Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

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.

2018-02-02T09:37:00

(BPT) – When you hear the word bully, you probably think of the big kid waiting in the school yard to steal your lunch money. However, bullies aren’t left behind when you move into adulthood.

Not by a long shot.

According to a recent Harris Poll, conducted on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association, 31 percent of Americans say they have been bullied as an adult. Bullying is defined as repeated, negative behavior intended to harm or intimidate, and it frequently happens at work.

Dealing with challenging people in the workplace is a common occurrence but sometimes these interactions can be more than just unfriendly. Before you know it an interaction can turn demeaning, confrontational or even hostile. The stress caused by these encounters rarely stays at work either. It can spill over into your home life, affecting your family interactions, sleep and well-being. You may not realize it at the time, but if you’ve experienced such encounters regularly, then you are being bullied.

The negative health effects of bullying

Those who are bullied can suffer myriad negative physical and mental health effects. For example, the survey revealed respondents had suffered from one or more of the following:

* Stress (71 percent)
* Anxiety/depression (70 percent)
* Loss of confidence (55 percent)
* Sleep loss (39 percent)
* Headaches (26 percent)
* Muscle tension and pain (22 percent)
* A mental breakdown (19 percent)
* An inability to function on a day-to-day basis (17 percent)

The many faces of the problem

Identifying bullying behavior is the first step toward correcting the problem. However, bullying is not always as easy to spot as you might think. The abuse can take the form of “the silent treatment” in which a group or an individual willfully ignores or disregards another person. Victims may also be targeted by lies or rumors that harm their reputation.

Bullying can even take on a more subtle form of manipulation known as gaslighting. This tactic sees the bully undermine their victim’s confidence and make them start to question their own memory, judgment and reality.

Any of these bullying tactics can make it difficult for an individual to acknowledge that they are a victim. You may try to ignore it or think it’s “just part of work.” It’s not. The threat is very real and, in many cases, you need outside help.

A full treatment

Bullying can be more than just mentally harmful; it can damage your physical health as well. Bullying victims report suffering gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and high blood pressure. Treating physical issues as well as the emotional damage brought on by bullying requires the ability to care for the whole person in a way that goes beyond the surface symptoms. This is precisely what doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) are trained to do.

Osteopathic medicine is based on the philosophy of supporting the health of the whole person by focusing on wellness and prevention. DOs believe the mind, body and emotional status all contribute to a patient’s health and each should be treated as the vital component it is. DOs are trained to listen, so if you feel you’re the victim of bullying, talk to a physician or mental health specialist about your treatment options today.

The potential threats to your health are simply too important to ignore.

2018-03-19T12:01:00

(BPT) – Politicians spend a lot of time talking about America-First trade deals. Even though the average person may not think about U.S. trade often, it’s a key part of the economy — a topic that’s on everyone’s mind.

In 2017 alone, the U.S. exported around $132 billion worth of agricultural products. As experts hope to grow this number in 2018, possible trade deals could become big news.

The future of U.S. trading

Economists and agricultural experts want U.S. trade to remain strong, so that exports are equal to or more than what they were last year. However, the complexities of selling U.S. commodities internationally constantly increases.

Companies like Syngenta are working to grow agricultural trade to help Americans feed the world and build a stronger economy at home. Many agricultural associations and Syngenta employees work every day with foreign countries to develop positive relationships and a preference for U.S. commodities.

American farmers are the most efficient in the world, says Laura Peterson, federal government and industry relations head for Syngenta. “We rely on export markets for our products, and with prices as low as they are, now is an important time to protect and grow our markets,” she says. “We are able to produce far more than we consume and compete in a world of high supply, so remaining competitive is crucial for U.S. agriculture.”

Top U.S. agricultural exports

Corn, soybeans and nuts make up three of the top five agricultural exports from the U.S. There is a lot to know about these foods, including the following fascinating facts:

* Corn: One planted seed delivers more than 500 kernels of corn. Corn is widely grown around the globe, with more tons produced each year than any other grain.

* Soybeans: Soybeans are the largest source of protein in agriculture. They are also used to make a variety of nonfood products, including crayons, candles and haircare products. The U.S. exports about half of all its soybeans to other countries.

* Nuts: Nuts are wholesome and versatile. From using nuts in spreads and oils to snacking on roasted varieties, people, domestically and internationally, enjoy them every day. In December 2017 alone, the U.S. exported $936 million worth of nuts.

Negotiating trade agreements

Free trade agreements beneficial to agriculture can boost the marketability of U.S. crops like corn, soybeans and nuts even more overseas. One prime example of this is NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).

“Syngenta remains engaged with U.S. government officials to monitor impacts in renegotiations and trade-dispute actions,” Peterson says. “The current threat of trade wars or withdrawing from trade agreements may harm agriculture.”

“We partner with groups such as BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization), U.S. Grains Council and national grower organizations to advocate on common issues that impact our interests,” Peterson says. “This collaboration and outreach is necessary to address uncertainty in markets and to grow our agriculture economy.”

Learn more about agriculture’s future

With so much going on in 2018, it’s likely more news headlines will be dedicated to the important topic of U.S. trade. To learn more about U.S. agriculture, including crop research and trade negotiations, visit http://www.syngenta-us.com/thrive.

2018-03-01T15:38:11

(BPT) – Consumers who make just a few purchases each day may not think much about the companies that process their credit card. But for a small or mid-sized business, processors who aren’t transparent about the costs they pass on can add up to an expensive headache. Heartland is celebrating 10 years of the Merchant Bill of Rights as an industry standard to promote fair card processing practices.

Its purpose: to enable merchants who don’t have the resources of large purchasing organizations to effectively manage their costs, determine which processor best meets their needs and realize significant savings.

1. The right to know the fee of every card transaction, who is charging it, and if there are surcharges and bill-backs.

Owners or operators of a small or mid-sized business deserve — and should expect — competitive pricing and the best value for payments processing including credit, debit and prepaid card processing.

Many processors and their middlemen hide arbitrary charges — often classified as “surcharges” — without disclosing them to merchants. These charges are pure profit to processors and their middlemen, making transactions that are already expensive even more costly.

2. The right to know the markup of major credit card fee increases and reductions.

Credit card companies typically adjust interchange rate categories and fees semi-annually in April and October. When rates go up, many processors seize the opportunity to inflate them even more and then deceptively blame the increase on the card brands.

3. The right to know all transaction middlemen, and have reasonable equipment costs.

The chain of events that begins when a merchant swipes a customer’s card is fairly straightforward. At minimum, it requires four essential entities to process the transaction: a bank, a credit card brand, a telephone or internet connection and a processor.

When big companies buy equipment, they often solicit proposals from multiple equipment manufacturers to drive the best deal. Owners of a small or mid-sized business may not have the time or resources to shop around for a payment device, and oftentimes turn to their processor for guidance. However, they may not be getting the deal they’ve bargained for — and most likely don’t know it.

4. The right to real-time, dedicated, live service 24/7/365.

Service and support are critical factors in implementing and maintaining a card acceptance program. Unlike national merchants, small local businesses may lack the resources needed to ensure proper training, ongoing support and the best available rates.

With most Americans relying on credit and debit cards for their purchases, one minor problem that prevents or delays the processing of transactions at the point of sale can have devastating effects. Combine the ripple effect of customer dissatisfaction with lost revenue, and it’s easy to see why live customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year is mission critical for all merchants.

5. The right to encrypted card numbers, secure transactions and real-time fraud and transaction monitoring.

Credit and debit card fraud costs American businesses billions of dollars every year. Thieves work overtime to find ways to steal from merchants. Often disgruntled or dishonest employees — even some customers — are masters at making money the illegal way, and not getting caught.

For more information, to share stories about dishonest business practices or scams, or to ask a question, visit MerchantBillofRights.org.