Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2025-04-08T07:31:00

(BPT) – Consumers today expect seamless, personalized, convenient shopping experiences wherever they shop. How can retailers stay competitive while ensuring they meet these expectations and stay competitive? Global technology leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce Manhattan Associates recently launched its 2025 Unified Commerce Benchmark for Specialty Retail, co-sponsored by Google Cloud and conducted by Incisiv, to evaluate how 220 North American retailers are demonstrating exceptional omnichannel commerce maturity and delivering highly personalized experiences to their customers, both in-store and online.

The biggest takeaway? Only 5% of retailers achieved “Leader” status, demonstrating the ability to consistently deliver the much desired personalized experiences.

Learn from the Leaders

The overall Leaders of the 2025 Unified Commerce Benchmark study were: Apple, Best Buy, Boss, Dick’s Sporting Goods, IKEA, Lululemon, Neiman Marcus, Nike, Ralph Lauren and Sephora. On average, these Leaders achieved 31% lower fulfillment costs and 24% higher customer satisfaction.

A key finding was that from 2023 to 2025, the bar for unified commerce has risen dramatically. One-third (33%) of the capabilities that differentiated Leaders in 2023 are considered basic requirements today, while an all new set of unique capabilities defines Leadership in 2025:

Shopping experience: Today’s consumers move seamlessly across channels and touchpoints. Multi-channel shoppers spend 15% more per order as they blend shopping across social media, online marketplace and brick-and-mortar stores. Leading stores understand this shift (which influences up to 34% of all digital discoveries) more than 1.5 times the industry average.

Checkout experience: Checkout must be reimagined to seamlessly blend operational efficiency with deeper engagement and personalization. 70% of Leaders offer intelligent cart experiences that sync and adapt across channels, compared to just 31% of others. Retailers treating checkout as a strategic touchpoint — optimized for today’s generation of tech-savvy shoppers — see 20% lower cart abandonment rates than the industry average.

Fulfillment experience: Today’s consumers — accustomed to same-day delivery, real-time tracking and flexible pickup options — are redefining fulfillment expectations. 50% of industry leaders empower customers to modify their orders and delivery preferences post-purchase, compared to just 13% of others, setting new standards for convenience and flexibility.

Service experience: Consumers don’t see channels, they see relationships. They expect every interaction to build seamlessly on the last without repeating themselves, no matter who they’re speaking to. 90% of Leaders have unified customer service touchpoints to ensure smooth transitions between store, digital and phone support. The result? They witness half as many support escalations, particularly related to orders, compared to their peers. Additionally, their rapid adoption of GenAI self-service agents should reduce support calls even further.

“Every aspect of unified commerce is a driver of business success, and true leadership requires unwavering focus on every stage of the customer journey — from shopping and checkout to fulfillment and service,” says Ann Ruckstuhl, SVP and CMO at Manhattan.

As the commerce ecosystem transforms at a blistering pace, retailers must continuously evolve their unified commerce capabilities to move forward. Unified commerce integrates all aspects of retail operation, from online and in-store sales to inventory management, order fulfillment and customer data, into a seamless, unified system capable of meeting consumer demand.

Factors making the difference

Businesses succeeding in this complex retail ecosystem are leveraging the latest technology to enhance shopper experiences. The conventional wisdom that operational excellence requires trading off efficiency for customer experience is being upended. When done right, customer-centric innovation actually drives operational advantages across every metric.

Optimizing GenAI: While 77% of retailers deploy chatbots for self-service, only 5% harness GenAI to elevate that experience. These technologies can scale personalization, streamline complex decisions and extend human expertise across channels with unprecedented efficiency.

For example, GenAI can use a customer’s purchase and preference history to fix problems — like missing items or returns — before they even complain. Agentic workflows can check inventory and process returns without staff intervention, helping streamline processes.

These technologies don’t simply connect channels; they solve complex challenges that previously limited unified commerce potential. As these capabilities improve, faster adoption will redefine what’s possible in connecting physical and digital retail.

Solving inventory challenges: Real-time inventory visibility drives revenue. Digital integration improves inventory visibility so retailers know exactly where their sellable inventory is — helping them overcome any disruptions and ensuring products they need are in the right place at the right time.

“The outsized impact of inventory on top-line revenue growth is evident. Inventory visibility, availability and seamless shipping have become critical levers for driving business performance in today’s competitive retail landscape,” explained Ruckstuhl.

Maximizing customer relationships: The 24% higher customer satisfaction rate among Leaders demonstrates that operational excellence results in loyalty. In fact, operational excellence and customer experience aren’t tradeoffs anymore — they amplify each other and are redefining loyalty. Today’s multi-channel shoppers don’t draw distinctions between channels. They blend discovery, purchase and service, including returns, across channels, demanding consistent expertise at every touchpoint.

Customers who witness consistently convenient, trouble-free experience are more likely to remain loyal to those brands, whenever and wherever they shop.

Learn more about the impact of unified commerce by downloading the 2025 Unified Commerce Benchmark for Specialty Retail or visiting manh.com.

2025-04-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Great businesses thrive in great communities. But how can a fashion retailer make a difference? Ross Dress for Less^® and the Ross Stores Foundation found the answer by focusing on the future.

Ross takes pride in serving diverse communities around the country and has long known that investing in those communities benefits everyone — customers, employees and Ross as well. In 2009, Ross recognized an opportunity to help build better communities from the ground up by supporting the next generation of residents. They launched a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which continues to grow to this day.

“Our entire Ross team has been proud to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the past 16 years, and we love being part of their ongoing efforts to help kids grow, learn, and develop in fun, safe spaces,” said Group Senior Vice President of Ross Stores, Matt Young. “Boys & Girls Clubs are at the heart of the communities where both our associates and our customers live and work, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue to support their programs that help kids achieve their goals.”

Making a tangible impact for kids

For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow, with clubs offering caring adult mentors, friendship, and youth development programs on a daily basis — especially during those crucial after-school hours.

To reach as many kids as possible, the Ross Stores Foundation serves as a national sponsor of the youth organization’s Power Hour homework help program, which addresses kids’ immediate academic needs and fosters long-term skills such as time management, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Ross has also teamed up with more than 39 Boys & Girls Club organizations in cities and communities, which in turn represent more than 100 individual Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.

Additionally, this year’s annual fundraiser at Ross Dress for Less stores, which took place from February 8 to March 2, raised a whopping $4.1 million for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Over the past 10 years, this campaign has raised more than $32 million, thanks to the generosity of Ross Dress for Less associates and customers.

An ongoing commitment

Ross recently renewed its commitment to their partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, further showcasing their dedication to supporting and expanding programs for thousands of kids across the country, designed to help them achieve their dreams.

The ongoing partnership enables program improvements in Clubs nationwide, helping ensure young people will have access to the most relevant, updated tools to achieve academic success.

The partnership also includes Ross recognizing Boys & Girls Club teens for their achievements by offering a scholarship program for eligible high-achieving college-bound high school seniors at select Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation. These scholarships are intended to cover education-related expenses for undergraduate studies at accredited 2- or 4-year colleges or vocational technical schools.

“At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we strongly believe all young people deserve the opportunity to excel academically, develop new skills and reach their full potential,” said Lisa Anastasi, Executive Vice President and Chief Development & External Relations Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “We’re grateful for dedicated partners like Ross that continue to invest in our mission as we bring social support and learning resources to more kids and teens in communities across the country.”

Learn more about the partnership between Ross and Boys & Girls Clubs of America at RossStores.com and BGCA.org.

2025-04-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re looking for a career with stability, strong earning potential and opportunity across industries, becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) might be one of the smartest moves you can make.

CPAs are often stereotyped as number crunchers — but that’s only part of the story. These professionals use their financial expertise to solve problems, tell compelling financial stories and guide important decisions that help businesses and communities thrive. And the demand for CPAs is rising: these jobs are projected to grow by 22% by 2028. In Ohio alone, 65% of the state’s CPAs are approaching retirement, creating a critical need for new talent to step into these essential roles.

But what makes a CPA career so unique?

Beyond the numbers, what CPAs really do

Forget the outdated stereotype of accountants buried in spreadsheets. CPAs work across a wide range of industries, using data, technology and financial insights to drive business forward.

“Top-performing accountants excel at making sense out of data and turning it into a compelling story,” said Dr. Tiffany Crosby, Ph.D., CPA, CGMA, MBA and senior vice president at the Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPAs). “They simplify complex concepts to support better decision-making. They also use technology strategically, steering clear of fads while identifying innovations and analyzing their potential impact.”

With these skills, CPA credentials can open doors to opportunities you’ve only imagined, such as:

• Forensic accounting/fraud investigation: Solve financial crimes and bring integrity to high-stakes investigations. This field is growing by 5%, with a median salary of $83,610 in Ohio.
• Entertainment accounting: Guide movie studios and production companies in managing budgets and royalty distribution behind the scenes.
• International business: Travel the world while helping global companies navigate international tax laws and exchange rates.
• IT/data analytics: Lead in financial tech innovations, using AI and cloud computing to drive efficiency.
• Auditing: Verify financial accuracy across industries, from local businesses to global corporations.
• Sports team accounting: Combine your love of sports with financial leadership, managing payrolls and budgets for professional teams.
• Corporate finance (treasurers/controllers): Oversee financial planning, investments and risk management. These roles are projected to grow by 16% by 2030, with median salaries in Ohio at $131,610.

Whether you want to work for a Fortune 500 company, a nonprofit or even start your own business, CPA credentials can open doors to a career that fits your interests and lifestyle.

High demand, high earning potential

Beyond career flexibility, CPAs enjoy strong job security and financial benefits.

Competitive starting salaries: Entry-level CPAs can earn around $65,000 per year.

Higher lifetime earnings: CPAs typically earn 15% more than similar professionals without the credential.

Executive-level potential: Those who advance to senior leadership roles, like Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Controller can earn six or seven figures.

In a world where job markets fluctuate, CPAs remain in demand, providing financial expertise that businesses need in every economic climate.

How to build a successful CPA career

For students or career-changers considering this path, education and networking are key.

• Start early: Courses in public speaking, economics, algebra and business set a strong foundation. Advanced topics in accounting, auditing and taxation prepare you for CPA certification.
• Find mentors: Mentors can provide guidance and insights to help you grow.
• Develop a specialty: Whether it’s sustainability accounting, fraud investigation or corporate finance, honing a niche can set you apart.
• Embrace lifelong learning: The CPA profession evolves with new technology and financial regulations — staying current ensures continued career growth.
• Build your network: Connecting with professionals can open doors to career opportunities and internships.

Free resources to get started

For those interested in exploring a CPA career, OSCPA offers valuable resources:

• CPA Camp: A free, immersive experience where high school students explore the world of accounting, learn directly from CPAs and earn scholarships.
• College Scholarship Program: Helps students cover tuition costs so they can focus on career growth.
• Young Professionals Network: Leadership workshops, social events and community engagement opportunities.
• LAUNCH!: A career accelerator connecting aspiring CPAs with top employers.
• OSCPA Career Planning Portal: Offers resume writing tips, career coaching and internship/job opportunities.

Wherever you are on your journey, OSCPA provides tools and connections to help you succeed. Learn more at OHCPA.com/look-beyond.

2025-03-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – The total national debt has surpassed $36 trillion, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. That number is so big, it’s hard to get your mind around it. How much is 36 trillion? One way to think of it: It’s the value of the economies of Germany, the United Kingdom, India, China and Japan, combined. Another way: If you stacked $36 trillion in hundred-dollar bills, that stack would be more than 24,000 miles high.

But what does this debt load mean for average Americans? How might it affect people’s lives? Here are five ways the debt can impact your life directly from the Bipartisan Policy Center.

What is national debt?

The national debt is the result of the federal government spending more than it takes in — and borrowing money to cover the gap. Historically, the country’s debt has grown during events when expanded government capacity is required, including wartime response, pandemics like COVID-19, or economic downturns like the Great Recession. But it has also grown because lawmakers have not restored fiscal balance when the economy is strong. And similar to our own individual credit card balances, as the national debt grows, so does the cost of that borrowing through higher interest payments. Today, the interest alone on the debt costs taxpayers $3 billion per day.

What does it matter to the average person? Here are five ways national debt can impact your daily life.

1. Housing

Rising national debt may impact your ability to afford a home mortgage. How? As the cost of borrowing rises for the federal government, mortgage rates may remain elevated as well. Also impacted: the costs of homebuilding, including supplies and materials. So, the growing national debt means it might cost people more to get a mortgage for an existing home or the financing to build a new one.

2. Health care

The U.S. spends more on health care than anything else, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Between 2023 and 2032, the CMS projects costs to rise from $4.8 trillion to $7.7 trillion, due to an aging population, rising prices for drugs and other health services, advances in costly medical treatments, and more. Right now, the CMS reports health care spending is 17.6% of the country’s economic output, or gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023. It is projected to reach 20% by 2032, outpacing the growth in the economy.

A growing national debt may require tough choices. It may undermine government investment in public health services and infrastructure, research and development for treatments, infectious disease response and private health insurance options for workers.

3. Child care

The growing national debt may exacerbate inflation, which could affect government funding of child care providers, the value of tax incentives that support caregivers and childcare providers and other government-funded supports to help people pay for childcare.

Working parents know that access to affordable childcare directly affects their ability to work, so when affordable childcare is weakened, so is a parent’s ability to make a living.

4. National security

In 2024, the Council on Foreign Relations reported the federal government spent more on interest payments to service the national debt than it did to support the entirety of the U.S. national defense system.

The national debt has been singled out by lawmakers as the “greatest threat” to national security. As the largest category of discretionary spending, national defense is especially exposed to budget pressures, creating tensions between its ability to meet challenges in a fast-changing security landscape and the need to cut costs.

5. U.S. economic leadership

The U.S. dollar’s power and standing in global finance and trade is underpinned by high faith in U.S. creditworthiness. As the national debt grows, that confidence can be shaken. It could have an impact on the U.S. credit rating and the dollar’s strength, undermining global economic competitiveness. What does that mean for you? Things like imported goods could get more expensive, and the dollar may not go as far when you’re traveling.

To read more about how the national debt impacts you, visit https://bipartisanpolicy.org/fiscal/.

The Bipartisan Policy Center and its advocacy affiliate, Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action), are unique in their approach to addressing the nation’s most pressing issues. As the only organization working across the full political spectrum on domestic issues, BPC brings together diverse perspectives to craft data-driven, pragmatic policy solutions. BPC Action then works directly with legislators and other policymakers to turn those solutions into real change.

2025-03-28T06:01:00

(BPT) – Imposter scams are at an all-time high. These scammers may call, text or email an individual to convince them that the caller is someone in authority to commit identity theft, get people to send money or share personal information. Here are do’s and don’ts to best protect yourself.

2025-03-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – Retirement is a major transition in your life. While it can be an exciting chapter you may have long looked forward to, the key to making the most of your retirement is proper planning.

From finances to health care, here are the top six things you need to consider before making the leap.

1. Estimate your retirement budget

To help you feel more secure heading into retirement, it’s helpful to calculate your expected income from Social Security, pensions, plus any investments and savings you may have. Then you’ll need to estimate what your expenses may look like, including not only basic living costs like food, housing and insurance, but also any extras you may anticipate, like increased health care needs or travel. Consider inflation and rising health care costs in your calculations, so that you won’t underestimate how much you’ll need.

You can find a variety of helpful online tools such as retirement calculators at the Social Security website and wherever you have investments or a 401(k) plan.

2. Understand your health care options

It’s a good idea to educate yourself on what Medicare does and does not cover before you are ready to retire. For example, many retirees are surprised to learn that Medicare does not cover things like routine vision care or hearing aids.

3. Don’t overlook vision care

Because Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, you’ll want to be sure you have coverage for this vital aspect of your overall health, whether or not you currently wear corrective lenses. Securing an affordable vision plan like a VSP^® Individual Vision Plan now ensures that you’ll have continued access to crucial annual eye exams and eyewear, helping you save money in retirement. VSP’s affordable, same-day coverage ensures that retirees can maintain clear vision and eye health without unexpected expenses.

The best thing is, you can purchase a vision insurance plan with VSP at any time, with no need to wait for open enrollment or waiting periods. You can save up to $350 annually with affordable VSP Individual Vision Plans that you can customize and buy on your own. With a VSP vision insurance plan, you simply visit an eye doctor in the VSP network and you’ll see 20% savings on additional glasses or sunglasses, including lens enhancements, by visiting a doctor in the VSP network within 12 months of your last exam. VSP members also have access to over $3,000 in savings with Exclusive Member Extras.

Visit VSPDirect.com to find the best vision plan for you. You’ll be able to compare insurance plans and find the one that best meets your needs.

4. Consider downsizing or relocating

If you’re open to the idea of downsizing or moving, relocating to a smaller home or a maintenance-free condo — especially in a tax-friendly or lower-cost area — can really help to stretch your retirement savings, while offering better amenities and less worry. This kind of move can help you maintain the lifestyle you want through retirement while also reducing your costs.

5. Plan for hobbies and social engagement

Happiness during retirement isn’t just about money — it’s also about how you spend your time. Make sure to include activities you love that will keep you socially, physically and mentally active in your retirement planning. You can find fun, friendship and fulfillment by engaging in volunteering, travel or learning a new skill.

6. Protect your legacy

To give you and your family better peace of mind, ensure that your will, power of attorney and insurance policies are all up to date. Organizing your paperwork and sharing your wishes clearly with your family can also help prevent unnecessary stress for your loved ones down the road.

Financial security is just one piece of your overall retirement planning. Making proactive health care choices, including crucial elements like your vision care, can help you stay more active and independent for years to come.

2025-03-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – To keep the economy moving, people need to keep moving. Public transit helps economies grow by providing access to businesses where people purchase goods, boosting home values and creating jobs. By getting people to work or school, shopping, entertainment and more, public transportation provides a critical lifeline, supporting self-sufficiency so people can contribute to a strong, healthy community. According to the American Public Transportation Association, 77 cents of every dollar invested in public transportation goes to the private sector.

Investment in transit also means investing in goods and services needed to run systems and keep roads clear — which benefits everyone. When transportation is cut to lower costs, ridership decreases, so those who need it most may experience less reliable service, creating a downward spiral.

The solution: Public-private partnerships

Contracting with the private sector helps public funds go further. Private contractors help maximize budgets, using their expertise to improve service and innovate through efficiencies and best practices. Using the resources of private-sector partners, public transportation systems can keep service levels high within existing budgets.

“As communities across North America face evolving transportation needs, public-private partnerships help build resilient transit systems,” said Laura Hendricks, board chair of the North American Transit Alliance (NATA), an alliance of private-sector companies operating transit systems throughout the U.S. and Canada. “Private contracting offers a strategic approach to maximizing budgets and service, modernizing public transportation for everyone’s benefit.”

Partnerships solve problems

For example, in Nassau County, New York, one private transportation company helps ensure smooth operations, FTA compliance, customer service and more for its local transit system. This partnership has resulted in streamlined service and innovations including a contactless fare payment system, new passenger mobile applications and microtransit service — saving over $350 million.

According to studies from the Eno Center for Transportation and International Association of Public Transport, private contracting demonstrates many benefits:

• Cost efficiency — Private contractors bring extensive experience in managing operational costs through economies of scale, streamlined processes and innovative practices.
• Quality — Private operators are held to rigorous performance standards through structured contracts, ensuring high-quality service.
• Expertise — The private sector’s knowledge spans operations, maintenance, safety and workforce development to help public transit agencies address complex challenges.
• Flexibility — Private contracting provides flexibility to scale services up or down for changing demand.
• Economic development — Private transit operators contribute to local economies by creating jobs to benefit the community.

Learn more about these innovative partnerships at NATransitAlliance.org.

2025-03-23T23:01:00

(BPT) – The latest release of the Nation’s Report Card (also referred to as the National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP) include extremely concerning results. According to the report card for grades 4 and 8, there was no measurable change in mathematics scores in all locales compared to 2022. This data highlights significant ongoing challenges in student math achievement — challenges that must be addressed by states, districts and schools to prepare students for workforce demands of tomorrow.

“NAEP scores are a clear reflection of the challenges our education system is facing, with widening gaps between high-performing and low-performing students. The most vulnerable students are falling further behind, and this trend cannot continue,” said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, board member of the National Assessment Governing Board.

How students score in mathematics is not only crucial for fields related to math, but for their overall success; recent research shows math scores are closely tied to salary at age 30, regardless of a student’s background.

“Business and industry leaders across our region, and the nation, are seeking applicants with strong math, reasoning and data analysis skills,” said Jack McDougle, president and CEO, Greater Washington Board of Trade. “Both a child’s potential for success and the future health of our workforce are dependent on equipping students with the skills that math helps form and strengthen.”

Call to action

The NAEP results have spurred the Collaborative for Student Success, a non-profit organization dedicated to informing and amplifying policies making a difference for students and families, to take immediate action.

“Every time our nation is faced with low results on the NAEP exam, we express shock and dismay at the state of math education in our country,” said Jim Cowen, Executive Director of the Collaborative for Student Success. “But 48 hours later, the headlines fade, and little changes. This time must be different. Let’s commit to concrete action to improve math achievement for all students.”

Their call to action is joined by 28 organizations representing educators, business leaders and parents who are united in urging state and district leaders to implement policies that will improve math achievement for all students.

The importance of accurate assessments

Assessments like the Nation’s Report Card provide useful data for schools and district leaders to understand where students stand on their path to success.

Advocates express concern that current changes in the U.S. Department of Education create the possibility of states no longer being held accountable to track and report on student progress through assessments. Bipartisan solutions are available to policymakers that help ensure all kids — especially those from under-resourced communities — have access to a high-quality math education.

Strategies for improving math education in the schools

The organizations are recommending six key strategies, backed by research and practice:

1. Expand access to high-quality instructional materials aligned to rigorous standards.

2. Provide educators with high-quality professional learning focused on effectively using instructional materials in the classroom.

3. Increase instructional time by extending learning opportunities before, during and after the school day.

4. Automatically enroll students into advanced math courses based on objective assessment results or other data.

5. Hold teacher preparation programs accountable for equipping teachers with the skills and content needed to succeed in math instruction.

6. Leverage math coaches at the school or district level to work closely with teachers to improve classroom practice and, ultimately, student math achievement.

“We also call upon local leaders to directly connect the math needs of our students to the workforce necessities of our communities,” added Cowen. “There’s no question that the more students that have a strong math education, the stronger our workforce will be.”

Progress is possible — and already happening

The good news is many states across the country are proving that progress is within reach:

• Rhode Island and Mississippi have taken concrete steps to increase access to high-quality instructional materials in math.
• Texas, Washington and North Carolina have implemented automatic enrollment policies to ensure students are not overlooked for advanced math coursework.
• Arkansas and Massachusetts have strengthened teacher preparation programs, requiring higher standards for math instruction.
• Alabama and Colorado are offering programs and resources empowering teachers to improve instruction and extend learning beyond the classroom.

These success stories demonstrate that bipartisan action can yield real results. Now is the time for every state and district to follow their lead.

“The NAEP results are concerning — but we cannot let them be the final word. Instead, they should be the starting point for collective action,” said Cowen. “Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to excel in math. It’s time to move past the data and ensure that our collective actions speak louder than these numbers.”

Learn more at EduProgress.org/math.

2025-03-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Tax season is more than just a deadline. It’s an opportunity to take control of your finances and plan for the future.

Your refund can be a powerful tool to build and strengthen your financial foundation. However, your results will depend on how you spend that refund. It’s important to set clear goals and implement strategies to set yourself up for success.

CreditOne Bank — one of the fastest-growing credit card issuers in the U.S. — is here to help. Check out its five expert tips that can help you make smart financial choices and feel confident about managing your refunds wisely.

1. Cover the essentials

Before using your refund on anything else, look at your essential expenses. For example, if you’re worried about paying for groceries, utilities or other fixed expenses, these bills should be your top priority.

For everyday purchases, consider using a rewards credit card and then using your refund to pay off the balance immediately. A card like the Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa helps you earn cashback on purchases — allowing you to maximize your money while staying on top of your bills.

2. Pay down debt

Using your refund to reduce debt is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Paying off outstanding credit card balances can save you money on interest and even boost your credit score. If you have a mortgage or student loans, consider making an extra payment to lower your principal balance and reduce future interest cost.

3. Plan for big expenses

Have you been putting off a major expense because of the cost? Your refund can help you cover necessary purchases — like home or car repairs — before they turn into even pricier problems. Taking care of this major expense now may help you prevent even more expensive repairs in the future. Just like your everyday expenses, using a rewards credit card and paying it off with your refund will allow you to afford the repairs and save. So, when you use it to pay for your car repair, you can earn cashback to spend in the future or points you can use to fund little luxuries.

4. Grow your savings

A financial cushion can help you handle unexpected expenses without relying on credit. Consider putting part of your refund into an emergency fund so you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Pro tip: Keep this savings in a separate account from your regular checking and savings to avoid the temptation of dipping into it for everyday spending.

5. Treat yourself

After taking care of your financial priorities, it’s okay to set aside a small portion of your refund for something fun! Whether it’s a new outfit, a spa day or a weekend getaway, rewarding yourself can reinforce the benefits of making smart financial choices.

Invest in your financial well-being. You’re worth it.

Whether you’re paying down debt, covering essentials or building your savings, a well-thought-out plan can make a big difference. By following these five tips, you can use your tax refund to boost your financial health and set yourself up for success.

2025-03-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – Strong professional skills, like public speaking, writing and management, may go a long way in helping you advance in your career and remain competitive in the workplace. While developing these skills is beneficial, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. One place to start is by reviewing the job description for the position you want. What skills are required to be successful? In what areas would you like to build confidence? If you are unsure about the answers to these questions, you can seek the guidance of an HR professional or manager at your organization.

Once you identify the skills you’d like to develop, seek out approachable, flexible and affordable ways to gain foundational professional skills online. One option is Sophia, which offers access to college-level courses for a low monthly subscription cost. As a bonus, Sophia partners with over 80 colleges and universities who have agreed to accept Sophia courses for credit. Sophia courses can also be submitted for review to non-partner institutions for potential credit.

Here are three ways to boost your professional skills through flexible online courses:

1. Develop your business acumen

Business classes can benefit professionals across a variety of fields. From strengthening your communication and leadership skills to sharpening your strategic thinking and financial literacy, business courses can help you develop the skills that may make you more appealing to potential employers. Business courses are also offered in a variety of formats, spanning subjects like finance, writing, accounting, marketing and more, providing plenty of options to choose a lane relevant to your career.

2. Hone your public speaking skills

Improving your public speaking skills can prove useful both on the job and in your day-to-day activities. By knowing how to articulate your thoughts in a way that is effective and compelling, you can be better equipped to inform, inspire and persuade in both your personal and professional life. Classes like Sophia’s public speaking course offer a relaxed atmosphere to practice these skills so that when it’s time for your next presentation or speech, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenge at hand.

3. Master project management

Every great project starts with effective management, no matter the industry. With strong project management skills, you can gain the tools to improve your organizational skills and build strong teams. A great project manager also enhances an organization’s ability to increase efficiency and productivity, potentially opening new opportunities for you to grow in your career.

Online courses can provide a flexible and affordable way to develop your business acumen, improve your public speaking skills and enhance your ability to project manage through flexible, on-demand formats.

Interested in boosting your professional skills in 2025? Explore options with Sophia.