Month: March 2023

2023-03-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Many people resolve to be better about their finances at the beginning of the year, but following through can be challenging, especially when you want to celebrate the people you love and have fun throughout the year.

You don’t have to tackle your finances on your own. Check out these three tips and tools to help you plan for activities on a budget in 2023.

1. Plan ahead and set a budget

This year, take some time to look at the coming months and mark major holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, concerts and vacations in a calendar. Estimate how much you can spend on each event, so when the time comes, you won’t have any surprise expenses and you can avoid going over your budget.

Consider using tools like Chase’s Spending & Budgeting, that provides information on your spending based on the purchases you make and helps you keep track of what you’ve spent to prevent overspending. If your banking app doesn’t have a similar feature, you can download a budget worksheet and keep track of your spending and budget throughout the year.

Get started planning now to save yourself financial stress throughout the year.

2. Set savings goals

A simple way to afford all your fun and celebratory expenses throughout the year is to set savings goals. By putting away money in advance, you can reduce the stress and anxiety of affording your vacations, concerts and even holiday expenses later in the year.

Setting up automated savings is convenient and lets you save without thinking about it. Consider using automated savings tools, like Chase Autosave, that lets you set a goal to automatically transfer money from your Chase checking to your Chase savings account to set and help reach a savings goal for your 2023 activities.

3. Split the cost

If you’re planning a big trip with friends this year, or even just some casual dinners out, use tools to make it easy to quickly split the bill. You can use Zelle^® to send and receive money fast with anyone you know and trust with a U.S. bank account, making it simple to split the costs of a group activity. And, you can even use Zelle^® to ask your friends and family to pay you back for their portion.

Using these three tips, you can better budget for your activities, while improving your finances this year. Additionally, as you make plans, make sure to keep a close eye on your credit. A free and easy way to do so is through Chase Credit Journey in the Chase Mobile app. To learn about these financial tools and more, visit Chase.com/Mobile.

Disclosure:

Enrollment in Zelle^® is required. Both parties need a U.S. bank account; only one needs an eligible Chase account. Funds are typically made available in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle^® (go to https://register.zellepay.com to view participating banks). Select transactions could take up to 3 business days. Enroll on the Chase Mobile app or Chase Online^SM. Limitations may apply. Message and data rates may apply.

Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

2023-03-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – Living with a chronic and incurable disease like ulcerative colitis (UC) can be difficult. According to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), this inflammatory bowel disease can cause chronic diarrhea with blood and mucus, abdominal pain and cramping, and weight loss. While managing UC symptoms can be challenging at any time, a new global survey reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic made it even more difficult.

The survey, Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on UC Patients, was fielded in 2021 in five countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, France and Finland, and asked over 500 people diagnosed with UC, confirmed by endoscopy, to evaluate their experiences before, during, and after the pandemic. The survey found that the pandemic made it harder for some individuals living with UC to manage their disease. However, the survey also suggests that the public health crisis may have prompted some people living with UC to adopt new ways to take control of their health.

“The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging time for people living with UC,” said Allyson S., who has lived with UC for more than 25 years. “But it appears that for some people, there may have been a silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic as it provided them with an opportunity to focus on personal needs and managing their disease.”

Virtual appointments and care

The survey found that while access to healthcare was impacted, virtual appointments provided a way for patients to stay connected with their healthcare providers during national lockdowns and social distancing. Of survey participants, 55% opted for virtual appointments with their doctor, compared to 13% who used virtual appointments pre-pandemic. Eighty-one percent were satisfied with the care they received virtually, and 32% of respondents said they would continue to use virtual care in the future — almost double the number of people who reported using it before the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, survey respondents did report a preference for when they would use virtual care, noting that in-person appointments were preferred when meeting a new doctor (68%), experiencing a flare (55%), or for UC prescription refills (21%).

“We need to be more dynamic in the future when it comes to appointments and work more in a hybrid mode. There should be more space for individuals to choose if they want to have a virtual or clinic visit, as we saw from the survey that whether patients prefer meeting in-person or virtually can depend on the goal of the appointment,” said Remo Panaccione, gastroenterologist.

Adapting to lockdowns and restrictions

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many people out of their comfort zone. For those living with UC, lockdowns and restrictions may have had both positive and negative impacts on the management of their UC.

A quarter of participants reported experiencing more flares during the pandemic than in 2019, and 43% said the pandemic added anxiety and stress, making controlling symptoms more difficult.

COVID-19 may have also relieved some pressures related to dealing with the symptoms of UC at work and in social situations. Some respondents agreed that fewer social outings (37%), working remotely from home (29%), and overall having less busy schedules (28%) helped them better manage their disease.

Alternative methods for managing UC

The survey suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have prompted some survey respondents to find new ways to manage their UC via online and digital resources.

Before the pandemic, only 19% of respondents sought and relied on information and support from patient organizations, a number that increased to 27% during the pandemic. Additionally, survey respondents reported using symptom-tracking apps more during the pandemic versus before (31% vs 23%) and said that they planned to use them after the lockdown (29%).

“The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted so many people’s lives, and for some of those living with a chronic illness like UC, it was even more disruptive. The results of this global survey offer a window into how the UC community adapted to this type of disruption, what unmet needs persist — and possibly what patients and HCPs may do differently for the next pandemic,” said Allyson S.

To learn more about UC symptoms and for resources to help talk to your doctor, visit TalkingUC.com.

2023-03-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the weather warms, the desire to go fishing is undeniable. And if you love fishing, there’s only one thing more enjoyable than catching a big fish — watching a kid catch a fish.

This fishing season, the folks at Rapala fishing lures encourage adults to take a kid fishing. Why? Because kids represent the future of fishing. According to the American Sportfishing Association, kids who are introduced to fishing at an early age by a trusted adult are more likely to fish as an adult.

Here are 15 quick tips from the folks at Rapala on how you can introduce a kid to fishing this year:

1. Get them on good bites – The number one thing you can do to hook a kid on fishing, says legendary angler Al Lindner, is to get lots of bites for your child. “Taking kids fishing between the ages of 8 and 12 years old is a critical time. Try to get them on good bites. Their attention span is short. You will quickly know if fishing will be a part of their life in the future. They are either going to like it or not. But they have to get bites. I can’t say how important that is. You gotta get ‘em on a bite.”
2. Start them on bluegills and sunnies – The easiest bites tend to be panfish — bluegills, sunfish and bream. As your kids watch you catch bass, walleye and other gamefish, they’ll want new challenges. Keep a panfish pliers handy to remove hooks from small panfish.
3. A small fish can be a monster fish! – To a child, a small sunny can be a trophy. Don’t downplay a small fish. Every fish caught is a huge accomplishment.
4. Keep it simple – Start your kid fishing with a single hook. They’re much easier to remove from fish. It could be a hook and a bobber or a single hook soft bait, such as the Storm 360GT Searchbait. As your kids get more experience, let them graduate to a lure such as an Original Floating Rapala.
5. Bring the snacks – Whatever your kids like for snacks, such as chips, cookies or fruit chewies, bring them! You’re sure to work up an appetite catching all those fish. And don’t forget the wipes for sticky, slimy little hands.
6. Keep it short – With younger kids, especially, avoid overdoing it. Start out with short trips — a couple hours at most, and if the fish just don’t seem to be cooperating, cut it short and go have an ice cream cone. Gradually increase your time out on the water and trying different types of fishing approaches, such as fishing with soft baits or trolling with crankbaits.
7. Create traditions – One of the best things about fishing with a kid is creating little traditions to which they can look forward in the future. For example, stopping for a donut on the way to the lake, or giving fish pins whenever your kid catches a new species.
8. Bring a friend – If your child has a good friend, invite them along on the fun, too. That kid may turn into a lifetime fishing buddy for your kid.
9. Take pictures – Don’t limit yourself to just fish photos! Take photos of the entire experience — stopping for donuts on the way to the water, eating snacks, collecting rocks or seashells, feeding the ducks. Turn your photos into a photo book or create a slide show with music that the kids can watch later. When fish are caught make sure the most important people in your kid’s life see their fish photos.
10. Watch the weather – Sometimes the weather doesn’t always cooperate. You may think the fishing is best on an overcast, windy day, but that may not be the case for kids. Instead, watch the weather and choose a warm, clear day and get out early when the fish are most likely to bite.
11. Bring a life jacket – It only takes a second and you may find a kid in the water. When on a boat, kids should always wear a life jacket that fits properly (in many states, it’s the law). Use caution when fishing from docks, piers and shorelines, too.
12. Avoid sunburn – Make sure your kid is wearing a comfortable fishing cap and together, apply your sunscreen to ears, noses and other exposed skin.
13. Handle fish gently – Fish are slimy, prickly and wiggly. With young kids, adults should handle fish at first and let kids gently “pet” them before they’re released. As they become more experienced, show kids how to carefully land, hold and release their catches.
14. Fish with topwater – Watching a fish explode on the surface for a lure gives young anglers an exciting visual that will keep them coming back for more. An X-Rap Pop or Skitter Pop are amazing baits to throw from shore or the dock for heart-stopping topwater action.
15. Keep a few – If your kids want to try eating fish, keep a few fish and cook them up. Don’t make an entire meal out of it though, as eating fish is an acquired taste. Use a trusty batter recipe and serve with French fries.

2023-03-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – The future of the trucking industry — especially small-business trucking — is at a crossroads. Just as the industry starts to look beyond the turbulence of the pandemic, fuel prices grow as a potential recession looms. Thankfully, truckers are resilient and they overcome challenges every day to keep the world moving. Now they’re also getting a leg up from technology to help offset rising costs.

Trucking and the economy

Truckers have a difficult, yet essential job. The economy is dependent on a strong transportation system and every trucking business — from massive fleets to independent drivers — makes a difference.

Trucks move roughly 72.2% of the nation’s freight by weight, according to the American Trucking Association. Trucking supports the economy and employment in a big way, with 7.99 million people (according to 2021 data) in jobs that relate to trucking activity, excluding the self-employed. Of those, there are an estimated 3.49 million truck drivers.

From 2020 to 2030, truck drivers are expected to see a job growth rate of 6%, according to Zippia reporting. This growth rate means there will be approximately 231,000 truck-driving jobs available each year. As trucking organizations clamor to attract and retain drivers, one challenge is impacting small-business trucking companies in particular: payroll.

Payroll challenges

Trucking logistics are complex. Running a successful business requires a lot of planning to move freight where it needs to go and when. On top of that, there’s the important human element to trucking. People need to track their time, report their hours, get paid and receive proper year-end tax documentation.

Large organizations have finance and HR departments to handle payroll and other related processes, but for smaller businesses, it often falls on the shoulders of someone who wears many different hats. Payroll in itself can be time-consuming and complex, especially for people who may be drivers themselves.

As small-business owners navigate the path forward, the demand for efficient technologies that cut costs and save time has never been greater. This is especially important for payroll, since getting employees paid correctly and quickly is essential to attracting and retaining talent. Innovations like chat-based technologies now allow small-business owners to get payroll tasks done, without having to slow down or be tied to a desk.

One company striving to achieve this and much more with innovative solutions is ADP. They recently developed a payroll app called Roll. Backed by longstanding payroll expertise and data security, Roll by ADP offers small-business owners the ability to run payroll anywhere, anytime, quickly and compliantly — with no training or previous payroll experience needed.

How does it work? Robert Masiero, vice president of innovation at ADP, explains:

“Through an artificial intelligence-backed conversational interface, busy entrepreneurs can effortlessly complete payroll in less than a minute on their device by simply chatting, ‘Run my payroll.’ The do-it-yourself app guides users through the process, letting them know what to do and when, while eliminating time-consuming tasks,” he said.

The result is payroll without friction: zero time spent in training, less than a minute doing payroll, reminders that keep business owners up-to-date, and the ability for them to do their payroll on any device, wherever they are, which is particularly important to small-business trucking owners who may themselves need to be on the road.

Masiero shared some of Roll’s most popular features:

Pay by Mile – Pay for the miles your truckers have driven with one of the most popular pay types in the trucking industry.

Ultra-Fast Direct Deposit – Get your drivers paid fast with next-day direct deposit. Need it even faster? Roll has same-day payment options, too.

Unlimited Payroll & Tax Filing – Pay any type of employee (full-time, part-time, W-2 and 1099 contractors) in all 50 states. Payroll taxes are automatically calculated, withheld and filed, too.

Employee Self-Service – Employees anywhere in the country can access and manage their pay info anytime by logging into their own version of the app, which is free for them to use.

“While trucking has been an essential part of the U.S. economy since the dawn of the automobile, modern technology is changing the industry like never before. For small-business trucking owners, apps like Roll by ADP are a game-changer, helping save time and lower costs. This ultimately benefits everyone,” said Masiero.

2023-03-08T08:31:00

(BPT) – In the U.S., diverse entrepreneurs launch new businesses at a faster pace than any other group, serving as an important source of jobs and opportunity in their communities. Every year, minority-owned employer firms generate $1.48 trillion for the U.S. economy. They’re also responsible for 9.43 million jobs, according to the Minority Business Development Agency.

Despite the positive contributions they provide, diverse-owned business ventures often struggle to survive and grow in part because they can’t easily access the necessary bank loans and other funding.

When seeking credit, non-diverse businesses receive all the money they request about 35% of the time. That success rate is roughly double what Asian small businesses (15%), Black-owned businesses (16%) and Hispanic-owned companies (19%) experience, according to the Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey.

It’s a threat to the larger economy. If diverse businesses can’t access working capital, it could stifle an important source of jobs, innovation and growth and delay wealth creation for diverse businesses.

The roots of the problem

Why is this happening?

First, there is the nation’s racial wealth gap. In 2019, white Americans had average per capita wealth of $383,093 compared with $60,126 for Black Americans, the Minneapolis Fed reported. When Black entrepreneurs open businesses of their own, they have fewer financial resources to draw on.

Many diverse businesses also find themselves held back by the outdated nature of business lending. Some banks simply won’t lend to younger companies unless they can pass strict guidelines, effectively making it impossible for small, newer businesses to qualify.

Unable to access capital through a business loan, diverse entrepreneurs try other, less affordable options like merchant cash advances or small business loans — often at predatory rates.

Other options for funding diverse businesses

Fortunately, there are other, more inclusive options. For example, C2FO — the world’s largest online platform for working capital — allows suppliers to receive early payment on approved invoices in exchange for giving a small discount to their customer. Some large enterprises have created special programs on the C2FO platform where they agree to pay diverse suppliers at a preferential rate.

Last year, C2FO’s platform delivered over $4.7 billion in payments to diverse-owned companies — without mounds of paperwork or any qualification requirements outside of being in the C2FO network.

C2FO and the Schultz Family Foundation, which was created by Sheri Schultz and Starbucks cofounder and current CEO Howard Schultz, are partnering to unlock $100 million in loans for small and diverse businesses. The joint initiative aims to accelerate the growth of emerging, high-potential businesses to encourage job creation, support the building of wealth in historically marginalized communities and fuel a more inclusive economy.

Unlike traditional bank loans that focus on limiting risk, loans given to qualified businesses under this partnership are based on sales growth and the company’s trajectory, not traditional hard requirements like substantial profit and multiple years in business. Interested businesses can learn more at http://explore.c2fo.com/diversebusinesscapital. This new approach to lending will open doors to many businesses that have been left behind by the established banking system.