Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2018-04-23T13:15:00

(BPT) – On June 15, 1976, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) instituted the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards — more commonly referred to as the “HUD Code.”

With these regulations, HUD defined the safety and quality standards required for construction of a manufactured home.

This was a pivotal moment for the manufactured home industry. Prior to the HUD Code, these homes were built with portability as a primary focus and were commonly referred to as “mobile homes” — hence the difference in terms.

You will often see the terms “mobile” and “manufactured” used interchangeably. But, according to the Manufactured Housing Institute, the HUD code draws a line of distinction between the two.

A mobile home refers to a home manufactured prior to the standards set by the HUD Code. Back then, the homes were built to voluntary industry standards enforced at the state level in 45 out of the 48 states in the continental U.S.

With the birth of the HUD Code, manufactured home now refers to a factory-built home constructed to those federal standards.

The HUD Code regulates, among other things, energy-efficiency standards, durability, transportability and quality. It also sets standards for the performance of HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems.

While the difference in quality between today’s manufactured homes and pre-HUD Code mobile homes is evident, you may be wondering how the terms “mobile” and “manufactured” are so often confused.

One similarity that may be the biggest contributor to the confusion is titling.

Like the mobile homes built prior to HUD Code, modern manufactured homes also require a title. So what does that mean?

Requirements for titling vary by state, but generally a manufactured home requires a title much like an automobile. This is because a manufactured home is considered personal property.

As personal property, a manufactured home is typically taxed separately from the land on which it sits. Visit https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/ for more general information on state-specific laws regarding the titling of manufactured homes.

State laws determine the process for surrendering the manufactured home title when the home is permanently affixed to the land, becomes part of the real estate, and is no longer considered personal property separate from the land.

Like manufactured homes, modular homes are also constructed indoors, sheltered from the elements. But unlike manufactured homes, modular homes do not require a title. Since they are built to International Residential Code standards and not the HUD Code, ownership of modular homes is treated the same as site-built homes.

For more information from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance Inc. about manufactured or modular homes, visit www.vmfhomeloan.com/first-time-buyers/.

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, Licensed by the NH Banking Department, MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.

2018-04-19T13:01:00

(BPT) – The value of homeowners insurance is often thrust into the national spotlight when natural disasters happen. The devastation and financial loss they can cause reinforces the importance of making sure you have adequate insurance coverage to rebuild if disaster strikes your home. In 2017 alone, the U.S. was struck by 16 separate billion-dollar disaster events, resulting in a record-breaking $300 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Thankfully, most Americans don’t experience large-scale natural catastrophes, but millions of homeowners do experience some kind of property loss each year and need to make an insurance claim. The most commonly reported homeowners insurance claims are actually the result of events that can occur at any time, so it’s important for homeowners to be prepared for these potential risks.

Water damage claims are most common

“Water claims are the ones we see most often,” says Christopher O’Rourke, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “While certain perils are seasonal, water damage can occur any time of year. It’s important for homeowners to conduct routine maintenance of appliance hoses and water pipes to make sure there aren’t cracks or leaks and, if any are detected, have them repaired or replaced immediately.

“Another thing everyone can do to protect their homes from leaks is turn off their main water supply when they’re away for an extended period of time. No one wants to return from a relaxing vacation to find water running through their home.”

Smart home technology also delivers an extra layer of protection for homeowners by providing 24/7 monitoring to help detect water pipe leaks. Professionally installed water pressure sensors, for example, work with most smartphones and can, among other things, automatically shut off the home’s main water supply if a leak or burst pipe is detected. And the best part is that insurance companies like Mercury Insurance will often provide a discount for homes that implement this technology.

O’Rourke also notes that most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage caused by rising water from storms or overflowing bodies of water, so he recommends homeowners consult with their local insurance agent to learn how to protect against these types of events.

Fire damage is a concern for homeowners

While water claims are the most common, fire damage is another possible concern for homeowners and can be caused in several ways. The National Fire Protection Association reports nearly half a million structure fires occurred in 2016, resulting in $7.5 billion in property damage, and wildfires ravaged California in 2017, leading to one of the year’s billion-dollar disaster events. O’Rourke suggests controlling the things you can and mitigating against the perils you can’t.

“Most home fires happen when people are inattentive or negligent. These fires are preventable if people don’t leave things like lit stoves, fireplaces, candles or portable heat sources unattended. You should also refrain from overloading electrical outlets and using appliances with frayed electrical cords,” he says. “These things seem like common sense, but it’s amazing how many claims we see that result from simply not paying attention.

“Wildfires can be extremely scary and dangerous and there is often little warning when they sweep through areas, leaving homeowners little time to protect their homes. Most of this work needs to be done before a fire erupts. Homeowners can mitigate against this risk by keeping their yards free of dry brush, grass clippings and twigs, keep tree branches trimmed and bushes pruned. They should also make sure their roofs and gutters are cleared of leaves and debris.”

Theft can be costly

Theft doesn’t necessarily pose a threat to the physical structure of a home, but it too can be costly and it often leaves homeowners feeling scared and violated. The FBI’s Universal Crime Report estimates 1.5 million burglaries occurred in 2016 — with residential properties accounting for 69.5 percent of these offenses.

Homeowners can help safeguard against theft by taking simple, but often overlooked precautions like ensuring doors and windows are locked, and not leaving spare keys in easy-to-find locations. Several smart home devices can also aid in deterring potential thieves by allowing homeowners to adjust lights, monitor security cameras and activate security systems from their smartphones even when they’re away from home.

“Our claims team strives to get our customers back on their feet after a loss. Our hope is that people never experience such an event in the first place, but if they do we want them to know that it is our goal to help them get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible,” adds O’Rourke.

Mercury Insurance provides homeowners with additional tips to protect against common insurance claims. Visit https://blog.mercuryinsurance.com to learn more.

2018-04-18T13:59:00

(BPT) – Helping a parent stay active and healthy at home can be achieved with careful planning. The rewards of personally caring for, or managing the care of, a loved one who needs help are innumerable. It’s an opportunity to give back and to offer a return on the loving investment they once made in us. The trade-off is that in-home care costs money; money that may not be available.

In-home care may be provided by loved ones, family, friends, neighbors or professional caregivers. It typically includes assistance with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, toileting, eating and walking — as well as companionship, medication reminders, laundry, light housekeeping, errands, shopping and transportation.

If your parent is under a doctor’s care because of a recent illness or injury, home healthcare companies can provide skilled nursing services in their house, such as physical therapy, wound care or speech therapy.

Whether caregiving services are provided by a professional or family member, either option can impact your family’s finances. An eight-hour-a-day, five-day-a-week professional caregiver costs about $40,000 a year, while 24/7 care can be as much as $150,000 a year. If a parent depends on family for care, it can take that caregiver away from his or her job and earnings, affect business opportunities and reduce future Social Security income.

Medicare, the federal government’s health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, covers some home health care if prescribed by a doctor, but not home-delivered meals, non-medical home care, or 24/7 care. Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs, has very low asset and income restrictions.

Depending on where your parent lives, they might qualify for a Medicaid waiver that can help with in-home care costs. Doug Lueder, owner of Prosper Home Care, an independent home care agency based in Atlanta, says, “The purpose of the (Medicaid) waiver program is it can help individuals stay at home in a healthy, safe environment for the same amount of money or less than it would cost for that person to be in a facility. States would rather be able to keep people at home, and in general statistics show people are happier and they have better outcomes at home.”

Another possible source of funds may be your parents’ home. For many Americans, the equity they have built up in their homes is their single largest financial asset, typically comprising more than half of their net worth.

Older homeowners can access their equity by selling their house and moving into a less expensive, more manageable, place to live and then use the leftover proceeds to pay for professional care.

For those who would rather stay in their current home, as most people would prefer to do, options include a home equity loan, home equity line of credit, or a reverse mortgage.

With a reverse mortgage, borrowers have the flexibility to use their loan proceeds however they wish, including to pay for in-home care or other medical expenses. As long as the terms of the loan are met, the balance doesn’t need to be repaid until the last surviving borrower has passed away or permanently left the home. To learn more about this option, visit the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association’s consumer education website reversemortgage.org/adultchildren.

If you care for a loved one, consider following these tips from the Family Caregiver Alliance, the nation’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families prepare and cope with caring for loved ones at home.

First steps for new caregivers

* Identify yourself as a caregiver to your loved one.

* Get a good diagnosis — from a specialist or geriatrician if necessary — of your loved one’s health condition

* Learn what specific skills you might need to care for someone with this diagnosis. Caring for someone with dementia is different from caring for someone with chronic heart disease.

* Talk about finances and healthcare wishes.

* Complete legal paperwork, e.g., Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives.

* Bring family and friends together to discuss care.

* Keep them up to date on the current situation.

* Identify resources, both personal and in the community.

* Find support for yourself and your loved one.

* Remember, you are not alone.

Most importantly, remember that taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of someone else.

First steps are from the fact sheet Caregiving 101: On Being a Caregiver ©2016, published with permission from Family Caregiver Alliance, www.caregiver.org.

2018-04-13T10:01:00

(BPT) – From millennials who have been grinding away in the workplace for a few years to Gen Xers looking to move out of their cube, many have been intrigued by the possibility of freelancing.

It means the freedom to set your own hours, to work closely with clients, to be your own boss and have greater control over your career.

According to Forbes, there are 53 million freelancers in America today, and by 2020, it’s estimated that half of the workforce will be doing freelance work, whether full time, as a part-time gig or as their side hustle.

Unlike a traditional job, where you generally don’t need to bring more than a packed lunch to work, freelancing requires a few essential tricks and tools to succeed. Whether you’re looking to start out or refresh your personal brand, homeworking experts cite five important tips to help you succeed at the freelance game.

1. Manage your time. One of the best parts, and the most challenging parts, of freelancing is that you get to make your own schedule. Many find that they need some sort of structure in their day, and for this reason it’s important to have the right time management software. This will notify you of calls, deadlines, track how long you work on a project and more.

2. Get the right laptop. A laptop is your office, your meeting room, your library, your entertainment source and so much more, making it one of the most essential freelancing tools. It’s the lifeline between your business and your clients, so it’s critical to be sure you have the right one. A great option is the remarkably thin and light LG gram. This computing powerhouse comes in 13-, 14- and 15-inch screen options and packs a battery that lasts over 16 hours. Each model weighs about two pounds and for small businesses looking for extra connectivity, LG’s commercial-grade model comes equipped with the Windows 10 Pro operating system. It’s fast, mobile and able to keep up with the daily demands and surprises of the freelancing life.

3. Use professional email and social media accounts. For all work-related correspondence and interactions, be sure to use a dedicated email account. This will make you appear more professional to prospective clients. You should also set up work-related social media accounts where you can post examples of work and professional insights and network.

4. Keep track of finances. For a lot of freelancers who are on the creative side of things, keeping track of finances can be a real challenge. Not only do you have to manage invoices, expenses and make sure you’re getting paid, you also have to keep taxes in mind. That can be a lot of numbers to juggle. The right accounting software can greatly simplify this process and save you innumerable headaches.

5. Find the right space. While freelancing is largely a digital game, and requires the right laptop loaded up with the tools you need to manage your business, you still need to find the right place to work. Some work in a coffee shop and others require a dedicated home office. You might work best in a shared office space. The point is, it’s vital to figure out where you do your best work.

The right software, running on the right computer, and a place you can work are the cornerstones of a successful freelance gig. From there, all that’s needed is your talent and determination!

2017-12-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re a veteran, active military member or reservist, you’ve likely heard about all the benefits offered with VA home loans.

Since 1944, some 22 million vets have taken advantage of the powerful U.S. program enabling affordable low-interest mortgages that require no down payments, no mortgage insurance payments and no prepayment penalties. Last year alone, the federal government issued 705,474 VA-guaranteed home loans adding up to some $179 billion — a 12 percent increase over 2015, representing the biggest year ever.

“We have definitely reached that tipping point where veterans know we are no longer ‘My father’s VA,’” Mike Frueh, chief of staff of the ‎Veterans Benefits Administration, told the Huffington Post last year. “The pace of changes … in our program has increased dramatically the past few years. We are agile, we are responsive and we are definitely meeting their needs.”

When considering such a mortgage, however, you’ll want to confirm the amount of “entitlement” that applies to you — in other words, the percentage of your loan the VA will repay if you must default. That’s important, since it will determine the maximum loan you can secure for buying your house. The key numbers to find are your basic and bonus VA entitlements; the former can be found through the Veterans Information Portal and the latter through your loan officer.

In general, VA loan institutions can finance vets or soldiers with mortgages at four times their entitlement amounts. Fortuitously, all first-time users of VA home loan benefits start with enough combined entitlement ($104,250) to purchase a house via a mortgage ranging from $144,000 to $417,000. However, the maximum is higher in high-cost counties including some in California, New York and New Jersey. That same guarantee allows military borrowers to refinance mortgages even when they lack home equity. That said, all borrowers must still meet the income, credit and other requirements established by the lending institution to which they’re applying.

Need more specifics? Here’s what else you should know:

1. Half-civilian couple? No worries

Vets may secure loans based on their full entitlements if they’re buying a loan by themselves or with a non-veteran spouse.

2. Buying with a buddy? A little muddy

Vets seeking to buy a home with another person who’s not their spouse can only secure a VA home loan based on half their entitlement amount. If a vet is buying with another (non-spouse) vet, a down payment may be required.

3. Benefits don’t double

Two vets taking out a mortgage together can each use only half their total entitlements, combining them so that the maximum mortgage will likely be $417,000. However, each can use the other half of their entitlement to buy another property.

4. Fund, pay, repeat

After paying off a loan, a veteran can use his entitlement to buy another property once again.

Don’t hesitate to use your record of service to secure VA loan benefits superior in many ways to civilian loans. Others are doing so in increasing numbers.

“The VA loan program’s 22 millionth loan guarantee comes during a period of tremendous growth, not to mention tremendous promise,” wrote Chris Birk in the Huffington Post. “Market share for this program once hung in the low single digits. Today, VA loans account for about 10 percent of the mortgage market, and the VA expects loan volume to increase 36 percent over the next five years alone.”

Interested in reaping the benefits of a VA mortgage? LoanDepot can walk you through the home buying process so you can move forward with the next phase of your life. Call us at 1-888-983-3240 to learn more.

2017-12-21T08:01:01

(BPT) – When it comes to buying a home, the beauty of the process is truly in the eye of the beholder. Some people see the opportunity to start a new life, live their dreams and make memories that will, quite literally, last a lifetime. Others get caught up in the problems associated with the home purchasing process, including its myriad pain points, some of which are listed below.

Whichever path you follow, buying a home should be one of the most exciting moments in your life, so follow along to see which pain points in the process you might encounter, and what you can do about them.

1. Packing and moving

According to research from loanDepot, almost 66 percent of respondents listed packing and moving as one of their biggest moving stressors. To combat this problem, start packing early and you’ll avoid the mad dash at the end. You should also seek friends to help you move your items with a promise of a party at the end. The money you spring for pizza will be well worth it.

2. Timing the move

Timing is crucial during a move, so it’s no surprise that 63 percent of those surveyed listed it as one of their greatest stressors. To take the stress out of your situation, it helps to plan for a delay. Rent a storage locker or set up a relative who can host you in a pinch just in case things don’t align as you plan. Plan for the worst and chances are you won’t need your backup plan.

3. Not selling your home quick enough

This is often a product of supply and demand, but your real estate agent should be able to give you a realistic expectation of when your home should sell with current market timing based on realistic comps available in your region. Be honest with them as to when you need your home to sell and be ready to lower your price if absolutely necessary. If getting rid of your old house is paramount, lowering your price to its minimum acceptable value can help make that happen.

4. Coordinating the inspections and paperwork

Inspections and paperwork take time, so your best bet here is to make sure you have time available and protected on your calendar. Once again, your real estate agent can be a valuable resource to guide you through all of the paperwork and inspections that must be completed. They may also have some advice on who to contact to hurry the process along. Once you’ve got the proper information, reach out immediately. The sooner you make contact, the sooner you can get on their calendar and get this necessary work done.

5. Not being able to meet your financial obligations

Whether it’s the down payment for your home or the mortgage itself, buying a new house carries with it a considerable financial obligation — probably the largest you will ever enter into — and that’s certainly cause for stress. Since it’s such an important purchase, not any loan will do. You want to find the best loan opportunity you can. loanDepot can help. loanDepot matches borrowers through technology and high-touch customer care with the credit they need. This allows you to use loanDepot to look for potential loans outside your immediate market and even compare loans to find the best plan for you — a must with a purchase as important as your new home. So don’t delay. Connect with our lending experts today and take some of the stress out of your homebuying process.

2018-01-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – Self-employment offers the perks and benefits of not working for someone else, but often means taking on risks and becoming responsible for providing a valuable product or service, generating income and having a steady customer base. With all of this considered, along with the newly enacted tax law, filing your taxes should be the last of your worries, so consider these five tax tips to breeze through the tax process.

1. Reporting income

It’s important to keep in mind that when you are self-employed, there is no employer automatically withholding tax from each paycheck. Since self-employed income is not reported on a W-2, you must report your income and expenses on a Schedule C (Form 1040) as part of your individual tax return. Your expenses should directly offset your income. You can show a loss, but generally must show a profit for three out of five years in order for the IRS to recognize your activity as a business, not a hobby.

2. Understanding the Self-Employment Tax

The IRS explains the self-employment tax as the equivalent to a Social Security and Medicare tax. Self-employment tax equals 15.3 percent on the first $128,400 of net income and then 2.9 percent on the net income that is in excess of $128,400. The Social Security tax component of the self-employment tax is 12.4 percent, but note that one half of your self-employment tax is deductible as an adjustment to income. If your profits are more than $200,000 ($250,000 on joint returns), the excess is subject to the 0.9 percent additional Medicare tax.

3. Paying taxes

Because you’re earning income without tax withholdings, you are 100 percent on your own. In order to fulfill your tax payment requirements, you should make quarterly estimated tax payments throughout the year as they are required by the IRS. If they aren’t made, you may be at fault and subject to pay an estimated tax penalty, even if you pay your entire tax liability by April 17. These payments can be made electronically with Form 1040-ES.

4. Claiming a home office deduction

Nowadays, more people are given the opportunity to work and grow their business from their homes. Claiming a home office deduction is a more simplified process than it has been in the past and will allow you to deduct expenses for the business purposes of your home. If you are self-employed and qualify for the home office deduction, you can deduct a percentage of your qualified home expenses as a business deduction, including rent or mortgage, insurance, utilities, maintenance costs and depreciation.

Inside the home

To qualify for a deduction, the office must be in a separate room or area of your house. It can also be part of a room, but the area would still have to be used exclusively and regularly for business, so your dining room table where you also eat would not count. However, a desk or table in your bedroom used solely for business is acceptable.

This deduction is based on the square footage of the office in comparison to the size of your entire home or apartment. If you meet the regular and exclusive tests to claim a home office deduction, you may be eligible for a “safe harbor” deduction — a simplified way to figure your deduction. The safe harbor method will allow you to eliminate complicated record keeping and forms for the deduction.

Outside the home

Even if you have an office outside of your home, you may qualify for deductions if you use part of your home for storing inventory or product samples. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• You sell the stored products at wholesale or retail prices as your business.
• You use the storage space on a regular basis.
• The storage space is separately identifiable from the other parts of your house.

5. Filing taxes

The tax filing process may seem intimidating, especially when requirements and guidelines are different for the self-employed. For example, as a self-employed individual, you are required to file a tax return if your net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more, even if the $400 is your only income. But, when self-employed taxpayers have confidence in their tax preparation method, they can focus more on their business and worry less about their taxes.

If you find yourself filing incorrectly or have questions, H&R Block’s online products are designed to guide you through preparing and filing an accurate tax return. H&R Block has added a new Self-Employed product, which makes personalized recommendations and asks questions about different types of income, startup costs and expenses. This is specifically designed for self-employed workers and small business owners who file Schedule C. Also, all DIY online clients can use Tax Pro Review^SM to get their completed DIY return reviewed by a tax professional — without going to a tax office.

To learn more, visit https://www.hrblock.com/online-tax-filing/, or you can make an appointment with a tax professional.

2018-02-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – –

2018-03-05T08:09:01

(BPT) – If a smooth-talking phone caller has ever tried to cheat you out of your hard-earned money, you’re far from alone. Further, such scams tend to be rampant at tax time.

An estimated one in 10 Americans lost money in phone scams between April 2016 and April 2017, says a recent Harris Poll, parting with an average $430 per person for a national total of $9.5 billion. That marks a 56 percent monetary increase over the previous year; that’s partly because such fraud has become easier for criminals as technology has enabled both number-finding and robo-dialing, and Americans are more likely to answer unknown calls on their ever-present mobile phones.

Many fraudsters see tax time as an ideal time to prey on people facing uncertainty or anxiety about getting their tax returns right, which is why they may call and impersonate IRS officials threatening arrest, deportation, eviction or license revocation if taxes are not paid immediately by using a money transfer, loading a prepaid card or purchasing a gift card. Remember, though, that the IRS almost always resolves issues by mail, not phone. It will never request payment without sending a bill first; will allow questions or appeals about your bill; won’t direct you to use specific payment methods; won’t ask for your credit or debit card numbers by phone and won’t threaten arrest or similar consequences.

A consumer’s greatest weapon in fighting fraud is education and awareness. While fraudsters can often be clever, knowing some of their strategies can be the first step toward protecting yourself from their tactics.

“The tax return season is upon us, and scammers are posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) representatives, demanding victims send money to avoid arrest or deportation,” advises Lee Buchmann, Western Union director of anti-fraud operations. “Do not send a money transfer to anyone who asks you to send them money to pay taxes. The IRS does not contact consumers to demand payment for taxes through money transfer or prepaid cards.” More descriptions of scams that use tax season as a lure are available at IRS.gov.

The Western Union Consumer Protection Center (www.wu.com/fraudawareness) offers specific information about protecting yourself from fraud based on your country of residence. Stay informed and follow their updates on Facebook and Twitter. If you believe you are a victim of fraud, call the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 1-800-448-1492.

2016-10-26T10:25:00

(BPT) – You engaged in spring cleaning and organization earlier this year, but with the holidays approaching, your home office could probably stand a bit of freshening up. Fall is the perfect time to make sure your office is a well-equipped and appealing workspace that boosts your efficiency and productivity.

The home office experts at Staples offer tips to refresh your office this autumn:

Improve organization

Does it seem like all the paperwork, junk mail and other useless stuff you cleared out in spring has found its way back to your office this fall? What are you going to do when holiday clutter starts to add up, too? It’s time to take another pass at organizing your office.

Redoing everything might not be practical, but it also might not be necessary. The desk is often the nexus of chaos in any home office, but it’s also the spot where most of your work gets done. Treat yourself to an array of desktop decluttering devices such as:

* All-in-one organizers merge file holders, paper trays, and storage compartments in a single, compact desktop display.

* Desk organizers that can hold files, reference materials and supplies.

* Letter sorters which allow you to prioritize incoming and outgoing mail, so you never miss a bill payment or request for proposal.

* Pencil cups are the simplest way to ensure you’re never hunting for a pen or pencil under a mound of paperwork while a client waits on the phone.

* Storage boxes are great for hiding supplies that you don’t need to use or see all the time.

Staples offers an array of desktop organizers, including the ZigZag suite of desktop products that include the All-in-One White ZigZag Desk Organizer, the White ZigZag Letter Sorter and the White Zigzag Storage Box. Visit www.staples.com to find more organization products.

Boost security

Bills, invoices and emails, attachments and downloads — a lot of valuable data will move through your home office during the holidays. It’s important to secure information and your home office hardware and software.

Make sure your anti-virus and firewall software are up to date. If you’re not sure, consider scheduling an appointment with a technician who can assess the security of your technology. Most security software providers now allow you to enroll in an automatic renewal program so that your protection never lapses.

Don’t overlook the importance of securing more mundane threats, like paperwork that contains proprietary information. If you don’t already have one, invest in a high-quality shredder, like the Staples 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder, and be sure to shred paperwork before discarding it. Old invoices, bills, customer records and even junk mail can all be a source of valuable information for criminals.

Care for your comfort

You spend a lot of time in your home office, and if the holidays are a busy season for you, you’ll likely be at your desk for extended periods. It’s important that your workspace cares for your comfort as much as facilitates productivity — and that means having good office furniture.

It may not be practical to replace a less-than-perfect desk when the holidays are bearing down on you, but swapping out your old office chair for something newer, better looking and more comfortable is an easy fix. It’s also a cost-effective way to make your home office a more productive place.

Be sure to test drive multiple chairs before choosing one. Resources like Staples have plenty of floor models for you to try before you buy. Whether you prefer light and ergonomic, like the Staples Professional Series 1500TM Mesh Chair available in a range of colors, or a more traditional look, such as the Turcotte Luxura High Back Office Chair in basic black, you can find a new chair that will give your office a whole new feeling.