision insurance. Now that eyewear is such a fashion statement, eyeglass styles tend to change fairly frequently. Fortunately, when investing in the comprehensive coverage offered by VSP Individual Vision Plans, you can regularly replace your glasses without dating yourself by wearing outdated frames. Regular eye exams are also covered at prices well below walk-in rates; the average VSP customer saves more than $200 annually on eye care expenses. And VSP offers the largest network of independent eye doctors in the nation.

* Scout out daily deals. Online coupon sources such as Groupon and LivingSocial frequently offer excellent bargains on personal services such as haircuts, manicures, pedicures, massages and skin treatments so you can look relaxed and well-groomed — without breaking the bank.

* Rent for special occasions. These days, many high-end luxury products are available for short-term rental. Instead of paying full price for glamorous formalwear, jewelry or upscale sports cars, rent them out to enjoy to the max when you have a special event to attend — or when you simply want to treat yourself.

* Buy online. If you’re not already well-versed in online shopping, now is a good time to learn the ropes. Resist paying full retail in stores until you check sites like Amazon, Etsy, eBay or Overstock to see if you can find your merchandise of choice at lower prices. Often, it’s ridiculously inexpensive (or free) to have such goods delivered straight to your doorstep, or to the doorstep of a loved one. You can also use tools like PriceGrabber to compare online prices on your behalf, then peruse the additional retailer coupons frequently available on sites such as RetailMeNot or Coupons.com.

In short, there’s no need to deny your sense of fashion just because you’re entering the so-called golden years. Form your strategy now for finding the best deals on the trending fashion that keeps life fun — and keeps you from falling into a style rut.

2018-06-22T07:01:01

(BPT) – What drives someone to take the risk and start their own business?

In many cases, it’s the knowledge that they can offer a great product or introduce new solutions to old problems. Passion and determination put entrepreneurs at the forefront of innovation.

What’s remarkable about so many small and medium-sized businesses today is that it’s not just the bottom line they’re after. Businesses are more focused than ever on socially and environmentally conscious causes.

Take, for example, small business Bayou with Love, who partnered with Dell to create a jewelry line using recycled gold from old computer motherboards. The jewelry line is just one example of a small business prioritizing doing good for the planet.

Cuvee Coffee practices direct trade, a model that considers environmental, financial and social sustainability as well as personal relationships. It builds partnerships with farmers who are good stewards of the land, pay fair wages to their workers and are often leaders in their communities. Cuvee then pays well above market prices for their coffee and in return, the company gets the very best coffee and the farmers make substantial profits.

By using ethical and altruistic principles to guide business practices, these entrepreneurs practice what many call “conscious capitalism,” and investors are taking notice.

Investments from angel investors and venture capitalists have helped these businesses play their part in a national and global trend toward social betterment in business.

Here are a few ways small businesses can benefit from conscious capitalism.

It opens the door to more capital from investors

When a company launches a humanitarian initiative or implements an ethical program, people pay attention.

According to Fundivo, angel investments in altruistic businesses have been steadily growing since 2002 and roughly four jobs are created per investment. Moreover, a recent study from The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investing reported that under sustainable and responsible investing guidelines, a total of $8.72 trillion was made in 2016, showing a 33 percent increase since 2014.

Increased networking opportunities through crowdsourcing

By helping businesses reach like-minded changemakers, the tech industry has made it easier for small businesses to maintain a conscious mission statement along with a profitable bottom line.

In particular, funding for socially-conscious businesses has become more easily achievable through crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Even Kickstarter owners Yancey Strickler and Perry Chen insisted that their crowdfunding platform become a Benefit Corporation, ensuring they remain focused on their mission to bring creative projects to life rather than simply increasing the size of their own profits.

These crowdsourcing platforms are an efficient way for companies to find investors, but also to network and get their message out to a broader public.

A boost from tech

At the center of many altruistic businesses is the robust use of technology, which has allowed many highly successful small businesses to support social and environmental causes.

It’s not only that having dependable and easy-to-use technology is critical for these businesses, but many tech giants have implemented programs to support conscious capitalism in small businesses.

For instance, as one of the world’s leading IT suppliers, Dell has been particularly passionate about helping businesses with an eye for social change and environmental consciousness. Through its 2020 Legacy of Good plan, which outlines its own sustainability goals, it has helped small businesses use technology in a way that drives progress and social change.

Dependable and affordable technology is essential to promoting social change, and that’s why so many entrepreneurs and investors are realizing that when paired with technology, ethical business practices can do a lot of good and turn a profit.

2018-06-21T07:01:24

(BPT) – Should I lease or should I buy?

It’s a question everyone eventually stumbles upon. Most of the time there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

With the pace of technology moving faster than ever, and leasing options becoming more available, the prevailing wisdom is changing. The sharing economy makes leasing (or renting) easy and affordable.

Beyond considering leasing options for your personal car, residence and more, entrepreneurs and small business owners are taking advantage of leasing’s newfound prevalence for their business needs.

Hotel and accommodation

Technology has made the world feel small. You can do business with people across the world in real-time. More and more, small businesses are exporting their offerings around the globe. The US Small Business Administration even encourages doing so and provides counseling to start exporting.

But sometimes, you’ve got to go in person. For small businesses on a shoestring budget, the cost of traditional hotel rooms for you and your employees is a bill many would like to avoid.

Companies like Airbnb are now offering “business options” for business travelers. This can save money over a traditional hotel room.

Furthermore, for small businesses that may operate in two or more cities with employees frequently traveling between the two, startups can lease corporate apartments, permanent accommodations available to employees who are in town from another business location.

For many small businesses, corporate apartments make sense financially. They alleviate the hassle of booking hotels, minimize costs and allow employees to feel more at home when they are on the road.

Offices, conference rooms, meetings rooms and more

The word “co-working” has made its way into the startup community and taken a permanent place there. Co-working is leasing an office from a co-working group where many other businesses operate sharing the same facilities and community areas.

“Co-working just makes sense for entrepreneurs. It’s collaborative, it improves productivity. For me, starting the Lemon Collective was a natural extension of my work as an entrepreneur. I knew myself and others like me would work better and succeed more in the environment we envisioned and created,” said Kate Zaremba, co-founder of The Lemon Collective.

Organizations like WeWork, the world’s fastest-growing co-working space, provide small businesses a host of benefits from more affordable office space options to professional meeting rooms in locations all over the world, to the opportunity to work and collaborate next to like-minded innovative thinkers.

The icing on the co-working cake? Ninety percent of those surveyed in a co-working space said they felt more confident when co-working.

Technology for freelancers and small business owners

Whether you’re a freelancer, work as part of the gig economy, own a small business or have a side hustle that makes your laptop your office, leasing a computer might be an option you never considered.

Technology keeps changing and improving, and an outdated computer can put you at a disadvantage.

Software as a service, or SaaS, is a software delivery model where software is a subscription charge rather than one-time fees and is then centrally hosted. This is especially advantageous for small businesses that aren’t ready for an IT department.

The same holds true for hardware, as leasing laptops and other vital technology is an increasingly popular option for small businesses.

A study by Techaisle showed 36 percent of SMBs had PCs four years old or older. Many use old PCs as a cost-saving measure, not recognizing that outdated PCs lead to additional bottom line costs and significant productivity loss — outdated PCs result in an average of 42 lost productive work hours per year.

The big advantage: Costs remain consistent in a lease contract and your business can always afford to use up-to-the-minute technology. It also leaves capital available to invest elsewhere.

Small business breaks for leasing

“Each small business should check with their tax accountant right away to determine how leasing can be a benefit,” recommends Rick Stipe, VP of Dell’s Financial Services.

The IRS’ Section 179 permits a business to deduct the full price of either purchased or leased equipment in the current tax year — up to $1 million in 2018. And though both leased and purchased tech can offer tax benefits, remember to weigh the costs of depreciation on purchased goods.

The IRS considers a laptop an information system, with a reasonable lifespan of five years. Hardware retains its value, by IRS standards, for the length of its life. The latter includes monitors, scanners and computers. Leveraging these categories can help small businesses optimize their yearly taxes.

If you want to know more about how technology leasing can help your company or lifestyle, contact Dell’s Small Business advisor team and discover new possibilities for your bottom line.